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CAPITOL GROUNDS PLANNING COMMISSION
(Office of Management and Budget, Facility Management Division)
[Authorized: NDCC Chapter 48-10]
The Capitol Grounds Planning Commission was created in 1965, (S. L. 1965, Ch. 314). It consisted of the Governor, who served as chairman, three senators appointed by the senate president and three representatives selected by the speaker of the house. Originally this Commission served in the calendar years of 1965 and 1966 for the purpose of conferring with a qualified consultant to select a site for construction of the Highway Department building and to otherwise develop a long-term plan for the development of the Capitol Grounds. Appropriations defrayed expenses of the Commission for the term. In 1967 an amendment provided that in addition to long-range planning, the Commission should approve or disapprove the basic style and exterior construction of any building or facility constructed on the Capitol Grounds and direct a study of the legislative facilities and explore the feasibility of adapting additional space within existing buildings (S. L. 1967, Ch. 364). The Commission was to have general powers to superintend the administration of the Capitol Building Fund.
The membership of the Commission changed in 1973 with the addition of two citizens who served with the three senators, three representatives, and the Governor. The term of Commission members was for two years (S. L. 1973, Ch. 377). The major duties of the Commission included formulating and modifying long-term plans for the development of the Capitol Grounds building sites.
The powers and duties of the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission were revised in 1987 (S. L. 1987, Ch. 563). The Commission was given the authority to “accept or reject gifts of any type or class of property for exterior placement on the capitol grounds or for the improvement of exterior construction of any building or facility”. The Commission was to consult with the North Dakota Council on the Arts regarding the value of a memorial, monument, or work of art and to retain a qualified consultant for site selection. In 1995 legislation repealed the Council of the Arts provision with respect to location of items in public areas of the Capitol. Also repealed was the Capitol Arts and Historic Preservation Advisory Committee [NDCC 48-11]. No construction or item was added to the Capitol Grounds without the approval of the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission unless authorized by the Legislative Assembly. It was then the Commission’s responsibility to approve the site, style, or exterior of the building. The Commission was to continue to develop and modify the long-term plans for the development of the Capitol Grounds. In 1995 the Commission membership was changed with the Governor appointing one licensed architect and one representative from the State Historical Society along with the two citizens (S. L. 1995, Ch. 59). The number of members selected from the Senate was decreased from three to two senators and also the number of representative was reduced to two. The Lieutenant Governor replaced the Governor as chairman to the Commission. Also in 1995 legislation required the Commission to advise the director of the Office of Budget and Management and the Legislative Council on matters relating to the physical and aesthetic feature of the interior of buildings on the Capitol Grounds and required the Commission be consulted about new exterior construction, remodeling, or renovation. Purchases or installation of furniture or fixtures in public areas of the Capitol and other buildings on the Capitol Grounds were included in this legislation (S. L. 1995, Ch.59). These requirements included 2007 legislation concerning the outdoor smoking policy on the Capitol Grounds (S. L. 2007, Ch. 243).
The Capitol Building Fund is administered by the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission. In 1967 the Commission acting through the State Land Commissioner of the State Land Department had general powers to superintend and administer the Capitol Building Fund, the interest and income fund, and investments and properties (S. L. 1967, S. L. 364). An amendment in 1979 designated the University and School Lands or its designee on behalf of the Commission to handle investments and management of the Capitol Building Fund and the interest and income fund (S. L. 1979, Ch. 494). A portion of the money from the fund was designated and reserved for the exclusive purpose of the construction of an addition to the legislative wing of the State Capitol building for the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission. The Legislative Council staff at the direction of the Commission prepared the requests for funds by using the voucher system. Legislation in 1991 directed that the vouchers be prepared by the Office of Management and Budget at the direction of the Commission (S. L. 1991, Ch. 600).
CHRONOLOGY
1965 The creation of the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission consisted of the Governor, three state senators, and three state representatives (S. L. 1965, Ch. 314).
1967 An amendment provided that in addition to long-range planning, the Commission should approve or disapprove the basic style and exterior construction of any building or facility constructed on the Capitol Grounds. The Capitol Building Fund was administered by the Capitol Grounds Planning Commission. Funds were dedicated for purpose of construction of legislative wing (S. L. 1965, Ch. 364).
1973 The Governor appointed two citizens with the Governor as chairman (S. L. 1973, Ch. 377).
1979 Board of University and School Lands on behalf of the Commission administered investments and managed the Capitol Building Fund (S. L. 1979, Ch. 494).
1987 Revised duties of the Commission included consulting with the North Dakota Council on the Arts to determine the artistic value of items placed on the Capitol Grounds (S. L. 1987, Ch. 563).
1991 At the direction of the Commission a voucher of expenditures was prepared by the Office of Management and Budget (S. L. 1991, Ch. 600).
1995 The Lieutenant Governor replaced the Governor as chairman of the Commission. The Governor appointed two citizens to the membership (a licensed architect, and a representative from the State Historical Society). The remaining members include two representatives and two senators who represent the Legislative Assembly (S. L. 1995, Ch. 59). The Capitol Arts and Historic Preservation Advisory Committee was repealed [NDCC 48-11].
2007 Legislation required the Commission to implement a plan and place designated for outdoor smoking (S. L. 2007, Ch. 243).
2009 Legislation required the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to develop a report on the construction of all facilities occupied by any state agency located on the capitol grounds (S.L. 2009, Ch. 506).
SOURCES
Legislative History of North Dakota State Agencies: Richard J. Wolfert State Librarian. State Library Commission, 1978.
North Dakota Century Code.
North Dakota Secretary of State Blue Book.
North Dakota State Legislature Session Laws.
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