Board of Commissioners · Regular Meeting · February 9, 2026

Agenda

25-0649. Resolution - Honoring the Life and Legacy of Judge Willis P. Whichard (10min)

The Board is requested to recognize the life and legacy of Judge Willis P. Whichard, who transitioned on November 18th, following a noteworthy life of public service. In addition to being a dynamic legal scholar and visionary public servant, he was also a generous supporter of the Durham Library and other humanities in Durham and beyond. He served on the Board of Trustees and established the Willis P. and Leona P. Whichard Endowment for the North Carolina Collection at the Main Library . Judge Whichard dearly loved his state and the Durham community and will be missed for his enduring impact on so many.

26-0038. Introduction of Newly Appointed County Library Director, Dana Conners (10min)

The Board is requested to meet Durham County Library ’s new Director and welcome her as she assumes leadership in guiding the library’s mission and programs. Durham County Government announces the appointment of Dana Conners as Director of Durham County Library following an extensive nationwide search . Conners brings more than 30 years of service in library systems across North Carolina and Texas, including Charlotte -Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, and New Hanover Counties, as well as serving as Assistant Director of Public Services at the Austin Public Library. As Director, Conners oversees library operations, strategic planning, programming, staff development, and partnerships that promote equitable access to information and educational opportunities for all residents. Her career includes leading new library openings, long -range planning, and building collaborative initiatives that support lifelong learning. Dana Conners assumed her duties on January 5, 2026.

26-0018. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC046 to Recognize $28,899 in the Department of Social Services for The PEAS Project (Providing Elders Additional Sustenance)

The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC046 to recognize $ 28,899 in the Department of Social Services for the PEAS Project (Providing Elders Additional Sustenance). The PEAS Project is funded through the State Fiscal Recovery Fund and awarded to Social Services via Central Pines Regional Council for the grant period July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The program provides nutritional support to eligible older adults who are frail or functionally impaired. Participants will receive either two meals per week, or grocery assistance valued at twenty dollars ($20.00) per week, depending on the number of weeks in the month. There is no local match requirement for this grant. The program is designed to support food security and improve overall well-being for this vulnerable population.

26-0022. Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.26CPA016 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC050 Appropriating $1,557,339.72 of Debt Service Fund Fund Balance to the PAYGO Fund to Support the Construction of a New Radio Tower and the Purchase of Mobile Radios in the Multi-Department Radios and Towers Capital Project (4330DC005)

The Board is requested to approve Capital Project Amendment No .26CPA016 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No .26BCC050 appropriating $ 1,557,339.42 of Debt Service Fund Fund Balance and transferring the funding to the PAYGO Fund to support the Multi -Department Radios and Towers Capital Project (4330DC005). The supplement will increase project availability to a total of $ 4,387,864.04, which will be used to fund the construction of a new radio tower for the City /County radio system and purchase of mobile radios for the Office of Emergency Services that will ensure their functional compliance with the Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) standard. Project Name and Number Current Budget Increase / Decrease Updated Budget Multi-Department Radio and Towers Project (4330DC005) $11,519,771.40 $1,557,339.72 $13,077,111.12 TOTAL $11,519,771.40 $1,557,339.72 $13,077,111.12 The Durham radio system infrastructure currently consists of four radio tower sites . There are known areas of poor radio coverage, including Brier Creek and Hope Valley. First responders continue to report additional areas with minimal to no radio reception, largely due to ongoing growth within the County. The original radio system design provided by Motorola in the early 2000s recommended six tower sites to ensure reliable radio communications and accommodate future expansion. Due to budget constraints at the time, the approved project only included four towers, leaving critical gaps in coverage that have manifested themselves over the last few years. In 2018, the Communications Maintenance Division of the Durham Emergency Communications Center (DECC) initiated a joint City /County Capital Improvement Project (CIP) request to address these gaps. The proposal included: · Construction of an additional tower site at the Kemp Road Water Facility and · Construction of a new tower site at Fire Station 16 on Farrington Road, utilizing some equipment currently at the Parkwood tower site. These improvements were intended to enhance coverage in Durham ’s southern section. At that time (2018), Motorola estimated the project cost at $4.5 million. Since 2019, the North Carolina Fire Code has mandated that all new construction be evaluated for adequate public safety radio reception. If coverage is insufficient, a bi-directional amplifier (BDA) system must be installed. While BDAs improve in-building coverage, each installation raises the noise floor of the radio frequency spectrum and can cause radio frequency interference (RFI). Expanding tower coverage will reduce the number of buildings requiring BDAs, thereby improving system reliability and compliance. To ensure reliable emergency communications, meet regulatory requirements, and support public safety, we respectfully request additional funding to cover the funding shortfall for the approved CIP project. This investment is critical to: · Improve radio coverage for first responders. · Reduce reliance on BDAs and mitigate RFI risks. · Support continued expansion of the radio system to ensure appropriate public safety service levels. Additionally, the Office of Emergency Services requires forty new mobile radios for installation in ambulances and quick response vehicles to meet the TDMA standard . Motorola had previously advised that current radios could be upgraded to meet the standard and then when arriving to program those radios, determined that they were end-of-life and could not be updated. The state has moved the implementation date for the TDMA standard to June 30, 2026. The new radios are needed to ensure continued communications between the EMS crews in the field and the hospitals in the region as well as with other partner agencies in the Triangle region.

26-0025. Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.26CPA015 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC047 Reducing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $104,600 & Transferring $104,600 to the General Fund to Support the Purchase of Ken Wolfe’s Farm Conservation Easement

The Board is requested to approve Capital Project Amendment No .26CPA015 and Budget Amendment No .26BCC047 reducing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $ 104,600 and transferring $ 104,600 to the General Fund to support the purchase of Ken Wolfe ’s farm conservation easement of 29.605 acres located at 1444 Bacon Road, Rougemont. Project Name and Number Current Budget Increase / Decrease Updated Budget Open Space & Farmland Preservation (4730DC083) $12,575,369.70 ($104,600.00) $12,470,769.70 TOTAL $12,575,369.70 ($104,600.00) $12,470,769.70 The Board approved this conservation easement project in September 2024. Since then, USDA -NRCS funding through the Agricultural Lands Easement Program (ACEP-ALE) has been secured to cover 50% of the appraised easement value. The transfer of $ 104,600 to the General Fund will cover Durham County ’s 50% share of the easement value and closing fees.

26-0029. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC049 Appropriating $118,780.37 of General Fund Fund Balance to Pay for OES Fleet Facility Rent

26-0035. Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.26CPA018 Appropriating $10,634,182.00 of Limited Obligation Bond Funding to Support the EMS Station #19 Co-Location Capital Project (4330DC003), as well as Approve Proposed Interlocal Agreement and Joint Use Agreement for the New Station 19 Co-located Public Safety Facility Located at 31 Davis Drive, Durham, NC

The Board is requested to approve Capital Project Amendment No .26CPA018 appropriating $ 10,634,182.00 of Limited Obligation Bond funding to support the EMS Station # 19 Co-Location Capital Project (4330DC003), as well as approve the proposed Interlocal Agreement (ILA) and Joint Use Agreement (JUA) with the City of Durham for the New Station 19 Co-located Public Safety Facility located at 31 Davis Drive, Durham, NC, authorize the County Manager to execute the agreements. Project Name and Number Current Budget Increase / Decrease Updated Budget EMS Station #19 Co-Location Project (4330DC003) $200,734.00 $10,634,182.00 $10,834,916.00 TOTAL $200,734.00 $10,634,182.00 $10,834,916.00 The total County responsibility for the project is $ 10,834,916. That figure includes the Facility Design and Construction cost share for EMS of $ 10,149,916; as well as the provisioning of furniture, fixtures & equipment, IT, technology and other EMS-specific provisioning, and a contingency amount of 5% of the EMS portion of the facility cost ($685,000). There is also a Durham County Fire and Rescue Service (DCFR) District cost share of $ 1,494,647 that will be paid separately and is in accordance with the DCFR Consolidation ILA approved by the Board of Commissioners on June 25, 2018 (Item 18-0848 attached and linked for reference). This DCFR consolidation ILA stipulates that DCFR District is responsible for 8% of the Fire portion of the facility and is due upon completion of the Station. This payment will be handled in the future directly from the DCFR District to the City of Durham upon invoicing. Total Funding Request: 35.6 % EMS Facility Cost Share with City $10,149,916 County-Specific Facility Costs $ 685,000 (FF&E, Contingency) Total Durham County EMS Share $10,834,916 DCFR Cost Share (8%) $ 1,494,647 Total $12,329,563 Background In spring of 2016, the Board of County Commissioners requested that EMS work with the City of Durham Fire Department to explore the creation of co -located fire and EMS facilities to create cost efficiencies and provide more effective public safety services. The Station 17 co-located public safety facility - jointly developed between the County EMS Department and City of Durham Fire Department and located at 5503 Leesville Road - was the first joint facility developed. This station was approved by the Board on April 24, 2017. Subsequently, on June 25, 2018, the Board approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City of Durham for the provision of consolidated fire, rescue and first responder services in the southern part of Durham County. The IGA included provisions for the joint development and cost share for two new co -located facilities to be built: Station 18, located at 6919 Herndon Road, which was approved by the Board on September 13, 2021 and completed in 2023, replacing DCFR Station 83 on Seaton Road, and Station 19, to be built at 31 Davis Drive, which is to replace DCFR Station 81 on Old Page Road and is the subject of this Agenda Item. The design concept for Station 19 is a modified version of the prototype design used in Station 18. The primary difference from the EMS perspective is additional space for EMS operations using a 2-story design, and the addition of a shared 48-seat multipurpose room and restrooms for group meetings. The attached ILA package includes the Station 19 ILA, design renderings (Exhibit A ), space allocation floor plans (Exhibit B ), the Joint Use Agreement (Exhibit C) and Cost Share Spreadsheet (Exhibit D). Total square footage for the facility is 29,928 square feet with 6,486 square feet dedicated for EMS usage and 15,148 square feet dedicated for City Fire usage. The facility will also provide 8,294 square feet of Shared Space to include a safe haven lobby, multipurpose room and associated areas, elevators and stairs, fitness room, Decon room and various mechanical, electrical and storage rooms. The Shared Space square footage is divided equally between Fire and EMS, bringing the cost allocation for the facility to 64.4% for the City, and 35.6% for the County, based on square footage usage. “Guaranteed Maximum Price” cost of design and construction of the facility is $23,305,588 excluding City and County specific costs, such as Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E), Technology and Security, etc.) with the County ’s share totaling $10,149,916 (35.6%). County-specific costs totaling $ 178,000 for the provisioning of furniture, fixtures & equipment, IT, technology and other EMS -specific provisioning, as well as a 5% contingency of the County cost share, will be paid for separately by the County bringing the total County facility cost to $ 10,834,916. County-specific costs are not to be included in the cost share, as the County will contract for all FF&E items independently. This ILA approval request is pending final approval by the County Attorney’s Office.

26-0040. Approve Execution of Contract with AutoTech Solutions (DBA Universal Distribution Group) in the amount of $143,624.94 for Automotive Vehicle Lifts and Supporting Equipment for the New Office of Emergency Services (OES) Fleet Maintenance Facility

The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to execute a contract with AutoTech Solutions (DBA Universal Distribution Group) to provide and install automotive vehicle lifts and supporting equipment for the new OES Fleet Maintenance Facility for a total not -to-exceed amount of $ 143,624.04. Funding for this contract is available within the previously approved Capital project. OES Fleet Maintenance is relocating to a larger temporary facility, and, as part of the transition, additional equipment is required to support the expanded space and the operational needs of the department. The expected service life for this equipment is more than twenty years, and the equipment will be relocated to the permanent Junction Road Fleet Operations Center when it is completed. Equipment cost is based on a purchasing agreement with the North Carolina Sheriff ’s Association, which provides pre -negotiated, competitive pricing and ensures compliance with state procurement requirements.

26-0041. Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.26CPA017 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC051 Reducing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $510K and Transferring the Funding to the General Fund to Support Triangle Land Conservancy’s Purchase and Protection of 77 Acres and Conveyance of 15 Acres to Durham County

The Board is requested to approve Capital Project Amendment No .26CPA017 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No .26BCC051 Reducing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $ 510,000 and transferring to the funding to the General Fund to support Triangle Land Conservancy ’s (TLC’s) purchase and protection of 77 acres. TLC will convey 15 acres located at 391 and 409 Southview Road (portions of REIDs 231184 and 194090) to Durham County to expand the County ’s existing Southview Preserve. The County ’s $ 510,000 contribution represents 16% of the total $ 3.1 million cost of the 77 acres and allows TLC to leverage multiple funding partners and landowner donations needed to make the purchase. Project Name and Number Current Budget Increase / Decrease Updated Budget Open Space & Farmland Preservation (4730DC083) $12,575,369.70 ($510,000.00) $12,065,369.70 TOTAL $12,575,369.70 ($510,000.00) $12,065,369.70 This project expands TLC ’s and Durham County ’s protected lands in east Durham along Southview Road to 263 acres, improving water quality in Falls Lake and Lick Creek by reducing nutrient pollution. It safeguards habitat, supports biodiversity in a rapidly developing area, and positions the site for potential future public access, including hiking trails that could connect to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

26-0042. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC053 Recognizing the Receipt of $571,000 from the Army National Guard As Pass-Through Funding for Triangle Land Conservancy’s Acquisition and Protection of 50 acres at 5017 Dunwoody Road

The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No .26BCC053 recognizing receipt of $ 571,000 from the Army National Guard as pass -through funding to the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) for its acquisition of 50 acres at 5017 Dunwoody Road (a portion of REID 192123). TLC is currently under contract to purchase 50 acres of priority forestland adjacent to Camp Butner, which supports County goals for habitat and water quality protection. However, due to the federal shutdown, TLC ’s agreement to receive funding from the Army National Guard expired, and a new agreement cannot be finalized before the closing deadline of June 30, 2026. To ensure the purchase proceeds, the Guard has requested that Durham County act as a fiscal agent, receiving funds from the Guard and wiring them directly to TLC ’s closing attorney . TLC’s Board approved this arrangement at its December 2025 meeting. Durham County maintains a cooperative agreement with the Army National Guard to fund permanent land protection within a one -mile buffer of Camp Butner in Durham County. (Tar River Land Conservancy holds a similar agreement for Granville County.)

26-0043. Approve Durham County Matching Grants Program Recipients for FY 2025-26 Grant Cycle in the Amount of $100,000

The Board is requested to approve funding for five projects totaling $ 100,000 under the current cycle of the Durham County Matching Grants Program. Now in its 35th year, this program provides matching funds to local non -profits for projects that protect open space or offer recreational opportunities for Durham County residents . All funded projects must be open to the public. The program is funded annually through the County ’s operating budget, which allocates $ 100,000 for FY 25-26. Applicants must provide a 50% match, which may include cash contributions and the value of volunteer labor. Since its inception, the program has supported 135 community projects with a combined value of over $ 6.3 million, leveraging just over $2.2 million in County matching funds.) The 2025-26 cycle of the Matching Grants Program includes five recommended projects that total $ 100,000. The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST) recommended approval of the projects at their meeting on January 21st, 2026. The recommended recipients are: Central Park School for Children $ 24,000; Urban Community Agrinomics, $ 24,455; El Futuro, $ 18,500; Historic Stagville, $23,045; and Unique Places to Save, $ 10,000. The projects are further described in the supplemental document, with locations shown on the accompanying map.

26-0047. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC054 for a Transfer of $167,418 from the General Government Functional Area to the Economic and Physical Development Functional Area for a Mid-Year FTE Reallocation

The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC054 for a Transfer of $ 167,418 from the General Government Functional Area to the Economic and Physical Development Functional Area for a Mid -Year FTE Reallocation. In FY 2025-26, one FTE within the County Manager ’s Equitable Well-Being team was reallocated to create a Manager for Special Projects position within the Cooperative Extension department. The Manager for Special Projects position was created to assist with increased administrative workload and building out special initiatives due to an increase in scope and project load within the department . Funding for this position is being transferred to Cooperative Extension to cover salary and benefits for the newly created position, as well as operating dollars to assist with travel and training, contract initiatives, food and provisions, and office build out. Transfer Amount Broken Down Salary and Benefits $137,418 Telephone $600 Training Rel Travel $5,000 Operational Travel $1,000 Misc Expense $12,000 Misc. Supplies (Furn, tech, etc.) $9,900 Food & Provisions $1,500

26-0050. Approval of the FY26 Q3 Durham Annual Transit Work Program Amendment in the Amount of $200,758.00

The Board is requested to approve an amendment to the FY 26 Durham Annual Transit Work Program. As part of the appropriations process for the Durham County Transit Plan, an Annual Work Program is developed to outline the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The Transit Governance Interlocal Agreement (ILA) establishes the process for developing and approving this budget, requiring formal approval by both the Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the GoTriangle Board of Trustees. At its meeting on January 21, 2026, the Staff Working Group (SWG) recommended approval of an amendment to the FY 26 Durham Annual Transit Work Program. The BOCC is now requested to adopt this amendment. The proposed changes are summarized below: 1. Staffing Study Personnel a. Increase FY26 Work Program budget by $17,188 2. Staffing Study a. Increase FY26 Work Program budget by $183,570 The total increase to the FY26 Durham Annual Transit Work Program is $200,758.

26-0052. Departmental - 2025 Durham Board of Adjustment Annual Report

The Board is requested to receive the 2025 Durham Board of Adjustment Annual Report. Summary Attached is the 2025 Annual Report for the Durham Board of Adjustment. This report highlights cases heard and acted upon by the Board from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Attachments Attachment A: Board of Adjustment Annual Report Memo Attachment B: 2025 Cases Heard by the Board of Adjustment Attachment C: 2025 Board of Adjustment Attendance

26-0053. Departmental - 2025 Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST) Annual Report

The Board is requested to receive the 2025 Durham Open Space and Trails (DOST) Annual Report. Summary The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST) is required by the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement to submit an annual report to the governing bodies. The annual report details accomplishments for 2025, as well as goals for the upcoming year. Attachments Attachment A: 2025 DOST Annual Report Attachment B: 2025 DOST Attendance Report

26-0054. Departmental - 2025 Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Annual Report

The Board is requested to receive the 2025 Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Annual Report. Summary The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is required by the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the City of Durham and Durham County to submit an annual report to the governing bodies. The 2025 report is attached. Attachments Attachment A: Letter from HPC Chair, January 5, 2026 Attachment B: 2024-2025 Historic Preservation Commission CLG Annual Report Attachment C: 2025 Historic Preservation Annual Attendance Report

26-0055. Departmental - 2025 Durham Planning Commission (DPC) Annual Report

The Board is requested to receive the 2025 Durham Planning Commission (DPC) Annual Report. Summary Attached is the 2025 Annual Report for the Durham Planning Commission. This report highlights cases heard and acted upon by the Commission from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Attachments Attachment A: Chair’s Report Attachment B: 2025 Case Report Attachment C: 2025 Attendance Report

26-0062. Authorize the County Manager to execute an EPA Environmental Education Grant Program Application

The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to sign the County ’s application for an EPA Environmental Education Grant. The Environmental Education Grant Program supports locally and regionally focused environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers, and community members . Projects must design, demonstrate, and /or disseminate environmental education practices that increase public awareness and provide skills for informed environmental decision-making. EPA has allocated $ 3.2 Million in funding for grant awards ranging from $ 200-250K. County Stormwater is seeking funding to protect and improve water quality through expanded education efforts in our schools and the broader community. Applications are due by March 3, 2026.

26-0067. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC055 Cooperative Extension to Recognize $14,820.61 in additional Smart Start funding for the Welcome Baby Program

The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC055 Cooperative Extension to Recognize $ 14,820.61 in additional Smart Start funding for the Welcome Baby Program Cooperative Extension ’s Welcome Baby Program provides accessible, evidence-based child development information, positive parenting strategies, and concrete support. The program ’s goals are to reduce Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), improve school readiness, increase caregiver knowledge of child development, reduce parental isolation, and connect families with essential resources that support both daily caregiving and long -term child success. These goals directly align with NC Department DHHS DSS statewide Prevention Framework priorities related to primary prevention, protective factor development, and family strengthening. Welcome Baby has been a recipient of Smart Start funding for over 20 years. This additional funding will support the continued delivery of evidence -based parental support for families with children ages 0-5.

26-0070. Approve Updated Durham City-County Interlocal Agreement for Immigrant & Refugee Affairs

The Board is requested to approve the updated Durham City -County Interlocal Agreement for Immigrant & Refugee Affairs. This City -County function is based in Durham County Cooperative Extension. This is a technical update to the previously approved agreement, dated July 1, 2021. This technical update ensures compliance with applicable County and City policy and State and Federal law and clarifies language around roles and responsibilities in the Scope of Work.

26-0037. Public Hearing - Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment TC2500002: RV Parking (20min)

The Board is requested to receive comments on the proposed Unified Development Ordinance text amendment. Motions To conduct a public hearing to receive comments and consider the following motions: Motion 1: To adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance, incorporating revisions to Article 10, Parking and Loading. Motion 2: To adopt a Consistency Statement as required by N. C. G. S. Sec. 160D-605. Summary Text Amendment TC 2500002 is a staff -initiated request to amend Section 10.2.3, Vehicle Parking and Uses, of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), in order to allow flexibility for RV parking in residential zoning districts. Attachments Attachment A: TC2500002 Draft Ordinance Language (Track Changes Version) Attachment B: Consistency Statement

26-0056. Board and Commission Appointments (10min)

26-0046. Closed Session

The Board is requested to adjourn into Closed Session to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney -client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3).

26-0072. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC056 Appropriating $350,000 in General Fund Fund Balance to Support a Contract with Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD) to Administer the Homeless Day Shelter and Services Center Pilot Program

The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC056 appropriating $ 350,000 in General Fund Fund Balance to Support a Contract with Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD) to administer the Homeless Day Shelter and Services Center pilot program. The Board approved the contract with UMD at the February 2, 2026, meeting (item 26-0064).