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[Dome]Interim Calendar and Briefing

October 4, 1995

Contents:
Calendar of Scheduled Meetings
Agenda Information Regarding Scheduled Meetings
BRIEFINGS - Information Regarding Recent Meetings

Calendar of Scheduled Meetings

Tuesday, October 10, 1995
International Relations Committee of the Legislative Council
10:00 a.m., Room 118

Administrative Rules Review Committee
10:00 a.m., Room 22
Thursday, October 12, 1995
Joint Meeting - Business Taxation Study Committee & Nonbusiness Taxation Study Committee
9:00 a.m., Room 116
Thursday, October 19, 1995
Blueprint for Iowa's Young Children Task Force - Tentative
10:00 a.m., Room 22
Friday, October 20, 1995
Intermediate Criminal Sanctions Task Force
10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Lucas Bldg., Hearing Room 2

Blueprint for Iowa's Young Children Task Force - Tentative
9:00 a.m., Room 22
Thursday, October 26, 1995
Fiscal Committee of the Legislative Council - Tentative
10:00 a.m., Room 22
Thursday, October 26, 1995
Public Retirement Systems Committee
Time to be Announced, Room 22
Friday, October 27, 1995
Public Retirement Systems Committee
Time to be Announced, Room 22
Monday, November 6, 1995
Alternative Energy Production Committee - Tentative
9:00 a.m., Room 116
Tuesday, November 7, 1995
Alternative Energy Production Committee - Tentative
9:00 a.m., Room 116
Wednesday, November 8, 1995
Blueprint for Iowa's Young Children Committee - Tentative
10:00 a.m., Room 22

Agenda Information Regarding Scheduled Meetings

International Relations Committee of the Legislative Council

Chairperson: Representative Steven Churchill

Administrative Rules Review Committee

Co-chairperson: Senator Berl E. Priebe

Co-chairperson: Representative Janet Metcalf

JOINT MEETING:
Business Taxation Study Committee
Nonbusiness Taxation Study Committee

Business Taxation Temporary Co-chairperson: Senator Tom Vilsack

Business Taxation Temporary Co-chairperson: Representative Roger Halvorson

Nonbusiness Taxation Temporary Co-chairperson: Senator William Palmer

Nonbusiness Taxation Temporary Co-chairperson: Representative Roger Halvorson

Blueprint For Iowa's Young Children Committee

Temporary Co-chairperson: Senator Elaine Szymoniak

Temporary Co-chairperson: Representative Danny Carroll

Intermediate Criminal Sanctions Task Force

Fiscal Committee of the Legislative Council

Public Retirement Systems Committee

Temporary Co-chairperson: Senator John P. Kibbie

Temporary Co-chairperson: Representative Mona Martin

Alternative Energy Production Committee

Temporary Co-chairperson: Senator Bill Fink

Temporary Co-chairperson: Representative Ronald Nutt

Blueprint for Iowa's Young Children Study Committee

Temporary Co-chairperson: Senator Elaine Szymoniak

Temporary Co-chairperson: Representative Danny Carroll

BRIEFINGS - Information Regarding Recent Meetings

Youthful Offender Jurisdiction Task Force

September 27, 1995

Background.
The Youthful Offender Jurisdiction Task Force was established in House File 528 to develop a plan for a seamless system of shared jurisdiction between courts presiding over juvenile proceedings and over criminal proceedings. The Task Force is directed to provide a written report of its plan by October 1, 1995.
Bill Draft.
The Task Force held its third meeting on September 27, 1995. The Task Force discussed the redrafted version of the proposed bill revised to include the changes made at the second meeting. The Task Force made further changes to the bill and discussed alternatives to the proposal, including extending the jurisdiction of the juvenile court to persons age 21 and providing the adult court with the same dispositional alternatives in the sentencing of juveniles as the juvenile court has.
Fiscal Estimate.
The Task Force also discussed a memorandum prepared by Jon Neiderbach and Dwayne Ferguson of the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. The memorandum estimates that 75 juveniles will receive youthful offender status each year with an annual fiscal impact to the State of $304,000 and a $40,000 annual fiscal impact to the counties.
Final Report.
The Task Force agreed to circulate the final version of the bill for comments prior to submission of the Task Force's report and requested an updated fiscal memorandum. No further meetings are planned.

Fiscal Committee of the Legislative Council

September 27, 1995

Meeting at University of Northern Iowa.
The Legislative Fiscal Committee of the Legislative Council met on September 27, 1995, and was welcomed to the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls by the university's new President, Dr. Bob Koob.
Federal Update.
Mr. Dennis Prouty, Director of the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, distributed a memorandum written by Mr. Jon Neiderbach, Legislative Analyst for the LFB, providing members with an update on Congressional action. Mr. Phil Smith, of the State-Federal Office, telephoned his report on federal action. He identified the following areas as those most likely to be revised markedly by Congress and of concern for Iowa: welfare reform, Medicare/Medicaid, workforce development, and taxes (including the elimination of the ethanol fuel tax). The Committee unanimously authorized Mr. Smith to arrange for a one-day information seminar to provide Iowa legislators with a general overview of the federal budget and updates on welfare reform, Medicaid, and workforce development. Mr. Smith suggested that other programs or areas of interest, such as the Farm Bill, could be added to the seminar. Ms. Holly Lyons, Division Administrator for the LFB, told members that the seminar will likely take place during the week of December 4.
Revenue Update.
Mr. Prouty distributed charts diagramming the percentage of change in General Fund daily receipts from one year ago, the FY 1996 racing and gaming receipts (actual versus estimated), and the projected racing and gaming receipts. He explained significant features on the charts and answered members' questions regarding the charts.
University of Northern Iowa -- Fire Safety and Deferred Maintenance.
Mr. Larry Knapp, State Fire Marshal's Office Inspector and Mr. John Conner, Vice President for Administration and Finance at UNI, conducted a fire safety and deferred maintenance tour of the following UNI buildings: Wright Hall, Sabin Hall, Lang Hall, the Physics building, Bartlett Hall (a dormitory), and the Price Laboratory School Fieldhouse. Fire safety problems identified by the State Fire Marshal and deferred maintenance needs were pointed out to members. The fire safety problem most often identified involves classrooms and student rooms entering on to open stairwells. Officials noted that many of these problems are solved most economically when corrected while buildings are going through major renovation. Lang Hall (built in 1900) and the Physics Building top UNI's capital budget requests list for Fiscal Years 1997 and 1998.
Iowa Waste Reduction Center Presentation.
Mr. John Konefes, Director of the Iowa Waste Reduction Center, discussed the center's history since opening in 1988. The center has worked with small businesses in every county to help create new pollution control devices for small businesses. The center is particularly proud of its mobile outreach vehicle, which staff uses to provide working demonstrations in counties within and outside of Iowa.
Presentation on Board of Regents Ownership of Real Property.
Ms. Sue Lerdal, Legislative Analyst for the LFB, provided members with an issue review on the real property owned by the Board of Regents and was available for questions.
Institute for Decision Making Presentation.
Mr. Ron Padavich, Director for the Institute for Decision Making, Mr. Ron Fitch, Multi-media Producer, and Ms. Karen Soteco, Marketing Director for Cedar County, explained the marketing benefits the Institute for Decision Making provides to counties at very little expense to the counties. Mr. Fitch demonstrated the interactive computer program used to market counties at trade shows. The approximate value the institute provides to the average county is $41,000, while the county's actual cost averages $2,000.
Next Meeting.
The next meeting of the Fiscal Committee will be on October 24, 1995, at 10:00 a.m. in Des Moines at the State House.

Iowa Health Reform Transition Team

September 28, 1995

The Iowa Health Reform Transition Team met on Thursday, September 28, 1995. David Lyons called the meeting to order and indicated that this was the next to last meeting of the Transition Team. He indicated that the final meeting was scheduled for Thursday, October 26.

Medicaid Update.
Gerd Clabaugh, Iowa Department of Public Health, briefed the Transition Team on the progress of federal legislation relating to Medicaid reform. He indicated that the House and Senate proposals differ in several ways, but that the House bill is more favorable to Iowa. He also indicated that estimates of the reduction in federal dollars to Iowa as a result of proposed changes range from $2 million to $26 million.
Regulatory Summit Report.
Gerd Clabaugh indicated that the Regulatory Summit conducted on August 29, 1995, was a success. He also suggested that feedback from the summit could be distilled into three main messages as follows:
Medical Savings Account.
Joel Lunde introduced the issue of medical savings accounts to the Transition Team and indicated that the Iowa House of Representatives passed House File 373 relating to this issue during the recent session and sent it to the Senate, and he believes that this will be an issue during the 1996 legislative session.

State-County Management Committee

September 28, 1995

Background.
The State-County Management Committee has continued to meet at least monthly through the legislative session and the interim. The Committee was created in the 1994 Session in H.F. 2430 to make recommendations for joint state and county planning, implementing, and funding of mental health, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities (MH/MR/DD) services. The Committee includes state, county, and Governor's appointees, as well as legislative members. It is jointly staffed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC).
Alaska Individualized Services.
The Committee heard a presentation from Alaska state government staff administering a program which provides individualized services to persons with disabilities. It was noted that there has been ongoing cooperation between the state, service consumers, and service providers to develop services at the local level.
Management Plan Rules.
The Committee completed its consideration of rules for mental health and developmental disability service management plans required to be developed by counties as part of the property tax relief legislation. The completed rules will soon be considered for adoption by the Council on Human Services. Counties must submit initial plans for mental health services by April 1, 1996.
Legislative Study Requirements.
The Committee was directed in legislation to study and report concerning various mental health and developmental disability service and funding issues. The issues include reviewing the funding formula for distribution of state funds, liability issues associated with a county operating its MH/MR/DD services under a fixed budget, operating procedures for intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded (ICFMR), and system efficiency measures. The Committee discussed a work plan for its studies.

Governor's Blue Ribbon Transportation Task Force

September 28, 1995

The Governor's Blue Ribbon Transportation Task Force met on September 28, 1995. The Committee discussed the work of the Subcommittee and deadlines for completion of the report. The Subcommittees made the following reports:

Technology Subcommittee.
Mr. Harold Jensen reported that the Subcommittee was studying several operation, costs, maintenance and design issues in which technology improvements may play a role. He focused on the use of technology to streamline paperwork which could be transmitted electronically and proposed that contractors who would receive a refund of sales tax payments from the state upon completion of a project be exempt from payment of sales tax from the commencement of the project. He informed the Committee that the Subcommittee had met with the private sector contractors and the State Department of Transportation (DOT) to discuss these issues.
Outsourcing Subcommittee.
Mr. Jim Kersten reported that the Subcommittee received information from several different vendors who are interested in pursuing outsourcing at various levels. Outsourcing is defined as activities that DOT either have or would have done in-house in the past but now contract for with an outside vendor or agency. Activities may include construction, maintenance, planning and design, operations, or administration. Mr. Kersten said that the Subcommittee is focusing on outsourcing the DOT's equipment fleet and maintenance; on ways to maximize the purchasing power of governmental entities; and on leasing equipment and vehicles rather than purchasing them outright.
Sharing Services Subcommittee.
Mr. Tim Moerman explained that the Subcommittee engaged city, county and DOT engineers in a panel discussion on the idea of sharing services, equipment, and facilities and had heard testimony from Pat Callahan from the Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Iowa. He stated that the Subcommittee will focus on the following three areas that are essential to an expansion of sharing between governmental entities: building communication from the front-line people to policymakers; identifying legal barriers to sharing, such as necessary Iowa Code changes; and identifying areas for potential sharing, such as the development of a sharing database.
Liability and Legal Issues Subcommittee.
Ms. Susan Pellett requested that as soon as the other subcommittees focus their issues they should inform the Legal Subcommittee so that they can provide the analysis that will be necessary for a discussion of final recommendations.
Other Issues.
The Committee discussed additional issues such as the issuance of driver's licenses by county treasurers, potential changes in the current procedure for letting contracts, and the use of detours versus motorists driving through road construction and referred these to a new subcommittee for review. The meeting concluded with Mr. Tim Borich, the Task Force Consultant reminding the Committee that the overriding criteria for the group's recommendations should be whether or not the recommendation saves money. The next meeting of the Task Force is scheduled for October 26, 1995.

461 Task Force

September 28-29, 1995

Background.
The 461 Task Force was appointed by the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission in response to House File 461 which directs the Commission to initiate and complete a study concerning the possible sale of the Iowa communications network and the possible conversion of the network into a public utility. The Commission is directed to complete the study and deliver a written report to the members of the House Committee on Technology and the Senate Committee on Communications and Information Policy, the Chief Clerk, and the Secretary of the Senate.
ITTC Matrix.
The Task Force continued work on the development of a matrix designed to assist the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission (ITTC) in its effort to make a recommendation to the General Assembly on the future of the Iowa Communications Network. The matrix is designed to provide information on each of ten possible options which the state might pursue with respect to the network. Issues addressed with respect to each option are grouped into legal issues, financial issues, user groups and capacity issues, Part III/telemedicine/state government issues, national guard/federal government issues, and providers/businesses/citizens issues.
Final Meeting.
The Task Force has one meeting remaining which is scheduled for October 10, 1995.
Final Report.
The Task Force intends to complete its work at that time and submit the report to the ITTC on October 13, 1995.

Education Telecommunications Council (ETC)

September 29, 1995

Background.
The Education Telecommunications Council received a number of updates on a variety of issues. One of the issues was the 461 Task Force matrix. Midway through the meeting, Council members unanimously agreed to dispense with the remainder of the published agenda in order to study the 461 Task Force matrix and provide the task force with members' reactions and comments.
Updates to the Council were provided as follows:
Kathy Borlin of Iowa Public Television (IPTV) distributed a pamphlet titled "The Power of Connecting Schools." The pamphlet contains information on and a registration form for the Nationwide Videoconference Live from the NSBA Technology Conference to be held in the Maytag Auditorium at IPTV from 1:45 to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 26, 1995.
Pam Johnson of IPTV invited members to participate in a video conference with Joan Axel, of the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission, on October 4, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. at IPTV. She also invited members to an ICN meeting with Frank Newman of the Education Commission of the States on October 6 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mr. Newman will discuss his observations on successful school technology programs in other states. She updated members on NCREL distance learning materials members may access and the Star Schools Iowa Distance Education Alliance (IDEA). She also noted that Battle Creek/Ida Grove is on-line and is the first Part III site to be connected. Members interested in a timeline for future Part III connections can find a good source on the Internet at http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/ under Part III. Members can also now find information on AEAs at the same Internet address.
Members were amazed to learn from Connie Maxson, of School Administrators of Iowa, that participants at the conference titled "An Iowa Dialogue on Issues Surrounding Utilization of Technology in Schools" will be required to write a paper on one of the eight issue areas to be studied. The conference will be held on the University of Northern Iowa campus from November 29 to December 1, 1995.
Gail Sullivan noted that legislators held public hearings on school improvement and education technology in September. Legislators are discussing the possibility of holding additional hearings in western Iowa. The Department of Education is developing proposals for school staff and professional development.
Paul Bowers of the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities presented members with a draft of the rewrite of Chapter 10 of the Public Broadcasting Division's administrative rules. The chapter is titled "Iowa Communications Network Educational Site Selection." He suggested the need for a technical advisory committee and users advisory committee and said he hoped to bring solid recommendations before the Council at the next meeting.
461 Task Force Matrix.
The Council approved a motion to authorize Pam Johnson to enlist practitioners to study the matrix and make comments to the 461 Task Force.
Joint ETC/RTC Meeting.
Pam Johnson again provided members with a Star Schools update, members discussed regional support funds for the upcoming Legislative Session, and short updates were provided by the Visioning and Operations Committees.
Next Meeting.
The next meeting of the ETC will be held October 26, 1995 at IPTV from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Iowa Telecommunications and Technolgy Commission

September 29, 1995

The Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission met on Friday, September 29, 1995, and received the following information:

Part III Update.
Three Part III sites are currently connected including the Ida Grove and HLV Victor community school districts, and Area Education Agency V. It is also anticipated that necessary equipment will soon be installed connecting most of the Des Moines public schools to the network. Commission staff indicated that projections for the connections of Part III sites during the next four fiscal years are as follows:
FY 95 Financial Report.
The Commission received and reviewed unaudited financial statements prepared for the network. The reports were for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1995.
461 Task Force Update.
Commissioner Joan Axel briefed the Commission on the progress of the 461 Task Force (see briefing for 461 Task Force included in this issue). She indicated that the Task Force will complete its work at its next meeting on Tuesday, October 10, and would submit its report to the Commission by October 13.
Internet Update.
Installation of the state's Internet equipment is just about complete. It is anticipated that Internet traffic currently going through Iowa State University will move to the state system in October with University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa traffic following after additional preparatory work is complete.
Telecommunications Advisory Committee.
The Commission discussed proposed membership on the Telecommunications Advisory Committee which is to be appointed pursuant to section 8D.7. The Commission intends to discuss this issue at its next meeting after additional exploratory work is done to determine who might be available and willing to serve on this committee.

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