Date: March 26, 2007
Date Minutes Approved: April 2, 2007
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES
Present: Elizabeth Sullivan, Chair; Andre Martecchini, Vice-Chair; Jon Witten, newly elected.
Absent: No members were absent.
Staff: Richard MacDonald, Town Manager; John Madden, Finance Director; and Barbara Ripley, Executive Assistant.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.
OPEN FORUM
No items were discussed.
SWEARING-IN OF NEWLY ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED OFFICIALS
James G. MacNab (Assessor): Ms. Nancy Oates explained that Assessors are required to take a separate oath, in addition to the standard oath for elected officials. She presided while Mr. MacNab took this oath.
Next, the standard oath of office was administered by the Town Clerk to the following individuals:
Amy MacNab (Planning Board)
Jon Witten (Selectman)
James MacNab (Assessor)
Karen Wong (School Committee)
Allen Bornheimer (Moderator)
Nancy Delano (Library Trustee)
Ted Flynn (Library Trustee)
Subsequently, Town Moderator Allen Bornheimer, administered the oath of office to Ms. Nancy Oates, who was re-elected as Town Clerk.
The following successful candidates were not present, and will be sworn-in during office hours with the Town Clerk: John Cipoletti (School Committee), Beverly Walters (Housing Authority) and John Todd (Housing Authority).
RE-ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Ms. Sullivan and Mr. Martecchini welcomed Mr. Witten to his first meeting as a Duxbury Selectman, and congratulated him on his election.
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board appoint Mr. Andre Martecchini as its Chairman. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
Mr. Martecchini moved that the Board appoint Mr. Witten as Vice-Chairman and Ms. Sullivan as Clerk. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
Mr. Martecchini thanked Ms. Sullivan for her excellent service as Chairman. He also gave his view that the Town had a "fantastic" election. The newspaper articles and advertisements were positive in tone, and there was a lot of positive interest in the election.
He added his hope that those who were not successful would give thought to running again in the future.
REQUEST TO USE MILLENIUM TOWN GREEN JULY 27-30, 2007/ SOUTH SHORE CONSERVATORY
Ms. Lanci Valentine and Ms. Mimi Janetty were present to represent the South Shore Conservatory. They described the event, and noted that it was very successful last year. Mr. Martecchini noted that two permits are requested: 1) An event permit to erect a tent on the Millenium Town Green from July 27-July 30, and to hold a chamber music concert there; and 2) A One-Day Liquor License to hold a wine and cheese reception on Saturday, July 28.
Mr. Martecchini noted that Town officials had given feedback on the requests and that their concerns will be reflected in the conditions of the permits.
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen grant to Ms. Lanci Valentine, as a representative of the South Shore Conservatory, a permit to hold a portion of the Duxbury Music Festival on the Millenium Town Green from Friday, July 27 through
Monday, July 30, 2007 subject to the conditions listed on the event permit. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen grant a One-Day Wine & Malt License to Ms. Lanci Valentine, as a representative of the South Shore Conservatory, to hold a Wine & Cheese reception on the Millenium Town Green on Saturday, July 28, 2007 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, subject to the conditions listed on the event permit. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
ONE-DAY LIQUOR LICENSE REQUEST: FRIENDS OF THE COUNCIL ON AGING/ GOLF BANQUET ON JUNE 4, 2007
Mr. John Hamilton was present to represent the Friends of the Council on Aging. He described the yearly event as the most successful fundraiser for the Friends. The money is used for food and programs at the Senior Center. He noted that the Senior Center has really become a "Duxbury Center", as it is used by a variety of Town groups. Mr. Martecchini thanked the Friends for all the work they do to support the Center. Mr. Martecchini noted that Town officials had provided feedback about the event, and that any concerns they might have are part of the conditions for the license.
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen grant a One-Day Wine & Malt License to Mr. John Hamilton, as a representative of the Friends of the Duxbury Council on Aging, to hold a banquet at the Duxbury Senior Center on Monday, June 4, 2007 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, subject to the conditions as listed on the event permit. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE RATES
Ms. Sullivan, who also serves on the Town's Insurance Advisory Committee, described the Town's efforts to control health insurance costs. She noted that several years ago, the Town had an unexpected surge in claims. This caused a serious deficit in our Health Care Trust Fund. Since then, several measures have been taken to address the problem. First, the Town began offering choices such as HMO plans. Second, there is a committee which meets regularly to assess the status of total claims, to see if any emergency actions are needed. These measures have been successful in restoring the balance of the Health Care Trust Fund, to the point where we even have the "cushion" required by the State.
However, given the rapidly escalating cost of health care, additional measures are needed. The Town has been negotiating with its collective bargaining units to accept higher co-pays, and a three-tier prescription program. All but two unions have settled their contracts, and have included these provisions in their settlements. Mr. MacDonald is hopeful that the two remaining units will settle in the near future.
Ms. Sullivan explained that the State does not allow changes to indemnity plans unless all bargaining units agree. Master Health Plus is the only indemnity plan offered by the Town. Since the higher co-pays and three-tiered prescription plan cannot be offered, the premium cost for that plan will rise by 15% for Master Health Plus. If all unions do settle, and agree to the co-pay and prescription changes, the premium for Master Health Plus will go up 10%. The Town is able to change retirees to the new co-pay/prescription structure since they are not part of any collective bargaining unit.
The State does allow the Town to change managed care plans (HMO's and PPO's) for the unions that agree, and to keep it the same for those who do not. The unions who agree to the new co-pays and prescription plan will see lower premium increases for the managed care plans. In all cases, the premium increases will be lower for managed care plans than for Master Health Plus. This is because, without negotiated prices for services, the Master Health Plus program is very costly.
Of note, there will be no premium increase for the Blue Care Elect PPO Plan. This plan was introduced in July 2007. Data from FY07 shows that it can be operated this year without an increase for any group of employees or retirees.
Ms. Sullivan praised the work of Insurance & Benefits Coordinator, Anita Stiles, who has made substantial contributions to the Town's Insurance program. She has facilitated federal government reimbursement for certain health care costs, and has assisted the Town's retirees through the process of implementing M.G.L., Chapter 32B, Section 18 (which provided for the mandatory transfer of the Town's retirees, spouses, and dependents insured or eligible to be insured to a Medicare extension plan offered by the Town).
Ms. Sullivan said that she would make motions to accept the new rates for the Town's insurance plans, based on the current situation (two unsettled contracts). If the contracts settle before June 1st, the vote may be re-taken.
MOTIONS:
1) Master Health Plus: Ms. Sullivan moved that the monthly rate for FY08 Master Health Plus coverage be set at $834.42 for an Individual Plan, and $2,087.22 for a Family Plan, with the Town covering 75% of the cost, and the employee paying 25%; representing a 15% increase over FY07 rates. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
2) Blue Care Elect (PPO): Ms. Sullivan moved that the monthly rate for FY08 Blue Care Elect coverage be set at $630.94 for an Individual Plan, and $1,578.23 for a Family Plan, with the Town covering 75% of the cost, and the employee paying 25%; representing a 0% increase over FY07 rates. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
3) HMO Blue (new co-pay & prescription rates): Ms. Sullivan moved that the monthly rate for FY08 HMO Blue coverage, for those employees who will pay under the new co-pay and prescription rates, be set at $544.51 for an Individual Plan, and $1,361.25 for a Family Plan, with the Town covering 75% of the cost, and the employee paying 25%; representing a 3.0% increase over FY07 rates. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
4) HMO Blue (former co-pay & prescription rates): Ms. Sullivan moved that the monthly rate for FY08 HMO Blue coverage, for those employees remaining under the former co-pay and prescription structure, be set at $570.94 for an Individual Plan, and $1,427.33 for a Family Plan, with the Town covering 75% of the cost, and the employee paying 25%; representing an 8.0% increase over FY07 rates. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
5) Master Health Plus (Retirees): Ms. Sullivan moved that the monthly rate for FY08 Master Health Plus coverage for retirees be set at $798.14 for an Individual Plan, and $1,996.97 for a Family Plan, with the Town covering 50% of the cost, and the retiree paying 50%; representing a 10.0% increase over FY07 rates. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
6) Blue Care Elect-PPO (Retirees): Ms. Sullivan moved that the monthly rate for FY08 Blue Care Elect coverage for retirees be set at $630.64 for an Individual Plan and $1,578.23 for a Family Plan, with the Town covering 50% of the cost, and the retiree paying 50%; representing a 0% increase over FY07 rates. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
7) HMO Blue (Retirees): Ms. Sullivan moved that the monthly rate for FY08 HMO Blue coverage for retirees be set at $544.51 for an Individual Plan and $1,996.97 for a Family Plan, with the Town covering 50% of the cost, and the retiree covering 50%; representing a 3% increase over FY07 rates. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
8) Medex: Ms. Sullivan moved that the monthly rate for FY08 Medex coverage be set at $396.00 for an Individual Plan, noting that Family Plans are not available for Medex, with the Town covering 50% of the cost, and the retiree paying 50%; representing a 0% increase over FY07 rates. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
ADOPT TOWN OF DUXBURY CRIMINAL OFFENDER RECORD INFORMATION (CORI) POLICY
Ms. Ripley explained that certification from the State is required in order to run CORI checks on prospective licensees, employees, and/or volunteers. Certification for the Town Manager's Office has expired. Part of the renewal process involves adopting a Town-wide policy for the review and use of CORI information. This policy would be made part of the Board of Selectmen manual. Ms. Ripley provided the Board with a draft policy. This draft policy was taken from a model policy provided by the State. After review by Labor Counsel, Ms. Ripley recommended that the draft policy be amended to refer to the use of CORI checks with regard to licensees.
Ms. Ripley noted that running CORI checks on all licensees is allowed by the State. However, with regard to employees, CORI checks may only be run on those employees who routinely make home visits, or who are in regular contact with vulnerable populations (e.g., elderly, handicapped, and/or children).
Two members of the Duxbury Fourth of July Committee were present. They commented that most of their vendors have contact with children. It might be advisable to do background checks on those individuals. It was agreed that the Committee would discuss this issue with the Town Manager's office.
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen adopt a Town-wide CORI policy, as outlined in the 3-23-07 draft by Ms. Ripley, and as amended per recommendation of Labor Counsel on 3-26-07. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
TOWN MANAGER BRIEF
· Water-saving devices have been installed in Town buildings, in compliance with Department of Environmental Protection regulations.
· Ms. Stickney is continuing to meet with Mr. Frank Gay, from GATRA (Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority) regarding the possibility of expanding bus service to Duxbury.
· Work has begun on the FY09 budget!
BONUS SHELLFISH SEASON
Ms. Sullivan moved that, due to abundant shellfish resources, the Selectman declare:
· A temporary Bonus Shellfish Season for the commercial harvesting of softshell clams for the month of April, per the regulations in Attachments B & C of the Duxbury Harbormaster's memorandum of March 20, 2007; and
· A temporary Bonus Shellfish Season for the commercial harvesting of quahog clams for the month of April, per the regulations in Attachments A & C of the Duxbury Harbormaster's memorandum of March 20, 2007.
Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
MINUTES
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board accept the Open Session minutes of 3/19/07 as presented. Second by Mr. Martecchini. Vote: 2:0:1 (Mr. Witten abstained).
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board accept the Executive Session minutes of 3/19/07 as presented, with their contents to remain sealed until the matter has been resolved. Second by Mr. Martecchini. Vote: 2:0:1 (Mr. Witten abstained).
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Sullivan moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 PM. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
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