Finance Committee Meeting

Executive Session Minutes – January 9, 2012

Town Hall, Lower Level Hearing Room, 8:20 P.M.

Members Present:  Arnold Cohen, Gordon Gladstone, Charles Goodman, Alexander

                               Korin, Ira Miller, Laura Nelson (Hamilton)

                Absent:   William Brack, Brian Fitzgerald, Joel Lessard, Jacqueline Modiste

1. To discuss the strategy of what is appropriate for health insurance going forward and what impact going forward.  It is the Selectmen’s purview what to do.  From what was on their agenda, they were prepared to accept the law to outside collective bargaining process; create the plan design.

2. There was considerable discussion on the new health insurance benefits law as to impact on Sharon and whether GIC or self-insured plan will save Sharon more money.

3. The committee would like update from Peter Kenney of Cook & Co. as promised from the August 2011 meeting.  The committee needs more information.

4. Selectmen voting at January 10 meeting on new Massachusetts law under Chapter 32b, sections 21-29.  Selectmen only interested in sections 21-23.  This would take health insurance out of collective bargaining.  Could gain other concessions.  Until contract expires, continue specific language of plan design.

5. Laura Nelson left the meeting at 9 p.m.

6. There was continued discussion on health insurance contracts, benefits, and saving money over the GIC plan.

7. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

8. VOTED:  5-0-0.

9. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.