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Record of Proceedings

Durham City Council Meeting - March 17, 2025: USAID Resolution, Zoning Cases, Budget Hearing

City Council — Monday, March 17, 2025
BodyDurham, North Carolina
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, March 17, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:14

Good evening, everyone.

0:16

Welcome to City Hall on budget night.

0:23

Amongst other things, it's great to have everyone here.

0:25

It's always good to feel full health.

0:28

Um we'll go ahead and call the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

0:34

And if you will please join me in a moment of silence.

0:47

Thank you.

0:47

I'll now pass it over to Councilmember Freeman.

0:51

Thank you.

0:51

Uh Happy St.

0:52

Patrick's Day, everyone.

0:53

I will now uh lead us in the salute of the flag if you'd like to join us and say the pledge along with us.

0:59

Thank you.

1:25

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

1:26

Will you please call call the roll?

1:31

Thank you, Mr.

1:32

Mayor.

1:32

Mayor Williams.

1:33

Here.

1:33

Mayor Pro Tem Middleton.

1:35

I'm here.

1:35

Councilmember Baker.

1:36

Here.

1:37

Councilmember Caballero.

1:39

Here.

1:39

Councilmember Cook.

1:40

Here.

1:41

Councilmember Freeman.

1:42

Present.

1:43

Councilmember Rest.

1:44

Here.

1:44

Thank you.

1:47

Thank you.

1:48

I will now pass it over to Councilmember Rist for ceremony items.

1:55

Ms.

1:56

Allis.

2:02

And and crew.

2:10

Hey, let me call up Alice and the gang here.

2:12

Thanks for being here.

2:12

I gotta put them a t-shirt first.

2:15

While he's doing that, I will say uh just so we can get as many people in as possible.

2:20

If you don't mind, just kind of move into the middle.

2:22

Um let's get proximate so we can get more people in inside.

2:28

I know we have overflow outside, but it'll be great to have folks in.

2:34

Thank you, Ms.

2:35

Mayor.

2:35

Well, it gives me quite an honor to be here, and I think I did this pre proclamation last year for the crop walk.

2:40

My church has always been involved in the crop walk.

2:41

I've done it so many times with my kids, so it's oh oh pull it out of here.

2:54

Um I've done this walk so many times with my kids and our church, so it's quite an honor to be here to read this proclamation on behalf of the mayor and the council.

3:01

So the Durham Crop Hunger Walk will be held on March 23rd, 2025.

3:10

And whereas it is the oldest fundraising walk in Durham, and whereas the Durham Crop Hunger Walk has raised more than five point five million dollars for hunger relief since the inception of the walk, including the 25% over 1.4 million that has gone to hunger fighting agencies in Durham.

3:31

And whereas the 2024 Durham Crop Hunger Walk was the largest walk of approximately 500 walks in the nation.

3:39

And whereas we applaud the citizens of Durham for their compassion in working together to help relieve hungry hunger, both globally and locally.

3:48

Now, therefore, I Leonardo Williams, Mayor of the City of Durham, North Carolina, to hereby proclaim March 23rd, 2025 as Crop Hunger Walk Day in the City of Durham and urge all citizens to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

4:06

Witness my hand in the corporate seal of the City of Durham, North Carolina, the 17th day of March, 2025.

4:12

Leonardo Williams, Mayor.

4:14

Thank you so much.

4:21

Now we give it to folks a chance to say a few words.

4:24

Well, we just want you to come out on March 23rd to Duke Chapel and come back up here in the end.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Land Use Planning███████████████15%
Environmental Protection████████████12%
Public Safety████████8%
Public Engagement███████7%
Procedural██████6%
Affordable Housing██████6%
Housing Stability████4%
Flooding████4%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Durham City Council Meeting - March 17, 2025

The Durham City Council met on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included a ceremonial proclamation, unanimous approval of a consent agenda, adoption of a resolution supporting USAID and foreign assistance, two zoning case public hearings (Chin Page Road Apartments and Pickett Road Apartments), a consolidated annexation (1012 Valmet Drive), and a public hearing on the FY2025-26 Budget and FY2026-31 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The meeting ran late into the night due to lengthy public comment on the Pickett Road rezoning and the budget hearing.

Ceremonial Items

  • Durham CROP Hunger Walk Day Proclamation: Mayor Leonardo Williams proclaimed March 23, 2025, as CROP Hunger Walk Day. Speakers highlighted that the 2024 Durham CROP Walk was the largest of approximately 500 walks nationwide, raising over $5.5 million since its inception, with 25% ($1.4 million) staying local.

Consent Calendar

The council unanimously approved all 28 consent agenda items, including:

  • Approval of minutes from several prior meetings.
  • Appointments to city boards and commissions.
  • Contract amendments, including MWBE consulting ($324,000 increase), opioid settlement funds ($664,166 in grants), GO Bonds (Series 2025, up to $100 million), street repair contracts ($15.6M and $6.9M), sidewalk repairs ($7.4M), and various other service contracts.
  • Acceptance of annual reports (Equal Business Opportunity Program, Keep Durham Beautiful, Human Relations Commission, Mayor's Hispanic/Latino Committee).
  • Lease agreement with Durham Bicycle Cooperative for Duke Park.
  • Condemnation actions for bicycle/pedestrian improvements.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • USAID Resolution (Item 33): Brianna Clark Schwelm (Executive Director, NC Global Health Alliance) spoke in support, emphasizing the economic impact of foreign aid funding on North Carolina and Durham, noting over 1,750 jobs in the Triangle area and the fourth-highest recipient status in the nation. She urged the Council to adopt the resolution.
  • Chin Page Road Apartments (Item 30): Applicant Neil Ghosh (Morningstar Law Group) presented, announcing increased affordable housing commitments from 3% to 6% at 60% AMI for 30 years, additional tree coverage (21%), native plant requirements, and prohibition of certain uses. No public speakers opposed.
  • Pickett Road Apartments (Item 31): Numerous residents and organizations spoke against the rezoning, citing environmental concerns (Sandy Creek Park biodiversity, floodplain, lighting, bird collisions), pedestrian safety (lack of sidewalks, dangerous roads, high traffic volume), and inadequate infrastructure (no public transit). Speakers included representatives from New Hope Bird Alliance, Feminist Bird Club, Durham Academy, and downstream neighbors concerned about flooding. Some acknowledged the need for affordable housing but argued the site was inappropriate. Applicant Neil Ghosh responded, stating additional commitments such as bird-friendly window treatment (Material Threat Factor ≤30), full cutoff lighting, a $300,000 contribution to the Durham Parks Foundation for connectivity, and other design improvements.
  • Budget Public Hearing (Item 29): Over 20 speakers addressed the council on various budget priorities:
    • Arts & Festivals: Several speakers from Durham Cultural Advisory Board and festival organizers requested continued $400,000 funding for festivals, citing economic impact (e.g., $5.85 million return on investment in FY24) and cultural importance.
    • Eviction Diversion: Multiple speakers from Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church and Legal Aid of NC urged funding for eviction diversion and rental assistance, noting Durham's high eviction rates (highest per capita among top 5 NC counties) and the disproportionate impact on Black women (79% of evicted DHA residents were female, 91% people of color).
    • Fare-Free Transit: Advocates (Bike Durham, Transit Equity Campaign) asked for $1.5 million to continue free GoDurham service, arguing it is essential for mobility, equity, and encourages ridership.
    • HART Program Expansion: Several speakers called for 24/7 citywide expansion of the HART (community crisis response) program, noting it has responded to over 25,000 calls since 2022 with positive feedback. A petition with over 500 signatures was cited.
    • Living Wage for City Workers: Representatives from UE 150 (city workers' union) requested recalculation of the living wage ordinance to use the most recent two years of housing cost data, raising the minimum to $24.54/hour. They also called for fair evaluations and step increases.
    • Parks and Recreation: Speakers asked to maintain the half-cent park funding, increase operations staff, and fund repairs (e.g., Elmira Park tennis courts).
    • Street Safety: Multiple speakers urged full funding for Vision Zero, including two-way conversion of Roxboro and Mangum Streets, and design studies for Duke and Gregson Streets, citing recent fatal crashes.
    • Other: Requests included lead remediation in parks ($5M), down payment assistance program barriers removal, permanent guaranteed income program, and support for affordable housing at 505 Hill/Chapel Hill Street (130 affordable units).

Discussion Items

  • USAID Resolution (Item 33): Councilmembers expressed support, noting the economic and moral importance. Councilmember Rist moved adoption; seconded. Passed unanimously.
  • Chin Page Road Apartments (Item 30): Council discussed the place type map change and staff confirmed the site scores well on industrial land study but housing supply is a higher priority. The applicant's additional commitments (6% affordable, 21% tree coverage, elevators, native plants) were praised. Motion to approve rezoning and consistency statement passed 7-0.
  • Pickett Road Apartments (Item 31): Lengthy debate ensued. Councilmember Caballero asked about the recombination plat and its effect on sidewalk requirements. Councilmember Baker provided a philosophical overview, noting the site is consistent with apartment/townhouse place type but lacks transit and sidewalks. Councilmember Cook expressed dissatisfaction with community outreach. Councilmember Freeman raised concerns about flooding and stormwater. Councilmember Rist noted the applicant's efforts on bird-friendly design and connectivity funding. Councilmember Caballero supported, stating the project is better than by-right (12 single-family homes). Councilmember Cook opposed due to safety and environmental risks. Councilmember Freeman opposed due to floodplain and environmental concerns. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton argued density near parks is necessary and the project improved since February. Mayor Williams supported, citing the need for growth and affordable housing. The rezoning motion passed 4-3 (Councilmembers Baker, Cook, Freeman voting no). The consistency statement passed 6-1 (Freeman voting no).
  • Consolidated Annexation (Item 32): Brief discussion; staff recommended approval. Motion to annex and zone passed unanimously (with other motions also unanimous).
  • Budget Public Hearing (Item 29): No council discussion; purely a hearing to receive public input. The city manager will present the proposed budget on May 19, with a second hearing on June 2 and final adoption on June 16.

Key Outcomes

  • USAID Resolution: Adopted unanimously (7-0).
  • Zoning Map Change – Chin Page Road Apartments: Approved unanimously (7-0) with additional commitments (6% affordable at 60% AMI, 30-year term, 21% tree coverage, native plants, no drive-throughs, etc.).
  • Consolidated Annexation – 1012 Valmet Drive: Approved unanimously (3 motions, each 7-0).
  • Zoning Map Change – Pickett Road Apartments: Approved 4-3 (Councilmembers Baker, Cook, Freeman voting no) with revised commitments: bird-friendly window treatment (Material Threat Factor ≤30), $300,000 to Durham Parks Foundation for Pickett Road/Sandy Creek connectivity, full cutoff lighting, elevators, Energy Star certification, and other design standards. The consistency statement passed 6-1.
  • Budget Hearing: No action taken. The next steps are the manager's budget presentation on May 19, a second public hearing on June 2, and adoption on June 16.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. Welcome to City Hall on budget night. Amongst other things, it's great to have everyone here. It's always good to feel full health. Um we'll go ahead and call the meeting to order at 7 p.m. And if you will please join me in a moment of silence. Thank you. I'll now pass it over to Councilmember Freeman. Thank you. Uh Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone. I will now uh lead us in the salute of the flag if you'd like to join us and say the pledge along with us. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Will you please call call the roll? Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Williams. Here. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton. I'm here. Councilmember Baker. Here. Councilmember Caballero. Here. Councilmember Cook. Here. Councilmember Freeman. Present. Councilmember Rest. Here. Thank you. Thank you. I will now pass it over to Councilmember Rist for ceremony items. Ms. Allis. And and crew. Hey, let me call up Alice and the gang here. Thanks for being here. I gotta put them a t-shirt first. While he's doing that, I will say uh just so we can get as many people in as possible. If you don't mind, just kind of move into the middle. Um let's get proximate so we can get more people in inside. I know we have overflow outside, but it'll be great to have folks in. Thank you, Ms. Mayor. Well, it gives me quite an honor to be here, and I think I did this pre proclamation last year for the crop walk. My church has always been involved in the crop walk. I've done it so many times with my kids, so it's oh oh pull it out of here. Um I've done this walk so many times with my kids and our church, so it's quite an honor to be here to read this proclamation on behalf of the mayor and the council.

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