J_CDC_2018A 09/05/2018 08:59:58 AM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Mr. Damion Pechota, Legislative Council Staff, presented a request on behalf of the Capitol Building Advisory Committee (CBAC) to relocate the visitor's services desk in the State Capitol. Committee members received a packet of information about the proposal, assembled by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment A).  Mr. Pechota responded to questions regarding why (CBAC) wants to move the desk.

Ms. Lynn Johnson, Vice President of University Operations, and Ms. Margaret Henry, Treasurer, Colorado State University, presented a two-year projection of cash need list for the university system. Committee members received copies of the two-year list, created by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment C).  Ms. Johnson responded to questions about the location of the Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases facility, and the use of space vacated by programs that will move to the new facility. Discussion ensued regarding the yearly debt service for the projects on the two-year list, and grant funding available for the Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases facility. Ms. Johnson returned to briefing the committee about the projects on the two-year list. Discussion followed regarding the High Plains Campus Expansion project. Ms. Kori Donaldson, Legislative Council Staff, explained why the approval date is "TBD" on Attachment C. Ms. Johnson returned to discussing the projects on the two-year list. Ms. Johnson responded to questions regarding the factors that lead the university to utilize the Higher Education Bond Intercept Program.

Ms. Henry responded to questions regarding the bonding rate when using the Higher Education Bond Intercept Program. Ms. Johnson responded to questions regarding the use of student fees to finance projects on the two-year list. Ms. Johnson returned to briefing the committee about the projects on the two-year list.  Ms. Johnson responded to questions regarding the location of a project on the two-year list.

Mr. Matt Becker, Legislative Council Staff, provided an overview of the Higher Education Bond Intercept Program, with particular attention to forthcoming requests from Colorado State University. Committee members received a memorandum about the program authored by Legislative Council Staff, along with the Colorado Treasurer's annual report concerning the fiscal health of Colorado's higher education programs (Attachment B). Mr. Becker responded to questions regarding consideration of certain factors by the State Treasurer in creating the annual report and interest rates for debt incurred by higher education institutions.  Discussion ensued regarding universities that have elected to participate in the Higher Education Bond Intercept Program.

Ms. Terri Carrothers, Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus, Mr. Andre Vite, Campus Architect for the campus, and Ms. Cheri Gerou, Director of Capital Assets for the CU system, presented a two-year projection of cash need list for CU Denver. Committee members received copies of the two-year list, prepared by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment D).  Ms. Gerou provided an overview of the Central Utility Plant Capacity Expansion project. Mr. Vite responded to questions regarding the utility rates to be charged when the Central Utility Plant is expanded. Discussion ensued regarding the history of the project and potential reliability issues with the expansion.  Mr. Vite responded to questions regarding the potential for using geothermal as an energy source on the Anschutz campus.

Mr. David Norris, Acting Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Rich Hull, Budget Director, Department of Public Health and Environment, presented a request to waive the six-month encumbrance deadline for the Laboratory Space Expansion and Equipment Purchase.  Committee members received a written description of the request, prepared by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment E).  Mr. Hull responded to questions regarding why the timeline for the project was not secured earlier.

Ms. Sarah Wager, Interim Director, Office of Administrative Solutions within the Department of Human Services, presented a supplemental request for the Fitzsimons Veterans Community Living Center Fire Alarm System Replacement project.  Committee members received a written description of the project, prepared by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment G).  Ms. Wager responded to questions regarding the need to bring the system up to code, and the source of funds for the supplemental.

Discussion ensued regarding why the department rescinded a request to expand capacity at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo.

Mr. Bill deVergie, Area Wildlife Manager, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), and Mr. Doug Vilsack, Legislative Liaison, Department of Natural Resources, presented a proposal to acquire conservation and public access easements at Pothook Ranch in Moffat County. Committee members received a written description of the proposal, assembled by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment F). Mr. deVergie provided an overview of the proposal, and Mr. Vilsack provided background on CPW's property transaction process. Mr. deVergie responded to questions regarding public access to Slater Creek on the subject property.

Ms. Donaldson initiated a discussion about future committee meeting dates. The committee elected to hold its next meetings on the afternoon of October 16.  Ms. Donaldson initiated a discussion about controlled maintenance spending flexibility for Senate Bill 17-267 projects. Ms. Donaldson provided an update on the status of SB 17-267 capital spending, and discussed logistics for the day's tour.