ST. THOMAS – The Committee of the Whole, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., met at the Capitol Building to hear testimonies regarding rezoning requests from various applicants and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR). Officials from the Health Insurance Board, along with consultants from the Gehring Group, the Virgin Islands Division of Personnel, and representatives from United Healthcare and Cigna, provided insights on the First Renewal of the Healthcare Insurance Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025.
Senator Francis highlighted the positive impact of the proposed rezonings, stating, “We have excellent applicants with innovative projects that will enhance housing, economic development, office spaces, and classrooms, benefiting the community and increasing revenue for the Government of the Virgin Islands.”
The committee reviewed several bills about zoning modifications:
- Bill No. 35-0309: Proposes to amend the Official Zoning Map No. SJZ-1 for St. John, changing Parcel Nos. 25 and 25B, Estate Susannaberg, from R-1 (Residential-Low Density) to R-3 (Residential-Medium Density). Applicants Shemura Nicholson and Akil Richards seek this change to facilitate affordable housing development, with DPNR supporting the initiative.
- Bill No. 35-0324: Seeks to amend the Official Zoning Map No. STZ-7, rezoning Plot No. 4, Estate Charlotte Amalie, from R-2 (Residential-Low Density) to B-3 (Business-Scattered). Raphael Bostic noted that this proposal aims to align the property with zoning requirements without any redevelopment, supported by DPNR.
- Bill No. 35-0325: Aims to amend Official Zoning Map No. STZ-9, changing Parcel No. 19-1-2-8, Estate Smith Bay, from A-2 (Agriculture) to B-3 (Business-Scattered), with provisions for agricultural use and water delivery. Attorney Jennifer Jones, representing Applicant James Jones, discussed plans to expand commercial activities into long-term housing and agriculture, with DPNR endorsing the rezoning.
- Bill No. 35-0327: Proposes to amend Official Zoning Map No. STZ-7, rezoning Parcel No. 61-3, Estate Thomas, from R-5 (Residential-High Density) to B-2 (Business-Secondary/Neighborhood). Applicant Errol Baker aims to develop multi-use office and commercial space, including classrooms for a subsidized STEM program focused on robotics, AI, cyber security, and 3D printing. This request received support from DPNR.
The committee also reviewed several agreements related to health insurance, including the First Renewal Agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Cigna for Group Medical and Dental Insurance, as well as the First Amendment to the Agreement for Group Medical Health Insurance with United Healthcare.
Gilbert K. Comissiong, M.D., St. Thomas/St. John Active Representative and Co-Chair of the GESC Health Insurance Board, reported that for the Cigna medical and dental renewals for current employees and pre-65 retirees, the Board successfully negotiated an 8% premium cap for medical coverage and a 3% cap for dental coverage for the upcoming fiscal year. This approach aims to prevent adverse impacts from claims on the Government, employees, and retirees. With rising premiums, the Board focused on retaining the current plan structure, ensuring no increases in copayments, deductibles, or out-of-pocket maximums. As a result, Cigna will maintain all existing benefits without service reductions. Total insurance expenditures, including dental, vision, and life insurance, are projected to rise from $206.2 million in Fiscal Year 2024 to $226.1 million in Fiscal Year 2025, reflecting an approximate increase of $19.9 million or 9.7%.
Senators in attendance were Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Dwayne M. DeGraff, Sammuel Carrion, Diane T. Capehart, Javan E. James, Sr., Franklin D. Johnson, Marvin Blyden, Angel Bolques, Jr., and Carla J. Joseph.
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