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254 BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM - February 10, 1997 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Cox~ Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Richards, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Toscano. RESOLUTION: AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT WITH TRIGON On motion by Ms. Daugherty, seconded by Ms. Richards, Council unanimously voted to authorize the City Manager to sign the settlement agreement with Trigon. WHEREAS, the suit on behalf of the City filed against Trigon Blue Cross Blue Stfield of Virginia sought a return of certain hospital discounts which Trigon had negotiated with area hospitals, and WHEREAS, Trigon maintains it had a right under ks contract with the City to retain part or all of the hospital discounts, and WHEREAS, to avoid the costs of trial, Trigon has agreed to settle the case for $452,102.12 plus interest at the annual rate of 9% starting on July 12, 1996, and accruing until paid, and WHEREAS, the parties agree that this is not an admission of liability on the part of Trigon, but instead represents the parties' desire to continue a long-standing business relationship; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council for the City of Charlottesville hereby agrees to and does accept the aforesaid settlement, as more fully described in the attached Settlement Agreement and General Release, and hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute the latter document and, along with the City Attorney, to take appropriate steps to bring about a final settlement. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the money to be received by the City as a result of this settlement shall be returned to the City's Health Care Fund. WORK SESSION: POLICY RE: "MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC," REPRESENTATION ON BOARDS AND COMMISSION, COUNCIL WORK PLAN Mr. Cox said he feels that Council's current policy of not responding to persons during "Matters by the Public" makes Council appear unresponsive, and he would favor allowing the public to have some dialogue with COuncil, and to allow Councilors to express their personal opinions. Ms. Richards said she would not so much like to engage people in a dialogue, but would like to have an opportunity to give some indication ofinteresL to raise questions, or to clarify statements. Ms. Slaughter asked Council to be mindful that if "}vIatters by the Public" is to be kept to 30 minutes, Council must be disciplined in their responses so that they do not take the opportunity to speak away from other citizens. Mr. Toscano said that Councilors always have the opportunity to call citizens after meetings, to confer with other Councilors, and to request that issues be put on a future agenda. Mr. Toscano said he feels it is important to strike a balance between time given to "Matters by the Public" and Council's formal agenda. Mr. O'Connell recommended that Councilors respond only after all citizens have spoken. Councilors agreed with 5Ar. O'Connell's suggestion, and to evaluate the policy as appropriate.