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Miscellaneous Minutes 2000-01 MEETING MINUTES NEIGHBORHOOD FORUM WITH COMMISSIONER CHARLIE FISHER, MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2000 AT VILLAGE ROYALE ON THE GREEN EAST CLUBHOUSE, 2505 NE 2ND COURT, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Present Commissioner Charlie Fisher Police Chief Marehall Gage City Manager Kurt Bressner Opening Statement Commissioner.Fisher called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. and explained to the audience that he represents Distdct IV, which covere Village Royale on the Green. Commissioner Fisher thanked Village Royale for allowing the City to hold its first Commission meeting on the road at their clubhouse and announced that nexz month the COmmission meeting would take place at Boynton Beach Leisureville on July 5th. Tonight's meeting was the result of discussion that took place at Commissioner Fisher's ClP meeting where residents requested that they wanted more police officem and said there are preblems that need to be addressed. Commissioner Fisher intreduced Police Chief Gage who would be conducting the meeting, which would focus on the area east of 1-95 and north of Gateway. It was requested that the issues tonight be limited to police concerns. Police Chief Gage invited two of his staff members to the meeting and asked them to introduce themselves. Lt. Cad Miller stated that he is the evening shift Watch Commander and works from 3:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Officer Paul Deale stated that he has been with the Boynton Beach Police Department since 1997 and works the evening shift in the north end of the City, which are zones 1 and 2. Village Royale is located in zone 1. Aisc present were two COP volunteers. A representative stated that COP stands for Citizen's Observer Patrol and explained what the COPs' duties are and that they patrol 24 hours per day in two-hour shifts. Chief Gage stated that there are over 1100 volunteers citywide in the COP program and explained how a COP program can be instituted in a community. Some COP programs have branched out from their communities into their neighboring areas, both residential and business. Meeting Minutes Neighborhood Forum with Commissioner Fisher Boynton Beach, Florida June 19, 2000 Chief Gage stated that there were many perceptions about tonight's meeting and explained how he intended to conduct the meeting. Chief Gage stated that perception wise, if anyone in the audience has been a victim of a crime recently, crime is running rampant. If numbers alone were discussed, numbers are coming down. However, numbers mean nothing to a person who has been a recent crime victim. Chief Gage stated his goal is to prevent a person from becoming a victim again. Chief Gage pointed out that the County about two years ago asked the City if it would take over SandCastle and incorporate it into the City. The County claimed that SandCastle had a major crime problem as a direct result of Boynton Beach Officers driving drug dealers out of the City and into that area, which Chief Gage pointed out he encourages his officers to ddve the drug dealers north. Ddving the drug dealers south, only encourages them to come back. The City did not want to take over SandCastle and declined. The Sheriff took over the area and sent the drug dealers back to Boynton. As a result of this, everyone has been playing Ping, Pong sending the drug dealers back and forth. Now, an officer from the City in a month or two will be assigned to the County and deputized and the City will be working hand and hand with the County. Last year Boynton Beach experienced about a 14% drop in crime. Chief Gage pointed out that the officers coming onboard are now better educated, but unfortunately there is a problem with drug dealers and they are working hard on the problem. Chief Gage announced that today the City served federal warrants on five drug dealers in the City, two that are in this zone. Unfortunately, the possibility of someone else taking their place exists. A question was asked how the residents could assist the police with dealing with the drug dealers. Chief Gage stated that residents should feel free to provide the information to him or to call the desk. Response time is very important and residents have the right to the expectation of a reasonable response time. Chief Gage reported that communications have been instructed that if for any reason arrival time by an officer is 15 minutes or more, the person calling is told of this. Also dispatch has been instructed if the officer responding to the call cannot respond within a 15-minute timeframe, they are to call the complainant back with an anticipated time of arrival. On hot ("emergency") calls, police response time is under seven minutes throughout the city. A woman asked by how many police officers is the City understaffed? Chief Gage stated as of today there are two and as of next Monday, there will be none. Chief Gage stated that about three or four months ago the Police Department was down about 10 to 12 officers. Mr. Marshall Friedland asked if there are still discrimination problems in the Police Department? Chief Gage stated that there is a big problem nationwide in 2 Meeting Minutes Neighborhood Forum with Commissioner Fisher Boynton Beach, Florida June 19, 2000 trying to recruit minorities and reported that Delray Beach is down approximately 10 to 12 officers and Boca Raton is down approximately 12 to 15. The City's recruitment is getting better, because the City is getting a better reputation. He replied that the City is actively pursuing minority candidates and the City itself is sponsoring three to four minority candidates to the academy. A woman asked why Officer Deale was covering two zones tonight and was informed that was not the case. Officer Deale replied that he covers zones 1, 2 or 3 and is assigned specific zones. Chief Gage noted that some zones have been split up, but zone I is not split up and as a result of a full staff, there will be more police presence in the area. A woman in the audience stated there is a problem with prostitution in the area and asked what the' pOlice department is doing about prostitution. Lt. Miller stated that there is far less prostitution in the City and there are very few prostitutes in Boynton Beach. He noted that Delray Beach and Lake Worth have problems and he is aware of the two prostitutes that were mentioned. Boynton Beach has done very well over the past few years with getting rid of prostitutes. Ms. Zibelli stated that she has not received any response on the gang graffiti that is on the road and stated it has not been cleaned up. Chief Gage said he would follow through on getting this cleaned up because he had previously asked a staff member to take care of this. Ms. Zibelli also stated that a speed chase had taken place on her street and when she called the City, the dispatcher hung up on her. She stated that officers eventually did show up, but there was a very long response time. Chief Gage pointed out that dispatch does not answer to the Chief of Police and is part of communications. Dispatch works for the police and fire departments, but if a problem does occur he passes it on to the appropriate person. Also, Ms. Zibelli said that traffic on her street has increased tremendously because the truck drivers don't like getting off Gateway now that it is down to one lane and there are a lot of children on her street. Ms. Zibelli would like to see some speed bumps placed on Ocean Parkway to deter all this traffic. Chief Gage said he would look into this. Chief Gage stated that his philosophy on speeding is 20% over the Speed limit you get a ticket. Ms. Zibelli stated that the school buses are the worst offenders with speeding. Chief Gage pointed out that three-four years ago the topic of discussion was a major crime problem in the City with drug dealers and prostitutes, but pointed out tonight the discussion is speeding issues, which is much more pleasant to deal with compared to drug dealers and prostitutes. 3 Meeting Minutes Neighborhood Forum with Commissioner Fisher Boynton Beach, Florida June 19,2000 Mr. Friedland pointed out that during the summer months the children need to have more to do to keep them out of mischief. Ms. Zibelli stated that she has spoken with Wally Majors about the school grounds being made available with supervision for the children during the summer. However, Ms. Zibelli said that Dr. Voss would not allow this. Commissioner Fisher reported that a needs assessment for a teen center and progrems for teens are being undertaken by the Advisory Board on Children & Youth. A gentleman in the audience inquired if the Ezell Hester Center was providing a need for the children during the summer? One person in the audience stated that some parents don't want their children going to the Hester Center. Discussion ensued on various means to keep the children busy during the summer and Commissioner Fisher stated that all ideas and suggestions would be welcomed. A woman in the audience suggested that the City intervene and try to get Dr. Voss to make the Rolling Green School available during the summer. She pointed out that there are dangers to children in trying to cross Seacrest to get to the Hester Center because of the tremendous amount of treffic. Commissioner Fisher stated that he meets with City Manager Kurt Bressner every Friday morning and this is one item that has been discussed to determine what programs are available in this part of the City. A gentleman in the audience requested that the maChine that registers speed be placed on 26th Avenue. A woman reported that treveling along 26th Avenue to Miner Road, there is an abandoned house that sits on the curve. Even though it is boarded up, people can be seen coming and going from the back of the house and there appears to be a great deal of activity taking place. Also, the property is a disgrace. Chief Gage said he would speak with the Code Compliance Supervisor about this and asked for explicit directions to the property. It was determined that the property in question is located on 4th Court off Ocean Parkway. Another woman reported that there is a house on 20th Avenue between 3rd and 4th where drug dealing is taking place. She stated she has made numerous complaints and it is still occurring. A gentleman complained about the drag recing taking place in the evening and about the tremendous amount of noise emanating from the redios. Also, he complained about the auto thefts from their parking lots. He felt as a deterrent to auto thefts, the youth should be treated as adults and not juveniles: 4 Meeting Minutes Neighborhood Forum with Commissioner Fisher Boynton Beach, Florida June 19, 2000 Chief Gage stated that recently a detective has been assigned to the County's Auto Theft Task Force and they have been focusing on the chop shops in the City. These shops pay the youth to steal cars and there has been a lot of activity in the south end. Chief Gage said that convictions would be increasing in the future of the chop shops themselves. Also, the State Attorney has advised that now it only takes four convictions for jail time, as opposed to 16 in the past: Ms. Zibelli inquired if a police sub-station could be located in this area. Police Chief Gage pointed out that sub-stations are very expensive and in effect what people are looking for is police presence, not just a sub-station. If a sub-station were built, people would expect it to be staffed. Chief Gage said he would try to provide more police visibility in the area. Mr. Friedland inquired about the status of the Wrice Program that took place a few years ago. Chief Gage reported that Dr. Herman Wrice, the originator of the program, passed away about a month ago. The program in effect is a community-based program, which includes forming strong partnerships with the community. The police can't do it all and the community needs to help out. Chief Gage said this program was initiated before he came to Boynton Beach and there were complaints that the program came from the City and not the community. There were problems in getting community leaders involved because it was an issue introduced by the Police Department and the City. This type of initiative has to be grassroots. A woman noted that once Officer Vargas left the area, things changed and Chief Gage responded that good police officers become successful and move on to specialty units. Chief Gage requested that the residents try to bond with the officers that have taken Officer Vargas' place and that is the purpose of introducing Officer Deale tonight, who is assigned to this area on a regular basis. Also, Chief Gage reported that all neighborhood associations are encouraged to invite an officer to their meetings and all that is necessary is to telephone the Watch Commander. All supervisors in the Police Department must attend a minimum of two meetings per month. This gives the police an opportunity to meet the people and discuss issues with them. A gentleman asked why Chief Gage doesn't ask for a sub-station in his budget. Chief Gage pointed out that this was suggested at one of the CIP meetings and he is puffing this request into the CIP budget. Discussion took place on finding another meeting place in the City and the costs involved for use of a building. A gentleman asked if any plans had been made to replace the Royal Palm Clubhouse? Commissioner Fisher said that various alternatives are being looked at and that he has discussed it with Mr. Bressner. 5 Meeting Minutes Neighborhood Forum with Commissioner Fisher Boynton Beach, Florida June 19,2000 A woman also noted that there was a building that could be available that is located at the corner of 26th and Seacrest and Commissioner Fisher said he would check into this. A question was asked what type of programs the Police Department is involved in with the teenage community and Chief Gage pointed out the PAL Pregrem is active threughout the City. He pointed out that most children involved in the PAL Pregram are from the north end of the City. There are various activities for the children to become involved in. A question was asked if the ice hockey dnk was Still being built, and Chief Gage responded that one of the backers withdrew and the property will now have another use instead of a hockey dnk. A woman stated she contacted the Code Compliance Department to inform them about the trees along NE 4~ Street that have grown out into the street and to date nothing has been done. Chief Gage said he would follow through with this. Chief Gage reported on the PAL Program and noted recently that the children participated in two statewide competitions and last week competed in a nationwide competition. Two children in the Program finished with third place trophies in track and field and the remainder of the children finished in either first or second place and performed tremendously. Chief Gage announced that Officer Bill Tome, who is the PAL Officer, won the countywide program for child advocate of the year award. Commissioner Fisher announced that last month at the Volunteer Banquet, the youth in Boynton Beach logged over 11,000 hours of community service and there are a lot of great kids in the City. A woman in the audience stated that a lot of parents won't send their children to the Hester Center and that their children have been beaten up and attacked. Chief Gage stated that Hester Center is not what it was a few years ago and this is another perception issue. The crime issues that used to exist do not exist today. The City now must try to convince people to come back and give the Hester Center another chance. Commissioner Fisher stated that his daughter would be attending the summer camp on Seacrest this summer and he feels comfortable sending his daughter there. Mr. Friedland complimented the Police Chief, Fire Chief and new City Manager and feels the City is in good hands. A woman complained about the new lighting on Gateway and said it is not bright enough. It was noted that the lighting on Gateway is not fully completed which should brighten up the area when finished. Meeting Minutes Neighborhood Forum with Commissioner Fisher Boynton Beach, Florida June 19,2000 Discussion next took place on the number of accidents at Gateway and.l-95 that occur and Chief Gage stated a great many of these result from people running red lights. A woman in the audience pointed out that they don't always receive the published communications from the City on what is going on. Also, she requested that when the Visions, Views and City News comes out that it also be in Spanish. Mr. Fisher said that this could pose a problem with mailing and how do you determine who gets a Spanish edition, as opposed to an English edition. City Manager Bressner suggested that a smaller quantity could be printed up in Spanish. Commissioner Fisher asked City Manager Bressner if he wished to address any comments brought up this evening. Mr. Bressner stated it is important to focus on assets in terms of facilities, people and resources. He also felt that the issues raised tonight were serious issues that need to be addressed. Problems are not always solved just by throwing money in, but involves engaging people and bringing them together to deal with issues. - Mr. Bressner noted that the City needs to do some outreach to the School District in order to get Rolling Green School opened up and the School could be the answer to the needs in the area. Also, the shortage of meeting places in the City needs to be addressed. Mr. Bressner informed the audience that there is active discussion taking place on replacing the Royal Palm Clubhouse. Commissioner Fisher also stated that anyone can call him with any problem or issue they would like to discuss. A woman asked how closely does the City work with the Chamber of Commeme. Chief Gage reported that many staff members reutinely attend Chamber functions. She also asked if the City was involved in any programs that the Chamber sponsors? City Manager Bressner reported that the City will becoming involved in a mentodng pregram, which will allow city employees and private industry employees an opportunity to participate in a mentoring program with the schools. Mr. Bressner felt there is a renewed partnership between the City and Chamber of Commerce. Also, Mr. Bressner noted that the Literacy Foundation has a pregram where volunteers assist with helping not only children, but adults learn to read. Mr. Bressner stated he is putting together an assets map of the City to identify all the programs, service, activities, etc. that are offered within the City. Mr. Friedland thanked Commissioner Fisher for bdnging this program to Village Royale on the Green. Meeting Minutes Neighborhood Forum with Commissioner Fisher Boynton Beach, Florida June 19,2000 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 8 WORKSHOP ON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM C, WEST WING, CITY HALL BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2000 AT 2:00 P.M. Moderator: Arthur Lee, Human Resoumes Manager Scott Harris: Group Insurance Solutions Introduction: Mr. Lee called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m. and welcomed everyone. A list of attendees and participants is attached to and made a part of the minutes. Mr. Lee stated the purpose of the meeting was to inform those present on renewal of the City's insurance. Also, it is hoped that some determination could be made with regard to the terms of renewal of the insurance. Mr. Lee pointed out that at least five meetings have taken place between Human Resources, the EXCL Team and Mr. Harris. A great deal of information has been looked at and a lot of analysis has taken place on the options, which brings us to the point where we are to date. History: Mr. I_ee noted that the City has enjoyed the benefits of Blue Cross-Blue Shield for many years. A few years ago the basic indemnity plan which included a $100 deductible (90-10% pay out) was diversified to a blended plan to include an HMO Plan and a PPO Plan. This is what we have today. When the plans were originally initiated, there were 70% of employees in the PPO and 30% in the HMO. Today, 52% of employees are in the HMO and 48% are in the PPO. It has always been the City's intent in offering the different plans to encourage employees to look at the preventative side of health. The difference between the PPO and the HMO is that participants in the PPO could go to their own doctors, whereas under the HMO there is an encouragement to go with the provider network, considering the costs. Mr. Lee reported that during the years 1995, 1996 and 1997 the insurance rates decreased and this was visible in the City's compensation structure. However since that time and up to the present time, there have been some increases. Last year some catastrophic situations occurred and there have been increases this year. Also, there has been far more usage in the PPO Plan than the HMO Plan. MEETING MINUTES ~- EMPLOYEE BENEFIT WORKSHOP CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH July 19, 2000 The payment of the plans has been looked at from two different perspectives. One from a blended where everybody pays the same thing, which has been the City's policy to date. However, over the years the PPO has had the higher premium and higher usage and HMO has remained constant. Looking at both plans from today's rates, there would be a 2% increase in the HMO and a 58% increase in the PPO. Ms. Cheek pointed out that the underwriters looked at each plan separately to determine the experience for each plan. From this, they have determined what the cost would be for each plan separately. However, because the City has always had a blended rate, it was put together. Mr. Lee pointed out that the first percentage increases came in at over 30%. This increase would allow the City to keep the current benefits. Several years ago the City employed Mr. Harris from Group Insurance Solutions to assist the City in negotiating the rates and to get the best rates for the City. When there were the decreases in the premiums, this was the result of Mr. Harris working directly with Blue Cross. Mr. Lee pointed out that this included a combination of health insurance, life insurance and dental that resulted in a 30%+ increase. After several negotiations the final negotiated rate came back at 19.8% increase for the entire package. The current rates are in place until October 1, 2000. However beginning October 1st, there will be different premiums and different rates. Mr. Lee distributed the following charts to attendees: (2) (3) (4) A chart, which showed the rates at blended and split. A chart comparing the City's PPO and HMO benefits to what other cities offer. Mr. Lee pointed out that Boynton Beach is still one of the few cities that still has the $100 deductible. Most cities have gone up to a $300 deductible. A chart entitled Triple Option Rates. PPO Benefits Description Comparison. Mr. Lee requested that the attendees bring back the information discussed today to their bargaining units and other employees in the City. He pointed out that they would be glad to meet with any group at any time to review the information. The Benefit Description chart gives you an idea of the different options that were looked at. Review of Handouts Mr. Lee announced that a Q&A session would follow after review of the handouts. 2 MEETING MINUTES ~ EMPLOYEE BENEFIT WORKSHOP CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH July 19, 2000 Medical Insurance Comparison Chart: Mr. Lee explained how to interpret this chart which compares the benefits and various deductibles of Boynton Beach to other cities. The first sheet pertains to PPO benefits, the second sheet to HMO benefits and the third sheet is combined PPO and HMO benefits. Mr. Sugerman asked for clarification on the last line of the chart entitled "value adjusted cost index" which lists Boynton Beach at 1.00 and asked what would be better? A lower number or a higher number? Mr. Harris explained that in a plan value index the higher the number, the higher the level of benefits, which is next to the last line. The last line addressed by Mr. Sugerman, Mr. Harris stated that the lower the number the better the plan. Therefore, the chart indicates that Boynton Beach has one of the highest levels of benefits for PPOs. For HMO benefits, which is the second sheet, Mr. Sugerman noted that many other municipalities have better benefits, but the cost of the benefits is in the middle. Mr. Harris explained that the reason for this is that the PPO is at the best of the Plans, because the rates are blended which means the HMO and PPO costs are the same. This interprets to the rates being artificially Iow. Therefore, the third sheet which shows the combined PPO/HMO benefits, actually shows the true picture as how the City's plan compares to other combined plans, which shows that most other municipalities have a higher cost index for what they are getting. The value adjusted cost index was 1.14, which means these municipalities' plans are 14% less favorable than what Boynton Beach provides. Mr. Richard Stone asked what the City's cost is based upon? Mr. Harris replied that when a firm has over 500 employees, the rate is purely based on their own claims' experience and the only thing that matters are the claims that are paid to the City of Boynton Beach employees. Mr. Stone inquired how many employees are in the plan and Mr. Harris replied it is over 800 employees. Mr. Sugerman asked what the 800+ employees are comprised of? Does this include employees and family members? Mr. Harris replied that this includes active employees, retirees and employees on COBRA continuation. Mr. Sugerman inquired if a family member has a serious health problem would it not impact the rate? Mr. Harris said that family members do impact the rate and of the 800 covered employees there is approximately another 800 dependents, which includes spouses and children, whose claims are considered. Mr. Harris pointed out that it was a dependent claim about two years ago that effected the rates significantly. 3 MEETING MINUTES "~ EMPLOYEE BENEFIT WORKSHOP CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH July 19, 2000 Mr. Lee explained that if the costs were split, there would be a 2% increase for the HMO participants and PPO participants would experience a 58% increase. Mr. Harris pointed out that in health insurance 80% of the claims are incurred by 20% of the insured. This year there were no catastrophic claims for the City over $50,000 paid for anyone in the PPO. However, there are a lot of claims that are under $20,000. Also the age and sex factor of participants in the PPO are significantly higher than employees in the HMO, which suggests a higher claims experience. Also, women tend to have more claims than men if they are under 50 years old. Also with a $100 deductible/90% coverage, there is very little disincentive not to use the plan because it doesn't cost much to use the plan. Ms. Anne Smith said that a person who visits an HMO doctor does not receive as good-a treatment as a PPO doctor dispenses. Also, Ms. Smith stated that you are less likely to be referred to a specialist by an HMO doctor. Mr. Harris did not agree with Ms. Smith's assessment of HMO versus PPO, as there are a great many HMOs out there. Mr. Harris said he does not remember reading any bad press about Health Options and there are over 25 various HMOs. Mr. Harris said that he has consulted with many employees in the City about the PPO and HMO and most employees have a high level of satisfaction. Ms. Tina Smith stated that she has been with the City only a short while and when she went through the City's orientation, she was not informed that there was a PPO Plan and was told there was only an HMO Plan. She felt she was pushed towards the HMO during orientation. Ms. Cheek disagreed with Ms. Smith and noted that she did receive this information because it is all on the same piece of paper. Triple Option Payroll Deductions Chart: This is an example of what the plan would look like in three different ways and also shows the enrollment in the plan. It was noted that the deductions on the chart were per pay period. The figures on the chart were reviewed and the payroll deductions in place as of 10/1/99 were compared to the increase that would take place on 10/1/00. Currently the City has a dual option and this chart is now including a triple option. Mr. Lee pointed out that with the Triple Option, the HMO would remain the same and there would be two PPOs to choose from. There would be a PPO 32 which would include a $300 deductible and a PPO 10 which is basically the same benefits as employees have now with the PPO. However, if the HMO and the PPO were split, the PPO costs would be much higher. Triple Option Rates Chart: Mr. Sugerman asked about the City's cost. Mr. Harris replied that these are the actual billing rates from Blue Cross to the City 4 MEETING MINUTES EMPLOYEE BENEFIT WORKSHOP CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH July 19, 2000 and the City's contribution is for the employee only. The balance between the spouse, children or family rate from the employee rate is payroll deducted. Mr. Harris reviewed the various increases that would be available among the various blended and split options. He also pointed out that health insurers don't like doing triple option plans because it is difficult to rate in advance. However, they worked with the City and a lot of various scenarios were presented to come up with the most favorable offer. It seems like the triple option would be best for most of the employees. The underwriter has indicated that they do not want to offer a triple option forever, but are willing to do it for two years. At the end of two years, it would have to revert to two options. Mr. Stone inquired if there would be any changes in the HMO and Mr. Harris stated there would be none. He noted that there actually would be a couple of small enhancements in the HMO benefits. A mail order prescription is now provided and there are some slight improvements in the physical therapy benefit. Further, Mr. Harris noted that the HMO would only be going up 0% to 2% and the PPO has a 50% increase. Lt. Yannuzzi felt that employees were not aware that they were contributing to each other's plan in order to create a blended fee arrangement. Lt. Yannuzzi said he would be going back to his constituents and inform them if some employees want to keep the PPO 10, they are really going to have to pay more, even if they did not choose to have the PPO 10. Under both triple option columns, there appears that the possibility arises that an employee would have to make a contribution to their own health insurance coverage, when they are the only one on the plan. The City always paid the employee cost for health insurance. Therefore, if an employee wanted the PPO 10, they would be paying $41.91 or the Triple blended plan at $11.70 per pay period. Mr. Lee stated this assumption was correct. Ms. Tina Smith noted that there are 48% of employees in the PPO now and once they are told there is going to have to pay $41.91 out of their pocket every pay period, there would be a big jump in ship. Mr. Harris pointed out that the PPO 32 Plan would still be available. Discussion ensued about blending and splitting the costs of the HMO and the PPO. Mr. Sugerman pointed out that currently the employees are split almost 50-50 between the HMO and the PPO. It is now up to the employees to decide -what they want to do. Mr. Sugerman stated in reality half the employees are subsidizing the other half. Mr. Stone said there is a feeling among employees that the health people are trying to push people into the HMOs. 5 MEETING MINUTES EMPLOYEE BENEFIT WORKSHOP CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH July 19, 2000 Ms. Anne Smith felt that the employees won't be able to afford the PPO and feels that the City should take better care of its employees and the employees deserve better insurance. Mr. Lee responded that the City is not pushing the PPO out. The City is looking at the experience and the issue to come up with other options. Mr. Lee asked Ms. Smith if she felt the City should pay more for the PPO population than it does for the HMO population? Ms. Tina'Smith inquired if the PPO participants got to a certain percent, would it then be eliminated entirely? Mr. Harris said that the PPO could still be offered if there was only one participant. Mr. Harris envisions that most people who wish to remain with the PPO would select the mid-option PPO. What is key to health insurance is access to medical care and if people have a more expensive plan, it would be more equitable for them to pay more of the cost. Mr. Stone also asked if the City looked at other insurance companies? Mr. Harris reported that the City chose not to go to bid this year because employees were satisfied with their benefits. This was determined by doing surveys and holding volunteer meetings. Also, Blue Cross was cooperative in lowering the rates to ensure that the City was getting the best plans they could. Blue Cross claims that they have lost money three years in a row in the City. The original increase Blue Cross proposed was 29.5% and they came down to the 23% increase. Combining this increase with the dental, which came down from 4% to 2%, and life insurance going down slightly, resulted in a total increase in benefits at 19.8%. Ms. Beasley asked if other cities were experiencing the same increases and asked if the City looked at what is happening in other cities? Mr. Harris stated that this year and last year have been two of the most difficult years for health insurance. Rates are going up because prescriptions are going up and there are now new prescriptions that were once experimental that are now covered and there are a lot of other reasons why rates are going up. Things that could be done are raising the co-pays on the HMO, you could raise the deductible on the PPO, you could increase the zero insurance to 10% or 20%, etc. Also, the benefits could be adjusted. It is apparent in the City's plan that the rise in the rate increases is coming from the PPO. The City needs to do something now to address this in order to prepare for next year. Mr. Sugerman pointed oUt that the City could leave everything as is and not make any changes. However, if the City went this way, there would not be enough money to do all the other things that the City has to do, such as pave streets, buy police cars and grant raises. Also, Mr. Sugerman said by leaving things the way they are, people in the HMO would continue to pay for people in 6 MEETING MINUTES EMPLOYEE BENEFIT WORKSHOP CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH July 19, 2000 the PPO, Or, the City could choose to look at the employees it impacts and figure out if there is a better way to go. That is the purpose of this meeting to look at other ways. Mr. Sugerman requested that the union representatives bring this back to their unions to determine which way they would like to go. Mr. Stone pointed out if someone has family coverage right now they are paying $140.00 every two weeks, which is approximately $3,600 per year. Mr. Stone asked how an employee who makes $8.00 or $9.00 per hour could not pay this. Mr. Lee Said that employees need to consider why employees with one or two children in the HMO should subsidize an employee with children who chooses the PPO. The City needs to have some direction to go in and that is the purpose of Calling~ this committee together. Mr. Lee would like to have another meeting within a week because open enrollment will be coming up in the middle of August. Mr. Stone asked if there was anyone present in the room that is representing the general employees? Mr. Hawkins feels the City should become proactive and speak with the general employees in the same format as today's meeting. Mr. Hawkins further feels that the experts who know what is going on should present the issues. He suggested speaking with representatives from the City of West Palm Beach because they have gone through a great many changes in their health insurance. Ms. Beasley suggested that a meeting be scheduled for early evening in the Chambers for all employees to be present in order to update them on the issues. Mr. Lee asked about the timing and Ms. Cheek stated that open enrollment usually takes place in the middle of August. Therefore, it would have to be brought before the Commission at the second meeting in August. Mr. Hawkins would like to see Human Resources and the consultant present to answer questionS and noted that consistent information is irnportant, Lt. YannUzzi asked why these cities were selected for the comparison? Ms. Cheek stated that this started two years ago through Risk Management and they were used mainly because they are of similar size to Boynton Beach and are usually lOoked at when comparing Boynton Beach to other municipalities. Lt. YannUzzi said that last year there was a rumor that the City was going to look into the Self-insurance concept. Ms. Cheek pointed out that the City is self- insured for liability insurance, but not for health insurance. Ms. Beasley pointed out that since the rate is determined by the City's claim experience, and the fact that we now have more retirees, they are also a part of the City's experience. These people get older and sicker and they could also be 7 MEETING MINUTES EMPLOYEE BENEFIT WORKSHOP CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH July '19, 2000 making larger claims. Mr. Harris stated that the City is required to cover retirees and there are only about 25 retirees on the City's insurance and that is a high risk. The COBRA continuance is the second highest risk group. These people have to pay the entire premium themselves. Mr. Sugerman said that self-insurance could become another option and when everyone is healthy and times are good, self-funded insurance could be an alternative. Mr. Harris had performed an analysis this past year and if the City had self-funded during last year's claim year, the City would have been a big loser. Mr. Sugerman responded that it has always been a rumor, but should keep it in mind as an option. Ms. Tina Smith said that the City needs to get the message out on preventative medicine. Mr. Lee said that several years ago the City offered a wellness program and Mr. Bressner, the new City Manager, is in favor of these types of programs and is thinking about instituting a wellness program. Ms. Beasley said there are people available who would come into City Hall to speak on various health subjects and there are videos available for viewing at no charge. Mr. Fitzpatrick would like to see a discount instituted for non-smokers. Mr. Harris did not think that this could be done through an insurance company, but could be done internally. Sgt. Chapman asked Mr. Lee if this was a workshop and the people present were not present to bargain, which Mr. Lee stated was correct. Sgt. Chapman inquired if anything that occurs as a result of these discussions would be subject to bargaining? Sgt. Chapman would like to see an actual cost comparison of the payroll deductions being paid by other employees from the other cities. Mr. Harris stated that most of what the municipalities are paying now would be changing on October 1st. However, assuming by August 1st if each municipality knew what it was going to do, it would be possible to determine these comparisons. Sgt. Chapman requested that these figures be made available. Conclusion An informational/educational forum needs to be scheduled for employees. Mr. Lee will follow through with scheduling this. Secondly, another meeting of this group needs to be held immediately after the informational forum. Mr. Lee thanked everyone for their attendance and input. A Q&A document will be developed from today's workshop. Mr. Lee requested that the attendees study the documents furnished and if anyone has any questions, they can call him or Mr. Harris. 8 MEETING MINUTES · EMPLOYEE BENEFIT WORKSHOP CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH July 19, 2000 There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 3:50 p.m. Res pectfully submitted, E~arbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 9 7YZ ~/o 5 ii wlmmm ~0 ~ ~o~Oc~ c~ 0 ,.( Z ii 0 Z ITl Z ~ ITl z I o~ z ~-?n rn rn m "a "nrnmm 'a ,~ ~mrnml::Z: ,~ o o o ,~6'~'~' ,~o o o :;O::U ~ m m m m m c: ~ 'a = ::r'a .-, :::r'a -., ~g~ =o- =o-- ITl rtl '-"~ ~ ._., IOta ~ IOta o~lOm g'~m .~ ---, ro -~ ICc -~ ~-, ICc , c.~ 0 .-.,. C,~ L~ O~ ---~ .--~ (:0 I~_~_ ~ 0a _~. '-" ~ -'- ~ co ~o o I~°m'a om-a om r- ~,.oo I--- _ _ ~o I.-.. _ ~ _ ~=o icc>mo o~ IN.~ -.,,i 1¢o '-~ ...~. ~ ~ z ,--,- 0 ~ 0~_~0 ~ ~ o roo ~'~ o~o\o~, I~-o o~oo I~O '~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~1~ ~1 I~m~ ~ I~'m~ >- 0 133 0 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2000 AT 6:00 P.M. PRESENT Octavia Sherrod, Community Development Manager OPENING REMARKS At 6:03 P.M. Ms. Octavia Sherrod, Community Development Manager, opened the Community Development Block Grant Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 16, 2000. Ms. Sherrod recognized the presence in the audience of former Commissioner Nellie Denahan and Reverend Marshall Cook, Pastor, Congregational Church of Boynton Beach. Ms. Sherrod passed out a list of eligible programs and explained the purpose of the Block Grants. She said that the City of Boynton Beach receives funding from the Federal Government for the purpose of filling its redevelopment needs. As a result, the City and the Federal Government need to know what those needs are and this meeting is for the purpose of gathering public input as to those needs. The City needs to know what the community would like to see done with those dollars under the list of eligible programs. Ms. Sherrod commented that this had been the second public meeting attempted this year. There was not much participation at the first meeting so Ms. Sherrod thought it might have been because the public did not see the public notice and, therefore, tried again for this meeting. Ms. Sherrod spoke of some of the ongoing activities of the Community Development Group saying that they had tried to get people better than minimum-wage jobs and, tried to generate economic ideas to help first-time businesses get started. There is a sub- recipient who handles that activity. They teach them about business plans and all the intricate means of doing business. They try to introduce them to lenders who are amenable to helping new businesses get started. In some communities people are running Soup Kitchens, some are interested in helping the elderly with services that they cannot get to. Some of the funding has been put into the new Senior Citizens Center in BoyntOn. There are a lot of programs including meals and computer training that is available to them. MEETING MINUTES -- ' COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PUBLIC HEARING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORI DA May 16, 2000 The program has given money to different mentoring groups who take on the challenges of teenagers. They pay for trips and things of that nature. Some of the funds go towards rehabilitation for very low-income individuals to help them re pair their homes. Former Commissioner Denahan asked the status of the applications. Ms. Sherrod stated she had mailed out applications to various people who had not yet returned them. The deadline was extended. Ms. Denahan thought the deadline was May 22 and she asked if all the money was spent last year. Ms. Sherrod said no. Ms. Denahan asked about carry-over money. Ms. Sherrod said the City had three years. Ms. Denahan asked how of the money that was allocated for social services last year had been spent for social services. Ms.. Sherrod said she would have to look that up. Ms. Sherrod asked Rev. Coleman what his interests were and he replied, semor citizens. She asked him what he would like to provide, increase or continue that his church might already be doing? He said his church was supporting the Community Caring Center and Ms. Sherrod said that this group had an application in. Rev. Coleman asked about God's Kitchen. Ms. Sherrod said that God's Kitchen has never returned an application. The first year Mr. Albury picked up a application and someone was supposed to fill it out but he has never returned it but that is an eligible activity. Rev. Coleman asked about the Lord's Place and Ms. Sherrod said they had never submitted an application. Reverend Coleman said they were seeing a lot of homeless. He commented that the homeless shelters were not always open and he referred people to the Community Caring Center. Ms. Sherrod said that while there were no homeless shelters in this city, the City was usually kept apprised of the shelters in West Palm Beach and their programs. One of the facilities caters to the homeless, specifically homeless veterans, and they did an application to extend their facility and increase the number of beds. A lot of the homeless shelters are funded from CDBG funds that they get direct from the County. Reverend Cole stated that it was not easy for the homeless to get to West Palm Beach. Ms. Sherrod invited Reverend Cole to make an appointment to speak with her about his ideas on the subject. At 6:15 Ms. Sherrod properly adjourned the meeting. Respectfully submitted, Susan Collins Recording Secretary (One tape) 2 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2000 AT 6:00 P.M. PRESENT Octavia Sherrod, Community Development Manager ALSO PRESENT Chris Mitchell, Staff Construction Coordinator Brenda Cornelius, Affordable Housing Coordinator OPENING REMARKS At 6:14 P.M. Ms. Octavia Sherrod, Community Development Manager, opened the Community Development Block Grant Public Hearing at 6:14 P.M. on Thursday, April 20, 2000. Ms. Sherrod recognized the presence in the audience of Mr. Vince Larkin of the Fair Housing Center of the Palm Beaches, and Mr. Gordon MacQuaker, sponsor and Chairman of the Boynton Beach "1 Have a Dream" Foundation. Ms. Sherrod welcomed the visitors to the third Public Hearing meeting for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Ms. Sherrod informed the audience that the City was required by the federal Housing & Urban Development office (HUD) to hold public meetings on the City's Community Development Block Grant Program. The purpose of the meeting was to gain public input for recommendations that the public may have for uses of the entitlement 'funds. Ms. Sherrod handed out to the audience the definition of "Entitlement Status" and a list of Eligible Programs and Activities. Ms. Sherrod circulated a sign-in sheet to be signed by all those in attendance. The program requirements are that a municipality must have a minimum of 50,000 in population and/or have a particular, urgent need, benefit Iow and moderate-income persons, and address slum and blight. In order to receive these funds all municipalities have to submit substantial back-up information to the Federal Government, letting them know the statistics of their community and the socioeconomic background of the individuals who live there. The detailed plan for proposed expenditures must be included. They have certain percentages of how the funds may be expended. Generally speaking, 20% goes to administration and 15% of those monies can be used for public service. Ms. Sherrod stated that a municipality could not be expected to address all the needs that exist within it, so sponsors were required to help the group accomplish many things. An example of a sponsor was Mr. MacQuaker's "1 Have a Dream Foundation", a mentoring program for school children. At the present time Mr. Vince Larkin was a recipient of funds from the CDBG program for an analysis of the impediments to fair housing in the area. MEETING MINUTES-': COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA April 20, 2000 Ms. Sherrod gave as an example of Public Service something like the Senior Citizens Center, which was purchased with Community Development Block Grant money. There had been a serious need for something for the seniors of Boynton Beach so this facility filled a real need for Boynton Beach. There is also an education component to the activities of the Senior Center. Some of the other public services might be emergency assistance to the homeless and families that need food or the payment of utility bills. Housing rehabilitation and construction, code enforcement and histodc preservation are some of the other acceptable uses of the Block Grant funds. II. PUBLIC HEARING PARTICIPATION Mr. MacQuaker asked: "Once you get an approval, is that the day that you start accumulating?" Ms. Sherrod said, "No, the fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30. The applications being distributed now are due May 22 for the fiscal year October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2001 ." Ms. Sherrod said she was looking forward to some new and improved services from the grant recipients in the audience in the coming year. She stated that her office was enjoying a wonderful relationship with the services currently being provided. Mr. Larkin asked Ms. Sherrod how the census was coming along and she replied that Palm Beach County was doing well and currently had a 56% rate of return of the form. However, we are working with the Census and they are scheduling events to foster public participation. A meeting was set up for the Ezell Hester Center on Saturday, April 22, from 1:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. to try to attract applicants for positions as enumerators. Ms. Sherrod stressed the importance of the census in the continuation of grant money coming into the area. Mr. Larkin stated that also, the population was growing so much and an accurate census would allow more money for everything. Ms. Sherrod was proud of how the CDBG program was doing. She stated it was doing its best with economic development, a favored activity from the federal point of view. She stated she was working very closely with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) for job training and a local non-profit involved with doing the facilitating for this group. A construction management program was initiated that did not do well but the facilitator is continuing that program through Florida Atlantic University and looking to other sub- recipients for assistance. Mr. MacQuaker asked if in the acceptance of a proposal would the purchase of computers or insurance be allowed? Ms. Sherrod stated that your equipment would be eligible but the process would have to be discussed with Ms. Sherrod because procedures would have to be followed as to Procurement rules and regulations for obtaining the equipment. Ms. Sherrod would be particularly interested in where the computers would be housed but it was an allowed use. Ms. Sherrod asked Mr. MacQuaker if he were interested in trying to get computers for the children in his 2 MEETING MINUTES' -~ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA April 20, 2000 program and he replied, "No, liability 'nsurance to cover the children." Ms. Sherrod asked Mr. MacQuaker to contact her to discuss this further. There being no further public comment, Ms. Sherrod duly adjourned the meeting at 6:25 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Susan Collins (one tape) 3 Define Entitlement Status -Status determined by the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development whereby a Metropolitan City is guaranteed as determined by formula set forth by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 certain sums of money to assist states, counties, cities and towns in devising improve the physical, economic and socialinn°vatiVeconditionsappr°achedin Iow-incomet° areas. List Et~ible Programs as Entitlement City City activities that are taken on by a municipality must meet three (3) national objectives: ¢' Benefit Iow and moderate income persons '"' Address slum and blight · " Meet a particular urgent community development need The following is a list of types of eligible activities: Acquisition Disposition Public Facilities and Improvements Clearance Public Services Interim Assistance Relocation Loss of Rental Income Removal of Architectural Barriers Housing Rehabilitation Construction of Housing Code Enforcement Historic Preservation CT~ OF BOYNTON BEACH Department of Development Division of Community Redevelopment Community Development Block Grant Public Tnformation Meeting April 20~ 2000 6:00 p.m, I. OPENING II. Call to order- Octavia S. Sherrod 1. Background Information 2. Explanation of Process PUBLIC AUDIENCE II!. ADJOURNMENT .1: \SHRDATA\COMMUN~rYRD\CDBG\FORMS\CDBG AGENDA 4-20.ooc Commsnity Development BlOCk Grant Budget For FY ~2000 The following activities will be carried out with CDBG funds in Fiscal Year 1999: The rehabilitation of substandard housing units for very- Iow, Iow, and moderate income homeowners $210,000 The installation of sidewalks on various streets with the $70,000 Target Area 4> Emergency repair of substandard housing units Provide family development services to very-low, Iow and moderate income residents $30,000 $67,050 Summer camp scholarships Matching grant funds for owners of commercial properties located within the Target Area Administrative costs associated with promoting fair housing activities Un-proposed projects TOTAL FUNDING ALLOCATION $15,000 $30,000 $109,400 $15,550 $547,000 NO. 5384 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM The City of Boynton Beach Department of Development Community Redevelopment Division hem.by .announc_es that it will be accepting CDBG Applications for funding un.der the 3'~ Year Community ~velopment Bilk Grant yrogram .Title, Housing:and Comn~unity Development Ad of 1974, as amended for Fiscal Y~r 1999-2.~_.. Pa~i.c!patin. g non-profit organiZations, and other interestedJ agencies are invited to submit CDBG Applications which would benefit very low IoWl Iow and moderate-income residents, special needs population, or aid ir{ the prevention or elimination of ~slum, or blight, or meet an urgent community development need. Eligible activities include, among others, economic develc~pment, acquisition [or public pu~ses, capital improvements, historic preservation, public services and housing construction u~der special proviSionsl ' All be submitt~ in iquadruple, and in accordance with the standard application package. All ~must be rer~ived I~y the Division of Communi~ Redevelopment no later than 5:30 p.m. May 22, receivecJ after this date and time will notbe considered for funding. ClOG applications are available at: Department of Development Division of Community Redevebpment 100 E. Baynton Beacl~ Blvd., W~st Wing Baynton Beach, Fbrida 33435 Telephone (561) 742-6066 Office Hours: MondaY-Friday 7:30 a.m. to ,5:30 p.m. ' Direct all questions to Octavia S. SherrY, ~munity Devebpment Manager NOTICE OF MEETING The Community Redevelopment Division will hold a meeting for the residents of the City of Boynton Beach as part of ~ planning process for Fiscal Year ~l?~oo · To discuss the CDBG Application Process . · To receive input from the Community concerning housing and non-housing community development needs that should be considered for the prepar'ation of the City's Annual Adion Plan and hence the program applications, to be submilted to HUD. The meeting will be held Thursday, April 20i 2000, at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of CityHall, 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd. PUBLISH: April 16, 2000 City of Boynton Beach Advisory Board on Children And Youth Shanna St. John Chair Stephen Waldman Vice Chair Bob Borovy Board Member Dorothy Davis Board Member Charles Fisher Board Member Hattie Miller BOard Member Mary Morera Board Member Laura Henley-Shephard Alternate Amy DeVries Student Board Member Amanda Hollis Student Board Member Steven Kuehn Student Board Member The Advisory Board on Children and youth exists to act as a fact-finding and advisory board on all issues pertaining to the children and at' th~ Flm~ntan R~aeh THE BOB BOROVY STUDENT CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD The City of Boynton Beach's Advisory Board on Children and Youth is proud to announce the creation of the Bob BOrovy Student Citizen of the Year Award~ This award, in the amount of $500 will be given to the graduating high school senior who best epitomizes the spirit of volunteering and giving to the community exemplified by Bob Borovy. The requirements are as follows: The nominee must be a person of good moral character The nominee must have done significant volunteer work and have made significant contributions to his/her school community, religious community, to social service organizations, and/or to the community of Boynton Beach The nominee.must have a Boynton Beach addres~ The nominee must be nominated by an adult. A maximum of three (3)adults (not related to the nominee) may write letters of nomination The nominee must write a 100-200 word essay explaining %~rhy community service is important' (Essays must be typed or computer generated and doubled-spaced) The nominee must complete the application form Supporting documentation such as news articles, letters and pictures should be placed in the packet sent for the nominee. All materials sent in the packet unTl be considered the property of the Advisory Board on Children and Youth and will remain in its files Please do not send valuable original pictures or materials. Photocopies will be sufficient The winner will be selected by a panel of judges. Their decision shall be final. The winner will be announced at the Youth Volunteer Bank Award Banquet at the Civic Center on Mail 13. Finalists will be notified by mail. The award winner will have his/her narae placed on a permanent plaque displayed at City Hall. Other nominees will be recognized by a certificate. Ail packets of recommendation must be received by Monday, May 1, 2000 by 4 p.m_ The packets should be delivered to the Leisure Services Deparlment in the Boynton Beach City / l, 100 E. Boynton Beach Blvd.; P.O. Box 310, Boynton Beach, FL 33425, (561) 742-6000 Application Form to be fil~ed out by person nominating the student. (PLEASE PRINT) Bob Borovy STUDENT CITIZEN' OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEE (DAS~ NAMe) ADDRESS (~s~ TOW~/CITY ZIP TELEPHONE SCHOOL Please use the space beloW for the letter of recommendation. Attach additional pages as necessary. Please provide your name, address, phone number at the end of the letter. Application Form to be filied out by person nominating the student. (PLEASE PRIN'r) Bob Borovy STUDENT CITIZEN OF ~E YEAR AWARD NOMINEE (LAS'I' ADDRESS (~mS'T ZIP TELEPHONE Please use the space below for the letter of recommendation. Attach additional pages as necessary. Please provide your narae, address, phone number at the end of the letter~ ~ Application Form to be filled out by person nominating the student. (PLEASE PRINT) Bob Borovy STUDENT CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEE (LAST NAME) ADDRESS (FIRST NAME) TOWN/CITY 1. ZIP TELEPHONE SCHOOL Please use the space below for the letter of recommendation. Attach additional pages as necessary. PleaSe provide your name, address, phone number at. the end of the letter. $1"[.T])~ ESSAY "WHY COMMUNITY SERVICE IS IMPORTAN'F (100-200 WORDS) (Note*: This essay may be done on your own paper)