Eighty-nine low-birthweight, preterm infants were enrolled in a longitudinal study to describe motor development, infantile reactions and postural responses during the first chronological year of life and to determine the relationship between these behaviors. There was a clear trend from prevalence of primitive patterns, such as the asymmetric tonic neck reflex, towards a prevalence of mature postural reactions such as the Landau, righting and protective extension reflexes. Statistical analysis suggested that a relationship exists between infantile patterns, automatic postural reactions and motor development that is similar to that accepted as normal in term infant development, when allowance is made for preterm birth. Correlations were also obtained between integration of the tonic labyrinthine response and the presence of the asymmetric tonic neck pattern at the time of hospital discharge and later achievement of motor milestones. These relationships warrant further investigation.

Supportive Services reclassification requests were discussed. Judy Rank was present to discuss the request for her Benefit Specialist position. The reclassification request results in the position being reclassified from a pay grade 6 - 7. The annual cost of this request is $2,375.29 including wages and benefits. A motion was made by Markwardt and seconded by Rappe to approve the request. Motion carried unanimously. The reclassification request for the two paralegals in the District Attorney's office was discussed. The request results in a change in pay grade from 7 - 8 which is consistent with how similar positions in the Courthouse are graded. The annual cost of these reclasses is $4,564.28 including wages and benefits. A motion was made by Barnes, seconded by Markwardt to approve the requests with the understanding that District Attorney, Mark Rohrer, or his designee, will be present at the next meeting to discuss the changes in these positions. Motion carried unanimously. The Committee discussed the County Treasurer's mandate regarding direct deposit. A motion was made by Markwardt and seconded by Janowski that this issue be included in the County's bargaining proposals for 2006 and that no further action be taken at this time. Motion carried unanimously.

Sharon Cornils and Cheryl Duchow discussed their plan for assistance in the Treasurer's office once the Tax Collections Specialist position is eliminated. Two staff members from the Comptroller's office are currently being trained to assist in the Treasurer's office during peak times. The Treasurer's office is also working with the Information Systems Department to resolve printing issues that have been causing some inefficiencies in the department. The Deputy Treasurer position is currently posted and the Tax Collections Specialist has been notified that her position will be eliminated as of January 1, 2009. The County's health insurance program for 2009 was discussed. The County is changing from a fully insured program to a self-insured program with Anthem effective January 1, 2009. This change will not have any affect on employees except that they will receive a new insurance card with a new group number. The County will have specific stop-loss coverage of $100,000. The aggregate stop loss will be set at 125% of anticipated claims. If the plan operates as expected in 2009 health insurance expenses are estimated to be $378,000 less under a self funded arrangement than the costs would be under a fully insured arrangement. This is an estimate only and is contingent upon claims experience. If claims experience is worse than forecast costs may be greater under a self funded arrangement, but appropriate levels of stop loss insurance minimizes the risk. The success of self funding is based on a long term view rather than on one years' experience. .