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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-12-03 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting December 3, 1984 Present were Chairman Maureen O'Brien, Paul Landers, John Russell, Mary Ziegler, 1-1 John Agnew, Executive Secretary, Police Chief Edward Marchand, David Stamatis, Leone DeMoura, Michael Saunders, William Golon, David Cortese, Peter Cummings, Beth Klepeis. Maureen O'Brien announced Newell A. "Newt" Morton had passed away and stated there was not a family in this Town that the man had not touched in the last 40 years. The Selectmen's meeting stood for a moment of silence in his memory. John Russell moved that the flag be lowered to half staff for the remainder of the week. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. The Board welcomed Regina Benoit as the new Dog Officer. Discussion/Action Items Police Department - The Police Chief reported that one Sergeant is at a three week school, one is attending a one week school, two individuals are on the injured list and others are on regular vacations, and these staffing changes required additional overtime. -- The previous heavy overtime was for night shooting qualifications. i Chief Marchand stated he and the brass interviewed all of the candidates for Patrol Officers, did a background investigation and checked personal references. The six candidates that are present for interviews had a physical examination and the records are available. The candidates are David Stamatis, Leone DeMoura, Michael Saunders, William Golon, David Cortese and Peter Cummings. (Anthony Caturello does not want a position now but would like to be reconsidered later.) All candidates agreed they wanted to be interviewed one at a time. There are four openings. The Chief stated they were all excellent candidates and he would recommend the top four on the list, since all candidates only being three points apart on the exam. There will be a Sergeant and a Lieutenant who will be leaving in the first quarter of the year. Maureen O'Brien asked the Chief to document why he passed over one candidate. She also stated it has been the preference of the Board to appoint those pursuing a degree in criminal justice. The Chief will be asking the Board to call for another list in February. John Russell moved into nomination the following candidates: David M. Stamatis, Leone M. DeMoura, Michael D. Saunders, William A. Golon, David Cortese and Peter C. Cummings. The motion was seconded. Each Selectman has four votes. Candidates were invited into the room. Board of Selectmen Meeting—December 3. 1984—Page 2 IMaureen O'Brien announced the vote: David M. Stamatis, William A. Golon, David Cortese and Peter C. Cummings. She stated that they had chosen those candidates who had made an effort to move into the criminal justice field both educationally and career wise. There will be three openings coming up within the next six months. Maureen O'Brien congratulated all of the candidates on their excellent exam scores. John Russell encouraged the other candidates to enroll in a Law Enforcement Program. John Russell moved that the four appointments as Police Officers be effective January 6, 1985. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. The Chief stated he would be late in submitting his budget. One of his secretaries is out sick and the Department is behind in secretarial work. The secretary is running out of sick leave and vacation, and it was a serious operation. Maureen O'Brien asked him to write a report. The psychologist exam is approximately$200 per person. Health Insurance — The Insurance Committee Chairman spoke with the Board of Selectmen about the Blue Cross/Blue Shield rates and the high rates versus low claims, BC/BS's application of Medex against other rates, and BC/BS's refusal to adjust the rates. What the Board thought six months ago would be a return of 10-15 thousand has turned into a larger cost. The Board discussed the inability of getting adjacent towns to join Reading in a suit and/or filing a lawsuit as a single town. The Insurance Committee has a 60 page draft report, and asked the Board to review it before making any decisions. The complete report will be submitted in January. Beth Klepeis stated a Master Health Plan would be presented at the Department Heads meeting to see what the reaction is. It appears the only savings would be to change the plan. She described some differences between the programs. There would be a joint payment for medications and physician visits. The Board felt there were wider town- wide issues, and that the discussion should be held with the Board of Selectmen prior to approaching the Department Heads. The Insurance Committee recommended the Town send a letter to Blue Cross stating they would like to see the renewal presentation no later than January 15`h for both plans. The Board discussed labor contract requirements. The Town will have a hard time getting quotes for liability coverage and discussed the tightening of the reinsurance market. Most companies are only giving firm quotes for 30 days and funds must be appropriated at Town Meeting to be effective July 1st. We have seen quotes for increases in the 2-5% range. The Insurance Committee agreed to supply insurance estimates in early January. These summary minutes were prepared by Nancy L. Eaton from two 90-minute tapes dated 12/3/84, provided by the Town of Reading, on January 1, 2000.