HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Workshop_03/12/2009MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
WORKSHOP MINUTES
MARCH 12, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pat Watkins at 6:02 p.m. A roll call was taken by
Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Pat Watkins, Vice-Mayor Calvin Turnquest,
Council Member Vince Arena, Council Member Jim Humpage, and Council Member Tom
Paterno. Also in attendance were: Village Manager Michael R. Couzzo Jr., HR Director
Merlene Reid, and Clerk Lori McWilliams.
Merlene Reid, Human Resource Director, noted procedures which had taken place to the
present point and stated that from the events of the RFP the two groups chosen by the
committee were the Gehring Group and Wells Fargo Insurance Services.
1. The Gehring Group
Kurt Gehring offered his biography of expertise and introduced staff members explaining their
area of proficiency. He began their presentation noting the differences of private and public
sector.
Christian Berkstrom, Director of Analytical Services, stated they were an independent
company with access to all the insurance markets and offered additional benefits through trust
companies only available to the public sector.
Ellen Jones, Director of Risk Management, advised that she would be the contact person
working with staff and prideful that there would always be accessibility for employees through
alternate staff if she was not available. She committed to a quick response to any questions
and noted their reference book which would be given to each employee.
Anna Maria Studley, Senior Account Manager spoke on compliancy issues reassuring that
their extended expertise spoke for itself. She discussed the stimulus act along with rebates
and credits and the company's versatility and eagerness to anticipate assistance. She spoke
about how they would encourage employees to engage in their own personal health
maintenance throughout the year.
Mr. Gerhing reported that staff worked on salary and worked well together and felt that was an
attribute where other companies were paid on performance levels. He noted comparison of the
insurance market past along with thoughts for the future.
Council Member Humpage asked about savings for the Village. Mr. Berkstrom responded that
there were options to save within the plan along with alternative carriers that would offer
discounts. He noted that the insurance program would be changing across the state in the next
two to three months and it would affect plans and contributions.
Minutes -Workshop 3/12/09
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Council Member Humpage questioned when the Town of Jupiter opted for Health
Reimbursement Accounts/Health Savings Accounts (HRA/HSA). Mr. Berkstrom replied
January 1, 2009 but, because of low interest in the HSA plan changes were made to their plan.
Vice Mayor Turnquest expressed his concern for being kept up to date with market changes.
2. Wells Fargo Insurance Services
Steven Olsen, Wells Fargo Insurance Services, advised that he had been the insurance broker
with the Village for approximately 15 years.
Brian Oliff spoke on behalf of Wells Fargo expertise and history and gave background on
himself.
Wendy Wiley, Account Executive offered her background and pointed out how well the team
worked collectively. She noted the group's standards and that legal counsel were also recently
employed to staff.
Mr. Olsen referenced their work with carriers to offer savings to clients along with keeping
clients abreast of changes in the market. He noted added services including legal counsel at
no charge to the client, third party Cobra Administration service, training and CyberSure (a
new service). He also presented the history of rate negotiations showing the success Wells
Fargo had in the past with reducing requested renewal increases.
Vice Mayor Turnquest asked Merlene Reid for a written list of the two candidates answers to
specific questions. Ms. Reid responded that it would be provided.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Council MemberHum~,~~a,~oved to adjourn the meeting at 6:53 p. m.; seconded
by Vice Mayor Turnquest, motior~~~~_ l.ni~r-ously 5-0.
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Lori McWilliams, CMC ~~"'®'~,~c~~R pP~ ~~'~~
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