The Carmi City Council met Monday, January 6, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building, 225 East Main Street, Carmi, Illinois.
Prior to opening the council meeting, Mayor Pollard asked Alderman Steve Winkleman to give the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Pollard presided with the following aldermen present: Steve Winkleman, Mark W. Blake, Keith Davis, Kenny Carter, Mike Knight, Doug Hays, Jack Lamont and Sheila Jo Headlee.
Minutes for the December 16, 2013 council meeting were presented. A motion was made by Alderman Lamont and seconded by Alderman Headlee to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard then asked council to approve the rescheduling of the January 20, 2014 council meeting to Tuesday, January 21, 2014. A motion was made by Alderman Hays and seconded by Alderman Knight to approve the rescheduling as requested. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
Mayor Pollard asked council to approve the renewal of the agreement with Mutual Medical Plans, Inc. to serve as the City’s third party administrator for our health insurance plan. Mayor Pollard asked City Clerk Brian Allen to give the 2013 Plan Cost Review and the Renewal information to the council. Clerk Allen noted the following:
2013 Plan Cost Review
- Total Plan Costs for the 10 months period ending 11/30/13 was $654,682
- 2013 Projected Annualized Plan costs based on cost as of 11/30 is $803,631 (6.7% decrease from 2012)
- Estimated 2013 Annual Plan costs from the 2013 renewal the City of Carmi was given last January was $886,314 (81% loss ratio)
- Dental claims decreased 10% over last year
- Vision claims increased 16% over last year.
- Medical claims decreased 24% over last year (no individual exceeded the stop loss deductible as of 11/30/13)
- RX claims decreased 9% over last year
- Fixed Cost (admin/HL fee, Symetra premium) decreased 4% over last year
- Average Annual Cost since switching from Blue Cross Blue Shield to Mutual Medical in 2010: 603% decrease per year.
2014 Renewal
- Renewal based on November 2013 enrollment of 61 covered employees
- Proposal keeps the current year’s Individual Stop Loss deductible of $40,000 + $24,000 IAD the same for 2014
- No increase to Aggregate Stop Loss Premium
- No increase to Aggregate Claim Factor
No increase to the Individual Stop Loss premium
2014 Total Maximum Plan Costs = $1,020,933, the same as 2013 Maximum Costs
2014 Estimated Plan Costs = $886,314, the same as 2013 Estimated Costs
Projected 2014 plan cost using 2013 loss ratio of 81% = $803,631 (same as 2013 projected cost)
There was no discussion by the alderman concerning the renewal with Mutual Medical Plans, Inc… A motion was made by Alderman Lamont and seconded by Alderman Davis to approve the renewal as presented. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
Report and/or Updates from Mayor Pollard
- There was an anonymous donation of a handicap swing to the City which will be installed at Bradshaw Park. The Mayor noted that he was checking into the cost of the swing to possibly place one at Eckerle Park as well.
- The Mayor thanked the City Street and Alley Department for getting the Santa House and the Christmas Train moved which allowed south main Cross Street to be opened in time for New Year’s Eve.
- The Mayor thanked all of the City departments who have been busy removing snow.
- The Mayor noted how proud he was of the City Employees and the way they have adjusted to some of the changes that have been made this year. 2014 will hopefully bring bigger and better opportunities for the future of Carmi.
- The Mayor introduced Holly Healy the City of Carmi Chamber of Commerce Director. Mrs. Healy made introductions to council and noted that whatever she could do to help the City of Carmi “her door is always open for assistance.”
Reports from Standing Committees
Alderman Winkleman noted that there needed to be larger swing seats at the City Parks to accommodate older children.
Alderman Knight replied that he had been looking at options for swing seats for all the City Parks.
Business or Comments from Visitor
Jerry Applewhite addressed council that James Pack rents a house for him and that Mr. Pack had requested gravel for the city alley at his home and was denied his request. He felt like the request was denied by Alderman Blake due to a dislike to Mr. Applewhite personally. Alderman Blake responded that it was not factual and he did not deny the request for gravel. Mayor Pollard responded that the council does not operate that way and will not operate in that fashion. The Mayor noted that the gravel was delivered that same day and spread in the alley. Alderman Winkleman noted that his residence was not even in Alderman Blake’s Ward.
Motion Made by Alderman Winkleman and seconded by Alderman Hays to adjourn. The motion carried on roll call by each alderman answering “yes.”
At 5:48 p.m. council adjourned.
Brian K. Allen, City Clerk
Jeff Pollard, Mayor
