02-19-07 Regular Meeting of the Chapter 172 Employee Retiree Insurance and Benefits Board Meeting Minutes

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Board Member Introductions Next, each Board Member introduced themselves. Question from New Board Member, Sammy Jacobs: Do we post anything at like Public Works, Parks & Recreation, or the Police Department on bulletin boards that we are having a meeting on these dates and times? Answer: Robert Swanagan- Not currently we make the required postings as part of the Open Meeting's Law. Comment Sammy Jacobs: And so it is not going to the rank and file. I think it should be posted in the Break Rooms because these are the people that work for the City that have concerns and can provide input to us. Response- Robert Swanagan- We certainly want to use any tool that will allow communication to take place and enhance communications. We will gladly post notice of meetings to employees. We will also encourage employees and Retirees to provide information to the 172 thru any and all Board Members. Presentation from Clark Askins, City Attorney Clark provided an overview of the history of l72 including reason for formation, roles and responsibilities of Board Members. He discussed that the City's health insurance is self-funded, and governed by Ch. l72 of the Local Government Code, and that we are largely free from state insurance regulation. He explained that the Board is an advisory board to the City Council. He also explained the difference between an Alternate and Regular Board Member. Our third party administrator is Humana. He also indicated we have Neal Welch from Hilb Rogal & Hobbs that acts as an advisor to us about our health plan. Clark indicated he would like to look at developing a new Ordinance that would better define the roles and responsibilities of the Board. Presentation from Michael Dolby, Finance Staff Michael provided an oyeryiew of the Government Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 45 (GASB-45) that must be implemented by the City of La Porte in October 2008. This new reporting standard will make governments present a clearer picture of their financials both current and future and will have a significant impact on cash flows that are associated with Health Care Benefits. He also provided a copy of the City of La Porte's Working Capital Summary. Presentation from Robert Swanagan, Human Resources Staff Robert informed Board Members that meetings are scheduled at least quarterly and also as needed. Meetings are scheduled well in advance to ensure the best attendance as possible. Today's meeting was held at 5:30 pm. However, the time can be changed including luncheon meetings, if desired by the Board Members. Some tentative dates for the remainder of2007 are: 6/18,9/17 and 11/19.