Closed Session began at 6:27 PM.
PRESENT: Commissioners Andrew Bolduc, Harry Clark, Robert Hadley, Robert Moshman, Patrick Murray and Frank Covelli
Richard Miller, Esq., Williams, Caliri, Miller and Otley
Gregory White, Executive Director
Margaret Maas, according Secretary
PURPOSE: Contract Negotiations and discussion of Personnel Issues
Association of Environmental Authorities (AEA) Resolution
Chairman Covelli stated that he believed it to be necessary that there be a Resolution on record authorizing the Commissioners’ attendance at the AEA Annual Convention. Discussion ensued. The conclusion of the discussions was that Mr. Miller would draw up the appropriate document, which would give authorization to reimburse reasonable expenses incidental to attending appropriate a governmental functions. It was further stated that there be a $500.00 cap for incidental expenses and that the Commissioners be required to provide receipts for same. The costs of the lodging and the fees to attend included functions would be covered by the WVRSA.
Personnel Committee
Commissioner Clark reported that the committee has had several meetings with the employees. He stated hat the Committee has agreed to offer the employees a 3% salary increase for this fiscal year.
Requested Retirement Benefit
Commissioner Clark reported that there was discussion with the employees regarding the requested retirement health benefits. He reported that the employees have come up with a figure of $6,000 .00 a year; from the time they retire until they would be eligible to file for Medicare Benefits.
Chairman Covelli stated that one option to facilitate that would be an employee contribution, he does not believe the employees will be agreeable to that Chairman Covelli suggested that the Authority looking into a 457 Plan as a way to facilitate such a plan.
Annual Salary Increase -3%
Both Chairman Covelli and Commissioner Bolduc agreed that they believe that there had been a decision; that there would be no increase in lieu of not requesting the employees to contribute to the 16% increase in their medical insurance costs.
Chairman Covelli stated that he would not be agreeable to anything higher than 2.5% unless there was a contribution towards the cost of their medical insurance benefits.
Commissioner Moshman stated that he was uncomfortable with a 0% raise for the employees. He stated that he feels they are doing a good job for this Authority and that they should be compensated.
Commissioner Hadley suggested that we give them what of the Borough Wanaque employees are given; which we know they will be getting some for the increase.
Chairman Covelli stated that he feels whatever decision is made; that it should been unanimously agreed upon. Discussion ensued and the outcome of the discussions was that the WVRSA employees beginning a 3% increase for fiscal year 2010.
Contract Negotiations
Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners (PVSC)
Chairman Covelli reported on the meeting that he had them earlier this year regarding our upcoming Sludge Disposal contract. Chairman Covelli reported that he discuss with them the history of our current contract. The Chairman stated that having recently received a new contract that 1) that they are billing us for interest and 2) the dates of the new contract at the up proposing what the increase, on schedule to go into effect before the old contract has run out.
Mr. White stated that they are looking to increasing us 8% - when be asking us for a 4% increase. Mr. White stated that according to the old contract the discussion of future increases was to be to either accept the amount as stated in the Cost Price Index (CPI) or waving the CPI amount. Mr. White reported that our current contract is not scheduled to run out until December 31, 2010.
The consensus of the discussions is that upon the return to Open Session, the Chairman, Frank Covelli would you authorized along with Mr. White to meet with the Directors
of the PVSC; to discuss a new contract.
The Closed Session was concluded at 7:05 PM.
Minutes respectfully submitted by,
Margaret M. Maas, Recording Secretary