Flower Hill: Cell Towers and Compensation

The held its monthly meeting Monday night to a standing-room only crowd. More than 50 people attended to learn about current and proposed health care benefits for village trustees and cell tower updates.

Although the trustees have received health care or long term care insurance for a few years, Mayor Charles Weiss said the process needs to be adopted by local law.

Several residents publicly commented on the issue. Joe Bzezinski said, "I can guarantee that there's not a person here in support of this."  A strong opinion was voiced by Marc Kramer who said, "This motion is reprehensible and disingenuous."

Other people voiced concerns that health care coverage for the trustees isn't fair to the taxpayers and that in an era of escalating costs, not fiscally prudent.

"Health care has become unaffordable, perhaps we could compromise either through a cap or participant contribution," said Chris Ryan.

Residents who wish to see a copy of the village's current health care plan for its employees should file a Freedom of Information request at the village. The village is reserving decision until its next meeting on July 5.

In an effort to increase village revenue, Flower Hill officials have entertained the thought of installing a cell-phone tower on its property. Several residents urged them to abandon any future plans, citing health care concerns.

The next meeting for the Village of Flower Hill will be held Tuesday, July 5, at 8 p.m. in the Village Hall.