Agenda - 10-15-2013 - 5a - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

24 1 Commissioner Gordon asked about the reasoning for this. 2 Diane Shepherd said when the high deductable plan was implemented in 2012 the rate was the 3 same for individuals, regardless of their plan. In 2013, the cost of the high deductible plan was significantly 4 lower than the traditional plans. She said this year the savings can be passed on to the employees for the 5 high deductable plan. 6 Chair Jacobs noted that this item will be brought back on the 17th for a vote. 7 8 b. Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization Member Agencies 9 Memorandum of Understanding Revisions 10 The Board considered and provided input on draft revisions to the Memorandum of Understanding 11 (MOU) between the member agencies of the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning 12 Organization (DCHC MPO). 13 Tom Altieri introduced the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) staff. 14 He said the purpose of this presentation is for the Board of County Commissioners to provide input. 15 He noted that there is a transmittal letter in the packet for the Board of County Commissioners to 16 review, and the revised MOU is also in their packet with staff's comments. He said the most significant 17 revisions are: the addition of Triangle Transit to the MPO member governments and inclusion as a voting 18 member; the addition of a weighted vote for Orange County; and the addition of a 3rd voting seat on the 19 MPO staff committee. He also noted that Orange County is paying its share of the cost sharing structure 20 and is included in the MOU. 21 Tom Altieri said any comments will be forward to the MPO. 22 Commissioner Gordon said this is a good change for the MPO, and some of it is required. She 23 said, in terms of the weighted voting, Orange County was the government with the largest population which 24 only had one vote, and now it is more equitable. She said she had recommended the change which added 25 an Orange County staff member. 26 She noted that the wording on page 14, at the beginning of the fourth paragraph, "Failure to pay the 27 approved share of costs..." does not indicate by whom the costs should be paid, and this wording needs to 28 be clarified. 29 She referenced page 12, number 10, and noted that the last few words of the first paragraph, "of the 30 transportation study," will need further description or clarification. 31 Commissioner Pelissier echoed Commissioner Gordon's comments. 32 Commissioner Pelissier said she is glad that other entities are being invited to participate. She said 33 Triangle Transit has always been there and will now be able to vote. 34 Commissioner McKee said he does not like the addition of an agency, as a voting member, that has 35 a vested interest in a specific outcome. He said this is a possible conflict of interest when Triangle Transit's 36 sole purpose is to provide public transportation. He said that is why he can't vote for this. 37 Commissioner Price agreed with Commissioner McKee. Her concern is that Triangle Transit 38 members are not elected officials. 39 Commissioner Pelissier said Commissioner McKee's comments are related to the light rail project, 40 and he was opposed to that process. She said Triangle Transit is more than light rail and it provides 41 regional bus transportation. She said much of the money that comes through the MPO involves Triangle 42 Transit. 43 Commissioner McKee said it is true that he is opposed to light rail, but it is also true that he has 44 advocated for increased bus service. He said he has advocated for the east west route down 70. He 45 understands the need for public transportation, and he has no problem with TTA or anyone else serving as 46 advisors to this group. He objects to parties with a vested interest serving as a voting member. He feels 47 the Board needs to be very clear that its interest is in protecting the interests of the citizens of Orange 48 County. 49 Commissioner Price said she is not opposed to light rail or buses, but she is concerned that an 50 agency has the same power as elected officials. 51 Commissioner Gordon said she appreciates MPO staff coming, and she asked Mark Ahrendsen to 52 speak to the policy on this matter. She read this policy and asked him to clarify. 53 Mark Ahrendsen said one of the main reasons for including Triangle Transit as a voting member is 54 because it is a federal requirement to provide a seat for the local transit authority on the MPO.