Durham City Council Regular Meeting – August 22, 2025

The Durham City Council met on August 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM to discuss a range of topics including the 2025 second quarter crime report, a presentation on the Reimagine Durham Freeway study, a strategic plan refresh, consent agenda items, and several other matters. Mayor Williams presided, and all council members were present except Mayor Pro Tem Middleton (excused).

Consent Calendar

• Several items were pulled for discussion: Items 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, and 19. After discussion, the consent agenda was settled with items 1-3, 5-21 as consent, and items 4, 24, 25 as general business.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Katie Ross spoke in support of preserving public hearings on development matters, referencing the recent Court of Appeals decision in Barefoot vs. County of Durham which held that conservation subdivisions must meet all 12 purposes of the UDO. She urged the council not to reduce public hearing requirements in the upcoming UDO update.
• DeWarren Langley, Executive Director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation, called for a transformative plan to support boys and young men of color through mentorship, skill development, and career exposure, linking these efforts to reducing crime and violence.

Discussion Items

1. Priority Matters and Agenda Setting

• Deputy City Manager Bertha Wimbush identified agenda item 18 (2025 second quarter crime report) and a discussion on the December 2025 organizational meeting as priority items.
• Senior Deputy City Attorney Fred Lamar requested a closed session for attorney-client consultation regarding an EEOC charge. The motion carried unanimously.
• Board and committee appointments were reported, including nominations for the Racial Equity Commission, Workforce Development Board, and other boards. Three nominations lacked consensus and were placed on the general business agenda.

2. Consent Agenda Items (Pulled for Discussion)

• Item 7 (El Centro Hispano contract): Councilmember Cook raised questions about the recurring nature of the contract and the lack of competitive process. Councilmember Caballero and others noted that many nonprofits receive city funding and suggested a broader conversation about how public dollars are allocated.
• Item 8 (Interlocal agreement for crisis communications plan): Councilmember Cook asked about the city’s role in the plan, which is being developed with the county. Staff clarified that the city has representation in all vendor meetings.
• Item 9 (Brinks smart safe services): Councilmember Cook inquired about vendor limitations and cost savings. Staff explained that the new contract with JP Morgan necessitated separate services, but overall savings are realized.
• Item 10 (InfoSend contract for payment processing): Councilmember Cook asked about the transition from the previous vendor. Staff confirmed that InfoSend can integrate with the new ERP system, reducing costs.
• Item 16 (HUD Grant Project Ordinance): Councilmember Cook questioned an increase in the HOME-ARP allocation. Staff explained that HUD corrected a misallocation from 2021, adding $6,510.
• Item 17 (Workforce development contract): Councilmember Rist praised the clear goals and asked about median earnings. Staff clarified that the goal is a $3,500 increase in annual earnings per participant.
• Item 19 (Parking services contract): Councilmember Baker raised concerns about the ParkMobile app and gate operation. Transportation Director Sean Egan reported that Apple Pay will be available by the end of the month and that the department is working on special event gate procedures. He also noted that the employee parking program has tripled enrollment since changes were made.

3. Strategic Plan Refresh Presentation

• Sherry Metcalf presented the FY2027-2029 strategic plan refresh process, which will begin with a council visioning workshop on September 18, 2025. The plan will then be taken to the community for ranking of priorities. Councilmembers asked about the scope of revision, including whether goals could be added (e.g., housing). Staff confirmed that the process is open to revisiting all elements.

4. 2025 Second Quarter Crime Report

• Chief Patrice Andrews reported that violent crime is down nearly 20% overall, with homicides, robberies, and aggravated assaults all decreasing. Property crime declined by 4%. The clearance rate for homicides is 89%. Firearms stolen from vehicles remain a concern, though the rate has decreased. Staffing has improved to 75.2% of sworn positions filled, with larger academy classes. Councilmembers discussed the need for community-specific data and youth violence prevention.

5. Reimagine Durham Freeway Study

• Evan and Aaron presented three corridor options: a boulevard conversion (reclaiming 20-22 acres, $450M), freeway caps (3-25 acres, $450-800M+), and freeway modernization (14 acres, $350M). Community engagement showed strongest support for the boulevard and cap options. Councilmembers discussed the need for economic analysis, land ownership (currently NCDOT), and the importance of aligning with NCDOT. Durham Next offered to convene stakeholders.

6. Other Matters

• Councilmember Cook requested staff time to research a Charlotte ordinance that would allow tenants to withhold rent for habitability issues. The request was well-received, and staff will report back by the September 18 work session.
• Councilmember Caballero requested that the Fourth Amendment workplace resolution be placed on the next regular council agenda (September 2, 2025).
• Organizational Meeting Discussion: Staff recommended not canceling the December 1 regular meeting but possibly adding a December 2 meeting. Councilmembers debated options, with some preferring a separate meeting earlier in the day. No final decision was made; staff will research other jurisdictions.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda was settled, with items 1-3, 5-21 approved as consent.
• The closed session motion was approved unanimously.
• The strategic plan refresh process will proceed with a council visioning workshop on September 18, 2025.
• The 2025 second quarter crime report was received; no formal action taken.
• The Reimagine Durham Freeway study will continue with further stakeholder coordination and refinement of the vision plan.
• Staff will investigate the Charlotte ordinance on tenant habitability and report back by the September 18 work session.
• The Fourth Amendment resolution will be placed on the September 2, 2025 agenda.
• The organizational meeting schedule will be revisited after staff research on other jurisdictions.