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Friday, December 24, 2010 — The North Haven Citizen calculation. So it’s really good news right now. Our claims are going down, and it gives us more negotiating leverage, which will save the town a considerable amount of money.” Ovation and GBAC agents will attend January’s BOF meeting to present publicly where North Haven is with Anthem. Kohlhepp said his previous meeting with Ovation and GBAC went well, and covered topics beyond Anthem’s two percent quote. “I appreciated the expertise of agents from both companies that were there,” Kohlhepp said. “I thought it was a good meeting. We look forward to further discussion.” “We looked at the topic of self-coverage, which we discussed as a board last year,” he added. “That’s an initiative we’re taking a look at as well. The other thing we talked about was continuing to monitor the degrees of cost containment that are in the plan design, particularly in terms of wellness and some of those other kinds of things. We believe that there may be some savings if we can continue to increase the health of the employees, and therefore drive down the numbers that way, which is the most positive way.” Freda suggested having health insurance costs as separate, aggregate line items for both town and education sides. “It would be good for the taxpayers to see what the line items would be aggregately,” he said. Other Business Starting next year, BOF meetings may take place in a new location, as Town Hall’s second-floor conference room could prevent some from attendance. “Either coming
BOF Continued from page 1 claims history, according to Anthem representatives. In 2010, Anthem’s initial quote represented a two percent increase. To prepare for contract negotiations, Freda, Finance Director Ed Swinkowski and BOF members Michael Hallahan and William Kohlhepp met several weeks ago with North Haven’s health insurance agents from Ovation Health and Life Services, Inc. and Group Benefit Administrators Connecticut, Inc. (GBAC). “The way this will work is we will take the first quote, and we will be reconvening our committee to review the next steps with both Ovation and GBAC,” Freda said. Reducing Anthem’s two percent proposal is a committee goal. “In talking with GBAC, who is working with us with Anthem, they believe this could come in at less than two percent,” Freda said. “[GBAC] would like to have a couple more discussions with Anthem before we reconvene our meeting. And we’re hoping they can get this under two.” “And then, at our meeting, we’ve mapped out a game plan of what we’re going to do from a bid process starting in January,” he added. North Haven’s recent claims history could represent a bargaining advantage. “Our claims history has gone down significantly. We, on average, versus last year, probably are about $275,000 less a month, roughly,” Freda said. “We’re hoping to have the December number drop off, which is probably factored into this two percent
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January or February, we should be able to move regular Board of Finance meetings to the Rec Center,” said BOF chairman Richard Monico. During public comment, resident Gary Amato recommended funding a police presence at Board of Education meetings, as officers already attend finance and se-
lectman board meetings. “You do get some very disgruntled parents up there,” he said, “I think it would be safer. It’s a small room.” Freda said he would discuss the idea with BOE representatives. As Amato has long suggested shifting BOF meetings to alternative venues,
he praised board members for their recreational center considerations. “I would like to thank Mr. Freda, Mr. Monico, and the people for moving the meetings,” he said, “and God bless you, because I can’t make these stairs.” “I mean it from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” he added.
Schedule
ing (203) 239-5803. Reading Between the Lines - book discussion: Tuesday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. Book: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen The novel is about starcrossed lovers and set in the circus world circa 1932. When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, drifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems incapable of being trained until he discovers a way to reach her. Discussion Leader: Pat Johnson Cake Decorating for Adults: Wednesday, Jan. 26, 7 to 8 p.m. Students will be learning beginning cake decorating skills including preparing the cake for icing, making frosting, using various tips to decorate, and forming basic flowers. Instructor: Patty McGovern. Registration is required starting Jan. 3. Register at the reference desk or by calling (203) 2395803. Jewelry Making Program: Monday, Feb. 7, 7 to 8 p.m. Each attendee will receive a strand of semi-precious stones, along with a selection of loose beads to create a unique necklace or bracelet. The program is presented by jewelry design-
er, Geralyn Tagatac. Registration is required and begins on Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. Register at the reference desk or by calling (203) 239-5803. Fat is Beautiful: A calzone making demonstration: Wednesday, Feb. 16, 7 to 8 p.m. Learn to make these delicious stuffed turnover pizzas with Chef Paula Biondino. Samples will be served. Registration is required and starts on Feb. 1. Please register at the reference desk or by calling the library at (203) 239-5803. Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding modern art: Wednesday, March 23, 7 p.m. Modern art, with its complex themes and symbolism, is a pleasure to view, but it can also be intimidating and difficult to understand. This lecture will explore modern art and trace its history from the Barbizon School and Realist movements of the mid 19th century to the 1980s when artistic giants Warhol and Basquiat were at their height. Come and learn how to interpret these modern masterpieces! Mollie Clarke, Lyman Allyn Art Museum Director of Education, will present an hourlong lecture about understanding modern art. A question and answer session will follow the PowerPoint presentation. Registration is required starting on March 1. Please register at the reference desk or by calling (203)239-5803. Friends of the Library meetings: Wednesdays, Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1 at 7:15 p.m. The public is invited to the “friendliest” meetings in North Haven.
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parent or caregiver). Let’s celebrate our good fortune by making dragon masks and parading around the library. Learn about the celebration of Gung Ho Fat Choy – Chinese New Year. Registration is required and begins on Friday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m. for residents, and Friday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. for non-residents. Mother – Teen Daughter Book Discussion: Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. Book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Discussion leader: Pat LaTerza Registration is required and is ongoing.
Free programs for adults at North Haven Public Library The North Haven Library, 17 Elm St., announces their program schedule for adults for winter 2011. For more information, call (203) 239-5803 or visit the website at northhavenlibrary.net. Schedule is as follows: Forrest Yoga for Adults (8 week series): Thursdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 10, 17, 24, March 10, 17 (No class on Feb. 3, March 3), 6 to 7 p.m. Beginners to Forrest Yoga learn to breathe deeply and connect in feeling with their bodies during poses that are typically held for 5 to10 breaths. As you progress, you will become proficient at safely tailoring each pose to work best for you, particularly if you have physical injuries or chronic pain. Presented by Neely Kelley. Please bring a yoga mat. Registration is required beginning Jan. 3. Sign-up at the reference desk or by call-