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Town of Mount Desert
Board of Selectmen
Special Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2011
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held this date in the Meeting Room, Town Hall, Northeast Harbor Maine.
Those present included: Chairman Tom Richardson, Selectmen Jean Bonville, Chuck Bucklin, and Rick Mooers, Town Manager Durlin Lunt, Public Works Director Tony Smith, Assessor Kyle Avila, Harbormaster Shawn Murphy, CEO Kim Keene, Town Clerk/Recording Secretary Joelle Nolan, and members of the public.
I Call to order at 3:30 P.M.
Chairman Richardson called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.
VII New Business
A. Meeting with Susan Smith Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust representative.
Referring to the Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust (MMEHT) Medical Program Summary for January 2, 2011 to December 31, 2011, Selectman Bonville asked Ms. Smith if the POS 200 plan was chosen, would Group Dynamics Inc. [Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)] have to be involved. Ms. Smith suggested yes if there is a wrap around, if not, no. Chairman Richardson focused on the PPO 1500 plan which has higher deductibles. Compared to the current POS C plan, his calculations resulted in an estimated $200,000 annual savings in premiums (POS C costs $668,000 vs PPO 1500 costs $468,000), and an estimated net savings of $87,000 if the Town paid the increased deductible amounts and employed an HRA. The POS 200 plan estimated cost is $568,000, thereby realizing $100,000 less in savings; and no real savings if
Town paid the increased deductible. Chairman Richardson stated unless the savings was substantial, such as $100,000, it would not be worth changing plans. Board members discussed the various options available, focusing on deductibles and maximum out of pocket expenses to employees. It was also noted that the proposed changes will not result in a reduction to employees’ paychecks (not charging employee for a portion of, for instance, spousal or family coverage). Ms. Smith described some of the changes with the POS 200 plan: co-pay for a specialist is $20, no oral surgery coverage, lab or x-ray on diagnostic visits will result in additional expense.
Chairman Richardson suggested the change be effective July 1, 2011. Ms. Smith explained the new deductibles would be in place for the 6 months left in 2011, then January 1 the deductibles would start fresh; however, 4th quarter deductibles used are carried into the next year. Selectman Mooers said he would prefer to see the changes start January 1, 2012. Selectman Bucklin agreed. Selectman Mooers said if the changes are started July 1, 2011, he thinks the Town should pay the deductibles. Chairman Richardson reminded the Board his objective is to save $100,000.
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, seconded by Selectman Bucklin, to implement MMEHT POS 200 plan January 1, 2012.
Board members continued their discussion. Ms. Smith described the HRA costs as a $550 annual set up fee, plus $5.50 per participant per month. Selectman Mooers asked what the savings would be if the change was effective July 1, 2011 rather than January 1, 2012, and Chairman Richardson replied half ($50,000 vs $100,000). Chairman Richardson stated he wants to see $100,000 in savings. Selectman Bonville noted the union contract is due July 1, 2011; she is more inclined to effect the change July 1. However, she agrees the Town can no longer afford to carry the full amount. Selectman Mooers defended his position, regarding the degree of impact on employees, as well as taxpayers. Selectman Bucklin observed many taxpayers comment on the fact that no one else has health insurance fully paid by the employer. He suggested future Boards may have employees contribute toward the premium.
Selectman Mooers withdrew his previous motion and Selectman Bucklin withdrew his second.
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, seconded by Selectman Bucklin, to change the Town’s health insurance plan from the current POS C and implement POS 200 effective July 1, 2011 with the Town paying for the deductibles through December 31, 2011; and effective January 1, 2012, continue with POS 200 plan with employees paying the deductibles.
Discussion: Chairman Richardson stated the savings would be reduced to $80,000 as opposed to $100,000.
VOTE: The vote was in favor, 3-1 with Chairman Richardson voting against.
Board discussed what monies are needed for the 2011 – 2012 budget. Ms. Smith noted MMEHT is anticipating a 13 to 15% premium increase for 2012, which translates into 7.5% for half a year. Selectman Bonville stated a deductible line in the budget is needed for 6 mos. Chairman Richardson directed Town Manager Lunt and the administration office to take care of setting up meetings between MMEHT and employees.
Selectman Bonville asked Ms. Smith if MMEHT treats part-time employees the same as full-time. Ms. Smith replied an employee has to work 20 hours a week consecutively to be eligible, and then MMEHT would defer to the Town’s policy.
VI Old Business
A. Review of budget process- Marina, County Budget and Revenues.
Board addressed 3rd party requests for the 2011 – 2012 budget/Warrant as presented at the Board’s February 22, 2011 meeting and made the following
MOTIONS:
Selectman Bucklin moved, seconded by Selectman Mooers to recommend $950 for Acadia Little League. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bonville moved, seconded by Selectman Mooers, to recommend $500 for Bar Harbor Food Pantry. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bucklin moved, seconded by Selectman Mooers, to recommend $400 for Child and Family Opportunities, Inc. The vote was unanimous against, 0-4.
Selectman Bonville moved, seconded by Selectman Bucklin, to recommend $1,200 for Down East Aids. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Mooers moved, seconded by Selectman Bonville, to recommend $5,600 for Downeast Horizons. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bucklin moved, seconded by Selectman Bonville, to recommend $14,000 for Downeast Transportation (Island Explorer). The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bonville moved, seconded by Selectman Bucklin, to recommend $500 for Eastern Area Agency on Aging. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Mooers moved, seconded by Selectman Bucklin, to recommend $1,200 for Hancock County Homecare/Hospice. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Mooers moved, seconded by Selectman Bucklin, to recommend $1,000 for Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bonville moved, seconded by Selectman Mooers, to recommend $2,000 for Island Connections. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bucklin moved, seconded by Selectman Mooers, to recommend $7,450 for Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bucklin moved, seconded by Selectman Mooers, to recommend $1,000 for Mount Desert Historical Society. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bucklin moved, seconded by Selectman Bonville, to recommend $7,760 for Mount Desert Island YMCA. The vote was unanimous against, 0-4.
Selectman Bonville moved, seconded by Selectman Mooers, to recommend $1,250 for Mount Desert Lodge No 140 AF & AM. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bucklin moved, seconded by Selectman Bonville, to recommend $23,000 for Mount Desert Nursing Association. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bucklin moved, seconded by Selectman Mooers, to recommend $1,000 for Mount Desert Nursery School. The vote was against 1-3. Selectman Mooers moved, seconded by Selectman Bonville to recommend $1,400 for Mount Desert Nursery School. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Mooers moved, seconded by Selectman Bonville, to recommend $88,000 for Neighborhood House. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bonville moved, seconded by Selectman Mooers, to recommend $20,500 for Northeast Harbor Library. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bonville moved, seconded by Selectman Mooers, to recommend $1,098 for Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bonville moved, seconded by Selectman Bucklin, to recommend $4,000 for Seal Harbor Library Association. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Mooers moved, seconded by Selectman Bonville, to recommend $26,700 for Seal Harbor Village Improvement Society. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Mooers moved, seconded by Selectman Bonville, to recommend $8,000 for Somesville Library Association. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Mooers moved, seconded by Selectman Bonville, to recommend $1,500 for Somesville Village Improvement Society. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Selectman Bonville moved, seconded by Selectman Mooers, to recommend $1,161 for Washington Hancock Community Agency. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
There was a discussion regarding prior years’ requests from Downeast Transportation, not related to Island Explorer; however, separate paperwork has not been presented this year. Board decided this was an oversight.
Selectman Bonville moved, seconded by Selectman Mooers, to recommend $1,000 for Downeast Transportation. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Chairman Richardson asked Public Works Director Smith when work would start on the sidewalks, if approved by the voters. He thought spring 2012. Board concluded money was not needed in this budget; however there needs to be a Warrant article to borrow the money.
Town Manager Lunt reported, concerning the issue of banners and flags being hung from Bangor Hydro Electric poles, Maine Municipal Legal services have given the opinion that a Warrant article is needed to accept a gift of money for the Town to purchase insurance coverage. Chairman Richardson suggested MDI Historical Society needs to commit to the Town in writing if it intends to offer such a gift. Selectman Bucklin wondered if the DAR has been asked to share the cost. Board also wondered if this would be an annual issue. Town Manager Lunt will obtain a firm price from Maine Municipal Association and a synopsis of what an umbrella policy will cover.
Board agreed to have another budget meeting at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, March 3, 2011 to review revenues, marina budget, and warrant.
II Minutes
A. None
III Appointments and Recognitions
A. None
IV Consent Agenda (These items are considered to be routine, and therefore, will not be allotted Selectmen discussion time on the agenda. The items may be passed by the Selectmen in one blanket motion. Any Board member may remove an item from the “Consent” portion of the agenda for discussion or questions by requesting such action prior to consideration of that portion of the agenda.)
A. None
V Selectmen’s Reports
VIII Committee Meeting Reports
A. None
IX Treasurer’s Warrants
A. None
X Executive Session
A. None
XI Adjournment
MOTION: At 5:40 p.m., Selectman Mooers moved, seconded by Selectman Bucklin, to adjourn the meeting. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Respectively submitted,
Jean Bonville
Secretary
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