Durham City Council Work Session - May 10, 2023

The Durham City Council held a work session on May 10, 2023, starting at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included staff presentations on water and sewer rates, an affordable housing deep dive, the Upper Neuse River Basin Association budget, 751 South annexation details, and stormwater rates. Council members also addressed citizen concerns, pulled several agenda items for discussion, and set a future closed session.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1–3 (board appointments), Items 5–23 (departmental items including contracts, resolutions, and work programs) were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda.
• The consent agenda also included Item 13 (resolution to support UNRBA FY2024 budget), Item 22 (proposed water/sewer rates), Item 24 (FY2024 budget and CIP), Item 26 (751 South informational), and Item 31 (stormwater rates), which were presented later.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sandy Metz (Durham Area Pickleball players): Expressed strong support for completing the Piney Wood pickleball courts, noting the group raised nearly $25,000 for amenities and that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with 9 million players. Urged the council to consider additional funding for the project.
• Patty Magla: Highlighted the inclusive nature of pickleball, drawing 20–40 players weekly at Piney Wood. Requested renovated courts, lights, and winterized bathrooms to make the park a year-round hub.
• Heidi Wilson: Emphasized the sport's benefits for older adults, free access, and year-round demand. Asked for winterized bathrooms and better lighting.
• Pamela Andrews: Raised concerns about 10 households on Junction Road without water due to blasting/development; requested city assistance. Also questioned density changes in the Carpenter Preserve annexation (from 235 to 260 dwellings) and noted that Lick Creek pollution readings exceeded 2,000 (safe drinking water is 10). Called for help from the city.
• Jacqueline Wagstaff (remote): Criticized council members for saying they would not be receptive to citizens who disagree, and questioned how the Carpenter Preserve annexation returned to the agenda less than 60 days after failing. Expressed concern that the item moved ahead of other annexations.

Discussion Items

• Item 4 – Approval of Minutes (pulled by Councilmember Freeman): Council debated the accuracy and process of the March 23 special meeting minutes, particularly regarding a censure resolution against Councilmember Holsey-Hyman. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton argued the minutes accurately reflect what occurred; Councilmember Freeman stated the process was convoluted and biased. The minutes were moved to the GBA (General Business Agenda) for later action. Councilmembers agreed to refer process issues to the Procedures Committee.
• Item 7 – Dixie Lawn Service Contract (pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Middleton): Discussion focused on the company’s lack of African American employees. The General Services Department explained that contracting was driven by safety concerns on I-85 and capacity issues, not solely cost. The contractor stated only six total employees. The item remained on the consent agenda.
• Item 17 – GoDurham Access Service Contract (pulled by Mayor Pro Tem Middleton): The city’s Transportation Director detailed the transition from GoTriangle to direct city management for paratransit. The one-year extension with the current provider was recommended for continuity. Council members praised the process and the commitment to maintaining collective bargaining rights.
• Item 18 – Fixed Route Transit Contract with RATP (pulled by Councilmember Johnson): Staff explained that the shift to city management will improve accountability and performance. The new contract includes financial incentives for safety, on-time performance, and staffing. Council commended the effort and noted the importance of labor protections.
• Item 28 – Carpenter Preserve Annexation (pulled by Councilmember Freeman): Staff confirmed the annexation is the same site as Carpenter Falls, which failed earlier. There is no waiting period for re-submitting an annexation petition. The item will be voted on at the May 15 meeting.

Presentations

• Water and Sewer Rates (Item 22): Don Greeley proposed a 5.2% average increase for FY2023–2024 (e.g., $1.20/month for Tier 1 customers, $1.55 for Tier 2). The increase supports operating costs, capital improvements (over $1.5 billion over 10 years), and the Jordan Lake intake project ($700 million). The hardship fund of $150,000 has aided over 1,200 households. Council members praised the equity focus and encouraged maintaining the fund.
• Affordable Housing Deep Dive (Item 25): Dustin Inglecon of the Triangle Apartment Association presented market data: 4,900 units under construction, 8% vacancy rate, and average rent of $1,510/month. Recommended three financial investments: a housing preservation fund (like Wake County’s $20 million fund), a local emergency rental assistance program, and landlord incentives for housing choice vouchers. Also urged zoning reforms (e.g., removing parking minimums, legalizing ADUs/townhomes). Council members expressed interest in continued stakeholder engagement.
• Upper Neuse River Basin Association Budget (Item 13): Michelle Woolfolk presented the UNRBA’s FY2024 budget of $1,204,940 (city’s share about $16,000 more than previous year). The association is developing consensus principles for Falls Lake nutrient rules. Key data: stream bank erosion contributes 4.1% of nitrogen and 47.7% of phosphorus loads; the city is the largest contributor in the watershed. Council members asked about stream bank restoration costs.
• 751 South Informational (Item 26): Staff explained that a state law (2013–2014) annexed the area effective June 3, 2023. The developer requests an amended utility extension agreement (UEA2) that would increase residential units from 1,300 to 1,753, remove road widening commitments, and instead donate $1 million to schools and $2 million to the housing fund. Council will vote on the amended UEA and direct zoning on May 15. Councilmembers noted the state’s intervention and questioned the financial comparisons.
• Stormwater Rates (Item 31): Paul Wipkey proposed rate increases: $0.75/month for Tier 1, $1.55 for Tier 2, $3.11 for Tier 3, and $1.55 per ERU for non-residential. The increase funds capital projects (peak $22 million in FY2024), including the South Ellerbe restoration project and compliance with Falls Lake rules. Council members clarified billing options and noted that commercial customers pay 66% of revenue.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda, including all priority items from the city manager and attorney, was approved unanimously.
• A motion to hold a closed session at the end of the meeting (attorney-client consultation) passed unanimously.
• Item 4 (minutes) was placed on the General Business Agenda after debate; the mayor charged the Procedures Committee with reviewing council policies, including censure procedures.
• Council gave thumbs-up for Councilmember Johnson to bring a draft resolution opposing state abortion ban outside the normal rule cycle, contingent on timely review.
• All presentations were noted for future action: the water/sewer rates, UNRBA budget, and stormwater rates will be on the May 15 agenda; the 751 South public hearing and vote will also occur May 15.