OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Durham City Council Work Session – April 9, 2026

City Council Work Session — Thursday, April 9, 2026
BodyDurham, North Carolina
SessionCity Council Work Session
DateThursday, April 9, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:07:30

Transcript — Verbatim
0:37

Good afternoon, everyone.

0:38

Uh, I'm gonna go ahead and call our meeting uh to order this ninth day of April at 1 p.m.

0:44

Uh the mayor has an excused absence for today, so I will be presiding.

0:48

I just want to do a little bit of housekeeping before uh I have our Madam Clerk call the roll.

0:53

Uh we will be going into closed session in uh in the middle of our meeting essentially.

0:58

So what we will do is after public comment and after the consent agenda items have been read and pulled.

1:04

Uh the uh Madam Attorney will give us our language for the motion for closed session.

1:09

Council will move down the hall into our committee room for our closed session, and then we will come back and uh continue proceeding with our meeting.

1:17

So for those of you who signed up for public comment, you will be allowed to speak before we go into closed session.

1:21

I'm seeing some uh faces with a little bit of confusion.

1:24

Uh and for staff uh for uh staff, um we will have pulled your items so you will also know whether you need to stay or go.

1:32

Thank you.

1:33

Madam Clerk, can you please call the roll?

1:35

Good afternoon, Mayor Williams received an excused absence for today.

1:38

Mayor Protest Caballero here.

1:40

Councilmember Baker, Councilmember Burris.

1:43

Councilmember Cook.

1:44

Here.

1:44

Councilmember Kopak.

1:46

Here.

1:46

And Councilmember Riz.

1:47

Here.

1:49

Thank you.

1:50

We do have a ceremonial item today.

1:52

Um today we have the National Public Safety Telecommunicate Communicator Week proclamation.

1:58

And I'm not sure who is here to receive that proclamation, but I would love for you to come to the podium.

2:06

Oh, thank you.

2:10

So it's a little different during our work session, so I'm just gonna read the proclamation from here and then give you all the opportunity uh to speak.

2:16

Thank you so much for joining us.

2:18

Thank you.

2:19

Whereas emergencies can occur at any time that require police, fire, or emergency medical services, or Durham County Safety Heart, where an emergency occurs, the prompt response of police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and heart is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property.

2:34

And whereas the safety of our police officers, paramedics, and firefighters, and heart is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from residents and visitors who telephone the Durham Emergency Communications Center.

2:46

And whereas public safety communication officers and call takers are the first first responders, and most critical contact our residents and visitors have with emergency services.

2:57

Public safety communication officers and call takers are the first first responders, and most critical contact our residents and visitors have with emergency services, and whereas public safety communication communications officers and call takers are the single vital link for our police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and heart by monitoring their activities by radio providing them information and ensuring their safety.

3:19

Public safety communications officers and call takers of the Durham Emergency Communications Center have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires, treatment of patients, mental health prevention, and interventions.

3:32

And whereas each public safety communications officer and call takers has exhibited compassion, understanding, and professionalism during the performance of their job in the past year.

3:41

Now, therefore, I, Leonardo Williams, Mayor of the City of Durham, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 12th through 18th, 2026 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in the City of Durham and encourage residents to support the vital work of the most essential in our community.

3:56

Witness my hand in the corporate seal of the city of Durham, North Carolina this sixth day, April 2026.

4:12

We are honored to serve the residents of Durham, answering every call with professionalism, compassion, and dedication to public safety.

4:20

This recognition reflects the commitment of our telecommunicators who work behind the scenes day and night to support our community and first responders.

4:27

We're grateful for the city's trust and partnership, and we remain committed to serving with excellence.

4:32

Thank you.

4:34

Thank you.

4:56

Okay, and now I have uh announcements by council.

5:00

I'm going to um go first, which I know is not typical, but I know that we had some hard news uh yesterday and this morning.

5:06

Uh I want to acknowledge the detention of uh Durham resident family whose students uh were at Burton Elementary.

5:13

They were detained uh Monday uh at their regular routine asylum check-in.

5:19

That means that they were here uh asylees from the country of Honduras.

5:24

Um they had family in the parking lot um who were waiting for them, and after 90 minutes, a federal agent reached out and said that the family had been, all four of them, including two elementary aged children had been detained and within 24 hours deported back to Honduras.

5:42

This is a completely illegal action by immigration enforcement.

5:45

Uh folks who are here with asylum and refugee status have particular rules and protocols.

5:50

They were following all of their rules and protocols.

5:52

It was a routine check-in.

5:54

Currently, I know Siembra, many elected officials and other community members are holding a press conference at Burton Park at 1 p.m.

6:00

Obviously, none of us could be there because we are here, but I do just want to extend uh all of our thoughts with this family.

6:09

I know that Durham will rally around them like we always do.

6:13

And there are conversations already happening about how we ensure Durham residents who have to go down to Charlotte.

6:18

It's the only place to do these routine check-ins in North Carolina, can be offered support.

6:23

We know when folks are able to show up with attorneys or pastors or community members or elected officials, their outcomes are significantly better.

6:30

And I think that one of the reasons that this family was detained is that unfortunately we did not know that they were going down there.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████████28%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████████15%
Fiscal Sustainability███████7%
Elections Reform██████6%
Economic Development█████5%
Legislative Agenda Implementation█████5%
Land Use Planning████4%
Public Transit████4%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Durham City Council Work Session – April 9, 2026

The Durham City Council held a work session on April 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:07 p.m., presided by Mayor Pro Tem Caballero due to the Mayor’s excused absence. The meeting included a proclamation, council announcements, public comments, discussion of pulled consent agenda items, presentations on pavement conditions and ARPA fund updates, and legislative priorities for the 2026 short session. A closed session was held mid-meeting for attorney-client consultation regarding a threatened but not yet filed liability claim.

Ceremonial Item

  • Council proclaimed April 12–18, 2026, as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, recognizing the Durham Emergency Communications Center. A representative accepted the proclamation.

Council Announcements

  • Mayor Pro Tem Caballero and multiple councilmembers expressed outrage over the detention and deportation of a Durham family (Honduran asylees) during a routine asylum check-in. They pledged support for immigrant communities and called for community accompaniment to such check-ins.
  • Councilmember Baker announced the Durham Workers’ Rights Commission unanimously endorsed the UE150 proposal to review the city’s controlled substance and alcohol testing policy. He proposed a one-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers and a resolution for Endangered Species Day (May 15).
  • Councilmember Rist proposed a resolution to promote access to 530A (Trump) accounts for children’s savings and reported on Durham Housing Authority progress: 92 public housing units committed to the continuum of care, and families being relocated from McDougal Terrace.
  • Councilmember Cook and Kopak echoed support for immigrant communities and expressed interest in exploring the UE150 substance use policy updates.
  • Councilmember Burris highlighted growth at Durham Tech and the police academy graduation.

Public Comments

  • Scott Harmon (architect/developer, Center Studio) expressed full support for the new land development code (LDC) as a tool for housing justice and equitable rules. However, he strongly criticized Section 2.28 (infill development), arguing it preserves the old exclusionary system by requiring new housing to honor existing setbacks. He urged council to preserve true “Durham character” by eliminating that section.
  • Amanda Wallace spoke twice. Under general public comment, she criticized city rules limiting public speaking time, housing policies, and the use of eminent domain to acquire 515, 517, and 519 East Trinity Avenue, calling it “Urban Renewal 2.0.” Under item 6, she opposed the interlocal agreement with Community Solutions for the homeless strategic framework, questioning $100,000 cost ($200/hour), lack of deliverables, and the involvement of Ryan Smith (Community Safety Department). She claimed the city collaborates with police to remove unhoused people.

Discussion on Pulled Consent Items

  • Item 6 (Interlocal agreement with County for homeless strategic framework): Councilmember Cook had concerns; Wallace spoke against it. The item was approved on consent after discussion.
  • Item 9 (Rail Trail CMAR contract – Balfour Beatty/Holt Brothers JV): Councilmembers Rist and Kopak raised delays (target now June 2028, originally fall 2024), lack of incentives, and unclear future management handoff to Parks & Rec. Staff said incentives could be added at GMP stage (December). A mid-term report on cost escalation (from $11.6M to $36M) was requested. Approved.
  • Item 10 (Interlocal for Fire Station 19): Councilmember Kopak expressed support and highlighted solar installation. Approved.
  • Items 11 & 12 (Utility extension agreements for 102 N Maple St and 2502 Andrew Ave): Councilmember Cook sought background. Staff explained these are solutions for Goose Creek area customers, allowing financing. Approved.
  • Item 13 (Third amendment to fiber contract with Duke): Councilmember Cook (who works at Duke) asked about cost increases. Staff said this is the final bill to complete construction. Councilmember Baker asked about future public Wi-Fi; staff confirmed fiber backbone enables smart city applications and free Wi-Fi at Durham Housing Authority sites. Approved.
  • Items 15 & 16 (FTA grants for 10 diesel buses): Councilmembers questioned the shift from electric to diesel due to federal policy change. Staff explained hybrid buses had high failure rates, and without federal support, diesel was necessary. Councilmember Rist noted impact on climate goals; staff acknowledged the 2035 electrification goal is unattainable, with a new target of 2040 or later. Approved.

Presentations

  • Item 7 – Pavement Condition Study (ST-332C): Staff reported an average PCI of 68 (down from 69 in 2021). Backlog (roads ≤40 PCI) increased to 16.5%. A $30M annual investment is needed to maintain steady state; $35M would improve. Optimization uses 70% PCI, 15% traffic, 15% equity lens. Microsurfacing failures in southern Durham due to groundwater (Turasica Basin). A 10-year plan is in development, with a public list for 3–5 years expected this summer. Council requested coordination with DOT and consideration of speed reductions for pavement longevity.
  • Item 19 – ARPA Update: Deputy City Manager Bertha Winbush and Andrew Holland reported that 15 of 31 projects are completed, 11 in process, 5 suspended. $17.7M of $19M expended. An estimated $1.6M in interest earnings is available, to be proposed in the FY27 budget. Projects included $27M affordable housing, $10M Fayetteville Street Quarter, and small business assistance. Council praised staff.
  • Item 25 – Legislative Priorities for 2026 Short Session: Assistant City Manager Carmesha Wallace and lobbyists from Checkmate presented priorities: housing (expand local authority, close nonprofit tax loophole, support ADUs), environmental quality (renewable energy, PFAS remediation, Falls Lake rules), transit (local transit revenue options, speed limit authority on DOT roads, improved state reimbursement). Council debated even-year elections for municipal offices; several members opposed or had low priority, but agreed to monitor opportunities. A local bill for a city-wide 25 mph speed limit on all roads (including DOT) will be pursued. Council also raised TIF financing but no consensus to add. The next step is a legislative breakfast with the delegation.

Key Outcomes

  • Council requested a local bill to the General Assembly for authority to set a city-wide 25 mph speed limit on all roads without individual posting.
  • Council directed staff to prepare an analysis of even-year election impacts for future consideration.
  • Council accepted the pavement condition study and requested a public list of planned resurfacing projects.
  • Council approved settlement of the consent agenda (items 2–18 and 25) with a motion and second; all in favor.
  • Council unanimously carried the manager’s priority items and accepted the closed session motion.
  • An excused absence for Councilmember Rist on April 23, 2026, was approved.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon, everyone. Uh, I'm gonna go ahead and call our meeting uh to order this ninth day of April at 1 p.m. Uh the mayor has an excused absence for today, so I will be presiding. I just want to do a little bit of housekeeping before uh I have our Madam Clerk call the roll. Uh we will be going into closed session in uh in the middle of our meeting essentially. So what we will do is after public comment and after the consent agenda items have been read and pulled. Uh the uh Madam Attorney will give us our language for the motion for closed session. Council will move down the hall into our committee room for our closed session, and then we will come back and uh continue proceeding with our meeting. So for those of you who signed up for public comment, you will be allowed to speak before we go into closed session. I'm seeing some uh faces with a little bit of confusion. Uh and for staff uh for uh staff, um we will have pulled your items so you will also know whether you need to stay or go. Thank you. Madam Clerk, can you please call the roll? Good afternoon, Mayor Williams received an excused absence for today. Mayor Protest Caballero here. Councilmember Baker, Councilmember Burris. Councilmember Cook. Here. Councilmember Kopak. Here. And Councilmember Riz. Here. Thank you. We do have a ceremonial item today. Um today we have the National Public Safety Telecommunicate Communicator Week proclamation. And I'm not sure who is here to receive that proclamation, but I would love for you to come to the podium. Oh, thank you. So it's a little different during our work session, so I'm just gonna read the proclamation from here and then give you all the opportunity uh to speak. Thank you so much for joining us. Thank you. Whereas emergencies can occur at any time that require police, fire, or emergency medical services, or Durham County Safety Heart, where an emergency occurs, the prompt response of police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and heart is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property. And whereas the safety of our police officers, paramedics, and firefighters, and heart is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from residents and visitors who telephone the Durham Emergency Communications Center. And whereas public safety communication officers and call takers are the first first responders, and most critical contact our residents and visitors have with emergency services. Public safety communication officers and call takers are the first first responders, and most critical contact our residents and visitors have with emergency services, and whereas public safety communication communications officers and call takers are the single vital link for our police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and heart by monitoring their activities by radio providing them information and ensuring their safety. Public safety communications officers and call takers of the Durham Emergency Communications Center have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires, treatment of patients, mental health prevention, and interventions. And whereas each public safety communications officer and call takers has exhibited compassion, understanding, and professionalism during the performance of their job in the past year. Now, therefore, I, Leonardo Williams, Mayor of the City of Durham, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 12th through 18th, 2026 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in the City of Durham and encourage residents to support the vital work of the most essential in our community. Witness my hand in the corporate seal of the city of Durham, North Carolina this sixth day, April 2026. We are honored to serve the residents of Durham, answering every call with professionalism, compassion, and dedication to public safety. This recognition reflects the commitment of our telecommunicators who work behind the scenes day and night to support our community and first responders. We're grateful for the city's trust and partnership, and we remain committed to serving with excellence. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, and now I have uh announcements by council. I'm going to um go first, which I know is not typical, but I know that we had some hard news uh yesterday and this morning. Uh I want to acknowledge the detention of uh Durham resident family whose students uh were at Burton Elementary. They were detained uh Monday uh at their regular routine asylum check-in. That means that they were here uh asylees from the country of Honduras. Um they had family in the parking lot um who were waiting for them, and after 90 minutes, a federal agent reached out and said that the family had been, all four of them, including two elementary aged children had been detained and within 24 hours deported back to Honduras. This is a completely illegal action by immigration enforcement.

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