Nida Allam as we convene for the Durham county commissioner's meeting it's crucial to recognize the painful truth of History we stand on the snen ancestral lands of the [Indigenous nation names - unclear, not matching known names] and Tuscarora peoples whose deep connection to this land predates our arrival we acknowledge with humility the unjust displacement and violence that occurred leading to the dispossession of indigenous peoples from their homelands their resilience in the face of such adversity is a testament to their strength and spirit may we humbly honor the ancestors and Elders of these nations both past and present by committing ourselves to fostering understanding healing and justice for all who in habit the land let us walk forward together with Open Hearts acknowledging the past and embracing a future Guided by compassion respect and Unity thank you commissioner Michelle Burton I will ask commissioner Valentine to.
Lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Thank you commissioner Valentine are there any adjustments to the. Agenda hearing none I think there was one that I was supposed to message the clerk about I forgot for the appointments of our boards and commissions for the Commissioners to just have that in the language that they're effective January 1st that's the only adjustment I had okay and any others okay then we will move to announcements from clerk. [unclear - likely department/person name] good evening I will read the announcements published in tonight's agenda most Durham County government offices will be closed in observance of the winter holiday from Tuesday December 24th through Thursday December 26th offices will reopen with the normal business hours on Friday December 27th our offices will also close for New Year's Day on Wednesday January 1st 2025 and reopen on Thursday January 2nd read how it will impact services at DC nc.gov open enrollment for Bulls at I'm sorry open enrollment for Bulls Academy is now open however you must first attend an info session session dates are December.
11th at 12: noon January 15th at 12: noon and February 5th at 12 noon you can visit made and.org to receive additional information and to register the Durham county library is excited to host the grand reopening of the Stanford L Warren Branch library on Thursday December 12th at 10:00 a.m. the branch located at 1201 fedell Street closed for extensive Renovations structural repairs and updates for 3 years the Branch's history began with the funding of of the Durham colored library in 1916 as only the second black library in North Carolina you can read more information at NCC digital. Durham count library.org all aboard and welcome to the train show this exhibit is brought on is brought To Us by Little World charity watch as 10 model trains travel through the state fair wintertown spooky town and more the purpose of this is 100% volunteer effort is to encourage literacy and bring joy to kids needing medical care it's held December 13th through 16th 17th 19th through the 21st.
23rd 28th and the 20 I'm sorry 27th and the 28th it's from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Durham County Library located at 300 North Roxboro Street and you can visit the Durham County Library website for additional information Durham County Memorial Stadium located at 7:5 Stadium Drive will host the 69th annual Nia football championship game at 12:00 noon on Sunday December 21st the game will pick the top two teams that Advance through the niaa football championship series which runs from November 23rd through December 14th there is a link to purchase tickets the Duram County Tax Administration mail 2024 tax bills to Durham County property owners in mid August taxes are due September 1st 2024 but must be paid by January 6 2025 to avoid interest and additional costs for information you can visit DC nc.gov backx or you can contact their office at 919- 56030 the Durham County Tax Administration wants to inform everyone that notices for the 2025 reappraisal will be mailed to all Real Property Owners during the first quarter of 2025.
These will inform taxpayers of their 2025 assessed values property owners are encouraged to review the values compare them with sales they have observed in their markets and verify that their property listing is accurate for a questions you can call 919-. 56030 Durham County Department of Public Health and The Deco firearm injury prevention partnership invites all community members to come to the Human Services building located at 414 East Main Street during the month of December to view the Durham homicide and victim of violent death Memorial quilt exhibit artist Sydney Brody created the quilt in the mid1 1900s the event is free and open to the public during normal hours you can visit Sydney bro. net for additional information regarding the memorial quilt be sure to check out the latest edition of in touch with Durham County from from The Deco public information office the latest episode features Durham County tax administrative kiar Dole he will discuss the upcoming 2025 General reappraisal and what taxpayers need to know the episode will run on I'm.
Sorry on Durham television network and you can also watch it on on the County's YouTube channel and lastly if you have any ideas on how to make biking walking and Road running in Durham better residents are now invited to provide their input to help update the 2025 Durham Bike plus walk plan a guide for improving sidewalks bike Lanes Greenways and other infrastructure residents can participate by completing an online survey or attending an in-person community meeting or popup events these meetings are scheduled as follows community community meetings are scheduled December 8th from 2: to 3:30 p.m. located at free people's bike ride December 14th from 10: to 12:00 noon at WG Pearson Center and Thursday January 16th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Located at Aville Retreat Center the popup events will be Saturday December 7th from 9: to 10:30 at leap 5K jingle walk run and Saturday December 21st from 10 to 12:00 noon at the Pack 1 meeting located at the Holton career Resource Center for additional information you can visit engaged Durham.com and that concludes the announcements in tonight's agenda thank you clerk [unclear - likely department/person name] and I apologize I jumped begun and put can we entertain a motion for approval of the agenda as amended so move second move by commissioner burn second by commissioner Jacobs all in favor say I any opposed agenda is approved we will now move to citizen comments we have one individual signed up Minister Rafi zadii if you want to come over to this Podium over here and you'll have three minutes please introduce yourself and share the organization you represent and your address and the agenda item that he is speaking on is 24-.
0713 good evening deers Commissioners I'm just here for a moment to express my concern for the approval which usually I I usually do this approve anything the city and county do but I really think the the structure facility structure security at the the Detention Center is much needed at this time it is critical it's expedient for the approval of any equipment of facility security infrastructure upgrade devices in light of the criminal activities in light of those activities down at the county jail that the residents in Durham we're really not pleased with anytime a known drug blood dealer can run a drug operation from inside of a jail we need all the security devices that we can get anytime workers or staff workers or contractors can be impregnated by inmates from inside of the jail we need all the security that we can get so I stress that you approve this and I pray to almighty God that we can correct the criminal activities that's been going on in the Detention Center thank.
You thank you Mr Rafi zi for your comments that is the only individuals we see signed up will now move us to the ceremonial items and vice chair Dr Lee will be reading the resolution for us today okay so our resolution is observe in January 1st 2025 as emancipation day whereas on January 1st 1863 President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation a landmarked executive order that declared freedom for enslaved American Negroes and Confederate states symbolizing a profound commitment to the values of liberty and justice for all and whereas em emancipation day was the F was first celebrated in North Carolina on January 1st 1865 and Union occupied Newburn with a procession through the city a public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and speeches by fredman leaders Freeman leaders marked the start of an enduring tradition of commemoration of the celebration commemoration and celebration and whereas early emancipation Day Celebrations while initially coordinated by Union forces quickly became a vital quickly became vital EXP expressions of autonomy and Community empowerment led by these new freemen.
Americans who emphasize Prosperity through fugil Temperance industry and education as guiding principles for their future and whereas by the late 19th century emancipation day observances had gained widespread respect and participation across the racial and political lines in North Carolina serving as a powerful platform for civic engagement and reflection and drawing notable speakers including State officials and prominent figures such as former Congressman HP keithm and whereas the recognition of emancipation day in Durham County honors the legacy of resilience and resistance exemplified by black Americans throughout our history especially in the face of systematic Injustice and acknowledges the C the County's role in fostering a vibrant Freeman community and economy including the historic contributions of black wall Black Wall Street and whereas it is crucial that we never forget the profound impact of slavery and its lasting Legacy on our society in that we continue to indate future Generations about this history and the ongoing struggle for racial equality racial Equity Justice and civil rights in our community and Beyond and whereas the observance of imation they.
Alliance with Durham Count's commitment to promoting e equity inclusivity and Community Development reflecting our values of honoring the past to build more just and Equitable future for black black American families descended from those formerly enslaved in North Carolina now therefore it be resolved that we the members of Durham County Board of Commissioners do hereby resolve to designate January 1 2025 as emancipation day in Durham County and encourage all residents businesses Community organizations and Ed educational institutions to join in recognizing this important through acts of reflection public celebrations educational activities and community service and be it further resolved that this observance serves as Rea as a reaffirm reaffirmation that Durham count Durham County's dedication to advancing racial Justice and E economic equity and has a reminder of the enduring importance of emancipation as a Cornerstone of American democracy and freedom this the 9th day of December 2024 thank you Dr Lee and I believe we have Don Paige the founder of concerned black American citizens.
Organization good evening thank you I'm Dawn Paige with concerned black American citizens we are a 501 1c3 founded in 2019 we are a nonpartisan Organization advocating for a focus agenda of restorative policies to repair and rebuild the Black American family after Decades of targeted wealth destruction our mission as an organization is to educate citizens about the lineage wealth Gap and mobilize them around issues that directly affect the lives of those disadvantage black American descendants issues such as economic development and climate and economic Justice and so tonight I would like to give my thanks on behalf of concerned black American citizens I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Durham County Council for accepting our proposed resolution to recognize January 1st 2025 as emancipation day this historic recognition honors the enduring Legacy of freedom and resilience in our community and we are deeply moved by your commitment to elevating its significance we also wish to acknowledge the invaluable support and collaboration of Key Community stakeholders Ambassador Cathedral Church Resource Center the Durham Business and Professional chain.
And the future North Carolina free man's trade Association your partnership and shared Vision Have Been instrumental in bringing this resolution to fruition as we celebrate this Milestone together we also see it as a foundational a foundation for Meaningful collaboration in the year ahead CAC is dedicated to fostering economic empowerment for historically underutilized businesses through innovative development initiatives we are eager to work with the c Durham County and our dedicated Community allies to ensure these initiatives receive the fiscal support and collaborative engagement needed to empower historically underutilized businesses to equitably participate in meeting the County's Capital Improvement and procurement needs together let us continue building a future rooted and shared Prosperity we look forward to earning your trust and partnership as we embark on this journey thank you I appreciate it thank you Miss Paige thank you so much for bringing this resolution to our board and for your service to the DRM community and abroad are there any comments from the rest of the Commissioners none we appreciate oh commissioner Jacobs Well I just wanted.
To thank you so much for your comments and for also bringing this to us I don't believe that we've ever had this Proclamation before yes this is the first time and I learned a lot from reading it for instance that Newburn was the first place where this was celebrated in 1865 so it's really important to educate the community and to lift this up so thank you so much yes I appreciate it Durham has a rich history so I'm honored to be one to re bring it back to the four so thank you so.
Much thank you again that brings us to our minutes for approval we have the board is requested to approve the November 25th regular session and November 2nd work session I'll entertain a motion for the approval of those. I mean when we weren't we weren't here I guess I can move the November 25th since you and I we're the only with people here so I'll I'll move we can do them separately if people feel comfortable I don't it's okay all right for both of November 25th and December 2nd 2024 minutes second he move by commissioner Jacob second by Vice chair Dr Lee all in favor say I I any opposed okay the minutes are approved that brings us to.
The consent agenda we have about 15 items I would suggest individuals they've been posted on our agenda and they're also printed out to take some time to look through those and read about them these are items that weren't necessarily presented at our work session but have been discussed among staff and have been working on so if are there any items anyone would like to pull from the consent agenda yeah I just have a question about item 24- 0701 I don't need to pull it I just have a question yeah go ahead yeah I just I see some of the staff I see the sheriff's here and some of his staff I was wondering about the history I know in the past we have funded the body cameras it seems like this is a new it's a new type of camera and so one one I was just wondering how much has have we invested previously and whether those cameras are still going to be utilized I know this.
Will fund 243 body Warn and 193 in vehicles over a 5-year period with a total cost of 3 $6 million if I'm correct if I'm not please correct me but so I'm just trying to understand how this relates to what we have funded in the past is my first question related to this so good evening I'm Vincent rder I'm director of technology and emergency communications for the Sheriff's Office and this the the the initial set that we received have gone end of life they are no longer they still work but with all the upgrades that Motorola has done to their databases and how they operate and we won't be able to get parts for them anymore so they won't be there's just nothing that we can do with them after January 1st okay and will this this plan over five years will this cover the entire need and then like what happens after five years do we start over again or how long do these last so the good thing.
About this particular program is it's it's a 5e setup but after 3 years Motorola will come in replace all of our cameras at no extra charge which now Keeps Us in the rotation cycle of four years which is industry standard for any type of Technology the new cameras also give us more capabilities with license plate readers it the one of the big things is that we are seeing now is we need to make sure we know where our our deputies are so we have GPS built in so it is a much more robust system and it will also give us the ability to do live view so if our deputies get into some sort of anything we can watch it live and know what's going on and that will help the sheriff and his executive staff kind of position the rest of the deputies to make sure that everyone stays safe okay great and does this number is this cover the need the the 243 body and 193 in cars it does for the.
Moment but as we need again to to continue to staff up in the detention center and with our on the road deputies our Leos as they as that number grows at our three-year point it's a possibility that we would have to come back and look to add more cameras okay thank you that's very helpful and the second part of my question was just wondering what do you all have developed policies about the you know who monitors and then who has access to the body camera information and just how how that work that part works good evening commissioner Sheriff bur yes we do have established policies and our administrators two members of My Command Staff and and our investigators monitor any body camera that needs further investigation any any body camera footage that needs further investigation okay and if for how does it work for public access to that is that I don't know just asking how does that process work well there's a new law that passed last year so we follow the.
The law and if anyone from the public wishes to view the camera footage it requires a court order from a judge okay thank you thank you so much U commissioner Valentine if I could just piggyback correct me if I'm wrong but I think you you stated that the service life for these cameras invest is is four years is that right so the the service life for all technology best practices is four years now we can run these cameras longer but once Motorola decides all right it's time for us to upgrade add new features or whatever after that four-year period they do go end of life so it it's again it it depends on what Motorola does if they upgrade add new features we could possibly use them longer but most of the time they follow that industry standard policy so should we have any concerns with technology moving so fast with the technology that we're getting here should we have any concerns about that no because this program is set up for that it's a.
Five-year program and that and with them replacing our cameras in three years that's going to make sure we stay in that curve of of movement well let me just end thank you so much let me just end by saying that I think that this resource is one that shows a level of accountability to the public so thank you thank you commission Valentine any other questions or any other items that any Commissioners have yeah I have a question and it's not about we don't have to pull an item but I just want to make sure I'm clear about and maybe County Manager Hager can ask this qu answer this question for me about Debt Service fund fund balance transfer to Pago fund like what does that exactly mean and like see which okay for this it was in 24- 0795 okay so U the county has different funds including the general fund The Debt Service fund pay as you go is a type of fund for basically projects that the county is funding through.
Self-pay so we have a Capital Finance model and within that model it is funded from property taxes sales taxes and some other Revenue sources it's it was established back in the 80s and it's how we liquidate our debt well part of it has an apportioned amount that goes to payo projects pigo projects and those are projects that are most often County projects that we don't want to Finance or they projects that if we are are looking at a type of financing we we typically don't you don't typically see certain projects like camera projects or other types of projects like that that are smaller a lower in cost sometimes we may do financing Bank financing for those kinds of projects but when we can we pay cash and when we are trying to be strategic we will see well where do we have available balances in another fund as long as it doesn't disrupt our overall portfolio because we have to manage towards a certain number as far as fund.
Reserves so we have dollars in our debt service fund balance that can support a transfer to support that pay as you go project thank you I figured that's what it was but I just wanted to make sure that's what it was okay all right and we can give additional information on that and thanks for reminding us we have to spell out those acronyms as well thank you commissioner Burton any other items okay I will then entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda I'll make a motion that we I move that we approve the consent agenda second okay move by commissioner Michelle Burton second by commissioner Valentine all in favor say I I I any opposed okay consent agenda is approved and that brings us to the boards and commissions I believe which I still have to turn in mind to attorney Williamson if everyone can I apologize this agenda packet is so large we have other business so we have have a little bit of time before we get.
To boards and commissions the arpa budget reconciliation and approval of arpa Grant ordinance amendment number 25 arpa 001 and we have manager Hagar is you are leading this one I am leading this item we could have put it on consent because we've been talking about it for some time but this is a celebratory moment in which we come to the place that aligns with the US Treasury guidelines that we needed to make sure all contracts related to arpa the American Rescue plan act funds were encumbered by December 31st 2024 we started this journey about two and a half years ago in almost every other meeting we've given an update or we've shared about strategy the board adopted a plan for Opera fund use in May of 2022 and we have worked very closely to execute that plan we should feel real proud about the Strategic Investments that have been done from funding to support affordable housing to funding for child care services the list goes on and on we have almost 50.
Projects and many of which are with Community Partners many of our nonprofit Partners so we are grateful for the partners that are helping us with funds being implemented and Investments many of which that will serve this community for decades to come so I I just wanted to also acknowledge the staff that have been closely involved with this process our grant administrator John kefir Ella [unclear - likely staff name] our management analyst John Keenan our compliance manager chrisal Le Wright our interim Chief Financial Officer John Wood who's also in our compliance area and of course our budget team who help and on various adjustments Keith Lane David 80s and many others so when you start calling out names you get in trouble but I will say when we started on this journey one of the things that we said was that we wanted to make sure we were extra vigilant and that's why many of us have been involved I'm sure you've seen stories where some communities may not have wrapped their arms around it as.
As tightly and and and it's caused some Challenge and so we still have a tight walk through December 31st 2026 so this will not be the last time you hear about this so we will Continue to update the board on activities and projects and again this this action will realign dollars into the various functions where the the projects have landed so we started on we may when we developed our plan for instance we may have thought that the activity would have occurred in public safety but it was actually in another category so this realigns those actions there are also some contract amendments that are captured that were discussed at the November work session and after this particular item there are two Capital project amendments that are also reference that we will also need board action on so I just wanted to thank the board for their support and again this is not the last conversation there will be plenty others but also thank the many team partners who've been a part.
Of this journey so that's all of my remarks thank you manager Hager and can you since this is for our new board members the first time we're officially discussing arpa do a brief overview of how much total money we have given out how much money and if we look at some of the and I we we had in total 62 5 million some large buckets that we've given dollars to included there's $13.1 million for a water sewer investment for Slater Road we allocated 13.5 million in partnership with the city of Durham to support five housing developments that would focus on affordable housing those those invest Investments have a 30-year commitment at least to maintain to be maintained as affordable housing there are many others such as almost $2.4 million allocated for food security and during the during the covid initial challenge we we we saw that we needed to invest quite a bit in that area there's also dollars for Child Services almost $2.4 million and in the list there are many other category so.
From food security housing security supporting families with child care services and many other areas thank you manager Hager I just want to commend your hard work and your entire team who's been working on this arpa money because even though it's like a lot of money and we're very good at spending money but the amount of detail that went into selecting the areas and the projects that the money went into and following the rules and regulations and requirements that were F that came with this arpa funding the meticulous level of work was really inspiring to see and like coming to present to us and G that transparency with the board throughout the process so thank you to you and your amazing team two two notes there are two great overviews of all funding in the documents one is focused on our community grants and then there's another that is focused on the overall program and again we will be back for additional updates and thank you for for the time BRK you to the.
Board from this side any questions commissioner Jacobs yeah I just wanted to Echo what you just said this is a incredible accomplishment and thank you Ella and John for all of your work I mean just doing a top job if you look at in our agenda materials and I hope this will be on the website yes the chart of every single organization that has been funded as well as the I guess the the document that gives like a one pager on every organization that was funded is is just wonderful for our community to be able to look at that and to understand where the money is going and so I I really appreciate you know just all of the work that you've done and I'm glad this goes till 2026 because we know that'll it'll keep impacting and but it also highlights how many you know it's going to be really hard to not have this money yeah in our community as well so we can all enjoy this for the next two.
Years there are do you want to go into the two additional items that are related to this okay yes the other two items are related to a project that I mentioned earlier one is a budget amendment that will reduce the allocation from the Enterprise fund and will'll increase the amount from arpa to support that project the overall project is over $22 million and from a strategy perspective and this is an effort we will continue throughout the end of project management is that if by chance a contract needs to end there are certain areas that we shared from a priority perspective and risk factor that we recommended one was child services in subsidies to support families the other was looking at food security issues and so those are areas and then third was also the the water sewer project because it's such a large one and so the board will hear updates and if by chance a contract ends because an entity can't perform the work or there's concern about the project quality we will make.
Recommend commendations to the board to do some realignments so there's lots and lots of eyes on it because on the back end we're we're focused on the back end when the compliance Auditors come and so we have the audits internally in reviews Mr Keenan in the back he is one of our compliance Auditors John kefir also who was a former Federal compliance auditor and and is is also a hawk on those things as well and then we have our external Auditors as well as our internal Auditors and these These funds get audited a lot and so but on top of all of that treasury will come at some point that may be four years from now we are not sure but we we've tried to mitigate our risk to make sure we have controls in place and extra sets of and so again if things do arise or I saying when in doubt leave arpa out if it's a gray area we'll come back and say Bor we may need to ship this to.
Something different because on the back end we don't want the FED to come back and say okay this should have maybe not happened that way so we take we we don't play in the gray in this and so it's to protect the board but it sometimes makes folks a a little frustrated with us but that's okay so that's the 24079 3 and then the other item is related to it's a capital project align realignment we at one point we're going to allocate funds to support a transition house and based on the timing of that project we determined that we would not use arpa dollars and reduce the dollars for that and that was a timing issue because we were concerned that the project completion would not happen by the time frame of December 31st 2026 because it was gray we shifted and because we were we're still trying to determine how we'll move forward in that space so that realignment will remove $ 37,42 of arpa funding from that project.
But it is replaced with debt service fund balance which we have funds to support and so those ex are the explanations for those two items other questions any Commissioners. Has hearing none then we can go through and move to approve each of these individually we will start with I'll entertain a motion for 24- 0742 I'd like to make a motion that we move item 24742 ARA budget Rec reconciliation approval of opa Grant ordinance amendment number 25 Alpha Romeo Papa Alpha 001 moving fund moving funding excuse me between functional areas to align with final project authorizations and approve contract amendments to support final project authorizations I second moved by commissioner Valentine second by commissioner burton all in favor say I I I any opposed okay that is approved then we have 24- 0793 do I hear a motion for approval I move approval of item number the agenda item number 24- 0793 second move by Vice chair Dr Lee seconded by commissioner Jacobs all in favor say I any opposed that's approved now 24-0 795.
Do I hear a motion for approval I make a motion that we approve item 24- 0795 approval of capital project amendment number 25 CP 8028 thank you so moved and and including the budget ordinance Amendment as well it needs a second not a move yeah so move by commissioner Michelle Burton seconded by commissioner Jacobs all in favor say I I any opposed okay item passes now that brings us to our board and commission's appointment did everyone pass along their ballot over to attorney.
Williamson Madam chair while we're waiting I just want to make one comment related to what manager Hagar was saying about in the future maybe possible realignment of dollars I see John walking out at our last DSS board meeting I was very shocked to see that for food security right now we have over 500 people waiting for Meals on Wheels this is the highest number that I've seen since serving on the DSs board for 12 years we've it's was like over it was like 524 people I don't remember the amount exactly and the other item that was really shocking was we now have a very large waiting list for Child Care Subsidy over I think it was 265 children waiting for child care and this is directly related to we've lost a lot of providers in the community since Co and also losing the Federal fund fing that had helped to supplement the cost for child care to the child care providers to supplement salary so I just want to.
Highlight that and maybe at some point we can have the DSs director come and report to us because these are some very critical needs thank you thank you commissioner Jacobs I'm sure we will disc discuss that and talk to manager Hagar and then Vice chair Dr Lee and I will talk about that in agenda prep for a future work. Session attorney Williamson you ready okay pass okay so we have several vacant positions here the first one is a vacant position position the County resident alternate position with the board of adjustments and the board has elected William vatavuk to that position we have one vacant position with the dangerous dog appeal board and this is one Durham County employee position and the board has selected Thomas veral for that position we have two vacant positions which are two at llarge positions with the Durham County women's commission and the board has selected Latasha best Gaddy and Hope hope Vanetta for those two positions and we have three vacant positions for the Durham open space and.
Trails commission one at large onear Oak Grove Township position and one Triangle Town Township position and the board has selected Eric fa Courtney Maguire and Ramsay Richie for those positions thank you attorney Williamson congratulations to all the residents who are selected to serve we appreciate you stepping up to serve D County individuals continue to apply because we have lots of boards and commissions that we need support on so we look forward to reviewing applications and we vote on them at the last regular session of every month thank you all so much I will now entertain a motion for adjournment Madam chair I move that we adjourn okay I second had a discussion real quick the no items were pulled from consent yeah but the our appointments that is that was on consent agenda that was on okay all right I didn't I believe that was right yeah okay it was item number 24079 all right I didn't see it sorry about that okay moved by commissioner Valentine second by commissioner burton.
All in favor say I I any opposed we are adjourned see you in the new year.
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