Laserfiche WebLink
Chair Dietz pointed out that all employees would need to move over to this new plan as <br />opposed to being offered as an alternative, which was the initial reasoning for seeking plan <br />options. He expressed his preference of not forcing staff to change plans. Commissioner <br />Westgaard offered that in most situations the employer vets the options and decides on <br />staff’s behalf. <br />Commissioner Westgaard requested input from the leadership team present at the meeting <br />on what they believed staff would prefer. There was discussion. <br /> Chair Dietz noted the large increase in the out-of-network deductible. Ms. Slominski <br />responded that only one staff member had accessed out-of-network services in 2019-2020. <br />There was discussion. <br /> Ms. Nelson commended Ms. Slominski on the research she put into finding a plan that would <br />benefit everyone. <br /> Commissioner Westgaard commented that Ms. Slominski had gone over and above to <br />research plans, noting there would be a process of presenting this decision to staff. He added <br />that staff’s recommendation offered an opportunity to save employees money, improve <br />recruitment, and give back to the rate payers. <br />Moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Westgaard to approve an <br />85%/15% premium share and deductible funding as recommended by staff. Motion carried <br />3-1. Chair Dietz opposed. <br />Moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Westgaard to approve <br />changing to the Small Group Market Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plan as <br />recommended by staff, effective January 1, 2021. Motion carried 4-0. <br />6.0 BUSINESS DISCUSSION <br />6.1 Staff Updates <br />Ms. Slominski corrected her previous staff update where she stated the HR generalistwould <br />begin work on October 26. The new start date is October 29. <br />Commissioner Stewart commended Ms. Karpinski and her department for implementingthe <br />Accounts Payable Workflow for paperless processing from National Information Solutions <br />Cooperative. Ms. Karpinski acknowledged it was a group effort. <br />Chair Dietzasked for further details about an item from Ms. Nelson’s update on not penalizing <br />delinquent accounts during the Peacetime Emergency Order. Ms. Nelson shared that she <br />wanted the Commission to be aware that ERMU is still not charging penalties, but that she has <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />October 13, 2020 <br />Page 4 <br /> <br />36 <br />