Durham City Council Meeting Summary - June 9, 2023

The Durham City Council met on June 9, 2023 (the transcript indicates June 8, but the official date is June 9 per the provided metadata). The meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM in City Hall Plaza. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton was excused; all other council members were present. The meeting covered a wide range of administrative items, public comments, budget discussions, presentations on a proposed multi-sport complex and a trespass ordinance, and several procedural matters.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved consent items 1 through 14, which included appointments to various boards and commissions (e.g., Durham Homeless Services Advisory Committee, Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, Housing Appeals Board, Durham Planning Commission, etc.), approval of city council minutes, and a contract modification for the external auditor.
• These items were approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christian Candeloro (Durham firefighter) spoke about the pay issue, stating that approximately 61 firefighters will depart before the next budget cycle and that the current budget proposal does not adequately address retention. He urged the council to amend the budget to provide a meaningful raise.
• John Tay Dunstan (community member) criticized the proposed 2% raise and $300 bonus for first responders, calling it inadequate and noting that it would not cover basic expenses. He echoed concerns about losing firefighters and police officers to other jurisdictions.
• Jackie Wagstaff (community member) spoke on first responder pay, referencing the council's recent pay raise for themselves and demanding similar respect for firefighters and police. She also suggested creating a bike park for ATV and dirt bike riders as a solution to the ongoing street riding issue.

Discussion Items

• ATV/Dirt Bike Issue: Mayor O'Neill explained the council's role, noting that the council does not supervise the police chief. City attorney DeRissa Rayburg discussed state law preemption and the difficulty of enforcement. Police Chief stated that officers will not chase riders due to safety concerns, but are developing other enforcement strategies. The mayor also mentioned ongoing meetings with young riders and business owners to find alternative riding locations.
• Item 17 – Council Procedures for Censure and Recusal: The mayor introduced this item to address outstanding censure requests and recusal requests from the public. Council members discussed the need for clear procedures, with several calling for an outside consultant or a white paper from the city attorney. Councilwoman Hosley Hyman expressed concerns about due process and feeling bullied. Councilman Williams emphasized the need to focus on governance. The council agreed to refer the matter to the procedures committee, with a report expected by late August or early September.
• Item 15 – Budget and Pay Raise Discussion: Councilwoman Freeman pulled the item to express dissatisfaction with the proposed 2% raise, citing a pay stub showing $15.49/hour for some staff. Council members debated the cost of a step increase, the timing of a market study, and potential tax increases. City Manager Page provided figures on the cost of training a fire recruit ($64,393) and tax implications for residents. The council did not vote, but the discussion will continue at the June 20th meeting.
• Item 19 – Carver Creek Supportive Housing: Councilwoman Freeman asked about property ownership and deed restrictions. Deputy City Manager confirmed funds would be transferred to Durham County, which would handle the contract with deed restrictions. Freeman disclosed she owns a home nearby.
• Item 29 – Former Wheel Skating Center: Councilwoman Freeman explained the contract amendment for design services to address concessions operator recommendations. The item was approved as part of the consent agenda.
• Presentation – Durham Sports Commission Multi-Sport Complex: Susan Amy (Discover Durham) and Marcus Manning (Durham Sports Commission) presented a proposal for a multi-sport complex, including a 250,000 sq ft indoor facility with a 200-meter track, basketball/volleyball courts, and outdoor fields. They cited economic impact and youth benefits. Council members expressed strong support, noting the need for such facilities and the potential for tourism revenue.
• Presentation – Ordinance on Trespass from City Property: Assistant City Attorney Anne Marie Tosco presented a proposed ordinance to establish standards for trespass, including due process rights (notice and appeal) and content-neutral standards. The ordinance resulted from a lawsuit settled for $15,000. The council asked questions and appeared receptive.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the city manager's priority items (items 19, 42, 43) with a unanimous vote.
• Approved the consent calendar (items 1-14) and the agenda settlement.
• Set the agenda with consent items 1-14, general business item 15, consent items 16-38 and 41-43, and a public hearing (item 40).
• Appointed Talib Graves-Manns to the Durham Planning Commission after a vote (initially 3-3-1, then one council member changed their vote to create a majority).
• Gave direction to the city manager to explore a summer camp addition at Cornwallis (for up to $40,000) and a sponsorship for the National League of Cities Women in Municipal Government conference, though some council members raised concerns about the process of last-minute funding requests.
• Referred the procedural issues (censure, recusal, and disclosure) to the procedures committee, with a report due by late August or early September.
• Adjourned at 4:24 PM.