Durham City Council Meeting - February 20, 2023

Overview

The Durham City Council met on Monday, February 20, 2023 at 7:00 PM in City Hall. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, a consent agenda, public hearings on zoning and funding, and council discussion on community engagement. The meeting adjourned at 10:26 PM.

Ceremonial Items

• Black History Month Proclamation: Mayor O'Neill proclaimed February 2023 as Black History Month in Durham. The proclamation was accepted by members of the Racial Equity Commission, who emphasized standing on the shoulders of giants and the ongoing work for justice.
• Go Durham Million Mile Club: 16 bus operators were recognized for achieving one million miles of preventable-accident-free driving each, totaling over 329 combined years of safe service. Each operator introduced themselves with years of service ranging from 14 to 26 years.
• Announcements: Councilmember Holsey Hyman highlighted the need for youth mentoring after attending a funeral for a Hillside High School student killed by gun violence. Councilmember Freeman shared a personal story about her missing aunt and urged community vigilance. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton requested an excused absence for a League of Municipalities meeting (approved 7-0). Councilmember Caballero announced a $400,000 Safe Streets grant and Durham's recognition as a 2022 Tree City USA.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–44 (excluding item 24) were approved unanimously (7-0). These included appointments, annual reports, budget amendments, construction contracts, and other routine approvals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 24 – Wheels at Durham Renovation: Three community members spoke in favor of retaining amenities (skating rink, mini golf, go-karts, etc.) and requested more inclusive community engagement. Speakers Gwen Silver, James Chavis, and Chantelle Farrell expressed that the community had not been adequately consulted and that meetings had been missed. Councilmembers echoed concerns about communication gaps. Staff acknowledged meetings had been held but agreed to improve outreach. The item was approved 7-0 after a commitment from Deputy City Manager Chadwell to personally ensure future engagement.
• Item 49 – Welcome Venture Park Annexation: Proponents Donna Frederick and Vanessa Mason Evans emphasized the need for high-paying jobs and training, requesting a $200,000 endowment for Durham Tech (applicant offered $30,000). Opponents Valerie Valentine, Helena Craig, and Natalie Pickett raised concerns about stormwater flooding, policing costs, and insufficient community benefits. The Chamber of Commerce spoke in support. After discussion, three motions passed 7-0: annexation, rezoning to Industrial Light with a development plan, and consistency statement.
• Item 51 – HOME ARP Funds: Public hearing on $4,346,151 in HOME-ARP funds for homelessness assistance. Commenters Anthony Bagellini (not present), Larissa Seibel, and Claudia Savara (via James Savara) urged prioritizing rental assistance and a guaranteed income pilot program. The hearing was closed; final approval scheduled for March 20, 2023.
• Item 52 – Amendments to Annual Action Plans: Public hearing on reallocating $6,206,481.22 in HOME funds. Speakers Tanya McCrae, Larry Hester, Denise Hester, George Spaulding, and Marcus Green requested that funds be used for the Fayetteville Street Corridor to support affordable housing, senior rehabilitation, and homelessness prevention. The hearing was closed; motions to approve the amendments and authorize the city manager passed 7-0.

Discussion Items

• Item 24 (pulled from consent) – Wheels at Durham Renovation: Councilmembers debated community engagement. Councilmember Freeman and Holsey Hyman noted residents felt unheard despite staff reports of meetings. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton defended staff, stating that community voices had driven the project. The item only authorized upfitting the skating rink, not the entire facility. Passed 7-0.
• Item 48 – American Village Town Homes Rezoning: Request to rezone 0.75 acres at 626 Mooring Road from RS-10 to RSM with a text-only plan for up to five townhouses. Staff reported planning commission approval (12-0). No public speakers. Two motions passed 7-0.
• Item 50 – 1907 South Miami Boulevard Rezoning: Request to add a Transitional Office Overlay to allow substance abuse counseling. Applicant Keenan Conder represented Gregory Dockery, a certified counselor. Opposition from Bethesda Baptist Church members Talmadge Leighton and Brenda Brown cited proximity to schools and safety concerns. Councilmembers Caballero, Holsey Hyman, Freeman, Johnson, and Mayor O'Neill expressed support, noting the service's importance and Mr. Dockery's positive reputation. Two motions passed 7-0.
• Resolution 55 – Solidarity with LGBTQ+ Community: Councilmember Johnson introduced a revised resolution affirming Durham's support for LGBTQ+ residents. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton thanked her for leadership. Motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (items 1–44 except 24) unanimously.
• Item 24 (Wheels at Durham) approved 7-0 with a commitment to improve community engagement.
• Resolution 55 approved unanimously.
• Item 49 (Welcome Venture Park) : Three motions passed 7-0: annexation, rezoning to IL with development plan, consistency statement. Applicant proffered $30,000 in scholarships, 50-foot buffer, and restrictions on gas stations, payday lenders, tobacco shops, adult establishments, and drive-through restaurants.
• Item 51 (HOME ARP funds) : Public hearing held; council will consider final plan on March 20, 2023.
• Item 52 (Annual Action Plan amendments) : Two motions passed 7-0 to approve and authorize implementation.
• Item 48 (American Village Town Homes) : Two motions passed 7-0 (zoning change and consistency statement).
• Item 50 (1907 South Miami Blvd) : Two motions passed 7-0 (zoning change and consistency statement).
• Staff reports: Several agenda items were modified as noted by the city manager (items 25, 26, 49, 54).