North Miami Beach Approves Self-Funded Health Insurance Plan

Overview: In an effort towards cost savings and increased control over employee health benefits, the North Miami Beach City Council has voted to transition the city’s health insurance plan from a fully insured arrangement to a self-funded one. Eric Brewer, a representative from Corporate Synergies, presented the concept, emphasizing that the city, by self-funding, would assume the financial risk for the medical plan, rather than paying a fixed fee to an insurer like Etna. This change aims to maintain the same level of benefit plan designs for employees and their families while potentially achieving long-term affordability for the plan’s members.

Paterson Board Denies Housing Project Amid Community Concerns

Overview: In a recent Paterson Planning Board meeting, a decision was reached regarding a contentious housing project proposal, reflecting community apprehensions about neighborhood density and infrastructure strain. The board denied an application for the consolidation and re-division of lots aimed at creating additional housing units due to concerns over the impact on the already dense neighborhood, parking issues, and property neglect. This decision came after public comments were raised against the proposed three-family houses, citing the lack of justification for the project’s benefits and emphasizing the challenges posed by neglected property in a crowded area.

Fort Myers Beach Council Explores Emergency Zoning and Purchasing Policy

Overview: The Fort Myers Beach Town Council convened recently to deliberate on a range of topics, the most noteworthy being the ordinance to permit temporary uses in response to emergencies and the proposal to modernize the town’s purchasing policy. These discussions were aimed at addressing the town’s resilience in the face of natural disasters and streamlining town management operations, respectively.

Boston’s White Stadium Renovation Sparks Transportation and Parking Debate

Overview: Boston’s latest community meeting on the renovation of White Stadium in Franklin Park centered on a comprehensive transportation plan aimed at benefiting Boston Public School (BPS) students, local residents, and businesses while addressing the concerns of the Jamaica Plain neighborhood.

East Brunswick School Board Grapples with Budget and State Aid Cuts

Overview: The East Brunswick School Board convened to address a challenging budget scenario characterized by a significant state aid reduction and the expiration of Covid-19 grant funds, potentially leading to job cuts. The meeting’s discussions centered on the financial impact of a $1.3 million decrease in state aid, the implications of health benefits and special education costs, and the increase in transportation expenses due to a bus driver shortage. Additionally, the Board considered the potential need for an alternate site for bus expansion and the handling of the expiration of special grant funds.