5 Things You Missed at Monday’s Selectmen Meeting

Did you miss Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting? Aside from more budget hearings for various town departments, here are five things to catch up on: 

1. Health insurance. Town Administrator Greg Balukonis told the Board of Selectmen that the town has received four quotes on health insurance plans for the 2012 fiscal year, ranging from a 5 percent increase to a 15 percent increase in costs. The four quotes came from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, MIIA (the nonprofit insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association) and Tufts Health Plan, Balukonis said. However, the town only has room for a maximum increase of 2 percent in its 2012 budget plan, Balukonis said. The town’s health insurance consultant is seeking additional quotes, Balukonis said, adding that the town needs to design a plan that fits within the available funds. Balukonis also said he has met with union representatives on the insurance advisory committee to update them on the bid process.
2. Budget hearings. Selectman Sean Delaney requested that the board move its public budget hearing back one week, to April 25, because the meeting is currently scheduled for the beginning of school vacation week. Balukonis said budget decisions must be made by May 2 in order to get informational materials printed and mailed to residents in time for the June 6 Town Meeting. The board agreed to hold a meeting April 19 as scheduled to continue to work on the budget, and then schedule a public hearing for April 25 at 7 p.m. in Room 14 at .
3. Road repairs. The town needs to address its local road program, Balukonis said. He suggested adding a warrant article at June Town Meeting relating to local roads. The town is slated , although it is subject to appropriation. That figure represents a 29 percent increase over the previous year’s state aid, Balukonis told selectmen.
4. Commercial development. The Community Planning Commission has seen an increase in commercial activity, Community Planning Administrator Heidi Griffin told selectmen. Commercial projects now dominate a majority of the CPC’s agenda, Griffin said, adding that she has received a number of inquiries about properties on Route 28 and Concord Street.
5. Renovations to the senior center. The renovation project at the is nearing completion, Elder Affairs Director Mary Prenney said. The project cost $280,000, Balukonis said, with a major portion of the budget going toward window replacement. Repairs also needed to be made to the steeple, which was in such disrepair that it was allowing rainwater to seep into the building, Balukonis said. Prenney said she hopes that the second and third floors eventually will be renovated, which would allow the senior center to utilize the entire building or open up portions of the facility to use as a community center.