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Selectmen’s Meeting - November 7, 2011 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and sign a common victualler license for Panera Bread, 1684 Massachusetts Avenue, subject to them receiving a Building Occupancy Permit. Acceptance of MGL Chapter 32B, Sections 21-23 The Selectmen were asked to consider accepting Mass. General Law Chapter 32B, Section 21 to 23 that deal with employee/retiree health insurance. The Board must vote to accept this statute before the Town can avail itself of the provisions of the law. Acceptance of the statute does not require that the Town implement any changes in its employee/retiree health insurance program. If the Board votes acceptance the Town has the option to join the GIC or make changes in the plan design of the Town’s existing health insurance programs that cannot be greater than the co- pays and deductibles of the most common GIC plan. The Town also has the option of continuing to negotiate employee health insurance with the Employee Coalition under Section 19 of Chapter 32B. Staff recommends that the Board accept this statute to give the Town the option of making changes in employee health insurance under the new law given the tight time frames provided. Robert Cunha andPhyllis Neufeld, Co-Chairs of the Employee Coalition, made the following statement: “The Lexington Health Care Coalition, made up of representatives from the Town and school unions (many of whose presidents are here with us tonight) has bargained in good faith with the Town since 1993. Over that time, we have saved Lexington millions of dollars. We have often been the authors of the agreements which raised our premium contributions as well as our out-of- pocket expenses. We understand the financial situation that the community faces, and have always sought to find the best solution for both the Town and our workers. We also understand the new municipal health care law, and realize you will soon vote to accept it. “The Coalition is asking that you agree to a window of time to allow the Coalition to aggressively negotiate a new health care agreement with the Town, making implementation under the new law unnecessary and thus preserving the relationship between labor and management. It protects your interests and demonstrates to your employees that you do understand the financial burden this will place on their shoulders while recognizing your fiduciary obligation. The Coalition is ready to get to work and we urge you to honor our commitment to do so.” Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept Mass. General Law Chapter 32, Sections 21 to 23.