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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 16, 2013 Page 4 Etten moved, McGehee seconded, authorization the creation of an Environmental Specialist Position in the Public Works Department and a Communications Man- ager Position in the Administration Department at the proposed pay grades within the City Compensation Plan. Roll Call Ayes: Willmus; Etten; McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe. Nays: None. 13. Business Items (Action Items) a. Approve 2014 Benefit Renewals and City Contribution Human Resources Manager Eldona Bacon summarized the request for approval of 2014 employee benefit insurance renewals and cafeteria contributions by the City, as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated September 16, 2013. Ms. Bacon noted that the City had made numerous changes in the employee bene- fit package over the last ten (10) years, which had served to minimize premium increase and share the burden between the City and employee to ensure affordable health care options for all. Ms. Bacon advised that the City currently offered three (3) medical options for its 167 FTE participants, along with 23 former em- ployees currently on COBRA. Ms. Bacon advised that the City's claim history was very good last year, with the provider, under the National joint Powers Alli- ance (NJPA) consortium, indicating a zero percent increase in premiums. How- ever, with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act on January 1, 2014, Ms. Bacon reported that there would be a 1.33% increase to account for the transition- al tax that will be imposed by the ACA beginning at that time.. Ms. Bacon further reported that staff was still loading options into the new HRIS, in order to be ready for open enrollment in November, with testing to begin com- pleted by November 1, 2013. Ms. Bacon referenced the recommendations of the Benefits Committee as detailed in the RCA; and the request of the Wellness Committee for an additional $15 in- centive increase for that program prorated according to employee participation, but serving to keep health insurance premiums low and employees focused on a healthier lifestyle and prevention. Ms. Bacon noted that the City's self-insured dental program was also at a zero percent increase, with those claims also trending favorably. Regarding long-term disability and life insurance, Ms. Bacon advised that the RFP resulted in remain- ing with the current provider, who agreed to two (2) year contract with no chang- es or increases during that term.