Regular Council Meeting  

August 2, 2011             

Minutes 

Present:  Mayor, all Councilmen except Councilman Tucker who was unable to participate by Skype.  Also absent – City Clerk Krista Bedingfield (medical leave).  Others present:  City Administrator Patrick Eidson and City Attorney Rebecca Tydings. 

Invocation – Mayor Harley 

Pledge of Allegiance – Councilman Wright 

Adoption of Minutes: Motion to adopt both sets as written:  Councilman Wright; second – Councilman Andrews.  Unanimous. 

·         July 12, 2011 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 

·         July 19, 2011 Council Work Session Meeting Minutes 

Mayor recognized new police officer Scott Ferguson and welcomed him to the city. 

Old Business 

Ordinance amendment - Mayor and Council salary increase - first reading: City Administrator Eidson.  Advertisement running in paper (July 27, 2011; August 3, 2011; and August 10, 2011) as required by law.  Proposed adoption will take place at work session on August 16, 2011. 

Update on ROW abandonment request from Attorney Tom Hall - point of information:  City Administrator Eidson.  Point of information – Quit Claim Deed executed; copy of QCD and Mr. Hall’s request letter to be attached to minutes. 

New Business 

FY 2011 – 2012 Employee Health Insurance Renewal: City Administrator Eidson – Summary of current PPO rates and associated costs and new plan (POS) rates and associated costs presented and attached to minutes.  “Soft” quote from March 2011 and “firm” quote from August 2011 represents a difference (increase) in what was anticipated and budgeted for in the amount of $66,125.00.  City Administrator Eidson stated that he believes current budget and some additional funding from the contingency and enterprise funds will absorb the unanticipated cost increase.  City Administrator presented three options for funding the increase as follows: 

1.       No change in the budget as is:  We simply make adjustments throughout the budget year by each quarter if necessary.  Give department heads the opportunity to find money within departments. 

2.      Allocate the difference of $49,051 from General Fund contingency and $17,074 from W&S Fund Contingency to absorb change. 

3.      Allocate funds from the Unrestricted, Undesignated fund balance in the amount of $66,125. This is a last resort recommendation from the City Administrator. 

City Administrator requested adoption of the new POS plan.  City employees will attend open enrollment meetings that will be set up during the next few weeks. 

Motion to adopt new POS plan with first funding option as presented by City Administrator Eidson – Councilman Smith; second – Councilman Wright.  Mayor noted that employee cost is still much lower than their costs under the current plan.  Mayor asked if we got “bids” from any other providers – City Administrator said no and reminded Mayor that employees were asked about their preference for a provider and the majority wanted to stay with BCBS.  Mayor asked if we knew why premiums were so much higher than anticipated.  City Administrator said, “Not really, but it’s partially based on claims filed over a period by city employees,” and noted that “Harry Potter couldn’t completely explain the formula used to arrive at premiums.”  Mayor called for the question – vote – unanimous. 

Council Sub-Committee Restructuring:  Mayor Harley 

Mayor started out by discussing work at planning retreat and need to re-structure committees. After brief comments, the Mayor turned the discussion over to City Administrator Eidson.  Tonight is merely a presentation of information and a proposal for committee makeup and rotation cycles.  City Administrator presented a chart demonstrating the re-structure proposal, with the new cycles beginning on January 1, 2012.  Chart attached to and made part of the minutes.  Notes at the bottom of the chart summarize City Administrator Eidson’s explanation of the re-structure proposal.  City Administrator Eidson noted that the proposed two-year committee terms would facilitate the long-term planning focus of these committees.  Summary document contains description/focus of each committee.  City Administrator Eidson pointed out the need for a designated meeting date and time for each committee.  Each committee would meet six times per year or every other month.  Meeting dates could be changed if absolutely necessary – flexibility when needed.  Called meetings would also be held as necessary.  Proposed re-structure will be presented for a vote at the work session on August 16, 2011.  Chart attached to and made part of minutes. 

Comments from the Council 

Mayor – recognized three individuals (Roger Jamerson, Dominic Andrews, and Eddie Tucker) from the City who serve in the Guard and Reserve and showed certificate presented to the City.  Centerville PD also got a recognition certificate for the same reason. 

Comments from the Audience - None. 

Adjourned 7:26 p.m. 

______________________________________ 

Mayor John R. Harley 

______________________________________ ______________________ 

Attest by:  City Clerk, Krista Bedingfield                             Date