HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 5046-02-2019A Resolution
NO. 5046-02-2019
AUTHORIZING THE EMPLOYMENT OF GRETA COWART, AS
OUTSIDE LEGAL COUNSEL, TO ASSIST THE CITY ATTORNEY'S
OFFICE IN ADVISING THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT ON
ISSUES RELATED TO EMPLOYEE AND RETIREE HEALTH AND
WELFARE BENEFITS PLANS AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF
COUNSEL FEES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000.00.
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Worth (the "City") periodically requires legal advice
regarding its employee and retiree health and welfare benefit plan services, including legal advice
with regards to the City's compliance with applicable federal and state laws relating to healthcare
benefits; and
WHEREAS, applicable state and federal laws include employer -mandated coverage and
reporting requirements that affect municipalities; and
WHEREAS, Greta Cowart has special competency in the areas of health care, trust
administration, and tax related issues, and regularly assists municipalities with maintaining
regulatory compliance, and has agreed to assist the City with these issues,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS, THAT:
1. The City is authorized to retain Greta Cowart, as outside counsel, under Chapter VI,
Section 3 of the City Charter, to provide legal services related to the City's employee and retiree
health and welfare benefit matters; and
2. The City is authorized to pay legal fees to Greta Cowart in an amount not to exceed
$50,000.00.
Adopted this 12th day of February 2019.
ATTEST: F����'L
By.
Mary J. Kayser, ity retary
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ORT WOM
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City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
COUNCIL ACTION: Approved on,211212019 - Resolution No. 6046-02-2019.
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DATE: Tuesday, February 12, 2019
LOG NAME: 12GRETACOWARTJW
REFERENCE NO.: **C-29030
SUBJECT:
Adopt Resolution Authorizing the City to Retain Greta E. Cowart as Outside Counsel for Legal Services
Related to Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefit Plan Services and Authorizing Payment of
Legal Fees in an Amount Not to Exceed $50,000.00 (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City to retain Greta
E. Cowart, as outside counsel in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 3 of the City Charter, for legal
services related to employee and retiree health and welfare benefit plan services and authorizing payment
of legal fees in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00.
DISCUSSION:
The Human Resources Department and the City Attorney's Office have requested that the City retain the
services of Greta E. Cowart, with regard to the City's employee health and welfare benefit plans, in order
to assist the City Attorney's Office in advising the Human Resources Department on legal issues related to
such plans and other healthcare and benefits matters.
The City has previously engaged the legal services of Ms. Cowart in 2004 (M&C G-14301), 2005 (M&C G-
14650), 2015 (M&C G-27268), and 2018 (M&C C-28523) to provide advice on a myriad of trust, federal
tax and regulatory compliance issues as well as the City's self-insured health and welfare benefit plans,
including, but not limited to, legal services regarding the IAFF Local 440's decision to provide health and
related benefits through a trust for active fire fighters, fire fighter retirees and their eligible spouses and
dependents.
Ms. Cowart was previously with the firm of Winstead, P.C. and now works with the firm Jackson Walker.
This area of the law represents some of the most complex material and consists of highly technical
statutes, regulations, cases, letter rulings and other formal and informal guidance. While the City's legal
and human resources staff routinely handle day-to-day matters in this area, complex issues periodically
arise. Therefore, staff recommends engaging Greta Cowart as outside counsel because of her
considerable experience in health care law, trust administration, municipal regulatory compliance and
federal tax regulatory compliance.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The approval of this action provides spending authority up to $50,000.00 as specified. The Director of
Finance certifies that funds are available in the current operating budgets, as appropriated and that prior
to an expenditure being made, the using department has the responsibility to coordinate the availability of
funds with the Law Department.
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CERTIFICATIONS:
Submitted for City Manager's Office by:
Originating Department Head:
Additional Information Contact:
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Year I (Chartfield 21
ALL ACMs (6222)
Sarah Fullenwider (7606)
John Strong (7627)
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