Resolution 14-112 Issue a Request for Proposals for Employee Benefit Broker and Consulting Services

CITY OF HOMER

HOMER, ALASKA

                                                                                                                                       Burgess

RESOLUTION 14-112

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA, CONFIRMING THE CITY’S INTENT TO ISSUE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFIT BROKER AND CONSULTING SERVICES WITH THE CONTRACT TERM TO BEGIN ON JANUARY 1, 2015.

               WHEREAS, The City solicited proposed through the RFP process for employee benefit broker and consulting services in August of 2011; and

               WHEREAS, A committee which included Mayor Wythe and several City employees reviewed the three proposals submitted and recommended that the City enter into a contract with Mercer Health and Benefits LLC (Mercer); and

               WHEREAS, The City Council adopted Resolution 11-092 awarding a contract to Mercer and back-up Memorandum 11-134 contained the reasons and justification for hiring a benefits consultant; and

               WHEREAS, The City Manager signed a Professional Services Agreement with Mercer that had a three year term beginning in October 2011 and ending December 31, 2014; and

               WHEREAS, Mercer has provided a wide range of services to the City, however, the primary focus has been on employee health insurance including compliance with the Affordable Care Act and restructuring the self- insured plan so that it is less costly and sustainable in future years; and

               WHEREAS, The City Administration reports that Mercer has provided excellent services; especially with respect to employee health insurance; and

               WHEREAS, Although the procurement of consultant and technical services can be exempt from bidding requirements (HCC 3.16.060 D), the City Procurement Policies strongly encourage competitive bidding; and

               WHEREAS, Competitive bidding is generally in the City’s interest because it can result in lower costs and improved services.

               NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Homer City Council hereby confirms the City’s intent to issue a request for proposals for employee benefit broker and consulting services with the contract term to begin on January 1, 2015.

               BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is requested and authorized to issue the RFP and execute all necessary paperwork.

               PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 27th day of October, 2014.

CITY OF HOMER

                                                                                                                                       __                                                                                                                                                 MARY E. WYTHE, MAYOR

ATTEST:

                                                            ___

JO JOHNSON, MMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: N/A