Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-15-2017 Item 13 - Claim Settlement Delegation to California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) For Workers' Compensation Claims Incurred Prior to Membership Meeting Date: 8/15/2017 FROM: Monica Irons, Director of Human Resources Prepared By: Greg Zocher, Human Resources Manager SUBJECT: CLAIM SETTLEMENT DELEGATION TO CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY (CJPIA) FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS INCURRED PRIOR TO MEMBERSHIP RECOMMENDATION Adopt a resolution delegating claim settlement authority to CJPIA for workers’ compensation claims incurred prior to membership (Attachment A). DISCUSSION The City of San Luis Obispo became a member of the CJPIA in 2004 for participation in the workers’ compensation program. Prior to joining the CJPIA, the City had been a member of the Central Coast Cities Self Insurance Fund (CCCSIF). CJPIA agreed to assume administration of the City’s workers’ compensation claims that occurred during the time the City was a member of CCCSIF; however, the City never delegated claim settlement authority to CJPIA for these older workers’ compensation “tail” claims. Prior to becoming a member in CJPIA, City staff had claim settlement authority for claims under $20,000. Any claim over this amount required City Council approval. There are currently 17 open claims that occurred prior to the City becoming a member of CJPIA. The City has delegated authority to administratively process claims and through our existing Memorandum of Coverage have delegated settlement authority to CJPIA. This delegation has reduced staff time, and eliminated redundancies. For the past eleven years, staff has found the delegation of claim settlement to work very well – CJPIA communicates regularly regarding claim status, solicits input and is respectful of the City’s input on claims. Staff recommends Council adopt a resolution (Attachment A) to delegate claims settlement authority to CJPIA for the workers’ compensation claims incurred prior becoming a member of CJPIA. FISCAL IMPACT There is no additional cost associated with delegating settlement authority to CJPIA. ALTERNATIVE The City Council could decide to not adopt the attached resolution. This alternative is not recommended, since CJPIA has claim settlement authority for all other claims in the workers’ compensation and liability programs. Attachments: a - Resolution to Delegate Claim Settlement to CJPIA Packet Pg 221 13 R ______ RESOLUTION NO. (2017 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, DELEGATING CLAIM SETTLEMENT AUTHORITY TO THE CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS INCURRED PRIOR TO MEMBERSHIP WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo became a member of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) in 2004 for participation in the workers’ compensation primary insurance program; and WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo’s current Memorandum of Coverage delegates claim settlement authority to CJPIA for all claims incurred after the City of San Luis Obispo became a member; and WHEREAS, the CJPIA has agreed to assume the responsibility of claim settlement authority for claims incurred prior to the City of San Luis Obispo’s membership; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. The City Council authorizes delegation of claim settlement authority to the CJPIA for workers’ compensation claims incurred prior to membership. SECTION 2. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption. SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution. Upon motion of ______________________, seconded by ________________________, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this 15th day of August, 2017. ___________________________________ Mayor Heidi Harmon Packet Pg 222 13 Resolution No. _____ (2017 Series) Page 2 R ______ ATTEST: __________________________________ Carrie Gallagher City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: __________________________________ J. Christine Dietrick City Attorney IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, this ______ day of ______________, _________. ______________________________ Carrie Gallagher City Clerk Packet Pg 223 13 Page intentionally left blank. Packet Pg 224 13