MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
7:00 p.m.
The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at 7:05 pm in the Sharon Town Hall with Chairman Richard A, Powell, Selectman William A. Heitin, Selectman Walter Joe Roach and Town Administrator Benjamin Puritz.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Regular Session Minutes of January 3, 2012.
APPROVAL OF BANNER REQUEST
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the Sharon Soccer Association banner request for Sharon Recreational Soccer from Jan. 30 – Feb. 3rd (2nd position) and March 12th - 16th (1st position)
APPROVAL OF AMENDED 2012 ATM SCHEDULE
Chairman Powell explained that the Town Meeting schedule was amended to include deadlines for motions to be sent to the Finance Committee. He said that the inclusion of these items is an aspirational goal in order to provide the Finance Committee with the information as requested.
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to approve the amended 2012 Annual Town Meeting document.
VOTE ON THE QUESTIONS OF WHETHER TO ENGAGE IN THE PROCESS TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE TOWN’S HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS UNDER MGL C. 32B, SECTIONS 21 - 23
Selectman Roach recused himself as he is a subscriber to the Blue Cross plan as he is a retiree
Chairman Powell explained that this agenda item was in response to the legislature’s passage of the Health Insurance Reform Law last summer. He said it is the Selectmen’s intention to utilize the process, if adopted tonight, in a collaborative manner. He said that the Town has been able to forestall health increases in the past. He said it is not the Selectmen’s intent to take away all of the rights of employees. He said as far as the process itself - it is fairly specific – starting with notification requirements. Selectman Heitin said that the Board of Selectmen has worked very collaboratively in the past with the unions. He said he wants to clarify that the Town will not be implementing the GIC program or eliminate Blue Cross as an insurance provider for Town employees and retirees.
James Davenport, President of the Fire Fighters Union asked if the Board would entertain adopting Section 19 which allows the Unions to provide additional input. Chairman Powell said the expedited nature of this specific negotiation to Health Insurance will get us to a place where they are comfortable. Judy Riley Brown, Retiree representative asked about the opportunity for Retirees to be involved. Town Administrator Puritz said the next step will be notification to the Insurance Advisory Committee. (IAC). The IAC has ten days to call a meeting and then form a Public Employee Committee (PEC). Chuck Fazzio, president of the Sharon Teacher’s Association, said his understanding of the law is that the Town is only responsible to collaborate once and thereafter that the Board can make any decision they would like. He said three years down the road if the Board wants to make a change they can without collaborating with the PEC. Town Administrator Puritz said he believes there is a subsequent notification of any changes. He also said that the vote is proportional. Mr. Fazzio asked if there was a financial crisis in the Town. Chairman Powell said the Selectmen are trying at the very least to minimize tax increases and believe the Board has a responsibility to the citizens to implement this law. Alan Greenfield, President of the Sharon Police Union, said they have a contract in place and was of the understanding that if one union cannot go forward then this cannot be implemented. Town Administrator Puritz and he believes that not to be true. In response to a question from Jim Davenport relative to whether department heads would be impacted, Chairman Powell said department heads would be subject to the same plan changes. There was discussion about notification – Chairman Powell said notification requirements were followed. It was brought up that there is $3 million in the Health Insurance Claims Trust. Hugh Cameron of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, who is a Sharon employee, reiterated the comments of some of the attendees who are concerned about the expedited nature of the process as they don’t see this as an emergency. Town Administrator Puritz said once the IAC is notified there will be a public meeting and the analysis of the potential savings will be made public. Chairman Powell said there is a 30 day process with the PEC negotiating body. If consensus cannot be reached a three member independent panel will review the Town’s original proposal re whether the analysis is correct and appropriateness of mitigation savings plan. The 30 day process begins when the information is provided to the PEC. Chuck Fazzio asked if the Board would delay the vote. Chairman Powell said that there are time constraints due to the open enrollment process including a 60 day notice period. The process must be completed by March 21st according to Judy Riley Brown of the Retirees group. Jams Davenport, President of the Fire Fighter’s Union, said he strongly opposed the adoption of the Section 21 &22 and strongly asks that the Selectmen adopt Section 19. Chuck Fazzio said likewise.
VOTED: (Heitin/Powell) Voted that the Town of Sharon engage in the process to change Health Insurance benefits under MGL c.32B Sections 21,22 & 23
VOTED: (Heitin/Roach) Voted unanimously to adjourn for the evening
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Powell: Aye
Roach: Aye
Heitin: Aye