# select-board — 10 documents, concatenated for reading and search # # This is a CONVENIENCE BUNDLE, not a source. Every document below is # published separately and byte-identically; cite the individual file, # whose path is given in each header, rather than this bundle. # Index of all boards: https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/minutes/INDEX.txt # The town's own scanned original is linked per document. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2011-02-15-minutes-4775.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2011-02-15 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2011-02-15-minutes-4775.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02152011-4775 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== 11 1 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES 2/15/11 The Board of Selectmen met in the Town Hall, Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room as scheduled with Paula Bertram, Steven M. deBettencourt, Ernie Sund, Tom Alonzo, Dave Matthews and Town Manager Kerry Speidel present. Meeting opened at 5:52 P.M. and recessed for Executive Session at this time, reconvened @ 7:11 with the Pledge of Allegiance PUBLIC COMMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS APPOINTMENTS 1. 7:05 PM - Unitil Tree Trimming Program & Rate Case - John DiNapoli, Municipal and Facilities Manager from Unitil was present to provide an update on the tree trimming and the upcoming rate case. Keith Carou, Chief Operations Mgr., discussed the 12 mile stretch that is being addressed in the current tree trimming schedule; West Townsend Road, Chase Road, Northfield Road, Howard, Chestnut and parts of Oak and Mass Ave., started this in late December/early January but have had to stop the past two weeks as the roads are no longer wide enough because of the snow. They will stay on this until completely finished with the 12 miles, hopefully done by the end of March. These areas were moved up in the trim cycle as they were areas of concer. Based upon over 100 circuit miles they are about 85% of their reliability and getting out there clearing of the way using the old schedule and the budget that they have. They go door to door and leave hangers with every customer requesting consent. Also provides information to the customer as to why, who's responsible for what, and how they complete the trimming process. John noted that if the rate case does get approved it will greatly improve the tree trimming schedule that they currently have in place. Paula questioned directional trimming and ground to sky and the trimming that was done on the streets was this "directional trimming" and per keith this was directional and not ground to sky. She also questioned the steps that have been done to eliminate the issue of trees being marked for trimming/removal. Per Keith they noticed a gap in the procedure and now provide door hangers to let the customers know that we've been by either in response to a complaint or for tree trimming informing them of what was found or the trimming verification; we encourage people to call so that they fully understand the actual standards that Unitil goes by. Paula doesn't agree with the number that Unitil is using being 85% complete in vegetated management and disagrees with their statement that they've reached their 85% completion for their schedule for Lunenburg. Per John, they are doing the best that they can with the funds that they have and noted that this is based upon the current tree trimming schedule. Optimistic with the rate case and the potential to increase funding for vegetation management to meet the needs of the citizens. Paula questioned what is currently being expended by Unitil on tree trimming. Per John they currently have $400,000 allocated for all communities that they serve and with the new budget, will be tripling the amount allocated for vegetation management to $1.4 million. Gary Epler Corporate Attorney for Unitil reiterated that part of the DPU order was that Unitil hire an independent consultant (ECI) to have a review done on the entire system, which was done and an extensive survey was completed. The result of the review provided a detailed analysis of the types of trimming and vegetation management program for Unitil. They are hopeful that the DPU will look favorably upon this information and grant the rate increase which would quadruple the amount of money allocated for this program. Paula questioned if the filings that are on record have a summary of what was determined for each community. She also reviewed the door hanger and noted that nowhere on the form does it give the homeowner the information as to what type of trimming will be occurring on their property, doesn't outline specifically what happens on individuals property. Ernie questioned if this information can be provided to our public access channel so that it's more available to the general public, and they can be aware of what the process will be. John will provide this information to Kerry. Steve would like to also place the information as to what streets are going to be trimmed on our website as well. Keith has provided the information to the DPW Director, Jack Rodriquenz, and will provide him with the future tree trimming schedule. Dave discussed the 13 million in costs related in the storm damage and whether they've tabulated the cost incurred as a result of the tree trimming. Per Attorney Epler, the design is of a new program, this is a new process. Their determination was the damage that was done to the lines was not a result of normal trimming that would occur. The Hatch Tree Program is directly related to the rate case. Dave commented that theoretically, where we pay some of the highest rates in the country, that you would have expecied that the tree trimming would have been ongoing. Attorney Epler our rates are not the highest in the country, what they are trying to do in this rate case, is to mitigate the impact to their customers, so that they will not see an increase in their rate as a result of this rate increase. Mitigating the damage recovery of the 13 million associated with the company's effort to restore electric service to its customers following the December 06 ice storm by extending over a seven year period of time. A straight average customer using 600KWH will see no increase. ===PAGE 2=== Tom discussed the mandate to go out and do a new vegetated management program and questioned if this has been finalized. Per Attorney Epler, we filed the proposal with the DPU and haven't heard back, timeframe beginning of August. On the stormwater component, they went through process of a management audit and part of this audit is to provide this proposal for the audit. Tom so as we speak today, then it's not approved, not implemented either. To which Attorney Epler concurred. What is the current timeframe by your current vegetated management, by which you get through all of the wire miles in town. Per Keith, it's 5 to 7 years on 13 KV (voltage) or 7 to 10 years on 4 KV which there are very small amounts of 4KV (low voltage). So 5 to 7 years and are very close to that, not at 100% but very close to it. John explained the tree trimming plan and process and how they've determined that they've reached about 85% completion according the plan in place right now and funding available. Tom questioned what is the percentage that you spend on vegetated management; versus their entire operating budget. And what would their personal assessment be on the trimming that you have done. Attorney Epler noted that there is no industry standard, no state standard on percentage allocated towards tree trimming and they are about average on what other companies do. Keith looks at this in a different perspective and that their trimming the past seven years has been effective, it is adequate what they do right now, but they want to be better at it, but in order to do that it comes at a cost to the consumer. Their reliability that they have right now works really well, but yes, he would like to have it better. Tom commented that if you're doing a good job, a decent job, then why would you want to triple the amount. You go this review from this expert, only because you were mandated to do it. Not because Unitil said that they wanted to better their service to their customers, you were ordered to do this by the DPU. Attorney Epler absolutely they were ordered to do that as a result of the storm. If the storm hadn't happened, every company in New England would be proceeding as they normally have done. The result of the storm was a work style change throughout the industry, there was reaction to that, customers, the industry and the regulators. They will defend what we've been doing as been adequate for most conditions, but for extreme conditions you increase what you're required to do and try to have a more comprehensive program and more scientific analysis of the process and what the program is. Any time you change the service quality, there's going to be a cost impact, doesn't mean that what we've been doing has been inadequate. The proposal that they are making is that they have a more scientific and systematic approach to tree trimming management and believe that this will increase service quality. They are adding a very expensive component to the tree trimming by adding the removal of hazard trees, and address individual trees, which is a much more labor intensive process. Tom commented that this is the first night that he's heard of "hazard tree removal" and has been following this since the ice storm. Attorney Epler noted that for every dollar that they receive for "tree trimming" in the proposed budget will be dedicated funds utilized only for tree trimming. He also provided and reviewed the attached Rate Case Review. Paula commented on the petition filed with the Department of Public Utilities for an increase in its electric distribution rates. Department has docketed this matter as D. P.U. 11-01 and has suspended the effective date of the proposed rate increase until August 2, 2011, in order to investigate the propriety of the Company's request. The Company was last granted an increase in electric base rates in 2008. The Company seeks to increase its annual electric distribution revenues by $7,149,627, which represents an 11.3 percent increase in current total electric operating revenues or a 42.6 percent increase in its electric distribution revenues. The requested increase consists of two components: (1) $4,943,759 as a claimed electric base distribution revenue deficiency; and (2) $2,205,868 in annual recovery over a, seven-year period of $13,026,642 in expenses associated with the Company's efforts to restore electric service to its customers following an ice storm in December 2008. The proposed storm expenses include carrying charges at the Company's proposed weighted average cost of capital of 8.58 percent. The Company states that the rate impact of its proposed $7,149,627 electric distribution revenue increase is equal to an average increase of $0.01 621 per kilowatt hour ("kWh"). The Company proposes to mitigate this rate impact by implementing an equal and offsetting reduction of $0.0 1621 per kWh in its current transition charge. The decrease in transition charge would be deferred and collected from customers at a later date, with interest." In her opinion their attempt to recoup the 13 million from the rate payers is unconscionable and to come back to the consumers and say that there is a revenue shortfall when substantial bonuses were granted to Unitil employees is also unconscionable. Questioned the shortfall. According to Attorney Epler, it's roughly 7%. The average consumer is not going to see an increase. Referred to effects of increase as proposed in the hearing notice and the percentage of customers that fall within the specified ranges; 600 KWH or less 56% of the customers, this is considered the mean average, 800 KWH or less 78% of the customers. Paula questioned what infrastructure improvements are. Per Attorney Epler, replacing particular wires, transformers, etc., would entail larger capital costs. Dave questioned how long Keith Caribou has been with Uniti, who stated that he's been with the company since last October. Per Dave we've paid for years for service, for infrastructure for tree trimming and this hasn't been done and you're asking us now to dig deeper for what we should have received before, just doesn't jive and not right to come back to us know an say you've got to pay for this. Tom announced that there is an open hearing on the rate case next Wednesday, 2/23/11. Two sessions are scheduled: Afternoon from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Fitchburg Memorial Middle School, 615 Rollstone St., Fitchburg. He plans on attending as he was involved very heavily at the DPU hearings and in their findings noted that they wouldn't allow Unitil to ===PAGE 3=== pass along the costs to the rate payers and he strongly urges DPU to honor their decision. They're only mitigating the rate increase by delaying the charges. Paula hopes that citizens from Lunenburg and surrounding communities to attend and noted that individuals can file written comments by March 4t and that she and Tom will be attending one of the sessions of the February 23rd hearing. Cathy Clark, 275 Cross Road thinks that it's unconscionable what they're asking for and urges people to attend the hearing. 2. 7:30 PM - Retirement System Overview - Kevin Blanchette, Executive Director - Kevin presented the attached information and provided an overview of the retirement system. One of the oldest and largest retirement systems in Massachusetts; currently comprised of 95 Member units and dates back to 1911. Back then the system was sort of an annuity fund, relief fund for disabled members. The system itself wasn't actually written until 1937 as public workers were specifically excluded from Social Security. Many of the industrialized states designed their own pension plans as a result. It's within the Statute, spelled out in law and they are contractual in nature; any change must be done by legislative act and signed by the governor. Up until 1988 the governmental units were never required to pay into the system, never any matching contribution and paying off the unfunded liability as a result is what now drives the assessments to individual communities. the retirement is tied to number of years in the system, compensation and age. Currently the unfunded liability, the gap between the assets and the accrued liability, is 449 million dollars and as such they are about 49% funded, which is in part due to the market crash in 2008. As a result, the funding schedules were extended by the legislature and have now been extended to 2040. This is to stabilize the assessments for our retirement system, so you will not have any surprises in the ensuing years. This year the increase was capped overall to 6% for the next two years, and 7% going forward to 2040. Reviewed methodology of how the assessments are calculated. Costs of benefits are what are normal costs are and employees pay anywhere from 5% to 12% into the system. Normal cost for the employer is 3.5% compared to Social Security you'd have to match at 6.25%. What drives the costs is paying off for the past sins, not the benefits that people are earning but for those who had retired previously. CURRENT BUSINESS 1. Minutes - None Warrants - #45 11, 2/15/11 - $110,493.40, # 46 11, 2/16/11 - $366,007.35,17P 1q1, 2/17/11 - $628,590.27 and #17M 11, 2/17/11 - $622.02 reviewed and signed. Action File Issues - Paula, Ritter Building servers are not being backed up, sees this as a huge issue. Kerry to follow up with Nancy Strom. 2. Committee Updates - Tom the Finance Committee meets this Thursday, is also the budget hearing. Paula - Planning Board meeting Keatings property on a number of improvements to the site. In addition they discussed the Tri-Town Landing 40S and the fact that the funding does not appear to be in place and there's a qualification process that has to be completed This is a concern as this was part of the package when we adopted that project. To date there are 17 children in the development and is a huge concern if the funding is not available, we need to offset the cost of educating these children. 3. Department Updates - a. Scott Glenny, Fire Department, Uncollectable Ambulance Fees, Fleet Expansion - Scott presented the attached information for the board and provided a quick overview. He hopes to be able to complete the radio improvements to the system this year, pending approval of capital request. Put old Police car in service as a result of the need for having the pickup truck available as there was an increase in the need for a vehicle to conduct inspections; (noted recent developments) these often times may take up to 4 hours to complete thereby not having a vehicle available. Sees this as a cost savings measure as it has been saving on the wear and tear of the pickup which has been utilized as well for snow removal. The command vehicle is the Chief's and when he is away, leaves this for the deputy in charge. Dave commented that what bothers him is that we're approaching a year where we're facing layoffs and can't see why there's enough value there to have that car there. When that gets worn out, then you'll want to replace it, just creates a liability concem. Scott understands but knowing the developments that we were experiencing and the increased need and they were able to find someone to paint and did most of the work on the police vehicle in house and on their own. Believe that it's going to prolong the life of the pickup truck. Paula questioned where this vehicle is in it's life service. Per Scott the rotation from another department makes the most sense, this car is being treated differently than a police car and have idea's of replacing this in the future as he believes that there are a couple of more useful years in this vehicle. Paula would like to see this as a discussion as far as the capital plan. ===PAGE 4=== Dave's contention is that this board has to set a policy on vehicle rotation, up front discussions and decisions. Paula reveiwed the requests in the Capital Plan and per Scott all that should be on this year is the radio's ($20,000) and the re-outfit of Engine 2, 1988 brush truck. The ground clearance is what it needs to be adjusted; trying to trade and build a simple flat bed body and put a skid unit that holds 200 gallons of water. Paula discussed the phasing in of a second shift, and per Scott what happens now is that at 6:00 PM all the career staff goes home. At night the call people come home; noted that we have a dedicated group of people, but the problem is to get the truck out the door in a reasonable timeframe. With a call department it may take the responders at least 8 - 10 minutes to get to the station and then out onto the call which could result in an 18 - 20 minute response time. Not acceptable and if there were to be at least two people in the station overnight in order to get the truck out the door in a reasonable timeframe, feels this is imperative. b. Dan Bourgeois, Police Department - Dan provided the attached information as an overview of the reporting on the police department. Paula questioned the shortage staffing and overburden of Det.Deming and in the Town Manger's projected increases, would these additional staff meet the needs of the department. Per the Chief it will initially as it's difficult to determine crime statistics based upon number of housing units. Yes, he could use a second detective now, but have to look at our patrol response on the street level now. He has had discussions with Kerry as to how he would handle one additional employee and how we would schedule an additional position. The time for the need for more staff is becoming real and is a work in progress. Paula also questioned the training that occurs such as "train the trainer" and per Dan as this is an overtime issue and with a minimal staff that overtime is usually used to cover shifts. He would also like to get a couple of specialized trainings going on, would like to have some people on call, 24 hours a day, such as rape investigators, or crime scene investigator. Paula questioned if a cost analysis been done and Dan has, but have to realize that this person is also taken off the street, off patrol and as such it is a balancing act. Also on call duty, is there a specific rate? Per Dan, currently don't have any officers on-call, but there is a minimum 4 hour pay once an officer is called in. Dave commented that every year we've heard the plea for additional manning and we need to realize that the time has come and realize that the need is there. Tom reiterated and noted that this is something that has come up every year for ten years. c. Jack Rodriquenz, DPW, Street Signs, Stormwater Regulations - Jack discussed the paving as it relates to comprehensive management schedule. Madates - MUPCD, traffic devices put out by Federal Highway Assoc., first phase requires compliance by 2012, have to index and catalogue what the town has in place. Much like stormwater mandate, the largest obstacle is if we don't comply, could result in lawsuits from public (tort liability) could be extreme. Will have to look at a dollar amount to at least begin phase one. Just have to do this even though it's like most mandates, with no identified sources of funding. This year he is asking for funding so that he'll be able to stripe the lines throughout the entire town. Stormwater mandate - initiated in late 2003, have been compliant since then as last town meeting we passed the bylaw. Now EPA is coming around with the second round of permitting. Next week the EPA is holding a public hearing in Leominster on the draft permit, something that we have every intention of getting involved with immediately to ensure that we do everything that we have to do, when we have to. Comprehensive pavement management schedule - current funding less than $400,000. Submitted budget knowing that it's going to be difficult to identify a source of funding beyond the amount in Chapter 90 funding. We are way past keeping the roadways up along the way, will have to infuse $800,000 to $1 million dollars in our infrastructure moving forward. The message has seemed to have gotten through to the residents of town. If this plan were to continue into practice, would work on New West Townsend Road, Lancaster Ave., just those two would be in excess of $800,000. Noted that crack seal along the roadways does buy us some time in the pavement management plan and will take this out of the operational budget, about $20,000 - $25,000 towards the crack seal process. Personnel - 1995 had 7 employees to the Highway Department; General Highway budget was $120,000, in 2010 there are 4 employees and the budget was $110,000, speaks for itself. Have 4 people to take care of 80 - 100 miles of roadway, roads aren't going to get done this way. Look at a 15 year span where you've literally cut the staff in half and reduced funding, we're not even holding our own. On top of this, last year the department was cut $40,000 in the spring because of the state budget cuts. When we say, we just don't have the money to spend, we don't have the money to spend. Expressed appreciation to the personnel who work sometimes round the clock. Kerry noted that there are two unions at the DPW and they were one of the first groups to agree to a furlough, and a zero percent cost of living and freezing the step increases. The effort that they have shown is among the best of all the employees, don't know of any that have given more that the members of the DPW unions. Provided the attached snow expenditures to date, 2/15/11, currently $16,772.78 over budget. Paula questioned the sign program and mapping, GIS program, has there been a change or simply an inventory? Per Jack its both, and because of the standardization requirements, approximately 90% of the signage may have to be changed Paula questioned if we have the capability to design the signs as we have in the past and per Jack, the machine that we've utilized is antiquated and has out used it's purpose. Intends to reach out to neighboring communities for possiblities in working together to meet the standards. Standards are available now, they are specific on size and reflectivity. ===PAGE 5=== Paula question on stormwater, and her interpretation of compliance, in that in the report there was some work that had to be done in- house and followed up on; is there money in the budget now for follow-up on the catch basins that were known to need follow up or do you foresee holding off until funding is available. Jack, referred to the history with the engineering firm that we retained and the changes that have occurred over the years. There were five or six outfalls that had dry weather flows. One was found to be a water break, further examination of the other out falls; no there has been no action. We will have to revisit all of the outfalls, not only those that had issues. We don't have that money specifically set aside. Paula would like to suggest a future agenda item with Weston & Sampson so that we can discuss where we are going with the stormwater requirements. Also on the Capital Plan requests, the one item is the front end loader. Proposing to take the 1984 loader and the 1999 and using these as trade in while they still have some value. Also on the sander, concern raised by the board that it hadn't gone through the capital program having an equipment management system. Per Jack the biggest glaring deficiency is in the vehicle maintenance, need to have individuals that can do the work, need to have a software package that documents the work as any documentation that we have is minimal. Spoke with Kerry about hiring an individual, outside the box, technical person so that they are able to be trained in the pump stations (sewer), some knowledge of the buildings, some computer training, perhaps a second shift, to have somebody there should dispatch call, they can go out. Ernie questioned if there is a list of the projects that would show what the true department needs are. Dave would like Jack to identify what doesn't get done anymore that used to be done, what's being outsourced. Adding staff, need to be able to say what will we be able to do, that we should have been doing. Jack commented that to spend a great deal of time doing costs analysis, his time would be better spent doing the work. Ernie would like to see a general work program, such as how many catch basins, how many a week do you do, this is part of the project list. Paula, just a list of projects, understanding goals and what active projects that you're working on, that are ongoing. What we're looking for is a list of projects that you're working on so that we can understand what's going on with the department. Similar to what you presented with regards to the road management program. Understanding that there are things that we used to do in-house or for one reason or another, they no longer get done. To explain what could be, what is, and here's what's going to happen. Tom noted the one thing that's common is the fact that his example of what the staffing was then, versus where we are now, was something that he expected to come up in the 10 year retrospective. We're doing the same thing, paying less, growing more and it makes no sense, are we going to keep services or funding level. Level funding and level service are in no way near each other. 4. Town Manager Updates - none OLD BUSINESS COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS 1. Resignation of Rob Bowen from Municipal Utilities Task Force - board accepted resignation with regrets, letter of appreciation to be sent. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. M.G.L. Chapter 39, §23B (3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the government's bargaining or litigation position. Also, to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel; to actually conduct collective bargaining and contract negotiations with non-union personnel. UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE February 17, Presentation of Budget Recommendation March 1 March 8 March 15 Being no further business board voted unanimously to adjourn Regular Session at 11:01 P.M Respectfully submitted, Laura Williams, Chief Administrative Assistant Board of Selectmen ===PAGE 6=== Unit Name Ashburnham Ashburnham-Westminster Regional Auburn Auburn Housing Authority Auburn Water District Barre Barre Housing Authority Berlin Berlin-Boylston Regional Blackstone Blackstone Housing Authority Blackstone-Millville Regional Bolton Boylston Boylston Water District Brookfield Charlton Cherry Valley-Rochdale Water Cherry Valley Sewer District Douglas Dudley Dudley Housing Authority Dudley-Charlton Regional East Brookfield Grafton Grafton Housing Authority Hardwick Harvard Hillcrest Water District Holden Holden Housing Authority Hopedale Hubbardston Lancaster Lancaster Housing Authority Leicester Worcester Regional Contributory Retirement System Member Unit Appropriations for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2012 FYE 2011 Appropriation 2002 ERI 2003 ERI Total 2010 Salary FYE 2012 Appropriation UAL 2002 ERI 2003 ERI 20,356 1,718 8,988 5,948 13,350 12,954 ...... 3,304 1,586 413,259 386,284 1,637,055 17,865 72,175 229,729 10,748 215,638 82,219 387,033 7.818 262,710 285,852 342,956 141,903 615.015 29,743 7,932 657,459 477,282 10,631 658,198 78,192 1,073,815 22,473 89,989 554,437 3,858 242,109 11,419 597,263 154,046 293,192 9,607 723,537 31,771.14 7,401,962.90 100.202.00 3,758,533.83 1,027,350.00 2,187,829.00 76,852.88 4,876,604.00 19,549 1,650 8,632 5,712 12,821 12,440 2,500 47,374 7,499 | 3,173 37,624 1,523 % of Total Total Salaryl Increase over FYE 2011 Payment on 7/1/2011 1 of 3 1/26/2011 ===PAGE 7=== Unit Name Leicester Housing Authority Leicester Water District Lunenburg Lunenburg Housing Authority Lunenburg Water District Mendon Mendon-Upton Regional Millbury Millbury Housing Authority Millville Narragansett Regional Nashoba Regional New Braintree Northboro Northboro Housing Authority Northboro-Southboro Regional North Brookfield North Brookfield Housing Authority Oakham Oxford Oxford Housing Authority Oxford-Rochdale Sewer District Paxton Petersham Phillipston Princeton Quabbin Regional Quaboag Regional Royalston Rutland Southboro Southboro Housing Spencer Spencer Housing Authority Spencer-Fast Brookfield Regional Sterling Worcester Regional Contributory Retirement System Member Unit Appropriations for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2012 FYE 2011 Appropriation 2002 ERI 2003 ERI Total 2010 Salary Normal Cost FYE 2012 Appropriation UAL 2002 ERI 2003 ERI 6,245 5,204 106,286 18.343 101,602 ... 6,245 39,548 22,896 4,684 8,196 17,693 16,787 5,815 4,759 10,706 11,499 1,718 5,815 3,040 10,442 28,419 15,710 223,573 78,736 46,963 202,827 614,033 218,830 27,698 266,196 1,016,881 13,926 429,062 27,757 297,382 475,363 155,421.00 251,655.56 4,327,766.46 34,024.00 307,143.09 2,260,288.46 3,725,365.00 6,096,038.52 303,151.17 465,098.24 1,832,526.00 5,394,093.04 224,524.80 8,496,247.03 320.709.00 2,001,883.80 1,784,862.00 73.219.90 287.653.69 6,805,550.00 275,165.26 121,600.00 1,746,858.84 506,168.01 341,692.30 1,727,081.00 4,310,238.07 1,556,520.00 175,651.20 2,051,358.00 8,838,081.45 48,309.00 3,492,271.00 233,780.16 2,340,312.00 3,979,899.00 6,000 5,000 102,123 17,625 97,623 6,000 37,999 21,999 4,501 | 7,875 17,000 16,121 5,584 4,570 10,282 11,043 1,650 5,584 2,919 10,028 Total Increase over FYE Payment on 2011 7/1/2011 0.0% 15% 0.1% 1.0% 1.8%I 2 of3 1/26/2011 ===PAGE 8=== Unit Name Sterling Housing Authority Sturbridge Sutton Sutton Housing Authority Tantasqua Regional Templeton Templeton Housing Authority Upton Upton Housing Authority Uxbridge Uxbridge Housing Authority Wachusett Regional Warren Warren Water District Westboro Westboro Housing Authority West Boylston West Boylston Housing Authority West Boylston Water District West Brookfield Westminster Winchendon Winchendon Housing Authority Retirement System Worcester Regional Contributory Retirement System Member Unit Appropriations for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2012 FYE 2011 Appropriation 2002 ERI 2003 ERI Total 16,001 15,871 55,159 42,281 39,288 3,772 44,752 44,882 3,512 47,584 26,435 3,701 : 4,435 700.101 661,085 2,038 448,029 437.861 25,027 369,026 6,011 1,082,513 20,884 1,125,928 217,549 8,628 2,156,951 18.542 699,400 9,514 35,574 138.880 420,052 746,118 59,451 2010 Salary Normal Costl 33,930.00 4,987,994.02 5,213,402.24 3,277,118.91 3,309,109.84 30,105.00 2,799,317.42 7,319,649.00 167,995.00 8,621,064.78 1,283,761.00 72,384.00 15,570,105.00 89,640.20 4,578,882.98 74,899.00 275,870.00 1,085,864.00 3,283,273.63 4,886,409.81 448,624.02 1,343 197,443 206,365 129,720 130,986 1,192 110,807 289,738 6,650 341,252 50,816 2,865 616,321 3,548 181,249 2,965 10,920 42,982 129,964 193,421 17.758 FYE 2012 Appropriation UAL 2002 ERI 2003 ERI 3,434 504,777 527,588 331,639 334,877 3,047 283,287 740,737 7,325 1,575,671 9,071 463,376 7,580 27,918 109,888 332,262 494,497 45,400 15,374 15,249 52,999 40,625 37,749 3,624 42,999 43,125 3,374 45,698 25,387 3,554 1,103,708 216,505 31,199,999 225,906,691.02 8,942,193 22,861,407 1,060,480 207,920 3 of 3 % of Total Total Salary 4,777 747,918 733,953 461,359 481,237 19,488 394,094 1,083,474 0.0%] 2.2% 2.3% 0.0% 1.5% 1.5% 0.0% 33,072,000 Increase over FYE 2011 Payment on 7/1/2011 7.71% 6.83% 11.02%* -100.00%i 2.98% 9.91% -22.13% 6.79% -100.00%: -0.55% 13.25% 11.40% 0.43%: 18.10%i 2.80% -12.40% -1.68% 10.84%| 9.18%l 10.07% 10.89% -2.02% 11.91%] 4,687 733,801 720,100 452,651 472,154 19,120 386,656 1,063,024 23,205 1,230,641 214,356 2,998 2,175,526 15,936 674,645 10,346 38,105 149,985 456,988 717,245 65,276 6.00%| 32,447,774 . 1/26/2011 ===PAGE 9=== •.. Lunenburg Police Department February 15, 2011 Board of Selectmen Update Statistics for January 1, 2011 to date; Crime Reporting Arrests: Motor Vehicle Accidents: 51 Robbery: 37 1 Assaults: Assault & Battery on PO: 2 Criminal harassment: 1 Resisting Arrest: Burglary/ B&E Home Invasion: Shoplifting: Purse snatching: Larceny: Motor Vehicle Theft: 2 7 1 6 2 8 2 Vandalism: 2 Narcotics violations: 2 Motor vehicle offenses 145 Citations totaling $3,825.00 in fines and 19 arrests. Driving Under the Influence: Operating after Suspension: 8 15 ===PAGE 10=== Unregistered m/v: Speeding : Stop sign violations: Inspection sticker viol. Equipment violations: 12 42 13 32 27 Staffing and Allocation As of March 1, 2011 we will be back to full staff, result of two officers out on IOD status for an extended period. Our thanks to the four reserve officers who covered the shifts on a weekly basis, Officers Rob Ayles, Josh Tocci, Lisa Melnicki and Sean Zrate. The PD recently welcomed the addition of Rev. Andy Burr of the Lunenburg United Parish as our 1st Department Chaplain. He has already been instrumental in assisting members of our staff! Detective Deming is currently balancing numerous criminal investigations ranging from the seven house breaks to drug investigations. The detective is also currently investigating four outstanding cases involving crimes against children referred to us by the Dept. of Children and Families and the DA's office. Due to overtime issues and lack of assistance he is only following up on cases of extreme importance to public safety and cases of potential good solvability. Legislation Legislation filed last month by Representative Jen Benson on behalf of Lunenburg PD. House No. HD00369, AN ACT RELATIVE TO CRIMINAL PENALITIES FOR RESISTING ARREST. Thereby making the penalty for resisting arrest a Felony if the act results in Serious Bodily Injury to the officer. Supported by the Mass Chiefs of Police Association. Budget planning Recognize the need to properly staff the department with additional officer(s) in upcoming budget to meet the needs of our growing community. Additional training monies needed to keep officers up to date as well as specialized ===PAGE 11=== training. We are currently utilizing MPI On-Line Distance Learning services to train officers in-house as opposed to sending officers to the academy. Recognize the fact that grant funding is disappearing for Law Enforcement such as Community Policing, $11,000.00, there is no "COPS Hiring" grant funding in President's budget, No Byrne Grant funding (Drug Task Force funding). LPD receive approval for the Federal Bulletproof Grant program. 50% matching funding needed to replace officer's vests. Total cost $18,900.00 Town share $9,450.00 to be approved in the FY12 Capitol Plan. GO RED SOX! ===PAGE 12=== LUNENBURG Department Table of Organization Chief Glenny 19 C DEP FIRE RESCUE Deputy Chief Currently Unfilled 0 1 1 Deputy Chief Sullivan Training EMS, Personnel 19 C1 Captain Hyatt Training Personnel 19 C4 Department Chaplain Rev. Burr 19 C 12 Captain Ricci Fire Prevention Code Enforcement 19 C3 Lt. Mark Bursch Tech. Rescue 19C6 Lt. Ken Jones Apparatus Mtc. Building Mtc. 19 C7 Lt. Scott Dillon Quartermaster Equipment 19 C5 Lt Greg Massak Equipment Mtc. 19 C8 Paramedic Karen Weller EMS Director Admin. Asst. Public Information Officer Currently Unfilled Apparatus Maintenance FF Robert Szocik FF Matt Glenny 36 Call Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians Town wide Communications Dispatch center 4 Full time 3 Part time Red indicates full time ===PAGE 13=== LUNENBURG FIRE RESCUE 2 0 1 1 Response Breakdown Type Fire Rescue EMS Fire Alarms Haz. Condition Service Inspections Other Total 2010 112 31 759 78 161 53 461 60 1715 ===PAGE 14=== LUNENBURG UNCOTO! BEPT FIRE RESCUE 2 0 1 1 Fire Prevention > Review and Inspection/Testing of Fire Protection Systems for remodel at 131 White Street/Senior Housing • Review and Inspection/Testing of xxx units of housing in town as a result of new building projects • Inspections required by M.G.L. including all assembly occupancies ===PAGE 15=== LUNENBURG DEPT FIRE RESCUE 2 0 1 1 B U D Training • Bi-weekly Drills • Firefighter I/II • Use of new equipment • Operator Training • 1st Responder • EMT Continuing Ed. • Hazardous Materials • Technical Rescue • Officer Training • Specialized Training ===PAGE 16=== LUNENBURG FIRE RESCUE 2 1 1 B R.I.T. Rapid Intervention Teams are teams of 4- 6 Firefighters trained in various techniques to remove a down, trapped or lost Firefighter on the fireground Is the national standard for fireground safety 2 Members were sent to Instructor training in the fall These Instructors are currently presenting these procedures to Department members ===PAGE 17=== LUNENBURG FIRE RESCUE 2 1 1 B G E Rope Technician Training 5 Department members attended 40 hour course taught by outside firm Attendees were trained to a "Technician Level" according to national safety standards Taught skills to effect a basic rescue of person(s) from an elevated location/structure Still need a funding source to expand the Department's rope rescue equipment inventory ===PAGE 18=== LUNENBURG FIRE RESCUE 2 0 1 1 B U D G E T Upgrades Included- • Oversight/Expenditure of $146,000 Federal grant to upgrade town's public safety radio system • Capital expenditure for radio enhancements for a new Police radio frequency/system > Addition of two fixed receiver sites • Addition of back-up receiver site • 33 new portable radios for Fire Department fireground operations ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2011-02-17-agenda-4776.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2011-02-17 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2011-02-17-agenda-4776.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02172011-4776 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2011-02-17-minutes-4776.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2011-02-17 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2011-02-17-minutes-4776.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02172011-4776 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES 2/17/11 The Board of Selectmen met in the Town Hall, Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room as scheduled with Paula Bertram, Steven M. deBettencourt, Ernie Sund, Tom Alonzo, Dave Matthews and Town Manager Kerry Speidel present. Meeting opened at 7:10 P.M. with members of the Finance Committee present. CURRENT BUSINESS 1. Presentation of FY2012 Preliminary Budget Recommendation - Kerry presented that attached PowerPoint presentation to the board. Being no further business board voted unanimously to adjourn Regular Session at 8:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Laura Williams, Chief Administrative Assistant Board of Selectmen ===PAGE 2=== ===PAGE 3=== Town of Lunenburg Proposed Annual Budget -FY2012 February 17, 2011 FY2012 Recommendation • Prepare Revenue Estimates • Governor's Budget (House 1) issued • Additional data on Local Receipts • Health Insurance Renewal-prelim. • Retirement Assessment received • Monty Tech Assessment- n/a 1 ===PAGE 4=== FY2012 Recommendation • Disclaimers • At this early stage in the process, the document is only "good" the day it is printed. = Use a number of assumptions early on, which firm up as we get closer to Town Meeting • Uncertainty around State Aid & New Growth FY2012 Recommendation • Matching dollars with service level needs, i.e. no "flat" increases • Funding to enhance Public Safety and Public Works • No funding for Road Management Plan 2 ===PAGE 5=== FY2012 Recommendation • Funding to cover all contractual salary increases • Funding to cover all salary increases due SAP employees-implementing new grid • Balanced budget proposal is based upon use of recurring revenues for operating costs, meaning there is NO request for a draw on either Free Cash or the Stabilization Fund FY2012- Revenue Estimates • Sources of Revenue • Property Tax • State Aid/ Cherry Sheet • Local Receipts • Available Funds ===PAGE 6=== FY2012- Revenue Estimates FY2012 Projected Revenues * Property Tax * State Aid * Local Receipts " Available Funds FY2012 Revenue Estimates Revenue Properts Tax FY2011 Appropriated FY2012 Preliminary S Increase Cb Increase Over Prior Year Ovex Prier Year Prior Year Les Limit S 16,414,992 S 17.014,184 5 Unused Lers Capacit = 1/2% Increase S Xer Growth: 410460: S 18S,732 425,355 350,000 5 Orerride Debt Exclusions S 991720? 5977,796 $ 18,009,326: $ 18,767,335: S 395,774 161.265 -513.925 755,005 1.2140 ===PAGE 7=== FY2012- Revenue Estimates • Property Tax - • Prior Year base plus 2 ½% increase ($595,774) • Estimate for New Growth ($350,000) Proiccied Valve Property Tax Revenus Emerald Place Tri-Town Landing $15,000,000 $242,400 $ 3,200,000 $ 51,712 [remaining 65% of first 2 buildings) $ 3,500,000 $21,700,000 $ 56,560 $350,672 • Overrides & Exclusions- capital, debt • No Override proposed • Debt Exclusions decreased by $13,928 • State Law requires you to assume 100% collection rate • Estimate for FY2012 = $18,767,335 FY2012- Revenue Estimates • State Aid- • House 1 relies on a number of actions yet to be acted upon by the Legislature • Governor's projection for Ch. 70 • Slight increase (+$24,149) over current year • 7.23% reduction in Lottery ($64,672) • Better than expected, but still a $490K decrease (almost 40%) since 2008 • Reduced level of Quinn Bill still included 5 ===PAGE 8=== FY2012 Revenue Estimates • State Aid • Just beginning to hear what the Legislature is thinking about State Aid • Project 2% cut in Chapter 70 ($89,968), based upon concern that declining enrollment will result in cut FY2012- Revenue Estimates • Local Receipts = increased $6,457 (0.27%) Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, licenses, permits, fees, fines, investment income • Elastic Revenues- very dependent upon the economy * MVX is the largest component; first indication of what is happening is through Commitment #1, issued in February * Commitment was up $42,407, or 4.97% • Estimate for FY2012, 3.5% increase (each 1% = $12,555) 6 ===PAGE 9=== FY2012 Revenue Estimates • Local Receipts • Supplemental Tax - Additional $7.1M in value; 50% of year = Emerald Place = Local Options Meals Tax - In effect 01/01/10; $60K annually • Building Permits- level • Investment Income- level FY2012- Revenue Estimates • Available Funds • Catch All Category • Some one-time revenues, causing a wide variance from year to year • SBA Reimbursement - $559,057 • Water & Sewer Betterments • Fully fund associated debt service & related costs • Sewer Enterprise Fund to fund Indirect Costs • Borrowing for Capital Plan - $389,000 7 ===PAGE 10=== FY2012- Revenue Estimates Summary 192011 PETATTE Lordswerte total: 39%: : $ 28.009,330 2: 329: 03011523 01 236731015.=1020.830:400 334003323 THOSE: 3 220067913066_8.903202E433.930 :e37237365:27980084:397207302.525,400J08 S20305,403:4 SIncrease increase Dier seem: Over Tries Sear 191.00 (391.453); 342,331 ...43%) 127: • Areas of interest: = House 1 is generally viewed as the base level for State Aid * What will House & Senate Budgets show for State Aid? is New Growth Projection • Approved residential developments FY2012 Expenditures • Expenditures are divided into: • Functional Categories (Departments) • Non-Appropriated Costs • Sewer Enterprise Fund (self supporting) • Water Enterprise Fund (self-supporting) • Solid Waste Disposal Enterprise Fund • Other Warrant Articles with a Financial Impact 8 ===PAGE 11=== FY2012 Expenditures • Town provides services • Services to students • Services to seniors • Services to residents • Focus on service levels, not employees • Demand for service • Allocating resources to services FY2012 Expenditures Operating Expenses are projected to increase $537,744, or 2.03% over FY2010 adjusted. • Where is the money going? = Lunenburg Public School +$360,349 • Unclassified (Insurances) +$138,587 • DPW +$88,043 • Police +$79,816 • Fire +$62,099 • Decrease in Debt Service 9 ===PAGE 12=== FY2012 Expenditures • Unclassified- +$138,587 (5.85%) • Health Insurance- • Estimating 10% increase in premium • Partially offset by adjustment in Employer Contribution from 77.5% to 75% FY2012 Expenditures- Health Insurance • FY2012 Renewal due February 2010 • Have been told to expect 10% • Existing agreement with PEC • Governor's proposal regarding Health Insurance Reform 10 ===PAGE 13=== FY2012 Expenditures Debt Service -$121,933 Impact to General Fund -$121,933 • Includes costs associated with DPW Renovation Total: Debt Service FY2011 FY2012 $ 2897801 $ 2,775865 Exempt Sewer Betterment Water Beltermen Septic Receipts MSBA $ 991,724 802,490 62,779: S 10872: S 559,057 $ $977,795 S601,328 62,781 10,872 559,057 Net Impact General Fund 470,879 (121,933) (106,844) FY2012 Expenditures- Snow & Ice • Appropriation request $250,000 - FY2009 = $160K * FY2010 = $200K • FY2011 = $250K • Average expenditure over 10 years is $242,059 (prior 10-year avg. $223,672) • Average expenditure over 5 years is $273,629 (prior 5-year avg. $268,230) * 44% increase in cost of Salt per ton • 25% increase in cost of Sand per yard • Town only began purchasing Sand in FY2007 11 ===PAGE 14=== FY2012 Expenditures- Snow & Ice 10-Year History of Snow & Ice Accoun So eas 8350,000 STUCK $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 FY2002 FY2000 FY2004 FY2005 - FY2005 FY2007 FY200S FY2000 FY2010 - Appropriation -- Expendiure FY2012 Expenditures- Retirement Assessment • Received FY2012 Assessment • $597,771, which represents an 2.39% increase • Again, will take advantage of the 1 payment option, which saves about 2%, $11,500 • Town has benefitted from pension reform and negotiating good contracts! 12 ===PAGE 15=== FY2012 Expenditures- General Government • Administrative, Financial & Planning Offices • FY2012 Request = $1,237,683 = Increase of $34,380, or 2.86% • $24,000 in Technology- Maintenance Agreements • Adding and/ or restoring funds for professional development & workshops for staff and elected or appointed officials = Contractual Salary Adjustments FY2012 Expenditures- Police Department • In FY2001, there were 13 FT Officers & 25 Reserve Officers • In FY2011, we have 13 FT Officers & 14 Reserve Offices • In this same time, there has been a 77% increase in recorded Police incidents • Finally funding one additional Police Officer 13 ===PAGE 16=== FY2012 Expenditures- Police Department • FY2012 Appropriation Request - $1,363,213 • 6.22% increase, $79,816 • New Officer- split shift • Additional off-site training • Loss of State Grant Funding • Community Policing • Specialized Investigations FY2012 Expenditures- Fire Department • Provide full-time and on-call service • Staff = Chief • 1 Administrative/EMT-P/Dispatcher • 3 Career Firefighter/ EMT's • 36 Call Firefighters, 24 of which are EMT's 14 ===PAGE 17=== FY2010 Expenditures- Fire Department False Alarms & False Calls 5% Calls by Primary Incident Type Other Type of incidents 3% Good Intent Calls 1% Fire 3%7 Other Incidents (Codes) 0.1%. Severe Weather & - Natural Disaster 0.1% Rescue & Emergency Medical 47% Hazardous Conditions (No Fire) Sevice Calls 35% The dept has seen a 35% increase in the number of calls in the past 10 years FY2012 Expenditures- Fire Department • FY2012 requested appropriation = $838,062 • $62,099 increase (8.00%) • Station has personnel M - F, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All other coverage is by call = $25K to provide some coverage during off hours; Per-Diem Personnel • Weekend coverage S/ S; 12 hours; $50K • Balance to cover contractual salary increases, restore cuts to overtime & training 15 ===PAGE 18=== FY2012 Expenditures- Other Protection = Inspectional Services Department • Continued increase in workload due to development • Restore funding for Assistant Building Inspector • FY2012 request is $191,083, which is an increase of $8,822, or 4.84%, for Plumbing, Wiring, Gas Inspectors FY2012 Expenditures- DPW/ Facilities • FY2012 request is $1,429,700, which is an increase of $88,043 or 6.56% • No increase Snow & Ice • No funding for Road Maintenance Plan • Town must consider additional funding source •. $15,000 to cover new mandate- MUTCD; signs • Partially restore position cut in FY2009 16 ===PAGE 19=== FY2012 Expenditures-Solid Waste • FY2012 request is $127,500 for Recycling Program and cost of Trash Removal for Public Buildings • Contract expires June 30, 2011 • Out-to-bid in March • Will require separate prices for Recycling & Solid Waste FY2012 Expenditures- Council on Aging = 1,600 people in Lunenburg are age 60 or better • Another 850 people will turn 60 in the next 5 years • COA has introduced 7 new programs this year to attract seniors • Just a few years ago we had tewer than 10 seniors in tor lunch. Now we average about 30 • On many occasions, events draw 90+ people • Sometimes there are 45 - 50 seniors at the Eagle House with only 1 staff member • There have been an increasing number of times where 1 or 2 staff members had to evacuate 45 - 50 people due to an emergency. 17 ===PAGE 20=== FY2012 Expenditures- Council on Aging • A small department that sees lots of activity! • FY2012 request is $118,460, which is an increase of $13,384, or 12.74% = Increase in Outreach Service hours • No custodian, but will likely dedicate set hours from DPW (restored position) FY2012 Expenditures- Lunenburg Public Library • FY2012 request is $346,956 Munity for State ration needed to • 50% of CWMARS assessment in Operating Budget; balance from State Aid = Looking to fully fund CWMARS in budget in FY2013 • Another small department that sees a lot of activity! 18 ===PAGE 21=== FY2011 Expenditures- Lunenburg Public Library Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Deta Comparison Town 2006 Pop Full Time Employee Equivadent Lumenburg. Atho Clinton Groton Nathboraugh Oxford Pepperell 10,010 11,661 14,163 10,585 14,681 13,712 11,412 Bours Open 41.0 41.7 40.6 1416 56.3 482 42.8 Total Hours Open/ FIE 8.6 1 4.7 6.9 9.2 6.6 13.7 13.7 11.0. 74 | Weekly Circulation/ FIE Visits/ FIE 3889 - 21,456 261.6 14,743 . 22,138 1228 18,535 633. 12,445 11,707 | 18,870 FY2012 Expenditures - Lunenburg Public Schools • Town Manager's Preliminary Recommendation is $14,774,297 • Increase of 2.5%, or $360,349 • Unfortunately, no where near the Superintendent's Recommendation • Town must work diligently to reconcile the LPS budgetary needs given the financial constraints and decreasing student enrollment 19 ===PAGE 22=== FY2012 Expenditures - Lunenburg Public Schools- Enrollment Enrollment by Year FY09 School Lunenburg Primary T.C. Passios Elementary Turkey Hill Middle Lunenburg High School total: Enrollment FY10 FY11 35 -16 -76 FY2012 Expenditures - Lunenburg Public Schools- Foundation Enrollment FY2012 FY2011 :FY2010 iFY2009 FY2008 FY2007 Foundation Enrollment :1578 1605 1622 1641 1665 1641 Foundation Budget $ 13,457,817 $ 13,414,483 $ 13,779,998 $ 13,675,383 $ 13,121,501 $ 13,675,383 Net: Minimum Contribution 8,981,951 $ 8,849,178 $ 9,022,501 9,084,809 $ 8,885,020 $ 9,084,809 20 ===PAGE 23=== FY2012 Expenditures - Monty Tech • No preliminary assessment received • Assuming 2.5% increased • Advised today by local representative to School Committee that assessment would be lower than current year due to a decline in enrollment. FY2012 Expenditures - Capital Planning Committee • Recommended level of expenditure is $522,765 • Recommending that $389,000 be financed over 5-year term; remaining paid in cash 21 ===PAGE 24=== FY2012 Expenditures - Capital Planning Committee Recommendation: General Technology School Technology , DPW, Front End Loader Fire, Engine 2 Retroft Police, Vests Police, Cruiser Equipment THMS, Parking Lot :THMS. Whiteboards :THMS, Gym Bleachers /HS Asbestos Abatement ¿HS ADA Access- Main Ent. : Fire- Radio, DPW/ Police ¡total: vote 140 3-2 S-0 :3-2 5-0 5-0 5-0 14-1 T5-0 15-0 75-0 amount 54,965 45,000 125,000 50,000 9,800 24,000 110,000 25,000 19,000 15,000 25,000 20,000 522,765 bond yes: yes: yes yes yes yes yes yes FY2012 Expenditures - Capital Planning Committee Scenario Assumptions Amount Term/years Rate Amorization 389,000 3.500% straight line Annual Debt Senice FY2011 :FY2012 FY2013 :FY2014 FY2015 Balance 389,000 311,200 233,400 155,600 .77,800 Principal 77,800 77,800 77,800 77,800 17,800 Interest 13,615 10,892 8,169 5,446 2,723 BOLO 91,415 88,692 85,969 83,246 80,523 i..Total 389,000 40,845 429,845 22 ===PAGE 25=== Conclusion • Recommendation made based upon best available information • Things have changed, even just since the Preliminary Budget was issued 2/15 • Preliminary Budget Recommendation certainly doesn't meet department requirements, but we re much better off than in prior years • Being able to adequately fund departments to meet service demands continues to be a challenge Conclusion- Next Steps • FinCom begins review of budget- 2/24 • Await Legislature's review of House 1 • Continue to refine New Growth Estimates • Continue to look at cost savings measures, including outsourcing. 23 ===PAGE 26=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2011-03-01-agenda-4777.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2011-03-01 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2011-03-01-agenda-4777.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03012011-4777 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING NOTICE March 1, 2011 7:00 PM – 2ND FLOOR TOWN HALL JOSEPH F. BILOTTA MEETING ROOM AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS APPOINTMENTS 1. 7:15 PM - Interview - Zachary Cutting, Green Community Task Force CURRENT BUSINESS 1. Boston Post Cane 2. Review RFP for Solid Waste & Recycling Program (tentative) 3. Minutes / Warrants / Action File Issues 4. Committee Updates 5. Department Updates 6. Town Manager Updates OLD BUSINESS 1. Unitil Rate Increase Request 2. Solar Farm RFP 3. Permanent Closure of Holman Street Bridge COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS-RE-APPOINTMENTS-RESIGNATIONS 1. Green Community Task Force – Zachary Cutting EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 39, §23B(3) for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the government’s bargaining or litigation position. UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE March 8, 2011 March 15, 2011 March 22, 2011 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2011-03-01-minutes-4777.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2011-03-01 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2011-03-01-minutes-4777.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03012011-4777 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES 3/1/11 47-fists The Board of Selectmen met in the Town Hall, Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room as scheduled with Steven M. deBettencourt, Ernie Sund, Tom Alonzo, Dave Matthews and Town Manager Kerry Spieled present, Paula Bertram absent. Meeting opened at 7:14 P.M with the Pledge of Allegiance PUBLIC COMMENT Christopher Comeau, Chairman of the Board of Assessors announced that their office has installed a new Cartographics system which is now on line. The installation has been approximately ten years in the making, maps were done first and then a number of overlays have been incorporated which includes photos of properties, satellite overlays and topographical maps. This program enables the public as well as town departments to access all the Assessor's records so that they can view all property record cards, evaluations, various layers such as the sewer overlay district, zoning overlays (districts), wetlands etc. ANNOUNCEMENTS APPOINTMENTS 1. 7:15 PM - Interview - Zachary Cutting, Green Community Task Force - of 337 Page Street came before the board for a brief interview. He attended FU, degree in Construction Technology, is an Eagle Scout, feels strongly about doing everything that he can to support our community and wants to do everything he can to make the environment a better place for future generations. Board expressed appreciation of his interest in serving the town. Tom move to approve appointment of Zachary Cutting, Dave second, voted unanimously. CURRENT BUSINESS 1. Boston Post Cane - Doreen Noble explained the history of the Boston Post Cane, tradition In August 1909, Mr. Edwin A. Grozier, Publisher of the Boston Post, a newspaper, forwarded to the Board of Selectmen in 700 towns in New England a gold-headed ebony cane with the request that it be presented with the compliments of the Boston Post to the oldest male citizen of the town, to be used by him as long as he lives (or moves from the town), and at his death handed down to the next oldest citizen of the town. The cane would belong to the town and not the man who received it. The canes were all made by J.F. Fradley and Co., a New York manufacturer, from ebony shipped in seven-foot lengths from the Congo in Africa. They had a 14-carat gold head two inches long, decorated by hand, and a ferruled tip. The head was engraved with the inscription, Presented by the Boston Post to the oldest citizen of Lunenburg --. "To Be Transmitted" The Board of Selectmen were to be the trustees of the cane and keep it always in the hands of the oldest citizen. In 1930, after considerable controversy, eligibility for the cane was opened to women as well. The custom of the Boston Post Cane took hold in those towns lucky enough to have canes. As years went by some of the canes were lost, stolen, taken out of town and not returned to the Selectmen or destroyed by accident. Lunenburg had lost their cane for a number of years but is was located and is now on display in the Eagle House Senior Center. We now nave a symbolic presentation and a representative replica pin of the cane and certificate are now issued to the recipients of this prestigious award. In 1994 the Board of Selectmen at that time transferred responsibility along with the passing along of the Boston Post Cane to the Council on Aging. The first recipient of the Boston Post Cane was Luke Chase, for whom "Chase Road" is named. Our most recent recipient was Lucia Ross and she received the cane on December 14, 2004. Mrs. Ross passed away in December 2011. Doreen has researched with the Town Clerk on who is now the oldest citizen in town and she is Ruth E. Green who turned 100 on November 21st. She asks that this board acknowledge that Mrs. Green would be the recipient of the Boston Post Cane and as such they have planned a reception for her next Monday, March 7 at 1:00 PM at the Eagle House Senior Center and asks that a member of the Board attend to present a certificate to Mrs. Ruth Green. There will also be a citation issued to her as well from the House of Representatives. Mrs. Green has been a resident of this town for the past 39 years and been involved in various activities. Steve commented that he has been her snow plow driver for the past 30 years and hoping to live as long as she has, this is fitting for her to receive the Boston Post Cane and it's fortunate that we still have ours. Dave move to congratulate and award Mrs. Green the Boston Post Cane, Tom seconded, voted unanimously. 2. Review RFP for Solid Waste & Recycling Program (tentative) - Kerry informed the board that our current contract expires on June 30, 2011 and we are beginning the process for bidding a new contract. One of the questions that has been repeatedly asked has been on the costs of recycling portion as well as the trash program, as the recycling is open to all residential properties and the trash portion is funded through the PAYT program. We will require with this new contract to submit what the costs of each component are, however, not sure how sharp that cost will be. She noted that solid waste is not required to be bid through regular procurement laws, but we still go through this process. Work with Tessa David, MassToss and she's' been working very closely with us to put this document together. Dave when we're splitting out the costs, be sure that the vendors realize that we're going to do both with the same ===PAGE 2=== vendor and not splitting out as this could increase the cost. Steve we're not changing the bid, we want one vendor and it will not necessarily be awarded to a vendor that is lowest on the recycling. 3. Minutes - Board of Selectmen Regular session for 1/16/10, 2/8/11, 2/10/11, 2/15/11 and Executive Session for 2/8/11 & 2/15/11 reviewed and signed Warrants - #47 11, 2/22/11 - $514,677.44, #48 11, 3/1/11 - $410,066.58 and #18P 11, 3/3/11 - $627,686.34 reviewed and signed. Action File Issues - None Dave questioned the status on backups for the Ritter Building and according to Kerry, the IT Director provided information that when she came there were no backups being performed at all on any of our systems. This issue has been addressed and backups are now being done on a regular basis. 4. Committee Updates - > Dave budget working group met informally last night, informational meeting. School Committee and Superintendent attended with Tom and Dave. Discussed trying to cross utilize people in the areas of technology, human resources, facilities and grounds to see if we can achieve a more consolodated effort town wide as opposed to spliting it in two. Also discussed health insurance, how we were going to report that in the future. The School Committee would like to see it put under one umbrella instead of having it split out so people know what it's costing the town in total over the year as it's a significant piece of the budget. Also spoke about plan design. The Superintendent is going to be putting together a budget to try to close the gap between the Town Manager's Budget and the School Committee budget. • Tom Finance Committee meets this Thursday. Would request that from now until Town Meeting that "budget" be placed on the agenda under Old Business, as this will be a topic that will be ongoing from now until Town Meeting. 5. Department Updates - None 6. Town Manager Updates - > Kerry has received the contract for the grant that town received from MRPC for Summer Street, outlines scope of services and has been reveiwed by Town Counsel (no issues). A staff meeting has been scheduled for March 8th to discuss how we will kick this project off. • There are 2 Eagle Scout Honor Courts coming up within the next several weeks. Both have requested that a member of the BOS be in attendance. Please let Linda know if you will be able to attend one or the other so that she can inform the families. The events are as follows: Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.; at United Parish Hall for Benjamin Morse Grossman and Saturday, April 9, 2011 for Daniel John Paquette • The MMA sent out a request that as many local officials as possible attend the hearing and testify in support of swift passage of strong legislation to give cities and towns the tools to control skyrocketing health insurance costs, they are looking for strong public support and she would like to attend to provide testimony. The Legislature's Joint Committee on Public Service has scheduled the public hearing on municipal health insurance reform for 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8 in Gardner Auditorium at the State House. This public hearing is an important event, and it is imperative that as many local officials as possible attend the hearing and testify in support of swift passage of strong legislation to give cities and towns the tools to control skyrocketing health insurance costs. Noted that we do work dilegently with our Public Employee Committee (PEC) and has been working well together, noted that as of July 1st we'll be going to 75/25 of cost sharing split between the town and employees. She has had discussions with the PEC during the last budget season on the tiering proposal for health insurance coverage and in almost all instances employees would be saving about 10% with little or no effect on their current providers. The town's costs are higher than the schools as we cover all of the town departments as well as all of the retirees and as such she would be in favor of plan design by the municipality. Dave is for the legislation and believes that the PEC would still have a vibrant role in plan design. Noted that a few thousand dollars could make a significant savings for our budget and can still maintain the good relationship with the PEC. Tom thinks that there are reasons that you have involvement of the employees as well. Not happy about learning about the changes when they are most needed, noted that the changes would affect "almost" no one but, what about those who would be impacted. He believes that this would allow for too much authoratative decisions without input from those who it most affects. Dave believes that this is a basic management tool and doesn't believe that most would be impacted. Kerry it's not a public/private issue; at the state level they have plan design, this is how the public sector in Massachusetts has managed at the state level, it's not the same for local officials throughout Massachusetts. Steve agrees with Tom as he believes that Lunenburg is unique in that a lot of employees live and work in this town and have had a long standing working relationship with our PEC and that they understand the constraints that we are working with. It is a management tool, and noted that this has been a bill introduced through the legislature and this is also something we should look at and evaluate. Ernie agrees with Dave. ===PAGE 3=== Tom would like our voice to be heard and believes that Paula would be with Dave and Ernie and would like it for the record, that he agrees with Steve. Kerry will provide a draft of her comments to the board prior to attending. OLD BUSINESS 1. Unitil Rate Increase Request - Kerry informed the board that the town did have representatives at the Rate Hearing with Uniti and we were granted intervener status which means we can participate to whatever level this board deems as appropriate and will discuss further in Executive Session. She has copies of the petition and will provide to the board in Executive Session. Tom noted that both he and the Chair were present at the hearing and both presented testimony. Mayor Wong was also there as were a number of Lunenburg residents, who also provided testimony. End of the day, nearly everyone was fully against the rate increase request. Steve questioned whether the board truly believes that the DPU is going to go through all of the documents that Unitil provided. Tom reiterated that that is what their (DU) job is as well as the Attorney General's Office. They have to justify the increase for themselves (Unitil); presumably what they're doing this for is for improvements and not for the shareholders. Noted all of the issues incurred as a result of the storm, costs of generators, lost food, housing for them Just like the investigation, until he is proven wrong has to have faith in the system that they're doing this in good faith. 2. Solar Farm RFP - Status update; still not ready to move forward with this. Last meeting discussed the need to put a map together and that there was potentially a miscommunication between the DPW and the Green Community Task Force. We are in the process of putting together the map and are working with Until to get a better understanding of what the financial impact could be to the customers. The answer we received, still not comfortable with the information that we were given. Tentative meeting with Unitil next week and should be able to bring this information back to the board within two weeks. 3. Permanent Closure of Holman Street Bridge - Tabled COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS 1. Green Community Task Force - board unanimously appointed Zachary Cutting to the Green Community Task Force. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. M.G.L. Chapter 39, §23B (3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the government's bargaining or litigation position. Also, to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel; to actually conduct collective bargaining and contract negotiations with non-union personnel. UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE March 8, 2011 meeting with Conservation Commission March 15, 2011 March 22, 2011 time. Being no further business board voted unanimously to adjourn Regular Session at 8:10 P.M. and entered into Executive Session at this Respectfully submitted, Laura Williams, Chief Administrative Assistant Board of Selectmen ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2011-03-08-agenda-4778.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2011-03-08 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2011-03-08-agenda-4778.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03082011-4778 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2011-03-08-minutes-4778.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2011-03-08 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2011-03-08-minutes-4778.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03082011-4778 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES 3/8/11 yes- The Board of Selectmen met in the Town Hall, Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room as scheduled with Paula Bertram, Steven M deBettencourt, Ernie Sund, Tom Alonzo, Dave Matthews and Town Manager Kerry Speidel present. Meeting opened at 7:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance PUBLIC COMMENT Tom extended congratulations to Ruth Green and expressed appreciation to the Council on Aging and Doreen Noble for coordinating the presentation of the Boston Post Cane event recognizing Ruth as Lunenburg's oldest resident. Welcomed back Ofc. Omar Connor to the Police Force, although he hasn't had the opportunity to speak with him, he has fully recovered from his injuries in the interview that he saw. Sad note, two deaths Vera McCarthy passed away on Sunday, she was an active member of the Nashua Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America and served on its Executive Committee and as Chairperson to the Membership Committee and was a longtime member of the North Worcester Chamber of Commerce. She has written the column "Observation Point" for the Lunenburg Ledger Newspaper for the past year, something that has given her great joy. She was a member of St. Boniface Church in Lunenburg as well as a member of the Lunenburg Historical Commission. She worked as the secretary at the Thomas C. Passios Elementary School for many years. Also recognized the passing of William McMunn; his diverse work background included electronics firms in the greater Boston area, and many years at the former Reed Rolled Thread Die Co. in Holden. After his retirement from Reed he worked as a Cemetery Superintendent, courier driver, and school bus driver for the last ten years until he reached the age of 70. Bill was instrumental in the establishment of the Mossman Teen Center of Lunenburg, was at the ground floor of the Lunenburg Ledger weekly newspaper and Expressed condolences to family and friends on their passing. ANNOUNCEMENTS APPOINTMENTS CURRENT BUSINESS 1. Joint Session with Conservation Commission - Lake Whalom; Lake Shirley; Automation of Gates at Lake Shirley Dam and Pleasant Street Enhancement (Landfill Sand/Gravel RFP) - tabled until March 22nd. 2. Ambulance Fee Abatement - Kerry presented the attached request from the Fire Chief as the resident is deceased and leaves no estate that we are able to collect from. Ernie motion to abate the ambulance fees as outlined, Steve seconded voted unanimously to abate. 3. Minutes - Board of Selectmen regular and executive session for 3/1/11 reveiwed and signed. Warrants - #49 11, 3/8/11 - $233,857.79 reveiwed and signed Action File Issues - Paula two Eagle Scout ceremonies would like to know if any members of the board will be able to attend either ceremony. Also present were four Boy Scouts from Troop 1728 and they are present to earn their Citizenship in the Community Badge. 4. Committee Updates - • Dave School Committee met last Wednesday, some changes were made to Superintendent budget to bring it more in line with the Town manager's budget. They had discussed the possiblity of additional funding that may be obtained from the town side of the budget. He noted that there are a lot of challenges on the town side and as such will not make the $600,000 gap between the Superintendent's budget and Town Manger's budget a burden on the town side of the budget. They will have to look at their current negotiations and we have to look at health care savings as a way to bridge the gap. • Kerry provided the attached information on future agenda items and will provide the individual department requests to the board. • Tom noted that there doesn't seem to be a lot of discussion around the budget and what the state of the budget is, would like to know what isn't happening that may be happening as a result of budget cuts. Noted the Pavement Management Plan, the school roofs and just because these issues are not in the budget, they've got to be there sometime. Also noted that the Finance Committee met this last week with the budgets presented from the Library, Police, Fire and Board of Health. ===PAGE 2=== • Paula questioned where we stand with the IMA for Sewer and if Kerry could check on this, we are currently awaiting the next draft of the IMA. 5. Department Updates - None 6. Town Manager Updates - Kerrry reminded everyone that the warrant for the Town Meeting closes @4:00 PM, Monday, March 14, 2011. Also presented the attached snow expenditures to date;currently about $25,000 deficit. We are allowed by state law to carry the deficit, hopefully we will be able to fund through transfers from other departments for this fiscal year. Also noted that all of the painting in the town hall has taken place through the Worcester County Sheriffs Work Release Program and believes that we've seen a benefit of about $10,000. We will continue to use the crew for painting and moving projects as we move through the renovation process. Broadband Summit takking place in Northhampton... Selectmen Alonzo is the board's representative to this project. Also has three copies of the updated Open Space Plan from Marion Benson, Planning Board Director, board doesn't approve but accepts that this is available. Will try to get an electonic copy available and will place on the website. Group of staff met today with our website consultants, Qsend and discussed overall design of the sight and we are going to put together a mock up of what the staff thought was the best of all of those. Identified May 1s' as a go live date, hope to have a brief presentation ready for Town Meeting. They have already taken all of our content and installed it in a dummy site. Right now in the process of setting up the website and exciting to hear how quickly we may be able to accomplish this. Ernie note the Assessor's GIS that is also a link on the Town's website, very user friendly and an informative site. OLD BUSINESS Paula discussed the issue on the Public Hearing on Health Care scheduled for today at the State House and for the record; want it noted that she is not in favor of that legislation. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS 1. Resignation: Steve Marden, Green Community Task Force - board accepted with regrets, letter of appreciation to be sent. Tom noted that because of the changes in the Conflict of Interest Law and the fine line that volunteers have to abide by, we now lose an individual with beneficial expertise. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. M.G.L. Chapter 39, §23B( ) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the government's bargaining or litigation position. UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE March 15, 2011 March 22, 2011 time. Being no further business board voted unanimously to adjourn Regular Session at 7:30 P.M. and convened Executive Session at this Respectfully submitted, Laura Williams, Chief Administrative Assistant Board of Selectmen ===PAGE 3=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG, MASSACHUSETTS FIRE DEPARTMENT CHIEF Scott F. Glenny TEJ.: (978) 582-4155 FAX: (978) 582-4033 ENBURG 655 Massachusetts Ave. Lunenburg, MA 01462 P18 IN CORNERS RECEIVED DEC - 6 2010 SELECTMEN'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: KERRY SPEIDEL TOWN MANAGER FROM: CHIEF SCOTT F. GLENNY SUBJECT: UNCOLLECTABLE AMBULANCE FEES Kerry, Attached please find outstanding balance for an individual that we picked up frequently with the ambulance. She is deceased and there is no estate. I ask that I be allowed to have the billing company write these off as uncollectible. Thank you. Scott ===PAGE 4=== CALL NUMBER CALL DATE LB05127 09/06/2005 LB051515 11/20/2005 LB05170 09/23/2005 LB053839 06/10/2005 LB05962 02/20/2005 LB061600 .12/09/2005 LB061653 12/20/2005 LB06742 08/27/2006 DESCRIPTION From 439 TOWNSEND HARBOR RD To LEOMINSTER HOSPITAL From 439 TOWNSEND HARBOR RD To LEOMINSTER HOSPITAL From 439 TOWNSEND HARBOR RD To NASHOBA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER From 439 TOWNSEND HARBOR RD To LEOMINSTER HOSPITAL From 439 TOWNSEND HARBOR RD To NASHOBA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER From 439 TOWNSEND HARBOR RD To LEOMINSTER HOSPITAL From 439 TOWNSEND HARBOR RD To LEOMINSTER HOSPITAL From 439 TOWNSEND HARBOR RD To NASHOBA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER TUFTS - TUFTS HEALTH PLAN 9163 CHARGES CREDITS PAYMENT DATE BALANCE 595.00 595.00 595.00 625.00 595.00 575.00 595.00 595.00 590.00 595.00 625.00 595.00 575.00 605.00 595.00 74.28 10/12/2006 515.72 Continued On Next Page / CALL NUMBER CALL DATE LB06945 07/11/2006 LB06977 07/05/2006 LB06979 07/06/2006 LBM053958 09/08/2005 CURRENT non. CREDIT DESCRIPTION From 439 TOWNSEND HARBOR RD To LEOMINSTER HOSPITAL TUFTS - TUFTS HEALTH PLAN 9163 ACCOUNT AGING 31 TO 60 DAYS 01 TOO DANS OVER 90 DAYS coos no CHARGES CREDITS PAYMENT DATE BALANCE 545.00 From 439 TOWNSEND HARBOR RD To LEOMINSTER HOSPITAL TUFTS - TUFTS HEALTH PLAN 9163 From 439 TOWNSEND HARBOR RD To LEOMINSTER HOSPITAL TUFTS - TUFTS HEALTH PLAN 9163 From 439 TOWNSEND HARBOR RD To LEOMINSTER HOSPITAL 595.00 545.00 770.00 83.54 • 08/15/2006 95.55 08/24/2006 83.54 08/15/2006 461.46 499.45 461.46 770.00 ===PAGE 5=== SNOW EXPENDITURES TO DATE (3/3/11) APPROPRIATION: EXPENDED: BALANCE: SUPPLIES $ 170,000.00 $ $ 123,023.59 46,976.41 CONTRACTED SERVICE $ $ $ 55,000.00 111,703.20 (56,703.20) $ HIRED EQUIPMENT $ 7,500.00 $ $ 4,932.00 2,568.00 $ OVERTIME 17,500.00 $ 35,533.23 $ (18,033.23) $ TOTALS 250,000.00 275,192.02 (25,192.02) ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2011-03-15-agenda-4779.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2011-03-15 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2011-03-15-agenda-4779.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03152011-4779 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2011-03-15-minutes-4779.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2011-03-15 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2011-03-15-minutes-4779.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03152011-4779 ======================================================================================== ===OCR macOS Vision=== ===PAGE 1=== BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES 3/15/11 2e2 M Shu The Board of Selectmen met in the Town Hall, Joseph F. Bilotta Meeting Room as scheduled with Steven M. deBettencourt, Ernie Sund, Tom Alonzo, Dave Matthews and Town Manager Kerry Speidel present, Paula Bertram absent. Meeting opened at 7"01 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance PUBLIC COMMENT Ernie would like to "say an extra prayer" for those individuals in Japan as a result of the recent tsunami that has struck the country. ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Town Caucus, Monday, March 21, 2011 @ THMS Cafeteria, 7:00 PM Vice Chair deBettencourt announced the positions that are open for the next election: two Selectman positions for 3 years, one Sewer Commissioner for 3 years, two Board of Health members for 3 years, Assessor for 3 years, two School Committee members for 3 years, Park Commissioner for 3 years, Commissioner of Trust Funds for 3 years, Cemetery Commissioner for 3 years, Library Trustee for 3 years, Planning Board member for 5 years, and Housing Authority member for 5 years. APPOINTMENTS CURRENT BUSINESS 1. Minutes - Board of Selectmen Regular session for 2/17/11, 3/8/11 and Executive Session for 3/8/11 reviewed and signed Warrants - #19P 11, 3/17/11-$669,755.33 and #50 11, 3/16/11 - $532,851.33 reviewed and signed. Action File Issues - Board signed Proclamations for Eagle Scout Awards; Daniel Paquette and Benjamin Grossman. 2. Committee Updates - • Dave - School Committee Meeting last week; discussions on the budget and an override proposal to fill the gap between the Superintendants proposal and the Town Managers. They decided that an override was not appropriate at this time, also discussed options of charging for busing and other activities. The issue of the High School roof is still out there and this is still with the MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority). • Ernie - Cable Committee met this week and discussed personnel issues/staff and video quality; noted that the programs that have been put forward have been of much better quality. Presentation on Boston Post Cane was on Facebook and the video was of a top quality. Tom noted that the personnel and the equipment is now able to go off site and be utilized on the social media as well. • Tom - Finance Committee met last Thursday, heard from DPW, COA and the Town Manager on the General Government. The Finance Committee Public Hearing on the budget is scheduled for this Thursday @7:00 PM. 3. Department Updates - none 4. Town Manager Updates - Kerry presented the attached information on the snow and ice deficit that was prepared last week. Hoping that we will be able to fund by re-allocating funds within the existing budgets, will do the best we can to cover within the current appropriations. She noted that within the budget document on page 13 there is a graph that shows the 10 year history of expenditures for snow and ice removal. Steve noted that to make a comparison from year to year would be more beneficial and he would like to see it done by vendors; salt sand, vehicle repairs, vendors etc. Kerry will provide this level of detail as our system will allow us to pull the detail from over the past three years. • DPW Facilities Committee - pre-bid conference is scheduled for 10:00 AM tomorrow at the site, 520 Chase Road. • Kerry will be attending a meeting at the Department of Energy Resources with representatives of Colonial Power tomorrow as one of the steps in the process is we have to have a letter of approval from DOER and as such they (DOER) have requested a face to face meeting to ensure that we know what we're doing. OLD BUSINESS 1. Request for Proposals: Solar Farm - School Facilities Director (also advisory member of Green Community Task Force) John Londa & DPW Director Jack Rodriquenz were present. John discussed the Young's Road Landfill site and noted that he has met with DPW Director regarding utilizing the old Landfill site and the composting area (northern part of area. Reviewed the attached diagram ===PAGE 2=== with the board that identifies those areas within the site. The area that they are currently looking at for the solar array is the landfill and an area adjacent to the catch basin/road sweepings area and future development to the rear of the site, abutting the conservation area. Second issue was in regards to the rate payer cost for the solar farm and the issue of whether the potential cost savings will be assessed to the rate payers. Ernie questioned that this is a Request for Proposal only and what we're looking at is looking for proposals for installing a solar farm and that this is not a done deal until we receive proposals back to evaluate, correct. John confirmed, the timeline proposed send out on March 24, pre-bid meeting scheduled for April 7, responses back by 5/5/11 and evaluation of proposals up until 5/19/11, with anticipated award the 25' of May. The original RFP went out to the Board of Health, Department of Public Works and Board of Selectmen office. He has sent an initial draft to Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and there is still more work to be done on the RFP before it is out on the street. As of today, only the Board of Selectmen has responded, but he will also contact the Conservation Commission. Tom questioned if it would make sense to go for the whole 1.5 megawatts? John provided the following information regarding the rate payer cost for Solar Farm that the town is proposing to create a 1.5 MW Solar farm at the Youngs Road Landfill. This project is being developed as a power purchasing agreement with 3rd party ownership of the solar array for 20 years. The solar farm would be setup to be "net metered" The estimated production for the farm would be 1,800,000 KWH annually. Town of Lunenburg municipal accounts used 2,122,000 KWH in FYI O. The cost for electricity supply was $204,896 and distribution cost was roughly $180,000. The town of Lunenburg is currently installing 102 KW solar arrays at the Turkey Hill Middle School which will generate 100,000KWH per year. Net Metering will generate a credit for default service, distribution, transmission, and transition charge per kilowatt hour for power added to the distribution grid. Municipalities under Massachusetts Law receive credit for distribution which non-governmental entities do not. Unitil, the town energy Distribution Company, is allowed to recoup the loss for distribution to it Massachusetts rate payers. The provision for municipalities to receive distribution credit is intended to act as an incentive for municipalities to develop solar and wind projects. Until has roughly 28,000 rate payers in the North Centra Massachusetts service area which would share the cost for the estimated $180,000 in distribution revenue lost by Unitil, This works out to roughly $6.42 per year per ratepayer. Each utility has a maximum number of MW that is allowed for residents and for municipality related projects. The maximum load is 1% of Unitil's historic output (102 MW) for their non-governmental customers for all the communities that they serve. For municipality related projects that limit for Uniti's entire territory is 2% of our maximum output or 2 MW. It is currently not known when Unitil will reach the cap but there would seem to be adequate incentive for the development of governmental solar facilities to ensure that the cap is reached. The incentive by design is based upon rater payer underwriting the cost. Kerry commented that many municipalities are looking at this type of development and Unitil isn't ready to tie up an amount until they know what exactly we'll be generating. Steve asked Jack if this will allow for the future needs of the DPW. Jack added an area on the plan showing the broken line, the whole area to the center right is for the catch basin cleanings and street sweeping and with the legislation on the storm-water, noted that we are one of the only towns to be in compliance with the regulations and believes that the area identified should serve their needs in perpetuity. They were not to leave a ledge abutting the conservation area and have a lot of area to build. If there is a phase 2, we may be able to use that area for that, but will have to look at this down the road. He wants to make absolutely sure that DEP is ok with this on the landfill site and to ensure that the grading or that the needs of the contractor doesn't cost the town; referred to the crushed stone which is a valuable material that is piled on the site and would like to ensure that some open space still exists down there (noted that we needed the area for staging as a result of the 2008 ice storm). Dave questioned the materials that are valuable and what would our best return be on this. Per Jack the crushed stone would have to be washed in order to be used for septic systems. He has spoken with contractors on this, but didn't get a great deal, this materia won't go bad and we may have a future use for it, as such wouldn't want to bury it. At some point we could do a small RFP on our own, but we can utilize the material as well. Wants to identify these issues in the RFP and how the contractor would be responsible for dealing with it. Dave commented that with the events occurring with regards to oil spills, nuclear meltdowns etc., if we don't start making a move more to renewable energy nationwide we're going to be in trouble farther down the road. Kerry noted that the cost is going to be transferred to everybody, not just the Lunenburg residents; it's an issue of who's going to make that happen. Tom move to accept the proposal moving forward for the solar farm, Ernie seconded, voted unanimously. 2. Request for Proposals: Solid Waste & Recycling - Kerry informed the board that our current contract for Solid Waste & Recycling services expires June 30th. This is one of the few services that are exempt from MGL Chapter 30B, but we still go through the process in developing an RFP. Looking to have ready to go out to bid end of March and anticipate an award after Town Meeting. Hope to be issuing a contract to one vendor for both programs. We have placed a "place holder" warrant article on for town meeting as we may realize a more beneficial bid with and award beyond three years and as such hoping to get a longer year contract. Not looking to add in anything that would artificially increase the cost of the contract, i.e. containers etc. We are looking to continue with the same type of program but tighter controls on the expenses. Ernie questioned what happens with the containers and how were the originally obtained. Laura informed the board that the recycling bins were originally obtained through a state grant and the roll off containers and dumpsters are the property of Waste Management. ===PAGE 3=== Kerry noted that we no longer have any recycling bins available and many people are just utilizing the stickers and placing in on their own roll out containers. Steve questioned the possibility of having some containers available that we can sell to residents. Tom noted that he is glad that there is a separate price proposal for the various trailer parks and condominium entity's. Kerry noted that we need to send them a letter informing them that we're doing this. Dave commented that splitting the operations out is not cost savings and is troubled by the language. Tom noted that we clearly stated that we are looking to award to a single vendor and noted awarding for each service. Kerry noted that we're looking for the best deal for the Town of Lunenburg, if we were to get a better deal by leaving them separate we would like to be able to award. It is the intention of the town to award a single contract. Steve also commented on section 2.10 that states truck will be marked for recyclables, and this language makes it seem that it will only be utilized for recycling. Suggestion was made for a pre-bid conference and may have to adjust the RFP due date to push out at least another week so that bidders will have enough time to gather the information in order to submit a bid. 3. Request for Proposals: Jones House - tabled as Kerry is still awaiting a response from Kopelman & Paige and as our attorney with the firm no longer with K&P and this issue had been overlooked. She spoke with our current attorney and advised him that we need to expedite the answers to questions on the bid document as we would like to go out to bid in April. 4. Summer Street Alternatives Analysis - Kerry provided the Alternative Analysis proposal that was submitted by Trish Domigan of VHB and noted that Lunenburg's portion of that was $56,000 which was approved at the Special Town Meeting. What we're looking at is more the street scape. In the original proposal the field survey was going to be very extensive, they've decided to use more of our GIS to put together the street scape analysis. They've also reduced the number of project meetings down to two as well as a reduction on other meetings. Kerry would like to move forward with the Alternative Analysis, as it would make it easier for us to sell the project. The state doesn't have the ability to extend the timetable out in order to the communities to meet the December 31s! grant opportunity deadline for $50,000 funding. There are a number of other programs coming out and once we've completed the Alternatives Analysis we should have more opportunities for funding. They have also met with Senator Flanagan and she is willing to back the funding requests on the state side. The $50,000 for the Alternatives Analysis will be funded out of the $56,000 that was approved at Town Meeting. Before final design we will have to do a field survey to ensure that everything is accurate. Tom questioned in the larger scope of the project, is this an overlap of what we would do anyway. Per Kerry, they should be able to use the data that we have, but not sure that the level of data is sufficient for their needs, but it is sufficient for the street scape analysis. Steve questioned how the project will flow, are they doing street scape for Leominster & Fitchburg. Noted that Leominster recently installed sidewalks all the way down North Street, and wants to ensure that one flows into the other within the two communities. Kerry noted that Fitchburg is currently going through a very similar process and pointed out that the work that we are doing with MRPC, they will also be coordinating with all three communities which will help in the coordination the projects as well. 5. Budget Update - Kerry met with Senator Flanagan and she expects a resolution from the State which we anticipate weIl receive by the end of this month. Only other adjustment is the Monty Tech Assessment which has been certified; noted that we do have a decrease in enrollment of one student. She had projected an increase, will actually see a decrease of $20,899 Tom commented on the assumptions that Kerry had presented in her budget proposal and would like to know which assumptions are included in her budget and which aren't. At some point need to understand what we should be doing and what we're not doing, what level of services are being affected from year to year. According to Kerry, under the special expenditure assumptions, General Government HR position is not within the budget. There is currently a vacancy and we will be doing things differently and hope that a staff person would be able to coordinate this position. She has had discussions with the School Superintendant on this position. Legal expenses has decreased in part to the smaller number of cases and seeing a benefit with having the "not to exceed" for general legal services. Increase in the Town Clerk's salary, has proposed increasing by 10% in FY12 and 2.5% per year thereafter, the Clerk has asked that the increase be to the Assistant Clerk appropriation in order to have increased coverage. The one Patrol Officer in 2012 is included. Phasing in 24 hour shift for Fire Department; also proposing some hours for Saturday and Sunday coverage and the chief is putting together a proposal on how he woule use additional hours, is included. The increase in Builing Inspection to cover vacation, leave time and extra number of inspections that need to be done and the need to call in the Assistant Building Inspector. There will also be changes to the Emergency Management Position, increasing hours. MontyTech, decreasing by the $20k. There is also $50,000 for crack sealing which is included within the budget. Also adding labor/equipment operator position has been included, perhaps a mini second shift from 3 to 6 or 7 to 10, to cover the times when typically call backs have occurred Steve's concern with the additional coverage at the DPW is that ideally there will be two people assigned as you should never put just one person out on the road by themselves, doesn't believe this is a good practice. Kerry has discussed with the Superintendant and she has also expressed a concern; noted that the night custodial is here without supervision. The snow & ice increase by 5% is not included as she level funded the snow and ice request. Fleet Mtc. & Fuel increase by 5% included. Solid waste 5% increase per year included. Additional outreach hours for COA included. Library has been addressed, WMARS included 50% of the costs. ===PAGE 4=== Dave questioned the status of the Pavement Management Plan and per Kerry the roads are not included at all, the Pavement Management Plan is estimated at about $750,000/year and is not in this budget. When the time is right, whether and override or a debt exclusion, hoping around fall town meeting time that we could pick this up. It's difficult as there are so many issues going on with the school. We are so understaffed within the departments and so far behind that we need to catch up with these issues Ernie believes that the roads really need to be addressed and would like to see that line item increased by about $100,000 for the next 10 years but realizes that we can't do this all at once. Kerry presented the attached information on the health insurance increases for 2012. Her preliminary budget has 10% increase and they have come in with at 13% increase. The Federal Health Care reform changes will result in a 12.7% increase. We can apply to be granted "grandfather" status which would resul in a 12.2% increase. Total of 429 enrollments in health insurance plan, renewal does not cover the senior HMO Blue program as this is renewed on a calendar basis. Of this number 241 are town employees and retirees and 188 are school employees. Reveiwed the cost savings by shifting from 77.5% to 75% which assumes the 13.24% increase, the cost shift will save about $129,277 savings for the town. Kerry also provided information on the GIC (State program) and noted that she is not sure as to how they came up with an increase of 2.4% knowing the increases that they've seen in premium costs. Steve questioned if perhaps some of the increases that we're seeing from MIlA is due to the migration of other municipalities into the GIS Group. Kerry believes that the MIlA pool is enormous and we would have to see a large migration in order for this to be related to a cost impact. She is considering holding on the number that was presented for the preliminary budget proposal. Next week the board would like to discuss cost increases, 2½ levy limit increase. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. M.G.L. Chapter 39, §23B to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the government's bargaining or litigation position. UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE April 5, 2011 April 12, 2011 April 19, 2011 Adjourned Regular Session at 8:23 P.M. and opened Executive Session by roll call vote; Steve aye, Tom aye, Paula aye, Ernie aye and Dave aye, in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 39, §23B(6) to consider the purchase, exchanged, lease or value of real estate, it the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body. Chairman announced that the Board would not be returning to Regular Session. Respectfully submitted, Laura Williams, Chief Administrative Assistant Board of Selectmen ===PAGE 5=== SNOW EXPENDITURES TO DATE (3/10/11) APPROPRIATION: EXPENDED BALANCE: SUPPLIES $. $ $ 170,000.00 127,215.07 42,784.93 (CONTRACTED SERVICE $ $ $ HIRED EQUIPMENT 55,000.00 :$ 122,890.55 $ (67,890.55) $ 7,500.00 5,922.00 1,578.00 OVERTIME $ $ $ 17,500.00 40,550.32 $ $ (23,050.32) $ TOTALS 250,000.00 296,577.94 (46,577.94)) ===PAGE 6=== The Public Buildings & Grounds Division is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the following municipal facilities: DPW Garage, Park Building, Cemetery Building, Ritter Building, Old Primary School, Public Safety Complex, Town Hall, Eagle House, Library, Teen Center, Jones House, as well as the Town Common, Town Beach and all athletic fields and playgrounds excluding School properties. The division is managed by a Facilities Director, with the assistance of a janitor responsible for Town Hall, Eagle House and the DPW Garage and contract janitorial services for all other buildings. The HVAC systems at the Library, Public Safety Complex and Town Hall are maintained by a contract service. The age of many of the buildings being maintained creates a tremendous amount of work. Both the Parks and Cemetery Divisions are staffed with one- (1) person each. Each division, though a part of the entire department, is overseen by a Board of Commissioners. Total spending for the Department of Public Works is recommended at $1,429,700, which represents an increase of $88,043, or a 6.56% over the current fiscal year. The chart below shows the 10-year history of the Snow & Ice Account. The average expenditure over 10 years is $223,672, while the average expenditure over 5 years is $268,230. One major contributor to the increase in expenditure is the large increase in Salt- 44%- in the past 5 years, and Sand- 25%- in the past 5 years. Additionally, the Town only began purchasing Sand in FY2007. 10-Year History of Snow & Ice Account $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 S- FY2000 FY2001 FY2002 FY2003 FY2004 FY2005 FY2006 → Appropriation —Expenditure FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 I have chosen to continue to recommend a Snow & Ice Budget of $250,000. Although this does leave us with some level of exposure, it is far more realistic than what the Town was budgeting just a few years ago. There are a number of other priorities and one new mandate which needed to be factored in to the overall expenditures. In FY 12 and beyond, the Town will be faced with a new federal mandate regarding roadway signage. All signage must now comply with the (federal) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Compliance with this mandate is anticipated to cost $15,000 in year 1. In addition, we will be looking to do additional line painting on roadways to get us back on a regular schedule. Funding has also been included to partially restore a position that was not filled in FY2009 after a retirement. The vacant position was • a full-time position within the Highway Division. I have included funding for a part-time, 19 hr/wk, position within the Department, with the intent of restoring this to full-time in FY2013. It is likely that this position will be scheduled for a "mini" second shift, primarily as a more cost effective way to respond to call-backs that occur shortly after the end of the regular business day. Although the Department recently completed a detailed Pavement Management System plan, no additional funding is included in this recommendation to begin funding that plan. The plan identified the needs of the Town to be about $800,000 per year to properly maintain all roadways. While this needs to be a top priority, there is no way that this level of spending can be supported in the Operating Budget. The Town needs to consider a funding source outside of the Operating Budget. 13 ===PAGE 7=== FY2012 - 2016 Financial Forecast Revenue Assumptions: 1. Property Tax increases 2.5% per year, plus whatever amount is necessary to cover Exempt Debt. 2. New Growth increases in FY12 & FY13 to account for Emerald Place and Tri-Town Landing Developments. 3. All State Aid accounts decrease by 10% in FY12, but increase by 2.5% each year thereafter. 4. No growth in FY12 Local Receipts over adjusted FY11 projections; 2.5% increase each year thereafter. 5. No change in Available Funds 6. No draw on Stabilization Fund. General Expenditure Assumptions: 1. All utilities, except telephone, are projected to increase 5% per year 2. Telephone expenses are projected to increase 2.5% per year 3. All other expenses, except where noted below, are projected to increase 2% 4. All personnel expenses, except where noted below, will increase in accordance with approved contracts. 5. All dues, memberships, training, mileage reimbursement accounts have been restored Special Expenditure Assumptions: 1. General Government create PT HR Coordinator position; transitioning to FY in FY20.15. 2. General Government:. increase Legal Expenses by 3% per year 3. General, Government:, increase Town Clerk's Salary by 10% in FY12; 2.5% per year thereafter. 4. Police: Add 1 Patrol Officer per year FY11, 12 & 13; add 1 Sargent in FY15 5. Fire: Phase in 2nd shift, 2 person coverage, 50% of week in FY12; 100% of week by FY13. 6. Fire: Assume in-house dispatch 7. Building Inspection: additional hours for PT Assistant Building Inspector 8: Emergency Management: increase stipend from $2,500 to $5,000 9. School Department: use Superintendent's projections 10. Monty Tech: assume increase of 3.5% per year 11. DPW: $50K per year for Crack Sealing Program 12. DPW: Add one laborer/equipment operator position per year 13. DPW: increase Snow & Ice Supplies by. 5% each year; others by 2% 14. DPW: Fleet Maintenance & Fuel, increase all accounts by 5% per year 15. DPW: Facilities; one additional maintenance worker 16. Solid Waste: 5% per year 17: COA: add additional PT hours for Outreach 18. Library: Increase hours to restore cuts made in FY10 19. Library: Pay CWMARS membership out of operating budget 20. Retirement Assessment: increase 10% per year 21. Workers Compensation: increase 5% per year •?:) ===PAGE 8=== Health Insurance FY12 Estimate, revised 03/15/11 Plan Active HMO Blue, Single HMO Blue, Family Blue Care Elect Preferred, Single Blue Care Elect Preferred, Family Retired Medex 3 w/ OBRA 90 Medicare HMO Managed Blue for Seniors Medicare, Part B Medicare Penalty total count: Count 191 3: $ 3 $ 1061 $ 113, $ 429 All Town [77.5%] Town Share 459.16 1,207.58 547.76 1.440.56 354.39 367.92 $ 85.64 | $ iS Monthly Cost to Town 54,640.55 230,648.11 1,643.27 4,321.69 2,480.70 38.999.89 9,677.04 $ $ $ Annual: Cost to Town 655,686.55 2,767,777.37 19,719.18 51,860.25 $ $ $ 29,768.34 467,998.69 116,124.45 50,000.00 332,734.20| $ 4,158,934.83 | total: 4,158,934.83 All Town [75%] Count 119 S 191$ 3. $ 3. $ 7. $ 0: 106 S 113 $ 429 Town Share 444.35 1,168.63 547.76 1,440.56 354.39 356.06 82.88 $ $ Monthly Cost to Town! 52.877.95 223,207.85 1,643.27 4,321.69 2,480.70 37,741.83 9,364.88 322,273.28 $ $ $ $ $ $ total: | savings = $ Annual Cost to Town 634,535.37 2.678.494.23 19.719.18 51,860.25 29,768.34 452.901.96 112,378.50 50,000.00 4,029,657.83 4,029,657.83 129,277.00 ===PAGE 9=== Health Insurance Active HMO Blue, Single HMO Blue, Family Blue Care Elect Preferred, Single Blue Care Elect Preferred, Family Retired Medex 3 w/ OBRA 90 Medicare HMO Managed Blue for Seniors Medicare, Part B Medicare Penalty total count 3 7 $ 0 $ 106i $ 113, $ 241 Town Departments & Retirees 177.5%] $ Town Share 1,207.58 $ 1,440.56 354.39 367.92 85.64: $ Monthly 1077.65 1,643.27 4.321.69 2,480.70 S 38,999.89 9.677.04 $ 150,613.88 $ | total: 325,088.29 19,719.18 51,860.25 29,768.34 467,998.69 116,124.45 50,000.00 1,973.491.00 1,973,491.00 Town Departments & Retirees 175%]. Town Share 1. 168.63 S $ 7 $ 0. $ 106 $ 113 $ 2411 354.39 356.06 82.88 $ $ $ $ 2,480.70 37.741.83 $ 9.364.88 146,027.81 $ total: savings= 314,601.57 883,482.39 19,719.18 51.860.25 29.768.34 452,901.96 112,378.50 50,000.00 1,914,712.19 1.914,712.19 58,778.81 ===PAGE 10=== Health Insurance Active HMO Biue, Single HMO Blue, Family Blue Care Elect Preferred, Single Blue Care Elect Preferred, Family total count: School [77.5%] Count 62 126, $ $ School Share 459.16 1,207.58 547.76 1.440.56 Monthly Cost to School 28,468.18 152,155.30 $ 188 180.623.48 total: Annuali Cost to Schooli 341,618.20 1,825,863.61 2.167,481.81 2,167,481.81 Count 62 126 School [75%] School Share: 444.35 1,168.63 547.76 1,440.56 $ Monthly Cost to School 27,549.86 147,247.07 188 174,796.92 $ $ $ $ total: savings= $ Annual Cost to School 330,598.26 1,766,964.78 2.097.563.04 2,097,563.04 69.918.77 ===PAGE 11=== GIC's Rates to Increase 2.40% for FY12 - Lowest Increase in Three Years Page 1 of 1 The Official Website of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (ANF) Mass.Gov Administration and Finance Home > Insurance & Retirement > Oversight Agencies > Group Insurance Commission > GIC's Rates to Increase 2.40% for FY12 - Lowest Increase in Three Years For Immediate Release March 3, 2011 Boston, MA- The Group Insurance Commission approved rates for Fiscal 2012 at its meeting yesterday averaging a 2.4% increase, the lowest increase in three years. Dolores Mitcheli, Executive Director of the GIC told Commissioners at the annual rate setting meeting that the very avorabie rates were alfribulable to a two-part cost containment strategy to control growth in rates charged by insurers ind to incent employees to move to lower cost plans. In addition, the rates reflect lowered rates of medical service utilization, and vigorous rate negotiations. are to eater in or prediction or next year but were i pre par, and were very. trends of a 6.4% for 2011 for employer-sponsored health benefits. "Governor Patrick has made it clear that controlling health care costs is a top priority," said Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez. Jare paratin agressive steps the l is Taking to can i are se or the layes he in as by treas due ir negotiating lower rates." All state employees are required to re-enroll in their health plans during this years' annual enrollment, with a goal of incenting state employees to join limited networks and thereby save the Commonwealth tens of millions of dollars it health care costs. Employees who switch to the less costly plans will get a premium holiday for three months as well is the savings from the lower premiums for the rest of the year. The GIC offers six limited network plans whosc verage premiums are 20% lower than the broad network plans. The limited network plans include Fallon Community Health Plan Direct, Harvard Pilgrim Primary Choice, Health New England, NHP-Neighborhood Health Plan, Tufts Spirit Plan, and UniCare's Community Choice Plan. Employces who fail to re-enroll will be assigned to Community Choice, the least costly state-wide plan. This information provided by the Group Insurance Commission. © 2011 Commonwealth of Massachusetts http://www.mass.gov/?pagelD=afmodulechunk&L=4&L0=Home&L|=Insurance+%26tR... 3/15/2011 ===PAGE 12=== Youngs Road Landfill Site Conservation Area Solar Farm Proposed Area Composting/Recyclin Catch Basin/Road Sweepings ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2011-03-22-agenda-4780.txt BOARD : select-board DATE : 2011-03-22 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/select-board/2011-03-22-agenda-4780.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03222011-4780 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1===