Meeting Information
-Convene
-Pledge of Allegiance
CONSENT AGENDA
(1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders
REGULAR AGENDA
(2) Consider approval of renewal of health insurance plan and contract for Third Party Administration (Pam Madl)
(3) Consider confirmation of agreement in support PLAY study and review of RFP (Pam Madl)
(4) Preliminary Budget discussions
(5) Other Business
(a) Consider approval of Accounts Payable (if necessary)
(b) Appointments
(c) Miscellaneous
(d) Public Comment
(6) Adjourn
Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:35 P.M. on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 with two members present. McElhaney was absent.
CONSENT AGENDA 04-26-06
Johnson made a motion to approve the following Consent Agenda:
- Approve Commissioners Order Nos. 06-143 and 06-144. Orders are on file in the office of the County Clerk.
Motion was seconded by Jones and carried.
INSURANCE 04-26-06
The Board considered approval of the health insurance contract for Third Party Administration. Pam Madl, Assistant County Administrator, noted that the Health Insurance Committee worked with Corporate Benefits Consulting to develop and issue a Request for Proposals for Third Party Administration of the health insurance plan. For the past five years the County has contracted with FMH, Inc., and staff and employees have been very satisfied with FMH's performance. However, the five-year contract is expiring.
Six proposals were received and reviewed by the Health Insurance Committee. The Committee unanimously recommends that the County continue to contract with FMH. Even though FMH did not offer the lowest proposal with respect to fixed costs, the difference was minimal as a percentage of the total cost of the health insurance plan. Madl pointed out that switching administrators is difficult for employees as well as staff; eligible service providers could change (such as physicians and hospitals within the network) and flexibility with the plan administration could be impacted. There have been very few user complaints about FMH administration; claims are paid promptly, and there is excellent communication and collaboration between County staff and FMH account representatives.
After discussion, Jones made a motion to authorize Pam Madl to finalize a five-year contract, renewable annually, with FMH, Inc. for Third Party Administration of the health insurance plan. Motion was seconded by Johnson and carried.
MISCELLANEOUS & AGREEMENTS 04-26-06
The Board considered approval of the PLAY (Partners for Lawrence Athletics and Youth) agreement to perform a needs assessment and feasibility study. The Board had previously agreed to provide 10% of the cost of the study up to a maximum of $7,000, as reflected in the February 27, 2006 minutes. A draft copy of the Request for Proposals was also available for the Board's review.
Johnson stated that he would like the language in both documents to be inclusive of Douglas County as well as the City of Lawrence.
Jones noted that the scope was unnecessarily broad as written in Item 3 of the Scope of Services and Overall Tasks. The Board emphasized the hope that the PLAY initiative should, to the maximum extent possible, benefit all community partners currently providing for recreational needs. For example, the Board would question any proposal that would have the Haskell football stadium abandoned, rather than upgraded, to accommodate a new facility dedicated to a similar need.
Jones made a motion that Johnson be authorized to sign the final Agreement once the above-described changes have been made and with the understanding that the Board's agreement to fund the study d s not be construed to assume support of the final expenditure for a facility. Motion was seconded by Johnson and carried. Staff was directed to forward these minutes to the PLAY committee.
RESOLUTIONS 04-26-06
Jones made a motion that Johnson be authorized to sign resolutions until Monday, May 8, 2006. Motion was seconded by Johnson and carried. It should be noted that on May 3, 2006, Johnson signed Resolution No. 06-16 granting a cereal malt beverage license to Jerk Water Grille and Resolution No. 06-17 granting a special restricted cereal malt beverage license to Clinton Marina.
MISCELLANEOUS 04-26-06
The Board considered approval of a request received from Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging to endorse an Application for Tax Credits for their new office space. Craig Weinaug, County Administrator, explained that these credits will be used for the installation of an elevator and other ADA requirements for the bottom floor of the facility into which they are moving. There is no risk or cost to Douglas County in endorsing the Application. Johnson made a motion to approve the Application for Tax Credits; Jones seconded and the motion carried.
AGREEMENTS 04-26-06
The Board considered a proposed First Amendment to Lease Agreement [Option to Sell] received from Cingular Wireless for the tower located south of the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center. Craig Weinaug, County Administrator, explained that Cingular Wireless merged with AT&T and acquired the AT&T Tower Lease. They have determined they no longer need this site. Cingular Wireless can either terminate the Lease or sell the equipment and assign its Lease rights to a different wireless provider. If Cingular Wireless chooses to terminate the Lease, it must provide Douglas County with 60 days notice and must pay a termination fee equal to 6 months rent. Cingular Wireless has asked Douglas County to allow it to assign its Lease rights, which potentially allows the County to continue receiving rent, except for during the interim period when they are attempting to assign the Lease rights. The Amendment states that Cingular Wireless would no longer pay rent after July. They would have up to 24 months to find a buyer to acquire the Lease rights. If they find a buyer within 24 months, the buyer must start paying the County rent equal to 110% of the normal rental rate. If they do not find a buyer within 24 months, then they can either terminate the Lease without any further payments to the County or reinstate the Lease and start paying the County rent equal to 110% of the normal rental rate. Weinaug noted that the County Counselor has reviewed and negotiated the proposed Agreement. Weinaug also pointed out that the County has another vacant space on the tower, but d sn't have the expertise to market that space.
Jones asked what the advantage would be to Cingular Wireless if the County approved the request. Weinaug stated they would get out of the notice period and there is some potential revenue to them if they sell the package. The County's risk is losing four (4) months of rent.
Jones asked what would happen if they were unable to find a buyer. Weinaug said the County would end up with Cingular's equipment on the tower without receiving rent. The worst case scenario would be the County would have two (2) vacant spaces to rent.
Jones then asked if removing the equipment would be costly. Weinaug stated that he did not know, but noted that the County Counselor unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate removal of the equipment, which might indicate it would be costly. However, the Board could approve the Agreement with the stipulation that they remove the equipment.
Johnson suggested that Weinaug be authorized to negotiate with Cingular Wireless indicating that the Amendment has been presented to the Board who authorized execution on the condition that the equipment be removed by Cingular Wireless if they are unable to sell the space.
Jones made a motion to authorize the County Administrator to enter into an Agreement with Cingular Wireless regarding the disposition of the cell tower after he has satisfied his own curiosity about issues with regard to removal of the equipment. Motion was seconded by Johnson and carried.
MISCELLANEOUS 04-26-06
Jones suggested that the County look into making some sort of commitment to improving writing skills. He suggested that staff look into a day long training session for all employees and possibly hiring a writing coach to review certain documents. Johnson agreed. No formal action was taken.
BUDGET 04-26-06
The Board discussed the 2007 budget process. No action was taken.
Johnson made a motion to adjourn; Jones seconded and the motion carried.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Bob Johnson, Chairman Charles Jones, Member
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Jamie Shew, County Clerk
Time and Date