Town Council Approves Health Insurance Plan
Milford Boy Scout Troop 747 opened the Milford Town Council meeting Monday evening with the Pledge of Allegiance and remained for the duration of a two-hour meeting that addressed water issues, a new method for paying city bills and the health insurance plan for Milford town employees as well as other topics.
First on the agenda was Jean Wallace, a North Park resident, who brought in a sample of water she described as “looking like snot” from her kitchen sink. Various members and attendees agreed it also had a “perfume-like” or “dish soap” odor. Utilities Superintendent Randy Veach agreed to look into the problem, and council president Robert Cockburn said the city would “keep in touch” with Wallace.
Next, Brandon Shaffer of GovPayNet proposed to “extend a payment method to constituents.” For a fee of approximately a 3 percent per bill, constituents could pay city utilities bills using a credit or debit card. The average fee would come to between $1.50-$3.50. Council member Doug Ruch expressed concern about possible hacking and suggested the city use a “stand alone account” if the plan is implemented. The council decided to survey the public with a question on next month’s city utilities bill.
Lisa Manning of Frazzetta Financial Services presented the council with options for the city employees’ health insurance plan. After much consideration, the council chose to “grandmother-in” their previous policy with United Health Care, which will negate any new fees and mandates associated with the Affordable Care Act. The plan will include Parkview Physicians Group and Lutheran Health Network as network providers.
Manning stressed the importance of employees staying in a group plan and maintaining health savings accounts. The city will have to pay an 11 percent increase, however. Different figures were mentioned, but the city’s expenditure will be approximately $6,500 per month for all of its employees.
In department reports, the fire department passed its annual pump service test. Also, Town Marshall Rich Miotto was on hand to inform the council the police department would update its terminal service data agreement for $500. Miotto also suggested the council place advertisements for much needed reserve deputies. The council passed a motion to do so.
The council also approved an additional $665 for a generator and $1,825 to rebuild the wastewater treatment plant’s variable frequency drive, which helps remove solids like paper towels. According to Veach, the old VFD lasted almost 10 years. Cockburn commented the upgrade “could prevent other problems in the future.”
The town council also reviewed trash pickup bids and passed a motion to renew the contract with Sweetheimer Trash Removal and approved maintenance expenditures for Milford’s four 1-ton plow trucks. Veach also reminded the council Nov. 21 is the last day of leaf removal service.
Last on the agenda was the clerk’s office, and Joellen Free, city clerk, presented the council with the 2015 Multi-Township Emergency Medical Service contract, which showed no increase at $50,000. The council also agreed to pay for a flu shot for one employee.