Town changes insurance plan
NORTH CANAAN — The Board of Selectmen June 7 approved a plan to switch the town’s health insurance provider from Anthem to Aetna, along with the rest of the town’s insurance group — which includes the six towns and the seven schools of the Region One School District.
The district balked earlier this year at the proposed hike from Anthem and, with the help of a consultant, sought a better rate for comparable services. After bids were received, the district chose Aetna.
On June 7, the selectmen heard from longtime local insurance agent Andy Gandolfo, of Raynard and Peirce. The board members were considering splitting off from the rest of the district and using a local broker. Gandolfo told them he (or whatever broker was chosen) would be the only one that would profit from splitting off from the strength of the regional contract.
However, he offered to help out as needed, particularly for individuals with questions about their coverage.
Board members passed a number of other motions.
• With names being submitted as requested for an additional war memorial at the Doughboy Monument, the finance board will receive a request to appropriate $5,000 from the current budget as a down payment and $5,000 in the next fiscal budget to pay for two granite stones and engraving.
Eligible for recognition on the stones are North Canaan natives who served in conflicts after the Vietnam War. Selectman Charlie Perotti reported 11 names had been submitted to date, including two from Desert Storm and several from Iraq.
• Approval was given to spend about $24,000 from the capital non-recurring account to install a moisture barrier and dehumidifiers under Town Hall.
The original part of the building has long been plagued with moisture and mold issues.
Perotti said the same company that installed a very effective membrane in the North Canaan Elementary School basement gave a quote of nearly $27,000. That has been reduced by Perotti’s opinion as a plumber that four sump pumps included in the quote are not needed.
One is already in place. Town crew members can be tapped to scrape the old waterproofing paper off the basement walls for additional savings.
• Approved as well were several appointments:
Michael Fitting is the new assistant fire marshal. He has been filling in since the death nearly a year ago of John Foley.
Adjustments to the Planning and Zoning Commission follow the resignation of Matthew Devino. Alternate Frank Montagna was moved to a regular seat, Tim Abbott was appointed as an alternate. Both terms expire with the 2011 municipal elections.
A vacancy on the Recreation Commission was filled by Jessica Simmons.
