2009-03-23 to 2009-05-06 ATM-min

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March 30, 2009 Annual Town Meeting, cont... 9:06 p.m. Phyllis Neufeld, Lexington Teacher's Union, spoke in opposition. 9:11 P.M. Town Manager Carl Valente responded to questions on the Group Insurance Commission's plan. Members spoke in support and opposition, including comments on availability of insurance plans, current membership, rates, and contributions. 9:28 p.m. Charles Lamb, pr.4, moved to extend debate for 30 minutes. Motion Adopted. Members continued to speak in support and opposition, and commented further on the Commonwealth's Group Insurance Commission's plan. 9:42 p.m. Robert Cunha, pr.2, explained the current Coalition Bargaining pertains to only bargaining health insurance. 10:01 P.M. The Moderator called a standing vote on the amendment to Article 4, line 2130. Amendment adopted - 104 in favor and 64 opposed. 10:08 P.M. Selectman Carl Valente responded to questions regarding average plan costs and employee option for town benefits. 10:10 P.M. Vote on Article 4, line 2130 as amended — Unanimously Adopted. 10:10 p. M. Alan Levine, pr. 8, served notice of reconsideration on Article 4, line 2130. 10:12 p.m. Deborah Brown briefly resumed serving as Moderator, recused herself again for Temporary Moderator Margery Battin to preside over Article 43. Selectman Norman Cohen moved to postpone further action on Article 4 until after Article 43. Motion Adopted. 10:15 p.m. Selectman Norman Cohen moved to take up Article 43. Motion Adopted. 10:15 p.m. Presented by Patrick Mehr, pr.3. ARTICLE 43: HEALTH BENEFITS MOTION: That the Town authorize the formation of a Spousal Health Benefits Study Committee comprised of four members, one each named by the Moderator, the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee and the Appropriation Committee. The Committee shall be formed as soon as possible, and shall determine the rate at which eligible town employees subscribe to family health plans in 15 -20 greater Boston area towns that contribute from 50% to 100% of health premiums. The Committee shall report to the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee and the Appropriation Committee as soon as possible, and at the 2010 Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Mehr presented requested action. 10:23 p.m. Selectman Jeanne Krieger reported unanimous opposition of the Selectmen. The Moderator called for a brief recess. 10:29 p.m. Margaret Coppe, School Committee Chair, reported the opposition of a majority of the School Committee. 10:29 p.m. Alan Levine, Appropriation Committee Chair, reported 4 members of the Committee were in support, and 4 in opposition. 10:30 p.m. Following a statement on her need to step down as Temporary Moderator, Ephraim Weiss, pr.5, moved Charles Hornig, pr.8, be appointed Temporary Moderator. Motion Adopted. 10:36 p.m. Members spoke further in favor and opposition to Article 43. 10:39 p.m. Reid Zurlo, pr.3, called the question. Motion Adopted. 10:40 p.m. Patrick Mehr yielded time to Rod Cole, who spoke in favor of the motion. 10:42 p.m. Article 43 Not Adopted. 10:43 p.m. Selectman Norman Cohen moved the meeting be adjourned until 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2009, Cary Memorial Hall. Motion Adopted. A true copy. Attest: Donna M. Hooper, Town Clerk