Formed during an era of dramatically rising insurance costs in the mid-1980's, ABAG PLAN (the Pooled Liability Assurance Network) has proven true the adage that there is safety in numbers.
PLAN and its 29 members celebrate 10 years of safe and successful municipal liability insurance this summer. And there is ample cause for celebration. Starting from scratch, the insurance pool has now accumulated $27 million in total assets.
"More importantly, the pool maintains a 90% actuarial confidence level, better than many insurance companies," said Eugene Leong, Executive Director of ABAG.
To further improve the financial outlook, PLAN has recently completed a legal audit in order to scrutinize legal costs and devise a strategy to reduce them. This audit is an addition to the financial and claims administration audits performed annually.
PLAN has also formed a new Finance Committee, chaired by Rahn Becker from Millbrae. This committee is charged with monitoring the PLAN portfolio in order to ensure the security of investments, and provide necessary liquidity while maximizing yield.
In addition, the staff at PLAN is proactively working with members on risk management and loss prevention. PLAN Vice President Albert Fierro has consulted with Ross and Suisun City on their 4th of July celebrations, and with Millbrae on its summer recreation programs. He has also worked extensively with American Canyon and Milpitas on the development of new skateboard parks.
PLAN's mobile police training unit is completing its second year of operations; 1030 employees from 26 cities have been trained on the computerized driving simulators and the video/laser firearms training system.
In addition to liability coverage, PLAN now offers property and earthquake insurance, as well as public official bond insurance. PLAN will continue its vigilant claims administration and offer loss control training for all members.
When abagOnline debuted in April 1994, the City of Palo Alto was the only other Bay Area jurisdiction with a web presence. Two years later, with the inspiration of ABAG Executive Director Eugene Leong and the help of a federal grant, abagOnline now offers access to 52 cities, 7 counties, 9 transportation/transit agencies, 3 parks, 7 utilities, and 4 regional agencies (including ABAG). abagOnline also provides services to school districts, universities, and links to state and federal agencies.
abagOnline means access to bay area governments Online. But the local government connection is just one of six categories available when calling up the abagOnline homepage. There are also buttons for Bay Area Projects, Commerce, Discussion Groups, Services, and What's New. Each button leads to an additional series of choices for that specific category.
The "best" of the site includes:
Sites like these help attract 5,000 to 6,000 people daily to abagOnline. In addition to reaching the homepage directly, abagOnline may also be accessed through links or pointers from more than 8,000 other websites.
abagOnline offers hosting and services for city and county web sites and training for local staff in Web document preparation.
abagOnline also provides information on the many services available through ABAG such as life or liability insurance, and bond pools; opportunities for employment or contracts with local governments and other business data; discussion groups for local government professionals; the calendar of events, including classes and seminars; and makes this newsletter available electronically.
The first council of governments (COG) with a web presence, ABAG was awarded the 1996 National Association of Regional Councils Meritous Achievement Award. The abagOnline website has also been designated a Magellen 3 Star Site.
Mr. Peter Algover of Danville has earned the distinction of being the first participant to use ABAG's Secured Online Purchasing Program by ordering the CD-ROM On Shaky Ground.
Mr. Algover had read about abagOnline in a newsletter and was particularly interested in the site's earthquake information.
An Internet-user since last summer, Mr. Algover now boasts five e-mail addresses, including two at work and one in a test group for Pacific Bell.
He is an employee of United Technologies and uses e-mail and the Internet nearly everyday.
Mr. Algover is not a frequent "online shopper" but he has purchased music CDs and CD-ROMs online, and is entirely comfortable with secured online purchases. "It's so convenient!" he said.
abagOnline uses state-of-the-art encryption technology. You can make secured online purchases of earthquake maps, the Bay Area Directory, Projections 96, Bay Trail maps and mailing label-- and more.
Do you have a workers' compensation question but are not ready to hire an expensive lawyer? Then get online with Julie!
Julie Carroll, ABAG Workers' Compensation Program Director, was approached to write a question and answer "column" for workers' compensation questions over the Internet. The abagOnline feature, "At Work with Julie," has caught fire and now receives questions on a regular basis. The questions are received anonymously via e-mail. Unless the party wishes to be contacted directly, the question along with the answer is posted online for public review.
Initially, Julie thought that most of the questions would come from employers; however, 95% of the questions received to date are from injured employees who do not understand the system and may not understand their rights. A number of interesting people have written to Julie, from a minor league baseball player, to a Hollywood screen writer, to a 17 year old who wanted to hire illegal aliens to do landscape work!
Julie can answer general questions related to workers' comp under California law, but cannot give legal advice.
The experience, says Julie, has been very rewarding. So, from the desk of "At Work with Julie," keep those e-mail cards and letters coming!
QUESTIONS FOR JULIEJulie, I am interested to know what preventative measures or information a company is required to provide to its employees to avoid RSI and CTD disorders that occur in the workplace (i.e. carpal tunnel, etc.) Are there any resources that could tell me the government regulations controlling this information? There was a bill in the California legislature last year that would have required employers to make ergonomic information available to their employees. Further, the law would have mandated that employers make ergonomic modification to avoid repetitive strain or cumulative trauma injuries. Those opposed to the law argued that ergonomics is an inexact science and that no one knows how to avoid these injuries in all cases. Further, they argued that forcing businesses to make these adjustments could bankrupt small employers. These arguments won out, and the bill did not become law. I suggest contacting CALOSHA, via the Department of Industrial Relations (they have their own WEB site). They have materials available, pamphlets, videos, etc., that are designed to help workers as well as businesses avoid repetitive injuries.
Julie, I slipped and fell at work the other night, and have already seen the company health provider for worker's comp. Upon falling, I initially hit my arm and lower back. Now, however, I've noticed lot of pain in my ribs and neck. I was only treated for my arm by the doctor. Now I'm wondering if I can still go back and have these other areas examined? Also, I was never offered the sheet to predesignate my doctor. Will I be able to do this for this injury? It is quite normal for additional aches and pains to occur hours or days after an initial accident. Call the doctor's office that originally saw you and ask to be seen again. It is important to get all of your symptoms documented as soon as possible. As for the predesignated doctor, unfortunately, you will not be able to go to that doctor for this injury. The predesignated doctor section of the Labor Code is relatively new. All new employees must be given the opportunity to predesignate a doctor. There are no specific directions for allowing established employees to do so. Many companies have included information about predesignating doctors during "open enrollment," the period when employees can make changes in their group health benefits. The Labor Code specifies that your predesignated doctor must be someone that has treated you previously and has your medical records. You cannot predesignate a doctor that you have heard is good. You must see the doctor prior to predesignation. Thirty days following the date of your injury you are entitled to be treated by a doctor of your choice. I also suggest that you predesignate your preferred doctor, in writing, so that if you are ever injured again you will not have to wait to see your doctor. |
The Bay shoreline is teaming with egrets, geese, burrowing owls and other waterfowl. Nearly one million shorebirds and one million waterfowl use the Bay and its wetland habitats each year. Some live here year around, others spend the winter, and still others pass through on their annual migrations along the Pacific Flyway.
Bay Area residents, employees from businesses located near the shoreline, bird watchers and trail users all enjoy the wonders of this water-dependent wildlife.
We all want to preserve what we appreciate today, but we need to better understand how to do that effectively. We need to know if human presence on the nearly 200 miles of Bay Trail along the shoreline will affect this wildlife.
As the Bay Trail becomes more popular, and as the Bay Area's population increases, there is a growing concern that trail users, especially walkers with their dogs, are disrupting birds and other wildlife along the shoreline. Are the impacts causing wildlife fatalities, relocation, and/or anxiety? How does their behavior differ from what would occur naturally?
The Bay Trail Project has received initial grants from the National Park Service and Cargill Salt to accurately assess possible impacts of trail users on wildlife. The study will collect data on the effects of typical Bay Trail users_ walkers, dogs, bicyclists, photographers, bird watchers and in-line skaters_ and on the behavioral responses and species diversity and abundance of typical salt-marsh and brackish marsh birds. The data will help answer whether trails cause changes in species diversity and abundance when compared to non-trail areas.
Many agencies which have mandates to provide public access, including the Bay Conservation and Development Commission and the Coastal Commission, will benefit greatly by understanding when and how access may be provided to minimize wildlife impacts.
Agencies charged with protecting resources, especially the Department of Fish and Game, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Army Corps of Engineers, may find these results helpful in determining when public access should be limited for the good of the fauna.
The research design is now being reviewed by interested organizations and other researchers to ensure that the methodology can be implemented, answers important questions, and is statistically valid.
Come join El Cerrito Mayor Cathie Kosel; Emeryville Mayor Nora Davis; and San Ramon Councilmember Ronald Raab as they "compete" in The World's Shortest Political Race.
CHEVRON'S BAY TRAIL CRITERIUM
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- - GOVERNMENTAL AND LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION ONLINE - -
State Senate / legislative inquiries: http://www.senate.ca.gov
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Solano County is one of the most active growth areas in the nine-county Bay region, with the highest percentage growth in both population and jobs over the next twenty years. Strategically located between San Francisco and Sacramento, Solano has a long-term development advantage which has translated into an expanded population, housing and commerce base.
From 1995 to 2015, Solano County is expected to grow by more than 150,000 residents - a 40% increase. The City of Fairfield is predicted to gain nearly 60,000 people, second only to San Jose.
The mean household income for the county is projected to increase from $54,900 to $72,500.
Solano County is slated to gain more than 80,000 jobs by the year 2015. ABAG researchers forecast an 80% increase in services employment between 1995 and 2015, a 100% increase in retail trade jobs, and a whopping 280% increase in manufacturing and wholesale trade employment.
MARE ISLAND OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Although the impact of the Mare Island closure will be sharply
felt, especially by the City of Vallejo, the loss will be offset
by a projected 300 jobs retained in an extended environmental
remediation program and by reuse of the base. The Island currently
has six leasing tenants and is aggressively pursuing others.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
With the assistance of the Solano County Economic Development
Corporation (SEDCORP), and a $25,000 grant from BAYTRADE, Solano
County is positioned to take advantage of it's proximity to Bay
Area ports and to the Pacific Rim. Poised to promote exports
and international trade, SEDCORP has formed an International Trade
Network. Two surveys - one on community options regarding international
trade and the other structured to seek out companies interested
in entering the global market - will determine whether the county
will submit a formal application for status as a foreign (or "free")
trade zone or whether it will expand from one of the existing
ports.
BIOTECH GROWTH
In 1994, Genentech announced its decision to expand operations
beyond its headquarters in South San Francisco. After an evaluation
of some 50 sites located throughout the United States and Europe,
Vacaville was selected for construction of a 280,000 square foot
manufacturing operation. When completed and licensed by the FDA, the plant will be used to manufacture pharmaceuticals and will
employ a projected 350 people.
Factors leading to Genentech's decision were Vacaville's proximity to research and educational centers at UC Davis and Berkeley, a relatively low risk of seismic activity, the availability of skilled labor, affordable housing, large tracts of low-cost land, utilities and a streamlined permitting process, a significant incentive package, a proactive local government staff experienced in working with biotech firms, and a strong pro-business political environment.
SAN JOSE DRAWS THE GREENLINE
To contain development in the long-term, San Jose's City Council
recently approved a "greenline" around the city to contain
future urban development. Expected to closely resemble the present
urban services boundary, the greenline will reinforce this boundary
by incorporating language into the general plan allowing major
modifications to the boundary once every ten years (when the General
Plan is updated) instead of annually, as policy previously allowed.
By disallowing external growth, the greenline is expected to
encourage infill development and limit the costs associated with
service delivery to outlying areas. For more information contact
Mike Flores, Regional Planner, City of San Jose, 408-277-4576.
NOVEMBER BALLOT INITIATIVES
Campaign Contributions and Spending Limits. Limits campaign
contributions per candidate to $100 for all local districts of
less than 100,000, $250 for larger districts, and $500 for statewide
elections. Committees of small contributors can contribute twice
the limit. Contribution limits approximately double for candidates
who agree to limit spending. Limits total contributions from
political parties, and specified committees and individuals.
Prohibits transfers between candidates. Limits fundraising to
specified time before election. Prohibits lobbyists from making
and arranging contributions to those they influence. Requires
disclosure of top contributors on ballot measure advertising.
Increases penalties.
Right to Vote on Taxes - Signatures Being Counted. This initiative provides that all taxes imposed by any local government shall be deemed to be either general taxes or special taxes_requiring either a majority or two-thirds vote. Special purpose district agencies, including school districts, would have no power to levy general taxes. The initiative also provides that no local government shall impose, extend, or increase any tax unless, and until such tax is submitted to the electorate and approved by the required vote.
MAXIMIZING FEDERAL DOLLARS TO COUNTIES
In an effort to assist counties with cuts in state funding, the
Financial Services Center (FSC) of the National Association of
Counties (NACo) and the New York Association of Counties (NYSAC)
have joined forces and established a program which helps counties
maximize receipt of federal funds.
The focus of the NYSAC program includes Medicare, emergency assistance to families, child welfare services, general assistance conversions, Medicaid for early intervention, disabled preschool children's programs, county hospital "bad debt" and juvenile justice medical costs. The first six months of the project have yielded more than $40 million in federal revenue and the state's Division of Finance has estimated that this number will climb in excess of $200 million for FY 96-97. For more information contact Steve Swendiman at the NACo FSC at 202-942-4282.
REGISTER TO VOTE ONLINE
You can now register to vote from your home computer via the Internet.
MTV's "Rock the Vote" has joined together with MCI
to create NetVote '96, the first-ever comprehensive online voter
registration program located at http://www.NetVote96.mci.com.
BAD IS GOOD - THE BAY AREA DIRECTORY
The Bay Area Directory of city and county government information
lists names, addresses, phone and fax numbers for 100 cities and
9 counties around the Bay.
The electronic format allows you to identify all the city managers in the region, for instance, or all the planning directors; create mailing lists and labels, or lists for broadcasts faxes. A single copy of the Directory is available for $75 ($60 for members or public libraries); the paper copy and electronic version are available together for $125 ($100 for members and public libraries). Call ABAG at 510/464-7900 to order.
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REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE FOCUSES ON SUBURBAN SPRAWL AT AUG.
7 MEETING
Discussion of the issue of suburban sprawl, and review of two related reports from the Building Industry Association (now known as the Home Builders Association) and the Bank of America/Greenbelt Alliance, has been extended to the next meeting of ABAG's Regional Planning Committee. That meeting is open to the public and will take place on Wednesday, August 7 at 1:30 p.m. in the MetroCenter Auditorium in Oakland. |
| SAVE THE DATE FOR THE NEXT POWER CONFERENCE:
Municipal Options in the Era of Electric Deregulation
Call Kathi Carkhuff at (510) 464-7960 for more information. |
The Northern Section of the California Chapter of American Planning Association (CCAPA) has selected ABAG to receive the 1996 Distinguished Leadership Award for an Agency for its Collaborative Subregional Planning Program. The award recognized ABAG for demonstrated outstanding achievement in public or private planning.
The impetus for the Collaborative Subregional Planning Program was the need for a comprehensive regionwide process that was responsive to both local and regional needs. ABAG provided grants for two pilot projects, one in the Tri-Valley area and one in Sonoma.
ABAG's Bay Area Telecommuting Assistance Project received an award for Excellence in Promoting Telecommuting - Regionally from the International Telework Association. Natalie Fay, Project Director of the Telecommuting Assistance Project, accepted the award on behalf of the project at the annual TAC conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Telecommuting Assistance Project provides a regional information and referral service to all Bay Area employers and public agencies interested in telecommuting.
July 18. 11 a.m.
Earthquakes and Transportation Recovery Review Committee.
ABAG Room 106B, MetroCenter, Oakland.
July 18. 3:30 p.m.
Legislation and Governmental Organization Committee.
ABAG Room 106B, MetroCenter.
July 18. 5:00 p.m.
Finance and Personnel Committee.
ABAG Room 102A, MetroCenter, Oakland.
July 18. 7:30 p.m.
EXECUTIVE BOARD.
MetroCenter Auditorium, Oakland.
July 19. 10 a.m.
Regional Steering Committee for Homelessness and Housing.
MetroCenter Auditorium, Oakland.
July 18. 11 a.m.
Earthquakes and Transportation Recovery Review Committee.
ABAG Room 106B, MetroCenter, Oakland.
July 22. 8 a.m.
8-Hour OSHA Annual Refresher.
ABAG Training Center, MetroCenter, Oakland.
July 23. 2 p.m.
Semi-Annual Bay Trail Board Meeting.
Point Isabel, Richmond.
August 3. 8 a.m.
Chevron Bay Trail Criterium.
Lake Merritt, Oakland.
August 7. 1:30 p.m.
Regional Planning Committee.
MetroCenter Auditorium, Oakland.
August 13. 3 p.m.
Bay Trail Steering Committee.
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center.
August 19-21. 8 a.m.
OSHA 24-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations Training Certification.
ABAG Training Center, MetroCenter.
August 19-23. 8 a.m.
OSHA 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations Training Certification.
ABAG Training Center, MetroCenter.
August 22-23. 8 a.m.
OSHA 16-Hour Supplemental Hazardous Waste Operations Training.
ABAG Training Center, MetroCenter.
September 12. 8:30 a.m.
Power Conference: Municipal Options in the Era of Electric Deregulation.
Oakland Marriott Hotel.