BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chris Hall, Mary Ellen Sherwood, Elizabeth (Petsy) Jenkins, Mike Hiner, Merle H. Hittle, James Lothschutz, and Ross McCloskey. (Ross arrived late.)

 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

 

Supervisor, Chris Hall, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Dalton Township Hall.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT PURCHASE:

Motion by Mike, support by Jim, PASSED to accept the quote from 5 Alarm Fire Safety Equipment for the Hurst Notched Blades in the total amount of $1,145.50. Yes: Mike, Jim, Merle, Elizabeth, Mary Ellen and Chris. No: none. Absent: Ross.

 

INTRODUCE INSURANCE AGENT BILL LEWIS:

The Township’s Insurance Agent, Bill Lewis of Integrity Benefits, was introduced to the new board members. He was present to help explain the Section 125 Plan that needs to be implemented by the Township Board if the township wants to continue with the medical opt out or payment in lieu of benefits to employees who wish to opt out of the health insurance plan. Mr. Lewis explained that if the township plans to continue with the medical opt out payments to employees, the Section 125 Plan needs to be implemented to be in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code. Mr. Lewis stated that the Section 125 Plan can be implemented by adopting a Resolution and a sample resolution was provided. Mr. Lewis explained the Plan in further detail. Many questions were asked including who will be administering the Section 125 Plan. Mr. Lewis answered the many questions.

 

RESOLUTION FOR A SECTION 125 PLAN-TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE TO PAY MONEY IN LIEU OF MEDICAL BENEFITS:

Lengthy discussion took place with all board members and others present. It was stated that the opt out payment is only offered for the medical insurance, it is not offered for the dental/vision or life insurance. Chris stated that the current opt out payments are paid monthly at fifty percent of the actual monthly premium. Chris stated that he checked with other township’s that offer the opt out payments and most stated that they pay fifty (50) percent of the single monthly premium. Mary Ellen stated that she does not receive the opt out payments; however, the township saves a lot of money each month now and if we don’t make it enough of an incentive to opt out of the health insurance then the employees will just sign up for the insurance and we will be paying the full premium each month. Ross stated that this plan benefits both the township and the employees’ however he believes that amount is excessive. It was stated if an employee does opt out of the medial coverage they must sign and waiver and prove that they are covered under another medical plan, such as under their spouse’s insurance. Chris stated that other township’s that pay the opt out pay monthly, some pay annually, and some don’t pay anything at all. Elizabeth stated that she would rather see this paid in a bonus check. Mike stated that it should continue to be paid monthly. Further discussion took place.

 

A motion was made by Merle to adopt the Resolution of the governing body (for the Section 125 Plan) the motion was supported by Ross. After discussion, this motion was rescinded then a new motion was offered.

 

Motion by Merle, support by Ross, PASSED to approve the Resolution to incorporate the Section 125 Plan. Yes: Merle, Ross, Mike, Jim, Elizabeth, Mary Ellen and Chris. No: none.

Motion by Merle, support by Jim, PASSED to pay the medical opt out for October of 2009 at fifty (50) percent of the premium as we have been paying. Starting in November of 2009 the medical opt out payments shall be lowered to twenty-five (25) percent of the current premium, paid monthly as it is now, for the first calendar year. The second calendar year, and every year thereafter, the medical opt out payments will be lowered to twelve and one half percent (12.5) of the current premium. Yes: Merle, Jim, Ross, Mike, Elizabeth and Chris. No: Mary Ellen.

 

BOARD COMMENTS:

It was discussed how much the employees will be paying toward their insurance premiums each month in the near future. No specific amount was set at this time. Ross questioned where the township is at with the audit. Chris stated that he wrapped up a final issue and Stephanie still needs to provide some numbers to the auditor with regard to the sewer special assessments. Mary Ellen stated that she has provided the auditor with everything that he has requested.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Mike, support by Merle, PASSED to adjourn the meeting at 7:02 p.m. Yes: all.

DALTON TOWNSHIP BOARD

Chris Hall Supervisor

Mary Ellen Sherwood Clerk

Elizabeth (Petsy) Jenkins Treasurer

Michael Hiner Trustee

Merle H. Hittle Trustee

James Lothschutz Trustee

Ross McCloskey Trustee

 

Clerk__________________________

Mary Ellen Sherwood