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16 - "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2001 Rates staying down for those in regional insurance pool Insurance hikes not a problem for Durham Region By Rik Davie Weekend Star Skyrocketing insurance rates for municipal gov- ernments won't be a problem in Scugog and Uxbridge townships thanks to a regional insur- ance pool agreement in which the municipalities are partners. | ~ Announcements of huge increases in insur- ance rates for municipal governments, as well as the general public, hit some local governments hard this week. Locally, the City of Oshawa is bracing for an increase of as much 19 per cent. § 905- 686-0555 Oshawa is not a part- ner in the collective insurance pool which will protect local govern- ments from higher rates for some time, said Sonia Coward. "We are in a three-year deal right now that runs "until 2003 that will see us paying current rates," Ms. Coward said. "Most insur- ers are not offering three- year deals anymore and it was a good move for us to have entered into this insurance when we did." The local govern- ments, like Scugog and § Kinachunch NissAN fi Aa, Ontario 1 -800-565-6365 'agreement Uxbridge, pay a levee based on their coverage needs and risk manage- ment profiles that reflect the needs for insurance coverage locally. Similar formulas from the other participating municipali- ties are put into the mix and coverage rates are reduced because of the' size of the total policy, explained Ms . Coward. "We are glad to have entered into this type of an insurance agreement because it allows us the flexibility of handling the claims end ourselves ~ instead of employing out- NIZE % $15,900 $19,950 EE - or " a oF d 4 ; Sw, 3 --" re in AT {x > . WN h " Ax al 8. v EL I EE A EAE hc SENTRA GXE ~ Air conditioning, cruise, tilt, power windows, locks, keyless entry, 23,000 kms, 2000 PONTIAC MONTANA Bo Five door, extended, modular ot ¥ alloys, dent resistant body panels, # great low price! Cn TOM CARETTE 905-706-2720 Sl i VA Si a in : "ered "pool may have to pay for side adjusters," she said. With rises in insurance rates predicted across the board as a result of increased administration costs and the expected pay-outs by the large international insurance holders for related claims to the Sept.l1 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, the insur- ance climate 'is expected to be unfriendly for some time. However, the deal local governments have made may see them through this storm. "We do not have to renegotiate for almost three years," Ms. Coward said. "At that time we hope the market will be in better shape and we also retain the ability to go back to the market and shop." ; The Durham District School Board is in a simi- . lar situation with its par- ticipation in the Ontario School Board Exchange, which makes the public board pretty much self- insured. Meanwhile, taxpayers in other areas not cov- the 'insurance the expected increase in insurance rates, both per- sonally and on thejr tax bills. OPPERS E> 1 {{ Be 4 C L's A. Oppers Aluminum & Vinyl Products Lid, 193 North Port Perry © 1-800-788-0270 * (905) 985-4910 9, LALLA deit [0 eC oot 4 (Sed L Jeleelcaer ag s1rrod tt CL. * Cash & Carry * Expert Custom Installation * 24 years experience They'll review policy in December Board to review its methods for keeping records By Rik Davie Weekend Star A decision on changing the way the Durham District School Board keeps records of trustee meet- ings has been put off until December. In a recent report from Education Director Grant Yeo, trustees were told that there were several options open to them for the keeping of a record of board meetings. Several trustees, led by Pickering Trustee Paul 'Crawford and Scugog Trustee Martin Demmers, have complained in the past that their comments at board meetings were being misquoted or taken out of con- text in previous board minutes. Several trustees, including Mr. Demmers, want verbatim record kept of all meetings either by audio or video tape. They are also asking that a written -summary of motions and votes are also noted. In agreeing with a request for verbatim audio tapes, Mr. Demmers said, "I think it is very important for us to follow procedures and that the minutes be exact as the Honourable Member (Crawford) pointed out. "I think we should video tape the meetings." Mr. Yeo pointed out to trustees that, contrary to remarks made by both Mr. Demmers and Mr, Crawford, trustees have several options open to them. "Many boards have opted for the streamlined minutes," Mr. Yeo said. "These. minutes only. reflect the business of the board and the' motions' made * Mr. Crawford moved, with the support of Mr. Demmers, a motion to delay the decision for trustees to enter into talks about how their records should be kept. The item will -- in December for board motion. ng Sales, Service & Installations -- Carpet & Upholstery Steam Cleaning -- 24 Hour Service Flood & Smoke Damage Emergency Service : Shop at Home Service 'Expert Restretches & Repair Service 434-5229 718-6436 Port Perry 985-1645 Oshawa 728-6070 er ---- A X