PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

DECEMBER 1, 2010

 

 

** NOT APPROVED **


Members Present:  T. O’Grady, D. Burdick, G. Benson, D. Cady, D. Fanton, D. Pullen, N. Ungermann, C. Crandall

 

Guest: Ian Whitehouse, Rich Ewell – Richardson & Stout, Brian Baty – BMA Consulting Services, Inc.

 

Others Present:  J. Margeson, M. Alger, T. Hopkins, F. Sinclair, M. Healy, A. McGraw, B. Rigby Riehle, T. Miner, E. Ruckle, T. Ross, S. Spillane, C. Lorow, J. Hopkins    

 

Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order by Chairman T. O’Grady at 1:00 p.m.

 

A motion was made by Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator Burdick and carried to approve the minutes of October 12th, November 3rd, and November 8, 2010.

 

Ian Whitehouse/Rich Ewell – Richardson & Stout:

Mr. Whitehouse distributed insurance documents to give the committee some background information on the County’s Self Insurance Plan.  Mr. Whitehouse had a chart comparing premiums from 2000 – 2010.  He went on to explain the changes that occurred with the premiums and why.  Mr. Whitehouse stated 2009 was our best year by the lower premium and our excess insurance went from $4mm to $10mm at no extra cost.  We were also reimbursed the capitalization fee.  In 2010, our premium decreased due to the County terminating the visiting nurses program.

 

Mr. Ewell explained the comparison on the Self Insured Retention Plan that the County is currently under and the Deductible Option Plan so the committee will have a better understanding of both plans.  At next month’s meeting the quotes will be presented to the committee and they will have to make a decision on what plan and quote they will approve for another year.

 

Brian Baty – BMA Consulting Services Inc.:

Mr. Baty is the County’s Insurance Consultant who gave an update on the RFP’s that have gone out for both the Self Insured Retention Plan and the Deductible Option Plan.  Mr. Baty will present all the quotes for discussion and final approval at the next scheduled meeting.

 

Mr. Baty answered questions from the Committee in regards to the Third Party Administrator for Workers Compensation. 

 

Brenda Rigby Riehle – Clerk of the Board:

Ms. Riehle asked the Committee to sponsor a resolution approving a renewal proposal/contract to perform consulting services for Allegany County with BMA Consulting Services, Inc. (Brian Baty, President), for the period 1/1/11 – 12/31/11.  A motion was made by Legislator Pullen, seconded by Legislator Fanton and carried unanimously to support said request.  PREPARE A RESOLUTION

 

Cass Lorow – Board of Election Commissioner:

At the last committee meeting the committee requested an update on the November elections and how the new machines worked out.  Ms. Lorow came to give an update.  She stated there were no major problems with the election finals.  The biggest complaint was the change to the new machines and the public not being used to using them.  Overall the Election Day went well.  She stated it made it harder because the ballots were more involved than normal with the need for more columns.  Also the ballots had to be reprinted and resent for absentee ballots for the additional races.  A big cost to the election is the ballots which cost 57 cents a piece.  Legislator Pullen asked if there is a certain amount of ballots that we are required to order.  Ms Lorow stated the State Board of Elections requires the county to order 110% of the voting population.  The County is only able to purchase the ballots from two companies.  There was discussion on the County purchasing a printer to help cut down on the cost.  Ms. Lorow stated the special printers are estimated to cost over $90,000.  She did state that Chautauqua County is inquiring about purchasing a machine and the possibility of purchasing the ballots from them.  There was discussion on the need for more inspectors for each voting poll area.

 

Ellen Ruckle, Personnel Officer:

Ms. Ruckle requests the committee to sponsor a resolution for the compensation of County employees for 2011 step increases for those eligible in the Sheriff, Nurses, AFSCME, and PEF Salary Plans.  A motion was made by Legislator Cady, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried to unanimously support said request.  PREPARE A RESOLUTION

 

Ms. Ruckle requests the committee to support an invoice of $70.03 for the reception in honor of the employees that received recognition for their 30 years of service to the County.  A motion was made by Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator Benson and carried to support said request.

 

New Business:

The Ways and Means Committee requests the Personnel Committee to support abolishing one position of Sr. Caseworker (AFSCME, Grade 17) in the Social Services Department.  Due to the consolidation of two positions, and the filling of two Sr. Case Manager (AFSCME, Grade 17) positions this third position can be abolished.  A motion was made by Legislator Burdick, seconded by Legislator Ungermann and carried unanimously to abolish said position.

 

Chairman O’Grady requests Personnel Officer to report back to the committee at the next meeting on how many part-time employees receive benefits.  The committee would like to revisit this issue.

 

Chairman Curtis Crandall discussed the replacement of H. Scott Spillane – Veterans Services Director due to retirement.  Chairman Crandall will set up a group meeting with the various Veteran Organizations in the County for their recommendations for a replacement.

 

A motion was made by Legislator Ungermann, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried to adjourn the meeting at 1:53 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted:

Alice Alsworth

Confidential Secretary

County Administrator