MINUTES SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS Tuesday, February 8, 2000 9:00 a.m. University of Houston-Downtown ***** Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations was held on Tuesday, February 8, 2000, in the University of Houston-Downtown ***** MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Senator Frank Madla Senator Rodney Ellis Senator Jon Lindsay Senator Mike Moncrief Senator Drew Nixon ***** The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted: The chair announced that the committee has been given a charge by the Lieutenant Governor to: "Examine the powers, functions and programs administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC). The committee's report will assess the methodology used in allocating the various housing funds and resources, including the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and the Housing Trust Fund, and the compliance by the agency with that methodology, and address whether the programs administered by TDHCA and the TSAHC meet the affordable housing demands of targeted population groups throughout the State of Texas." The chair laid out charge one: "Evaluate the potential benefits offered through the "design-build" form of bidding, which allows engineers, architects, and builders to form teams and bid on state projects in contrast to the current method which mandates that each entity bid separately. The Committee shall compare the State of Texas practices to other states and to the private sector and evaluate the "design-build" option as it relates to buildings, roads, and other publicly funded projects." Witnesses testifying and registering on charge one are shown on the attached list. The chair laid out charge two: "Study the funding and expenditures of Councils of Government (COGs) and examine the changing relationship between COGs and the state and federal governments since 1982. The Committee shall monitor the compliance by COGS regarding publication of financial statements, as referenced in the General Appropriations Bill, HB 1, 76th Legislature, Regular Session." Witnesses testifying and registering on charge two are shown on the attached list. Mr. Jerry Wood, representing City of Houston, testified on charge four. At 12:35 p.m. Senator Madla moved that the committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair; without objection, it was so ordered. _______________________ Senator Frank Madla, Chair _______________________ Hillery Stephens, Clerk