Illinois Valley Times

City of LaSalle Finance Committee met Nov. 12

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Ptak called the Meeting to order at 6:00 pm

ROLL CALL

Present: Chairman Ptak, Alderman Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon

Absent: Alderman Crane

Others Present: Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, Finance Director John Duncan, Economic Development Director Curt Bedei, City Engineer Brian Brown, Director of Public Works Kevin Fay, Fire Chief Jerry Janick, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, City Attorney James McPhedran (arrived at 6:14 pm), Mayor Grove (arrived at 6:30 pm)

A quorum was present.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to approve the minutes from October 28, 2024.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Director of Public Works Kevin Fay began the discussion in regard to the iWorQ computer system for vehicle and equipment maintenance. Fay explains the current system involves manual filing cabinets and folders, which is inefficient. The new system would consolidate all information into a single database, including QR codes for vehicles and mileage tracking. Fay also highlighted the benefits of the new system, such as scheduling oil changes and tracking vehicle maintenance costs, which is especially useful for the growing fleet. The system will be accessible both as an app and a website, allowing mechanics to quickly log maintenance needs and receive orders with the correct part numbers.

Director Fay mentioned that the initial cost of $6,000 for the system, with a $5,000 annual subscription thereafter. The additional $1,000 is for training for the first year.

Alderman Thompson raised concerns about data entry consistency, citing a previous experience with an accounting system program that was not used effectively. Fay did acknowledge the importance of regular data entry and emphasized that the mechanics will be responsible for keeping the system updated. Fay has spoken with Rochelle municipality who had positive things to say about the same system.

Moved by Alderman Thompson and seconded by Alderman Reynolds to purchase iWorQ computer system to maintain vehicle and equipment database at a cost of $6,000 with $5,000 annual subscription thereafter.

ROLL CALL

AYES: Chairman Ptak, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Finance Director John Duncan provided an explanation regarding the RMA Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement. Duncan presented a history of the IML Risk Management Association plan for property, liability, and work comp insurance from 2014 to 2023. He shared the Min/Max document with the committee and explained the savings over the years with only one year, 2014, showing a loss. This loss resulted in a higher premium. Duncan highlighted the total savings of $288,445 over the past 10 years by staying with the Min/Max plan. He also mentioned the 2024 renewal rate increase with a potential $48,000 savings if the claims stay under the loss fund. Finance Director John Duncan recommends continuing with the Min/Max plan due to its proven cost-effectiveness and the department heads’ focus on safety.

Moved by Alderman Lavieri and seconded by Alderman Jeppson to accept the RMA Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement.

ROLL CALL

AYES: Chairman Ptak, Aldermen Bacidore, Thompson, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon

NAYS: NONE Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 7-0

Jenny Waszkowiak, VP of Brennan & Stuart, was invited to present as the current insurance broker in regard to the Health Insurance Renewal. She brought Amy Kiphart and Angela Daniz, who are also part of the employee benefit team at Brennan & Stuart.

Waszkowiak explained their long-term commitment to the city and the process of analyzing claims data and negotiating rates with Blue Cross Blue Shield. She also  emphasized the trust and service provided by their team, and the importance of maintaining employee satisfaction with the current plan. Brennan & Stuart has been the City of La Salle broker for over 30 years.

Chairman Ptak questioned about the handling of the claims if the broker changes midyear. Waszkowiak explained that the new broker would handle claims after the switch date. This current renewal date is 1/1/25. It was also discussed the grandfathered-in plans and the challenges of matching deductibles with other carriers. Finance Director explained that there are three different deductible plans for the city employees, 37 employees have the HSA plan, 23 have the $250 deductible, and two for the $1,000 PPO.

Chairman Ptak expresses difficulty in deciding between continuing with the current broker and rotating to a new broker, considering the long-term service and lack of complaints.

Chairman Thompson also supports the idea of rotating brokers to support local businesses, while also suggesting leaving the current plan alone due to its effectiveness.

Mayor Grove supports rotating brokers to support local businesses and suggests a three to four-year rotation period.

Bart Hartuauer highlighted the potential benefits of rotating brokers, such as maintaining employee relationships and ensuring competitive rates.

Representative from Brennan & Stuart wanted to point out that she has been working on this current renewal since September and it was just finalized this last week. Moved by Alderman Herndon and seconded by Alderman Bacidore to table the health insurance decision until the full council can discuss it, citing the importance of the decision and the need for all alderman to be present.

ROLL CALL

AYES: Chairman Ptak, Aldermen Bacidore, Reynolds, Lavieri, Jeppson, Herndon

NAYS: Alderman Thompson Absent: Alderman Crane Abstain: NONE

MOTION CARRIED: 6-1

There were no questions or comments from the public.

Moved by Alderman Reynolds and seconded by Alderman Thompson to adjourn the meeting.

Voice vote, all ayes. Motion carried.

Chairman Ptak adjourned the meeting at 6:43 p.m.

https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2024-12/11-12-24.pdf