Agenda
25-0534. Recognition of Brad Caison as Durham County’s HIV Navigator and Bridget Nelson as Durham County’s New Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Resilience Coordinator (10min)
The Board is requested to recognize Brad Caison as Durham County ’s HIV Navigator and Bridget Nelson as Durham County ’s new Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Resilience Coordinator. Brad Caison joined the Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) in September 2024 as the HIV Navigator, with a Master of Public Health (Leadership in Practice) and years of experience in health promotion, program management, and community engagement. One key responsibility of the HIV Navigator role is to facilitate the Fast Track Cities Durham Initiative, which is grounded in achieving the 95-95-95 targets. These measures were goals set by the United Nations to end the HIV epidemic and aim to achieve three things: for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, with 95% of those people being retained in care, and 95% of people retained in care becoming virally suppressed. Taking the opportunity to reimagine the work of Fast Track Cities Durham (FTCD), Brad realigned the mission, vision, and structure to reflect new priorities and concerns addressed by the community through a series of community forums and workshops he facilitated in his early tenure as HIV Navigator. Through these forums and robust conversations, a new model for FTCD took shape that has created more opportunities for voice and leadership from Durham community members. Multiple programmatic successes have occurred under this new model of engagement for FTCD, including inaugural programmatic implementation such as “DCo Does PRIDE,” as well as the formation of two separate FTCD subcommittees led by community facilitators chosen by fellow FTCD members for their outstanding contributions. Additionally, as DCoDPH ’s HIV Navigator, Brad works with community members and HIV professionals across the HIV continuum of care to improve outcomes related to HIV for all Durham residents. Brad is heavily involved with outreach testing operations led by his colleagues in Health Education. He has also spent considerable time in the community addressing topics related to HIV prevention and treatment, overall sexual well -being, and stigma through educational workshops and trainings for both community members and providers. Brad also has extensive involvement in cross-collaborations between various providers and system partners working to advance priorities related to HIV and access to health services, including a collaborative among providers at DCoDPH and Duke to reengage patients lost to care, as well as serving as the Co -Chair for Access to Care under the Partnership for a Healthy Durham. Bridget Nelson joins the Durham County Department of Public Health with their Master of Public Health (Health Equity, Social Justice, and Human Rights) from the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health. They have six years of public health experience, including work as a Training Specialist, Project Coordinator, Program Evaluator, Community Liaison, Gender and Sexuality Liaison, and Data Analyst. As the new Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Resilience Coordinator, Bridget will organize and facilitate activities for the Durham Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Resilience Taskforce (DART), a cross-sector collaborative created by community stakeholders and the Board of County Commissioners to focus on addressing ACEs and promoting resilience across the county. As part of their work, Bridget will also contribute to the integration of trauma-informed services and education into county and community activities, including organizing the annual Trauma -Informed Care Conference for medical providers and other high -contact populations. By identifying avenues for building community resilience, Bridget ’s work will improve individual and community health outcomes for all. Both the HIV Navigator and the ACEs and Resilience Coordinator positions are county funded and sit within the Health Education Division of the Department of Public Health. This agenda item requires no additional County funds.
25-0551. Proclamation - Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025 (5min)
The Board is requested to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The purpose of this proclamation is to recognize October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Durham County and to acknowledge the leadership of Shining Light In Darkness, a survivor -led nonprofit guided by a husband -and-wife team whose dedication has strengthened awareness and response to domestic violence in our community. This proclamation affirms the importance of bringing attention not only during the month of October but throughout the year, reminding us that education, prevention, and community action must remain constant priorities. Together, we affirm that every survivor deserves to be seen, heard, and valued, and that Durham County stands committed to building a future free from violence.
25-0510. Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC021 Public Health to Recognize $3,124 from the NC DHHS Division of Public Health Epidemiology/ Communicable Disease Branch to Expand Disease Surveillance
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No .26BCC021 Public Health to Recognize $ 3,124 from the NC DHHS Division of Public Health Epidemiology/ Communicable Disease Branch to Expand Disease Surveillance These funds will be used to expand communicable disease surveillance, detection, control, and prevention activities to address the COVID -19 public health emergency and other communicable disease challenges impacted by the COVID -19 public health emergency. The scope and magnitude of the COVID -19 response required an “all hands-on deck” approach that redirected staff from much of their normal day -to-day responsibilities. This created a disproportionate focus on COVID -19 cases at the expense of other communicable diseases. As a result, the ability to perform routine activities (e.g., case investigation /management, patient education, etc.) for these other diseases has been suboptimal compared to pre -pandemic efforts. These funds are intended to assist with a return to, and in some instances exceed, pre -pandemic service delivery for other communicable diseases. Please note that this amendment requires no additional County funds. The Board of Health has approved this amendment.
25-0513. Approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26OPA002 for the Opioid Fund to Reallocate $20,373 of Previously Approved Opioid Settlement Funds from the Syringe Project Strategy to the Naloxone Project Strategy
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26OPA002 for the Opioid Fund to Reallocate $ 20,373 of Previously Approved Opioid Settlement Funds from the Syringe Project Strategy to the Naloxone Project Strategy The Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) will utilize Opioid Settlement funding to implement evidence -based strategies that prevent overdose and expand access to treatment. Funded activities may include naloxone procurement and distribution with overdose -response training, contractual support for harm -reduction outreach, referrals and community education. All expenditures will align with the allowable uses of the Opioid Settlement and Durham County ’s approved spending plan, with performance reporting and fiscal monitoring conducted by DCoDPH . There are no additional Opioid Settlement Fund or County General Fund costs associated with this action as this is a budget realignment. The realignment will decrease the Syringe Project total to $ 47,402 and increase the Naloxone Project total to $341,143. The Board of Health has approved this amendment.
25-0514. Approval to Extend the Existing Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the City of Durham to Contract for a Joint Crisis Communications Plan to December 31, 2026
The Board is requested to approve extending the existing interlocal cooperation agreement with the City of Durham to contract for a Joint Crisis Communications Plan (JCCP) to December 31, 2026. This extension will support the signed contract, account for potential delays as several have been encountered throughout the process already, and align with the date approved by City Council.
25-0515. Approval of Contract with SimuLab for the Purchase of Difficult AirwayMan System Training Packages for the Office of Emergency Services not to exceed the amount of $142,415.00
The Board is requested to approve a contract with SimuLab for the purchase of Difficult AirwayMan System Training Packages to replace outdated and out of service airway training manikins. The Office of Emergency Services (OES) will utilize existing capital budget funds for EMS equipment replacement in the amount not to exceed $142,415.00 utilizing Sole Source exemption. EMS is procuring new video laryngoscopes to replace outdated and unsupported equipment currently in use. To ensure these devices are fully supported, updated airway training manikins are also required. The training equipment currently available is outdated and no longer sufficient to meet modern training standards. Replacing these manikins will allow EMS personnel to maintain proficiency in advanced airway management, particularly in the training and simulation of difficult airway scenarios.
25-0516. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC0019 Public Health to Recognize $6,000 from the NC DHHS Division of Public Health Epidemiology Section /Communicable Disease Branch to Implement the Electronic Test Ordering and Results System
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC0019 Public Health to Recognize $ 6,000 from the NC DHHS Division of Public Health Epidemiology Section /Communicable Disease Branch These funds will supplement previously recognized funds for FY 26 bringing the total for the grant to $ 27,517. Using these funds provides additional funding to enable the Local Health Department (LHD) to implement the Electronic Test Ordering and Results (ETOR) system by participating in the Bidirectional Interface Project. The Board of Health has approved this amendment.
25-0521. Approve Memorandum of Agreement with Central Pines Regional Council (CPRC) in the amount of $1,861.78 to provide planning and technical assistance for the Triangle Region Solid Waste Consortium
The Board is requested to approve the Memorandum of Agreement with Central Pines Regional Council (CPRC), formerly known as the Triangle J Council of Governments, and to authorize the County Manager to sign the agreement. Per the agreement, CPRC will provide planning and technical assistance for the Triangle Region Solid Waste Consortium. The Consortium was formed to facilitate collaboration and coordination between local government jurisdictions in solid waste and recycling. The dues for the Solid Waste Division to participate in the Consortium will be $ 1,861.78 and will be funded through the Solid Waste Division ’s operating budget.
25-0526. Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.26CPA07 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC022 Decreasing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $80,300 and Transferring that Funding to the General Fund to Support the Purchase of a 25-Acre Conservation Easement of Tilley Farm from Wesley and Cristan Poole, as well as Recognizing $213,000 from the Army National Guard’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program to Support the Purchase of the Tilley Farm Conservation Easement for a Total Cost of $293,300.
The Board is requested to approve Capital Project Amendment No .26CPA07 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No .26BCC022 decreasing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $ 80,300 and transferring the funding to the General Fund to support the purchase of a 25-acre conservation easement of Tilley Farm from Wesley and Cristan Poole, as well as recognizing $213,000 from the Army National Guard ’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program to support the Tilley Farm Conservation Easement ’s total purchase cost of $293,300. Project Name and Number Current Budget Increase / Decrease Updated Budget Open Space & Farmland Preservation (4730DC083) $12,880,669.70 ($80,300.00) $12,800,369.70 TOTAL $12,880,669.70 ($80,300.00) $12,800,369.70 The Board approved this conservation easement project in January 2025. Since then, $213,000 of funding for the easement purchase price has been secured through the Army National Guard ’s REPI (Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration ) Program. The transfer of $ 80,300 to the General Fund will be used to pay Durham County’s share of the easement price and closing-related fees.
25-0527. Approve Committing Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Rebates and Incentive Funding Toward Projects that Further the County’s Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Goals
The Board is requested to commit energy efficiency and renewable energy rebates and incentive funding toward the County ’s renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions goals. These rebates are received due to prior expenses by the County in efforts to achieve energy efficiency goals. By committing these funds, any future incentives received would be used for further energy efficiency, renewable energy, and fleet electrification projects as outlined in the Renewable Energy Plan , but that are not already part of a capital project. The total current incentive payment is $62,505. The County is currently implementing several projects to decrease energy use and increase renewable energy in County facilities and fleets, per the Renewable Energy Plan and High -Performance Building Policy. Durham County is eligible for several types of incentives and rebates related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and fleet electrification projects, and local governments are now eligible for tax incentives called “elective payment” for installing solar panels and geothermal systems, as well as purchasing electric vehicles and charging stations. Additionally, the County is eligible for rebates for building high efficiency buildings. The amount of incentive funding received each year will vary significantly based on what projects were completed the year before and what incentives exist. The Sustainability Team will make recommendations on how to prioritize investing the funds. Committed Funds are board directed, earmarked for the intended purpose, and can only be changed by a board action. If the Board chooses to move forward with more substantial funding for Sustainability in the future, a distinct Fund could be a possible path at that time.
25-0535. Agreement - Revisions to Historic Preservation Commission’s Interlocal Cooperation Agreement
The Board is requested to review and provide comments on the proposed Historic Preservation Commission’s Interlocal Cooperation Agreement. Summary The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is guided by an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement (ICA) between the City of Durham and Durham County, and this document is now up for revision. Staff, in coordination with the City and County Attorney’s Offices, is proposing several revisions to this agreement. Proposed changes will bring the agreement in conformance with recently revised state statutes as well as city policies around stipends; they will also address Commission membership structure and qualifications to facilitate recruitment of new members Attachments Attachment A: Draft Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with tracked changes
25-0537. Approval of the Contract Amendment to Funds Reservation 26-104 in the Amount of $6,120 to Pinam Construction, Inc. for Additional Work Needed Due to Unforeseen Conditions for a Total Contract Amount of $161,090.78.
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to approve a contract amendment to Funds Reservation 26-104 in the amount of $ 6,120 to Pinam Construction, Inc. for additional work needed due to unforeseen conditions for a total contract amount of $161,090.78. Funding is available in current budget. Durham County Government ’s current paving infrastructure is over five years old and due for replacement. It has reached maximal use, and at risk of degradation due to its age. Delaying the replacement will put the current infrastructure at risk. The paved areas selected are a critical strategic infrastructure for Durham County Government. The selected vendor, Pinam Construction, Inc. has worked successfully with the City of Durham and many other NC local jurisdictions to support infrastructure improvements.
25-0538. Authorization to Amend the Design Contract with RND Architects, PA for Design Development and Construction Administration Services for the Stanford L. Warren Interior Upgrades Project in the Amount of $14,470 for a Total Revised Contract Amount of $242,669.
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to execute a contract amendment with RND Architects, PA in the amount of $ 14,470 for a total revised contract amount of $ 242,669 for extended architectural and engineering design services required to address water intrusion discovered at the northern stair tower of Stanford L. Warren Library. As interior renovations at SL Warren Library were wrapping up, pooling water was discovered in the lower level of the north stair tower after the Hurricane Helene rain event. RND Architects was tasked with conducting an investigation to determine the source, which was traced back to failing water proofing membrane applied during the 2004 addition/renovation to the library. With this discovery, RND Architects was then asked to provide a design solution and extended construction administrative services required for the repairs that were beyond the original scope of the project. Funding for this fee amendment is available within the existing capital project account for the Stanford L. Warren Library envelope repairs.
25-0542. Approval of the Creation of Three New FTE Positions in the County’s Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund
The Board is requested to approve the creation of three new full -time positions in the Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund. The positions will be funded by Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund revenue; no General Fund revenue will be used. This action will restore positions transferred out of the Enterprise Fund over the past few years. As part of the ongoing efforts to re -align the County organization to provide efficient, timely services to the community, these three (3) positions are proposed to be restored to the authorized complement of the Utility Enterprise Fund. The positions will be focused on and utilized to help support Capital project and development services activities related to the renewal of the County ’s Utility Infrastructure, as well as support development related to the County ’s Economic Development work in RTP. As noted in a white paper prepared in early 2025, attached, the EES -Utilities business unit has undertaken an aggressive program of Capital work to renew and upgrade our major utility infrastructure, some of which is now approaching 60 years old. The three new positions are: 1. Senior Project Manager , with an estimated hiring salary of $131,000. The Senior Project Manager will oversee the Utilities’ Division’s Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). These projects are driven by aging infrastructure and economic development such as new industry and RTP 3.0. 2. Project Manager , with an estimated hiring salary of $95,000. The Project Manager will assist the Project Manager overseeing the Utilities’ Division Capital Improvement Program. 3. Operations & Maintenance Technician III , with an estimated salary of $85,000. The position is responsible for the skilled operations at the County-owned Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP). This position pays a critical part in ensuring regulatory compliance, system efficiency and environmental safety. Currently, approximately $ 65-$70 million new sewage lift station work is underway including the Chin Page, Slater -Shiloh Glenn, and Wind River lift station replacement projects. Further, a $ 75 million to $ 100 million program of renewal and modernization work has been developed and initiated for the Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant (TWWTP), as the last major upgrade was now 20 years ago. The Northeast Creek master sewerage basin study is also in progress and will result in additional projects to upsize and rehabilitate our collection systems to meet current and future demands. Work is also being done on long -range planning to best position the Utility for the coming 30-50 years to ensure our service area remains an asset to the County in facilitating community prosperity. We have also continued to experience significant private land development -related service demands in our utility service area as noted by the following Year -to-Date (YTD) statistics since January 1, 2025: · Site Plan Submittals: 563 · Construction Plan/As-Built Submittals: 94 · Utility Construction Inspections: 483 · Utility Locates: 4,813 · Building Permit Reviews*: 336 *Note: Building permit review ONLY includes those projects reviewed AND commented on by DCo Utilities. The actual number of building permits submitted to and triaged by DCo Utilities staff is much higher as all building permit submissions are triaged-reviewed to ascertain if more formal reviews are required. Additionally, with the advent of RTP 3.0, these positions will help ensure timely services related to workload demands from RTP 3.0 activities as well as ensuring new infrastructure reasonably conforms to County Utility Standards. All funding needed for these positions is available within the Utility Enterprise Fund and will not require any current rate adjustments.
25-0549. Closed Session
The Board is requested to adjourn into Closed Session to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee; or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or grievance by or against an individual public officer or employee; pursuant to G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6)
25-0550. Closed Session
The Board is requested to adjourn into Closed Session to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations; pursuant to G .S. 143-318.11(a)(4)