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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 16, 2013 Page 5 With the proposed $50,000 allotment for the 2014 budget, Ms. Bacon advised that the projected amount would sustain proposed cafeteria benefits for 2014 as de- tailed. Discussion included nationwide participation requirements of the City in the Af- fordable Care Act with recommendations that the City pick up the additional 1.33% for implementation of that Act; and recommendations that the City also cover the additional $15 incentive for eligible and participating employees in the Wellness Program, currently having three (3) tracks; COBRA coverage paid for by retirees with no City costs other than for administration; and meetings of the Employee Benefits Committee on an annual basis for review and analysis, and subsequent recommended changes as applicable Further discussion included difficulty in access for employees beyond Police and Fire Department employees to use the limited equipment available in-house for workouts and training, with the City providing financial incentive for employees for private gyms in the area; and also limited due to security issues and timing of access and equipment availability, with the in-house gym not a full-scale gym and heavily utilized already. Councilmember McGehee commended staff for being proactive with the Well- ness Program and control of premiums. Mayor Roe concurred, and also thanked employees for taking the initiative for the Benefit Committee to bring recommendations forward rather than coming from management or the City Council. Mayor Roe noted that it was definitely positive for the City's work force to participate in those programs and more fully under- stand those benefits. Ms. Bacon also concurred, opining that it had proven fruitful as evidenced with the City's premium rates over the last few years compared to those nationwide. Mayor Roe agreed, based on his historical perspective on the City Council, noting the advantages of being in the larger NJPA pool as well. Ms. Bacon noted that another positive is that the City was self-insured and fund- ed, saving taxpayer money, as the City didn't have to pay taxes on insurance. McGehee moved, Willmus seconded, approval of 2014 City benefits insurance renewals and cafeteria contributions as described in the Request for Council Ac- tion dated September 16, 2013; and authorizing executive of the respective con- tracts, contingent upon review and approval by the City Attorney. Roll Call Ayes: Willmus; Etten; McGehee; Laliberte; and Roe.