The end result of last night's Butler city council meeting was that health the insurance policy, via United Healthcare was awarded to Farmer's Insurance. The casualty and property policy was awarded to Cook Insurance. However, arriving at these conclusions was a complicated matter.
Confusion over an email- which indicated that there would be an a time extension for insurance bids- didn't clearly indicate that the extension included the health bid, just the property and casualty bid. Charles Rush, representing Cook Insurance, in his statement said he understood that everything was to be extended, putting his bid past the deadline.
However, Heather Diehl, representing Farmers insurance, took it verbatim- saying that the health insurance portion was not included in the email, prompting her to meet the original deadline.
At this point, the council was at an impasse. Honor the original deadline for the health insurance bid, which would make the only qualified bidder as Farmer's Insurance.... or not?
Councilman Mike Irick made a motion to reconsider the action taken, considering confusion surrounding the email and the fact that Diehl's bid was the only one received within the deadline. A vote was taken to approve Diehl's bid with a yes from Irick, Hall, Jett and Irwin. No's from Garnett, Brown, Stark and Cook. The tie breaker of yes came from Mayor Henry.
And that takes care of the healthcare portion.
On to the property and casualty insurance bids. While both quotes from Farmer's and Cook insurance were being considered, Jeff Hall pointed out that it wasn't an apples to apples comparison. Exactly how things (buildings, automobiles, liability) appeared quite differently in each bid. Many questions arose such as when should older vehicles be dropped to liability coverage only and should old buildings be covered with replacement coverage or not.
In the discussions, both Diehl and Rush pointed out that it would be beneficial for the city to provide more information regarding how it wants these questionable items to be covered. Otherwise, bids will be based solely in the interpretation of the agent. Some things, such as replacement cost of scoreboards and transformers might best come from an engineer or other reliable outside source, approved by the city, then provided to bidders as a more uniform platform.
Just prior to the vote, it was indicated by Rush that Missouri Rural Services would only work with Cook, due to a long relationship. Diehl rebutted saying that she would investigate, and was certain Farmer's would be extended the same gratitude.
However, a motion was made and a vote was taken with all except Irick saying yes to accept the bid from Cook insurance.
In other council news City Administrator Casey Kohen is no longer employed by the city of Butler. No other information was given at the meeting, however it appears her contract was not renewed, leading to dismissal.
It was reported that the job shadowing program is going well, Trent Diehl has a student working alongside with good progress. Also the city attorney pointed out that there will be seminars on April 19th and May 10th where council members can learn more about city law (ironically insurance is the focus). He highly recommended that everyone try to attend.
It was also brought up that the city get ready for the sale of legal medical marijuana. There is a lot to consider regarding this and Mid America Live will provide more information about this in a few weeks.
From the police department, it was reported that a lightning strike last week did a lot of damage and it took several days to get everything back on line. Several phones, computers and the dispatch console sustained heavy damage.
Fire Chief Bennett reported their department ran some 30 calls for the month, including a few car accidents, grass fires and medical calls.
The Cowboy Church has requested the city vacate the alley that runs east and west next to the church. The church is planning to use the area for parking.
Mayor Henry emphasized that every 5 years, the city in conjunction with the county put together an emergency litigation plan and input from the public is desired. Forms for public opinion can be picked up in the lobby of city hall.
