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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-28 Commissioners of Trust Funds MinutesF Town of Reading RECEIVED 3 Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK ca READING. MA. ,P a IMOP q� a 721 NOV 15 AH B 33 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Commissioners of Trust Funds Date: 2021-07-28 Time: 6:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: 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: Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Endri Kume Topics of Discussion: Mr. Cohen called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. • Open Session for topics not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance of the meeting Mr. Kume reported that he met with the new Superintendent and briefly discussed the Teacher's Exemplary Awards. The Superintendent was very receptive to the award and plans to use the awards in the future. Mr. Dockser asked to discuss a topic related to 625 Main St and the residents displaced from their houses due to the electrical issues caused by flooding. The Town is searching for different ways to support these residents through fundraising and other ways. Some of these folks have minimal means of support. The landlord has offered some help; however, he is not doing anything else going forward. Mr. Cohen mentioned that he was aware of the situation. The problem is that the Trust Funds are very limited on what the funds can be used for. Ms. Klepeis said that because there is no medical component, the Trust Funds cannot be used to support these residents in any way financially. If some of them have medical needs and can show financial hardship, the Trust Fund Commissioners could review the request on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Cohen thanked Mr. Dockser for bringing this issue up to the Commissioners. Discuss Alternative Transportation Services LLC Contract for the Reading Response Program Mr. Kume shared the email response from ATS regarding the $65 fee for a driver to wait for a passenger. Mr. Cohen had proposed the following response: "ATS will receive a $65 fee/hour for a Driver who must wait for a passenger. If a passenger is late or delayed for a pick-up, the first 10 minutes of waiting time will not be charged. Thereafter, ATS will charge for a minimum of one half hour of time. Additionally, if a Driver is asked to wait for a passenger on drop off to provide a return trip, the waiting time charge Page 1 1 will begin immediately from the start of the wait time, at the same rate and with the same one half hour minimum." The difficulty with this restriction is to make sure the pickup and drop-off times are exact. Mr. Daly made a point that some doctor's offices take forever with their appointments. Mr. Dockser made a point that let's assume that we will incur the 10% administrative fee. For this contract, is this 10% fee going to change the decision to go with this company or not? Ms. Klepeis said that this is an essential administrative issue that we need to clarify with the company. Mr. Kume agreed with Mr. Dockser and asked if this was a deal -breaker or not. Mr. Cohen replied that it is not a deal -breaker; however, it is an essential part of the contract that needs to be understood and clarified with the vendor. Mr. Daly and Ms. Klepeis agreed to call ATS tomorrow and get specifics about this issue. Ms. Klepeis suggested voting on the updated contract. On a motion by Ms Klepeis second by Mr. Daly the contract was adopted as amended pending the outcome of the ouestions on charges from ATS by a vote of 5-0. Next meeting date was left open and Mr. Kume will reach out to all the Commissioners to set up the next meeting date. On a motion by Mr. Dockser seconded by Mr. Daly, the Commissioners voted to adjourn its meeting at 7.00 p m by a vote of 5-0 Respectfully submitted, Secretary Page 1 2