Durham City Council Work Session – May 8, 2025

The Durham City Council met on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM for a work session. The agenda included administrative consent items, a presentation from the Racial Equity Commission, public hearings on annexation and zoning, and a resolution opposing House Bill 765. Councilmembers made announcements, and two members of the public spoke during Citizens' Matters. The meeting concluded with a closed session.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of City Council Minutes for meetings on 3/3/25, 3/6/25, 3/17/25, and 3/20/25.
• Appointment to Carolina Theatre Board – Tanetta Walker was nominated to fill a vacancy.
• City-County Planning Department FY26 Work Program – Approved.
• Agreement with Legal Aid of North Carolina – Authorized extension of the Durham Expunction and Restoration (DEAR) program up to $245,000 for FY2024-25, with five one-year renewal options.
• Racial Equity Commission 2024 Annual Report – Received presentation (see Discussion Items).
• Condemnation actions for sewer easements and pedestrian improvements (items 6, 8, 9, 10, 11).
• Temporary construction easements at 1507 Goodwin Road and 1615 Infinity Road for Goodwin Crossing development.
• CMAR contract for Outdoor Aquatics Center – Authorized preconstruction services with Clancy & Theys/Daniele JV up to $338,500.
• Design-build contract for Hillandale Golf Course Driving Range – Accepted $100,000 donation from Amerazil Golf; authorized design-build contract with OHG Construction LLC up to $880,527, with contingency up to $924,553.
• Acquisition of 708 & 716 Buren Road for Lake Michie expansion – $510,000.
• Creative Engagement Team contract – Trilateral contract with R Stein Wexler LLC and Keep Durham Beautiful, Inc. up to $89,000.
• Design contract for Outdoor Aquatics Center – Perkins & Will, Inc. up to $3,940,571, with contingency total $4,334,628.
• Economic development consulting contract with M-Cubed & Co. Global LLC for Business Registry & Legacy Program – $271,000.
• Conveyance of skate park amenities to The Scrap Exchange, Inc. – Approved.
• Interlocal Agreement with Durham County for Joint Public Health Programs – Authorized.
• Amendment No. 3 to Morreene Road Bike and Pedestrian Improvements contract – $131,917.36 increase, total $1,541,745.25.
• Second Amendment to Oracle Elevator Holdco contract – $183,398 increase, total $431,348.
• Amendment No. 3 to CDM Smith contract for Fayetteville Road Lift Station – $3,349,381 increase, total $8,338,868.
• Amendment No. 1 to Brown and Caldwell contract for Forest Hills Park Sewer Improvements – $1,536,100 increase, total $2,616,477.80.
• Fiscal Year 2025-26 Proposed Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) – Presentation postponed to May 19, 2025 City Council meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joshua Robinson – Expressed frustration with the Durham MFA (DEAR) program administered by OEWD, stating that funds disbursement had been delayed for nearly a year and that he and cohort members had not received updates since April 10, 2025. He requested accountability from staff. Councilmember Baker responded that he had been working on the issue and would provide a response by the next morning.
• DeWarren Langley (Executive Director, Charles Hamilton Easter Foundation) – Urged the council to invest in mentorship and support for young males of color, describing the foundation's work as transformative. He called for both private philanthropic and public tax-dollar investment, stating that the city must be “disruptive disruptors” of systems disproportionately impacting males of color.

Discussion Items

• Racial Equity Commission 2024 Annual Report – Commissioners Nisha Williams and Elena Stovely presented an overview of the commission's five subcommittees (Wealth & Economy, Criminal Legal System, Health & Environmental Justice, Housing, Education). They highlighted progress since the 2020 Racial Equity Task Force report, including the Guaranteed Basic Income pilot, Durham HART program (diverted over 11,000 calls), and expansion of universal pre-K. Key challenges identified: declining Black homeownership, racial wage gaps, eviction rate increases, lack of centralized data, and need for stronger anti-displacement policies. Commissioners recommended a centralized, consumable data portal and continued investment in programs that benefit all residents. Councilmembers praised the work and asked about data sources, rent stabilization (noted state restrictions), and the need for bold policy despite political backlash. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton requested recommendations for individuals. The commission meets every third Wednesday at City Hall.
• Hillandale Golf Course Driving Range Renovation – Anthony Phillips (General Services) and Gina (Parks and Recreation) explained that the renovation will expand the driving range to accommodate youth programs (Swing Bells, First Tee) and improve safety by moving the first tee. The golf course is self-sustaining via revenue, and the city funds major capital improvements. Councilmember Caballero asked about usage statistics; staff noted over 1,800 Durham Public Schools students participate in after-school programs at no charge. Councilmember Freeman noted the course's value to the community.
• Creative Engagement Team Services – Rebecca Holmes (Office of Economic and Workforce Development) explained that the contract with R Stein Wexler LLC and Keep Durham Beautiful will support community engagement for the Lakewood Small Area Plan. The project paused to pivot engagement methods after learning from the equitable engagement blueprint. The team will reach out to residents who want arts and cultural activities in their neighborhoods.
• Conveyance of Skate Park Amenities to The Scrap Exchange – Wade Walcutt (Parks and Recreation) stated that modular skate park equipment from the former Wheels property will be donated to The Scrap Exchange, which will install a free public skate park on its private property. Councilmembers praised the partnership and noted the location near El Centro, enhancing that area's public amenities.
• Resolution Opposing House Bill 765 (Reform Local Government Development Regulations) – Councilmember Baker introduced the resolution, noting that many municipalities across the state (both Democratic and Republican-led) are joining in opposition. The bill would restrict local land-use authority. Councilmembers Cook and Caballero expressed support, stating that Durham is already ahead of the curve on housing reforms (e.g., allowing triplexes, ADUs, eliminating parking minimums) and that the bill is a power grab. The resolution will be placed on the consent agenda for the May 19 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved – Items 1–23 were approved by consent, with item 24 (budget presentation) moved to the May 19 meeting and item 27 (HB 765 resolution) placed on the same meeting's agenda under GBA.
• Public Hearings Set – Items 25 (Danube Lane Townhouses annexation) and 26 (Brier Creek Multifamily zoning map change) were scheduled for public hearings at the May 19 meeting.
• Closed Session – The council held a closed session for attorney-client consultation regarding Town of Chapel Hill vs. City of Durham (case 85 CDS 3108) at 3:00 PM.
• Councilmember Announcements – Councilmember Baker will bring a resolution supporting Amazon workers' organizing rights. Councilmember Caballero was granted an excused absence for the May 22 work session. Councilmember Freeman noted the importance of food security and bike-to-school events. The Bimbay Festival was announced for the following Saturday.