Jo Aiken

The key discussion centered on reviewing the Draft Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee (JLARC) Report before the submission deadline. Objectives included reviewing content, identifying missing items, and finalizing performance measures for future submission to JLARC. Performance measures reviewed included the number of bills submitted, reports issued, and committee work related to advising the legislature. Specific focus areas were the reauthorization of the General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) program, the inclusion of Business Equity/Diverse Business Inclusion (BE/DBI) reports, and prompt pay/change order best practices. The committee discussed documenting the formation of the BE/DBI Committee and the WSDOT Project Delivery Method Review Task Force. Another significant topic involved the Project Review Committee (PRC) appointments, noting 50 appointments since 2021 and efforts to align term expirations. The committee also discussed documenting PRC denials to demonstrate value, suggesting visual presentation enhancements like dashboards or charts for key performance indicators, and whether to include the full 12-page lessons learned document as an attachment.

This ADA Transition Plan for the Washington State Capitol Campus outlines the Department of Enterprise Services' commitment to ensuring full accessibility for employees, visitors, and the public, in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The plan evaluates existing facilities and grounds through comprehensive assessments and public engagement, identifying 170 physical barriers across campus facilities and parks. It establishes a roadmap for future improvements, prioritizing barrier removal in highly trafficked public areas, integrating accessibility into building and elevator modernization projects, conducting further studies for historic properties, and enhancing employee training and design standards to achieve full accessibility by 2035.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the February 13, 2025 meeting, with an amendment made to the latter regarding legislation of interest. Key discussions involved the Chair's report on legislative meetings concerning two Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) bills (SSB 5773 and HB 1970), with HB 1970 being the preferred bill. The Board supported drafting thank you letters for members with expiring terms. Significant time was dedicated to actions concerning PRC appointments for various owner and industry representative positions, including Jessica Murphy, Brandi Colyar, Mike Shinn, Heather Munden, Eza Agoes, Kevin Thomas, and Mallorie Davies. Committee reports covered the development of a strategic plan by the Board Development Committee, progress on the Change Order and Retainage Subcommittees under the BE/DBI Committee, and updates from the PRC regarding project approvals totaling over $1 billion year-to-date and observations on agency compliance with project approvals. The GC/CM Committee presented and received unanimous approval for the GC/CM Best Practices Manual, after which the committee was sunsetted. Administrative discussions centered on the budget report and the potential implementation of a stipend program for community members, with a decision to revisit funding in September. Finally, the Board addressed the mandate to review construction cost escalation data, agreeing to invite the Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the Office of Financial Management (OFM) for presentations.

The joint meeting addressed several key items, including updates on significant campus projects. Discussions centered on potential locations for the new Billy Frank Jr. statue within the Legislative Building, weighing options that balance public access, visual appeal, and the relocation of existing statues such as the Marcus Whitman statue. The committee scheduled a special meeting to seek further legislative guidance or make a decision on statue placement. Updates were provided on the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, which has completed 60% design, focusing on dam removal and habitat restoration. Information was also presented on the conceptual design for the Cal Anderson Memorial, which is moving forward with Concept D, and progress reports were given for the Legislative Campus Modernization Project. Finally, the committees reviewed the status of repairs following the Legislative Building Incident, pending insurance coverage decisions, especially concerning the major restoration or resizing of the Reception Room rug.

The joint meeting addressed several key agenda items. The committees unanimously approved amendments to the SCC December 16, 2024, meeting minutes and the CCDAC November 14, 2024, meeting minutes. Following a public comment period, the committees voted to approve the renaming of the Joel Pritchard State Library Building to the Joel Pritchard Building. Conceptual design approval was sought and granted for the Cal Anderson Memorial, which honors Senator Cal Anderson's legacy as a beacon for civil rights legislation. An informational briefing covered the proposal for the Office of Secretary of State Library Archives Building, detailing plans to utilize the former General Administration Building site and noting dependencies on funding and the demolition project. Additionally, updates were provided on the relocation study for the Marcus Whitman Statue (which will be replaced in its current location by the Billy Frank Jr. statue) and the progress of the Legislative Campus Modernization projects, including the substantial completion of the Newhouse Building Replacement and the ongoing work on the Pritchard Building Rehabilitation and Expansion Project.