Back to Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2009
Special Session 6:45 pm
Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns, Mr. Rabuffo
The Board met and discussed the Hersey House situation.
Voted - to write a letter to Mr. Hastings’ attorney, Mr. Kablack, declaring that the purchase and sale agreement for Hersey House has been breached
Voted - to authorize Town Counsel to file suit against Mr. Hastings regarding a variety of complaints relative to the Hersey House property.
At 6:50 pm the Board recessed and said they would reconvene in Sanborn to conduct a public hearing relative to the possible withdrawal of the retired teachers from the Group Insurance Commission.
The Board resumed session at 7:00 pm.
Mr. Riley called to order the public hearing noting that the hearing is being held pursuant to MGL C. 32B, Section 11.
In an effort to reduce health insurance costs, the Town is considering revoking its acceptance of that statute, thereby removing retired teachers from health coverage through the Group Insurance Commission, and returning them to coverage through the Town’s plans. The Town has begun negotiations with representatives of the Hingham Education Association to discuss issues relating to the transition of retirees between plans. The Town’s Benefits Coordinator has also been made available to answer any questions about coverage individual retirees may have.
Mr. Riley explained that the purpose of the hearing is to inform retired teachers and the public of the Board’s intent to submit the matter to a vote. He requested that people keep comments brief in order to allow everyone an opportunity to speak. He further requested that specific questions on plan design or coverage be addressed on an individual basis with the Benefits Coordinator. Mr. Riley informed the assembly that at the end of the hearing a vote would be taken of the affected retired teachers in attendance. The Board will then take the matter under advisement and any vote by the Board will take place at a future meeting.
Mr. Rabuffo made some comments on the OPEB issues and the relation to the retired teachers’ health insurance. Ms. Burns then offered an explanation of the OPEB issue and the related funding issue. Many active and retired teachers spoke in opposition to the possible change of insurance plans. Retirees cited their experiences with the plan. Many individuals pointed out that this was a benefit that had been planned on when retirement planning was done. There was discussion as to whether the listing of the OPEB liability on the Town’s financial statements was really an issue or simply a footnote. Mr. Alexiades explained that this is definitely more than a footnote issue.
The Board assured retirees that every effort is being made to continue the present contribution rate through an agreement with the current teachers.
After considerable comment the following question was posed to the affected retired teachers who were then asked to use the ballots that had been provided them in order to vote on the issue:
Shall the Town terminate its acceptance of Chapter 32B, Section 11 of the Massachusetts General Laws?
The votes were counted and tallied by Town Clerk Eileen McCracken and Assistant Town Administrator Betty Foley. The vote was 82 against, 3 in favor.
The Board of Selectmen took the matter under advisement.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm.
Betty Foley, clerk