ADDITIONAL
City Council Announcements
February 12, 2013
Information Needed by Council Staff 6:54:08 PM
J. Possible Resolution
The Salt Lake County Council recently voted unanimously to support state Medicaid expansion. A constituent has suggested that Salt Lake City pass a brief resolution encouraging the Governor and legislature to expand Medicaid so that more Utahns can be covered for basic healthcare.
Background information:
Ø Medicaid expansion is being considered by Legislature and Governor in the coming weeks.
Ø Counties are responsible for providing behavioral healthcare services for county residents regardless of ability to cover costs of services.
Ø Counties struggling to meet costs of providing care to those with Medicaid. Uninsured clients are waiting indefinitely for access to services or are excluded.
Ø Claim could be made that counties aren’t meeting obligations under the law - potential liability.
Ø In 2014 federal law will require most people to be covered by insurance. People not sufficiently covered to meet their needs could be turned away by providers not legally required to provide care for them. They will fall into safety net.
Ø More people in safety net will place greater burden on counties and their residents.
Ø If Utah doesn’t expand its share of Medicaid funds (no more than 10%), Federal funds will go to other states.
Are Council Members interested in doing this? Yes. Councilmember Luke said he was in support but felt it was important to point out that services were actually provided by the County.
K. 2013 St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Theme: Shamrocks, Shillelaghs & Shenanigans
Date: Saturday, March 16
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Route: through Gateway
Former Council Member Van Turner has invited Council Members to ride on his fire truck for the St. Patrick's Day parade. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 at 10 a.m. Are Council Members planning on participating and would you be interested in riding on the fire truck? Council Members Luke and LaMalfa expressed interest. Councilmember LaMalfa asked about parade admission costs. Ms. Gust-Jenson said costs were covered by the Council.
Staff can follow-up for confirmations, but a general indication of interest would be helpful. The parade registration deadline is February 23 (after which the fees double).
L. March Council Meeting Schedule
Council Chair and Vice Chair have suggested changing the March Council meeting schedule to the following:
March 5, 2013 – Tuesday – Council Work Session & Formal Meeting
March 12, 2013 – Tuesday – Council Work Session & Formal Meeting March 19, 2013 – Tuesday – RDA MEETING & Council Work Session Only
Originally, there was not a meeting scheduled on the 12th due to NLC on March 9-13. Since there are no Council Members attending the NLC, the meeting that is currently scheduled for March 26th would be cancelled and rescheduled on March 12th.
Ø Are Council Members interested in adjusting the March schedule as reflected above? A majority of the Council was in favor of staying with the original schedule of March 5th, 19th, and 26th.
M. Giant in Our City 2013
Date: Wednesday, March 27
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Harris H. Simmons, president, chairman and chief executive officer of Zions Bancorporation, and A. Scott Anderson, president and chief executive officer of Zions First National Bank will both be honored as A Giant in Our City.
Ø Are Council Members interested in attending? Council Members Luke, Christensen, Simonsen and LaMalfa expressed interest.
Ø In the past the Office has reserved a table, would Council Members like the Office to reserve a table? Yes. Councilmember Christensen said would be sitting at his employers table.
For Your Information
Great Salt Lake Advisory
Council’s 3rd Annual Report
Council Member Christensen
would like to share the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council’s 3rd Annual Report to
the State Legislature Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee. Please see
attached documents for details. The report summarizes the Council’s
accomplishments in 2012 (listed below).
•2nd Annual Report to the State Legislature
•Published a comprehensive economic benefit report and lake health report
•Developed a master list of Great Salt Lake research priorities
•Developed briefing papers, overview, options and recommendations for:
o Continued eradication of non-native Phragmites
o Funding for creation of a Great Salt Lake integrated water resources management model.
Councilmember Christensen said the Great Salt Lake generated approximately $1.3 billion in annual revenue for the State and he thought Council Members would be interested in reading the report.