Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

The following is a staff-prepared summary of key discussion points and decisions from this meeting. For the complete official record, please refer to the approved minutes above.

Commissioner Resignation The board addressed the resignation of Commissioner Trevor Hay.

• The board voted unanimously to accept Commissioner Hay's resignation.
• Town staff noted that a public statement had been prepared denouncing the actions that led to the resignation, clarifying that those actions were personal in nature and not representative of the governing board or town administration. The statement also affirms that no person should fear intimidation or persecution from elected officials.

Filling the Vacant Commissioner Seat Following acceptance of the resignation, the board discussed the process for filling the vacant seat, which is set to expire in November 2025.

• The board agreed to issue a public call for letters of interest from residents wishing to be considered for the appointment.
• Letters of interest must be submitted to Town Hall by the regular August board meeting, at which time candidates' names will be presented to the board.
• A final appointment decision is planned for the September board meeting. Candidates may be invited to address the board prior to that decision.
• A motion to proceed with this process was made and approved by the board.

Governing Board Health Insurance Staff provided an update on a previous board decision to require elected officials who participate in the town's health insurance plan to reimburse the town for their premiums.

• The town's benefits broker, Contemporary Benefits, advised that the current plan has already been renewed and that requiring reimbursement checks from elected officials is not permissible under the plan's terms.
• Any changes to create different coverage tiers would require resubmission to Blue Cross Blue Shield for re-evaluation, which could affect premium rates for all covered employees, and would require 60–90 days notice.
• Contemporary Benefits recommended waiting until the new policy negotiation period in spring 2023 to make any such changes.
• The board voted to rescind the prior vote requiring governing board members to reimburse the town for health insurance premiums, pending a revised approach to be revisited in spring 2023.

Town Manager's Report Town staff shared several updates on upcoming events, grants, and public safety.

• National Night Out is scheduled for August 2nd. The Ranlo Police Department has organized the event, which will include a helicopter landing and hot dog giveaway. Residents are encouraged to attend.
• The Police Department is collecting school supply donations for a back-to-school drive. Donations may be dropped off at the police department.
• The town was tentatively awarded two Asset Inventory Assessment grants totaling $300,000 — $150,000 for water and $150,000 for wastewater. This marks the first time the town has been successful in a competitive grant process after two previous denials. The funding will be used to evaluate all water and wastewater lines and identify unknown or unmapped infrastructure, which is expected to open the door to additional future grant opportunities.
• The Ranlo Police Department was commended for a drug interdiction operation in which approximately 25–30 pounds of marijuana were removed from the streets.

Recreation Committee A commissioner requested board approval to form a new Recreation Committee.

• The board reached consensus to allow a commissioner and the town manager to establish a Recreation Committee, which will be made up of town volunteers and will focus on organizing community events such as festivals and Miltown Night activities.
• August 20th was discussed as a potential date for the next Miltown Night event.