During the 2009 Legislative General Session, the legislature cut almost a billion dollars from the state’s FY2009 and FY2010 budgets. The executive director worked closely with the legislature to maintain the critical items within the Board’s budget. With the successful completion of the Capitol restoration, the project realized a savings of $864,000, which was returned to the Capitol Facilities and Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. This money was used by the subcommittee as a one-time backfill for the Board’s priorities, as well as other state departments and agencies. Even with the returned monies, the Board took its fair share of budgetary cuts as did all state agencies.
Due to these budget cuts, it was necessary to reduce part-time personnel, suspend hiring a much needed receptionist/secretarial position, and indefinitely suspend the purchase of supplies for FY2009. In addition, the office is using an automated telephone answering system. Janitorial services were reduced and basic services were changed to a charge-for-service basis. These services will be monitored to make sure the Capitol Hill Complex facilities are kept in proper condition. The grounds crew was significantly reduced, resulting in lawns being mowed every other week and planting and weeding done by volunteers arranged through communities and other state programs.
For FY2010, the Board’s budget will be much tighter. To compensate for the reduction, the office will cut expenses and eliminate as many costs as possible. One option being investigated is furloughs for all employees. While plans have not been finalized, it appears that a furlough of some type will be required to avoid layoffs.
Board Rules
The Board approved R131-2 Capitol Hill Complex Facility Use Rule, which regulates the use of Capitol Hill facilities and grounds. To obtain a copy of this rule and necessary forms to make a reservation, please click here. The Board will continue to review this rule to address issues that arise. One issue to be discussed is the use of the Capitol Hill facilities and grounds during the legislative session.
The Board will also discuss the rule governing parking on Capitol Hill before submitting it to Administrative Rules for publication.
Capitol Construction
Currently, the project team is working with OCIP to close out more than 200 subcontractor’s contracts in order to determine any outstanding workers comp savings. It is anticipated that the OCIP will wrap up towards the end of June and some funds returned to the Board.
Capital Facilities
This past summer, the Board completed improvement projects at the Travel Council. This year, the Board will focus on the following projects:
1. Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum - The DUPM is in desperate need of a long term master plan and an electrical upgrade. The goal is to restore the building while keeping it functional.
2. State Office Building - Mechanical and electrical upgrades, tunnel upgrades and space reorganization is planned in order to keep the building functioning.
3. White Memorial Chapel - Minor repairs are needed, such as door and window improvements. In addition, painting and some exterior work needs to take place prior to next winter.
These projects have been or will be funded through improvement monies and DFCM.
The study investigating the State Office Building project is proceeding forward. For information regarding the progress of the study, please click here.
Visitor Services Report
For information regarding Visitor Services activities, please click here.
Curatorial Services Report
We sincerely express our appreciation to the following individuals whose terms have expired for their services over the past several years:
· Max Smith, AIA - Architect
· Kendall Brown - Historian
· Katie Slater - Artist
· Senator Carlene Walker - Board Representative
· Susan Lawrence
· Peggy Wallace
Senator Madsen was asked to be the Board’s representative on the Art Placement Subcommittee for the next three months until the Board can meet and appoint an official member to the subcommittee.
For more information regarding Capitol Hill Curatorial services, please click here.
Capital Facilities
This past summer, the Board completed improvement projects at the Travel Council. This year, the Board will focus on the following projects:
1. Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum - The DUPM is in desperate need of a long term master plan and an electrical upgrade. The goal is to restore the building while keeping it functional.
2. State Office Building - Mechanical and electrical upgrades, tunnel upgrades and space reorganization is planned in order to keep the building functioning.
3. White Memorial Chapel - Minor repairs are needed, such as door and window improvements. In addition, painting and some exterior work needs to take place prior to next winter.
These projects have been or will be funded through improvement monies and DFCM.
The study investigating the State Office Building project is proceeding forward. For information regarding the progress of the study, please click here.
Visitor Services Report
For information regarding Visitor Services activities, please click here.
Curatorial Services Report
We sincerely express our appreciation to the following individuals whose terms have expired for their services over the past several years:
· Max Smith, AIA - Architect
· Kendall Brown - Historian
· Katie Slater - Artist
· Senator Carlene Walker - Board Representative
· Susan Lawrence
· Peggy Wallace
Senator Madsen was asked to be the Board’s representative on the Art Placement Subcommittee for the next three months until the Board can meet and appoint an official member to the subcommittee.
For more information regarding Capitol Hill Curatorial services, please click here.
