Durham City Council Meeting: February 20, 2024 – Ceasefire Resolution Passes 5-2
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Durham City Council Meeting: February 20, 2024 – Ceasefire Resolution Passes 5-2
The Durham City Council met on February 20, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM and adjourning at 12:54 AM. The meeting included proclamations, a large consent calendar, three contested zoning cases, and a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Israel-Palestine. Over 100 members of the public signed up to speak, primarily on the ceasefire resolution, which passed by a 5-2 vote.
Proclamations and Announcements
- Councilmember Freeman proclaimed February 11-17 as Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Week.
- Councilmember Caballero proclaimed February 21 as Student Mental Health Awareness Day, citing statistics: 10% of NC children aged 3-17 diagnosed with depression or anxiety (2020), and 20% of high school students seriously considering suicide in 2021.
- Mayor Williams proclaimed February 24 as Government Communicators Day in Durham.
- Councilmember Cook announced the City's receipt of the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
- Councilmember Baker reported on meetings about street infrastructure design and ongoing sediment pollution in Ellerby Creek.
- Councilmember Caballero expressed condolences for the 134 people killed in wildfires in Chile.
- Councilmember Freeman encouraged early voting and called for kindness.
- Mayor Pro Tem Middleton highlighted Meals on Wheels 45th anniversary, providing over 150,000 meals annually with nearly 700 volunteers.
Consent Calendar
The consent calendar consisting of 39 items (including minutes, commission appointments, annual reports, contract amendments, and several annexation/resolution items) was adopted unanimously. Item 46, originally part of consent, was moved to general business.
Public Comments & Testimony
On Zoning and Development Cases (Items 40-42):
- Item 40 (Sagebrook): Multiple opponents cited environmental concerns, lack of compliance with the comprehensive plan, and risks of blasting. The applicant defended the project, noting 10 affordable units and no blasting.
- Item 42 (1339 Coal Mill Road): One resident raised concerns about road access and lack of public services; the applicant increased proffers and committed to townhomes.
On Ceasefire Resolution (Item 46): Over 50 speakers addressed the council.
- Supporters: Included members of Jewish Voice for Peace, Mothers for Ceasefire, and Palestinian residents. They called for an immediate permanent ceasefire, condemned the toll of over 29,000 Palestinian deaths (including 13,000 children), and urged an end to U.S. military aid.
- Opponents: Included Jewish community members who argued the resolution ignored Hamas's October 7 attack, was one-sided, and would fuel anti-Semitism. They requested the resolution condemn Hamas.
Discussion Items
Item 40: Sagebrook Consolidated Annexation and Rezoning – Applicant proposed 120 townhomes on 17.36 acres. After discussion, Councilmember Cook moved to refer back to Planning Commission due to significant changes since the 0-12 vote. The motion passed 4-3.
Item 41: 5802 South Miami Boulevard Multifamily Annexation – Applicant requested referral back to staff to revise the plan for tree coverage compliance; council unanimously agreed.
Item 42: 1339 Coal Mill Road Rezoning – Applicant proposed up to 45 townhomes with increased proffers. After hearing, the council unanimously approved the rezoning and consistency statement (7-0).
Item 43: Text Amendment – Remainder Lot Width – Amendment to allow 80-foot minimum lot width for remainder lots in RS-20 district. Unanimously approved (7-0).
Item 46: Resolution Supporting a Ceasefire and an End to Violence Between Israel and Palestine – Councilmember Cook introduced the resolution. Council members gave extensive statements. The resolution passed 5-2 (Mayor Williams and Mayor Pro Tem Middleton dissenting). Councilmember Freeman’s subsequent motion to add “genocide” was not entertained.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar: Unanimously adopted.
- Sagebrook (Item 40): Referred back to Planning Commission (4-3).
- 5802 South Miami (Item 41): Referred back to staff (unanimous).
- 1339 Coal Mill (Item 42): Rezoning and consistency statement approved (7-0).
- Text Amendment (Item 43): Ordinance and consistency statement approved (7-0).
- Ceasefire Resolution (Item 46): Adopted 5-2; subsequent amendment not taken.
- Adjournment: 12:54 AM.
Meeting Transcript
One minute to air. We are now streaming. Recording in progress. Good evening, and welcome to Durham City Hall. It's great to see everyone in here. And it is seven o'clock, so I'm going to go ahead and call the meeting to order. Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll? I'm sorry. It's not a work session. At this moment, we'll have a moment of silence. Thank you. At this time, we'll uh have the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Freeman. Thank you. It's our practice to stand and salute the flag as we say the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. Now at this time, Madam Clerk, if you will please call the role. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Williams. I'm here. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton. I'm here. Councilmember Baker. Here. Councilmember Cook. Here. Councilmember Caballero. Here. Councilmember Freeman. Present. Councilmember Rest. Here. Thank you. Thank you so much. And thanks for the phone going off. I go ahead and say if you will, just please place your phones and evaporate. All right. And now we have a few ceremonial audience items tonight. Um FBLA, an organization I was in in high school, um will be read by uh Councilmember Freeman. FBLA Future Business Leaders of America. Presenting the Future Business Leaders of America to Jason Brooks. And whereas North Carolina State Chapter was chartered in spring of nineteen fifty-four, and whereas Southern School of Energy and Sustainability officially then Southern High School chartered its FBL's A local chapter on January twenty-ninth, nineteen fifty-eight. And whereas the nationally future lead business leaders of America includes more than 200,000 members and advisors, and advisors in 4600 chapters locally in the city of Durham, future business leaders of America includes hundreds of students and more than 12 high schools and 10 middle school chapters. And whereas Future Business Leaders of America strives to build a student's understanding of the realities of a modern business business world by bringing business and education together, and whereas future business leaders of America teaches students basic business and leadership principles and assists them in the transition from school to work for the benefit of our great city, and whereas the future business leaders members perform community service activities such as food, clothing, and toy drives, including individual school locations, and partner with organizations and groups throughout the city. And now, therefore, I, Leon Leonardo Williams, mayor of the City of Durham, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 11th through the 17th as Future Business Leaders of America Week in the City of Durham, and hereby urge all residents to take note and observance, witness my hand on the corporate seal of the city of Durham, North Carolina. This is the 19th day of February 2024, uh Leonardo Williams. Yes, we have good evening, thank you, uh, mayor and everyone, and we appreciate it. Good evening, everyone. It's my honor to read the Student Mental Health Awareness Day proclamation. And um, if Keenan Crumble could come up.
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