Policy 501, state's mosquito control project

5/2/12   Oxford Selectmen’s Mtg

Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

Prior to Oxford’s May Town Meeting, the Selectmen met in the Oxford High Library with two other boards in close proximity. Those Selectmen present were: Henry LaMountain; Michael Voas; Dennis Lamarche; Jennie Caissie, Chair; and John Saad. The first item reviewed was that the sanitary facilities at Carbuncle Pond had passed the Board of Health’s inspection allowing further renovation review to go forward.

Next up on the agenda was a state representative from the Massachusetts’ Mosquito Control Project who explained in great detail the programs offered by the State regarding non-restricted pesticides, mosquito traps, etc. pertaining to the West Nile and Triple E virus borne by mosquitoes. The annual cost was presented as $60,000 annual and a 3-year contract was standard. This item, however, was also listed on the Town Meeting Warrant and was defeated due to funding availability.

Policy 501 became an intense discussion among board members as it pertained to inclusion of part-time Town-elected employees on the Town’s health insurance program. In 2011, Selectman Voas had proposed that this policy be phased out to save the Town money on health insurance costs ranging up to $7,600 for individuals and as high as $19,800 for family plans. Mr. Saad spoke about the costs for insuring part-time Town employees as a “budget buster.” Ms. Caissie and Mr. Lamarche are the only two members of the Board who currently use the Town’s health insurance benefits. The final vote to eliminate medical insurance benefits for Town-elected employees was passed with Mr. Lamarche being in sole opposition. Ms. Caissie then made a motion to amend Selectman Voas’ motion to phase out the health benefit if Selectman Voas agreed to reimburse the Town for $16,000 in legal fees incurred shortly after his election to the Board regarding an appointment process for police officers. Mr. Voas defended himself by stating that he was not aware of the procedures relating to the hiring process at the time and that he also gives back his Selectman’s pay to the Town. Ms. Caissie’s motion did not pass with those opposed being Selectmen Voas, Saad, and LaMountain. Ms. Caissie and Mr. Lamarche voted in favor.  The end result is that those Town-elected part-time employees with health insurance would be able to keep the coverage until their terms expire.  The Board then adjourned and attended the May Town Meeting held in the high school auditorium.