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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-17 Commissioners of Trust Funds Minutes °`" RECEIVED Town of Reading TOWN CLERK Meeting Minutes READING, MA ,q' '" �w°"`r� 2621 JUL -8 AM 8, 251' Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Commissioners of Trust Funds Date: 2021-06-17 Time: 6:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Lower Level Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: Specific Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Neil Cohen, Mark Dockser, John Daly, Elizabeth Klepeis, and Endri Kume Members - Not Present: Others Present: Steve Skiffington and Kevin Bohmiller Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Endri Kume Topics of Discussion: Mr. Cohen called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Cohen asked Mr. Kume to provide an update on the Open Meeting Law changes. According to recent legislative updates, Mr. Kume informed the Commissioners that the Zoom meetings could continue until April 2022. Discussion about RFP: Ms. Klepeis asked Mr. Cohen to take the "Discuss the RFP"agenda item out of order and allow Mr. Skiffington to make his presentation. Mr. Skiffington introduced himself as the COO of Alternative Transportation Systems LLC. He provided an overview of the services his company offered and went over the proposal. Ms. Klepeis explained that the Trust Funds transfers funds to the Elderly Services for the purpose of managing the Reading Response Program including the screening of all of the clients for eligibility. Mr. Bohmiller expressed that he was excited about the service and was eager to restart the program. He mentioned a need for this service, and Elderly Services has made all the necessary adjustments in staffing to accommodate for anything that this program will need. The online portal that ATS offers is an excellent tool as it shortens the time required to book an appointment. Ms. Klepeis asked how long the contract can be locked, and Mr. Skiffington answered that the company prefers one year; however, that was an item that they are willing to work out with the Commissioners. A few topics were discussed for clarification only, such as no shows and how they are charged, how long the driver waits for a client, and the multiple certification and qualifications that the drivers have. There was a question from Ms. Klepeis if there was an extra charge for a relative or an escort that would go along with the client. Mr. Skiffington explained that due to regulation, they have to have an extra seat for each client taking a ride. Mr. Kume informed the Commissioners that he had received a response from MassTran on the RFP; however, it was after the deadline. Mr. Cohen mentioned that the appropriate action was to respond to the MassTran proposal and reject the bid. Ms. Klepeis suggested rejecting the bid based on the fact that the prices were not competitive and there was no service for the past year at all. Mr. Cohen asks Mr. Kume to share the original contract from Page 1 1 MassTran so the Commissioner can review the terms one more time. After reviewing the original contract from MassTran, the Commissioners reserved the right to terminate the agreement for convenience. On a motion by Ms Klepeis seconded by Mr. Daly, the decision to approach ATS and request a contract from them to offer the Reading Response Proaram transportation services was approved by a vote of 5-0. On a motion by Ms Klepeis. it was seconded by Mr. Dockser the decision to reiect MassTran proposal for prices not being competitive and no service for the oast year was approved by a vote of 5-0 Mr. Cohen instructed Mr. Kume to send a thank you email to MassTran, reject their proposal, and request a contract via email from ATS. Acceptance of minutes from prior sessions Zoom meetings. On a motion by Ms Klepeis seconded by Mr. Dockser. the Minutes of 5/13/2021 meeting were approved, by a vote of 5-0 Review portfolio Cash Flow and Trust Balances Reports. Discuss investment changes. Mr. Daly informed the Commissioners that the equity portion of the portfolio was doing fine. A few days ago, the Fed confirmed that they would not increase any rates and revisit the rate discussion in 2023. The uncertainty is how the market will deal with inflation worries; however, the market is doing fine, and the Fed seems not to be worried about inflation. The best strategy is not to adjust the portfolio and continue to invest the cash that is not needed in CO. Mr. Cohen asked if any bond was called. Mr. Kume stated that the Verizon Bond was called last month. Mr. Kume informed the Commissioners that the Library Director had inquired about the Library funds and any documentation related to them. He has scheduled a meeting with her and will report back once he had specifics. Reading Response Program liaison report: Ms. Klepeis stated that the past year due to Covid-19 has been over a year now that our escort program has been on hold. With that in mind, we are letting the Elderly Service team schedule escort service with whomever they can find until we have a long-term solution. Once we find a service provided for medical escort, we will have to lock a contract with them. Ms. Klepeis suggested that she reach out to Kerry and see if she can find a few quotes. The second issue was the Lifeline program through Philips, and the service is not going well, and our clients are confused when they get contacted by Philips. We have had a few issues where clients have received a very high bill and get upset. Philips has not resolved this issue for a long time now, and with the new transition that is coming up, the fear of this getting more complicated is very high. Ms. Klepeis stated that what we need is an intermediary company to manage the communication. There are two service providers that we should look at. One is Winchester Hospital, and the other one is Mount Auburn. We should get quotes from both of these providers. We can use them as intermediaries, and it is a plus that they offer Philips Lifeline. Ms. Klepeis suggested scheduling a meeting with the Elderly Service staff, reaching out to as many vendors that provide this service as possible, and reporting back to the Commissioners. The next Meeting Date was set for 7/7/2021 On motion by Ms Klepeis seconded by Mr. Daly. the Commissioners voted to adiourn its meeting at 8:07 p.m. by a vote of 5-0. Page 1 2 Respectfully submitted, Secretary Page 1 3