HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-30 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES May 30, 2006
CALL TO ORDER: Rosemary Connelly Smedile called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM at Town Hall
Meeting Room.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Rosemary Connelly Smedile, Chairman; James Xenakis;
Daniel P. Lanen; Mark J.T. Caggiano; Thomas Licciardello; Mark Rees, Town Manager; Ray Santilli,
Assistant Town Manager.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to move into Executive Session to
discuss pending litigation, real estate matters and collective bargaining. Vote approved 5-0.
The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session. Daniel
P. Lanen, yes; James Xenakis yes; Mark Caggiano yes; Rosemary Smedile, yes, and Thomas
Licciardello yes. Vote approved 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Appointment of Police Officer: Patrick M. Noonan
At the May 8, 2006 Selectmen's meeting, the Board made an appointment of Patrick M. Noonan as a full
time police officer conditioned upon the successful completion of medical, psychological and physical
exams. Town Manager Mark Rees reported that Officer Noonan had since passed those exams.
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello, to make the final appointment
effective June 5, 2006. Vote approved 4-0-1. Daniel Lanen abstained.
Health Insurance Contribution Rates
Town Manager Mark Rees reviewed with the board a memorandum written by Assistant Town Manager
Ray Santilli recommending that the board vote to adjust non-union school and municipal employees'
health insurance contribution rates from 13% to 14% for family coverage and 10%to 12% for individual
coverage. These adjustments are consistent with recently negotiated collective bargaining agreements.
Selectmen Lanen inquired if the non-union employees and retirees had been notified of this change.
Town Manager Rees responded that this change had been discussed for several months and that he was
confident that most employees were aware of it, however, no specific notice had been sent.
Mark Caggiano made a MOTION, seconded by Thomas Licciardello to implement the change in health
insurance contribution rates effective July 1, 2006. Vote approved 4-1. Daniel Lanen opposed.
Preparation for Annual Town Meeting
In preparation for the June 6, 2006 Annual Town Meeting, Town Manager Mark Rees reviewed with the
board the following documents:
➢ A copy of the spreadsheet detailing proposed changes to the Selectmen's Recommended FY07
Budget which the board "endorsed in concept" at your last meeting.
➢ A copy of a handout distributed by School Committee Chuck Ormsby detailing possible changes
in the School Department Budget; the majority of the school committee did not adopt these
changes.
➢ A copy of a proposal put forward by Finance Committee members Mike Batsimm and Paul
Stewart at the Finance Committee meeting held on May 25, 2006. Their proposal suggests, in
part, recommending that Town Meeting adopt a budget"to be balanced later" primarily through
Board of Selectmen Minutes May 30, 2006 2
the implementation of a "pay as you throw"trash fee and the anticipation of higher state aid. Their
proposal would increase funding to both School and Municipal departments.
➢ Spreadsheets providing the basis for the Employee Health Insurance budget. The first
spreadsheet is the details associated with the Town Manager's recommended budget in
February, 2006 and an updated spreadsheet based on information that has come forward since
then.
➢ A letter from the DOR retracting their objection of using NEWSC funds to balance the FY07
budget.
ADJOURNMENT:
James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Mark Caggiano, to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 PM.
Vote approved 5-0.
Adele J. Johnson
Administrative Secretary
James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board