The city council Thursday morning passed a new ordinance for the city that complies with the change in the law following the most recent election results.
Package sales are not the only form of alcohol that has been approved for Sunday sales — “growlers” were approved as well.
A “growler” is, “just another concept of selling the product,” Randy Mannino, planning and development director, said. The term refers to the purchase of draft beer in a 64 oz. empty bottle that is filled from a keg at a package store and sealed for freshness.
Moving forward with end-of-the-year renewals, the council was presented with various options for health insurance for city employees.
In 2010, the city was insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield and were looking at an 88 percent rate increase for a renewal into 2011. That increase prompted the city to shop around the insurance market and sign with United Healthcare, who offered a 13 percent rate increase.
For the upcoming year, the renewal proposal initially came in for the same insurance company at a 23 percent rate increase. After negotiations, that rate was lowered to a 7 percent increase.
The council approved to remain insured by United Healthcare, but with an amendment regarding run-out claims expense.
Run-out claims, as explained by Assistant City Manager Dan Porta, are insurance claims that may be incurred late in one calendar year but not received for processing until the new calendar year.
The council’s approval to remain with United Healthcare keeps co-pays and doctors the same for employees and allows city council members and their families to be covered as well.
Continuing with insurance offerings to city employees, a voluntary insurance coverage change was approved. The voluntary insurance company was approved to change from AFLAC to UNUM Insurance. UNUM offers comparable coverage for cancer and accident insurance at a lower premium to employees. Current employees who have an AFLAC policy will be given the opportunity to continue with the same coverage with AFLAC.
A resolution was approved regarding a special election to fill the vacant post on the Cartersville School Board following the passing of board member Michael Dean. Qualifying for this post will be held from Dec. 12 through Dec. 14. Anyone interested in the position may qualify at City Hall between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The election will be held in March.
An appeal to a decision for a fine and probation on Tarascos Tacos and Wings made by the Alcohol Control Board after the establishment sold alcohol to an underage person was requested by the restaurant owners. After discussion, the city council appealed their previous appeal decision and reduced the restaurant’s probation from three years to one and will refund two thirds of the fine to allow the owners to re-pay the fine in two equal monthly payments of $833.33 beginning Jan. 2.