The plan includes underwriting the tail risk of the insurance, capping maximum out-of-pocket expenses at $7,000 for individuals and $15,000 for families. The council debated the potential savings alongside skepticism from employees wary of changes to their health benefits. The importance of educating employees on the benefits of the new plan was underlined, as was the need for dedicated staff to manage the program’s administrative workload.

Questions surfaced regarding the functionality of the Difference Card, such as whether unused funds would return to the borough and the tax implications for employees. The council also scrutinized the financial risks, particularly if claims were to exceed the allocated funds. Presenters of the program highlighted their 20-year experience and the statistical basis for estimating payouts. Additionally, the council mulled over the program’s feasibility in light of unforeseen events, such as a pandemic.

In other discussions, the council addressed a range of community concerns and initiatives. The Mayor of Norwood, Jim Barson, presented the benefits of an alternative funding plan for health care costs, emphasizing risk management and safety training for employees. Furthermore, the council appointed an advisory committee to review and update the borough’s master plan and housing element, responding to new affordable housing legislation and facing a tight deadline for submission to the Department of Community Affairs.

The council moved to amend the salary ordinance to include a part-time Finance clerk position and discussed joining a federal lawsuit challenging New Jersey’s affordable housing legislation. The financial implications of the lawsuit and budget allocations for legal expenses were major concerns.

Updates from various council committees included the library’s statistics and summer reading program, the Veterans Committee’s banner program, and the Planning Board’s focus on future development and preservation of open space. The council also reviewed the police department’s monthly report, which detailed service calls, traffic details, and revenue from permits and fees.

The discussion extended to the Ultan Police Department’s annual fatal vision program, which educates new drivers about the dangers of intoxicated and distracted driving. Positive feedback was noted for the program, which includes a hands-on simulation for students. The council also deliberated the hiring of a new police officer, including scheduling interviews and the selection process.

Recreational activities were spotlighted with reports on the conclusion of the spring baseball and softball seasons, preparations for Camp Serendipity, and plans for family movie nights and the September Town Day event. The Board of Health highlighted the need for a new member and the ordering of a Heritage tree plaque. The Historical Committee debated the timing for opening a planned time capsule.

The Mayor’s report expressed gratitude for the successful touch-a-truck event and conveyed condolences for the passing of Harrington Park’s mayor. The council also discussed collecting items for a time capsule, with suggestions for its opening ranging from 25 to 30 years.

Council members raised concerns about potential changes to OSHA regulations and their impact on volunteerism, emphasizing outreach to their congressman and state committeeman. The council also considered the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a “film ready” town, weighing revenue opportunities against police overtime costs. Additionally, a property discussion regarding a wet piece of land addressed flooding and silt buildup concerns, with the suggestion to have the town engineer assess it.