The Partnership Advisory Committee met on January 22, 2018 to discuss future Capitol grounds projects and planning.
Peter Maass, Texas Facilities Commission
- Electronic copy of masterplan concerning future construction on the Capitol complex will be posted online.
- A plan to identify locations for new monuments has been made
- Signage will be placed around the Capitol grounds to assist visitors with navigation
- Rep. Howard – How is the concern for traffic coming downtown going to be incorporated into the plan?
- The first thing we’re doing is converting all one-way streets into two-ways. Once we enter later phases of construction, traffic signage will be considered. We are exploring with Capitol Metro other steps we could take.
- Rep. Howard – Do you have a specific number of locations for new monuments?
- There are 16 identified locations.
- Rep. King – Will the masterplan change much from what we see today?
- We will not deviate from what we present today. We have a requirement that every two years we update the masterplan. In the instance that something is changed, that would be brought before the committee. If you have changes you’d like to see, they can be brought to the Commission.
Martin moves to update Capitol Complex Masterplan.
Representative Howard seconds the motion.
Motion prevails.
Samuel Franco, Director of Center for Alternative Finance and Procurement
- The proposed changes to the guidelines conform to state statutes.
- Changes include a more robust explanation of the role of the Center in projects and added emphasis on due diligence.
- Emphasis placed on prescreening projects is in attempt to add value to projects.
- Rep. King – Will the financial analysis of projects be made public?
- Yes.
- Rep. Howard – How does the prescreening process work?
- First, we would check if a project is suitable for alternative delivery. Then we check the details for money analysis and proposition.
- Rep. Howard – Are there restrictions on who can be a contractor for us?
- I am unsure but can find out it for you.
- Rep. Howard – How do you notify the public about hearings you are supposed to hold?
- It is in the state register.
- Rep. Howard – Citizens of Austin will probably not examine the register too often. There should be an easier way for the public to be notified so those who are impacted can have this information.
Motion to adopt new guidelines for the Facilities Commission.
Motion prevails.
Rep. King moves to nominate Senator Hancock as the presiding officer and Representative Howard as the Assistant Presiding Officer.
Motion prevails.