OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Durham City Council Work Session - September 4, 2025

City Council Work Session — Thursday, September 4, 2025
BodyDurham, North Carolina
SessionCity Council Work Session
DateThursday, September 4, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:36:59

Transcript — Verbatim
0:15

Good afternoon, everyone who come to order.

0:18

It's September 4th, 1 o'clock p.m.

0:21

Let me greet everyone who's in the chamber with us today to my honorable colleagues, our executive staff, to our friends and residents watching on whatever platform you may be watching this afternoon is honor.

0:30

The mayor is in route from a previous uh commitment, so in accordance with charter and our laws, I'll be uh conducting the meeting.

0:37

So this honor arrives.

0:39

Good to have you all here.

0:41

Madam Clerk, Dickness Call the Royal.

0:43

Thank you, Mr.

0:43

Mayor Pro Tem.

0:44

Mayor Williams is delayed.

0:46

He will be here momentarily.

0:47

Mayor Prote Middleton.

0:48

I'm here.

0:49

Councilmember Baker.

0:50

Here.

0:50

Councilmember Caballero here.

0:52

Councilmember Cook here.

0:53

Councilmember Freeman.

0:55

And Councilmember Rist.

0:57

Here.

0:57

Thank you.

0:58

And the chair's assessment.

0:59

We do have a quorum.

1:00

I haven't heard is colleagues.

1:01

Have you heard anything from Councilmember Freeman?

1:11

I'm going to um give her some time to arrive.

1:15

If she doesn't arrive at some later point in the meeting, then we'll go ahead and if you're an excuse absence, and we send our best regards and wishes to her.

1:23

Colleagues, at this time, I'm going to yield for any announcements by members of the council.

1:27

I'll yield to Councilmember Cook.

1:28

Good afternoon.

1:29

Thank you.

1:30

Good afternoon, everyone.

1:31

Thank you for being here.

1:32

I just wanted to send out us uh just quick congratulations to uh attorney Erin Miles, who welcomed a new family member into their family.

1:42

So congratulations to Aaron.

1:44

Um and then I'm gonna have two things that I have very briefly spoken with some of you about uh in other matters to raise um at that time, uh, and I'm happy to do it to preview it now or to just do it in other matters, whatever uh folks feel more comfortable with.

2:03

We'll be happy to matter if that's all right.

2:06

Councilmember Baker, good afternoon, sir.

2:08

Good afternoon, colleagues, good afternoon, everyone.

2:10

Thank you all for being here.

2:11

I look forward to a productive meeting.

2:13

That's it.

2:14

Thank you, Councilmember Clavier, good afternoon.

2:17

Thank you, good afternoon, everyone.

2:18

Uh very quickly, I just want to highlight that we do have our um volunteer uh reception immediately following this work session.

2:25

So this is a thing that the city clerk's office hosts every year.

2:28

Usually we do it in December.

2:29

I think this is the first one we removed to September, and it's a way to honor and highlight the incredible work that residents give to the city of Durham.

2:37

I think we have 26 boards and commissions in the city, 28 uh boards and commissions in the city of Durham.

2:44

Uh, and those are all um many of them, maybe not all, many of them are resident-led, and so these are Durham residents who have stepped up and are providing service to the city of Durham.

2:54

This is a way to um say thank you.

2:57

So thank you to the City Clerk's office for organizing that, and thank you for our very wonderful little schedules when it tells us what pictures and what time we need to show up.

3:04

It's very helpful.

3:05

So thank you, Madam City Clerk, and all your staff.

3:09

Thank you, Councilmember.

3:10

Councilmember Freeman, good afternoon, good to see you.

3:11

Do you have any announcements?

3:12

Thank you.

3:13

Just uh appreciation for the excuse absence on Monday to attend to a family emergency information.

3:19

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management██████████████████18%
Fiscal Sustainability████████████12%
Procedural██████████10%
Affordable Housing██████████10%
Budget Equity Analysis█████████9%
Public Engagement███████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Land Use Planning██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

Durham City Council Work Session - September 4, 2025

This work session of the Durham City Council convened at 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in the Second Floor Committee Room at 101 City Hall Plaza. Mayor Pro Tem Middleton presided in the absence of Mayor Williams, who arrived later. All council members were present except Councilmember Freeman, who arrived late due to a family emergency. The meeting covered routine consent items, including appointments and contracts, along with several pulled items for discussion, two major presentations on the Q4 financial report and the Western Intake Partnership Project, and other matters including updates on the 505 West Chapel Hill site and a proposed wildlife feeding ordinance.

Consent Calendar

  • City Clerk's Office:
    • Appointment of residents to two vacancies on the Durham Housing Authority Board of Commissioners (one representing a previously homeless individual, one representing a resident directly assisted by PHA). One nomination was contested and deferred to a future meeting for further due diligence.
    • Appointment of five residents to the Mayor's Hispanic/Latino Committee with terms expiring October 1, 2027.
    • Receipt of attendance reports for Boards, Committees, Commissions, and Task Forces for FY2024-2025 and authorization to begin removal processes for members failing to meet attendance requirements.
  • Budget and Management Services Department:
    • Contract with the Museum of Durham History for $126,730. (Pulled by Councilmember Baker for discussion, then approved after clarification.)
  • City-County Emergency Management Department:
    • Resolution adopting the 2025 Eno Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. (Pulled by Councilmember Cook for discussion, then approved.)
  • City Manager's Office:
    • Contract with Central Pines Regional Council for grant assistance up to $58,000.
  • General Services Department:
    • Twelve amendments and contracts for park projects (items 7-11). Item 7 (CMAR contract for East End and Long Meadow Parks) was pulled and discussed; the others were approved as consent.
    • Twelfth Amendment to the DAP Operating Agreement with Durham Bulls Baseball Club for $357,684.48.
    • Design contract for East End and Long Meadow Parks with Surface 678, P.A. up to $4.75 million.
    • Second Amendment for Public Works Operations Center Renovation with CPL Architects and Engineers.
    • Design contract for W.D. Hill Combined Enhancements with RVE, Inc. for $172,975.
  • Office of Economic and Workforce Development:
    • Contract with Eckerd Youth Alternatives for WIOA Adult/Dislocated Worker services up to $524,000.
    • Contract with Eckerd Youth Alternatives for NCWorks Career Center Operations for $140,000. (Item 13 was pulled by Councilmember Rist for discussion on performance metrics, then approved.)
  • Planning and Development Department:
    • Utility extension agreement with Welcome Venture Park, LLC for Phase 3.
  • Technology Solutions Department:
    • Three-year Cityworks software license and maintenance renewal with Azteca Systems, LLC up to $558,464.43.
    • Contract for audit of city telecommunications accounts with SpyGlass Group up to $250,000.
  • Transportation Department:
    • First Amendment to agreement with Stantec Consulting Services for Horton Road Multi-Use Path and Sidewalk Gaps (increase of $21,964.69).
    • Ordinance amending the FY2025-26 Transit Capital Improvement Program budget.
  • Water Management Department:
    • Contract extension with National Power, LLC for generator maintenance for $183,024.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • DeWarren Langley, volunteer executive director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation, spoke in support of the city investing in youth development and career exploration programs for boys and young men of color. He described the success of their Career Pathway Program, including a young man who secured a $52,000/year technology role and was appointed to the City-County Appearance Commission. He invited the city to invest in their foundation.
  • Dale McKeel (virtual) commented on the CIP stoplight report, citing chronic delays in trail and sidewalk projects such as Third Fork Creek Trail (phase 2) and the Downtown Rail Trail, with completion dates slipping multiple years. He requested improved transparency and accountability in project tracking.

Discussion Items

  • Item 4 – Museum of Durham History Contract (pulled): Councilmember Baker queried about permanent location. Director Mucklow responded that a recommendation to stay at 500 West Main Street is forthcoming. City Manager noted a possible future funding increase. Item was approved.
  • Item 5 – Eno Haw Hazard Mitigation Plan (pulled): Deputy Chief Dave Sanders explained the regional plan covers hazards like flooding and wildfire, and adoption qualifies the city for state/federal mitigation grants. Councilmember Cook asked about specific projects; some are open-ended, others like flood awareness pages are in development. Item approved.
  • Item 7 – CMAR Contract for East End and Long Meadow Parks (pulled): Chris Liszka and Gina Probles explained that CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk) brings expertise early to reduce risk. Balfour Beatty/Holt Brothers was selected via RFQ and interviews. Council discussed balancing environmental remediation (lead contamination) with bond-funded improvements. Wade Wolcutt outlined a phased approach starting with Long Meadow Park while awaiting state data by end of 2025. Storytelling elements and a fire pit will be included. Council commended staff for thoughtful re-imagination of parks. Item approved.
  • Item 13 – Workforce Contract (pulled): Councilmember Rist noted missing performance metrics in Item 13 compared to Item 12. Russell Ingram and Yolanda Chisholm clarified that the career center contract is measured by enrollments, services (e.g., resume building, counseling), and partnerships. They reported 1,600 distinct individuals served last year. Rist requested metrics be added to the scope. Item approved.
  • Presentation 21 – Q4 FY2024-25 Financial Report: Tim Flora presented an unaudited year-end report. General fund expenditures are $14.8M under budget, revenues $2.4M less, resulting in a $12.4M variance and $9.5M draw on reserves. Sales tax was $2.8M under budget due to Department of Revenue refund volatility. Property taxes came in strong. Enterprise funds (water, stormwater) are healthy; parking and transit funds face challenges. ARPA: $25.5M expended of $51.8M. Council discussed the need to monitor reserve ratios and prepare for tighter budgets. A new CIP stoplight report will be implemented starting Q1 FY26. Council emphasized transparency and timely updates on project delays.
  • Presentation 22 – Western Intake Partnership Project Update: Don Greeley and team provided an update on the new Jordan Lake intake, treatment plant, and transmission line. The project is now City of Durham-led after partners (OWASA, Pittsboro, Chatham County) delayed participation. Phase 1 is a 20 MGD plant, expandable to 77 MGD. Construction is expected online by 2031. Upcoming council actions include land sale (~$4M), intake interlocal agreement, progressive design-build contracts for treatment plant ($50M initial) and internal distribution improvements ($73M). Environmental considerations include PFAS and 1,4-dioxane. A 3-year closure of Vista Point recreation area is planned with mitigation. Council praised the work and acknowledged the project is essential for future water supply.
  • Other Matters – 505 West Chapel Hill: The Mayor updated that a full update will come November 20, 2025, after staff explores historic preservation options (Milton Small Building), activation concepts, and possible partitioning. Councilmember Cook requested an earlier discussion to provide clearer guidance. After discussion, council agreed to wait for the November work session to receive comprehensive information.
  • Other Matters – Wildlife Feeding Ordinance: Councilmember Cook proposed a staff report on a possible ordinance to regulate wildlife feeding. Council agreed to have the report at the next work session (September 18), followed by an ordinance discussion later.

Key Outcomes

  • All consent agenda items except the contested DHA appointment were approved. The contested appointment was deferred for further due diligence on residency.
  • The council approved the pulled items (#4, #5, #7, #13) after discussion and clarifications.
  • The city manager and staff were directed to improve the CIP stoplight report with clearer metrics, original vs. current delivery dates, and regular updates. A new report will debut for Q1 FY26.
  • For the 505 West Chapel Hill project, staff will present findings on preservation North Carolina proposals, site activation concepts, and options for partitioning by November 20, 2025. The council expressed a desire to make tangible decisions at that meeting.
  • A staff report on a wildlife feeding ordinance will be presented at the September 18 work session, with a potential ordinance to follow.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon, everyone who come to order. It's September 4th, 1 o'clock p.m. Let me greet everyone who's in the chamber with us today to my honorable colleagues, our executive staff, to our friends and residents watching on whatever platform you may be watching this afternoon is honor. The mayor is in route from a previous uh commitment, so in accordance with charter and our laws, I'll be uh conducting the meeting. So this honor arrives. Good to have you all here. Madam Clerk, Dickness Call the Royal. Thank you, Mr. Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor Williams is delayed. He will be here momentarily. Mayor Prote Middleton. I'm here. Councilmember Baker. Here. Councilmember Caballero here. Councilmember Cook here. Councilmember Freeman. And Councilmember Rist. Here. Thank you. And the chair's assessment. We do have a quorum. I haven't heard is colleagues. Have you heard anything from Councilmember Freeman? I'm going to um give her some time to arrive. If she doesn't arrive at some later point in the meeting, then we'll go ahead and if you're an excuse absence, and we send our best regards and wishes to her. Colleagues, at this time, I'm going to yield for any announcements by members of the council. I'll yield to Councilmember Cook. Good afternoon. Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for being here. I just wanted to send out us uh just quick congratulations to uh attorney Erin Miles, who welcomed a new family member into their family. So congratulations to Aaron. Um and then I'm gonna have two things that I have very briefly spoken with some of you about uh in other matters to raise um at that time, uh, and I'm happy to do it to preview it now or to just do it in other matters, whatever uh folks feel more comfortable with. We'll be happy to matter if that's all right. Councilmember Baker, good afternoon, sir. Good afternoon, colleagues, good afternoon, everyone. Thank you all for being here. I look forward to a productive meeting. That's it. Thank you, Councilmember Clavier, good afternoon. Thank you, good afternoon, everyone. Uh very quickly, I just want to highlight that we do have our um volunteer uh reception immediately following this work session. So this is a thing that the city clerk's office hosts every year. Usually we do it in December. I think this is the first one we removed to September, and it's a way to honor and highlight the incredible work that residents give to the city of Durham. I think we have 26 boards and commissions in the city, 28 uh boards and commissions in the city of Durham. Uh, and those are all um many of them, maybe not all, many of them are resident-led, and so these are Durham residents who have stepped up and are providing service to the city of Durham.

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