Wednesday, January 9, 2002
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sen. Michael Waddoups, Co-Chair
Rep. Don E. Bush, Co-Chair
Sen. Millie Peterson
Rep. Stephen D. Clark
Rep. Neil A. Hansen
Rep. Wayne A. Harper
Rep. Neal B. Hendrickson
Rep. Joseph G. Murray
Rep. Merlynn T. Newbold
Rep. Max W. Young
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Sen. Terry Spencer
MEMBERS ABSENT: Sen. Al Mansell
STAFF PRESENT: Mark C. Bleazard, Fiscal Analyst
Jennifer Asplund, Committee Secretary
Chair Bush called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. He invited the Department of Environmental Quality, Utah National Guard, and Utah Department of Transportation to respond to the recommendations of the previous meeting.
Department of Environmental Quality
Dianne Nielson, Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality, responded to the Analyst's recommendations, with the assistance of Deputy Director Brent Bradford. She supported the recommendations but expressed concern about the one day furlough. She did not support the idea of a mandatory hiring freeze and asked that the departments be allowed to find alternatives to reduce those funds.
Rep. Bush asked the Analyst to review these options with the DEQ.
Dennis Downs, Director of the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste, responded to questions from committee members concerning the Waste Tire Recycling and Hazardous Waste Oversight Programs.
Ms. Nielson then gave a presentation regarding the Performance Management Plan. She introduced the DEQ division directors and answered questions from the committee.
Utah National Guard
General Brian Tarbet of the Utah National Guard responded to the Analyst's recommendations, with the assistance of Colonel Ted Frandsen. He addressed the increased responsibilities of the National Guard as a result of September 11 and the Olympics. He expressed concern over Armory maintenance cuts and asked to be allowed to make the decisions concerning furlough and job reduction. He then addressed questions and comments from the committee.
Utah Department of Transportation
John Njord, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Transportation, responded to the Analyst's recommendations with the assistance of Chuck Larsen, Comptroller. He expressed willingness to work with the recommendations but emphasized that monies for road maintenance would become critical. He then responded to questions from the committee.
MOTION: Sen. Peterson moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Chair Bush adjourned the meeting at 11:27 a.m.
Rep. Don E. Bush, Co-Chair Sen. Michael Waddoups, Co-Chair