[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6199902,"mediaKeyId","3821762-30a17e3a165bdd293cd140195a756c26","parentId",3821762,"title","Commission holds closed session on security and approves critical infrastructure upgrade","audioSeconds",2516,"startMs",1815000,"endMs",4331000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3821762-30a17e3a165bdd293cd140195a756c26&start=1815&end=4331","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3821762-30a17e3a165bdd293cd140195a756c26/thumbnail_1815000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6199902/Michigan/Commission-holds-closed-session-on-security-and-approves-critical-infrastructure-upgrade","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199902-a3d53e3d89f81b79f82ae1b07e86bb7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770904929&Signature=TjqGI2BWonGljeD2h-PH~3f8L0nhdPstGKNP6vf~jaD1KePWCuLP~S1OpeA4LH1huMefC4LX-T12Zdxij-lPY57lW74vWR8Zqy2c24v8NDxs3pXko4DIOXverU4aDEoRPCK5wuHDjeENlGewtYWyX~k57yKfgrMYvGkayY8qnIMiS6RiEdW9lT0IgNwZHWewIitiRH-fa20895RnQ6WSdS~wDw53~NA1jcPjkf3pJOZLb1wfZhwnXCTBFg9zHSdPa5TUdThB7Y2mtnpBA3EHw~yTc0JwhSxME~BymZTu9L5elSYTR0t4WXtMecMT0mZfGKSCrwvUC-iZ4jvgz5PT4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","State of Michigan","date","2025-06-09T00:00:00Z","article","The Michigan State Capitol Commission on June 9 voted to meet in closed session to receive and deliberate a security proposal from the executive director and later approved a critical infrastructure upgrade following that closed session.

Why it matters: Security measures for the Capitol can include operational changes that commissioners said could be ineffective if disclosed publicly; the commission cited provisions of the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act when moving to closed session.

Chair Candler moved that the commission meet in closed session \"under section 8 h of the Open Meetings Act to receive and deliberate a proposal from the commission's executive director regarding security measures as pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act section 13 1 u.\" The motion was seconded by Commissioner Oberlin. The secretary conducted a roll‑call vote; Chair Candler, Vice Chair Bauer, Commissioner Hobbs, Commissioner Land, Commissioner Oberlin and Commissioner Star all voted yes and the commission recorded the two‑thirds threshold was met.

After the closed session concluded, a motion was made to \"approve the critical information upgrade [infrastructure].\" The motion was moved by Commissioner Lynn and supported by staff member Rudy. A roll‑call vote was taken and all six commissioners voted yes; the commission recorded the approval of the critical infrastructure upgrade.

The transcript records the motions, the statutory bases cited and unanimous roll‑call outcomes for both the closed‑session motion and the subsequent infrastructure approval. The commission described the security measures as operationally sensitive and said public disclosure would defeat their usefulness; no further details of the proposed security measures or the upgrade were provided in the public record at this meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Appropriations Monday, June 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Michigan State Capitol Commission voted unanimously to enter a closed session under the Open Meetings Act to discuss security measures and later voted to approve a critical infrastructure upgrade.","taxTitle","Appropriations, House of Representative, Committees\t\t\t\t\t, Legislative, Michigan","taxId",27109,"location","Michigan","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6199907,"Commission hears progress on flag conservation project; documentary to premiere Dec. 6",236,1204000,1440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3821762-30a17e3a165bdd293cd140195a756c26&start=1204&end=1440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3821762-30a17e3a165bdd293cd140195a756c26/thumbnail_1204000.jpg","/articles/6199907/Michigan/Commission-hears-progress-on-flag-conservation-project-documentary-to-premiere-Dec-6","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199907-bb327afcc4b1243f64cedcc36d612535/orig.mp4?Expires=1770904929&Signature=TmBGYgJQ5fLKWZEail7MbrHileMF8WgPUKklWQw1qyAGQE75rPAMNXsS3ST-HEZaPV1WXkG638iz5OfAJxgZe8o76-FpvpaXGgqkxXX8HOfr4oBJqb5M~rOV6Dpgudkd8T5h0RtrIYygAHgLr8KkhtvLWhPwj3OAwMd5vZLSnPC1vBfLdFRyFgwtQVOd9uVVuRavko-UMLoTtcUo-hm2gMB0xOdumjaGLdiwVLVWk6MJjrotLYOkFA2eXh~xVIWt-rJ3GbgsenGODNNueBjSic9KP~011kPobpOdogkjabpbB1kwsg7Dg9FEcqeLEuBSc5klDEduy3FcIcKkbaoB2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Michigan State Capitol Commission was updated on the long‑running Save the Flags project, which preserves, researches and displays approximately 240 historic battle flags from Michigan units that served in the Civil War, the Spanish–American War and World War I. The commission was shown a short progress film and told a longer documentary will premiere at the Capitol on Dec. 6.

Why it matters: The flag collection is an archival and interpretive asset; conservation and onsite treatment affect how artifacts are stored, displayed and interpreted for the public.

Matt Van Acker addressed commissioners about the project’s origins and current work. He said Textile Preservation Associates of West Virginia was retained decades ago to guide conservation and that the flags were moved from rotunda cases into archival storage at the Michigan Historical Center to stop ongoing environmental damage. \"We are, in fact, saving these flags,\" Van Acker said, describing development of an on‑site conservation lab in Heritage Hall that now allows some conservation work to be done in Lansing.

Van Acker said the production company Motion Possible (producer Bradley Egan) has made a documentary about the flags; the film will premiere in Heritage Hall on Saturday, Dec. 6, with reenactors and the producer present for audience questions. He described an earlier public procession of flags involving descendants who marched them back into the rotunda after restoration work.

Commissioners praised the work and recommended wider distribution of information about the December premiere. No formal action or vote was taken on the flags project at this meeting; the presentation was an informational progress report.

","Staff and a project representative updated the commission on the Save the Flags conservation program, archival storage and a short documentary documenting the conservation and history of 240 battle flags from the Civil War, Spanish–American War and World War I.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":80,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6199910,"Commission reviews landscape master plan; staff proposes removing hazard trees and planting perimeter allees",442,762000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3821762-30a17e3a165bdd293cd140195a756c26&start=762&end=1204","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3821762-30a17e3a165bdd293cd140195a756c26/thumbnail_762000.jpg","/articles/6199910/Michigan/Commission-reviews-landscape-master-plan-staff-proposes-removing-hazard-trees-and-planting-perimeter-allees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199910-dff59ebce106fcfc7826c1f150750911/orig.mp4?Expires=1770904929&Signature=BYRXw5zXYzM5PnZFBCsQbg1dDtyS5kppcKg30jxxZcQh~BbntXkoeQ4YoYETU1c0xLcuOpbmnCTBv2aBwtxEhCwhCLsjKiFynN51iOX2xdxhr9NpAevtStALqp94spWsjfvm43cVhhP3TuNTIUiwXW9gZFVFU6m6rRj7zLTfuvcpLYcJVcYLrfMNnFbxGzJCbvyV2emqaOvYrM-qsfPXftIveQwuSX7Fq2hvLoQUNWSsHM~NrZmnaETXcQ1wP~bHwN8DT9JwFVgFJR1qnG-u1-sqdPNGMF~MtT7k7uvvkwNH6ngB0YzRPM9BNweby3p0HDhV6RDyl7c9l7-qyY32lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Michigan State Capitol Commission reviewed a landscape master plan that calls for removal of hazard trees, targeted replanting along the lawn perimeter and reestablishment of a historical alley of trees over 2025–26.

Why it matters: Tree removal and replanting affect public viewshed, pedestrian experience on the Capitol grounds and long‑term maintenance and safety for a 145‑year‑old public building.

Rob Blackshaw, the commission’s executive director, said staff and consultants (Beckett and Rader landscape architects and Michigan State University specialists) have identified multiple hazard trees to be removed this fall and into 2026. He said one tree (referred to in the packet as \"Tree 12\") will be removed after recent storms created dangerous limb failure.

On the plan to reestablish an alley of trees around the perimeter, Blackshaw said renderings show how removing inner trees and planting perimeter Michigan‑native hardwoods will restore the original design intent and still allow view corridors from the street. \"You come to the trees, you see the park, when you walk through the alley of trees, then the building just grows and it has this grandiose feel,\" he said.

Commissioner Land asked how the plan would interact with the large catalpa tree on the grounds; Blackshaw said the catalpa has a large internal cavity and is supported by iron posts that are beginning to twist. He said the master plan calls for removing the existing catalpa should it fail and replacing it with a new catalpa paired with a matching tree on the north side of the sidewalk to preserve the historical feature.

Blackshaw said planned perimeter plantings would likely use trees at least a 6‑inch caliper and that renderings included views for 2019, 2024 and projected 2025–26 conditions. Commissioners discussed inclusion of smaller flowering species (dogwoods) in peripheral areas such as near Heritage Hall; Blackshaw said the full planting palette is documented in a plan prepared by Carrie Chartkoff and that staff would circulate that plan to commissioners.

No formal roll‑call vote on the landscape plan appears in the meeting transcript; commissioners indicated support to \"move forward\" and staff said they will proceed with the 2025–26 planting and removal schedule.

","Commissioners reviewed a multi‑year landscape master plan that would remove hazardous inner‑lawn trees and reestablish an alley of trees along the perimeter over 2025–26, and discussed replacing a historic catalpa tree if it fails.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6199915,"Michigan State Capitol Commission hears progress report on Fourth Floor restoration, glass floor and dome inspections",529,95000,624000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3821762-30a17e3a165bdd293cd140195a756c26&start=95&end=624","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3821762-30a17e3a165bdd293cd140195a756c26/thumbnail_95000.jpg","/articles/6199915/Michigan/Michigan-State-Capitol-Commission-hears-progress-report-on-Fourth-Floor-restoration-glass-floor-and-dome-inspections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199915-566743b35d90420b858f98080a8ba0b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770904929&Signature=njtvZqU3KqHv4rm~brGZLVi~ag6HamuPy~E240cmRJldnfUHA68zcIiB2k5QaASF2rwKcRNtQS5yjSCY0xtPC~1KNjjzu0ElfXq0atNMty3D~bUuGMjfJJhOqMHJTYrU7wcuAXqi0w9yH~ej8kQ7dW1eHV~8xKSM0cH-0YJc1FlVGHlBdHiD0e49vt44S0NaWH3htgFlkjJUcMwEJMaGY2U~JKlPj7D0r2eGSZmZqa4J5qp~koTmx-Vnv4Reone~fd3hGTYtJGQFw3ik5NEkWVJvJL-wqOsL-70k7EZovC6Lt93j~R38HLs77sTKoEqWQGWjqIcZiEI6UlQPAVAK9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Michigan State Capitol Commission on June 9 received an update on multiple restoration projects at the Capitol, including decorative painting and plaster repairs on the Fourth Floor, the phased replacement of the glass floor in the rotunda, drone-based inspections of the exterior dome and a study of photovoltaic skylights.

Why it matters: The capital restoration work affects public access to historic spaces, the preservation of artwork and fabric in the 145‑year‑old building and the state's long‑term energy and maintenance costs.

Rob Blackshaw, the commission’s executive director, told commissioners the Fourth Floor East Side painting work has begun and crews have uncovered long‑standing cracking in plaster arches on the West Side. \"Once we did a study even more looks like these cracks are over 30 or 40 years old,\" Blackshaw said, adding that a structural engineer’s technical analysis is pending and that the current determination is that \"no structural integrity needs to be reinforced.\" He said staff will monitor the cracks and use flexible fillers in the plaster to reduce future cracking.

Blackshaw described work on the rotunda glass floor, which had an initial fit issue caused by variations in 19th‑century cast iron framing. He said the glass contractor, Lucid Glass, re‑scanned the grid and adjusted the perimeter pieces; 20 glass panels are in place and a further 20–30 panels were expected the following week. \"By July 4, we'll probably have 50 pieces in place,\" he said, and the project remains forecast to finish by next spring.

The commission also heard about a recent high‑definition drone inspection of the exterior dome. Blackshaw said the drone footage allows architects and construction managers to assess paint delamination and loose metal without erecting full scaffolding, enabling a more targeted, cost‑efficient approach.

On energy upgrades, Blackshaw said engineers are studying voltaic skylights—glass panels with embedded microcells—as a potential retrofit for skylights above the chamber. He said the consultant Loring Engineers estimates such panels could reduce electrical draw \"30 to 40% off the electrical grid,\" though he added the analysis of aesthetic impact and energy yield is still under way.

Blackshaw also noted waterproofing work and HVAC piping insulation to prevent ongoing moisture and glycol contamination that had caused delamination of plaster and paint in some ceiling areas; crews are removing and replacing ceiling materials in the West Side lobby to address the damage.

Commissioners asked questions about skylights and light control for painted surfaces; Blackshaw noted computerized interior light panels installed during a prior infrastructure project now limit direct UV exposure to painted surfaces. He said he will bring photos and more detailed findings, including the structural engineer’s report on the arches, to a future meeting.

The commission did not take formal action on these project updates at the meeting; the items were presented as progress reports and studies.

Less‑critical details: Blackshaw said decorative stenciling begun decades ago in committee rooms will be completed this summer by the selected decorative painting contractor, Evergreen, which staff described as nationally known. He also said drone video will be used to create a micro‑assessment plan for dome maintenance rather than full scaffolding.

","The Michigan State Capitol Commission received a multi-part update on ongoing restoration work including Fourth Floor decorative painting and plaster repairs, glass floor replacement, drone inspections of the exterior dome and a study of photovoltaic skylights.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission holds closed session on security and approves critical infrastructure upgrade

Commission hears progress on flag conservation project; documentary to premiere Dec. 6

Commission reviews landscape master plan; staff proposes removing hazard trees and planting perimeter allees

Michigan State Capitol Commission hears progress report on Fourth Floor restoration, glass floor and dome inspections