From COH Employees News, 8:33 AM:

City of Houston and HOPE Joint Communication Compensation Update

The 2018 Meet and Confer Agreement between the City of Houston and the Houston Organization of Public Employees (HOPE) provides that beginning the first full pay period after July 1, 2018, every bargaining unit member with the exception of Police and Fire Trainees will receive a 3% across-the-board pay increase. Employees covered by this provision will see the pay increase on their August 3, 2018 paycheck. To review the current 2018 Meet and Confer Agreement between the City of Houston and HOPE, please click here.             If you have any questions regarding the 2018 Meet and Confer Agreement, you may contact a HOPE representative by phone at 832-962-4506 or visit the HOPE website at www.HOPETX.org or send an email to HOPE at hopeinfo@hopetx.org or contact your Human Resources representative.

Updating Your Direct Deposit

From COH Payroll Services, 9:30 AM:

UPDATING DIRECT DEPOSIT INSTRUCTIONS

Effective immediately and until further notice, employees will no longer be able to update direct deposit instructions via the online Employee Self Service (ESS) portal. Employees needing to update their direct deposit instructions must complete the Direct Deposit form available at http://www.houstontx.gov/ara/payrollforms/directdepositform.pdf and submit it along with a voided check for checking accounts or a preprinted deposit slip for savings accounts to the Payroll Services Division at the help window located at 611 Walker, 2nd floor. Questions or concerns can be addressed to the Payroll Services Help Desk at payroll@houstontx.gov or 832.393.8900.

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This may be the reason why:

From HITS, 4/29:

Information Security Alert: Phishing Scam Targeting Payroll Direct Deposits

What Is Being Done	Important Alert: Phishing Scam Targeting Payroll Direct Deposits
Impacted Service(s)	Payroll Direct Deposits
Impacted Departments/ User Groups	Potential impact to all City employees
Background	A relatively new email phishing scam targeting employee direct deposits is currently in circulation. Many of the attacks follow the same patterns, suggesting that the same threat actors are behind the attacks. The attacks begin with employees receiving spoofed email messages appearing to come from internally trusted sources (e.g., IT, HR, fellow employees). The spoofed messages make a request for the employee to click a link, access a website or answer a few questions, and, ultimately directs the employee to confirm their identity by providing login credentials leading to account compromise. The threat actors then use the compromised account to access payroll portals and reroute direct deposits to accounts they own and control.
Required Actions:	Remain vigilant and look for suspicious email messages; look for incorrect grammar, capitalization, etc. Verify the senders actual email address, rather than just looking at the displayed account name Roll your cursor over the links received via email and look for inconsistencies; if it’s not the website the email claims to be directing you to, then the link is pointing to a fraudulent site Do not provide credentials in response to any email request (including requests appearing to come from system administrators or the HITS Service Desk) Utilize unique, complex passwords for all accounts and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts (e.g., COH domain/email password should be different from SAP/ESS password) When in doubt, do not open, click or respond and contact the HITS Service Desk and report suspicious email messages Stop and Think before you Click to do your part to help keep COH data, information and systems safe!
Notification Plan	HITS will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Contact	For issues concerning this notification please contact: Phone: 832-393-9800 Portal:  help.houstontx.gov

Open Enrollment Starts Soon!

From City of Houston Wellness Connection, 3/15:

Don’t forget to update your address in Employee Self-Service (ESS)
so that you don’t miss out on any important updates from the City of Houston.

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During Open Enrollment April 1-13, choose the best option:

OPTION 1:

NO BENEFIT PLAN CHANGES

If you are not making any changes to your benefits elections, other than *enrolling or re-enrolling in the Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HFSA), you do not need to log on to ESS. You will keep your current plan selections. See Option 4 for details regarding HFSA.
 

OPTION 2:

ENROLL / CHANGE BENEFIT ELECTIONS

If you are enrolling or changing your benefits, log in to ESS to make your selections.
 

OPTION 3:

WAIVE BENEFIT COVERAGE

If you are waiving coverage, please log in to ESS and elect the waive option for medical, dental or vision.
 

OPTION 4:

* ENROLL / RE-ENROLL IN HFSA

You must enroll or re-enroll in the Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HFSA).

 

IMPORTANT!
You will not automatically be re-enrolled into the HFSA if you did not elect it. There will be no exceptions.

From COH HR, 10/12:

Health Assessment deadline extended

COMPLETE YOUR HEALTH ASSESSMENT BY FEB. 2, 2018

The 2017-2018 Wellness program has kicked off

GEAR UP TO WIN FOR LIFE!

This year's Win for Life Wellness program, which started Aug. 1, offers you opportunities to improve your health and includes the same familiar steps to complete. If you and your covered spouse complete each of the steps listed below, you will be eligible to earn up to a $900 annual medical rate discount.

The deadline to complete these steps has been extended to Feb. 2, 2018.

Step 1: Biometric Numbers

The City of Houston Wellness Team offers onsite biometric screening events. Screening events originally scheduled for September have been rescheduled for December and January.

Make or reschedule your biometric screening online at https://my.onsitehd.com/signup/city_of_houston or by calling 877-366-7483.

You may also obtain your biometric numbers at your annual physical. Remember you need your height, weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.

Step 2: Health Assessment

Complete your health assessment at mycigna.com by Feb. 2, 2018.

Remember that your covered spouse should complete the health assessment on his or her own mycigna.com account.

Step 3: Wellness Engagement Option

Complete one Wellness Engagement Option:

• Option A: Preventive Care (Now through Feb. 2, 2018)
• Option B: Telephonic Coaching (Now through March 9, 2018)
• Option C: Onsite Health Programs (Beginning soon through March 9, 2018)
• Option D: MyCigna.com Apps and Activities (Now through March 9, 2018)

Visit the Win for Life website for more details about each of these options and how to complete them.

You can also find details about these options on MyCigna.com.

Lifestyle Management Programs are a great way to learn more about your health. Join us at one of our upcoming six-week Cardiovascular Disease Programs and earn your credit for the Win for Life Wellness Program. See a full schedule of upcoming events on our calendar.

Contact Us

Keep in touch with your City of Houston Wellness Team

wconnection@houstontx.gov832-393-6000houstonwellnessconnection.org

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Meeting Regarding Pension Changes

From Mr. Weeks, 6/7:

The pension reform law was signed by the governor and will take effect on July 1, 2017. Representatives from the Houston Municipal Employees Pension System (HMEPS) will be at the Central Library – 500 McKinney in the Concourse Meeting room on Monday, July 12 at 9:00 AM [see update below. KL] to discuss this new law and how will impact us. This new law will impact every full-time employee. Pension contributions will change and those changes will be reflected in your July 21 payroll check. Please come out and these representatives will answer any questions that you may have.

 

Look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

UPDATE from Mr. Weeks, 6/8:

I have heard from some of you on clarifying the day of this meeting. I am sorry for the confusion, this meeting is on Wednesday, July 12 and not Monday, July 12. The time and location remain the same. I hope to see you there!

Staff Meeting Notes 6/2/17

9AM-11:45 AM, MEETING ROOM

Staff Meeting Agenda (9-10:20 AM)

1. SRP Update/Preview (40 min):

1. Programs at SWX and WAL (Ivy & Irene)
2. Summer Food Service Program (Linda & Teresa)
3. Volunteers (Christy)
4. Freaky Friday ticket winners
5. Using Beanstack
1. Updates from May Managers Meetings (Christy & Karen) (10 min)
2. Other Updates (10 min)
1. Branch Meeting Room Calendar in Outlook
2. CEN and Float items found on shelves
3. Cleaning Restrooms
4. Coin Copier refunds
5. May Outreach results
6. Walgreens’ Flu Shots
3. Issues to Discuss (20 min)
4. Break (10 min)

Important Dates this Month

• Monday, June 5: Monday hours begin; Summer Food Service Program begins; Outreach at SWMSC Summer Kickoff (Christy)
• Tuesday, June 6: SW Managers Meeting at Frank (Karen); Volunteer Orientation (Christy)
• Wednesday, June 7: COH New Employee Orientation (Araceli); Outreach at Alliance for Multi-Cultural Services (Christy)
• Friday, June 9: Youth Services Meeting (Irene, Ivy); Outreach at Chinese Community Center (Christy); Outreach at Lansdale Community Center (Ivy); Pay day!
• Tuesday, June 13: Outreach at Clarewood House (Derrick)
• Friday, June 16: Outreach at Fonteno Senior Center (Derrick); last day of pay period
• Saturday, June 17: Education Expo at SWMSC (Christy)
• Monday, June 19: SLAMS Committee meeting (Alexandra)
• Thursday, June 22: Outreach at Sharpstown Civic Association (Karen, Linda)
• Friday, June 23: Outreach at Fonteno Senior Center (Derrick); Pay Day!
• Friday, June 30: CE Managers Meeting at CEN (Christy, Karen); last day of pay period;  last day of FY17; end of FY17 HEAR review period

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Staff Training Agenda (10:30-11:30):  Your Pay (Karen) & Time Off (Christy)

1. Interlibrary Loan Things to Know (handout)
2. Your Pay: Electronic Timekeeping Policy (handout); find online at www.houstontx.gov >Administrative Policies >General Government >2-4 Electronic Timekeeping Policy 2.22.2012;  see also Municipal Employee Guidebook >Section IV - Your Pay

3. Your TIme Off: Employee Leave Benefits (handout); see also Municipal Employee Guidebook >Section VI - Time Off; and Paid Time Off.

Information Meetings Regarding HMEPS Benefit Changes

From COH Broadcast Message, 4:39PM:

Information Meetings Regarding

HMEPS Benefit Changes Effective July 1, 2017

The Houston Municipal Employees Pension System (HMEPS) will be conducting two Information Meetings on the state law pension changes to HMEPS that will take effect July 1, 2017.  The Information Meetings are open to all active members, retirees and beneficiaries.

Information Meetings

Date:              Monday, June 12, 2017

Location:       611 Walker in the auditorium (Garden Level)

Time:             First meeting is from 8:30 am to 10:30 am

                       Second meeting is from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Register at https://infomeeting_6-12-17.eventbrite.com to sign up for one of the two meetings on June 12, 2017.

HMEPS will be scheduling additional group meetings at several City sites to provide active employees with information on the pension changes.  When these meetings are scheduled, we will list the meetings on the HMEPS’ website, and will also send out email notifications.  

Open Enrollment is Starting!

Memo from Jane Cheeks, HR Director, 2/28/17:

The City of Houston’s Benefits open enrollment period for the 2017-2018 year will be from March 13th through April 7th, and any changes made during open enrollment will be effective May 1, 2017. Please review the information carefully and share with your respective departmental staff members.

What’s New in the Medical Plan

• Rates are increasing in the Open Access and Consumer-Driven Health Plans. The Limited Network plan rates will remain the same.
• Out-of-pocket maximums are increasing in all plans.
• Pharmacy benefits are being expanded to include a network of 90-day retail pharmacies, which also includes more pharmacies available for 30-day fills.

Actions You May Take
During open enrollment, you will have the ability to take the following actions:

• Review, enroll or make changes to medical, dental, vision, life insurance or supplemental plans
• Enroll or re-enroll in the Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HFSA)
• Review and update your life insurance beneficiaries
• Complete a death termination pay beneficiary designation form (if you haven’t completed one)
• If you add any new dependents during this period, you must submit supporting documentation to Human Resources Benefits Services no later than April 7, 2017, or the dependent will not receive the elected coverage. Mail, fax or email supporting documents to: Mail: 611 Walker 4th floor, Houston, TX 77002; Fax: 832-395-9409; Email: benefitseligibility@houstontx.gov

Enrollment Eligibility of PT-30 Employees
In compliance with provisions of the Federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the City of Houston must offer medical benefits to employees who have worked an average of thirty or more hours per week for a specific period of time, known as a “look back” period. The ARA Department has evaluated the part-time work hours during the look back period, May 2016 through February 2017 and identified the employees who have met the criteria for participation in the City’s medical benefits plan effective May 1, 2017. Because these part-time employees are eligible to participate in a City medical plan, their status in the payroll system, SAP, will be changed to PT-30 which will allow them the opportunity to elect coverage.

January 2017 Staff Meeting & Training

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017, 9AM-11AM, MEETING ROOM

AGENDA

1. Updates from December CE Managers Meeting

2. 2017 Holiday and Leave Schedules (handouts)

3. What we want to accomplish in 2017 (and beyond)

4. Issues to Discuss

IMPORTANT DATES THIS MONTH

• Friday, Jan. 6: Pay Day!
• Saturday, Jan. 7: Super Bowl Outreach at Bayland Park (Linda, Martha)
• Tuesday, Jan. 10: Computer Classes resume at Walter (Derrick)
• Friday, Jan. 13: Very Ready Reader Training (Ivy); last day of pay period.
• Monday, Jan. 16: MLK Day--Library Closed
• Sunday, Jan. 15: 2017 SRP programs due (Alex, Irene, Ivy, Kayren)
• Friday, Jan. 20: Youth Services Meeting (Alex, Irene, Ivy, Kayren); Pay Day!
• Friday, Jan. 27: Customer Experience Managers Meeting (Christy, Karen); last day of pay period
• Friday, Feb. 3: Staff Meeting & Training; Pay Day!

STAFF TRAINING

Building Safety for Staff and Customers

Overview: Learn steps to take when an active shooter or other security threat occurs in the building and learn the evacuation routes in each building.

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1. View the film “Run, Hide, Fight: Surviving an Active Shooter Event” (on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0&feature=youtu.be or from the Intranet homepage.
2. With the Evacuation Route map (attached), familiarize yourself with the location of each evacuation route in the building so you can use the one nearest to your location.
3. With the Evacuation Route map, identify locked areas in the building where you could hide from an active shooter.  Also identify areas that are not secured but could provide a hiding space in an emergency.
4. The Evacuation Route map is also posted on the bulletin board in the workrooms and in the public areas.
   

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Discussion::

What is the nearest evacuation route if you’re in the following:

1. Walter meeting room
2. Southwest children’s computers
3. Walter workroom
4. Walter manager’s office
5. Southwest manager’s office
6. Southwest serve room (Alex’s office)
7. Walter children’s play area
8. Southwest teen area

Where are the locked spaces in the building where you can hide from an active shooter?

1. In the workrooms?
2. On the public floor?
3. In the SW Multi-Service Center?
4. Which phones have telephone access to call 911?
5. Where is the fire alarm panel (when HFD needs to reset the fire alarm)?