2006-08-14 thru 08-16-06 Budget Workshop Meetings Minutes

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City Council Budget Workshop Meetings - August 14-182006 - Page 4 Council requested a copy of the recent airport study from Public Works Director Steve Gillett. In addition, the requested information on property tax revenues for the La Porte Municipal Airport. Council noted they would like to see improvements to the landscaping and airport signage. Golf Pro Alex Osmond presented the Golf Course Fund and answered Council questions. Council noted they would like to put back $50,000.00 to the General Fund for supplies so the quality of the golf course does not decline. They would like to include paths and golf cart replacements in the CIP budget. In addition, they directed Mr. Osmond to place notices regarding golf course events on the web, cable and city notification systems. D. Internal Service Funds Overview - City Manager Debra Feazelle provided an overview and answered Council's questions on August 14th, 2006. Public Works Director Steve Gillett provided an overview of the Motor Pool Fund. MIS Manager Al Owens provided an overview of the Technology Fund. The Health Care item was taken out of order and discussed Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. Neal Welch, Consultant Hilb Rogal and Hobbs provided Council with an overview of the Chapter 172 Employee Retiree Insurance and Benefits Board recommendations regarding Health Care issues. Mr. Welch had previously provided Council with the minutes of the last Chapter 172 meeting outlining the Board's recommendations. Summary and details are on file in the City Secretary's Office. An overview was provided of Flexible Spending Accounts. The Chapter 172 Board recommends that Flexible Spending Accounts with the Debit Cards be added to our plan. Councilmember Barry Beasley inquired whether or not the accounts could be rolled over to the next year. Neal Welch advised the flexible spending accounts may not be rolled over. Individual Child Premium Load - the Board does not recommend the Individual Child Premium Load. However, Mr. Welch noted they could create another level Employee/Family. 10% Cost Savings with Plan Design Changes - The Chapter 172 Board did not recommend this plan. Mr. Welch also informed Council they are near the end of the three (3) year contract with Humana and he recommends we look at other service providers in the future. The Chapter 172 Boards recommends a one-time deferral at the discretion of the Retiree with a spousal provision as outlined in COBRA. Which is: If a Retiree is carrying their spouse at retirement then the spouse could re-enter when the retiree re-enters. The Chapter 172 Board recommends that Retiree Over/Under 65 Calculation not be used and remain as it is. Mayor Porter recommended the years of service be looked at in the future to include carrying out premium cost to include up to 40 years of service.