Durham, N.C. – The Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met on Monday, November 13, 2023, 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 Brenda Howerton called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

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

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

1. DCo Sheriff’s Office Gun Buyback Events - The Durham County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Project Safe Neighborhoods is hosting a Durham County Gun Buyback event at two separate locations on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Staff will be on hand at Durham County Memorial Stadium in the visitor’s parking lot and at the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 1007 S. Roxboro Street. You may turn in any working gun for cash (long gun $100, handgun $150 and assault rifle $200) with no questions asked. All weapons must be unloaded and laid in plain view in your vehicle. You will then be directed on what to do by law enforcement.
2. Innovate Durham Application Deadline Nov. 19 - Local startups and entrepreneurs looking for a way to develop and test their products and services are invited to apply for the 2023 Innovate Durham program. But hurry, the deadline is Sunday, Nov. 19! This City-County partnership allows entrepreneurs to use local government as a laboratory to test products and ideas. Learn more and apply at http://www.dcoed.com/entrepreneurs/innovate-durham.
3. Community Walk from DCoDPH Men’s Health Council on Nov. 18 - The Men’s Health Council of the Durham County Department of Public Health holds monthly Community Walks at various sites throughout Durham County. Socialize, walk in a beautiful park, and learn! This month’s talk for Lung Cancer Awareness Month will feature Olivia Cunningham, Tobacco Education Specialist with DCoDPH. The walk will be on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 9 a.m. at the Merrick-Moore Park, 632 N. Hoover Rd.
4. DCo Thrives Launch Event - The community is invited to the free kick-off event for Durham County’s guaranteed income pilot program - DCo Thrives - on Monday, November 20 at 5 p.m. The event at the Durham Convention Center, 301 W. Morgan St., will feature a screening of the documentary “It’s Basic”, followed by a panel discussion on the impacts of guaranteed income. It will feature a DJ, concessions, and giveaways. For updates, visit www.dconc.gov/dcothrives or email to dcothrives@dconc.gov.
5. Get Help with Medicaid Expansion - Medicaid Expansion is here, and our Social Services Department is preparing to serve the estimated 22,000 new clients in Durham that will apply for Medicaid. The simplest, and quickest way for new applicants to apply, is to visit: https://epass.nc.gov/. For those adults 19-64 who wish to learn more about Medicaid Expansion, visit: https://bit.ly/3QuBK9A. In addition to signing up for Medicaid online, you may visit our Durham County offices, the Human Services Building at 414 East Main Street in downtown Durham to apply.
6. Open Enrollment - Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace for 2024 has begun. Enroll in or change your existing healthcare plan through the marketplace by December 15, 2023, to get coverage beginning January 1, 2024. Visit https://healthcare.gov/.
7. In Touch with Durham County Show - Watch the “In Touch with Durham County” TV Show each month hosted by Chair Brenda Howerton and Chief Communications Officer Deborah Craig-Ray. This month’s show features a conversation with Durham County Public Health Director Rod Jenkins and Human Resources Manager Diedre Gonzales. It is available to watch on the DCo YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/dcowebmaster (be sure to subscribe!), the Durham County Government website at www.dconc.gov and the Durham Television Network.
8. DCo Forward Needs Your Feedback - Did you know Durham County is developing a new strategic plan? The new plan will serve as the roadmap for the next 5 years for Durham County Government. Your voice matters, and we want to be sure to get your feedback throughout the process. Share your voice today! English - https://bit.ly/dcoforward Spanish - https://bit.ly/dcoforwardesp.
9. DCo On the Go Design Contest Extension - Durham County has ordered a new vehicle that will serve residents as a “mobile Durham County Office.” DCo On the Go will include broadband access, meeting rooms, large screens to share videos, and other services. This vehicle will need distinctive artwork and the County is asking local artists to assist! The DCo On the Go Design Contest is open to artists 18 years and up and winning designs for the bus wrap will be eligible for cash prizes up to $1,000. Younger residents in grades 6-12 can help design art for a rear panel of the vehicle, with prizes up to $250. The deadline has been extended until April 12, 2024. Visit www.dconc.gov/DCoOnTheGo for more information and how to apply.
10. Flu & COVID Vaccines for the Homebound – The Durham County Community Paramedics provide influenza and COVID vaccines for anyone who cannot easily leave their home to get them elsewhere. Vaccines administered by DCo Community Paramedics in your home. There is no charge for anyone who is homebound. Supplies are limited! Please call soon to schedule your vaccine appointment. Available appointment times are Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 919-475-3991 or email Capt. Helen Tripp at htripp@dconc.gov.

Minutes: Commissioners approved the minutes from the October 23, 2023, Regular Session.

Ceremonial Items:

1. Proclamation - Recognition of the Family Caregiver Month 2023 Proclamation signed by Governor Roy Cooper - The Board recognized a Proclamation signed by Governor Roy Cooper making November Family Caregiver Month. More than 358,000 residents in North Carolina are tending to the needs or concerns of a person with short – or – long term limitations due to injury or disability and are therefore caregivers. The State of North Carolina encourages people to acknowledge and support family, friends, and neighbors who help those who are aging or have disabilities. Read the proclamation here.

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

1. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00045 Public Health to Recognize funds in the amount of $862,450 from NCDHHS Division of Public Health to Support Core Public Health Services.
2. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00042 Public Health to Recognize $1,404,000 from the NC DHHS Division of Child and Family Wellbeing, Whole Child Health Section, School, Adolescent and Child Health Unit for an Inclusive School Health Team.
3. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00041 Public Health to Recognize $265,113 from the NC DHHS Division of Public Health Epidemiology Section / Immunization Branch for COVID-19 Services.
4. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00040 Public Health to Recognize $150,000 from the NC DHHS Division of Child & Family Well-Being, Whole Child Health Section, Child & Family Wellness Unit to Expand the Triple P Positive Parenting Program.
5. Budget Ordinance Amendment No.24BCC00056 to Recognize $199,106 in Grant Funding and Approval of Interlocal Agreement for the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).
6. Approval of Contract with STR Mechanical in the amount of $92,314 for 40-ton Package HVAC Unit Replacement for Hillsborough Road Warehouse
7. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00046 Recognizing $35,066 from the 2023 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.
8. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00052 Recognizing $81,725 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to the Durham County Sheriff's Office for the 2022 State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP).
9. Capital Project Amendment No.24CPA00009 and Budget Amendment No.24BCC00047 Appropriating $2,055,401 of Debt Service Fund Fund Balance, Transferring $2,055,401 out of the Debt Service Fund to the PAYGO Fund in the Detention Center Critical Infrastructure Capital Project (4190DC086 - New Total $6,480,903) to Fund a $5,893,380 Contract with Esitech Inc.; as well as Authorize the County Manager to Execute Any Amendments Not to Exceed $6,335,383.00
10. Approval of contract with North American Rescue Simulation for upgrades and repairs to current TOMMANIKIN EMS Simulator manikins in the amount of $37,584.00
11. Approval of a Contract with Insight Global for an IS&T Help Desk Technician in the amount of $103,350.00.
12. Approval of Interlocal Agreement with the City of Durham for the Northeast Creek Sewer Basin Hydraulic Model and approve use of funding from Unrestricted Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund from Approved FY 2023-24 Budget in the amount of $700,000 with an amount not to exceed $900,000.
13. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No.24BCC00053 Transferring $400,000 of Capital Financing Plan Fund Funding to the Engineering Department General Fund Budget to Support the Shoppes of Hope Valley Pre-Development Process Study (Estimated Total Cost of $400K), as well as Authorizing the Execution of a Contract Agreement with the UNC School of Government’s Development Finance Initiative for Phase I of the Pre-Development Process for the Shoppes at Hope Valley Shopping Center Site for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $144,350.00
14. Approval of contract with Read’s Uniforms to purchase Emergency Medical Services uniforms in the amount of $84,830.00.
15. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No.24BCC00051 Appropriating $237,000 of General Fund Fund Balance to the Stagville Memorial Committee for the Stagville Memorial Project and Authorizing the County Manager to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Stagville Memorial Committee Outlining the County’s Commitment to the Project for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $237,000
16. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00048 Appropriating $11,834 of General Fund Fund Balance to the Clerk of Superior Court for Furniture Expenses
17. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00055 Department of Social Services to Recognize Funds in the Amount of $2,025,899.59 from North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office (NCPRO) for Durham County to Provide Emergency Rental Assistance Payments for eligible families.
18. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00050 Appropriating $100,000 in General Fund Restricted Fund Balance to Increase State Asset Forfeiture Expenditure Authority for the Sheriff’s Office
19. Approval of the FY24 Durham Transit Plan Q2 Work Program Amendment in the amount of $139,550.00
20. Approval of contract with Duke Health System for EMS Medical Direction (Medical Director) in the amount of $158,400
21. Department of Social Services to recognize Allies4Outcomes (A4O) Contract for a Sole Source Exemption
22. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00054 Appropriating $13,560 of General Fund Fund Balance for the Durham County District Attorney’s Office for Increased Costs of Assistant District Attorney Contracts
23. Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.24CPA00010 Appropriating $21.3M in Limited Obligation Bond Funding (LOBS) to the Board of Elections S. Roxboro Street Renovation Capital Project (4730DC155), as well as Execute the Construction Manager @ Risk GMP#2 Contract for the BOE S. Roxboro St. Renovation Project
24. Approval of a Contract for Long Term Monthly Rental, for Up To 6 Months, with Sunbelt for Temporary Hot Water Pump at DCo Courthouse at Cost of $16, 401.89/month and Total of $98,411.34 for 6 Months
25. Creation of a FY 2023-24 Opioid Settlement Fund Budget Ordinance Allocating $324,500 of Opioid Settlement Funds to the Public Health Department in Support of a New Position and Related Program Services, as Well as Approval of a Required Authorizing Resolution Directing the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds

Adjournment: The Board adjourned the meeting at 7:23 p.m.

Board meetings are cablecast live and rebroadcast on Durham Television Network (DTN) on Spectrum Channel 8. Replays are available on DTN along with AT&T U-verse Channel 99 and Frontier Communications Channel 70. 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, November 27, 2023, 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.

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