Durham City Council Work Session Summary - February 6, 2025

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM, the Durham City Council held a work session at 101 City Hall Plaza. Councilmember Freeman was excused; all other members were present. The meeting covered consent items, public comments, and detailed discussions on several pulled agenda items, as well as a presentation on the HOPWA program.

Consent Calendar

• Approved appointments to the Recreation Advisory Commission, Durham Homeless Services Advisory Committee (held pending tie vote), and Durham Performing Arts Center Oversight Committee.
• Ratified the interlocal agreement with Durham County for sales tax distribution.
• Received annual reports from the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Open Space and Trails Commission, Appearance Commission, Board of Adjustment, Citizens Advisory Committee, Homeless Services Advisory Committee, Convention Center Authority, Cultural Advisory Board, Environmental Affairs Board, Recreation Advisory Commission, and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission.
• Authorized amendments and contracts for MWBE consulting, lease extensions, solid waste design, project management services, festival contracts, fire station design, workforce programs, salt sale/storage, stormwater repairs, utility relocation, technology services (Metropolitan Area Network implementation and EPlus contract), transportation projects (light transit vehicles and NCDOT agreement), and water management pumps.
• Items 12, 18, 19, 22, 25, and 27 were pulled for separate discussion but were subsequently approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dwarren Lately urged the council to prioritize investments in young Black men and boys, citing recent youth violence and calling for a collective community strategy with tangible commitments from businesses.
• Ms. Morris (co-facilitator for East Durham community groups) expressed frustration over the lack of male mentors, loss of community centers, and repeated gun violence in her neighborhood. She urged council members to attend community meetings.
• Reba Smith (lifelong Durham resident) described ongoing drug dealing, prostitution, and safety concerns on East Main and Laurel Avenue, stating police presence is insufficient and that she feels unsafe walking in her own neighborhood.
• An entrepreneur (Mr. Raymond) reported that 13 participants in the Momentum Financial Academy (a city-funded business accelerator) had been promised $20,000 grants but had not received any funds after five months. City staff acknowledged compliance issues and committed to using ARPA funds to cut checks within 45 days (by March 24, 2025).

Discussion Items

• Item 12 – MWBE Consulting Services Amendment (United Minority Contractors of NC): Councilmember Cook requested clarification on the contract’s purpose, the source of funds (Dedicated Housing Funds), and why the increase was necessary. Staff explained the need for specialized outreach and compliance support for federal requirements. Councilmember Middleton noted that outsourcing is standard for many city functions and that the contract helped exceed MWBE goals (13% for minority-owned firms, 12% for women-owned firms). The item was approved.
• Item 18 – Turner & Townsend Project Management Services Amendment: Councilmember Cook asked about the procurement process and how prior community engagement work would be integrated. Staff confirmed the firm was selected via a government procurement contract and would incorporate previous planning. Approved.
• Item 19 – Ratification of FY25 Festival Contracts: Councilmember Rist sought clarification on the retroactive nature of the contracts. The City Attorney explained that the ratifications were needed to comply with state law since services had already been rendered. Approved.
• Item 22 – Bimbe Festival Headlining Booking Agent Contract (HBCU Direct Touring, LLC): Councilmember Rist inquired about the status of repayment from the 2024 contractor (who defaulted). The City Attorney reported a consent judgment was recorded but the contractor is judgment-proof; discussions for a new payment plan are ongoing. Councilmember Rist also asked that the contract include language ensuring family-friendly performances (radio versions over explicit versions). Staff confirmed new protections require direct artist confirmation. Approved.
• Item 25 – Stormwater Infrastructure Repairs Amendment: Councilmember Baker asked about the Private Drainage Assistance Program (PDAP). Staff explained the cost-share program (approximately 80% city, 20% property owner). Approved.
• Items 27 & 28 – EPlus Technology Contracts for Metropolitan Area Network: Councilmember Baker inquired about the network implementation and future costs. Staff noted this is part of a city-owned fiber network to reduce reliance on Spectrum, with future recurring costs for a network operations center. Approved.
• HOPWA Program Presentation: Community Development staff presented an overview of the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program, covering funding (total awards ~$4.6 million from 2019-2024, with $2.1 million drawn), eligible activities, and demographics of clients served (predominantly Black/African American). Key challenges included the abrupt closure of the previous contractor (Central Piedmont Community Action), which left tenant-based rental assistance in disarray. The city brought the program in-house temporarily and is catching up on back rent and late fees to prevent evictions. Councilmember Cook raised concerns about community engagement, the need for a strategic plan, and the historical issues with voucher distribution. Staff acknowledged the need for better communication and are preparing an RFP for a new provider, with a strategic needs assessment to follow.

Key Outcomes

• All pulled consent items (12, 18, 19, 22, 25, 27, 28) were approved by the council.
• The council received the HOPWA presentation and directed staff to proceed with an RFP for a new program administrator and to develop a strategic plan with community input.
• Staff committed to releasing $20,000 grants to 13 Momentum Financial Academy participants within 45 days (by March 24, 2025), using ARPA funds as an alternate source, while resolving federal compliance issues.
• The mayor announced a forthcoming resolution (in coordination with other Triangle mayors) opposing the freeze of NIH research funds, citing impacts on local jobs and institutions.
• Public hearings scheduled for items 33 (Consolidated Annexation – Polanco Residence) and 34 (Zoning Map Change – Hoover Road Assemblage) were not conducted during this work session.