Durham City Council Work Session - August 14, 2023

The Durham City Council held a work session on August 14, 2023, covering routine business, public comments, and a presentation on the Durham Comprehensive Plan. Key topics included the plastic bag ordinance, infrastructure bond discussion, recognition of the Southern Durham Little League, and the Simplifying Codes for Affordable Development (SCAD) amendment.

Consent Calendar

• Council approved appointments to various boards and commissions, including the Historic Preservation Commission, Environmental Affairs Board, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, and Citizens Advisory Committee.
• Consent items 1–24 were approved collectively.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ms. Bowie: Expressed concern about drug activity, prostitution, and homelessness at WD Hill Recreation Center. Proposed blocking off the parking lot to ensure child safety.
• James Chavis: Requested council attend a community meeting on lead in parks on August 28 at Holton. Also asked to postpone the SCAD vote until the planning department explains the changes to citizens.
• Robert Chapman: Supported the SCAD amendment, noting over 100 public meetings and 96% staff endorsement of recommendations. Cited six amendments made after constructive discussions.
• Rafik Zaidi (Boots on the Ground): Strongly opposed SCAD, alleging misleading claims about sponsors and pre-determined council votes. Questioned the lack of pre-application process.
• Jackie Wagstaff (remote): Also opposed SCAD, claimed a SCAD representative said they had four votes on council. Called for investigations into the development of SCAD.
• Donna Stanback (remote): Opposed House Bill 562, supported the comprehensive plan's urban growth boundary, and opposed changes to blasting permit applications.
• Katie Ross (remote): Argued the comprehensive plan should be finalized before considering SCAD. Noted developer-sponsored amendments have reduced public oversight.
• Jerry McLean (for item 16): Voiced frustration over a condemnation action at 4000 Fayetteville Street. Alleged city mishandling, denied permits, and requested a court hearing.

Discussion Items

• Plastic Bag Ordinance: Councilmember Caballero reported subcommittee consensus to bring the ordinance forward. Council agreed to have Don't Waste Durham and Duke Law present at the next work session, with a vote planned for September or October.
• Infrastructure Bond: Caballero requested a discussion on whether to pursue an infrastructure bond. Council expressed consensus to have that conversation.
• Southern Durham Little League Recognition: Council approved recognizing the state champion team at the September 18 meeting, despite the Mayor's absence that day.
• Budget Director Appointment: City Manager announced the permanent appointment of Christina Reardon as Director of Budget and Management Services. Council approved.
• Durham Comprehensive Plan 2023 Presentation: Senior Planner Kayla Seibel presented the final stages of the four-year plan. Key points: Public hearing set for August 31, 2023, with adoption expected in October. Proposed urban growth boundary (UGB) reduces previous suburban tier by about 10.8 square miles due to infrastructure constraints. Six areas of contention remain: Staggville, Farrington Mill, Patterson Road, Cheek/Redwood Road, Hamlin Road, and SE future growth area. Planning commission votes: 8-3 to keep Farrington Mill outside UGB; 6-5 split on Patterson Road and Cheek/Redwood Road; 7-4 to include Staggville; 8-4 to include Hamlin Road; 8-2 to remove northwest portion of SE future growth area. Staff recommended designating added areas as future growth areas with mixed-use or mixed residential neighborhood place types. Councilmember Caballero requested a biannual assessment of UGB and housing production. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton noted the plan is aspirational, not legally binding, and cautioned that densification will bring challenges.
• SCAD (Simplifying Codes for Affordable Development): Public comments were heard; the item was included in the consent agenda (item 26) and not discussed further during the session. A public hearing is scheduled for the next city council meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Plastic Bag Ordinance: Discussion scheduled for next work session; vote in fall.
• Infrastructure Bond: Council to schedule a conversation.
• Southern Durham Little League: Recognized on September 18.
• Christina Reardon: Approved as budget director.
• Comprehensive Plan: Public hearing on August 31; council to provide guidance on UGB areas by then. Biannual review of UGB and housing to be added to policy.
• Consent Agenda: Approved (items 1–24 and GBA public hearing item 26).
• Boards and Commissions: Appointments approved, with a vote shift for Christopher Rhodes to Participatory Budgeting.
• **Meeting adjourned at 2:21 PM.