December 20, 2011

A Public Hearing of the Lee Town Board was called to order at 6:35 PM in the Lee Town Hall.  The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the proposed health insurance policy for eligible Town employees.  According to the Union Contract, the health insurance must be equal to, or better than, if a change is made.

Present were:  Supervisor John Urtz, Councilmen Kevin Gallagher, Alan Trombley, Harold VanWagenen and Patrick Hetherington.

Also present was Town Attorney, David Rapke; Deputy Town Clerk Gene Gehman.

Supervisor Urtz stated that a representative from BC/BS came to speak to the Highway union employees.  The main difference between the old policy and the new proposed policy is there is an increase in the price of the co-pays.  The employees did not agree with the offer and due to time restraints they were automatically re-enrolled in the current policy so they have coverage at this point.

The Board discussed somehow covering the cost of the increased amount that will need to be paid for co-pays, possibly offering a lump sum for this.

A motion was made by Karl Matt, seconded by Alan Trombley and CARRIED to authorize Supervisor Urtz and Attorney Dave Rapke to communicate with the bargaining unit to see if they are satisfied with the insurance program and if any remedial actions need to be taken, for a 1 year policy.   All in favor.

Eligibility Policy for Health Insurance

Supervisor Urtz informed that in years past there was no specific policy and that insurance was offered arbitrarily.  Mr. Urtz defined a policy mirroring what NYS Retirement uses to determine eligibility.  This policy states all employees; elected or appointed whose salary is equal to or greater than the federal minimum wage, multiplied by $2000 are eligible. 

It was discussed whether the policy should be made for salary to determine eligibility or position.  No decisions were made at this meeting.