They also moved bill 64 which is relative to the licensing of service contracts sold on Guam to the 3rd reading file and bill 69 which is relative to the duration of commercial leases for public real property and related facilities to the third reading file. They spent a good part of the morning discussing Speaker Judi Won Pat's bill 79 which would allow GovGuam to transfer dormant and unclaimed bank account funds from the treasurer of Guam to the Guam Housing Corporations housing trust fund. Senator Aline Yamashita spoke about the measure saying that the economic benefits are not the most important part of the measure but is also tackling many social issues like homelessness. "Mr. Speaker we're not only building houses or providing opportunities to build houses but we're actually providing opportunities to build homes and that is a difference and there is a difference,” said Senator Yamashita adding,"In addition to economic stimulus, Mr. Speaker we're actually also addressing the social emotional well being of our families and we're chipping away, we're chipping away at what is hurting the fabric of our families and it is a real serious issue on this island."

 Lawmakers will eventually vote on the confirmation of Joseph McDonald as a member to the public utilities commission and Ms. Viriginia Yasuhiro as a member to the Council on Mental Health and Substance Abuse during this session.

 The senator told members of the rotary club of Northern Guam today that there are two major bills coming up that the government has no money for. He says that during yesterday's court hearing on the Layon landfill it was discovered that it could cost between $40 to $70 million more dollars than anticipated to complete the Layon landfill and close the Ordot dump.

{youtube}gsVgZpLGsvQ{/youtube}

The Vice-Speaker says there's $15 million for post closure costs, $25 million for the condemnation settlement, and potentially $25 to $30 million for road improvements leading up to the landfill. Then there's the issue of paying back the loan borrowed to pay out tax refunds. When GovGuam went to the bond market they were banking on a robust economy spurred by the military buildup. "Well it's not coming and we know that it's not gonna come at least until 2020. Well, unfortunately we have the first payments of the bonds due this coming fiscal year and we have an additional at least $15 million in bonds in bond payments annually that we're gonna have to take into account. So that's a fairly substantial amount that we're gonna need. You add that to the $70[million] that I was talking about earlier that's $85[million] maybe a few other things that's almost 20 percent of the entire budget,” said Vice-Speaker Cruz. The senator says these are major bills coming up that they need to begin thinking about how to pay.

The outage took effect about 11 am and is slatwed to last until 9pm TONIGHT.

For more information contact:

Guam Transportation Information Center
Telephone: 646-3452
Email: helpdesk@guamtransportationprogram.com and highways@dpw.guam.gov
Website: www.guamtransportationprogram.com

• Shutting off air conditioning units for half or more of the school day
• Immediate implementation of a hiring freeze
• Changing pay structures for Limited Term Appointees/Special Contract Employees
• Suspending Special Pays for Teachers and Administrators
• Rescheduling the opening of the 2013-2014 School Year to October 1, 2013
• Consolidation of schools

Prior to voting on the resolution board members heard from the Governor's Education Liaison Vince Leon Guerrero who said most of the reserve requests from agencies would likely be granted.

Fernandez also reassures stakeholders that delaying the start of school would be a worst case scenario and says to expect schools to open on-time.

 “The delay of the school year opening is a worst case but hopefully not a real scenario” Fernandez is quoted in a news release this morning.  “We have received the commitment from the front office to work with GDOE in maintaining operations through the end of this fiscal cycle.”

"I am confident in the school leaders that will be in place at each of our schools this coming school year," Fernandez is quoted in a news release on the reassignments. "Instead of pulling names out of a hat to make assignments, I took time to reflect on my visits to schools and my conversations with administrators, teachers, parents and students before making any decision about the teams to help each school move forward. I want to make sure that every school is positioned to succeed next year."

{youtube}1Lv4P-LrJks{/youtube}

View The Principal Assignments HERE

Factors used to determine assignments include administrator experience, the number of years an administrator has spent at a particular site, administrator strengths and weaknesses, teacher and parent feedback, school improvement progress and school challenges. The re-assignments don't come as a surprise as Fernandez says administrators were informed that re-assignments were a possibility, especially for those with five or more years at their school.

Read the News Release Announcing the Changes HERE

The Superintendent acknowledges that the adjustment will be difficult but says in the news release that "Change is hard, but change can be good if it helps us refocus our energies..."

Prior to releasing the assignments Fernandez met one-on-one with the affected principals and assistant principals to explain the process, discuss GDOE priorities, and answer questions.  Giving the assignments prior to the close of the 2012/2013 school year will allow the administrators who are transferring to have six weeks to close out their work at the current school and another six weeks to transition to their new school.

* DOE: $2-million will be used to buy the 12 school buses for Guam DOE

* DPW: $2.5-million will purchase heavy equipment for the Department of Public Works and make structural repairs to some of DPW's "dilapidated buildings."

* DPR: $1-million will be used to repair restrooms at 24 of Guam's Public Parks.

* Mayor's Council: $500-thousand - the 19 villages will receive $25,000 each to repair facilities in their villages such as gymnasiums, community centers, baseball fields, and parks.

The release quotes Governor Calvo as saying that “We’re going to be able to maintain roads, get more buses for school kids, and finally renovate park bathrooms throughout the island. We’re excited about this news, and eager for more progress to come.”

READ the release from the Governor's Office below:

“We’re going to be able to maintain roads, get more buses for school kids, and finally renovate park bathrooms throughout the island. We’re excited about this news, and eager for more progress to come.” – Governor Eddie Baza Calvo

DOI Approves Calvo’s Request                                                                                            

In the near future: School kids will have 12 new buses; Department of Public Works employees will have new equipment for road maintenance; 24 parks will have clean and modern restrooms; the Mayor’s Council of Guam will finally be able to repair and renovate community facilities; and structural repairs will be made to three dilapidated buildings. The Governor’s request to use $6 million in Capital Improvement Project grants for these projects was approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

DPW: $2M for 12 School Buses + Maintenance                                                                 

The Department of Public Works will receive $2,063,000 to purchase 12 new school buses. These buses are estimated to cost $160,000 each, and preventative maintenance will cost $143,000. DPW anticipates the invitation for bids period will take one month, the evaluation of the IFB will take another month, the contracting period will take one month, and delivery of the buses will take six- to seven months.

DPW : $2.5 M for Heavy Equipment and Structural Repairs                                              

The Department of Public Works will receive an additional $2.5 million to purchase heavy equipment and to make structural repairs to dilapidated buildings. Part of the funding will be used for the preventive maintenance of the equipment that DPW receives. DPW anticipates the invitation for bids will take one month, another month for the evaluation of IFB, the contracting period will take one month, and delivery between four- to five months.

DPR: $1M for Restroom Repairs at 24 Parks throughout the Island                                  

DOI approved $1,000,000 for the Department of Parks and Recreation. DPR will use this money to upgrade existing restroom facilities throughout our island’s park system inclusive of painting, plumbing, electrical work, and ADA compliance modernization. Upgrades include a preventive maintenance schedule of each facility to ensure continued operation of these facilities.

DPR will upgrade the following facilities:

Dededo Skate Park
Northern Sports Complex (Gym & Pool)
Dededo Village Extension
Hagatna Central Park
Guerrero Stadium
Paseo Stadium
Sen. Angel L.G. Santos Memorial Park (Latte Stone Park)
Padre Jose Y. Torres Palomo Beach Park
Tepungan Bay Beach Park
Governor Joseph Flores Beach Park (Ypao)
Ladera Overlook
Puntan Dos Amantes
Matapang Beach Park
DPR Headquarters (AganaHeights)
Tanguisson Beach Park
Mangilao Children’s Park
Nimitz Beach Park
Sirena Beach Park
Salagula Pool Park
Talofofo Bay Beach Park
Ipan Beach Park
Fort Soledad Park
Tagachang Beach Park

MCOG : $500K Renovations to Community Facilities                                                        

DOI approved $520,000 for the Mayor’s Council of Guam for repairs and renovations to community facilities. The 19 villages will receive $25,000 each to repair facilities in their villages used by the community. The identified areas include: gymnasiums, community centers, baseball fields, and parks.  The MCOG hopes these repairs will create better cared for facilities, and a healthier and more active community.

Guam Fire Spokesman Lt. Ed Artero says the hiker was conscious and responsive, but showing signs of exhaustion.

The man had set off from the Cetti Bay Overlook on Tuesday afternoon, about 4pm.  A 911 call about 7am today reported him missing.

Guam Fire, Guam Police and Naval Security launched a search in the Naval magazine area. He was found about 11am.

The case involves a Japanese tourist, on a U.S. Explore tour here on Guam, who, on March 22 of 2009, dove head first into a shallow area at the base of a waterfall along the Fonte River.

The tourist, Dr. Koichi Ogawa, struck his head on the bottom and fractured his C-5 vertebra. "Due to the injuries he sustained from the dive, Dr. Ogawa was rendered a quadriplegic."  Dr. Ogawa has sued seeking $10-million in damages.

READ Judge Tydingco-Gatewood's decision HERE

U.S. Explore sought Summary Judgement seeking a declaration from the court in its favor, without a full trial. They argued that "they are entitled to summary judgment  because U.S. Explore had no legal duty to warn or protect Dr. Ogawa from the injuries he sustained because primary assumption of risk applies and the danger was open and obvious as a matter of law."

 But in her opinion, Judge Tydingco-Gatewood ruled that "there is a genuine issue of material factas to causation and summary judgment would be inappropriate."

READ Senator Repsicio's report below:

May 22, 2013
For Immediate Release
SENATOR RESPICIO ISSUES SESSION UPDATE
(Hagåtña, Guam) Senator Rory J. Respicio, Chairperson of the Committee on Rules, reports that during this morning’s Session, Senators of the 32nd
Guam Legislature discussed listed below. Session will resume this afternoon at 2:00 p.m.

DAY 3 - Wednesday Morning Session

May 22, 2013

1. Bill No. 79-32(COR) as Amended – Judith T. Won Pat Ed.D.
AN ACT TO AMEND S106911(k) OF CHAPTER 106, TITLE 11, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF DORMANT AND UNCLAIMED BANK ACCOUNT FUNDS FROM THE TREASURER OF GUAM TO THE GUAM HOUSING CORPORATIONS'S HOUSING TRUST FUND. *Still in Discussion

DAY 2 - Tuesday's  Session

May 21, 2013

BILLS:
1. Bill No. 59-32(COR) as Amended – Vicente C. Pangelinan
AN ACT TO ADD CHAPTER 162 TO TITLE 11 OF THE GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO ESTABLISHING THE COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT FUNDS ACT, AND TO REPEAL SECTION 106155 OF CHAPTER 106, TITLE 11, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED. *Moved to 3rd
Reading File

2. Bill No. 64-32(COR) as Substituted - Vicente C. Pangelinan
AN ACT TO ADD A NEW ARTICLE2 TO CHAPTER 12, DIVISION 2, TITLE 22 OF THE GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO THE LICENSING OF SERVICE CONTRACTS SOLD ON GUAM. *Moved to 3rd Reading File

3. Bill No. 79-32(COR) as Amended – Judith T. Won Pat Ed.D.
AN ACT TO AMEND S106911(k) OF CHAPTER 106, TITLE 11, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF DORMANT AND UNCLAIMED BANK ACCOUNT FUNDS FROM THE TREASURER OF GUAM TO THE GUAM HOUSING CORPORATIONS'S HOUSING TRUST FUND. *Still in Discussion

DAY 1 - Monday’s Session

May 20, 2013

BILLS:
1. Bill No. 42-32(COR) – Dennis G. Rodriguez, Jr.
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR TO CHARGE THIRD PARTY PAYERS, FIRST, FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO INDIVIDUALS WHO QUALIFY UNDER ANY WELFARE PROGRAM (MEDICAID, MEDICALLY INDIGENT PROGRAM, ETC.) BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE 12 TO CHAPTER 2, TITLE 10, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED. *Discussion Suspended

2. Bill No. 69-32(COR) as Substituted by the Committee on General Government Operations and Cultural Affairs -T.C. Ada, B.J.F. Cruz, R.J. Respicio
AN ACT TO ADD A NEW SECTION §5351 TO CHAPTER 5 OF 5 GCA, RELATIVE TO THE DURATION OF COMMERCIAL LEASES FOR PUBLIC REAL PROPERTY AND RELATED FACILITIES. *Moved to 3rd Reading File

RESOLUTIONS:
1. Resolution 42-32(COR) - Aline A. Yamashita, Ph.D.
Relative to fully supporting HR 91 introduced by Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo and Congressman Faleomavarga to extend the supplemental security income benefits program to Guam, the United States Virgin Islands and America Samoa, and extending Dångkolo Na Si Yuʹos Maʹåseʹ to the Representatives for advocating for their people with disabilities. *Moved to 3rd Reading File

APPOINTMENTS:
1. Mr. Joseph M. McDonald - Member, Public Utilities Commission *Moved to Voting File
2. Ms. Virginia Yasuhiro - Member, Council on Mental Health and Substance Abuse (AKA The Advisory Council") *Moved to Voting File

UNSWORN DECLARATION: I hereby declare that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, under penalty of perjury of the laws of Guam, this declaration being sworn and made in lieu of an affidavit pursuant to Title 6 Guam Code Annotated §4308, at the place and date identified herein.
Rory J. Respicio 

******************SESSION AGENDA********************

READ the SESSION AGENDA below:

1. Bill No. 42-32 (COR) - D.G. Rodriguez, Jr.
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR TO CHARGE THIRD PARTY PAYERS, FIRST, FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO INDIVIDUALS WHO QUALIFY UNDER ANY WELFARE PROGRAM (MEDICAID, MEDICALLY INDIGENT PROGRAM, ETC.) BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE 12 TO CHAPTER 2, TITLE 10, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED.

2. Bill No. 59-32(COR) - V.C. Pangelinan
AN ACT TO ADD CHAPTER 162 TO TITLE 11 OF THE GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO ESTABLISHING THE COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT FUNDS ACT, AND TO REPEAL SECTION 106155 OF CHAPTER 106, TITLE 11, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED.

3. Bill No. 64-32(COR) - V.C. Pangelinan
AN ACT TO ADD A NEW ARTICLE 2 TO CHAPTER 12, DIVISION 2, TITLE 22 OF THE GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO THE LICENSING OF SERVICE CONTRACTS SOLD ON GUAM.

4. Bill No. 69-32(COR) as Substituted by the Committee on General Government Operations and Cultural Affairs –T.C. Ada
AN ACT TO ADD A NEW SECTION §5351 TO CHAPTER 5 OF 5 GCA, RELATIVE TO THE DURATION OF COMMERCIAL LEASES FOR PUBLIC REAL PROPERTY AND RELATED FACILITIES.

5. Bill No. 79-32(COR) as Amended - Judith T. Won Pat, Ed.D.
AN ACT TO AMEND S106911(k) OF CHAPTER 106, TITLE 11, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF DORMANT AND UNCLAIMED BANK ACCOUNT FUNDS FROM THE TREASURER OF GUAM TO THE GUAM HOUSING CORPORATIONS'S HOUSING TRUST FUND.

6. Bill No. 95-32(COR) - Judith T. Won Pat, Ed.D., T.R. Muna- Barnes, R.J. Respico
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF THREE MILLION ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,100,000.00) ESCHEATED TO THE GENERAL FUND, PURSUANT TO §21116 OF CHAPTER 21, DIVISION 2, TITLE 5, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUPPORTING UNFUNDED GOVERNMENT OF GUAM OBLIGATIONS.

7.  Bill No. 96-32(COR) - Frank B. Aguon, Jr., T.R. Muna Barnes, B.J.F. Cruz
AN ACT RELATIVE TO EXPANDING THE REPRESENTATION ON THE HAGATNA RESTORATION & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, TO INCLUDE THE MAYOR OF HAGATNA AND A LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES; THROUGH AMENDING §§79301 OF ARTICLE 3, CHAPTER 79, TITLE 21, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED.

8. Bill No. 26-32(COR) - B. J.F. Cruz, V. Anthony Ada, T.R. Muna-Barnes
AN ACT TO ADD A NEW § 8107.1 TO CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, GUAM CODE ANNOATATED; RELATIVE TO MANDATING THE CREATION OF THE 'GUAM PUBLIC NOTICE WEBSITE', AMENDING (A) OF §8104 CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5 GUAM CODE ANNOTATED AND ADDING (C) OF §8104 CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5 GUAM CODE ANNOATED.

RESOLUTIONS:

1. Resolution No. 42 -32 (LS) – A. Yamashita,Ph.D.
RELATIVE TO FULLY SUPPORTING HR 91 INTRODUCED BY CONGRESSWOMAN DONNA CHRISTENSEN, CONGRESSWOMAN MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO AND CONGRESSMAN FALEOMAVARGA TO EXTEND THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME BENEFITS PROGRAM TO GUAM, THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS AND AMERICA SOMOA, AND EXTENDING DANKULO NA SI YUUS MA’ASE TO THE REPRESENTATIVES FOR ADVOCATING FOR THEIR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

2. Resolution No. 83-32(COR) - T.R. Muna Barnes
RELATIVE TO RECOGNIZING THE MANY ADVANTAGES OF USING ALTERNATIVE, SUSTAINABLE, AND GREEN BUILDING MATERIALS INCLUDING TIMBER, BOTH SOFT AND HARDWOOD, THATCHED PLANT PRODUCTS, RECYCLED MATERIALS BOTH NATURAL AND COMMERCIALLY MANUFACTURED, TO CONSTRUCT SUSTAINABLE AND FAMILY‐FRIENDLY HOMES, AND ENCOURAGING LOCAL INSURERS TO PROVIDE HOME INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR HOUSING STRUCTURES BUILT WITH SUCH MATERIALS.

APPOINTMENTS:

1. • Joseph M. McDonald– Member, Public Utilities Commission
2. • Virginia Yasuhiro – Member, Council on Mental Health and Substance Abuse (AKA “The Advisory Council”)

Committee reports for the above mentioned items can be found on the Guam Legislature’s website at www.guamlegislature.com.