Retiree health insurance premium freeze extended

August 25, 2016

In a significant disappointment for cities and towns, the Legislature in July voted to override the governor’s veto of a state budget provision that freezes municipal retiree health insurance contribution rates for another two years.

As a result, cities and towns that used the municipal health insurance reform process cannot adjust contribution percentages for retiree health insurance for another two years (until July 2018).

The municipal health insurance reform law, passed in 2011, froze the retiree rates through July 2014. The freeze was subsequently extended for an additional two years and now has been extended again, reaching a total of seven years.

Retirees and unions were exerting pressure to override the veto, even as the MMA and the administration called on the Legislature to let the governor’s veto stand. The MMA argued that the freeze takes away one of the few tools municipal officials have to manage rising health insurance costs.

To date, more than 100 cities, towns and other local entities have adopted and used the reform process to save hundreds of millions of dollars in health insurance costs.

Cities and towns that did not adopt and use the municipal health insurance reform process may still change retiree premium contribution rates.

Municipal retirees do not have collective bargaining rights under Chapter 150E.

Written by MMA Senior Legislative Analyst Katie S. McCue

posted by Jeff Bennett

My thoughts for the week.


After a week, all there is "Sound of SILENCE" Selectmen were notified that on the Templeton Town website, that you pay for, has incorrect information on it. Fees for public records are not only incorrect, they are in violation of the law. No action at all, perhaps not so surprising at all.

Maybe go to selectmen office hours and complain or inform?  Already been done, complain or inform, at a televised meeting of the selectmen and nothing has been changed, no action at all.

Perhaps they take lessons from the Light and Water commissioners, "we do things right over here". 

I wonder if I can get a notification in the newspaper, Templeton Municipal Light and Water - Dana says "We do things Right over here." Another example of a need for change in commissioners, the only problem is without a change of two commissioners, not much will happen. 


posted by Jeff Bennett

MEMORANDUM - OFFICE OF THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
To:        Board of Selectmen
From:   Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator
RE:       Administrator's Weekly Report
Date:     August 25, 2016
cc:        All Departments

Business Meeting: N/A

Weekly Report: We have received a new contract from the MART for our van which has substantial negatives to us mid this budget year ($1I k+/- partial FY loss in revenue). Dianna and I are working on this and will advise ASAP. I had several lengthy conversations with Abrahams Associates and our FY '13 Auditor re: the OPEB valuation. I'll be bringing you a request to set the base valuation year as of FY '15 at your 09/12 meeting. We also discussed (and Kelli has worked on) trying to establish the FY ' 12 ending balances versus the FY ' 13 beginning balances for our meeting with Melanson as we try to tie down loose pieces to become auditable for FY ' 13. I've prepared an addition to your 10/20 Fall Town Meeting relative to the school's drainage easement and shared the same with them as to the information I need for your action on 09/26. I toured the Highway yard, finalized the Request for Quotations for the used 6-wheel dump truck and issued the same, circulated a sample bid package for Town surplus to the Highway Administrative Assistant to see if we think we can accomplish such a sale this fall yet to clear out space now taken up by the 15"- vehicles and other such surplus. I've begun a draft of a Disposition of Surplus Property policy for 09/22. I met with the PD Chief and Architect to review a potential bid schedule and the timing of the needed Bond Anticipation Note(s). I've reached out to DOR to arrange a sit-down with the lead processor on state house notes (which can go up to $1M). We also discussed the need for an Owner's Clerk of the Works and should be able to advise you on this shortly. I've continued discussion with the finance units relative to ensuring we have back-ups for payroll, AP and basic functions. We will have a team sit-down to review work-flow after Labor Day as we work toward any proposed revisions. I wrapped up the work of the Fire Chief Screening Panel and took care of all arrangements for your final interviews of 09/24.

from Town website - first paragraph of "report"
posted by Jeff Bennett

MEMORANDUM - OFFICE OF THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR

TO:         Board of Selectmen
FROM:   Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator
DATE:    August 11, 2016
RE:         Administrator's Weekly Report
cc            N/A
All Departments

Business Session: N/A
Workshop: N/A

Weekly Activities: Welcome to the first organizational team report. This weekly update will give you an idea of how the staff has been engaged, issues you need to be aware of now, and items which may need your future action or the development of policy. It will probably go through a few iterations
before we all settle into a routine so that it is informative but does not consume too many resources to prepare. Please let me know your thoughts so we can make this a useful tool for you and the public.
Most of our attention has been on the Special Town Meeting we reviewed at the budget meeting/ We await a sign-off from DORS should we need it, to use the stabilization funds to finance the payment of the unanticipated debt expense. A review panel consisting of three Fire/EMS Chief's, Chief of Police and one management professional will be assisting me in narrowing the Fire Chief applicants. All candidates have been informed of your 08/24 interview process, the fact that it will be a public meeting, and reminded of a need for no more than a 15-mile town to town residency. Please be sending me questions you might want to ask that I can begin to assemble them into a compiled list for sign-off at your 08/22 BOS meeting. Staff discussed the annual evaluation process given. I have only
been here but a few days. I'm going to have them each do a short self-evaluation as a starting point. We hope to supplement this with a modified 3600 peer review and a one on one sit-down. I expect this to take about 8 weeks. We also discussed whether there was merit to presenting the idea of adopting the local option meals tax which could raise as much as $40k annually. We are following up on a suggestion that we survey our surrounding towns to see if they have done so and what — if any — problems they have encountered. Having been turned down for a Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) by Fidelity, the RDA was provided with a declination letter which seems to have solved the immediate problem. John D. and I will have a conference call with Bond Counsel for Monday to review the next needed steps (probably a bonding resolution for your 08/22 meeting). It appears a similar resolution will be needed by the Sewer Department for the Pleasant Street pump station. With the design for the Police Station upgrade approaching finalization, we need to now consider how to secure that given our experience on the water BAN. Interviews for the HR Assistant are upcoming. Of our three applicants two withdrew. Unless there is objection, I am going to add the second finalist from the Cemetery interviews to the pool for consideration. Lesson Learned: We need a formal policy on how to advertise, process and the like. We've added this to a list we have begun of policies we'd like to address during my time with you (also one dealing with travel). The several personnel matters you were informed of last week will be addressed in various meetings during the front part of next
week. We will keep you posted as they evolve. I met with the Advisory Committee Chair for a general discussion in the run-up to the Fall Town Meeting. Holly attended a meeting with the ABCC and learned they are — over time— moving licensing to an on-line platform. It looks like we will be in a —yet to be defined — Phase 2. As you know, the Planning Board voted 4-2 to not approve the new school plan. We have consulted with Town Counsel as to what the options might be going forward and expect to have his response by close of business on Monday.

Administration & Finance
Town Accountant: FY 2016 Cash is reconciled from GL to Cash Book — Worked on Budget for FY
17 and discovered the Debt line item error of $87,500 — Will have updated Budget VS Actual out on Thursday (on vacation starting Tuesday 8/16 and be back Wednesday 8/24)

Treasurer/CoIlector: Nothing to report this week. (out of office)

Assessor: Nothing to report this week. (out of office)

Town Clerk: This week I had Suzanne Owen from General Code come to the Selectmen's meeting to give the board a brief presentation on what the process and the benefits of codifying our by-laws
would be. Our office is busy with absentee voting and preparing for the State Primary which will be held on September 8th from 7:00 am-8:OOpm. The 2016 Street List has been completed and can be purchased in the Town Clerk's office.

Highway & Grounds
Highway Department: French Road: A town tree fell on private property. Cut and removed tree.
There are two more large trees on the same property that are the property of the Town and are dead. Resident is concerned about the branches falling while his 3-year-old is outside playing. Removed 2 trees, the abutter will take the wood. Follow up on comments from residents: Trimmed grass at the Baldwinsville end of Baldwinville Road to the left-hand side to improve visibility. Trimmed various branches hanging and obstructing road signs, Baldwinville Road, North Main, Claire and Beech. Rework roadside Shady lane area washing out and creating a groove where the mail truck is complaining of getting stuck. Cold patch Main Street near bridge, French Road, Pail Factory and Turner; Mow along Hubbardston Road. Projected for week ending 8/19/16, continue removing dead and dangerous trees on various roads around Templeton. We anticipate using a tree service to remove some tree that we cannot do. Our 1979 Mack has been sidelined due to frame failure, brake problems and a clutch that needs to be replaced. The estimate to rehab this truck would be $18,000.00-$20,000.00 per the quotes. It is my opinion that this truck should be replaced with a used or new vehicle.
Cemetery & Parks: This First Weekly Update I Spent The Majority of Time on Office
Administration, and meetings;
Conducted Interviews for Administrative Assistant Position, and recommendation for appointment;
Prepared for Pine Grove Expansion Presentation for Selectmen Meeting;
Met with Lot Owners Pine Grove Cemetery Lot Concerns; Scheduled two Funerals with Several Pending; Met with family to sell a Lot (emergency);
Providing support to the Engineer for Tomb Restoration Plans & Specifications;
Followed up with the Highway Superintendent on Boynton St. Area of Templeton Common;

Posted Cemetery Commission Meeting Agenda;
Field work repaired water lines & Mowing for Funeral Green Lawn.

Public Safety
Templeton Police Department: The PD has submitted the COPS Grant and is awaiting word from the Feds. All vests have been ordered for the pan-time officers. Interviews to fill the remaining vacancies with the part-time officers will be taking place Thursday the 18th at Town Hall. The PD renovation project has a final review on 8/23. Dispatch had issues with and air conditioning unit used to keep computer equipment at the proper temperature, technician was out and issue should be resolved shortly. Interviews to hire two part-time dispatchers are taking place on Thursday the 18th at Town Hall.
Templeton Fire/EMS: Friday we covered 3 ambulance and I fire alarm call that came in with in a 10-minute span; 15 delivery tanker truck inspections were completed, (1/2Hr each); 8 Smoke/carbon home inspections; Assisted a home owner with removing a Bat from their home; Obtained an estimate for the roof repair for St.—2 front foyer. $2000.00; Obtained an estimate to wire the generator from front building to also run the rear building, $4450.00; New Deck gun, Master stream nozzle for Engine—2 ordered $3200.00 below the state bid price using old appliance parts from old EA•, 10 pails of class A foam ordered; Meeting with Kelli about budget request; A new fire coat ordered 3 months ago was received.$1300.00; Using "FTE" pay would like to hire 1 medic and I basic EMT full time 40 Hrs. a week starting September 1st. 8Am to 4Pm to cover OEMS requirements; Hire 1 medic and I basic after January I st. full time 40 Hrs. a week 4Pm to 12 midnight to cover the 16 hours required to keep the ambulance license.
Emergency Management: Received the final, signed grant contract for the 2015 SHSP/CCP grant via email on Friday 8/5/16. This $2500 grant will be utilized to purchase CPR/AED training equipment for Templeton's CERT and also local CERT programs. On Saturday, 8/6/16, our CERT program assisted
Templeton Police Department with traffic control for the annual 5K Wind Turbine Road Race, which started and ended at the Narragansett Middle/High School. This allowed the runners to be safe and the traffic to keep moving with minimal delays. A summary of this event was forwarded to MEMA to inform them of CERT activity. We are working on a complete re-organization of Emergency Management files. This process will take several weeks to complete. Monday night, (8/8/16), we held our regular monthly meeting of our volunteer CERT program from 7PM to 9PM. There were 19 members in attendance. Attended a Department Head meeting at 9AM on Tuesday (8/9/16). On Tuesday 8/9/16, I contacted a new vendor to order equipment for the 2015 SHSP/CCP grant. This equipment will be shipped out immediately. A new laptop computer, purchased by the Town, arrived
at Town Hall on Tuesday 8/9/16. This computer will be dedicated to the new ID system that we purchased with the 2015 EMPG grant. This purchase was necessary, as none of our computers had enough internal memory to run the software for this ID system. On Wednesday (8/10/16) the installation representative from Higgins Co. arrived at 8:30 AM to install the software on our new laptop for the ID system. 1--1e also set up CERT ID's with this program. One of our CERT members will be trained in the programming of this system and be able to assist other Town Departments in
making ID's as necessary.
Development & Inspectional Services
Board of Health: Last week the Board of Health conducted a "bulky waste" collection at the capped landfill that included metal for no cost, bulk waste items for a fee, and electronics for a fee (pamphlet


from Town website - posted by Jeff Bennett

TOWN OF TEMPLETON, MASSACHUSETTS

TO:         Board of selectmen
FROM:   Carter Terenzini, Interim Town Administrator
DATE:    August 8, 2016
RE:         Weekly Update
 CC          N/A

In this start-up week I spent the majority of my time in collecting documents and meeting with key staff. Amongst those was an all Department Head Meet and Greet (where we discussed possible ways of completing annual evaluations), and at length meetings with the
Treasurer/Collector, Town Accountant, and Highway Superintendent, Deb Wagner of DOR and our bonding Financial Consultant. The most pressing matters were:
- Several personnel matters for which I have provided a separate confidential memorandum;
- Learning there is no back-up person trained to do payroll or accounts payable should something happen to either of the two lead staff responsible for these matters;
- Reviewing various budget numbers and spread sheets in preparation for a Fall Town Meeting (STM) article to bring two possible revenue overestimates and several totaling errors into balance;
- Late filed bills (all of which seem to be from the Sewer Department) for the STM knowing we cannot use retained earnings to cover them (I have a call into K. Songer and will advise);
- Costing out the Highway/Sewer CBA to ensure appropriate funding is available for the STM;
- With a lack of financials we are unable to procure a competitive Bond Anticipation Note
(BAN) for the water project. Our financial consultant advised a negotiated placement. Mr. Driscoll and I met with Fidelity on Thursday and learned this morning they do not believe they have the depth/experience to help us out. I have reached out to John and another financial institution;
- DOR advised on their position on free cash and retained earnings (they will not certify or allow the use of either), the need to ensure we are reconciling cash and accounts receivable with the General Ledger, encouraged we begin to compile all Prepared by Client (PBC) items for the auditors; and gave me access to estimates of what the community might raise if it were to consider adopting the local meals tax ($40k+/- per year).
- Kelli and I have discussed the merits of trying to have the audit firm under contract for FY '13, '14, and '15 bring us right through FY '16. If there is no objection I'd like to reach out to see what those costs might be for a more in-depth discussion of the merits.


from Town website - posted by Jeff Bennett

There is now an opening on the Advisory Committee. The next meeting of said Committee is scheduled for September 7, 2016. A Wednesday evening meeting at 6:30 P.M. at Town Hall.


posted by Jeff Bennett

Somebody must have some pull, there is a help wanted post on Templeton Town website for a vacancy on the housing authority. Maybe someone with some tree/logging experience can apply as they have a problem with a TREE growing out of the chimney over there.

Funny thing is, there has been a request from the Advisory Committee in, since about July, for an opening on said committee but somehow it cannot make it on the Templeton Town web site??

Perhaps any selectmen who read this page can give us a hand, although we do have some capable people on the Advisory Committee. (but we are only appointed so we may need help from some elected folks) Personally I hope those elected folks are busy trying to come up with solutions to the budget boo boos they have before them now (the selectmen) so they can get it to the Advisory Committee in time so we may look them over in detail. I would hate to see them send something over at the last minute.

Now I have to go and try to watch the meeting of the elected Board of Assessors as I understand there might be some unprofessional behavior from a town administrator on there. I have to try and watch it and see.


posted by Jeff Bennett