Durham, N.C. - The Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met on Monday, September 23, 2024, 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.

All attendees were led by Commissioner Carter in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda Adjustments: The County Attorney requested the Board go into closed session at the end of the agenda pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6).

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

Register for Durham MED Week - Minority and women-owned business owners are encouraged to register to participate in Durham's 2024 Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. The City of Durham and Durham County governments, in partnership with multiple community, state, and local businesses, will observe "Solidifying Your Next - Durham MED Week 2024 - from October 14-17. Participants can attend a HUB Certification Day event, a Business Fair, and a Luncheon and Keynote Address at the Durham Convention Center with The Kars Group Chief Change Officer and President Keisha Rivers. Registration deadline is October 3. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/solidifying-your-next-durham-med-week-2024-tickets-965280629347

Duke Forest Deer Herd Reduction Program Starts Sept. 23 - The Office of the Duke Forest announces that the 2024 Deer Herd Reduction Program begins on Monday, September 23 and ends on Friday, December 13. During this time, the Durham, Korstian, and Blackwood Divisions will be closed to the public and for all recreation Monday through Friday. Saturdays and Sundays are open for normal use. Learn more about this program, and read a frequently asked questions here - https://dukeforest.duke.edu/management/deer-management/.

Extension Master Food Volunteer Program - Are you passionate about food, community service, and making a meaningful connection to other residents? The Durham County Cooperative Extension has a new and exciting opportunity for residents, the Extension Master Food Volunteer (EMFV) Program! To apply for the program, interested individuals are required to attend an information session to learn more about the program, meet Extension staff, and get their questions answered. The session will cover an overview of the program, volunteer expectations, and how to apply. A limited number of applicants will be accepted to the EMFV program, which will begin in January 2025. Zoom information session dates and registration information are: Friday, Sept. 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Register here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-info-session-extension-master-food-volunteer-program-tickets-1010798083277; and Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Register here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-info-session-extension-master-food-volunteer-program-tickets-1016566576997.

New UDO Engagement Opportunities for Residents - EngageDurham invites residents to attend one of its five engagement events for the draft rules for the new Durham Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Each session will include a presentation on proposed new zoning districts and zoning map, as well as time for discussion and input. Snacks, children's activities, and Spanish language materials and interpretation will be provided. Dates, times, and locations are as follows: Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at East Regional Library; Saturday, Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. at South Regional Library; Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. virtually - register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SnipZmTvRzK9MpigNhBU; Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at North Regional Library; and Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Main Library. More information at https://engagedurham.com/newudo.

Sock-Tember with Welcome Baby - What's cuter than kids socks? Kids in socks! Welcome Baby is hosting a month-long drive collecting socks to share with families through our Giving Closet. New and gently used socks size NB-9 children's. Donation may be dropped off throughout the month. Feel free to ring the doorbell so we can snap a picture for our "SOCK-HOP" scrapbook. Donations accepted 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday at 721 Foster Street. Please call 919-560-7319 or email ckriley@dconc.gov should you need to make alternate arrangements for your donations.

DCo Board of Elections App - The Durham County Board of Elections has launched a new mobile application - DCo Votes - designed to help residents stay informed and be prepared for upcoming elections, including the Statewide General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. This free, easy-to-use app offers instant access to important information, including election dates, sample ballots, personalized voter details, and more! The mobile app is available for download via the App Store for Apple Devices or in the Google Play Store for Android devices.

PreventT2 Lifestyle Change Program - The Durham County Department of Public Health will begin classes in October for the year-long PreventT2 Lifestyle Change Program. This is part of the CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program and aims to help you make lasting changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes that is facilitated by a trained lifestyle coach. For more information, call 919-560-7995 or email mrtorres@dconc.gov.

National Night Out - The Durham County Sheriff's Office invites the community and all neighborhoods to participate in "National Night Out". This year's annual law enforcement/community partnership event will take place on Tuesday, October 1st. Event will be scheduled throughout Durham County and more information can be found at http://www.durhamsheriff.com/.

Minutes: Commissioners approved the minutes from the September 3, 2024, Work Session minutes and the September 9, 2024, Regular Session minutes.

Ceremonial Items:

Proclamation - Minority Enterprise Development Week - The Board proclaimed October 14 - 17, 2024 as Minority Enterprise Development Week in Durham County. MED Week is a week dedicated to empowering minority entrepreneurs and business professionals. This year's theme is all about empowering business owners to navigate their journey with confidence. Starting on Monday, October 14, 2024, this event will bring together industry experts and thought leaders who are passionate about fostering growth and innovation in minority enterprises. With a lineup of engaging workshops, networking events, and a lunch and learn, you'll have the chance to connect, learn, and propel your career and business to new heights. Read the proclamation here.

Proclamation - 3rd Annual North Carolina Black Alliance Rooted in Wellness Day - The Board proclaimed September 28th as Rooted in Wellness Day in Durham County. North Carolina Black Alliance believes every American should have access to healthcare in time of injury and illness. Rooted in Wellness Day is a statewide wellness event dedicated to providing local resources to support community well-being and agency to communities not reached by the traditional healthcare system. Rooted in Wellness Day reminds us that it is in our communities where so many of us find our roots of support and is the core of progress to lead healthier lives for our mind, body and soul. Read the proclamation here.

Resolution - Honoring the Service and Leadership of Governor Roy Cooper - The Board approved a resolution honoring the service and leadership of Governor Roy Cooper. The resolution was presented to Governor Cooper at an event held on Friday, September 20, 2024. Read the proclamation here.

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

Renewal of Existing Lease Between Cato of North Carolina, LLC and Durham County at the Shoppes of Hope Valley, Suite 129 for an annual amount of $51,480.00

Approval of Property Tax Releases and Refund for August 2024

Appointment of Deputy County Manager Claudia Hager as Acting County Manager.

Approval of Interlocal Agreement with the City of Durham to Use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to Support Efforts to Improve Digital Equity totaling $750,000

Approval of Annual Settlement of 2023 Property Taxes and Charge of 2024 Property Taxes to the Tax Collector

Other Business:

Discussion and Approval of 2025 Federal Legislative Goals for NCACC - The Board discussed and voted on proposed Federal legislative goals to send to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.

Board and Commission Appointments: The Board made appointments to the following Boards and Commissions:

Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee - Nick Galvez

Audit Oversight Committee - Nicole McCoy

Durham County Women's Commission - Mikisha Markham, Rachel Saywon

Durham Workforce Development Board - La-Tasha Best-Gaddy and Christian Rebuli

Historic Preservation Commission - Kenneth Webb

Homeless Services Advisory Committee - Jay Mebane

Congratulations to the new appointees.

The Board went into Closed Session as requested and returned without taking any action.

Adjournment: The Board adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m.

Board meetings are cablecast live and replays 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, October 14, 2024, inside the Commissioners' Chambers on the second floor at 200 E. Main Street.

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