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Town of AmherstBoard of SelectmenJune 11, 2007
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Non-Public Session
Upon a roll call vote, the Board entered non-public session at 7:30 p.m. under RSA 91-A:3 II (e). The Board exited non-public session at 8:00 p.m. While in non-public session, the Selectmen received a status update on a pending case and discussed Counsel’s request for settlement authority.
Chairman Bruce Bowler called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m. Selectmen present: George Infanti, Thomas Grella, Brad Galinson and Reed Panasiti. Also present Town Administrator Gary MacGuire and Executive Assistant Sharon Frydlo.
Mr. Bowler advised that prior to this meeting the Selectmen met with the Milford Board of Selectmen where they discussed several matters. A tape of their meeting will be given to the ACTV20 folks to play on Channel 20, as well as a copy of the minutes which will be attached to their minutes when received. He also advised they had met with Town Counsel to discuss an abatement matter.
Carol Hughes, 9 North Meadow, spoke about the Master Plan and praised the volunteers. She commented on the ten portable classrooms and asked how many students came from Mont Vernon. She spoke about the roads and the public notice on the web site about their need for a second loader. She felt that the volunteers at the Swap Shop shouldn’t have to clear the area of what the Town doesn’t want. She also thought it unfortunate that the warrant article for $5.1 million dollars for conservation land passed. She commented on the commercialism on Route 101A. In the 2006 Town Report, it is noted that conservation has up to 450 acres. The Town has 18 parks, 7 golf courses and many acres are not developed and the Selectmen were doing their best for the Town. There were differences of opinions and hopefully the Selectmen and the citizens will not spend money. Mr. Bowler advised that to get an answer to her first question, she needed to contact the Superintendent’s Office.
Abatements Approved
It should be noted that in each of the following abatements either approved or denied by the Board of Selectmen, Scott Marsh gave a brief synopsis of MRI’s recommendations.
Mr. Panasiti recused himself and stepped down. Regarding 432 Boston Post Road - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 2-148 to grant an abatement of $18,400, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous. Mr. Panasiti returned to the Board.
Regarding 27 Oak Hill - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 20-45 to grant an abatement of $2,900, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 86 Broadway - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 6-91-3 to grant an abatement of $57,500, second d by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 6A Clark Island Road - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 8-108 to grant an abatement of $20,500, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 8 Truell Road - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 12-22 to grant an abatement of $42,100, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 233 Boston Post Road - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 5-11 to grant an abatement of $76,700, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 27 Horace Greeley Road - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 8-28 to grant an abatement of $15,000, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 294 Route 101 - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 8-41-00G to grant an abatement of $14,900, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 294 Route 101 - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 8-41-00H to grant an abatement of $28,800, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 489 Boston Post Road - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 13-2 to grant an abatement of $20,700, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 8 Damon Pond - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 10-51 to grant an abatement of $16,500, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 217 Boston Post Road - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 16-2-1 to grant an abatement of $44,100, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 7 Melendy Hollow - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 4-101-6 to grant an abatement of $45,800, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 29 Austin Road - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 8-6 to grant an abatement of $27,100, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 16 Main Street - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 17-8 to grant an abatement of $11,500, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 89 Boston Post Road - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 17-47 to grant an abatement of $74,100 second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 54 Horace Greeley Road - Mr. Infanti moved M/L10-47-7 to grant an abatement of $19,100, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 9 Gowing Lane - Mr. Infanti moved M/L 8-2-9 to grant an abatement of $37,700, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding the same owner for: 8 North End of Lake, 8A North End of Lake and 10 North End of Lake – Mr. Infanti moved M/L 8-64, 8-65 and 8-62 to grant a combined abatement of $1,858.52 for all three properties, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 44 Lyndeborough Road – Mr. Infanti moved M/L 5-64-3 be denied an abatement, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Regarding 3 School Street – Mr. Infanti moved M/L 17-81 be denied an abatement, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to accept a yield tax of $374.77 for M/L 6-81, 40 Walnut Hill, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Bowler advised they had a special meeting last week and heard many concerns from residents that they don’t proceed with a loader – the end results was that they put money into the existing one and utilize it. Mr. Panasiti indicated that something had to be done. He had been by the Transfer Station at least 25 times this past week and the brush pile was almost onto the road and something was needed there to push it back. Mr. Galinson added it was a gamble putting money into fixing it correctly. If it doesn’t work, they will be having another conversation in 3-6 months and be $18,000 poorer. The Town spoke to them, but they couldn’t predict the future.
Mr. Grella, while not at the meeting, understood what was going on because he viewed the video of the previous meeting and spoke of a personal similar matter. He felt the only issue now was to repair what they have, watch it carefully and hopefully it would last from 1-5 years. There were limitations on this machine and it was not new news that the Town needed two loaders. It was misleading to say that the Town doesn’t need two loaders.
Mr. Infanti agreed. Mr. MacGuire advised he contacted both Town Counsel and DRA on this issue – going forward was questionable. There was not a right or a wrong answer and it was up to the Board to support going forward to purchase a new loader, but it was in the proverbial gray area. Mr. Infanti saw this as a quick fix and not a long term one. His hope was if they put this money into the loader plus the trade in value, the loader would be worth much more. Mr. Bowler indicated he told Bruce Berry to do what he could. Mr. Berry advised he would not put out any machinery that was not safe.
Mr. Galinson asked that before the Board voted and what they were hearing regarding to fixing the loader, was there a limit or a range in which it was okay to fix. Mr. Berry commented that the number one issue was the brakes and an amount of a little less than half of $8500.00 represented the transmission. If they found things floating around in it and it was a serious issue, they should stop their evaluation, the heater goes back to winter maintenance, do band aids and only work at the Transfer Station that he spoke briefly about. Mr. Berry reiterated that the primary issue was the brakes and it went from there. There was no way to know the extent until they got into it. Mr. Infanti suggested checking the transmission first before doing anything further. Mr. Berry advised that this was almost two thirds of his maintenance equipment budget to fix this unit. Mr. Galinson indicated that economically this was not the best thing to do, but for the short term they should get it fixed, but because the cost was this much of a short budget, it was a travesty and thought they should have another suggestion.
Lib Crocker asked about the fourth gear. Mr. Berry responded that if there were pieces floating around inside and they may be taking out other gears. He was not planning on wiping out his budget just to be frugal - he still wanted it safe. Mrs. Crocker commented that he could put some money into the budget in the event the budget failed. Mr. Berry advised that “typically government doesn’t do both sides of the fence and it usually doesn’t make it through the budget process”.
Mr. Panasiti asked in the meantime, what do they do with the brush pile, can it be burned? Mr. Berry indicated that there were air quality issues. Mr. Panasiti then asked if they could apply for a permit, recommended it be looked into and apply for one if it was needed rather than hauling it out. Mr. Berry will check into it with the State before making a commitment one way or the other. Mrs. Crocker asked what had they done with the brush last year. Mr. Berry explained they had been chipping it for four years. In response to her next question, Mr. Berry advised that last year it cost the Town $2500 per day. Mr. Panasiti added that they do not have the equipment to chip the entire pile. In response to another question raised by Mrs. Crocker, Mr. Bowler advised that the decision on the loader was done.
Award Baboosic Lake Septic Phase II Bid
Mr. Berry reported they received two sets of bids: DBU Construction base bid was $514,579.00. It was his recommendation to go with CSSI whose base bid was $342,835.40 and he supported the Chairman to sign the contract. He told the Board that he, Gary and a representative from CLD met with DES to review the bid proposal. It has two process tanks and they only need one and they had acknowledged the change order of $38,000 and he asked to have that document before signing the contract. Mr. MacGuire added they had a letter from the engineering firm to the contractor of the low bid acknowledging this change order based on discussion with DES. Mr. Galinson commented that there was a huge disparity between the two bids. Mr. Berry advised that CSSI had built the first phase. The second bidder did not have the same feel of the project that the first bidder had.
Mr. Infanti moved to accept the bid of $342,735.40, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous. Mr. Infanti moved to accept a $38,000.00 reduction in the bid due to the elimination of one pretreatment module, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Loader
Mrs. Crocker once again brought up the loader. She said it wasn’t a money issue, this was bringing clarity to the voters. The loader wasn’t going to be placed at the Transfer Station, but at DPW. Mr. Berry advised it was to go to whatever place where they were going to make the loader change. Mr. Bowler indicated it was very clear to the voters that the loader was going to go to the Department of Public Works. Mrs. Crocker commented that from the very beginning there was a lot of conversation, it wasn’t clear and it needed to be concise.
Linda Kaiser, Manchester Road, thought the Board was talking a little bit harshly and taking it a bit personally. The issue she heard around Town was that the warrant article was defeated - they should step back and take a breath and they shouldn’t jump on Mrs. Crocker. Mr. Infanti said he appreciated her opinion. Mrs. Hughes mentioned they needed two loaders and the Town voted it down, but three months later, the Selectmen were going to go into an emergency fund and do something further.
Chris Nowlan indicated he was new on W&M and this has been a serious debate about issues and it has gotten “pretty messy”. This should be more productive and there have been some nasty comments made on both sides. This was the first year of his three-year stint and he hoped they could all get along so it was a positive experience for him. He thanked the Board for their hard work on this.
Health Insurance Discussion
Mr. MacGuire reported that in going through the budget process with their current provider Primex / Harvard Pilgrim, an estimated number was used. In late May early June, they received a more accurate number and their health insurance plans did increase 12.3% across the Board for the plans they offer. While it was a large number to swallow, he talked to Primex about keeping their plans as similar as possible. He also received quotes from LGC, Primex’s competition in the municipal pool and their plans were not comparable to what they now have. During the budget process, they talked about helping both employees and taxpayers as well. He came up with a change in co-pay for two plans – POS and HMO with no option for the PPO plan. He also looked to make an adjustment in the prescription plan that was only available in the HMO and POS plans. In the PPO, the increase didn’t change so he made no change in that plan. Only difference was a PPO High and a PPO Low and it didn’t look to be an option for the limited people choosing this plan.
Mr. MacGuire continued … the co-pay dramatically changes the POS and HMO plans. The change was from 12.3% to 6.4%. The next adjustment to make was an equality adjustment for the employees’ three plans to control what the Town and employees contribute together and he was looking to change the percentage, particularly under the PPO High option where the employee would pay 28%. Under the POS the contribution was 9% and he would like to change it to10%. No change was made to the HMO because it was kept in line with the other two plans. He ended up with an increase to non-union members of 4.97% from the original 12.3%. On the spreadsheet, the column to the far left shows the number of employees in each plan. Primex will be coming down this week to talk to employees in the expensive plan about their options to make sure where they need to be.
Mr. MacGuire also included in the information for the Board, sample spreadsheets on the impact to employees who had $30,000 and $40,000 salaries that would receive a 2.3% COLA only and those that would receive a 2.3 COLA and step increase and what they would end up receiving as a salary increase once they factor in the health insurance increased cost. Other than those who have the PPO plan, he was comfortable that they were providing a COLA increase for everyone.
Mr. Infanti thought Mr. MacGuire had done a good job in explaining it. It goes back to where they were regarding the increase in insurance, certainly the Town employees are very fortunate for what they are paying for insurance compared to what many private employers who are paying half. His major concern was the PPO High option needed by those employees. Mr. MacGuire indicated there were very few experiences that this would be beneficial for them. He reiterated that he arranged for Primex to meet with these employees to discuss if they should be part of this plan. It was clear that the providers were steering people away from this option.
Discussion was held regarding insurance costs to the Town; office visit co-pays; prescription mail-in options; a suggestion made to increase the prescription co-pay by $5.00 in an effort to save 20%; there was also a general discussion about health insurance. Mr. Bowler suggested inviting in Primex sometime during the summer to talk to them about this area. Mr. Galinson thought this a good idea to have this discussion before next year because their concerns will come up every year and thought at some point they will have to change the benefits a little bit. Mr. MacGuire indicated that the trend they were watching was not new. The PPO option is similar to the JY option of years ago which is now gone. Mr. Grella asked if the Town was paying Primex for being a middleman and asked why they didn’t deal directly with Harvard Pilgrim. Mr. Galinson commented the Town was in a pool. Mr. MacGuire added Primex acted as their administrator.
Mrs. Kaiser remarked that when she was on W&M, Carl Weber did nothing about shopping and they encouraged him to so something more. When she needed prescriptions with UPS she expected to make some co-pay. Milford pays at least $15.00. She told them to step out of the box and look to see what other companies were offering. If they had a $5,000 deductible, their premium would “drop like a rocket”. She thought it time to look at other options.
Deirdre Rogusky, W&M Chairman, mentioned this was why they had Tedd Landon investigating different options because they have been talking about those issues as well. Mr. Infanti thought Column 12 on the spreadsheet made sense. Mr. MacGuire indicated he would be happy to go with the co-pay and employee contributions as he proposed.
Mr. Galinson mentioned they were talking about 30 people which was a small group and he asked what other groups were out there. Primex handles municipalities and school boards - he asked what were the other companies they should consider? Mr. MacGuire advised there were two municipal pool organizations – the Local Government Center and Primex. During Carl’s time, they moved from LGC to Primex and they were the two major municipal pools. Mr. Panasiti asked about the schools. Mr. MacGuire explained that the Town and School District were two different pools because the Town’s history is not lumped with the School’s. Mr. Galinson asked could they push for more innovation without the pools. Even by pushing up the co-pays, they need to be more creative because Primex was too limited. Mr. MacGuire advised companies would not give them solid numbers until they had them because the Town budget process goes out 18 months in advance. Mr. Galinson thought they needed to challenge the insurance companies. Mr. MacGuire indicated that the information he gathered was not simple for everybody to understand when they were trying to take care of their employees. Mr. Galinson asked that they have a Primex health insurance person meet with them by July 23rd.
Mr. Infanti moved to adopt the change that has been discussed and shown on the graph that night with an increase in co-pay and prescriptions, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti acknowledged the many hours of work that it had taken Gary because it was over and above everything he does. Mr. Galinson and Mr. Bowler seconded this acknowledgement.
Other Business
Mr. Panasiti mentioned that the Conservation Commission met the night before.
Relative to PMEC, Mr. Galinson advised that Hartshorn still represents 90% of their revenue. CIC was still moving along with the franchise renewals. He wished he had some good news by this meeting, perhaps by the next one he will. They were very close to a ten year franchise agreement. They will have the first CIP back up meeting on the 14th to see what else needed to get done. Jay Dinkel was chairing.
Mr. Grella indicated he had nothing further to add about the discussion on the loader. Mr. Infanti indicated he had attended a Planning Board meeting.
Ms. Rogusky reported they have a Master Plan meeting coming up this Wednesday and they were at the half-way point in the project. The document is in a draft form. She had invited Gary and the Department Heads to this meeting. She was disappointed that the High School students had not come in. In the “General” there was a questionnaire with four returned so far. After this meeting, the Element document will be put on the web site. Mr. Bowler asked if there was a possibility of televising this segment of the Master Plan. Doug McAllister could not promise anything because he was supposed to have other volunteers at the Selectmen’s meeting who didn’t come.
Mr. Bowler reported on a traffic problem in the vicinity of Wilkins School. The School Board was working with the Town’s engineer regarding the matter. The naming of a soccer field for McKayla Geisinger was met with support from the School Board. Relative to the SRLD they will be losing long term commissioner Arthur Leblanc from Hollis. Bruce Berry is the second longest member at four years.
Minutes
Mr. Infanti moved to approve the minutes of May 29,, 2007, second by Mr. Galinson. Vote 4-0-1, Mr. Grella abstained.
Mr. Panasiti moved to approve the minutes of June 4, 2007, second by Mr. Galinson. Vote: 4-0-1, Mr. Grella abstained.
Mr. Panasiti moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:58 p.m., second by Mr. Galinson. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon L. Frydlo
Executive Assistant