TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Bruce Moe, City Manager
FROM:
Lisa Jenkins, Human Resources Director
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing Continued Dental and Vision Insurance for the Survivors of Officer Chad Swanson (Human Resources Director Jenkins).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 23-0138
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 23-0138 approving the continuation and payment of dental and vision insurance premiums for the surviving spouse and children of Officer Chad Swanson, who passed away on October 4, 2023, as a result of a job-related traffic collision.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The cost of the continued dental and vision insurance is $2,011 annually. The total cost associated with this request is estimated to be $49,000.
BACKGROUND:
Police Officer Chad Swanson suffered a fatal accident on his way to work October 4, 2023. He was in uniform and driving his Police Department motorcycle at the time of the accident, and is therefore deemed to have died as a result of injury arising out of and in the course of his official duties. State law governing workers compensation benefits, California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) benefits, and the continuation of medical insurance for the survivors of peace officers provide various benefits including monthly payments and state paid medical insurance. Following the passing of Officer Swanson, the Police Officers’ Association (POA) made a request for the City to continue to provide dental and vision insurance and pay the premiums for the surviving wife and children of Officer Chad Swanson.
DISCUSSION:
Line of duty survivor benefits provided by state or local governments are typically designed to provide benefits similar to those that would be provided if the peace officer or firefighter had not passed. In the case of health insurance, Government Code Section 22820 provides for the continuation and payment of premiums for health benefits for the lifetime of the surviving spouse, but the plans provided include only medical insurance benefits, not dental or vision coverage. The Manhattan Beach Police Officers Association (POA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) does not have a provision to provide for the continuation of dental and vision coverage for the survivors of an employee who passes away. The POA has requested the continuation of dental and vision insurance for the surviving spouse and children of Chad Swanson through the City’s employer plan paid by the City, until the youngest surviving child turns age 26. The attached resolution specifies the terms of the continued dental and vision insurance, and provides the City Manager with authority to enter into written agreements necessary to provide for the same benefits for similarly situated employees, which is a requirement of the dental and vision carrier. If approved by Council, staff will move forward with the necessary documents and plan amendments to provide for the continued vision and dental insurance.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
Staff determined that additional public outreach is not required for this issue.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has approved the resolution as to form.
ATTACHMENT:
1. Resolution No. 23-0138