HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - April 13, 2004 SSCITY OF LODI
INFORMAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING
"SHIRTSLEEVE" SESSION
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2004
An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday,
April 13, 2004, commencing at 7:00 a.m.
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members — Beckman, Hitchcock, Howard, Land, and Mayor Hansen
Absent: Council Members — None
Also Present: City Manager Flynn, Interim City Attorney Schwabauer, and City Clerk Blackston
B. CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR UPDATE
City Clerk Blackston reviewed the weekly calendar (filed).
C. TOPIC(S)
C-1 "Employee medical insurance"
City Manager Flynn reported that approximately four weeks ago the City was notified that
primary care physicians would no longer be contracting with Delta IPA. The same situation
had previously taken place with specialist physicians in Lodi. Human Resources Director
Narloch contacted the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CaIPERS) and
informed them that this was unacceptable. Late last week an agreement was made
between the physicians and Delta IPA. The question remains as to what course of action
the City should take in the future. Mr. Flynn reminded Council that a large number of
retirees depend on CaIPERS. He anticipated this issue being placed on a Council agenda
in September for discussion of alternatives.
Human Resources Director Narloch stated it was her understanding that the primary care
physicians, specialists, and the hospital have come to an agreement with Delta IPA
through the end of this calendar year only. She reported that in an effort to address health
care difficulties, cities have united under the umbrella of the League of California Cities, as
well as forming small coalitions to examine the issue. A main concern has been the lack
of responsiveness from CaIPERS to public agencies. CaIPERS recently amended its
policy to stipulate that if a city opts out of its health plan, it cannot be added back in for a
period of five years. There has also been a concern between northern and southern
California cities as to how costs are allocated. Southern cities have supported regional
ratings. It would be in the best interest of all cities for CaIPERS to incorporate the regional
rating, because if the southern cities leave CalPERS, northern cities would be paying more
for premiums. This matter will be decided by the CaIPERS Board next Tuesday. Within
the next two months CaIPERS will be announcing the rates for next year. Agencies have
60 days from the release of the rates in which to opt out of CaIPERS. This action would
need to be done by City Council resolution. Ms. Narloch reported that the City's insurance
broker has information relative to costs for sole -source agreements with various providers.
Another option that cities are exploring is forming Joint Powers Authorities.
In response to Mayor Hansen, Mr. Flynn explained that one of the problems is how
CaIPERS goes about forming its pool of medical care providers. As a result Lodi pays
rates which incorporate costs for San Francisco physicians; however, local care providers
receive a lesser amount in reimbursement. He also reported that local physicians have
been unable to discern who is in charge of Delta IPA or what its bylaws are.
Continued April 13, 2004
Council Member Howard believed that a Preferred Provider Organization would address
many of the concerns over the long term. She acknowledged there would be an increased
cost which would require continuing participation in cost sharing by employees.
D. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
None.
E. ADJOURNMENT
No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 a.m.
ATTEST:
Susan J. Blackston
City Clerk
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Mayor's& Council Members' Weekly Calendar
WEEK OF APRIL 13, 2004
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
7:00 a.m. Shirtsleeve Session
1. Employee medical insurance (HR)
7:00 a.m. Special Closed Session Meeting.
11:00 a.m. Hansen. Groundbreaking of the Salvation Army Hope Harbor, 622
North Sacramento Street.
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
5:00 p.m. Special Joint City Council Meeting with the Lodi Parks and Recreation
Commission, Meet at Lodi Transit Station, 24 South Sacramento Street - forparkstour.
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Friday, April 16, 2004
10:00 a.m. San Joaquin Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Public
Hearing for proposed LAFCo preliminary budget forthe 2004-05 Fiscal
year, Board of Supervisors Chambers, 7th floor Courthouse, 222 East
Weber Avenue, Stockton.
6:00 p.m. Chamber of Commerce School Street Stroll, Downtown.
Saturday, April 17, 2004
10:00 a.m. City of Stockton Waterfront Entertainment Center Groundbreaking
Ceremony, comer of Fremont Street and Madison Street.
Sunday, April 18, 2004
Monday, April 19, 2004
6:00 p.m. Special Joint City Council Meeting with the Lodi Arts Commission,
Hutchins Street Square — Crete Hall.
Disclaimer. This calendar contains only information that was provided to the City Clerk's Office.
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