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cathyk
Member
97 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2011 : 08:19:35 AM
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so in today's globe north the mayor or should I say Melissa have been negotiaton with the unions on teh health care plan. Under the new law if no agreement is reached after 30 days of bargaining between the municipality and union committee the mater is referred to a three person panel (wonder who is on this one) The Panel is required to approve the design changes (OK) if it detrminse the benefits are comaparable with the GIC insurance or to approve the transfer to the GIC if the community can show the savings it would have to be 5% greater than the city's own health insurance NOW. (it goes on) bottom line Everett officals estimate saving 1.2 to 1.7 million annually.
Now did I hear Melissa correct on a meeting saying it would not save this much so now it is? Talk about throwing numbers out there before they do the figures.
UNIONS PLEASE DO NOT ACCEPT THIS FIGHT FOR US WORKERS IT'S OK TO RAISE OUR DUES NOW IT'S TIME TO ACT. |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2011 : 10:49:18 AM
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Health care plan at issue
October 16, 2011
The city is preparing to begin negotiations with its unions on the employee health care plan. The City Council recently approved Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s request that Everett accept a new state law that allows cities and towns to modify the designs of their health care plans or to transfer their employees to the Group Insurance Commission system following an expedited bargaining period. Under the new law, if no agreement is reached after 30 days of bargaining between the municipality and a union committee, the matter is referred to a three-person review panel. The panel is required to approve the design changes if it determines the benefits are comparable with the GIC, or to approve the community’s transfer to the GIC if the community can show the savings would be at least 5 percent greater than its own health plan. Everett’s insurance consultant has advised the city that it would not achieve the 5 percent savings threshold by joining the GIC, so the city will be seeking a redesign of its health plan. The city is forming a committee that will represent unions in the talks. Everett officials estimate savings of $1.2 million to $1.7 million annually through changes. - John Laidler |
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cozulady
Senior Member
165 Posts |
 Posted - 10/16/2011 : 12:36:51 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by cathyk
so in today's globe north the mayor or should I say Melissa have been negotiaton with the unions on teh health care plan. Under the new law if no agreement is reached after 30 days of bargaining between the municipality and union committee the mater is referred to a three person panel (wonder who is on this one) The Panel is required to approve the design changes (OK) if it detrminse the benefits are comaparable with the GIC insurance or to approve the transfer to the GIC if the community can show the savings it would have to be 5% greater than the city's own health insurance NOW. (it goes on) bottom line Everett officals estimate saving 1.2 to 1.7 million annually.
Don't forget--The savings Everett will see does not make it eligible for the GIC plan (which, while more expensive, is good coverage) and will be doing a "Look-A-Like" plan.
Now did I hear Melissa correct on a meeting saying it would not save this much so now it is? Talk about throwing numbers out there before they do the figures.
UNIONS PLEASE DO NOT ACCEPT THIS FIGHT FOR US WORKERS IT'S OK TO RAISE OUR DUES NOW IT'S TIME TO ACT.
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 10/20/2011 : 10:28:10 AM
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| The news is reporting that Muammar Qaddafi has either been killed or captured. |
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Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 10/20/2011 : 10:42:21 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by massdee
The news is reporting that Muammar Qaddafi has either been killed or captured.
What's the old saying about groups of three....bye bye Sadam, Osama and Gadhafi.
The world is a better place without ya! |
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Fran
Senior Member
250 Posts |
Posted - 10/20/2011 : 12:34:47 PM
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| and don't forget that other terrorist Whitey Bulger. Let freedom ring! |
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waterboy
Senior Member
101 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2011 : 10:51:38 AM
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| CAN ANYONE POST IN TODAY GLOBE NORTH ABOUT THE INSURANCE (FRONT PAGE) DON'T HAVE AN ACCT. WITH THE BOSTON GLOBE THANK YOU |
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Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 10/23/2011 : 11:04:08 AM
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Is this the one?
More cities opt to alter health plans
By John Laidler
Globe Correspondent / October 23, 2011
Everett recently adopted a new state law giving cities and towns new powers to cut health costs, while the Salem City Council could vote on accepting the law this week.
The local option law establishes a process for municipalities to make changes to their deductibles, copays, or other health plan features provided they are comparable with those offered by the state’s Group Insurance Commission system - or to transfer to the GIC.
Everett’s City Council, through separate votes of its two branches, earlier this month approved the city’s adoption of the state law.
Melissa Murphy, chief of staff to Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria Jr., said that the city is assembling a committee of union representatives to see if it can negotiate an agreement on health plan changes without using the new law.
But if no agreement results, Murphy said the city would activate the expedited bargaining provided under the new law.
“We are trying to take a step back and see if we can negotiate everything ahead of doing that and not have to enter into the 30-day negotiating period,’’ she said, referring to the bargaining window the law provides.
“I think the unions understand the city needs to see savings and is showing a great interest in coming in and talking with the city on how we could achieve those savings and benefit them as well,’’ Murphy said.
The Salem City Council is considering Mayor Kimberley L. Driscoll’s proposal that the city adopt the new state law.
On Wednesday, the council is set to meet as a committee of the whole to discuss the matter, and could then vote on it at the full council meeting on Thursday.
Driscoll said she is hopeful the council will approve her request, noting that it voted on two occasions to endorse the state law prior to its passage.
Responding to what she said has been a mistaken impression of the process by some observers, Driscoll said the council vote will not kick off the 30-day negotiating period but will simply enable the city to use that process.
“Once the City Council acts, we will have an opportunity for dialogue with the unions, to share with them some of the information we have been [developing] on this,’’ she said.
Driscoll said the city’s preference is to develop its own health care changes, but she said entering the GIC is a possibility.
“I’m hopeful we can find a way to resolve the issue in a way that benefits employees, taxpayers, and the city,” she said.
Under the new law, if municipalities and unions cannot reach agreement in their 30-day bargaining period, the matter is referred to a three-person review panel.
The panel must approve the design changes if it determines the benefits are comparable with the GIC, or approve the community’s transfer to the GIC if the community can show the savings would be at least 5 percent greater than the changes in its own health plan.
Elsewhere around the region, the Lowell City Council on Aug. 23 opted not to approve a proposal that the city accept the state law, but instead asked the city’s administrators to negotiate informally with unions over proposed health care changes, according to Thomas Moses, the city’s chief financial officer.
Moses said the council indicated that if no agreement was reached in 90 days, it would vote on whether to adopt the state law. He said negotiations are underway, with the 90-day window for talks set to expire Dec. 13.
The Somerville Board of Aldermen in August approved the city’s adoption of the state law.
But city officials opted to attempt first to negotiate an agreement with unions using the regular bargaining process, and on Sept. 27 they announced that the two sides had reached an agreement to transfer the city to the Group Insurance Commission system.
Michael Meehan, a spokesman for Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, said the new state law “created some impetus for everybody’’ to reach an agreement through the regular negotiating process.
Medford is also set to join the GIC in January, through an agreement that Mayor Michael J. McGlynn struck with unions in August that was negotiated outside the new law.
Beverly’s Board of Aldermen voted Aug. 2 to adopt the new state law. Mayor William F. Scanlon Jr. said the city is preparing its proposal to present to the unions, and expects to activate the 30-day bargaining period in about a month.
“We don’t expect it to be contentious. We are going to follow the rules exactly,’’ he said.
Amesbury Mayor Thatcher W. Kezer III said he plans to seek the approval of the Municipal Council to adopt the state law in the next few months.
The city’s unions have made health care concessions twice in the past three years, but Kezer said use of the law will allow the city to gain further savings that would take effect in the next fiscal year.
Peabody Mayor Michael J. Bonfanti said the city is gathering information on potential changes to its health plan as it intends to seek a vote by the City Council to adopt the law.
Bonfanti said that in addition to wanting to have the information in place, he has not yet sought a council vote on the health law because he wants to be able to consult on any health care changes with the city’s next mayor. Bonfanti is not seeking another term in the city’s Nov. 8 election.
Chelsea City Manager Jay Ash said by e-mail that the city is working with a consultant to evaluate if it would save more by joining the Group Insurance Commission system or changing its plan design. He said he will not seek adoption of the state law until the city determines which option “is most likely to work for us.’’
© Copyright 2011 Globe Newspaper Company. |
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massdee
Moderator
5299 Posts |
Posted - 10/27/2011 : 2:59:34 PM
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Man steals pickup truck in Mass. with girl inside
The Associated Press
EVERETT, Mass. — Police in Everett are looking for the man they say stole a pickup truck with a sleeping 7-year-old girl inside.
Police say the girl's father left her sleeping in the vehicle with the engine running on Wednesday while he ran in errand into a local dental office.
In the brief time he was inside, the truck was stolen.
The truck was found abandoned a short distance away just minutes later with the girl unharmed.
Video surveillance from a nearby home caught images of the thief, described as a heavyset man, walking away from the vehicle and the awake and shaken girl outside.
The father's name was not made public.
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waterboy
Senior Member
101 Posts |
Posted - 10/29/2011 : 07:51:02 AM
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MAYOR RICHARD HOWARD
Woburn, MA — The Winchester Board of Selectmen announded Friday morning that it has unanimously voted to select Richard Howard, currently mayor of Malden, as the town's next Town Manager.
The longtime Malden mayor opted not to seek reelection this year.
The Winchester Board of Selectmen released the following information Friday morning:
"The Winchester Board of Selectmen is very pleased to announce that at their posted public meeting last evening they unanimously voted to select Mr. Richard Howard of Malden as their next Town Manager, contingent upon successful contract negotiations and remaining due diligence.
"Mr. Forrest Fontana, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen noted, 'I have spoken to Richard and he is excited and energized about the opportunity to join our community as our next Town Manager. Our town was privileged to have such highly qualified and talented final candidates to choose among. Mr. Bisignani, Mr. Maylor and Mr. Younger are all true stewards for their peer towns, and epitomize all that is good about our public leaders.'
"Fontana went on to add 'we made sure that this was a two-way street. Only through an authentic and comprehensive search process would we ensure the highest probability of success for our community. I am very grateful and extremely proud of the efforts put forth by my fellow Selectmen and our town’s Search Advisory Committee. They represent the true essence of volunteer public service. During our search process we also wanted the finalists to get to know our community, its residents and employees, our Board and Senior Management team, and our values and priorities. We recognized that this would be a critical personal and professional decision for the candidates as well. Our town’s search and selection process will set a new benchmark by which other towns will measure themselves. The conclusion of this thorough process is our choice of Mr. Richard Howard, and I can truly say that his selection is in the best interests of Winchester.'
"Mr. Bob Joy, Chairman of the Town Manager Search Advisory Committee added, 'the process followed to select Winchester's Town Manager has been open, thorough and deliberate. The Search Advisory Committee's intent was to serve the Board of Selectmen and the citizens of Winchester well. I would like to thank my colleagues on the Committee for the diligence and thoughtful approach which they brought to this task. We join the Board of Selectmen in wishing Mr. Richard Howard every success as Winchester's next Town Manager.'"
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cathyk
Member
97 Posts |
Posted - 10/30/2011 : 10:01:47 AM
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| does anyone subscribe to the globe there are a bunch of stories in the globe north on the charter and front page of DUI with a man arrested from Everett |
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tetris
Moderator
2040 Posts |
Posted - 10/30/2011 : 11:04:26 AM
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Here's one:
Everett set to vote on shrinking size of City Council
By John Laidler
Globe Correspondent / October 30, 2011
Debate is intensifying in Everett over a proposed new charter that would replace the city’s distinct two-tiered City Council with a single body and lengthen the mayor’s term to four years.
The charter proposal, set to come before voters as a question on the Nov. 8 city election ballot, also calls for removing the eligibility of city councilors and the School Committee to receive city health insurance benefits and instituting a recall process for all elected officials. All the changes would take effect in 2014.
With the election approaching, ballot committees for and against the charter package are reaching out to voters. A key focus of the debate is the proposed change in the City Council structure.
The council now consists of a seven-member board of aldermen and an 18-member common council.
Under the new charter, Everett would have a single 11-person council consisting of six ward and five at-large members, all elected citywide.
The city has had a two-tier council since the existing charter took effect in 1892. Periodic attempts to switch to a unicameral council have all failed, most recently in a 1981 referendum.
“The system now is outdated,’’ said Paul Schlosberg, who chaired the elected nine-member commission that proposed the new charter and leads the vote-yes ballot committee. “We’re the only city in the entire country that still has a bicameral form of government. It’s time to bring Everett into the 21st century.’’
With a single branch, “we will have more efficient government that will pinpoint the responsibility of the decision-making process,’’ he said. “Right now, we have two branches blaming each other, which causes gridlock and infighting. What we need is a new product . . . a government that is more responsive.’’
Dorothy Martin Long, another commission member and a participant in the vote-yes committee, said there is too much “redundancy’’ with the current system.
“Here we are a city of 40,000 people, and we have these two boards with 25 people,’’ she said, noting that Boston with a population of 618,000, has 13 city councilors. “So it’s top-heavy. Three [common] councilors for each ward is unnecessary. I don’t see where much gets done. A lot of it falls to the Board of Aldermen, so we might as well have just one board."
But Michael K. Marchese, president of the Board of Aldermen and a leader of the vote-no committee, said the bicameral format has served the city well.
“It’s slower than an 11-person council, but there are checks and balances in it,’’ he said, adding that the two-tier structure also makes it relatively easy for residents to communicate with their government and to get involved in politics.
“It seems to work, the government we have now,’’ he said. “We have a lot of different voices heard, but there are a lot of different voices in the city of Everett. Everyone deserves representation.’’
Ward 5 Common Councilor Rosa DiFlorio, another participant in the vote-no committee, favors reducing the number of common councilors but opposes doing away with the bicameral set-up.
“I like the checks and balances. The state has it, the federal government has it,’’ she said. “I think we are unique. We are the strongest city around. We’ve laid off no police, no firefighters, no teachers. We have $11 million in the stabilization fund and we are cleaning up the city. . . . Why change something that is working?’’
DiFlorio also said a one-branch council would provide less representation for each ward. And because councilors would be elected citywide, she said a candidate could potentially be elected ward councilor without the support of that ward.
But Long said that having all councilors elected citywide will open up the political process by making it easier for people who do not have longstanding ties in a particular ward to win a seat. She said that is important at a time when the city’s population is changing, citing Everett’s growing Haitian, Brazilian, and other immigrant communities.
The proposed extension of the mayoral term from the current two years to four years is also stirring debate.
Schlosberg said that with a two-year term, someone elected mayor has to start gearing for re-election after just one year on the job.
“That does not make an efficient way for a person to run the city,’’ he said. A four-year mayor “helps with long-range planning and gives the mayor a chance to do his or her job,’’ adding that other area cities, including Lynn, Malden, Melrose, Revere, and Salem, have gone to four-year terms, and that Boston also has them.
But Marchese said that if the city switched to a four-year term, it would result in poor turnout at the polls during nonmayoral election years. And he said having to campaign every two years is not an undue burden on a mayor.
“Everett is a small city. If you can’t walk around the city and shake hands with people every two years, something’s wrong,’’ he said. “If you are doing your job, you’ll get reelected.’’
Schlosberg said that although it was not a key objective, the new charter would save the city money by removing health insurance eligibility for councilors and School Committee members.
He said 13 of the 25 councilors are on the city’s health plan, a $172,500 annual premium cost to the city. No School Committee members are on the plan.
Mayor Carlo DeMaria Jr., in a statement, offered a neutral stance on the charter issue.
Calling the charter discussion “a great example of democracy at work,’’ DeMaria said it is “best left to the voters to read the charter and make an educated decision whether or not this is the best direction for the future of our city. I hope each of our voters learns the issues, asks questions . . . and understands the pros and cons of the proposed changes.’’
© Copyright 2011 Globe Newspaper Company. |
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Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2011 : 2:15:35 PM
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Looks like Everett will now be a minority majority district.
Mass. Redistricting Pits Incumbents Against Each Other
Keating, Lynch Placed In Same District
BOSTON -- The new Massachusetts congressional map released by the Legislature's Joint Redistricting Committee on Monday puts incumbents William Keating and Stephen Lynch in the same 8th Congressional District.
However, it does not necessarily mean Keating and Lynch will be forced to run against each other.
There is an easy political out for Keating, who has had a summer home in Bourne for the past 17 years. By moving his residence from Quincy, where he rented an apartment to run in the district to Bourne, he would be able to run in the newly redrawn 9th district.
Massachusetts lost one of its 10 congressional districts after the state's population growth in the most recent U.S. Census failed to match the growth of other states.
Under the new redistricting plan, Rep. Barney Frank would keep half of Fall River and acquire some of Rep. James McGovern's old district that extended into Bristol County, but he would lose New Bedford which is now in the 9th.
The newly drawn 9th District includes all of Cape Cod, the Islands, most of the Massachusetts south coast including Plymouth as well as New Bedford.
The district numbers change, in some cases, under the proposed plan.
The 7th District where incumbent Rep. Michael Capuano resides now includes Everett but looks essentially the same, though it would be a minority majority district.
Up north, Rep. John Tierney would pick up Billerica, Tewksbury and half of Andover from Rep. Niki Tsongas, who would move further west towards northern Worcester County, which had been in Rep. John Olver's district.
Olver has announced that he will retire at the end of his current term.
McGovern would acquire a good portion of Franklin and Hampshire counties which also are currently in Olver's district.
The district represented by Rep. Richard Neal of Springfield would pick up the Berkshires.
Rep. Edward Markey's 5th District would extend further South to Southborough, Ashland and Holliston.
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Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2011 : 2:19:51 PM
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Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick unveils education goals
Published: Wednesday, November 09, 2011, 12:00 PM Updated: Wednesday, November 09, 2011, 12:06 PM
BOSTON - Making sure every student in Massachusetts is a proficient reader by third grade and three other more broad goals comprise Gov. Deval L. Patrick’s education agenda for his second term.
Patrick outlined the goals at UMass Boston on Wednesday morning.
The Milton Democrat’s other goals include entitling every child to a “healthy platform for education,” providing an education system for students “that meets them where they are,” and ensuring that students are prepared for college and careers, according to a prepared statement.
The third grade reading proficiency goal has gathered currency in recent years, sparked in part by test results showing too many students falling behind in that grade. According to the administration, three quarters of children who struggle with reading in the third grade will continue to struggle academically. Patrick plans to create a Kindergarten Readiness Literary Pilot Program in school districts located in so-called gateway cities.
The governor’s plans also call for student support councils and student support counselors in low-income schools in gateway cities. Pilot summer programs for students to learn English and pilot high school career academies are also part of Patrick’s plan and are also marked for the gateway cities.
Patrick administration officials say students in Massachusetts are leading the nation in academic achievement and their targeted plans are intended to close the gap in achievement between students in wealthier communities and minority, immigrant and low-income students, including many students who attend schools in cities.
According to a list provided by the administration, the gateway cities in Massachusetts are Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Quincy, Revere, Salem, Springfield, Taunton, Westfield and Worcester.
© 2011 masslive.com. All rights reserved. |
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Tails
Administrator
2682 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2011 : 2:29:49 PM
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Federal aid coming to cities to help boost smart growth in cities north of Boston
By Brenda J. Buote
Globe Correspondent / November 10, 2011
An infusion of federal cash will soon be invested in several cities north of Boston to boost local economic development in ways that are consistent with smart growth principles and promote social equity.
Federal money will probably start flowing into Chelsea, Everett, and Lynn after the New Year, said Marc Draisen, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The regional planning agency created the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities, which announced the funds and oversees the projects.
The consortium’s goal is to advance equity and sustainability - principles embraced by the smart growth movement, which underscores the importance of concentrating growth in pedestrian-friendly areas with a mix of residential and commercial development.
“There’s a way to grow smart in every community, whether that community is urban, suburban, or rural,’’ said Draisen. “These grants will help communities tackle a range of challenges head-on.’’
In Everett, $52,796 in federal funding will be used to develop specific goals for housing, transportation, economic development, and public services. Throughout the process, planners will employ innovative techniques to engage residents of diverse backgrounds.
“It seems like, in the past, when we would try to hold public meetings, we had a limited amount of residents showing up,’’ said Marzie Galazka, director of community development in Everett. “We want to ensure that minority populations are represented and have a voice. With this grant, we will be able to do more than invite residents to a meeting we’re holding; we’ll be able to attend their neighborhood meetings and festivals, and meet with their community leaders and residents.’’
Everett has a community development plan that addresses a range of issues, from housing and transportation to open space and community development, but the city does not have a master plan to guide future growth. This project will examine issues of displacement and lay the foundation for a sustainable, equitable master planning process.
“Everett is a community that is really changing demographically, more rapidly than people realize,’’ said Draisen, referring to a recent influx of Hispanic and Asian immigrants. “Already, lots of folks are moving there to find affordable housing. Development will happen. The question is, is development something that will happen to Everett, or will Everett decide what kind of development it wants?’’
In Lynn, a program called From Mills to Main Streets will provide assistance to minority and immigrant-owned businesses, from technical support to training.
“Our focus will be on helping immigrants who are already in business, to grow and expand,’’ said Marcia Drew Hohn, director of the Immigrant Learning Center Inc.’s Public Education Institute in Malden. The center joined with the Massachusetts Community Development Corp. and MassINC to pilot this project. The goal is to develop an infrastructure that will support immigrant entrepreneurs, similar to one in Philadelphia.
The $60,000 federal grant in Lynn will be used to develop the best ways to reach local immigrant entrepreneurs and help them increase their businesses so that the most successful initiatives can be replicated in other urban gateway communities.
“Commerce begets commerce,’’ said Hohn. “Successful business leads to cleaner, more welcoming neighborhoods. In gateway communities like Lynn, small immigrant businesses play a key role in the renewal of urban neighborhoods.’’
In Chelsea, planners will develop a green infrastructure plan for a half-mile stretch of Broadway, encompassing a 10-block area between Crescent and Webster avenues. The goals of the $70,000 project are to reduce water pollution, including runoff into Chelsea Creek; reduce flooding; and restore ground water. The project will focus on storm-water management tools that can be applied to other urban communities in the Mystic River Watershed.
“This particular neighborhood in Chelsea has a number of characteristics that we liked for this project: diverse population living in a dense environment, high impervious cover, pollution that needed to be addressed, and a street that was already in the capital planning process with the city,’’ said Patrick M. Herron, director of water quality monitoring for the Mystic River Watershed Association. “Incorporating [green] structures into larger ongoing projects is the most cost-effective way of seeing these solutions implemented.’’
As they work together on the green infrastructure plan, residents and planners will consider such solutions as rain gardens and stormwater tree boxes and planters.
In a separate project, $30,000 in federal funds will aid regional planning efforts for communities along the Orange Line corridor from the Forest Hills station in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood to the Oak Grove station in Malden. The Orange Line provides service to parts of Boston, Malden, Medford, Melrose, and Somerville.
Funding for these local projects is coming from a $4 million regional planning grant awarded to the Metro Boston consortium last year by the federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities, which is composed of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Transportation, and Environmental Protection Agency.
Last week, 11 projects in Massachusetts were awarded funding through the consortium, Draisen said. Thirty-three applicants had submitted proposals.
“Our goal over the next two months is to scope all the projects, determine a final budget for each one, and decide exactly who will do what,’’ said Draisen. “We hope to have the projects running by January.’’
Brenda J. Buote may be reached at brenda.buote@gmail.com. |
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Boston Globe 2011
