Alaska Legislature: Special Coverage - October 28, 2026 1:00pm

I'm going to call this meeting of the Legislative Council to order. Today is Wednesday, October 28th, 2026. It is 1:06 PM. Ms. Truitt, can you call the roll, please? Representative Carrick.

Speaker Edgmon. Representative Johnson. Representative Kopp. Here.

Representative Schrage. Here. Representative Stutes. Here.

Senator Giessel. Senator Gray Jackson. Honored to be here. Senator Hoffman. Senator Kiehl.

Senator Stedman. Senator Tobin. Here.

Representative Carrick.

Here. Vice Chair Stevens. Here. Chair Hannan. Present.

8 Members present. With 8 members present, we have a quorum to conduct business. Uh, Senator Stevens, do you have a motion for approval of the agenda? Yes, Madam Chair, I move and ask unanimous consent that Legislative Council approve the agenda as presented. Hearing no objections or changes, the agenda is approved.

That brings us to approval of minutes. Senator Stevens, do you have a motion? Madam Chair, I move and ask unanimous consent that Legislative Council approve the minutes dated August 25th, 2026, and September 10th, 2026, as presented. Hearing and seeing no objection, the minutes are approved. That brings us to the sanctioning of a charitable event from the SAIL Annual Auction.

Senator Stevens, do you have a motion? Madam Chair, I move and ask unanimous consent that Legislative Council ratify the Chair's sanctioning of the following charitable event per AS 24.60.080, a SAIL Annual Auction and Dinner. I, I'm going to object for purpose of discussion and make sure that the members know that the 501 status of sale was verified.

And if there are no questions, I will remove my objection and consider the sanctioning ratified. That will bring us to a motion for executive session to discuss The Alaska State Capitol Building Elevator Modernization RFP 694. Senator Stevens, do you have a motion? Madam Chair, I move that Legislative Council go into executive session under Uniform Rule 22, discussion of matters immediate knowledge of which would adversely affect the finances of a government unit, and 22, discussion of a matter that may by law be required to be confidential. The following people may remain in the room or online for the executive session: Magistrate Geary, Sabrina Javier, Jacey Kessel, Serge Lesch, Emily Nauman, Megan Wallace, Tim Powers, Madison Truitt, Lynn Whitehead, Ernest Daigle, any legislators not on Legislative Council, and any staff members, any staff of Legislative Council members.

Ms. Truitt, can you give us a roll call vote on the motion for executive session?

Representative Carrick? Here.

Representative Kopp? Here.

I'm going to void that roll. And members, it's a yes or no whether you're agreeing to go into executive session. So—. Oh, I'm sorry. Ms. Truitt, can you start the roll call again?

Roll call, please.

Representative Carrick. Yes. Representative Kopp. Yes. Representative Schrage.

Yes. Representative Stutes. Yes.

Senator Gray Jackson. Yes. Senator Tobin? Yes.

Vice Chair Stevens? Yes. Chair Hannan? Yes. 8 Yeas, 0 nays.

So with 8 yeas, we will go into an executive session. We're going to take a very brief at ease to secure the room.

Back to order. Ms. Truitt, will you please call the roll again to reestablish a quorum?

Representative Carrick.

Here. Speaker Edgmon. Rep Johnson. Representative Kopp.

Here. Representative Schrage. Here. Representative Stutes. Here.

Senator Giessel. Senator Gray Jackson. Honored to be here. Senator Hoffman. Senator Kiehl.

Senator Stedman. Senator Tobin. Vice Chair Stevens.

Here. Chair Hannan. Here.

8 Members present. With 8 members present, we still have a Forum, and I'm going to turn once again to our RFP 694 for capital elevator modernization. Senator Stevens, the motion, please. Madam Chair, I move that Legislative Council approve the award of RFP 694 to Otis Elevator Company in an amount not to exceed $1,395,000. And I'm going to object for purpose to introduce the discussion and ask Procurement Officer Mr. Kestel to please give us a brief overview of this RFP.

Thank you, Chair Hannan and members of the Committee. For the record, J.C. Kestel, Procurement Officer for the Legislative Affairs Agency. The Legislative Affairs Agency issued RFP 694 to modernize the Alaska State Capitol elevators, increase reliability, and improve safety measures. The RFP was publicly advertised and one proposal was received from Otis Elevator Company on September 18th. A proposal evaluation committee of 3 legislative employees reviewed the proposal to ensure it met the RFP requirements and recommends awarding the contract to Otis Elevator Company.

I am available to answer questions about the procurement process. Thank you. All right. Are there any members who have questions about the RFP?

I'm going to ask a second time.

And without hearing any, I'm going to remove my objection and presume you are ready for a vote, which is a yes or no vote on the motion to award the RFP 694 to Otis Elevator. Ms. Truitt. Please call the roll.

Representative Carrick. Yes. Representative Kopp.

Yes. Representative Schrage. Yes. Representative Stutes. Yes.

Senator Gray Jackson. Yes. Senator Tobin. Yes. Vice Chair Stevens.

Yes. Chair Hannon. Yes. 8 Yea, 0 nay. With 8 yeas, the motion has passed.

This brings us to our Legislative Council moving and travel policy update. And I'm going to ask Senator Stevens for a motion.

Madam Chair, I move that Legislative Council approve the Moving and Travel Policy as amended. And I'm going to object for purpose of discussion and ask Finance Manager Joel Roginski to give us some information and answer questions. Go ahead, Mr. Roginski. Thank you, Madam Chair and members of Legislative Council. For the record, my name is Joel Roginski.

I'm the Finance Manager for the Legislative Affairs Agency. Agency. During the interim, the agency convened a working group to review staff relocation benefits and identify opportunities to provide greater flexibility while managing costs. The workgroup is recommending several amendments to the Moving and Travel Policy which are in the meeting packets. Microphone.

Yeah. There you go. Apologies. The proposed amendments would increase— Yes.

You know, we are having a really hard time hearing in the LIO here. I don't know if the mic could be—. I just moved the— we just moved the mic, so we will have him start again at the top. Okay. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Thank you, Madam Chair. For the record, my name is Joel Rogozinski, the Finance Manager for the Legislative Affairs Agency. During the interim, the agency convened a workgroup to review the relocation— staff relocation benefits and identify opportunities to provide greater flexibility while managing costs. The workgroup is recommending several amendments to the Moving and Travel Policy, which are outlined in your meeting packets.

The proposed amendments would increase the staffing lodging stipend from $3,750 to $50 per day, consistent with FY27 budget, and clarify the eligibility period. Second, it would allow for alternative transportation options, including an agency-approved car share program or shared rental vehicles in lieu of transporting personal vehicles. The amendment also encourages staff to drive when possible. Next, it would allow reimbursement of up to $150 for excess baggage or air freight expenses associated with staff relocation. Lastly, it would clarify the authority of the House and Senate Rules Chairs to approve exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

One thing to note, on the top of the policy is an effective date of January 1. Please strike, strike in your packet, if adopted, it would be effective immediately. These amendments are intended to provide additional flexibility for legislative staff while managing costs. Thank you, Madam Chair. I am available to answer any questions.

Members of the Committee, do you have any questions?

And I will ask one more time if there are any questions about the amendments. And note that the effective date of the new policy would be effective immediately.

And third and final time, seeing no one, Ms. Truitt, please call the roll on the motion to adopt the new travel policies. Representative Carrick. Yes. Representative Kopp.

Yes. Representative Schrage. Yes. Representative Stutes. Yes.

Senator Gray Jackson.

No, just kidding. Yes.

Senator Tobin. Yes.

Vice Chair Stevens. Yes. Chair Hannan. Yes. 8 Yay, 0 nay.

So with 8 yays and 0 nays, the motion has passed. That brings us to our capital security screening contract renewal. Senator Stevens, do you have a motion? Madam Chair, I move that Legislative Council approve renewal number 2 of the contract with Universal Protection Services Limited Partnership for capital security screening services. In an amount not to exceed $66,950.

And again, I'm going to object for purpose of discussion and ask Mr. Kestel to come forward and provide us information on the contract and take your questions. Mr. Kestel.

Thank you, Chair Hannan and members of the Committee, for your attention on this contract renewal request. In your packets, I'll briefly summarize the memo From me, pertaining to the capital security contract renewal, uh, the Legislative Affairs Agency requests approval for renewal number 2 of its security screening services contract with Universal Protection Services. The renewal would run from January 1st, 2027 through December 31st, 2027.

If approved, 3 additional 1-year renewal options will remain. I'm happy to answer any Any questions? Are there any questions about the renewal of the security screening contract?

And I am going to ask a second time.

And that means you are ready to vote. Ms. Truitt, if you will call the roll on the motion.

Representative Carrick. Yes. Representative Kopp. Yes. Representative Schrage.

Yes. Representative Stutes. Yes. Senator Gray Jackson. Yes.

Senator Tobin. Yes. Vice Chair Stevens. Yes. Chair Hannan.

Yes. 8 Yea, 0 nay. With 8 yeas and 0 nays, the motion has been adopted. That brings us to the next item, which is an amendment to the Assembly Building Property Management Contract. Senator Stevens, do you have a motion?

Madam Chair, I move that Legislative Council approve Amendment Number 2 of the agency's contract with TNT Realty LLC doing business as Juneau Real Estate, increasing the contract's not-to-exceed amount by $8,579.90 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $181,115.20.

And I'm— again, I'm going to object for purpose of discussion. Mr. Kestel, please provide information on the item and take any questions. Mr. Lassner. Thank you, Chair Hannan and members of the committee for your attention on this contract renewal request— or contract amendment request. The agency requests an amendment to its property management contract with TNT Realty, LLC, doing business as Juneau Real Estate.

Additional special sessions resulted in 2 months being billed at the higher session rate rather than the interim rate. The agency requests approval to increase the contract's not-to-exceed amount by $8,579.90 to cover those special sessions. Increases. I'm happy to answer any questions. Are there any questions?

Madam Chair? Yes, go ahead. I don't have any questions. I don't have any questions. I just have a comment, if I may.

I've stayed in the Semifield for 2 years now, and I'm looking forward to my third. I just want to say I'm so happy with Juneau Real Estate. They're really amazing. Property managers, their responses, their technology. Use of technology is really great relative to the team's request for maintenance, and I'm just really happy to see the contract extended.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Senator. Any other members seeking the floor? Madam Chair, Senator— Representative Stutes.

Thank you, Madam Chair. This is Representative Stutes, and I agree with Senator Gray Jackson. I'm delighted to have been there. I think they've done a wonderful job. As I brought up at the last meeting, having been in property management and owning our own apartments for several years, lots of years, I voted for the contract last time.

And I thought it was excessive. And I just— I appreciate being able to live there. I think we have a wonderful opportunity, but I think that this amount is excessive, and so I'll be voting no.

I'm going to take a brief at ease.

For the members' edification, this is not— this is only basically back pain because their contract did not include 3 special sessions and having members coming and going, and our rate for management during session is different than interim when the apartments are unoccupied or there is 1 or 2 transient users.

They had to manage it as if it was session during our 3 special sessions this summer because we had a number of members occupying those units during the special session. So this is adding in the $8,000 that was the difference between special session management— for session management and interim management. Because our contract did not anticipate 3 special sessions. Madam Chair, I have a question. Go ahead, Representative Stutes.

So the amount of the contract prior to adding this $8,000 is what, $170-some thousand? Mr. Kestel. Through the Chair, Representative Stutes, uh, the amount is $172,535.30.

I'm sorry, I can't hear you. $172,000. Okay, and that doesn't include any special sessions, so we're paying $172,000 for January, February, March, April, and May— 5 months. I believe that's excessive. Mr. Kestel.

Through the chair, Representative Stutes, this contract is actually a 2-year contract, so that amount covers the full 2 years.

Well, Madam Chair, if I might—. Go ahead. Well, it can't cover the 2 years because if it did, we wouldn't be asking for additional money for this special session. In other words, it's covering 10 months.

Is that correct? Presuming that our legislative session is 5 months per year. Do you want me to—. Go ahead. Through the chair, this is Jessica Geary, Executive Director, to Representative Stutes.

This is actually— so we have a 2-year contract with Juneau Real Estate, and within that contract we built in for one special session per fiscal year, but because during this 2-year cycle we actually had 4 special sessions, we are— we had 3 special sessions, pardon me. We wanted to go ahead and proactively increase the contract in case we have any additional special sessions and be able to cover our existing obligations. So, JC, did that— did I cover that? Through the chair. Madam?

Yes.

Representative Stutes. So, if we are— what I'm hearing then is we have a contract that includes one special session. We've had 3 special sessions in this 2-year contract. So, we're paying $8,000 for one special session. Is that— is my math wrong?

Which it could be. We all know I had an APOC violation. For that very same thing. So help me understand this.

Mr. Kestel. Through the chair, Representative Stutes, the— we're not— that increase amount is the increase to cover the additional 2 special sessions that weren't budgeted for. So the normal session month is $8,976.45, and a normal interim month is $4,686.50. This basically makes up the difference for 2 months during the 2026 calendar year, basically. So, so we're paying— Madam Chair, go ahead.

Thank you. So we're paying $4,600 $1,000 a month for management fees. Is that 12 months a year for 2 years? Help, I, you know, first I hear it's for sessions and then I hear we have a 2-year contract. I'm more than a little confused here.

Through the chair, Representative Stutes. So let me clarify and step back a notch. The contract term is for a 2-year period between December 1st, 2025 and November 30th, 2027. That initial contract renewal amount was $172,000.

During the budget formation of this contract, the agency calculated 6 months for session funding and included an extra month for a special session in each calendar year. Uh, that's what got us to the $172,000. Uh, during calendar year 2026 of the contract, we experienced 3 special sessions. So now that first year of funding that's in the contract has, um, been exhausted, and we're hoping to amend the contract to make up the difference for the 2 additional special sessions that were unbudgeted for. Well, unfortunately, I'm a slow learner, but you started out and told me you had a 2-year contract.

Well, we don't really have a 2-year contract if you're asking to put additional funds into this contract. We have a 2— we have a 2 a 2-year contract that is obviously exclusive to being in session.

I mean, it doesn't make sense to me what you're saying. We have a 2-year contract that's up in November 2027, but we owe more money. Well, how can that be?

Representative— I mean, I understand the special session. And I, uh, but if we have a— we either have a 2-year contract or we don't.

Mr. Kestel, please go to the piece of the contract that deals with special sessions at a different rate but is limited, and so it didn't anticipate multiple. Uh, through the chair, Representative Stutes. So there, um The rates for session months, and I think that's where I'm— maybe there's a little bit of a question on. So we do have a rate of $8,976 for special months. That is for special session and regular session.

The interim months are $4,686.50. And so that's what calculates the 1 year— or I'm sorry, the total of the 2 years. We calculate 6 months at session, regular, 6 months at interim, and then we added a special session contingency to each year. That's how we got to the $172,000. There is a property management fee during interim months to complete inspections, building maintenance over the interim, prepare the, the units for the next session.

Representative Stutes, I am going to make a motion to table this item and move it to our December meeting. I really appreciate that, Madam Chair. I was just going to suggest the same thing. So like I said, I'm a slow learner, and that would give me time to understand this a little bit better because I, I just— I think $172,000 is excessive, and then put another more than $8,000 into it, I'm having a hard time understanding. So I would appreciate the time for an opportunity for me to understand it a little bit clearer.

Okay, I'm going to move that we table the motion on the Assembly Building property management contract addendum and ask ask if there's any objection to that motion to table.

Seeing none. Madam Chair, I believe you need to take a vote on that. Senator Stevens here. Okay. So the motion before us is not debatable.

It's a yes or no agreement. The motion is tabled to a time certain, which is our December meeting. Ms. Truitt, please call the roll. Representative Carrick. Yes.

Representative Kopp. Yes. Representative Schrage. Yes. Representative Stutes.

Yes.

Senator Gray Jackson.

Yes.

Senator Tobin. Yes. Vice Chair Stevens? Yes. Chair Hannon?

Yes. 8 Yeas, 0 nays. So with 8 yeas and 0 nays, the motion has been tabled until December. That brings us to our next action item, which is legislative apartments policy update. Senator Stevens, can you give us the motion on that policy, please?

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Legislative Council approve the Legislative Department's policy as presented, replacing the Assembly Building Apartments Policy, and notwithstanding Section H, authorize the LAA Executive Director to establish rental rates for the Gold 6th Apartments for calendar year 2027. Beginning in calendar year 2028, rental rates for the Gold 6th Apartments will be established in accordance with Section H.

And I am going to object for purpose of discussion and ask Ms. Geary to provide us information and take any questions. Thank you, Madam Chair. Again, for the record, this is Jessica Geary, Executive Director, Legislative Affairs Agency. You may recall back in June, Legislative Council agreed to accept donation of these buildings. Renovation work is underway and is on schedule.

What we needed to do was establish a policy that would, that would apply to those particular units. So just as a refresher, there are 3 new apartments. One is an 8-plex, and there are 2 4-plexes. So that adds 16 additional units to our legislative housing inventory. So the most efficient way that we could think of would be to amend the existing Assembly Building Apartment Policy to include the new Golden 6th Street Apartments.

So we have, we have tried to come up with a shorter way to characterize those. So we have begun calling them the GSA, and we have, we have named them Units A, B, and C. So just, just to keep that in mind. So, so now this new revised policy will cover both the 33 assembly building apartments and the 16 new 2-bedroom apartments. Again, we expect those to be ready for occupancy by this upcoming session. So we are excited about that.

They will also be turnkey and very similar to the Assembly Building Apartments. So the existing priority policy that is in place for the Assembly Apartments, we are proposing that that would remain in place for the new apartments. And so effectively, they would operate exactly like the current assembly building apartments. We would get property management. We have an RFP out right now looking for property management services.

And I think— let's see here. I want to make sure I cover everything.

Yeah, I think that's about all I wanted to cover in terms of the policy. I think you're all familiar with it. This committee has spent some time working on the policy. In your packet is a copy of the new policy as well as a red line showing the differences between the two policies. And with that, I will answer any questions that you might have.

Are there questions from the members?

Second call for any questions.

And with that, I'm going to remove my objection and ask Ms. Truitt to take a roll call vote. Again, a yes or no vote on amending our legislative apartments policy.

Representative Carrick. Yes. Representative Kopp.

Representative Schrage. Yes.

Representative Stutes. Yes. I did not hear.

Representative Kopp. Here. And the answer is yes.

Senator Gray Jackson. Yes.

Senator Tobin? Yes. Vice Chair Stevens? Yes. Chair Hannan?

Yes. 8 Yeas, 0 nays. So with 8 yeas and 0 nays, the motion is passed. That brings us to purchase of a new house van. Senator Stevens, do you have the motion for that?

Madam Chair, I move that Legislative Council authorize the Legislative Affairs Agency to purchase a new vehicle for the House using available capital funds in an amount not to exceed $66,000. The vehicle shall be designated for the House with its use controlled by House rules. And I'm going to object for purpose of discussion. We have Mr. Costello, who does our Procurement. We have Rules Committee staff, Matt Greening, and the House Sergeant at Arms, Michaela Bradner, if any of us— if any of you have questions into the details.

Mr. Kestel. Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Chair Hannan and members of the committee for your attention to this vehicle purchase. I will briefly summarize the memo that is in your packet.

Legislative Affairs Agency requests Legislative Council approval to purchase a new full-size SUV to replace the House's 15-year-old vehicle used for operations and passenger transportation here in Juneau. The current vehicle requires increasingly costly maintenance, and the House requested a replacement to minimize House transportation disruptions during session. LAA received 4 quotes. Juneau Auto Mall submitted the lowest total quote, at $64,499 for a 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer already available here in Juneau. The other vendor's estimated delivery in 4 to 6 months.

LAA recommends awarding the purchase to Juneau Auto Mall and requests approval to use the available capital funds with not-to-exceed amount of $66,000 for the vehicle, additional key fobs, and minor associated costs. I'm happy to answer questions. Are there any questions from the members? Madam Chair. Representative Stutes.

Thank you, Madam Chair. As the Rules Chair, I just want to say thank you. I hope this is approved, and I specifically— excuse me— specifically want to call out our very own Senator Wielechowski, who when the House van was broke down again, sat on the floor for a ride in from the airport in the Senate vehicle so they could accommodate House members who were at the airport hoping for a ride. So we're very grateful for this, and thank you to Senator, Senator Wielechowski.

Thank you. Madam Chair, this is Senator Tobin. Senator Tobin. Thank you, Madam Chair. This question is for Mr. Costello.

I'm curious, as I know many of our Juneau delegation own electric vehicles due to the cost efficiency that occurs in Juneau by being able to plug in your vehicle in the evening, and I'm curious if that was explored when looking for an SUV for our House colleagues, knowing that the, the cost of energy is much cheaper in Juneau due to their hydro assets, and, and there is potential cost savings for us here in the legislature if we also take advantage of that opportunity. Mr. Kessel, uh, through the chair, uh, Senator Tobin, an electric vehicle was not explored during this, uh, purchase solicitation process.

I did not understand at all what Mr. Castle said. I apologize, the sound coming from Juneau is quite muffled for us, and I deeply apologize. I want to ask for you to restate that as I simply just did not hear it. Through the chair, Senator Tobin, the— no, the answer is no, an electric vehicle was not considered during the solicitation for this SUV. Any other members seeking the floor?

All right, then I'm going to remove my objection and ask Ms. Truitt to call the roll on the motion to authorize the purchase of a new house van vehicle. Representative Carrick. Yes.

Representative Kopp.

Yes. Representative Schrage. Yes. Representative Stutes. Definitely yes.

Senator Gray Jackson. Yes.

Senator Tobin? Yes. Vice Chair Stevens? Yes. Chair Hannan?

Yes. 8 Yeas, 0 nays. With 8 yeas and 0 nays, the motion is passed. Okay, this brings us to our last business item, which is a late travel reimbursement claim authorization. As many of you remember, a legislative A legislator who misses a 60-day deadline for claiming reimbursement expenses for business travel must come before the Legislative Council.

Today we have a late claim from Representative Holland. Senator Stevens, can you please give us the motion? Madam Chair, I move that Legislative Council approve Representative Holland's late travel reimbursement request for travel which took place from July 7th through July 15, 2026. And I'm going to object for purpose of discussion and say we have Representative Holland available if you have questions, but it's a fairly standard late authorization when, as you can see from accounting, this parceling out which was being charged to two different budget items, and so it took a little time to parse it out. But are there any members with questions?

Hearing and seeing none, that leads me to believe you are ready for the vote on the motion, so I will remove my objection and ask Ms. Truitt to call the roll.

Representative Carrick. Representative Kopp.

Yes. Representative Schrage.

Yes. Representative Stutes. Yes.

Senator Gray Jackson. Yes. Senator Tobin.

Yes. Representative Carrick.

Yes. Vice Chair Stevens.

Yes. Chair Hannan. Yes. 8 Yeas, 0 nays. With 8 yeas and 0 nays, the motion is passed.

Members, thank you for your attention and focus that brings us through our agenda. And we have—. Madam Chair. Yes, go ahead. I didn't mean to interrupt you, but before we adjourn, I'd like to make a comment.

Go ahead. Go ahead. Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to take a moment to thank Mr. Katsko, Katsko, and Ms. Geary and any other staff involved for their work on our behalf regarding some of the matters that are on our agenda this afternoon. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Senator Tobin. Any other members seeking the floor? Excuse me, Senator Senator Gray. I was looking at an iPad screen and her name is above yours. I certainly know that was Senator Gray Jackson.

Any other members seeking the floor? I do want to thank everyone for being able to complete this meeting and we will be able to get people off to their 2:00 p.m. deadlines and we will have a December meeting. And with that, Legislative Council is adjourned at 1:52 p.m.