Agenda
25-0572. Recognition of Seth Komansky as Durham County’s new Chief Paramedic in the Office of Emergency Services (10min)
The Board is requested to recognize Seth Komansky as Durham County ’s new Chief Paramedic in the Office of Emergency Services. Seth joined the Office of Emergency Services on October 13 after having served as the Strategic Planning and Operations Manager & Business Resilience Lead at Amgen North Carolina where he led programs in risk management, emergency and crisis management, business continuity, and disaster recovery. Prior to that, he spent more than 16 years in Wake County. As Director of Homeland Security and Intelligence for the Wake County Sheriff ’s Office, he established a formal intelligence unit and launched a real -time crime center, significantly enhancing situational awareness and supporting complex investigations in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners. Prior to that, Seth served as Deputy EMS Director and Chief of Operations for Wake County EMS, where he oversaw daily and special operations . His career with Wake County EMS included a wide range of roles - paramedic, field training officer, advanced practice paramedic, and district chief -and he played a leadership role in numerous large-scale incidents and events. Seth holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Franklin Pierce University and a Master of Science in Homeland Security Management from Long Island University. He has also completed executive education through the Naval Postgraduate School ’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leaders Program and the UNC Chapel Hill School of Government ’s Municipal and County Administration program.
25-0619. Resolution - Recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the Rougemont Ruritan Club (5min)
The Board is requested to recognize the 75th Anniversary of the Rougemont Ruritan Club. The Rougemont Ruritan Club is the only club in the Ruritan at both the National and State levels who has had two National Presidents from the same club: Millard Thacker (2001-2002) and Linward Hedgspeth (2020-2022). Also, worth noting that Mr. Hedgspeth was the only African American ever elected to serve as a Ruritan National President.
25-0620. Resolution - Honor and Recognizing the Life and Legacy of Private First-Class Booker T. Spicely (5min)
The Board is requested to honor and recognize the life and legacy of Private First-Class Booker T. Spicely.
25-0579. Agreement - City-County Appearance Commission Interlocal Agreement Amendment
The Board is requested to approve the amendment of the Durham City -County Appearance Commission Interlocal Agreement setting an expiration date of January 1, 2026. Summary The Durham City -County Appearance Commission and Planning staff have developed a proposal to add an expiration date to the Interlocal Agreement and move the work of the Commission to an as-needed task force model. Attachments Attachment A: Letter from the Chair Attachment B: Interlocal Agreement Attachment C: Amendment and Termination of the Interlocal Agreement
25-0595. Authorize the County Manager to Enter into a Contract with Southern Wall Systems, LLC in the Amount of $1,193,227.00 to Provide Exterior Refurbishment and Exterior Window Replacement at the DCo Justice Services Center, and the Authority to Execute Change Orders/Amendments to the Contract as Long as Funds are Available in the CIP Fund.
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to enter into a contract in the amount of $ 1,193,227 with Southern Wall Systems, LLC, utilizing Capital Improvement Funds (CIP) allocated for the project. The Justice Services Center has been in need of window replacements for some time now. The window frames are original to the building and do not provide a thermal break between the outside temperatures and interior space. This allows for hot and cold transference during the summer and winter seasons, respectively. This condition is not conducive to operating the facility under our best energy efficient practices. The windows and their surrounding openings also allow water infiltration into the building . The project will also require the contractor to seal all openings once the new windows are installed, as well as refurbish /repair all exterior cracks and spalling to the building surfaces. This project will make the building more energy efficient, lowering its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and stop water infiltration to the inside of the building.
25-0597. Approval of Budget Amendment No.26BCC037 Recognizing a $600,000 Grant From NCDEQ Division of Water Resources for Whispering Pines Stream Renovation Project
The Board is requested to approve Budget Amendment No .26BCC037 recognizing a $ 600,000 grant from the NCDEQ Division of Water Resources (DWR) Water Resources Development Grant Program , in partnership with the Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) Flood Resiliency Blueprint , for the Whispering Pines Stream Restoration Project. The Board is also requested to authorize the Manager to enter into a contract with DWR to accept the grant funding. NC DEQ has authorized the Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) to oversee the development of the North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint, a state flood planning process to increase community resiliency to flooding throughout North Carolina ’s River basins, serve as a resource for riverine and stream management to reduce flooding and support the establishment and furtherance of local government stormwater maintenance programs. DWR has been allocated a portion of Blueprint funding to provide state funds to offer cost -share grants for projects that reduce flooding or increase flood resiliency. Durham County applied for and has been awarded $600,000 for the Whispering Pines Stream Restoration Project. The Whispering Pines Mobile Home Park Stream Restoration Project was identified in the County Stormwater Nutrient Management Strategy as a potential project for compliance with the Falls Lake Nutrient Management Rules. The project consists of approximately 1,700 linear feet of stream restoration and a bioretention pond to treat stormwater on the property. The stream restoration project will remove sources of nitrogen and phosphorous from streambank erosion - helping the County meet the nutrient requirements of the Falls Lake Rules - while also reducing flooding impacts to residents of Whispering Pines Mobile Home Park. The total estimated project cost is $ 2.1 million. The County previously applied for and received a $ 400,000 Local Assistance for Stormwater Infrastructure Investments (LASII) grant from the North Carolina Division of Water Infrastructure to cover the planning efforts for the Whispering Pines project. The County also received $500,000 from the Division of Soil and Water ’s Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP). The County has also been selected to receive an additional $240,000 in funding from the North Carolina Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grant Program. That award is awaiting final EPA approval. In total, for the $2.1 million dollar project, the County has received over $ 1.7 million in grant funding - over 80% of the total cost.
25-0598. Approval to enter into a contract with KBS Earthworks in the amount of $974,879.51 for the Whispering Pines Stream Restoration and Stormwater Improvement Project
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to enter into a contract with KBS Earthworks in the amount of $ 974,879.51 for the Whispering Pines Stream Restoration and Stormwater Improvement Project. The Whispering Pines Mobile Home Park Stream Restoration Project was identified in the County Stormwater Nutrient Management Strategy as a potential project for compliance with the Falls Lake Nutrient Management Rules. The project consists of approximately 1,700 linear feet of stream restoration and a bioretention pond to treat stormwater on the property. The stream restoration project will remove sources of nitrogen and phosphorous from streambank erosion - helping the County meet the nutrient requirements of the Falls Lake Rules - while also reducing flooding impacts to residents of Whispering Pines Mobile Home Park. KBS Earthworks was selected following a competitive bidding process, where they provided a well thought out approach to the Whispering Pines Project. KBS has over 20 years of stream restoration and stormwater construction experience, specializing in stream and wetland work. They have restored over 2 million feet of stream in North Carolina and Virginia, including several projects in Durham. This project will be funded by a combination of grant funding (+80%) and County Stormwater Utility Fee dollars.
25-0606. Adoption of the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan
The Board is requested to adopt the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan. The Durham -to-Roxboro Rail Trail would convert a 26-mile inactive rail corridor into a multi -use trail. The Durham -to-Roxboro Rail Trail has been identified in multiple local and regional plans since the 1980s as a high -priority project for improving transportation options and access to green space. The Durham -to-Roxboro Rail Trail is envisioned as a lasting community asset. It would offer a safe, accessible space for walking, running, and biking, for people of all ages and abilities. In addition to recreation, the trail would also serve as a new transportation option, linking neighborhoods, parks, schools, and other destinations while strengthening connections across Durham County and beyond. A presentation of the Rail Trail Planning Study was provided at the October 6, 2025, work session. Feedback from the Board was used to inform and finalize the study report which is posted on the website: <https://durham2roxborotrailplan.com/>. The plan divides the 18.2-mile corridor into five planning sections, each with recommendations for trailheads, community connectors, crossings, and stream infrastructure. It also includes planning-level cost estimates, implementation strategies, and potential funding sources to guide future development. While additional design and community engagement will be required, this plan represents the first step in realizing a safe, connected, and community-supported trail system that reflects Durham County’s long-term commitment to active transportation, equitable access, and regional collaboration.
25-0617. Removal of Citizen Board Member Due to Poor Attendance
The Board is requested to remove the following member in keeping with the Attendance Policy approved by the Board of County Commissioners in August 2014. “If an appointee has absences (excused or unexcused) which constitute more than 50% of the meetings in any calendar year or three (3) consecutive unexcused absences or five (5) consecutive excused absences in any calendar year, he or she is obligated to resign.” · Durham Convention Center Authority - Laronte Bryant · Durham County Women’s Commission - Hannah Jeter The Clerk ’s Office was notified of the absences and made attempts to contact the board member. There was no response.
25-0623. Approval of Grant Agreement with Urban Ministries of Durham in the amount of $535,356
25-0624. Approval of 2026 Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule
The Board is requested to approve its 2026 meeting schedule. Once the schedule is approved, the Clerk ’s Office will place all dates on the calendar and invite all Commissioners to accept the meetings. The approved calendar will also be published on the website within 48 hours. Please note there will be an amendment to this calendar to add the following: · BOCC Budget/Policy Retreat in February 2026 · Additional BOCC/BOE Meeting in March 2026
25-0625. Authorize the County Manager to Sign an Amendment to the Sunbelt Rentals, Inc, Contract, Funds Reservation #2600000091, $73,110.83 in the Amount of $63,360.54, for total of $ 136,471.37 for the Additional Rental Months Needed for the Temporary HVAC Chiller at William “Bill” Bell Building. Also, to authorize the County Manager to Sign any Subsequent Amendments or Change Orders that May Occur, as long as the Funds are Available.
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to sign an amendment to Sunbelt Rentals, Inc agreement in the amount of $ 63,360.54. Funding for this additional cost will come from the Ongoing HVAC Upgrades CIP program - 4190DC076. The additional cost to the contract is for extra months of rental for the William “Bill” Bell Building ’s temporary HVAC chiller. The current building chillers have been having issues and randomly shut down. General Services deemed it necessary to have a temporary chiller on site, in case the building chillers were to fail and unable to restart, during the cooling season. General Services, DCo Engineering, O ’Brien Atkins and a Dunham Bush (manufacturer) representative continue working to resolve the issues with the current chillers. At the height of the cooling season, the chillers were becoming more unreliable, and a solution has yet to be determined. That is when General Services decided to execute a contract for a temporary chiller. The original contract was completed for installation and one month ’s rental, not knowing at the time how long it would be needed for. If the contract was not done at that time, the availability of being able to rent a temporary chiller, later, was not promising. Sunbelt Rentals only had two available, nationwide, at the time.
25-0626. Reappointment to GoTriangle Board of Directors
The Board is requested to reappoint Patrick Hannah for his second term on the GoTriangle Board of Directors as the Joint City -County Representative. Mr. Hannah’s second term would expire on November 30, 2029. Mr. Hannah’s second term was approved by the City Council at their regular meeting held on November 17, 2025 at City Hall.
25-0614. Public Hearing - Text Amendment - RTP 3.0: A Privately Initiated Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendment (15min)
The Board is requested to conduct a public hearing and receive comments on the Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment and if appropriate based on the comments received during the hearing, approve the ordinance text change and consistency statement with the following motions: Summary TC2500001 is a privately-initiated text amendment request to amend multiple sections of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) in order to expand the existing University and College District (UC and UC-2) standards to create a new zoning district (“UC-3”) and facilitate the inclusion of “large scientific and technical research parks” within the UC districts framework. 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 4, Zoning Districts, Article 5, Use Regulations, Article 6, District Intensity Standards, and Article 7, Design Standards, and, Motion 2: To adopt a Consistency Statement as required by N. C. G. S. Sec. 160D-605. Attachments Attachment A - Planning Commission Written Comments Attachment B - Comprehensive Plan Alignment, per the Applicant Attachment C - Campus Master Plan Attachment D - Proposed Ordinance Language Attachment E - Recorded Covenants
25-0615. Public Hearing - Zoning Map Change - RTP Rezoning (Z2500025) (15min)
The Board is requested to conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the Zoning Map Change RTP Rezoning (Z2500025), and consider the following motions: Motion 1: To adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance by taking property out of Science and Research Park, Science and Research Park-Core, Industrial Light, Industrial Park, Office and Institutional, Residential Suburban-20, and Residential Rural, and establishing the same as University and College-3; and Motion 2: To adopt a Consistency Statement as required by N .C.G.S. Sec. 160D-605. Summary Durham County, in conjunction with the Research Triangle Foundation, proposes to change the zoning designation of 164 parcels of land totaling 5,059.19 acres (including right-of-way), encompassing the entirety of Research Triangle Park (RTP) within Durham County except for the Durham County Wildlife Club (located at 3616 Hopson Road). The current zoning is Science and Research Park (SRP), Science and Research Park-Core (SRP-C), Industrial Light (IL), Industrial Park (IP), Office and Institutional (OI), Residential Suburban-20 (RS-20), and Residential Rural (RR). Attachments Attachment A - Zoning Context Map Attachment B - Aerial Map Attachment C - Place Type Map Attachment D - Zoning Map Change Report Attachment E - Comprehensive Plan Consistency Review Attachment F - Planning Commission Written Comments Attachment G - Zoning Ordinance Attachment H - Consistency Statement Attachment I - RTP 3.0 Vision Plan
25-0609. 2025 State of the County Address (60min)
25-0618. Board and Commission Appointments (10min)
25-0629. Approval of Property Tax Releases and Refunds for October 2025
The Board is requested to approve the Releases & Refunds for October 2025, which includes adjustments to the current year ’s levy as well as prior years’ levies. Due to property valuation adjustments for over assessments, listing discrepancies, duplicate listings, and clerical errors, etc. the attached reports detail monthly releases and refunds for October 2025. This month ’s report includes releases and refunds for tax year 2025 totaling $ 1,913,353.05. Prior tax years’ (2015-2024) releases and refunds are in the amount of $ 9,385.51. October 2025, releases and refunds total $ 1,922,738.56.