Durham, N.C. – The Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Regular Session. Meetings are held in person with a hybrid option, inside the BOCC Chambers, located at 200 E. Main Street on the second floor.

 

Chair Nida Allam called the meeting to order. Commissioner Wendy Jacobs read the Land Acknowledgement.

 

All attendees were led by Commission Vice Chair Lee in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Agenda Adjustments: The Board made no adjustments to the agenda.

 

Announcements: Monica Wallace, Clerk to the Board, read the announcements.

1.    Entries Due Tomorrow for Budget Cover Contest - Our Budget Department is looking for young Durhamites with a knack for art that want to be featured in this year's Budget Book! Youth Pre-K to 12th grade - design an image that showcases “What Is Your Favorite Park of Durham County?” to be featured on the cover of the Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Budget Book. Other submissions will be used throughout the book. Download and print an entry here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:88090524-0240-4232.  Submit here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BX2YMCN by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15! Note: Entries have been extended until May 1!

2.    Durham County Government to Observe Good Friday - Most Durham County Government offices will close on Friday, April 18, in observance of the Good Friday Holiday. All offices will reopen with normal business hours on Monday, April 21. To see impacts to certain services, read here: https://www.dconc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/10605/

3.    North Carolina Emergency Management Experience - Durham County young women in 9th-12th grades are encouraged by Durham City-County Emergency Management to apply for the North Carolina Emergency Management Experience, a free 5-day public safety career exploration. Running from June 23-27 at the N.C. State Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh, the sessions include field trips, career-building connections, hands-on experience, and more! Apply by April 21 at https://ncdps.gov/ncem-management-experience. Questions? Email EMExperience@ncdps.gov.

4.    Little River Community Complex Fair - The Little River Community Complex Fair returns to the Durham County Memorial Stadium parking lot through Sunday, April 20. The Fair runs from 5-10 p.m. on weekdays and 1-11 p.m. on the weekend. The mission of the Little River Community Complex in Bahama is to provide recreational, educational, health and social activities for the people of the Little River region and surrounding communities. Admission tickets, food, and ride tickets will be available for purchase at the Stadium, located at 750 Stadium Drive.

5.    In Touch with Durham County Show - Watch the latest edition of the “In Touch with Durham County Show” from the Public Information Office. The April show features guests County Manager Claudia Hager and Commissioner Michelle Burton! Watch it here: https://youtu.be/UqvT5B-edyE.

6.    Become a Bull City Strong Community Health Promoter! - Are you a health advocate in your community and do you enjoy learning and helping others? Combine your interest working in the African American community and improve health in Durham by joining the 5-week Durham County Community Health Promoter Training. Upon completion of the program, you will receive $200 and community networking opportunities. Session will meet on Tuesday and Thursdays; May 20th - June 26th via zoom from 5:30-7pm. Please contact Edeia Lynch at elynch@dconc.gov (919-560-0501) or B. Sult at bsult@dconc.gov (919-560-7720) for more information.

7.    Second Chance Month Events – The Durham Local Reentry Council and the Durham County Justice Services Department are holding multiple events in recognition of Second Chance Month in April. There will be a backpack drive at the Justice Services Department, 326 E. Main Street, in the lobby. Donations of backpacks, and other types of bags to transport hygiene products in are being collected. On Tuesday, April 15, from 1-4 p.m. they will hold the Better Chance Employment Fair at the Durham County Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro Street. On Wednesday, April 16, from 6:30-8 p.m., at the JSD building, 326 E. Main Street, they will hold a Winning Resumes Seminar. On Thursday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be an A1C Testing Event, at Durham County Human Services Building, Conference Rooms B & C, 414 E. Main Street, in collaboration with the Durham County Department of Public Health. On Wednesday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., there will be a Mastering Your Career Seminar at the JSD building, 326 E. Main Street. And finally, a resource fair will be held on Wednesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. at the Orange County Correctional Center, 211 Clarence Walters Road.

 

Minutes: Commissioners approved the minutes from the March 24, 2025, Regular Session.

 

Ceremonial Items:

1.    Proclamation - Fair Housing Month 2025 - The Board proclaimed April 2025 as Fair Housing Month in Durham County. The purpose is to declare Durham County an inclusive community committed to fair housing and to promoting appropriate activities by private and public entities to provide and advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents of Durham County. Sharon Sunkel, Co-Chair DEI Committee - Durham Regional Associations of REALTORS, Inc received the proclamation. Read here.

2.    Proclamation - Second Chance Month - The Board proclaimed April 2025 as Second Chance Month in Durham County. Second Chance Month is dedicated to recognizing the collateral consequences of a criminal record and advancing efforts that promote fairness and access to opportunities for people who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system. Robin Heath, Assistant Director, Justice Services Department and Ontario Joyner, Local Reentry Council Coordinator, Justice Services Department, and Roshanna Parker, Director received the proclamation. Read here.

3.    Proclamation - Elizabeth Catlett Days in Durham County - The Board proclaimed April 7 - 15, 2025 as Elizabeth Cadlett Days in Durham County. This proclamation is designed to honor the 110th anniversary of the birth of the famous artist, Elizabeth Catlett, and the 90th anniversary of her teaching career at Hillside High School in Durham, NC. Eddie Davis, Former Durham City Council Member, Retired Teacher and Community Member received the proclamation. Read here.

4.    Proclamation - Black Maternal Health Week – The Board proclaimed April 11 - 17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in Durham County, NC. The purpose of this proclamation is to increase awareness around the state of Black Maternal Health and promote activism and investment in solutions. Read here.

5.    Proclamation - Lineworker Appreciation Day – The Board proclaimed April 18, 2025, as Lineworker Appreciation Day in Durham County, NC. The purpose of this proclamation is to acknowledge lineworkers, our hometown heroes, first responders, and skilled professionals who do what needs to be done to keep the electricity flowing to the families and businesses in our communities.  Read here.

6.    Proclamation - Arab American Heritage Month – The Board proclaimed April 2025 as Arab American Heritage Month in Durham County. The purpose of this proclamation is to acknowledge and honor Arab Americans in Durham County, bringing awareness and celebration to the contributions of Arab Americans in our community in Durham County and across our country and world. Cassandra Kiger, Manager, Equitable Well-Being received the proclamation. Read here.

7.    Proclamation - National Child Abuse Prevention Month – The Board proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Durham County. April is a time set aside each year to recognize Child Abuse Month and to highlight the support needed to ensure children are safe and can remain with families. It’s also time to inform and raise awareness about the opportunities that members of our community can engage to support children who have been mistreated. The theme for 2025 is “Powered by Hope, Strengthen by Prevention”. Maggie Clapp, Director; and LaVelle Chesney, Program Manager received the proclamation. Read here.

 

Consent Agenda: Commissioners considered and approved the following items. See full agenda for complete details: 

1.    Award of Contract with Innovative Emergency Management (IEM) in the Amount of $99,853 for the Joint City and County Crisis Communications Plan

2.    Approval of Updated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Durham Public Schools (DPS) for Shelter Sites

3.    Approval of the Contract to Install a Partial Roof Replacement at Durham County Southwest Library Using Capital Funds Set Aside for the Purpose of Roofing Life Cycle Replacement in the Amount of $71,000

4.    Approve Lease Agreement Between Bakers Dozen LLC and Durham County at Shoppes at Hope Valley for a 10-year term, with an Annual Lease Amount of $30,250 and Annual Common Area Maintenance in the Amount of $4,875, with Other Terms as Noted in the Attached Lease Agreement

5.    Authorization to Enter into a Contract with Siemen’s Industry for the Replacement of Fire Alarm Systems at Six Durham County Facilities: Community Shelter- 412 Liberty St, Fire & Rescue Station 82- 1724 S Miami Blvd, Fire & Rescue Station 85- 4200 Farrington Rd, East Regional Library- 211 Lick Creek Ln, EMS #6- 226 Milton Rd, and North Regional Library- 221 Milton Rd. in the Amount of $335,149.00

6.    Approval of Contract Amendment for Sanford Electrical Contractors, LLC, for Electrical Services in the Amount of $19,504.97 Bringing the Total Amount to $139,504.97

7.    Execution of a Contract with Summit Design & Engineering Services, Inc. for Construction Materials Testing (CMT) and Special Inspections for the New Durham County Sheriff’s Training Facility in the amount of $128,550 plus ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $12,855 for a total contract not to exceed $141,405 PULLED

8.    Authorization of an Amendment to Design Contract with RND Architects, PA for Design Development and Construction Administration Services Related to the Durham County Sheriff’s Training Facility (Project No. 4310DC091) in the Amount of $186,000, plus approval of a 5% design contingency in the amount of $47,425 for a Total Revised Contract Amount not to exceed $995,925 PULLED

9.    Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.25CPA037 Transferring $381,996 of PAYGO Funding in the 300 Block Rolling Door Capital Project (4190DC088) to the Ongoing HVAC Replacement Capital Project (4190DC076) to Cover Unanticipated Equipment Replacement Costs

10. Authorize the County Manager to execute a Standard Non-Reimbursable Utility Agreement and any other required documents for the Relocation and Upsizing of a Durham County Lift Station and Related Appurtenances for Lumley Road Multifamily

11. Approve and Authorize the Manager to Sign the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the County of Durham and City of Durham for the Purchase and Storage of Sodium Chloride (salt)

12. Upgrade BAS Building Automation System with Schneider Electric for the HHS and Courthouse Buildings for the amount of $774,045.00

13. Approval of Easement Deed to City of Durham for a Sidewalk Easement at 750 Stadium Drive

14. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 25BCC086 - Appropriate General Fund Fund Balance Totaling $452,437.63 to Increase Expenditure Authority for the Sheriff’s Office Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) grant and to Classify These Funds as Restricted PULLED

15. Approval of Contract Amendment with Brame Specialty Company in the amount of $100,000 for the Durham County Detention Center

16. Authorize the County Manager to Execute an Amendment to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the City of Durham Governing the Development of a New Durham Cultural Roadmap by the Durham Cultural Advisory Board

17. Approve Acceptance of Impervious Surface Conservation Easement (19.302 acres, a portion of REID 237256 at 2421 Stagville Road) for Permanent Open Space

18. Approval of Subaward Agreement to Central Pines Regional Council in the Amount of $142,799 to Implement the Client Intake Process and Manage Contractors Conducting Low-Income Residential Energy Efficiency Improvements and Minor Home Repair Associated with the Energy Burden and Emissions Reduction Program

19. Authorize the County Manager to execute a Subaward Agreement with the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association for $49,820 to Provide Program Design and Support for the Energy Burden and Emissions Reduction Program

20. Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.25CPA039 Reallocating 2022 General Obligation Bond Funds Reducing the Durham Technical Community College (DTCC) Land Purchase Capital Project (5920CC022) Budget by $390,000, Increasing the DTCC Campus Police Renovation Capital Project (5920CC023) Budget by $90,000, and Increasing the New DTCC Conduit and Cabling Capital Project (5920CC026) Budget by $300,000 to Fund Unanticipated Cost Increases

Items Pulled from the Consent Agenda:

Execution of a Contract with Summit Design & Engineering Services, Inc. for Construction Materials Testing (CMT) and Special Inspections for the New Durham County Sheriff’s Training Facility in the amount of $128,550 plus ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $12,855 for a total contract not to exceed $141,405—

3-2 approval

Authorization of an Amendment to Design Contract with RND Architects, PA for Design Development and Construction Administration Services Related to the Durham County Sheriff’s Training Facility (Project No. 4310DC091) in the Amount of $186,000, plus approval of a 5% design contingency in the amount of $47,425 for a Total Revised Contract Amount not to exceed $995,925

3-2 approval

Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 25BCC086 - Appropriate General Fund Fund Balance Totaling $452,437.63 to Increase Expenditure Authority for the Sheriff’s Office Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) grant and to Classify These Funds as Restricted 

5-0 approval

 

All were approved.

 

Closed Session: The Board adjourned into Closed Session pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5).

 

The Board returned and authorized the acquisition of easements for Slater Road, Page Park and Chin Page Road to negotiate final costs and authorized the County Manager to execute purchase agreements and all documents required to consummate the acquisitions.  

 

Adjournment: The Board adjourned the meeting at 9 p.m.

 

Board meetings are cablecast live and rebroadcast on Durham Television Network (DTN) on Spectrum channel 8 and 1302, Frontier channel 70 and AT&T U-verse channel 99. Meetings can also be viewed on the County’s YouTube channel. To view the agendas and recordings of the BOCC’s Regular Session meetings, visit the BOCC’s Website.

 

The next hybrid Regular Session is scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2025, inside the Commissioners' Chambers on the second floor at 200 E. Main Street. The Chair will deliver her State of the County Address at the beginning of that meeting.

 

For more information about BOCC meetings, contact the Clerk to the Board's Office at 919-560-0025 or email clerk@dconc.gov.

 

 

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