Capitol Building Advisory Committee (11/20/2015)

Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

CAPITOL BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Date:	11/20/2015	ATTENDANCE

Time:	01:38 PM to 02:30 PM	Anderson	E
		Contiguglia	X
Place:	SCR 356	Eddins	X
		Halaas	X
This Meeting was called to order by		Lee	X
	Senator Cadman	McCleave	X
		McKay	E
This Report was prepared by		McNulty	X
	Julia Jackson	Morrison	X
		Walter	X
		Moreno	E
		Cadman	X
		X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call

Bills Addressed:		Action Taken:
Introduction of New Members Proposed Donation of a Memorial for the Capitol Grounds - Sand Creek Memorial Building and Grounds Updates Proposed Donation of a Memorial for the Capitol Grounds - State Employee Memorial Staff Updates		Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only

01:39 PM -- Introduction of New Members

Ms. Anne McCleave, State Historic Preservation Officer, representing History Colorado, introduced herself to the committee. Senator Cadman also introduced the new Secretary of the Senate, Ms. Effie Ameen.

Mr. Damion Pechota, Legislative Council Staff, informed the committee that the agenda item concerning the Fallen Heroes Memorial would not be heard at this meeting.

01:41 PM -- Proposed Donation of a Memorial for the Capitol Grounds - Sand Creek Memori

Ms. Dina Klimkina, One Earth Future Foundation, presented a proposal for a Sand Creek Memorial on the Capitol grounds. She presented slides (Attachment A) and described the elements of the proposed memorial. Committee members also received the application packet for the memorial (Attachment B). Ms. Klimkina discussed the artists and tribal representatives who worked with the foundation to design the memorial. She discussed the background of the memorial's artist, Mr. Harvey Platt.

Attachment A.pdf

Attachment B.pdf

The committee viewed a fundraising video prepared by Governor John Hickenlooper in support of the memorial.

01:50 PM

Ms. Eddins discussed the existing plaque commemorating the Sand Creek Massacre with Ms. Klimkina and Mr. Halaas.

In response to a question from Ms. McCleave, Ms. Klimkina explained that the location was selected because it is the end point of the annual Sand Creek Spiritual Healing Run.

Ms. Contiguglia and Ms. Klimkina discussed project fundraising and the proposed design. In particular, Ms. Contiguglia commented on the proposed materials, the selection of the artist, the possibility of visitors climbing on components of the memorial, and security of offerings left at the site. She also requested to see other samples of the artist's work.

Senator Cadman discussed the events that occur on the west lawn of the Capitol and raised concerns over the location. Ms. Klimkina noted that the memorial is designed to be approachable.

Representative McNulty expressed concern that the monument would be a target of vandalism. He further noted that the design is a significant departure from existing monuments on the grounds.

Ms. McCleave noted that the Capitol grounds are part of the Civic Center National Historic Landmark and discussed the need for scrutiny of any new monuments within the landmark area.

02:02 PM

Mr. Lee noted the slope of the grounds in this area and the impact of adverse weather on the proposed location. Mr. Lee and Ms. Klimkina discussed maintaining grass in this area, where there would be increased foot traffic.

Mr. Halaas discussed the benefits of the selected site. He further noted the prominence of the Civil War Monument and the benefits of juxtaposing the memorial with this monument. He discussed the importance of commemorating the Sand Creek Massacre and the need for a monument accessible to the people of Colorado.

Representative McNulty suggested a smaller footprint, and that the memorial be easier to maintain and pose fewer safety hazards.

Ms. Contiguglia discussed the committee's preference for accepting gifts that are completely funded. Ms. Klimkina explained that the Arsenault Family Foundation would fill any gaps in fundraising.

Mr. Lee and Ms. Klimkina discussed the supports on the medicine wheel portion of the design. Mr. Walter and Ms. Klimkina further discussed the need to raise the medicine wheel off the ground.

Representative McNulty and Mr. Lee discussed maintenance of other monuments on the Capitol grounds, particularly if commemorative offerings are left.

02:13 PM -- Building and Grounds Updates

Mr. Lance Shepherd, Department of Personnel and Administration, described the rehabilitation work in the Senate and House chambers. He noted that once scaffolding comes down, acoustics and lighting will be tested in the space.

Mr. Shepherd discussed the roof replacement project, noting that a unique asbestos material was found throughout the roof areas. He explained that the project may have to be completed in two phases.

Mr. Shepherd continued to discuss window restoration, which would be a controlled maintenance project. He suggested that there would likely not be funding available this year.

Finally, Mr. Shepherd discussed the restroom restorations for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.

He added that a hazardous materials assessment is currently underway throughout Capitol Complex. He noted possible future projects, including: the old supreme court chamber, the Senate and House galleries, and the floors of the House and Senate chambers.

At the request of Ms. Eddins, Mr. Shepherd described a number of projects completed in the Legislative Services Building (LSB) across the street from the Capitol.

Ms. Contiguglia suggested that a document be prepared for new legislators showing the restoration work that has been done. Mr. Shepherd noted that the contractors have been using GoPro cameras to document the restoration process in the chambers.

Ms. Eddins thanked Mr. Shepherd for his work on the restoration projects.

02:23 PM -- Proposed Donation of a Memorial for the Capitol Grounds - State Employee Memorial

Senator Cadman opened the floor to questions and comments about the proposed fallen state employees memorial, which was presented at the committee's August 2015 meeting.

Ms. Contiguglia asked that a better estimate be provided of the number of names to be included on the memorial.

Ms. McCleave discussed the National Historic Landmark designation and the value of symmetry in Lincoln Park.

Ms. Contiguglia suggested that a landscape plan be prepared and possibly a moratorium placed on additional monuments on the ground. Mr. Walter added that a cultural landscape assessment would help this process.

02:28 PM -- Staff Updates

Mr. Pechota noted that there is a new Creative Capitol exhibit, that credit cards can be accepted at the gift desk, and that the Capitol Christmas tree will be put up next week.

Ms. Contiguglia commended Mr. Tim Drago for his work on the rededication of the Veteran's Monument.

Ms. Jackson reminded committee members that they can be reimbursed for mileage and parking when attending committee meetings.

Ms. Eddins encouraged members to visit the House chambers to see the completed rehabilitation work.

02:30 PM

The committee adjourned.