HomeMy WebLinkAbout06 - MOU Retiree Medical ProgramCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. ..6
January 23, 2007
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: City Manager's Office
Sharon Wood, Assistant City Manager
949 - 644 -3222, swood@city.newport- beach.ca.us
SUBJECT: Supplemental Memoranda of Understanding Regarding Retiree
Medical Program with City Employees Association, Fire Management
Association, Firefighters Association, Employees League, and
Professional and Technical Employees Association
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the Supplemental Memoranda of
Understanding (SMOUs).
DISCUSSION:
The City reached agreement on a new, defined benefit, retiree medical program with all
of its full -time employee associations in 2005. This program was innovative, and was
developed with considerable input from special outside counsel with expertise in federal
income tax regulations. Through staffs continuing consultation with counsel, we have
learned that one provision of the program was not structured tightly enough to avoid a
possible "constructive receipt" of income problem. That provision is the ability to
convert leave time remaining at the time of separation from City service to the
employee's medical expense reimbursement account.
The proposed SMOUs correct this potential problem by strengthening the language
regarding the ability to change the percent of conversion selected by each association,
and by requiring that the same percent be applied whenever an employee wishes to
convert leave balance to cash. Because of the latter change, which affects employees
throughout their careers with the City, some associations also chose to change the
percent of conversion they had selected when the program was initiated. There is no
cost to the City for these changes.
This agenda item would approve the proposed changes for all but three associations.
New MOUs with the Police Employees and Management Associations, which include
Supplemental Memoranda of Understanding
January 23, 2007
Page 2
the provisions described here, are also on this City Council agenda. We are in
negotiations with the Lifeguard Management Association, and will include the revised
retiree medical provisions in their new. MOU.
Submitted by:
Sharon Wood
Assistant City Manager
Attachments: Supplemental Memoranda of Understanding with:
1. City Employees Association
2. Fire Management Association
3. Firefighters Association
4. Employees League
5. Professional and Technical Employees Association
7
SUPPLEMENTAL
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
This Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding (SMOU) modifies the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Newport Beach and
the Newport Beach City Employees Association for the term commencing July 1,
2005 and concluding June 30, 2007, and the SMOU between the parties
executed December 13, 2005.
SECTION 2 — Retiree Health Benefits is amended to read as follows
2. Effective December 24. 2005
iii. Part C contributions (leave settlement as determined by
Association):
The Association has determined that the level of contribution for all
employees it represents will be 0% of sick and flex leave. Any future
changes are subject to the following constraints. All employees
within the Association must participate :at the same level. The
participation level should be specified as a percentage of the leave
balance on hand in each employee's leave bank at the time of
separation from the City. The computation of the cash equivalent for
leave hours to be included in the MERP will be the same as the
computation used when leave is "cashed out" for other reasons.
However, individual employees must not have the option of receiving
compensation for the value of the same leave hours in the form of
cash.
For example, if the Association wishes to specify 50% of the leave
balance as the participation level, then each member leaving the City
would have the cash equivalent of 50% of whatever balance is in his
or her leave account added to the MERP, on a pre -tax basis. The
remaining 50% would be paid in cash as taxable income. Again,
individual employees would not have the option to deviate from this
breakout.
If the Association decides to participate in Part C contributions, at any
level, this same level of participation is mandatory for any conversion
of leave to cash by its members, with the exception of "spillover"
amounts above the maximum accumulation balance. No such
spillover payments will be included in Part C contributions. Use of
leave for time off purposes is not constrained by this prohibition.
1
z
Sick leave balances may also be included in the MERP, but only to
the extent and within all the numeric parameters specified in the
Employee Policy Manual. Section 11.21 of the Manual contains a
schedule which specifies the amount of sick leave that can be
"cashed out," based on time of service. The manual also caps the
number of hours that can be "cashed out" at 800, and species that
sick leave hours are "cashed out" on a 2 for 1 basis (800 hours of
sick leave are converted to 400 hours for cash purposes). Sick leave
participation is a separate item from vacation/flex leave participation,
and thresholds must be separately identified by the Association.
All other provisions of the MOU and SMOU executed December 13, 2005 remain
in effect.
Executed this day of 2007.
NEWPORT BEACH CITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
0
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
By:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
2
u
SUPPLEMENTAL
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
This Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding (SMOU) modifies the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Newport Beach and
the Newport Beach Fire Management Association for the term commencing
January 1, 2005 and concluding December 31, 2007.
SECTION 4 — Fringe Benefits, Subsection D. Retiree Health Benefits Program is
amended to read as follows
2. Effective December.24. 2005
iii. Part C contributions (leave settlement as determined by
Association):
The Association has determined .that the level of contribution for all
employees it represents will be 100% of sick and 0% of flex leave.
Any future changes are subject to the following constraints. All
employees within the Association must participate at the same level.
The participation level should be specified as a percentage of the
leave balance on hand in each employee's leave bank at the time of
separation from the City. The computation of the cash equivalent for
leave hours to be included in the MERP will be the same as the
computation used when leave is "cashed out' for other reasons.
However, individual employees must not have the option of receiving
compensation for the value of the same leave hours in the form of
cash.
For example, if the Association wishes to specify 50% of the leave
balance as the participation level, then each member leaving the City
would have the cash equivalent of 50% of whatever balance is in his
or her leave account added to the MERP, on a pre -tax basis. The
remaining 50 %would be paid in cash as taxable income. Again,
individual employees would not have the option to deviate from this
breakout.
If the Association decides to participate in Part C contributions, at any
level, this same level of participation is mandatory for any conversion
of leave to cash by its members, with the exception of "spillover"
amounts above the maximum accumulation balance. No such
spillover payments will be included in Part C contributions. Use of
leave for time off purposes is not constrained by this prohibition.
4z
Sick leave balances may also be included in the MERP, but only to
the extent and within all the numeric parameters specified in the
Employee Policy Manual. Section 11.21 of the Manual contains a
schedule which specifies the amount of sick leave that can be
"cashed out," based on time of service. The manual also caps the
number of hours that can be "cashed out" at 800, and specifies that
sick leave hours are 'bashed out" on a 2 for 1 basis (800 hours of
sick leave are converted to 400 hours for cash purposes). Sick leave
participation is a separate item from vacation /flex leave participation,
and thresholds must be separately identified by the Association.
All other provisions of the MOU remain in effect.
Executed this day of 2007.
NEWPORT BEACH FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
IN
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
By:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
7
SUPPLEMENTAL
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
This Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding (SMOU) modifies the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Newport Beach and
the Newport Beach Firefighters Association for the term commencing January 1,
2005 and concluding December 31, 2007.
SECTION 4 — Fringe Benefits, Subsection E. Retiree Health Benefits Program is
amended to read as follows
2. Effective December 24. 2005
iii. Part C contributions (leave settlement as determined by
Association):
The Association has determined that the level of contribution for all
employees it represents will be 50% of sick and flex leave. Any
future changes. are subject to the following constraints. All
employees within the Association must participate at the same level.
The participation level should be specified as a percentage of the
leave balance on hand in each employee's leave bank at the time of
separation from the City. The computation of the cash equivalent for
leave hours to be included in the MERP will be the same as the
computation used when leave is "cashed out" for other reasons.
However, individual employees must not have the option of receiving
compensation for the value of the same leave hours in the form of
cash.
For example, if the Association wishes to specify 50% of the leave
balance as the participation level, then each member leaving the City
would have the cash equivalent of 50% of whatever balance is in his
or her leave account added to the MERP, on a pre -tax basis. The
remaining 50% would be paid in cash as taxable income. Again,
individual employees would not have the option to deviate from this
breakout.
If the Association decides to participate in Part C contributions, at any
level, this same level of participation is mandatory for any conversion
of leave to cash by its members, with the exception of "spillover"
amounts above the maximum accumulation balance. No such
spillover payments will be included in Part C contributions. Use of
leave for time off purposes is not constrained by this prohibition.
'T
Sick leave balances may also be included in the MERP, but only to
the extent and within all the numeric parameters specified in the
Employee Policy Manual. Section 11.21 of the Manual contains a
schedule which species the amount of sick leave that can be
"cashed out," based on time of service. The manual also caps the
number of hours that can be "cashed out" at 800, and specifies that
sick leave hours are "cashed out" on a 2 for 1 basis (800 hours of
sick leave are converted to 400 hours for cash purposes). Sick leave
participation is a separate item from vacation/flex leave participation,
and thresholds must be separately identiflied by the Association.
All other provisions of the MOU remain in effect.
Executed this day of 2007.
NEWPORT BEACH FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
an
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
By:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
Q
SUPPLEMENTAL
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
This Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding (SMOU) modifies the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Newport Beach and
the Newport Beach Employees League for the term commencing July 1, 2005
and concluding June 30, 2007, and the SMOU between the parties executed
December 13, 2005.
SECTION 2 — Retiree Health Benefits is amended to read as follows
2. Effective December 24. 2005
iii. Part C contributions (leave settlement as determined by
Association):
The Association has determined that the level of contribution for all
employees it represents will be 0% of sick and flex leave. Any future
changes are subject to the following constraints. All employees
within the Association must participate at the same level. The
participation level should be specified as a percentage of the leave
balance on hand in each employee's leave bank at the time of
separation from the City. The computation of the cash equivalent for
leave hours to be included in the MERP will be the same as the
computation used when leave is "cashed out" for other reasons.
However, individual employees must not have the option of receiving
compensation for the value of the same leave hours in.the form of
cash.
For example, if the Association wishes to specify 50% of the leave
balance as the participation level, then each member leaving the City
would have the cash equivalent of 50% of whatever balance is in his
or her leave account added to the MERP, on a pre -tax basis. The
remaining 50% would be paid in cash as taxable income. Again,
individual employees would not have the option to deviate from this
breakout.
If the Association decides to participate in Part C contributions, at any
level, this same level of participation is mandatory for any conversion
of leave to cash by its members, with the exception of "spillover"
amounts above the maximum accumulation balance. No such
spillover payments will be included in Part C contributions. Use of
leave for time off purposes is not constrained by this prohibition.
O
Sick leave balances may also be included in the MERP, but only to
the extent and within all the numeric parameters specified in the
Employee Policy Manual. Section 11.21 of the Manual contains a
schedule which specifies the amount of sick leave that can be
"cashed out," based on time of service. The manual also caps the
number of hours that can be "cashed out' at 800, and specifies that
sick leave hours are "cashed out' on a 2 for 1 basis (800 hours of
sick leave are converted to 400 hours for cash purposes). Sick leave
participation is a separate item from vacation/flex leave participation,
and thresholds must be separately identified by the Association.
All other provisions of the MOU and SMOU executed December 13, 2005 remain
in effect.
Executed this day of 2007.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
By:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
NEWPORT BEACH EMPLOYEES LEAGUE
2
I r,
SUPPLEMENTAL
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
This Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding (SMO.U) modifies the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Newport Beach and
the Newport Beach Professional and Technical Employees Association for the
term commencing July 1, 2005 and concluding June 30, 2007, and the SMOU
between the parties executed December 13, 2005.
SECTION 2 — Retiree Health Benefits is amended to read as follows.
2. Effective December 24. 2005
iii. Part C contributions (leave settlement as determined by
Association):
The Association has determined that the level of contribution for all
employees it represents will be 0% of sick and flex leave. Any future
changes are subject to the following constraints. All employees
within the Association must participate at the same level. The
participation level should be specified as a percentage of the leave
balance on hand in each employee's leave bank at the time of
separation from the City. The computation of the cash . equivalent for
leave hours to .be included in the MERP will be the same as the
computation used when leave is "cashed out" for other reasons.
However, individual employees must not have the option of receiving
compensation for the value of the same leave hours in the form of
cash.
For example, if the Association wishes to specify 50% of the leave
balance as the participation level, then each member leaving the City.
would have the cash equivalent of 50% of whatever balance is in his
or her leave account added to the MERP, on a pre -tax basis. The
remaining 50% would be paid in cash as taxable income. Again,
individual employees would not have the option to deviate from this
breakout.
If the Association decides to participate in. Part C contributions, at any
level, this same level of participation is mandatory for any conversion
of leave to. cash by its members, with the exception of "spillover"
amounts above the maximum accumulation balance. No such
spillover payments will be included in Part C contributions. Use of
leave for time off purposes is not constrained by this prohibition.
1
Sick leave balances may also be included in the MERP, but only to
the extent and within all the numeric parameters specified in the
Employee Policy Manual. Section 11.21 of the Manual contains a
schedule which specifies the amount of sick leave that can be
"bashed out," based on time of service. The manual also caps the
number of hours that can be 'bashed out' at 800, and specifies that
sick leave hours are "cashed out' on a 2 for 1 basis (800 hours of
sick leave are converted to 400 hours for cash purposes). Sick leave
participation is a separate item from vacationtflex leave participation,
and thresholds must be separately identified by the Association.
All other provisions of the MOU and SMOU executed December 13, 2005 remain
in effect.
Executed this day of 2007.
NEWPORT BEACH PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
M
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
By:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
irk
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