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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-07 Regular Meeting of the Chapter 172 Employee Retiree Insurance and Benefits Board Meeting Minutes Chapter 172 Employee Retiree Insurance and Benefits Board Meeting Minutes Monday, February 19,2007 The Chapter 1 72 Employee Retiree Insurance and Benefits Board Meeting was called to Order at 5:3l pm by Robert Swanagan. Attendees: Clark Askins l72 Board Member Michael Dolby l72 Board Member Matt Daeumer l72 Board Member Juliane Graham l72 Board Member Sammy Jacobs 172 Board Member Robert Swanagan Staff Representatiye Steve Valerius l72 Board Member Absent: Karen Beerman l72 Board Member George Van Dyke l72 Board Member Guest: Martha Gillett City of La Porte Employee Marlene Rigby City of La Porte Employee Robert Swanagan opened the meeting by thanking each member for attending the l72 Board Meeting. He also noted that Karen Beerman had left a message that she was sick and would not be able to attend the meeting. Board Member George VanDyke had confirmed his attendance by E-Mail. The Meeting Minutes for the August lO, 2006 meeting were reviewed for approval. After reyiew of the minutes Board Member, Michael Dolbl made a motion that the minutes be approved as written. Board Member Clark Askins 2" the motion. The motion carried. Martha Gillett, City Secretary administered the Oath of office to the new Board members, Matt Daeumer, Juliane Graham, Sammy Jacobs and Steve Valerius. 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. Each member was provided contact information for the entire board and asked to proyide changes to the list to Robert. Board Members were informed they would receive information by E-Mail including information receiyed about on-going Health Care related issues by other cities. Robert also informed the Board Members of a required l6 hours of training that must be completed within one hundred and eighty (180) days of becoming a Chapter l72 Board Member. He is waiting for information from Joe Munoz with Texas Municipal League regarding training times and dates available, cost for training, how training is scheduled and the possibility of it being conducted at night or on a Saturday. Administrative Report: Nothing to report. Comment- New Board Member, Steve Valerius I would just like to second Clark's idea of better outlining the function of this Board because of the Board Liability issues. I think looking at and crafting the language in the board's responsibilities to understand if we haye, or do not have a liability as a Board. Robert Swanagan moyed that the meeting be adjourned at 6:23 pm. Motion was made by Michael Dolby to adjourn the meeting. Clark Askins seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, k . -L. ;ZJV\JC~("-~M~ Robert Swanagan, Human Resources Staff Approved this 7th day of June, 2007.