Perspective ACWA Joint Powers Insurance Authority Vol. 32 No. 3 May/June 2011 Inside This Issue ... JPIA’s Risk Management Staff Has Nationwide Impact .............................2 Moulton Niguel Water District Receives Cal/OSHA SHARP Recognition .....3 How to Reach the JPIA .............................................................................3 Spring 2011 Conference Review .............................................................4 Professional Development Program Completions ....................................6 JPIA Introduces New Building ...................................................................7 JPIA Distributes $6.3 Million to Members...................................................8 H.R. LaBounty Safety Awards (Spring 2011) ............................................10 Another JPIA Employee Retires ...............................................................11 Recognizing The Need For A Disability Management Program .............12 JPIA’s Workers’ Compensation Program Rates Remain Steady The JPIA’s Workers’ Compensation Program will renew on July 1. While there is a great deal of turmoil in the current workers’ compensation insurance market, the JPIA’s Program remains on a steady course. The JPIA’s Executive Commiee accepted the recom- mendations of the Workers’ Compensation Program Subcommiee to renew the Program with no change in the rates charged to members. That is the third straight year that the JPIA has held the line on rate changes for each of the pooled coverage programs: Liability, Prop- erty and Workers’ Compensation. This is in line with the JPIA’s objective of providing stability to its members, which is especially important in these tough economic times. The Executive Commiee also approved placing the Program’s excess coverage with a new carrier, Safety National. The JPIA’s broker, Bill Malone of WGM Associates, presented several competitive proposals for the renewal of the excess coverage. Safety National’s proposal represented a premium savings of nearly 20 percent, which was a help in holding costs down for the Program. Meanwhile, the rest of the market is expe- riencing confusion and turmoil. The Work- ers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) issued an informal “recommenda- tion” calling for a nearly 40 percent increase in the average loss rates effective July 1. That recommendation was subsequently withdrawn un- der pressure from the Insurance Commissioner, Dave Jones. The WCIRB had previously submied several for- mal rate filings calling for double digit increases over the last two years. Those had all been rejected by the previ- ous commissioner, Steve Poizner. None- theless, most carriers have taken a series of smaller increases over the same period that, with compounding, total as much as 30 percent. There is also con- cern that many of the reforms enacted dur- ing the Schwarzeneg- ger administration may soon be undone by the current legislature and Governor Brown. A package of bills that would increase costs for employers is currently pending. While the JPIA’s workers’ compensation rates have remained steady, an individual agency’s premium may vary, based on changes in the experience modification factor and payroll. There are currently 161 members participating in the Workers’ Compensation Program, with a total of over $400 million in payroll. For more in- formation on the JPIA’s coverage programs and related services, please contact the JPIA’s Member Services staff at (800) 231-5742. Wrien by John Gilstrap, Director of Member Services
Another JPIA Employee Retires ...............................................................11
Recognizing The Need For A Disability Management Program .............12
JPIA’s Workers’ Compensation Program Rates Remain SteadyThe JPIA’s Workers’ Compensation Program will renew on July 1. While there is a great deal of turmoil in the current workers’ compensation insurance market, the JPIA’s Program remains on a steady course.
The JPIA’s Executive Committ ee accepted the recom-mendations of the Workers’ Compensation Program Subcommitt ee to renew the Program with no change in the rates charged to members. That is the third straight year that the JPIA has held the line on rate changes for each of the pooled coverage programs: Liability, Prop-
erty and Workers’ Compensation. This is in line with the JPIA’s objective of providing stability to its members, which is especially important in these tough economic times.
The Executive Committ ee also approved placing the Program’s excess coverage with a new carrier, Safety National. The JPIA’s broker, Bill Malone of WGM Associates, presented several competitive proposals for the renewal of the excess coverage. Safety National’s proposal represented a premium savings of nearly 20 percent, which was a help in holding costs down for the Program.
Meanwhile, the rest of the market is expe-riencing confusion and turmoil. The Work-ers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) issued an informal “recommenda-tion” calling for a nearly 40 percent increase in the average loss rates eff ective July 1.
That recommendation was subsequently withdrawn un-
der pressure from the Insurance Commissioner, Dave Jones. The WCIRB had previously submitt ed several for-mal rate fi lings calling for double digit increases over the last two years. Those had all been rejected by the previ-ous commissioner, Steve Poizner. None-theless, most carriers have taken a series of smaller increases over the same period that, with compounding, total as much as 30 percent.
There is also con-cern that many of the reforms enacted dur-ing the Schwarzeneg-ger administration may soon be undone by the current legislature and Governor Brown. A package of bills that would increase costs for employers is currently pending.
While the JPIA’s workers’ compensation rates have remained steady, an individual agency’s premium may vary, based on changes in the experience modifi cation factor and payroll. There are currently 161 members participating in the Workers’ Compensation Program, with a total of over $400 million in payroll. For more in-formation on the JPIA’s coverage programs and related services, please contact the JPIA’s Member Services staff at (800) 231-5742.Writt en by John Gilstrap, Director of Member Services
JPIA Staff (L/R): R. Scott Wood, Risk Management Consultant; Peter Kuchinsky II, Sr. Risk Management Consultant; John Haaf, Sr. Risk Management Consultant
Perspective 2 May/June 2011
The Perspective (ISSN 1073-5380) is published bi-monthly for its membership for a fee of $10 each by the ACWA/JPIA, P. O. Box 619082, Roseville, CA 95661-9082. Periodical postage is paid at Citrus Heights and additional Offices. It is produced and edited by Sylvia Robinson, ACWA/JPIA’s Publications & Web Editor. Prior writ-ten permission from the ACWA/JPIA is required for any whole or partial reproduc-tion of this newsletter.
Postmaster: Please send address changes to Perspective C/O ACWA/JPIA, P. O. Box 619082, Roseville, CA 95661-9082.
OFFICERS: President: E.G. “Jerry” Gladbach, Castaic Lake WA; Vice President: Tom Cuquet, South Sutter WD; Chief Executive Officer/Secretary/Treasurer: Daniel N. Klaff; Assistant Treasurer: Walter “Andy” Sells, Chief Operations Officer; Auditor/Controller: Eldon Boone, Vista ID
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Chair: E.G. “Jerry” Gladbach, Castaic Lake WA; Vice Chair: Tom Cuquet, South Sutter WD; Joe Dion, Citrus Heights WD; David Hodgin, Scotts Valley WD; W.D. “Bill” Knutson, Yuima MWD; Melody McDonald, San Bernardino Valley WCD; Charles Muse, Helix WD; Randy Record, ACWA Vice President; Lou Reinkens, Tahoe City PUD; (one vacancy)
PERSONNEL ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Chair: E.G. “Jerry” Gladbach, Castaic Lake WA; Vice Chair: Tom Cuquet, South Sutter WD; W.D. “Bill” Knutson, Yuima MWD; Melody McDonald, San Bernardino Valley WCD
FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE: Chair: Eldon Boone, Vista ID; Mark Gardner, Wheeler Ridge-Maricopa WSD; Michael Grandy, El Toro WD; Suha Kilic, Pebble
Beach CSD; Dennis Michum, Glenn-Colusa ID; Steve Ruettgers, Kern CWA; Tom Scaglione, Vallecitos WD
RISK MANAGEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE: Chair: Lou Reinkens, Tahoe City PUD; Vice Chair: Charles Muse, Helix WD; Fred Bockmiller, Mesa Consolidated WD; Greg Hoyle, Valley Center MWD; Bob Kuhn, San Gabriel Basin WQA; Ulrich Luscher, Sierra Lakes CWD; Kevin McKenny, Humboldt CSD; (two vacancies)
LIABILITY PROGRAM SUBCOMMITTEE: Chair: Melody McDonald, San Bernardino Valley WCD; Vice Chair: David Hodgin, Scotts Valley WD; Paul Dorey, Vista ID; Gary Enos, Provident ID; Don Groundwater, Bella Vista WD; John Hoagland, Rancho California WD; Todd Murphy, Big Bear MWD; Bob Van Wyk, Fresno Metropolitan FCD; (one vacancy)
PROPERTY PROGRAM SUBCOMMITTEE: Chair: Tom Cuquet, South Sutter WD; Vice Chair: Randy Record, ACWA Vice President; Guido Colla, Solano ID; Jack Cun-ningham, Goleta WD; Ken Deck, Rowland WD; Mark Gilkey, Tulare Lake Basin WSD; Ed Muzik, Hi-Desert WD; Robert Noonan, Orchard Dale WD; Jace Schwarm, San Dieguito WD
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROGRAM SUBCOMMITTEE: Chair: W.D. “Bill” Knutson, Yuima MWD; Vice Chair: Joe Dion, Citrus Heights WD; Scott Alcantara, South Feather Water & Power Agency; Rick Gilmore, Byron-Bethany ID; Boyd Lypka, Orange CWD; Michelle Boisen, Soquel Creek WD; Robert Moore, South Coast WD; Wayne Nygaard, Palm Ranch ID; Andy Rutledge, Antelope Valley-East Kern WA
JPIA’s Risk Management Staff Has Nationwide ImpactThe JPIA’s Risk Management staff frequently has an opportunity to participate in the safety and man-agement practices of regional, na-tional, and international organiza-tions. John Haaf, Peter Kuchinsky II, and R. Scott Wood, each a Certifi ed Safety Professional (CSP), are oft en invited to be speakers for such pro-fessional associations as the National Safety Council (NSC), American Wa-ter Works Association (AWWA), and California Water Environmental As-sociation (CWEA).
Scott , for example, gave a presen-tation on the extensive requirements of Asbestos Concrete Pipe Training for the CWEA in 2008. He also pro-vided training for the Cal-Nevada Section of the AWWA in 2010 on Cal/OSHA’s most observed chlorine and general safety issues.
For the last three years, the Na-tional Safety Council (NSC) has in-vited Peter and John to co-present educational sessions, twice at the na-tional NSC Congress and Exposition and once at the NSC’s Texas Con-ference. Their fi rst opportunity to speak to a national and international
assembly of safety professionals occurred in 2009 at the NSC Congress and Expo where they provided a “Crisis Communication” session focusing on the benefi t and application of crisis communications team development, pre-crisis message mapping, media relations and monitoring, presentation skills and message delivery, and organization-wide training.
Again in 2010, Peter and John provided NSC Conference att endees with a novel learn-ing experience that demonstrated the value of a “game show” approach to interactive train-ing. The presentation, titled “Confi ned Space Challenge - An Interactive Approach,” had audience members team up to answer ques-tions and solve problems associated with the critical elements of confi ned space entries.
This year, 2011, has already seen Peter and John defi ne the mission-crit-ical characteristics of OSHA’s frequently required “competent person” to NSC Texas Safety Conference & Expo participants. Later in the year, they will again be speakers at the national NSC Conference, providing an over-view of the management challenges found in an Injury Illness Prevention Program.
Participation as presenters for nationally-recognized professional or-ganizations has signifi cant benefi ts for the JPIA and its Risk Management staff . Doing so helps the Risk Management Consultants develop educational material for JPIA’s members and satisfy the professional education require-ments needed to maintain their CSP certifi cations. Furthermore, it demon-strates the character of the JPIA to regional, national, and international audi-ences. Writt en by: John Haaf, Senior Risk Management Consultant
Victoria Heza, Cal/OSHA Program Manager of Consultation Services personally presented Moulton Niguel Water District with the Award.
The Cal/SHARP banner is proudly displayed during a staff celebration at the Moulton Niguel Water District.
Moulton Niguel Water District Receives Cal/OSHA SHARP RecognitionOn March 10, 2011, Moulton Niguel Water District was presented with Cal/OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) award.
Ms. Victoria Heza, Cal/OSHA Program Manager of Consulta-tion Services, presented the District with the award. Among thousands of employers in the State, Moulton Niguel Water District is one of only 60 employers to receive this recogni-tion. Only one other water district, (Eastern Municipal Water District) has achieved this award. Moulton Niguel Water District is the fi rst JPIA member to obtain this honor.
The award came aft er a year-long eff ort by the District’s staff and
Todd Novacek, Moulton Niguel Water District’s Safety and Regula-tory Compliance Supervisor. To be considered for the award, employers must be able to demonstrate active
management commit-ment and employee in-volvement in their safety and health management systems. The employer must also demonstrate that its safety and health management systems are eff ective in preventing and reducing accidents in the workplace. The pro-cess is managed through Cal/OSHA Consultation Service. A number of onsite visits and safety audits are conducted by
Cal/OSHA staff . Approval for the SHARP award is made only aft er all recommendations are completed by the employer.
Some benefi ts of working with Cal/OSHA and achieving this recog-nition include:
Reduction in injuries and ill- ●nessesLower workers’ compensation ●costsImprovement in employee mo- ●tivationHigher quality and productiv- ●ity
Recognition as an industry ●leaderStatewide recognition as a ●quality employer
Employers recognized by Cal/OSHA typically experience a lower risk for serious accidents than other employers within the same indus-try. As such, employers receiving
SHARP recognition receive certain exemptions from programmed in-spections by Cal/OSHA Enforce-ment. More information regarding Cal/OSHA’s partnership and rec-ognition programs can be found at: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/cal_vpp/vpp_index.html. Writt en by: Peter Kuchinsky II, Senior Risk Management Consultant
Conference attendees listening to the presentation on the Proposed Changes to the JPIA’s Joint Powers Agreement and Bylaws.
(L/R) Dick Damon, JPIA’s Liability/Property Claims Manager; Rob Greenfield, Greenfield•Hardy Law Firm; and Jeff Oneal, LaMore, Brazier, Riddle & Giampaoli.
JPIA’s staff members attend to the registration table for the Board of Directors’ meeting.
Perspective 4 May/June 2011
Spring 2011 Conference ReviewThe spring 2011 conference held a lot of informative and exciting events for the JPIA.
First on the list of JPIA’s meetings and sessions for the conference was a Review of the Proposed Changes to JPIA’s Joint Powers Agreement & Bylaws. This session gave members an opportunity to review the pro-posed changed to the documents be-fore the Board meeting, where vot-ing on the changes would take place.
The Executive Committ ee had a brief meeting at which they ap-proved two additional changes to the Bylaws and Agreement to be ap-proved at the Board meeting. The Committ ee also approved the Buena Vista Water Storage District’s accep-tance into the Workers’ Compensa-tion Program.
The second business meeting for the JPIA at the conference was the Board of Directors’ meeting, held on
Monday aft er-noon.
One of the fi rst items of business on the Board’s agenda was the Execu-tive Committ ee Election.
The Offi ce of President was up for election. Incumbent of-fi ce holder, E.G. “Jerry” Glad-
bach of Castaic Lake Water Agency, was the only candidate running for the position. He was re-elected to a three-year term.
Incumbent Executive Com-mitt ee mem-bers, Joe Dion, Citrus Heights Water District; David Hodgin, Scott s Valley Water District; and W.D. “Bill” Knutson, Yuima Municipal Water District, were the only candidates running for the Executive Committ ee member posi-tions. The two three-year terms posi-tions were fi lled by Joe Dion and Bill Knutson. The position with one year remaining on its term was fi lled by David Hodgin.
The Board reviewed and ap-proved proposed changes to the JPIA’s Joint Powers Agreement and its Bylaws. The changes had been suggested because the documents, which are over 30 years old, no lon-ger accurately refl ected the JPIA’s current operations. They documents
were also updated to delete provi-sions that have become obsolete, clarify terminology and/or refi ne grammar, and refl ect changes in the law since the documents were last revised.
The revised Joint Powers Agree-ment and Bylaws can be found on the JPIA’s website on the Board of Directors’ page (select the Commit-tees tab on the home page and from the drop down menu, select Board of Directors).
The Board also reviewed and ap-proved the Audited Financial State-ments for the fi scal year ending Sep-tember 30, 2010, and the proposed budget for the fi scal year starting October 1, 2011. The board then re-viewed the Investment Portfolio and
the loss reports for the Pooled Pro-grams: Liability, Property, and Work-ers’ Compensation.
The recipients of the H.R. LaBounty Safety Awards were an-nounced. (See article on Page 10 for the list).
Following the Board meeting, a reception was held for the Members. It was sponsored in part by Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard; Law Offi ces of Robert Gokoo; Wil-liam Malone of WGM & Associates; and Barber & Bauermeister.
Later that evening a retirement dinner was held for JPIA’s Chief Ex-
Attendees enjoy a reception at the conclusion of the Board of Directors’ meeting.
Two of the reception sponsors: Linda Bauermeister-Schlott of Barber & Bauermeister and Robin Stewart of Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard.
(L/R) Rob Greenfield and Kayla Villa of Greenfield•Hardy Law Firm; and Dan Klaff, JPIA’s Chief Executive Officer.
JPIA’s Board President, E.G. “Jerry” Gladbach; Donna Gladbach; and JPIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dan Klaff at the retirement dinner held in his honor.
Perspective 5 May/June 2011
ecutive Offi cer, Daniel N. Klaff . He will be retiring in October 2011 and this dinner gave the members an opportunity to celebrate with Dan, since it was the last conference he would be att ending.
On Tuesday morning the JPIA off ered two seminars. The fi rst was entitled “Avoiding the Flood of Dis-ability Discrimination Claims” and was presented by Marcy Feuerstein, Offi cer of Employee Benefi ts at Im-perial Irrigation District.
In her session, Marcy explained that the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA) reports that disability dis-crimination claims are now the top category for discrimination claims and they are continuing to climb. The JPIA has been fortunate to not be experiencing many of these claims. However, there are many in-dicators that this may be changing.
The key to avoiding these claims is competent management of dis-
ability issues. Having a successful plan in place begins at the “top” where Boards can work in concert with general managers and other management to require and support staff ’s eff ort to work with em-ployees in their time of need.
Imperial Ir-rigation District developed its “DisAbility Man-agement Pro-gram” and was anxious to share the experience and product with fellow wa-ter districts. The process of de-veloping a suc-cessful disability management program did not hap-pen overnight, it was fi lled with ob-stacles, detours, and challenges, but also with win-win results, rewards, and successes.
Marcy Feuerstein, key developer of the DisAbility Management Pro-gram, was able to give the audience a fi rst-hand view of how to develop
Continued on page 6
and implement a disability manage-ment program.
The second session was entitled “How You Can Best Help Your De-fense Counsel Help You” and it was
presented by Jeff Oneal of LaMore, Brazier, Riddle & Giampaoli and Rob Greenfi eld of Greenfi eld Hardy Law Firm.
Successful defense of civil cases begins within moments of the event giving rise to the litigation. How your district and its employees
Dan Klaff, JPIA’s Chief Executive Officer; Nancy Stangel, JPIA’s Director of Administration; Walter ”Andy” Sells, JPIA’s Chief Operations Officer.
JJ Jacobs, Vice President of Carson Development; Johan Otto, President of Carson Development.
Mike Pilatti Pump/Electrical Technician Wheeler-Ridge Maricopa WSD
The success of a training program is providing its participants with cur-rent, accurate, and useful informa-tion to utilize in their job and within their every day encounters. The Professional Development Program (PDP) has in the past and continues to be just that resource.
The number of new participants continues to grow along with the number of participants that have received their plaques. The existing number of PDP participants is 1,049 with 425 specialties being completed by one or more PDP participants.
The latest group of participants receiving a PDP plaque for complet-ing their specialty is listed in the table on the right.
Included in the list is Cheryl Murdoch, Sacramento Suburban Wa-ter District, who has completed all four specialties. Also Javier Acosta, South Coast Water District; Cynthia
Berndt, Sweetwater Authority; Scott Dalton, North Coast CWD; and Mike Pilatt i, Wheeler-Ridge Maricopa Water Storage District have all completed their second specialty. Special congratulations to all for reaching your goal.Writt en by: Chris Young, Administrative Assistant II
handle that initial chaos, the inevitable claim, and subsequent events will have an impact on the outcome. Mr. Oneal and Mr. Greenfi eld provided a prac-tical guide to litigation and what you can do to help your defense counsel obtain the best possible resolution on your behalf. Through specifi c examples, they showed how districts can be bett er pre-pared to address a wide variety of circumstances includ-ing record keeping, the immediate investigation of the claim, assisting in discovery, and ultimately obtaining a successful resolution of the case.
In the aft ernoon, members had the opportunity to take a bus trip to tour the JPIA’s new offi ce building in
Roseville, California. Everyone who att ended was impressed with the design, functionality, and effi ciency of the new building.Writt en by: Sylvia Robinson, Publications & Web Editor
Continued from page 5
Front entrance to the JPIA’s new building in Roseville, California.
JPIA President E.G. “Jerry” Gladbach (center) said a few words before the official ribbon cutting. Executive Committee members; local JPIA members; vendors; and staff, family, and friends were in attendance.
JPIA Introduces New BuildingThe JPIA was very excited to introduce its new building to the community on March 29, 2011. The event att end-
ees included JPIA Executive Committ ee members, local water district personnel and offi cials, Roseville Mayor Pauline Roccucci, City Council members Carol Garcia and John Allard, JPIA vendors/partners, and JPIA staff family and friends. An offi cial “ribbon-cutt ing” ceremo-ny highlighted the event.
Over 200 people enjoyed an aft ernoon tour with in-formation on the building’s LEED Certifi cation (“green” building), demonstrations of equipment, and ergonomic furniture. Light snacks were served and everyone enjoyed the camaraderie of all in att endance.
The JPIA’s former building was facing major repairs, was outdated aesthetically and functionally, and was no longer able to accommodate
the organization’s current and future needs. A Build-ing Committ ee had been formed to determine the best
course of action – remodel the cur-rent building, build a new building, or remodel another existing build-ing.
Following many months of judi-cious research, the Committ ee de-termined that purchasing another existing building and remodeling it to fi t the JPIA’s needs was the best course. So, in November 2009, with Board approval, the JPIA purchased the offi ce building in Roseville, Cali-fornia.
Aft er all the fl oor plans and de-signs were prepared carefully re-viewed, construction and remodel-ing began and in January 2011 the new building was ready for occu-
pancy.The JPIA hopes that all the members have an oppor-
tunity to see “their” new building and welcomes them to visit any time.Writt en by: Nancy Stangel, Director of Administration
Serrano Water District - (L/R) Robert F. Rickerl, Director; Rich Freschi, Director; Ann Michel, Director of Finance & Administration; Andy Sells, JPIA Chief Operations Officer; Tim DeTurk, Associate General Manager; and Dave Noyes, General Manager
Yorba Linda Water District - (L/R) Robert R. Kiley, Board Member; Ric Collett, Board Member; Phil Hawkins, Vice President; Gary T. Melton, Board Member; Michael J. Beverage, President; Andy Sells, JPIA Chief Operations Officer; E.G. “Jerry” Gladbach, JPIA President; Melody McDonald, JPIA Executive Committee Member
Sweetwater Authority - (L/R seated) Director Terry Thomas; Director Maria Rubalcaba; Director Bud Pocklington; Janet Gonzalez, Board Secretary; Director Ron Morrison (Chair); Paula De Sousa (Legal Counsel); Director Ted Muehleisen; Director Jose Preciado; Director Margaret Welsh(L/R standing) Andy Sells, JPIA Chief Operations Officer; W.D. “Bill” Knutson, JPIA Executive Committee Member; Melody McDonald, JPIA Executive Committee Member; Patricia Slaven, JPIA Training Specialist
Perspective 8 May/June 2011
JPIA Distributes $6.3 Million To MembersAs each Program policy year approaches, a budget is approved by the Executive Committ ee. These budgets’ most signifi cant expenses are the estimated losses pro-vided by the JPIA’s actuary. Annually, the actuary esti-mates program losses in total based on JPIA claims data, economic conditions, industry trends, and other factors. Aft er a policy year has four years of loss history, the JPIA will refund or assess members the diff erence between the estimated losses/expenses for the policy versus the total deposit premiums collected from the members. These monies come to and from members’ rate stabiliza-tion accounts.
So what does that mean now? Earlier this year the JPIA once again refunded signifi cant amounts to its members. From January through March, over $6.3 mil-lion in checks was distributed to approximately 70 per-cent of the membership. Members of the Executive Com-mitt ee and staff were able to personally hand deliver many of the checks directly to the Board of Directors for several members. Since the establishment of the Rate Stabilization Fund in 1999, the JPIA has delivered over $26 million in refund checks.
Why is this? Simply put, members’ claims losses are less than those projected by the JPIA actuary. By utiliz-ing the resources provided by the JPIA such as training in the areas of employee safety, employment practices,
infrastructure management, and risk transfer; members have achieved a level of success unmatched in the indus-try. It is the combined eff orts of the entire membership that make these refunds possible.
What Programs are having the most impact? While each Program (Liability, Property and Workers’ Com-pensation) contributes to the total amount of refunds, for the last couple of years it is the Workers’ Compensation Program that has had the largest impact. It is this Pro-gram that currently illustrates the incredible value of the JPIA. The Workers’ Compensation reforms that began in 2004 generated reduced costs for most all entities in the state of California. In the private industry, these cost sav-ings have resulted in tremendous profi ts for these pri-vate insurers. But, at the JPIA, these savings generated the large refunds we are enjoying today.
Congratulations to all of the members of the JPIA. Again, it is the combined eff ort and hard work of the members that make these refunds possible.Writt en by: David deBernardi, Director of Finance
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District - (L/R) Andy Sells, JPIA Chief Operations Officer; Board Member Harvey Ryan; Director of Human Resources, Dave Bell; Board Member Phil Williams; Safety Officer, Beth Greene; Board Member Ben Wicke; Melody McDonald, JPIA Executive Committee Member; Board Member Judy Guglielmana; Board Member Andy Morris
Goleta Water District - (L/R) Director Lauren Hanson; Vice President Jack Cunningham; Director Bert Bertrando; President Bill Rosen; Melody McDonald, JPIA Executive Committee Member
Desert Water Agency - (L/R) Melody McDonald, JPIA Executive Committee Member; Craig Ewing, Director; Pat Oygar, President; Jim Cioffi, Secretary/Treasurer; Tom Kieley, Vice President; E.G. “Jerry” Gladbach, JPIA President
San Juan Water District - (L/R) Vice President Pam Tobin; Director Ken Miller; President Ted Costa; Dan Klaff, JPIA Chief Executive Officer; Director Dave Peterson; Director Bob Walters
Sacramento Suburban Water District - (L/R) Joe Dion, JPIA Executive Committee Member; Neil Schild, District Board President; Andy Sells, JPIA Chief Operations Officer
American River Flood Control District - (L/R) Tim Kerr, General Manager; Andy Sells, JPIA Chief Operations Officer; Karolyn Simon, Board President; Richard Marck, Superintendent
Palmdale Water District - (L/R) Jeff Storm, Director, Raul Figueroa, Director; Linda Godin, Director; Gordon Dexter, Board President; Melody McDonald, JPIA Executive Committee Member
Perspective 9 May/June 2011
Above and Below: Truck bed designed by Bobby Fortuno of Helix Water District.
AfterBefore
Before and after a 42” aluminum guardrail was installed around a wet well. This safety idea was made by Kyle Syverson at Ramona Municipal Water District.
Perspective 10 May/June 2011
H.R. LaBounty Safety Awards (Spring 2011)The JPIA’s H.R. LaBounty Safety Awards are presented to its mem-bers twice a year at the spring and fall conferences. The purpose is to promote safe work behavior and re-ward employees whose actions con-tribute toward reducing the poten-tial for liability, property, or workers’ compensation losses. The award program also provides a great way for members to share loss prevention “good ideas” and “lessons learned” with the entire membership.
The JPIA receives nominations from participating members and se-lects nominees who have made con-tributions at their agency to increase safety and risk management prac-tices. Selected awardees receive a certifi cate of appreciation and some receive cash awards of up to $500. The names of the winners, their accomplishment, and award are published in the Perspective, Risk Control Bulletin, and posted on the JPIA’s website.
For the Spring 2011 Conference, individuals and working groups from 19 members were nominated for their proactive eff orts. The im-provements ranged from designing and installing new equipment, de-veloping and implementing safety procedures, and ergonomic im-provements to reduce injuries.
The list of winners announced at the Spring 2011 Conference in Sacra-mento is in the box on the next page.
The following are some examples of the ideas that were submitt ed.Beth Greene and Jose Martinez, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District – Designed, fabricated, and installed a safety mechanism to en-close a rotating weir actuator. In-cluded in the design was a means to easily remove the device for actuator servicing and repair.
Bobby Fortuno, Helix Water District – Designed a truck bed with a Tonneau cover that hinges verti-
cally from the middle allowing for easier access to items in his truck. Bobby also installed a tray on two rails mounted to the truck bed mak-ing tool caddies and storage drawers easily accessible without reaching over the side of the truck.
Kyle Syverson, Ramona Munici-pal Water District – Kyle suggested building a guardrail around a wet
well that would provide adequate fall protection and still allow access for cleaning the facility. With a few hours of labor, an aluminum guard-rail system was installed with Speed Rail couplings. With the new guard-rail, the crew is not leaning over the
opening when performing work and their exposure to falling is reduced.
Refugio Zermeno, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District – Refugio suggested installing a multidirectional mirror on a valve exercising machine. This allows the operator to have a view of traffi c in many directions while operating the equipment. The mirror can be pur-chased from an automotive parts store for approximately $20.
Scott Reierson, West Orange County Water Board – Scott sug-gested painting copper and brass fi t-tings to mitigate theft for their scrap value.
Michael Pilatt i, Wheeler Ridge – Maricopa Water Storage Board – Aft er looking through various cata-logs for posters that deal with heat stress, Michael decided to design heat stress posters displaying em-ployees from diff erent departments. By using District employees on the posters, the employees pay bett er at-tention to them as they are not just another safety poster on the wall.
Your agency could be the next to receive an award and recognition. It is easy to submit and helps to pro-mote safety eff orts throughout your
agency. The JPIA staff looks forward to receiving nominations from the members. Writt en by: R. Scott Wood, Risk Management Consultant
JPIA Administrative Staff: (L/R standing) Bobbette Wells, assuming Executive Assistant to the CEO; Robin Lawrence, Receptionist; Patricia Slaven, Training Specialist; Sylvia Robinson, Publications & Web Editor; Linda Craun, Administrative Assistant II; (L/R seated) Michelle Stites, Administrative Assistant II; Jeanette Waterstradt, retiring Executive Assistant to the CEO; Chris Young, Administrative Assistant II; Nancy Stangel, Director of Administration
Perspective 11 May/June 2011
Calaveras Public Utility DistrictAndrew Estrada - $50
Valley of the Moon Water DistrictPaul Gradolph - $100
West Orange County Water BoardScott Reierson - $50
Wheeler Ridge – Maricopa Water Storage District
Michael Pilatt i - $175Jon Kelley - $125
Yolo County Flood Control & Water Conservation District
Tim Ireland - $100Kevin Bassham - $100
Another JPIA Employee RetiresIn March 2011, Jeanett e Waterstradt, Executive Assis-
tant to the CEO, retired aft er 21 years of devoted service. Jeanett e started her career with the JPIA in January 1990 as an Administrative Assistant in the Administration de-partment. Aft er four years, she put her accounting skills to work and took a position in the Finance Department as an Accountant I. She was later promoted to Accoun-tant II. In 1997, Jeanett e moved back to the Adminis-tration Department and took the position of Executive Assistant to the CEO. Jeanett e is the ninth employee to retire from the JPIA but she retired with the most tenure at 21 years of service. While they plan to stay in Califor-nia, Jeanett e is very excited to have more time to travel with her husband, Ron, and to spend time with her two grandsons who live in Illinois. Writt en by: Sylvia Robinson, Publications & Web Editor
ACWA /JPIA Mission Statement
The ACWA Joint Powers Insurance Authority is dedicated to consistently and cost eff ectively providing the broadest possible aff ordable insurance
coverages and related services to its member agencies.Perspective 12 May/June 2011
PerspectiveACWA Joint Powers Insurance AuthorityP. O. Box 619082Roseville, CA 95661-9082
Periodical Postage Paid
Recognizing The Need For A Disability Management ProgramThe recent JPIA Conference in Sac-ramento highlighted guest speaker, Marcy Feuerstein, Offi cer of Em-ployee Benefi ts at Imperial Irrigation District (IID), with her presentation on IID’s Disability Management Pro-gram. The topic was introduced to provide awareness to directors and general managers on the important topic of management’s role in taking control of work and non-work relat-ed injuries and illnesses.
The plan highlighted safety as a number one priority, along with management support, compliance with federal and state laws, and a process that is always moving for-ward. The key is communication in assisting employees to stay/return to work as medically appropriate, pro-viding reasonable accommodations, when readily achievable, while en-hancing employee and organiza-tional morale through active demon-
stration of the District’s concern for the health and fi nancial welfare of its workforce.
If your district management has not discussed this important topic, make it a priority. The JPIA’s new Return-To-Work Policy can help with the process and is available on the website, go to Resources, Policies.Writt en by: Nancy Stangel, Director of Administration
