Personnel Committee
October 11, 2007 - 9:30 am
CORRECTED
DRAFT MINUTES
Members: Larry Cornell, Chairman; Mike, McKee, Vice Chairman; Sandy Price, Don Spaulding, John Troy and Tom Williams
Others Present: Marilyn Brown, Chairman, County Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Annette Barber, Personnel Officer; Laurie Gosse, Deputy Personnel Officer; Jeremy Boylan, County Historian; Elizabeth Larkin, County Clerk; and Corey Preston, Cortland Standard
Absent: Steve Dafoe
Mr. Cornell called the meeting to order at 9:36 am.
Mr. Troy made the motion to
approve the minutes of the September 13, 2007 meeting; seconded by Mr.
Spaulding. All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.
SUGGESTED LEGISLATIVE REVIEW:
** The following items have been noted as items for suggested Legislative Review by the C Chairman of the Personnel Committee. These items are also noted with ** and in bold print.
·
Award Proposal/ Authorize Agreement Third Party Administration/ Cortland
County Health Insurance
·
October
CCTVS Meeting
·
Election Commissioner
RESOLUTIONS:
COUNTY
CLERK
1. Authorize Contract, County Clerk’s Office, Document Management System – Mr. Spaulding moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Troy. Mr. Schrader requested that the second resolved be deleted. Mr. Schrader discussed a meeting he had with Betsy Larkin and Rob Corpora and further discussed the two RFP’s received. He expressed that he is in agreement to go with Info Quick. He explained that he has not received information back from Mr. Corpora regarding if it would be more cost effective for Info Quick to supply the equipment or for the County to purchase it. He explained that the financial aspect of this resolution reflects the cost of Info Quick providing the equipment. Mr. Schrader stated that this is the worst-case scenario. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted as amended.
COUNTY
HISTORIAN
** October CCTVS Meeting - Mr. Cornell announced at the upcoming
CCTVS Meeting, scheduled for October 25, 2007 following Legislative Session,
the County Historian will be providing an update in regards to the upcoming
Bicentennial. He announced that
in addition to the County Historian be in attendance; Carol Tytler will also
be in attendance to present information in regards to the proposed Department
of Motor Vehicle sites. Mr.
Cornell encouraged everyone to attend.
Information Processing Clerk
– Mr. Boylan announced that the notice was released in regards to accepting
application for the Information Processing Clerk and he plans on beginning to
interview for that position in the next few weeks.
INSURANCE
2.
** Award Proposal/ Authorize Agreement Third Party
Administration/ Cortland County Health Insurance –
Ms. Price moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Troy.
Ms. Price asked Mr. Schrader about a further analysis regarding the
third party administrator. Mr.
Schrader explained that at the request of the Committee, he and Laurie Gosse
have had a meeting with the unions. He
explained that he has received correspondence from CSEA, NYSNA and CPAC all
stating they have no desire to change third party administrator for health
insurance. He further discussed
the two firms with competitive bids, RMSCO and POMCO.
Mr. Schrader stated that a descriptive analysis is ongoing.
He explained that RMSCO did submit three different proposals; one-year
agreement, three-year agreement and five-year agreement.
He added that the rates are adjusted for the length of the term.
Mr. Schrader also explained that RMSCO couldn’t renegotiate their
rates with providers until 2008. Mr.
Schrader further discussed conversations he has had with Legislators and added
that due to the unions and the time involved he does not recommend changing.
Ms. Price discussed the disruption a change could cause.
Mr. Schrader discussed the Unions and the claims that a change could
have on employees; economical impact and a need to switch providers.
He discussed this opening the door for grievances to be filed.
He explained that grievances can be mitigated and employees can be held
harmless. Mr. Schrader further
stated that the administrative undertaking to mitigate grievances and hold
employees harmless would be huge. He
also stated that the unions have indicated they do not support a switch.
Ms. Price explained that she respects an individuals right to pick
their doctor. Mr. Williams
inquired about the last time when the County changed TPA’s.
Mr. Schrader stated that this time it would be different.
He explained that the providers under RMSCO were the same as the
providers under Blue Cross Blue Shield. He
added that the problems encountered when the County went to RMSCO was due to
the fact that Blue Cross Blue Shield was not administering the Plan Document
the county had and then there was switch to RMSCO.
RMSCO began to administer the Plan Document as intended.
Mr. Schrader further discussed the initial appeals that were filed
after the change to RMSCO and added that there has not been an appeal in the
last year. Mr. Williams inquired
about the change not being worth $120,000.
Committee members discussed changing and the administrative burden that
a change could cause. They also
discussed the numerous phone calls and e-mails they have received.
Mr. Schrader recommended that if the County were to stay with RMSCO he
would recommend a three-year agreement. Mr.
Troy made a motion to insert RMSCO into the resolution and to make the term
for three years; seconded by Mr. Spaulding.
All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution
amended. Mr. Spaulding
expressed that he has received multiple phone calls and e-mail messages
regarding this issue urging him not to vote for any changes in the current
Health Insurance provider. Ms.
Price expressed that this is a subject that needs to be reviewed from time to
time. Mr. Cornell stated that
four years ago we changed insurance
companies, and some employees had to change health providers and he felt that
the County shouldn't change again this soon.
He added that most of the issues with RMSCO have been ironed out and we
should stay with them at this time. Mr.
McKee addressed his concerns regarding people with no health insurance and
added that he would support not making any changes at this time to the County’s
TPA. Mr. Williams inquired about
what the percentage of savings is compared to total payroll.
Mr. Schrader expressed that is would be roughly ½ %.
Mr. Schrader added that the savings as compared to the Health Insurance
expenses is approximately 1% to 1½ %. He
also discussed the very small change in the increases in health insurance cost
to employees. Mr. Williams
inquired if this was discussed at last months Budget & Finance Committee
meeting. Mr. Troy expressed that
it was. Chairman Brown expressed
that these figures to not include the time and additional administrative costs
that a change in TPA would have. She
also pointed out that this does not include any further financial damages if
employees are held harmless. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution
adopted as amended.
DISCUSSION:
1. Vacancy Report, Personnel Officer – Ms. Barber provided a copy of the Vacancy Report to all Legislators. Mr. Troy inquired about the vacancy of Accountant in the Treasurer’s Office. Ms. Barber explained that she had forwarded applications to Mr. Ferris and she has not heard back from him yet. Ms. Barber expressed that her office has received some interest in the Assistant Director Of Information Technology position and has also received a couple of additional applications for the Safety Officer position.
New York State Department of Motor Vehicle, Resolution
to Oppose Governor Spitzer’s Policy Change – Ms. Larkin distributed a copy of a resolution
that she drafted for the Committee’s consideration. Ms. Price stated that she would have liked to have an
opportunity to review this sooner. She
expressed that she has not had time to review this and has not had a chance to
make a decision. Chairman Brown
expressed that it is too political at this time.
Ms. Larkin expressed that it is time sensitive because it is to start
December 1, 2007. Committee
members agreed that all Legislators receive a copy in their mailboxes and have
time to review this and obtain more information if they desire.
Ms. Larkin stated that she has never said that she would not issue the
licenses. She expressed that she
has an oath to uphold to the law, state and federal, and added that she cannot
legally do this. Ms. Larkin
explained that the County Clerk’s voted last week in Albany to oppose this
because it was rushed through too quickly.
She expressed that it was a difficult decision to make.
She expressed that those who attempt to apply for a license and are
illegal aliens will be turned in to the appropriate authorities.
She expressed that this is confusing and questioned why New York State
doesn’t just try to help them become legal.
Mr. Williams inquired about a directive being issued from the
Commissioner about not requiring a social security number.
Ms. Larkin explained that there was a directive.
Mr. Williams discussed a court challenge to the Commissioners authority
to set aside a section of law. Ms.
Larkin expressed that the County Clerks are agents of the Commissioner and
further discussed the laws regarding this.
Mr. Williams suggested to Ms. Larkin that the County Clerk’s
Association should challenge this at the State level.
He further discussed the County Clerk’s Association filing an Article
78.
**Election Commissioners – Mr. Cornell expressed that a decision was
rendered in regards to the Election Commissioner’s lawsuit filed against the
County. He added that the
decision was clear that the County must pay them.
Mr. Schrader explained that their salary must be changed to
approximately $29,000. Ms. Brown
inquired if this must be done retroactively.
Mr. Schrader explained that there were no provisions in the decision
for retroactive pay. Ms. Price
inquired as to what needs to be done to move this along.
Mr. Schrader explained that if the Legislature or the Election
Commissioners decide not to appeal the decision, the decision would stand.
He explained that he recommends the Legislature wait to act until the
expiration of the appeal period. He
explained that the Election Commissioners have the option to appeal the
decision. Ms. Price expressed
that this should be a topic on the Budget & Finance Committee.
Mr. Troy agreed and requested that this be added to the Budget &
Finance Committee agenda. Mr.
Schrader discussed Local Law No. 3 having been declared invalid.
He discussed further speaking with Mr. Gates in regards to this.
Mr. Williams stated that Mr. Gates should be invited to Legislative
Session on October 25, 2007. Mr. Schrader stated that he would contact Mr. Gates.
Ms. Price inquired as to what needs to be done to correct the records
of the Legislature to make sure the records indicate that this local law has
been declared invalid. Mr.
Schrader expressed that he anticipates the decision from the judge will be
received and filed. Mr. Cornell
inquired about changing the terms of office of the Election Commissioners to
run concurrently. Mr. Schrader
expressed that Mr. Gates can address this.
Mr. Schrader went on to discuss that he was disappointed in the
decision and expressed that in his opinion it was poorly written and a poor
analysis of the law. He stated
that the analysis of the law was mentioned but not analyzed.
Mr. Troy inquired about Mr. Gates opinion in regards to an appeal.
Mr. Schrader explained that Mr. Gates has not offered his opinion.
Mr. Schrader stated that there was no analysis of the Election Law and
County Law together. Mr. Williams
stated that at the time the Elections Commissioner’s were not in the step
program, they had been removed. Chairman
Brown inquired if the terms can be changed to run the same.
Committee members discussed changing the terms of the Election
Commissioners and decided to discuss this Mr. Gates.
Ms. Price announced that the Older Americans Advisory Council would like
to see a campaign regarding Department of Motor Vehicle drop boxes and where
they are located in the County.
2.
Departmental Budgets
– Mr. Schrader explained that there are not big changes in the departmental
budgets that fall under the jurisdiction of this Committee except for the
County Historian’s Budget. He
expressed that the Historian’s Budget increase is due to the Bicentennial
Celebration in 2008. He discussed
the County advancing the funds for some of the events and revenue coming in
from some of the events. Ms.
Price inquired about the use of occupancy tax.
Mr. Schrader explained that he was not happy in regards to the
Convention & Visitors Bureau because they did not turn in their budget
until just last week after he had to call and ask for it
He explained that budget requests are due September 1, 2007.
Ms. Price inquired about the Legislature taking back the distribution
of occupancy tax. Mr. Schrader
stated that this should be discussed Budget & Finance Committee. He also discussed that the Convention & Visitors Bureau
did not follow directions in regards to there budget requests.
Mr. Boylan explained that he did put in an application for occupancy
tax and was told that the money is earmarked for promoting Cortland County.
Mr. Troy stated that the Occupancy Tax Allocation Committee is to meet
next week and decide the allocation of the money.
Ms. Price inquired again about the Legislature regaining the control of
the occupancy tax allocation. Mr.
Williams suggested that the Legislature regaining the control of the occupancy
tax funds be discussed at the Budget & Finance Committee meeting.
Mr. Troy made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel
matter; seconded by Mr. Spaulding. The
Personnel Committee went into Executive Session at 10:23 a.m.
The Personnel Committee returned from Executive Session at 10:43 a.m.
Committee members suggested that Worker’s Compensation formula be placed
on next month’s agenda as a discussion item.
Mr.
Williams made a motion to adjourn the
meeting; seconded by Mr. Troy. Mr.
Cornell adjourned the meeting at 10:44 a.m.