Committee: Joint Appropriations Subcommittee #2
MOTION:
TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF January 21, 1999 - Community Block Grant
Moved by:
Senator Kleven
Second by:
Senator Bogue
Action:
Prevailed by voice vote.
MOTION:
TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF January 29, 1999
Moved by:
Senator Bogue
Second by:
Senator Kleven
Action:
Prevailed by voice vote.
South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Mr. Dave Becker, LRC, presented the committee with budget information ( Document #1). Mr.
Becker also presented information on Custer State Park from the Department of Game, Fish and
Parks, which was requested by the committee at an earlier meeting ( Document #2).
Senator Frederick requested a position paper on the concept of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs)
and requested a list of the 170 TMDLs identified on the Department's 303(d) list. In response to
Senator Hainje's question Mr. Dave Templeton, DENR, explained the Department has a $45,000
to $50,000 contract with Attorney General's office for legal services and a $75,000 contract for
outside legal services related to the Brome Mine issue.
Mr. Becker inquired how the TMDLs are tied to the FY00 Omnibus Water Bill. Mr. Templeton
explained the $150,000 requested appropriation should help make up the 40% non-federal match
needed to complete the 170 TMDLs identified.
Mr. Pirner, DENR, indicated he felt the state is setting bonds high enough to protect the state. In
response to Senator Frederick's question Mr. Pirner explained point source versus non-point source
pollution. He indicated after the Department assesses the TMDLs of the 170 water bodies the
Department will find the highest pollution contributing sources on the water bodies and work to
correct the situation. The 170 water bodies were initially identified by analyzing water quality data.
If the body of water violated water quality standards more than 10% of the time it was placed on the
list. Different geographic areas have different standards based on beneficial uses. The money to
correct the problems are a combination of state and federal funds.
Mr. Templeton presented an overview of the Division of Finance and Technical Assistance.
Representative Derby assumed the gavel.
In response to Representative Klaudt's question on travel costs, Mr. Templeton provided the
committee with budget information ( Document #3). He noted the balance in personal services is
approximately $250,000.
The Department saw a higher than normal employee turnover rate last year. The Bureau of Personnel
calculated the rate at 6%, although the percentage is actually higher than the Bureau's figure since
a number of people moved within the state government system.
Mr. Pirner summarized responsibilities and activities of the regulatory side of the Department.
Representative Derby asked if the state is involved in underground storage tanks. The state is
involved. The deadline for compliance has passed, and the Department will be following up with
inspections. The Department anticipates a decrease in the number of underground storage tanks.
Senator Frederick assumed the gavel.
South Dakota Retirement System
Mr. Al Asher, Administrator, South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS), introduced Mr. Elmer
Brinkman, Chairman, SDRS Board of Trustees, Mr. John Storsteen, Deputy Administrator, Dr.
Lowell Slyter, SDRS Board of Trustees, Mr. Rob Wylie, Fiscal Officer, Mr. Wade Hubbard,
Staff Attorney, and Mr. Jim Hansen, SDRS Board of Trustees. Mr. Asher provided an overview
of the system, noting the trust fund is the linchpin of the system. Currently 56,000 members
participate in the system; $11.4 million in benefits were paid out to members last year. The
Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP) is optional for all members. The SDRS budget is funded
entirely from other funds not from general funds.
The SDRS is in the process of developing its own internal computer system but it also is working
with the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications. The new system currently is running
parallel to the old system; the goal is for the new system to be completely operational by March or
April 1999. The SDRS budget has not shown an increase in contractual services for the computer
system services at this time, but the SDRS expects an increase to show in the FY01 budget. The
SDRS is making printed backup copies of its records as a safeguard for the Year 2000 transition.
Representative Klaudt questioned the ability of SDRS participants to leave their job, draw
retirement, and then be hired back while continuing to receive retirement. Mr. Asher explained the
SDRS will be take a closer look at that process. He feels it is primarily a perception problem rather
than an actual problem. Mr. Asher estimates approximately 200 of the 56,000 members may be
involved in drawing retirement and being rehired.
MOTION:
ADJOURN
Moved by:
Representative Klaudt
Second by:
Senator Bogue
Action:
Prevailed by voice vote.
Deborah Rumrill