2012-02-23-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 23, 2012 Minutes Town of Lexington Appropriation Committee Meeting February 23, 2012 Time and Location: Room G15, Town Offices, 7:30 p.m. Members Present: Glenn Parker, Chair; John Bartenstein, Vice Chair and Secretary; Joe Pato, Vice Chair; Mollie Garberg; Alan Levine; Eric Michelson; Jonina Schonfeld; Richard Neumeier, Rob Addelson (non- voting, ex officio) Not present: Robert Cohen The meeting was called to order at 7:34 p.m. Minutes. The 12/7/11 and 1/26/12 minutes will be edited for review at the next meeting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the 2/8/12 minutes as amended to clarify the discussion of bus fees. Vote: Approved 8 -0 -0 Employee Benefits. Joe Pato explained the methodology used for determining enrollment projections. The components of the methodology include quantifying the number of benefit- eligible employees and the number of current and projected retirees; applying a projected mortality rate; and analyzing plan design. The committee agreed that the current methodology used represents a conservative approach, and that the issue can be revisited once the Town has had experience with the GIC plan. The committee also discussed the relationship between contribution rates and spousal participation, and compensation. Mr. Pato noted the need for additional data on the number of benefit eligible employees in the schools. Action: Mr. Pato will send a formal request on behalf of the Committee to the Town Manager and School Superintendent for the Town to collect and report this data. Liaison Reports by staff and members. Mr. Addelson gave a report as follows: Budget. Mr. Addelson reported that the final FY2013 Recommended Budget would be presented for a vote at the next Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday, February 27. He will follow up on emailed questions from Mr. Levine on the white book. Miscellaneous. Mr. Addelson noted that the Town recently issued debt refunding bonds at an attractive rate (see minutes of December 7, 2011 for details) and that all parties involved in the recent negotiations on health benefits were satisfied with the process. Warrant Articles. The Committee discussed the upcoming articles in the Warrants for the Spring Special Town Meeting and Annual Town Meeting. Article 2 of the Special Town Meeting Warrant on rebuilding the Estabrook school was discussed. A motion to recommend approval was moved and seconded. Vote: Approved 7 -0 -1.