Orange County NC Website
could administer. He said that plan designs will be able to be maneuvered around based on needs and <br /> costs. <br /> Frank Clifton noted that the self funded model allows employees to set up their own dependent <br /> plan. <br /> Commissioner Gordon referred to attachment 2, and asked about option 1 on page 19. <br /> Diane Shepherd said this discussion has been about option 2 this evening. She said option 1 is a <br /> self insured plan, but it maintains the health savings account contribution at the 2012-13 level. She said <br /> the only difference is an increase in the County contribution to the Health Savings Account. <br /> Commissioner Gordon asked about the reasoning for this. <br /> Diane Shepherd said when the high deductable plan was implemented in 2012 the rate was the <br /> same for individuals, regardless of their plan. In 2013, the cost of the high deductible plan was <br /> significantly lower than the traditional plans. She said this year the savings can be passed on to the <br /> employees for the high deductable plan. <br /> Chair Jacobs noted that this item will be brought back on the 17th for a vote. <br /> b. Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization Member Agencies <br /> Memorandum of Understanding Revisions <br /> The Board considered and provided input on draft revisions to the Memorandum of Understanding <br /> (MOU) between the member agencies of the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning <br /> Organization (DCHC MPO). <br /> Tom Altieri introduced the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) staff. <br /> He said the purpose of this presentation is for the Board of County Commissioners to provide input. <br /> He noted that there is a transmittal letter in the packet for the Board of County Commissioners to <br /> review, and the revised MOU is also in their packet with staff's comments. He said the most significant <br /> revisions are: the addition of Triangle Transit to the MPO member governments and inclusion as a voting <br /> member; the addition of a weighted vote for Orange County; and the addition of a 3 d voting seat on the <br /> MPO staff committee. He also noted that Orange County is paying its share of the cost sharing structure <br /> and is included in the MOU. <br /> Tom Altieri said any comments will be forward to the MPO. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said this is a good change for the MPO, and some of it is required. She <br /> said, in terms of the weighted voting, Orange County was the government with the largest population <br /> which only had one vote, and now it is more equitable. She said she had recommended the change which <br /> added an Orange County staff member. <br /> She noted that the wording on page 14, at the beginning of the fourth paragraph, "Failure to pay <br /> the approved share of costs..." does not indicate by whom the costs should be paid, and this wording <br /> needs to be clarified. <br /> She referenced page 12, number 10, and noted that the last few words of the first paragraph, "of <br /> the transportation study," will need further description or clarification. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier echoed Commissioner Gordon's comments. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier said she is glad that other entities are being invited to participate. She said <br /> Triangle Transit has always been there and will now be able to vote. <br /> Commissioner McKee said he does not like the addition of an agency, as a voting member, that <br /> has a vested interest in a specific outcome. He said this is a possible conflict of interest when Triangle <br /> Transit's sole purpose is to provide public transportation. He said that is why he can't vote for this. <br /> Commissioner Price agreed with Commissioner McKee. Her concern is that Triangle Transit <br /> members are not elected officials. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier said Commissioner McKee's comments are related to the light rail project, <br /> and he was opposed to that process. She said Triangle Transit is more than light rail and it provides <br /> regional bus transportation. She said much of the money that comes through the MPO involves Triangle <br /> Transit. <br /> Commissioner McKee said it is true that he is opposed to light rail, but it is also true that he has <br /> advocated for increased bus service. He said he has advocated for the east west route down 70. He <br /> understands the need for public transportation, and he has no problem with TTA or anyone else serving as <br /> advisors to this group. He objects to parties with a vested interest serving as a voting member. He feels <br />