 For release: July 17, 2014
Contact: Kayla Bromelkamp, public affairs, 612-348-8536
News release
Changes in employee health care coverage brings savings to county
Through a series of changes to employee health care coverage, the county is seeing significant cost savings. In 2014, the savings on health insurance premiums will be $11.7 million.
During the past five years, the county has seen insurance premiums increase by only two percent, after implementing initiatives to control the rising cost of healthcare, including: offering an abundance of year-round activities, classes, coaching and programs designed to help health plan participants (employees and retirees) achieve their health goals, resulting in fewer health claims; moving to self-insurance, giving the county more flexibility in plan design and administrative services; offering employees a less expensive health plan choice with a narrower network of health care providers that focuses on quality care and health outcomes – nearly 60 percent of employees chose this plan, almost twice the number the county expected; and working with employees to review dependent eligibility to ensure appropriate coverage.
In light of these savings, the board authorized the county administrator to waive the collection of health insurance premiums for participants and the county for three pay periods.
Board approves environmental grant for Osseo
The board approved $139,737 environmental grant for the Block 6 redevelopment project, a large residential apartment development in Osseo. The grant funding will be used for asbestos abatement, demolition and soil cleanup that happened during construction.
Board approves healthier options in county vending machines and county sponsored events
The board approved a plan to offer healthier food choices in vending machines in county buildings and at county sponsored events, part of an effort to encourage healthy food choices as a means to prevent chronic disease for employees and visitors. A nutrition policy and nutritional guidelines will be part of food vending contracts with the county going forward. The policy and guidelines will also apply to county sponsored meetings and events. Staff will also work with contracted food vendors to increase the availability of healthier food and beverage options in county buildings.
Board approves additional design work on Wayzata Boulevard reconstruction
The board approved staff to negotiate an agreement with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. for services for the redesign of Wayzata Boulevard (County Road 112), formerly Highway 12 between Willow Drive and Wolfe Pointe Trail. In 2010, the road was transferred from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to Hennepin County. As part of that agreement, MnDOT agreed to provide funding for the engineering, right of way acquisition and construction improvements. The contract includes the final detail design with a cost not to exceed $1.1 million. The design work should be completed by Fall 2015, with construction estimated to begin in Spring of 2017.
Board appoints new
member to citizen advisory board
The board appointed Jim Unterseher of Plymouth to a two-year
term on the Mental Commitment Attorney Panel Advisory Board. Unterseher retired
in 2008 from United Defense and served in the U.S. Army for 28 years. The
advisory board meets annually to review activities of the attorneys panel and
appoint members. This panel of attorneys provides legal representation for
individuals petitioned for mental commitment. There are five members on the
advisory board, one attorney recommended by the Hennepin County Bar
Association, two members from among those recommended by mental health advisory
groups and two citizens – one of whom should be an attorney.
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Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.
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