June 10, 2010
REPORT OF THE FINANCE-AUDITING COMMITTEE
Honorable Board of Directors
Golden Gate Bridge, Highway
and Transportation District
Honorable Members:
A meeting of the Finance-Auditing Committee was held in the Board Room, Administration Building, Toll Plaza, San Francisco, CA, on Thursday, June 10, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., Chair Stroeh presiding.
Committee Members Present (6): Chair Stroeh; Directors Cochran, Eddie, Grosboll, Moylan and Sobel
Committee Members Absent (3): Directors Elsbernd; Vice Chair Pahre; President Boro
Other Directors Present (2): Directors Reilly and Snyder
Staff Present: District Engineer/Acting General Manager Denis J. Mulligan; Auditor-Controller Joseph M. Wire; Attorney David J. Miller; Deputy General Manager/Bridge Division Kary Witt; Deputy General Manager/Bus Transit Division Teri Mantony; Deputy General Manager/Administration and Development Z. Wayne Johnson; Director of Risk Management/Safety William L. Stafford; Executive Assistant to the General Manager Amorette Ko; Assistant Clerk of the Board Lona Franklin
Visitors Present: John Bell, Mercer Health and Benefits, LLC; Steve Ratto, Mercer Health and Benefits, LLC; Wilma Baldazo, Mercer Health and Benefits, LLC
| 1. | Approve Actions Relative to the Renewal of the Commercial Paper Line of Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank In a memorandum to Committee, Auditor-Controller Joseph Wire and General Manager Celia Kupersmith reported on staff’s recommendation to approve the following actions relative to the Line of Credit Agreement (“Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”), for the Commercial Paper Program (“CP Program”): |
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| a. | Authorize execution of a 364-day extension of the Agreement with JPMorgan, at the cost of 0.78%, or an approximate annual fee of $595,000.00, for the period of July 2, 2010, to July 1, 2011; and, | |||
| b. | Approve amendments to the Agreement with JPMorgan as negotiated by the parties. | |||
The staff report stated that District staff and the District’s financial advisor, Public Financial Management, Inc. (“PFM”), have worked over the last several months to competitively procure new pricing and terms for the Line of Credit (“LC”) associated with the District’s Commercial Paper Notes (“CP Notes,” “CP,” or “Notes”). After a broad review of alternative products that could be used in lieu of CP, it was determined that the District’s CP Notes, in their current form, continue to be a cost-effective strategy for meeting the District’s ongoing financing needs with minimal risk. The staff report stated that the District established a CP Program in the authorized amount of $70 million on June 28, 2000, for the purpose of meeting capital funding needs on an as-needed basis. The staff report further stated that the need for liquidity or an LC stems from the need to periodically roll over the CP Notes. The staff report stated that the District must have sufficient liquidity to repay up to $70 million in CP Notes in the event of an investor “put,” whereby investors require the principal and interest to be paid in full. In order to satisfy this liquidity requirement, the District originally purchased an LC from JPMorgan for a term of one year, with an annual cost of 10 basis points (“bps”) or $76,000.00. The staff report stated that the annual cost increased modestly each year, from 20 bps in 2001 to 32.5 bps, or $248,000.00, in 2008. In 2009, during the peak of the global credit crisis, the District extended the term of its agreement with JPMorgan for an additional year, through July 2010, for a cost of 130.5 bps or $995,000.00 per year. To ensure the lowest cost financing and best terms for the District for FY 10/11, staff has sought competitive bids. A Request for Proposals (“RFP”) was sent to seven LC banks on April 5, 2010. On April 25, 2010, the District received two bids which were very competitive in the current market and much lower than the District’s current cost. The staff report stated that renewing with JPMorgan was found to be more cost-effective than selecting a new provider. JPMorgan’s renewal cost for a 364-day facility is 78 bps, which equates to an annual cost reduction of $400,000.00. Changes to the Agreement between the District and JPMorgan are as follows: |
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| a. | Section 1.01 is amended to reflect the following defined terms: | |||
| 1. | “Fee Letter” refers to that certain letter agreement, dated July 2, 2010, between JPMorgan and the District regarding fees and expenses, together with all amendments, modifications and supplements thereto; |
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| 2. | “Related Documents” means the Notes, the Indenture, the Ordinance, each Dealer Agreement, the Fee Letter and the Issuing and Payment Agent Agreement; |
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| b. | Section 2.02(c) is amended to reflect an extension of the term loan period to 4 years with 16 quarterly payments; |
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| c | Section 2.06 is amended to reflect all fees as set forth in the Fee Letter relating to the Agreement, as follows: |
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| 1. | Commitment fee is decreased to 0.78% per annum, subject a 10 bps increase in the event of a first downgrade in the District’s credit rating, 15 bps for the second downgrade, and 30 bps for any downgrades thereafter; and subject to a 1.25% per annum increase for the duration of any Event of Default or withdrawal/suspension of the District’s credit rating; |
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| 2. | An early termination fee equivalent to the remaining unpaid undrawn commitment fee should the District terminate the Agreement by replacing JPMorgan with an Alternate Provider. There will be no termination fee should the District terminate the agreement due to JPMorgan’s short-term rating falling below “P-1” by Moody’s, below “A-1” by S&P, or below “F1” by Fitch; |
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| 3. | A $500 per drawing fee, capped at $5,000 per annum; |
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| 4. | Interest for past due payments at Bank Rate plus 2%. |
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| d. | Clause (ii) of Section 6.01(a), Clause (ii) of Section 6.02(a), Clause (i) of Section 6.02(b), and Clause (iii) of Section 7.06(a) are amended to reflect reference to the Fee Letter. |
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The staff report stated that renewal of the Agreement, as recommended, would cost approximately $595,000.00 for the 364-day term of Agreement, which is a cost reduction of $400,000.00 from the previous year. There is adequate funding in the proposed FY 10/11 Operating Budget for the CP Program. A copy of the staff report is available in the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site. At the meeting, Mr. Wire summarized the staff report, noting that staff recommends staying with JPMorgan because there are significant costs associated with going to a new LC provider. [Director Reilly arrived at this time.] Discussion ensued, including the following inquiry:
Staff recommended and the Committee concurred by motion made and seconded by Directors COCHRAN/EDDIE to forward the following recommendation to the Board of Directors for its consideration: RECOMMENDATION The Finance-Auditing Committee recommends that the Board of Directors approve the following actions relative to the Line of Credit Agreement (“Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”), for the Commercial Paper Program: |
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| a. | Authorize execution of a 364-day extension of the Agreement with JPMorgan, at the cost of 0.78%, or an approximate annual fee of $595,000.00, for the period of July 2, 2010, to July 1, 2011; and, |
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| b. | Approve amendments to the Agreement with JPMorgan as negotiated by the parties, as follows: | |||
| 1. | Section 1.01 is amended to reflect the following defined terms: | |||
| a. | Fee Letter” refers to that certain letter agreement, dated July 2, 2010, between JPMorgan and the District regarding fees and expenses, together with all amendments, modifications and supplements thereto; |
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| b. | “Related Documents” means the Notes, the Indenture, the Ordinance, each Dealer Agreement, the Fee Letter and the Issuing and Payment Agent Agreement; |
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| 2. | Section 2.02(c) is amended to reflect an extension of the term loan period to 4 years with 16 quarterly payments; | |||
| 3. | Section 2.06 is amended to reflect all fees as set forth in the Fee Letter relating to the Agreement, as follows: | |||
| a. | Commitment fee is decreased to 0.78% per annum, subject a 10 basis points (bps) increase in the event of a first downgrade in the District’s credit rating, 15 bps for the second downgrade, and 30 bps for any downgrades thereafter; and subject to a 1.25% per annum increase for the duration of any Event of Default or withdrawal/suspension of the District’s credit rating; |
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| b. | An early termination fee equivalent to the remaining unpaid undrawn commitment fee should the District terminate the Agreement by replacing JPMorgan with an Alternate Provider. There will be no termination fee should the District terminate the agreement due to JPMorgan’s short-term rating falling below “P-1” by Moody’s, below “A-1” by S&P, or below “F1” by Fitch; |
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| c. | A $500 per drawing fee, capped at $5,000 per annum; |
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| d. | Interest for past due payments at Bank Rate plus 2%. |
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| 4. | Clause (ii) of Section 6.01(a), Clause (ii) of Section 6.02(a), Clause (i) of Section 6.02(b), and Clause (iii) of Section 7.06(a) are amended to reflect reference to the Fee Letter. Action by the Board at its meeting of June 11, 2010 - Resolution NON-CONSENT CALENDAR |
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| AYES (8): Chair Stroeh; Directors Cochran, Eddie, Grosboll, Moylan, Reilly, Snyder and Sobel NOES (0): None ABSENT (3): Directors Elsbernd; Vice Chair Pahre; President Boro |
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| 2. | Approve Actions Relative to the Award of Contract No. 2010-FT-13, San Francisco Ferry Terminal Restrooms Accessibility Modifications, to Integra Construction Services, Inc. In a memorandum to Committee, Deputy District Engineer Ewa Bauer, District Engineer Denis Mulligan and General Manager Celia Kupersmith reported on staff’s recommendation to approve actions relative to the award of Contract No. 2010-FT-13, San Francisco Ferry Terminal Restrooms Accessibility Modifications, to Integra Construction Services, and all other items as outlined in the staff report. This item was continued from the May 28, 2010 Meeting of the Finance-Auditing Committee. The staff report stated that this Project will improve access to the paid waiting area restrooms, originally constructed in the 1970’s. The work includes partial demolition of the existing interior stucco and tile walls; installation of new stucco and tile walls; relocation and replacement of toilet and lavatory fixtures; installation of new restroom hardware and other miscellaneous features; modification to water and wastewater; replacement of exhaust fan; and, removal of existing doors and installation of new powered swinging doors within the existing paid waiting area of the San Francisco Ferry Terminal. The staff report stated that ten bids were received on May 11, 2010, opened and publicly read. The Engineering staff, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Office, and Attorney evaluated the bids and concluded that the apparent responsive, responsible low bidder was Integra Construction Services, Inc., with a bid price of $124,352.00. The staff report stated that no contract-specific DBE goal was established for this Contract. However, bidders were strongly encouraged to obtain DBE participation and were required to document their activities in the solicitation and selection of subcontractors, subconsultants, and suppliers, to ensure that the process was carried out in a nondiscriminatory manner. The DBE Program Administrator has determined that Integra Construction Services, Inc., has complied with the DBE requirements applicable to the Contract. The staff report stated that, at this time, a 24.8% DBE participation is anticipated during the performance of this Contract. The staff report further stated that this Project is included in the FY 09/10 Ferry Transit Division Capital Budget at a total cost of $320,000.00, and is 100% grant funded with $148,686.00 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant funds and $171,314.00 Public Transportation Modernization, Improvement and Service Enhancement Account (PTMISEA) grant funds from the State I-Bond program. To date, approximately $45,000.00 has been spent to support the design, staff costs and indirect costs. The detailed budget for this Project is as follows: |
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BUDGET ITEM |
COST |
Expenditure to date |
$ 45,000.00 |
Contract No. 2010-FT-13 |
$ 124,352.00 |
Construction Contingency (10%) |
$ 12,435.00 |
Construction Support Services & Testing |
$ 5,000.00 |
Construction Administration (staff time 18%) |
$ 24,620.00 |
ICAP @ 64.29% |
$ 15,830.00 |
Miscellaneous (printing, advertisement, mailing, etc.) |
$ 5,063.00 |
TOTAL BUDGET |
$232,300.00 |
A project budget decrease in the amount of $87,700.00 (100% FTA) will be used to fund future capital projects. The total project budget in the amount of $232,300.00 will be funded with $60,986.00 FTA grant funds and $171,314.00 PTMISEA grant funds. A copy of the staff report is available in the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site. Staff recommended and the Committee concurred by motion made and seconded by Directors COCHRAN/EDDIE to forward the following recommendation to the Board of Directors for its consideration: RECOMMENDATION The Finance-Auditing Committee recommends that the Board of Directors approve actions relative to Contract No. 2010-FT-13, San Francisco Ferry Terminal Restrooms Accessibility Modifications, as follows: |
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| a. | Authorize award of Contract No. 2010-FT-13, to Integra Construction Services, Inc., Livermore, CA, in the amount of $124,352.00; | |
| b. | Authorize a Contingency Fund in the amount of $12,435.00, equal to 10% of the contract award; and, | |
| c. | Authorize a budget decrease in the amount of $87,700.00; and, | |
| d. | Establish a total project budget of $232,300.00; | |
with the understanding that requisite funds are available in the FY 09/10 Ferry Transit Division Capital Budget. Action by the Board at its meeting of June 11, 2010 - Resolution |
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| 3. | Ongoing Presentation of the Draft FY 10/11 Operating and Capital Budgets In a memorandum to Committee, Auditor-Controller Joseph Wire and General Manager Celia Kupersmith provided a summary of the development process and a general overview of the FY 10/11 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget (“FY 10/11 Budget,” or “Proposed Budget”), which contains: |
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| a. | District goals, projects, and accomplishments; | |
| b. | Changes to the Reserve structure; | |
| c. | Changes to the Table of Organization; | |
| d. | Limited delegation of Capital Budget Policy to General Manager to move specific projects from a FY 11/12 project list into the FY 10/11 Capital Budget; | |
| e. | Implementation of four Financial Plan Initiatives; and, | |
| f. | A 1.75% salary increase for Coalition-represented and non-represented employees effective January 1, 2011. |
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The FY 10/11 Budget is a policy document that identifies the strategic direction and priorities of the Board of Directors for the budget year. The Proposed Budget is the implementation tool for the Board’s policy directions and initiatives that were developed in its long-term Strategic Financial Plan (SFP), adopted by the Board at its Special Meeting of October 30, 2009. It carries out the stated mission of the District within the bounds of that SFP. The proposed FY 10/11 budget includes: |
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| a. | Operating Budget revenues of $162.4 million; | |
| b. | Operating Budget expenditures of $170.6 million; | |
| c. | Capital Budget revenues of $64.3 million; | |
| d. | Capital Budget expenditures of $76 million; and, | |
| e. | District reserves of $8.2 million will be used to fund the FY 10/11 Operating Budget and reserves of $11.7 million will fund the FY 10/11 Capital Budget. | |
The staff report is summarized in detail in the Minutes of the May 28, 2010 meeting of the Finance-Auditing Committee. A copy of the staff report is available from the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site. A copy of the FY 10/11 Proposed Budget document is available from the Office of the District Secretary. At the meeting, Joseph Wire provided an overview of the FY 10/11 Proposed Budget, noting that this meeting will provide an opportunity for discussion of the Proposed Budget, which is scheduled for adoption at the June 25, 2010, meeting of the Board of Directors. Mr. Wire then guided the Committee members through the Proposed Budget document, focusing on the District’s current financial situation, Operating Budget revenues and expenses and the Capital Budget. He noted that the Proposed Budget reflects decisions made by the Board during the previous fiscal year. Mr. Wire introduced and thanked the following employees, who have worked on preparing the Proposed Budget: Jennifer Mennucci, Joanne Leone, Richard Driscoll, Juan Cerda, Alice Ng, Gayle Prior, Jennifer L. Raupach and Jeff Dion. He noted that the information they work with comes from District staff and that producing the Proposed Budget document is a team effort. He discussed the process used to develop the Proposed Budget and noted that this one-year budget ties into the long-term planning process. Capital Budget Mr. Wire discussed transit system funding (p. 19), stating that State Transit Assistance (STA) funds, which were not distributed last year, will be available for FY 10/11. He stated that a graph appears on page 20 which depicts reserve funds available for capital projects, showing that over $100 million has been set aside. The reserves that are available will be allocated by the 10-year Capital Plan (which appears in Appendix E). He noted that the FY 10/11 Proposed Budget projects that total spending from reserves will be $19.9 million, made up of operating expenses projected to be $8.2 million greater than projected operating revenue, and $11.7 million in capital reserves necessary to fund the District’s share of the capital projects scheduled for FY 10/11. He stated that a great deal of focus has been put on the 10-year Capital Plan. Staff is looking closely at projects that could qualify for additional grant funding. Due to provisions that add to capital reserves, the reserves available for capital and operating are projected to increase slightly in FY 10/11. Appendix A of the Proposed Budget provides additional details in this regard. With reference to pages 23 and 24, Mr. Wire stated that the Proposed Budget acts on four SFP Initiatives. Expenses will be reduced over the next 10 years. The District will reduce two Bridge Officer positions based on traffic need. In addition, administrative expenses (overhead) are being reduced. More investigation will take place over the next year to further reduce overhead and reduce the need for staff. Examples can be found on page 24. Pages 25 and 26 provide clarification of how the Proposed Budget relates to projections. Operating Budget Mr. Wire stated that 60% of Operating Budget revenue comes from the Bridge tolls, and that nearly two-thirds of Operating Expenses are from transit. Referring to operating revenues (p. 29), Mr. Wire stated that traffic is projected to increase slightly from its lowest level. While tolls have been increased, revenue from tolls will increase slightly. Revenue from transit fares is expected to decrease because fewer passengers are anticipated, especially on regional routes. In addition, the transition to TransLink® will result in reduced revenues because TransLink® provides a discount which affects fare revenue. STA funding is projected to be $4.4 million in FY 10/11, compared to being minimal in FY 09/10. However, Marin County Transit District has experienced bus service reductions, with a net decrease of contract revenue to the District of $530,000.00. In addition, interest rate income from investments is expected to be lower, as investments mature and opportunities to re-invest at the same high rates is unavailable. Mr. Wire described changes to expenses for the Proposed Budget compared to FY 09/10 estimated actual expenses, as shown on pages 32 and 33. The Table at the bottom of page 33 shows a 5.4% increase for the FY 10/11 Proposed Operating Budget. Of that, 2% is for salary and benefit increases and 2.1% is for fuel, debt service and capital contributions. That combination of increased expenses accounts for 90% of the budget increase. Mr. Wire noted that the Proposed Budget is a tight one. The 1.75% salary increase for Coalition employees was previously negotiated. The ATU contract will be renegotiated at the end of February 2011, and a new contract will be in place by March. A proposed 1.75% pay raise for non-represented employees, effective January 2011, is part of the Board action. Table of Organization Mr. Wire directed attention to the Table on page 37, stating that by the end of June 2010 the District’s employees are expected to number 839, with a decrease to 831 by June 30, 2011. These positions are included in the list which appears on page 37. They are four Bridge Officers, one Assistant Vault Officer, one Vault Officer, one Unix Administrator, one Engineering Technician, one Dispatcher and one Financial Management Analyst. He stated that two new part-time positions (part-time Dispatcher and part-time Budget & Program Analyst) will be added, and one position (Operations Superintendent) will be reclassified. Capital Program Summary Mr. Wire discussed significant projects impacting operations, stating that the Capital Program focuses on completion of continuing projects and advancement of new projects required to maintain existing operations and meet the financial constraints of the District. He stated that the District’s desire is to use capital funds toward greater efficiency. Examples appear on page 39. Mr. Wire stated that, with approval of the FY 10/11 Proposed Budget, staff recommends that the Board of Directors grant the General Manager authorization to move projects from the FY 11/12 list to FY 10/11, pending the availability of funding and staff resources. This would allow the General Manager flexibility to move FY 11/12 projects forward once the FY 10/11 projects are completed. The proposed FY 11/12 Capital Budget project list is provided on page 43. Mr. Wire stated that the balance of the chapters cover each of the District’s Divisions separately. Following are appendices with clarifying information. He stated that the Proposed Budget will come before the Board for additional discussion and action on June 25, 2010, with implementation on July 1, 2010. In response to Committee members’ requests following the May 28, 2010 meeting of the Finance-Auditing Committee, Mr. Wire provided the following information:
Discussion ensued, including the following:
Action by the Board - None Required |
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| 4. | Status Report on the Renewal of the Liability Insurance Program In a memorandum to Committee, Risk Management and Safety Director William Stafford, Deputy General Manager/Administration and Development Z. Wayne Johnson, Auditor-Controller Joseph Wire and General Manager Celia Kupersmith provided a status report on the annual renewal of the District’s Liability Insurance Program, which renews on July 1, 2010. The report included recommended options for the following elements of the Liability Insurance Program: |
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| a. | Excess Liability Insurance; | |
| b. | Excess Workers’ Compensation & Employers Liability Insurance; | |
| c. | OPEB Fiduciary Liability Insurance; | |
| d. | Public Officials and Employment Practices Liability Insurance; | |
| e. | Crime Insurance; and, | |
| f. | Environmental Pollution Insurance (currently on 3-year policy). | |
The staff report stated that the FY 10/11 Liability Insurance Program renewal represents the second year that the District’s casualty insurance broker, Wells Fargo Insurance Services (WFIS), has marketed the District’s program. WFIS used a focused marketing approach, targeting those insurance carriers and insurance markets that showed an interest in underwriting the District’s casualty program in 2009. The staff report stated that, among the insurance changes that took place in 2009 were initiation of three-year Environmental Pollution Insurance coverage and reduction in the District’s Excess Workers’ Compensation Program. In addition, a significant change was made in the District’s Excess Liability Insurance Program whereby the District migrated from a $3 million self-insured retention (SIR) to a $2 million SIR, with legal defense costs within the SIR and only a minimal premium increase. The staff report noted that the goals for the FY 10/11 renewal are to reduce the overall cost of the Liability Insurance Program and improve on current terms and conditions, if possible, with the final marketing results expected on June 14, 2010. The staff report stated that the District expects to receive improved terms on Umbrella Liability Insurance for the upcoming fiscal year, and competitive terms at the same premium rate as the expiring program for Excess Workers’ Compensation coverage. In addition, a slightly lower premium is anticipated for Public Officials and Employment Practices Liability insurance. Regarding Crime/Fidelity Bond Insurance, the District’s three-year policy, purchased in 2007, expires in 2010 and, although the carrier has quoted a small premium decrease for the same coverage, the District is currently considering increasing the policy limits. The premium for Other Post-Employment Benefits Fiduciary Liability insurance is expected to remain flat for FY 10/11. The staff report stated that, in 2009, the District purchased a Pollution Liability policy for a three-year term, effective July 1, 2009. Thus, FY 10/11 will be the second year of coverage, and renewal of this policy is not necessary this year. Related financial information will be presented to the Finance-Auditing Committee at their meeting of June 24, 2010, and action on the Liability Insurance Program is scheduled for the Board of Directors meeting of June 25, 2010. A copy of the staff report is available in the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site. At the meeting, Mr. Stafford summarized the staff report, noting that liability insurance is the District’s largest insurance program. He stated that quotations have been received for liability insurance and excess liability coverage. He stated that premiums will be approximately 7% lower for FY 10/11 for the same terms of coverage. He stated that excess workers’ compensation insurance will remain flat. Action by the Board – None Required |
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| 5. | Status Report on the Renewal of the Property Insurance Program In a memorandum to Committee, Risk Management and Safety Director William Stafford, Deputy General Manager/Administration and Development Z. Wayne Johnson, Auditor-Controller Joseph Wire and General Manager Celia Kupersmith provided a status report on the annual renewal of the District’s Property Insurance Program, which renews on July 1, 2010. The staff report stated that this program is comprised of District Facilities Insurance and a Bridge Self Insurance Loss Reserve. Boiler and Machinery Insurance, which was an element of the District’s Property Insurance Program in past years, was endorsed and covered under the District’s Facilities Insurance beginning in 2009. The staff report stated that the District’s property insurance broker, Alliant Insurance Services, is seeking a 10% to 15% reduction in the District’s Property Insurance Program due to more favorable market conditions, the District’s loss prevention efforts and its favorable loss history. The staff report stated that the District’s Property Insurance Program coverage, conditions and terms will remain relatively unchanged for FY 10/11, but that the District continues to assess property insurance risk pooling arrangements, specifically earthquake coverage, with other public entities. The staff report stated that, following investigation into the possible advantage of increasing the deductible from $250,000.00 to $500,000.00 on the District’s All Risks of Physical Loss or Damage coverage, excluding earthquake and flood, it was found that the premium savings did not justify a change. The 2009 premium was $602,485.00, with a 10% to 15% reduction in premium anticipated for FY 10/11. Regarding an increase in the present flood and earthquake limits of $20 million, quotes have been solicited but not yet received to increase the limits to $25 million. The staff report further stated that the District’s Board approved a Bridge Self-Insurance Loss Reserve in 2006, to become available for losses resulting from an earthquake or terrorist act that exceed $10 million. This reserve currently represents approximately $5.5 million in District reserves. In FY 09/10, $1.3 million was allocated to the fund, with the understanding that funds in this approximate amount would be allocated to this account each year thereafter. The staff report stated that a similar request for funding is anticipated in FY 10/11, which would bring the Self-Insurance Loss Reserve to approximately $6.8 million. Action by the Board – None Required |
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| 6. | Status Report on the Renewal of the Health and Benefit Insurance Plans In a memorandum to Committee, Director of Human Resources Harvey Pye, Deputy General Manager/Administration and Development Z. Wayne Johnson, Auditor-Controller Joseph Wire and General Manager Celia Kupersmith provided a status report on the renewal of the District’s health and benefits insurance plans. The staff report stated that the District can expect the costs for these plans to increase by a total of approximately 11% for FY 10/11. A portion of the increase results from changes in federal law that no longer allow for a $1 million lifetime maximum exposure, and approximately $10,000.00 of the increase is due to additional Blue Shield program administration. The Caremark prescription drug benefit, however, is anticipated to realize cost savings of $1,382,000.00 over the next three years, an 8.4% reduction in expense over that time period. The staff report stated that, under the Federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, the District is required to provide “parity” between medical benefits and the financial requirements and treatment limitations applied to mental health/substance abuse benefits. The staff report noted that the cost of legal compliance with this new regulation is included in the total package of health and welfare benefits being developed by staff. The staff report provided a short summary of health care reform impacts to the District, as follows:
The staff report provided the following current forecast of cost impact of the renewals to the District’s health and benefit plans: |
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| HEALTH PLAN | ESTIMATED COST FY 09/10 |
PROJECTED COST FY 10/11 |
% CHANGE |
| Vision Service Plan | $ 249,000 |
$ 251,000 |
1 |
| Delta Dental | $ 2,409,000 |
$ 2,545,000 |
6 |
| Basic Life/AD&D | $ 98,000 |
$ 98,000 |
0 |
| Stop-Loss | $ 415,000 |
$ 477,000 |
15 |
| Kaiser Permanente | $ 5,370,000 |
$ 6,337,000 |
18 |
| Blue Shield PPO | $ 8,810,000 |
$ 9,827,000 |
12 |
| Blue Shield HMO | $ 1,685,000 |
$ 1,937,000 |
15 |
| CVS Caremark | $ 4,406,000 |
$ 4,438,000 |
1 |
| OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions (EAP) | $ 34,000 |
$ 34,000 |
0 |
TOTAL: |
$ 23,476,000 |
$ 25,944,000 |
11 |
A copy of the staff report is available from the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site. At the meeting, Mr. Johnson stated that action on renewal of health and benefits insurance plans would be taken by the Board of Directors at its June 25, 2010, meeting. He provided a print-out of a PowerPoint presentation entitled “2010-2011 Overview of Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District Employee Benefits Program.” The PowerPoint presentation stated that, currently, the District provides employees 3 choices of health insurance, with Blue Shield and Kaiser being HMO’s and Blue Shield PPO being a self-insured plan administered by Blue Shield. In addition, the District offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); self-insured dental insurance administered by Delta Dental; self-insured vision insurance administered by Vision Service Plan; basic and term life insurance; dependent care and medical reimbursement flexible spending accounts; and, deferred compensation. The presentation also included a summary of enrollment in health plans as of April 2010, demographics of District participants enrolled in the Blue Shield PPO plan, estimated trends for 2010 and projected costs. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is available from the Office of the District Secretary and on the District’s web site. Steve Ratto, of Mercer Health and Benefits, LLC, summarized the PowerPoint presentation, directing attention to the fact that active members number 824 and retirees 711, a nearly equal split. He stated that there are approximately twice as many employees insured as dependents. He also noted that primary enrollees in the Blue Shield PPO plan have an average age of over 60. Discussion ensued, including the following comments and inquiries:
Action by the Board – None Required |
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| 7. | Public Comment There was no public comment. |
| 8. | Adjournment All business having been concluded, the meeting was adjourned at 11:25 a.m. |
Respectfully submitted,
s/ J Dietrich Stroeh, Chair
Finance-Auditing Committee


