City Council · Work Session · April 23, 2026

This meeting is called to order at 100 pm. There we go. Madam Clerk, can you please call the roll? >> Mayor Williams, >> I'm here. >> Mayor Prom Cabayro >> here. >> Council member Baker >> here. >> Council member Burus >> here. >> Council member Cook >> here. >> Council member Copac >> here. >> Council member Wrist received an excused absence on April 9th. >> Thank you so much. All right. Any announcements by council >> may pro Tim. >> Yeah, good afternoon everyone. Good to see you all here., I need an excused absence on Thursday, May 7th. I got to go move a kid out of a dorm room. So, yeah, that's all. Thank you.

>> All right., we can just do it right now. I'll entertain a motion to provide an excuse absence for me promo on May 7th. >> Second >> to move to properly second it. All in favor? >> I I >> All oppose. All right. >> In the spirit of excused absence request excuse absence for May the 7th as well. I will be in city vision in Raleigh. >> Oh crap. I signed up before you did.

I'm actually speaking at city vision. >> I don't remember that. today. I'm going to ask him for today. >> Well, he he is I >> he did tell me he was not going to be able to be at city vision because he was going to be out of town. so what I'll do is I'll entertain motions. and if we do not meet Cor then we'll need to What's today's date? Oh, that is the next meeting. >> I do.

>> I can't do that day at all. And I don't think you will be able to either nor wrist. >> yeah. So >> yeah. Okay. We may need to talk about the May 7th meeting. >> But let me let me >> excused absences and then we'll >> go from there. >> Yeah. You'll still have them. >> I'll make the motion for council member Burris's excused absence. >> Thank you. All right. It's been moved and properly seconded to provide an excused absence for council member Burris. I >> I all oppose.

>> All right. Are you here on May 7th? >> Okay. colleagues, I need an excused absence for May 7th. >> so so move. >> you're looking at me like I moved it. All in favor? >> Any oppose? >> All right. I will confirm with council member Rrist to see we we we may need to talk about that date. >> I will be present for the 7th but do you need an excused absence for May 4th? >> Oh, is that the Monday night meeting?

>> The Monday night meeting. >> Okay. Monday night. Yeah. >> Yes. [snorts] >> So moved. >> I can't. Sorry.

I will know by the end of this meeting if I'm requesting. You say May 2nd? No, May 4th. >> I think I'm here for May 4th. >> Okay. All right. All right. Madam Clerk, we're going to be having a conversation really soon. Madame Assistant City Manager, you and Mary Grace, we're going to be having a conversation soon. We may need to look at the May 7th meeting. I may request a from you guys a special meeting where we will all be here. that's a significant amount not not present.

Yeah. Yeah. May need to do a different date, but there are a lot of moving parts we would need to address on that. [snorts] All right. Because I don't think I can be here May 4th either. We'll see. I don't know about another meeting. All right. Any other announcements? Yeah. Go ahead.

>> good afternoon. Good afternoon to everybody who's who's here with us today. just three items that I want to talk about real quick. The first is that I have a resolution on the agenda today that's going to go to our next Monday night meeting that is the around the endangered species act. There are similar resolutions that are going to towns and cities across the state. It's being spearheaded by u the mayor of Boone, Dalton George. and he's just looking to to build some momentum around around that issue.

The second topic that I want to talk about is the moratorum. I'm just going to address it in comments right now because it has become a public hearing item for Monday and it is not customary for us to address public hearing items during the work session. So I'm going to address it now. I think some folks have signed up to to speak and so we're going to move those to general comment the general comment time period. So not speaking on the item specifically. this is about being conservative proactive on a rapidly changing and evolving issue before it becomes a problem here in our city.

We're just trying to take a cool calm collected approach to to this issue. There are a number of other moratoriums that that have passed across the state. I think that Durham is not the only city that the only major city in North Carolina that is moving forward with this, but we are the first major city in North Carolina that's moving forward with this. and again, it's it's about addressing an issue. It's about giving ourselves some time to study the issue and look at best practices and put in place appropriate regulations to to address hypers scale data centers which we know has there have been a number of guinea pigs around the country that that have have shown with a growing body of evidence that they have a number of detrimental impacts. and so we we just need to be cautious about that. So, that is the purpose of that item.

Third is and Mr. Mayor, I apologize that I did not reach out to you about this, but I am looking to put another resolution on a future work session. Ideally, the next one, Council Member Cabierro, we'll we'll talk about this in just a second. a resolution recognizing the Ashton Seniors in action in Willard Street United tenant unions who recently were formed and then also have been recognized by the the landlord and so lifting that up celebrating it and affirming the importance of democratizing workplaces but al also democratizing housing. So, I'm I'm looking to put a resolution on and can share language soon with everyone.

>> Okay. What >> a thumbs up. >> Yeah. Go ahead. No, I know that I know that you had a question and so I just wanted to >> Oh, I my preference is that we don't take it up considering many of us aren't actually going to be here at the next work session and then just reminding folks that our procedures were updated about a year ago and to please follow them that we there was I think three rounds of conversations and comments on those procedures. Obviously, we have some new council members. so that would be also my request of colleagues.

Thank you. Yeah, that's what I was going to say. I'd like like a heads up. >> Yeah, I know. I know. Subsequent work session and then I can speak with sit down and speak with you. >> Yeah. >> Directly. >> Not that I won't support it. I'm definitely interested in it, but I just want to be consistent. >> Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely.

>> Sure. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. first of all, I just want to say I'm excited about the resolutions being brought forth by my colleagues today. the child wealth building resolution from council member wrist and the endangered species day and data center moratorum from council member Baker. so look forward to hearing those and supporting them. I also just want to acknowledge on our agenda briefly today our chief chief Patrice Andrews. we did not have a chance to overlap for long but we have been fortunate to have your leadership in Durham. you built a culture and a team that in my short time I found to be responsive, transparent, and collaborative. we literally would not have heart in this city if it weren't for your willingness to partner and put community benefit over any need to have everything run through you all the time. And so I'm really grateful for that approach that you brought and I wish you all the best.

Thank you. >> Good afternoon everyone. So excited to see you all here on this beautiful Thursday. hopefully won't be here before the sun sets, but I'm not going to jinx us. Just want to associate the comments of my colleagues Council Member Copatch and Chief Andrews. Yesterday I had my first ride along with DPD in my ward and so I'm immensely grateful for your officers and get to get to see all the hard work, the intentionality that goes into some of the operations that you all do. just thinking about some of I saw some interesting things yesterday very much and it's kind of interesting to see some of the things that emerged outside of that but I just know that the culture there and I can trust that your leadership has created a culture for our community where you have officers who actually are doing some form of community policing and know the names of the people they engage with also have returned dignity and humanity to those people. So I appreciate you for your.

Work and also congratulations to you and welcome to the D9. I saw the video, so I'm super proud. But thank you so for all you do and I hope you enjoy your retirement. >> Did you have any other remarks? Any anyone else? >> Since this is one of the last times we will see Chief Edwards in this role, and I definitely hope to hear about umbrella drinks and beaches in your future, I just want to say what a privilege and honor it's been to work with you over these many, many years at this point.

I remember there was I had some anticipation when you were hired. I'm just going to say it. I was part of a group that of many who got arrested while you were the police chief in Morrisville. And so I had had that experience which was a very hard experience for me. And so when your when your hire was announced, I remember feeling a little bit anxious. And I will say that you have your leadership has completely blown me away. you have been an extre extremely diligent and thoughtful and caring community partner.

When I think about the work specifically that you've done with immigrants and Latinos in this city to build trust it is deeply felt so much respect and I hope you have a glorious retirement ahead of you. You have earned it. Thank you. >> All right. yeah, thank you for all the comments. Thank you for more paper, Madame Clerk. >> All right. And yes, Chief, love you dearly. Thank you for your work. Thank you. and I know you didn't want the big ha har and all that stuff, but at the state of the city, I did call you out.

Cuz I'm truly appreciative of the the leadership that you that you've you know established in this community. You you have totally changed the culture of policing, you know, to be more collaborative and in an entire inventory of options and Durham is leading the way on that because of your partnership and just really grateful for that and I'm looking forward to you whatever you plan to do outside of this, you know, let your hair down and and and speak a little louder on things and look forward to that.

There was a there was a a on two on Monday night we had a very long meeting. We adjourned at 2:20 a.m. >> I think that's the second longest meeting I've ever had on council. I think we hit 3:00 a.m. one time under Mayor O'Neal with the budget stuff. >> Oh yeah., but the next day was the state of the city and and I just want to thank everyone who was able to attend, those who chedd in online., and everyone who played a part. I really want to shout out my team, my staff, Camela Smith and Emanuel Ego. You guys put on a show. You you worked really hard behind the scenes, just going through all the talking points and trying to touch on so many things, put in so much data. And when we finally finished up and Emanuel said, "Mayor, we've produced a 79page speech right before the state of the city starts, I throw the whole speech out the window and just wing it.", but thank you for all of the effort.

It was it was a great program and it just enjoyed seeing everyone there., you know, and and while celebrating, you know, the wins of this city, you know, we've had some challenges. we've had challenges and and part of the wins are also part of the effort that we're trying to incorporate to overcome those challenges., but I will say, you know, as we are trying our best to address these challenges, I do I don't have any patience for the performative outreach and anyone that's serving in this community publicly in an elected office. You can say what you want to say to us. You can yell and scream at your elected officials, but our families are off limits.

And that's not me as mayor. The moment you touch my family or anyone else's family that's serving publicly, you have crossed the line. And I'm only going to say that once. Now, in a moment, we're going to address some other challenges that are going on in the city. and I've been tagged enough on social media and I've heard you know all of the the things that are happening and I will ask the managers to address that a little later and and provide the facts but you know this I am I totally believe in the staff in this city the capabilities and of the professionals in our city and our communications department will communicate we have public information available but the news of the city and the operations of the city is not factually found on social media posts.

So, you know, we as elected officials also have to communicate to the public and we'll do that., and I implore everyone to please pay play pay play pay close attention to, you know, the information that we put out and, we'll we'll talk about those things in regards of how we're, you know, handling the homeless, situations and, what is a homeless encampment and what's not and how we're dealing with crime and, you know, what is or what's not. So, we'll address that a little later as well. But thank you all for for who who's all participating and working hard to make this city safer. And shout out to the Boys and Girls Club. they had their annual fundraising breakfast this morning. Mayor Pro Tim was there with us this morning and they just did a phenomenal job at bringing folks together. All right.

Yes. I in regards to priority items, I'm going to start with manager, but he has a ceremonial item first. >> As she looks at him like, I told you not to do this. Well, now that all of you have I would normally fuss about having my thunder stolen, but I'm actually really delighted and pleased that council members were able to offer some sentiments for Chief Andrews. I asked formally today to to be able to make a few comments. as the mayor alluded, Chief Andrews requested no no big party, no big retirement celebration.

So she is here against her will. but on the occasion of her retirement did want to offer a few remarks, so bear with me., Patrice Andrews retirement marks the end of a career council defined by high level professionalism and a deep commitment to ethical leadership. Over the last 30 years, she's been a steady hand for Durham, leaning into the mission of molding the Durham Police Department to serve the values of our vibrant and inclusive community. Patrice has consistently shown that true leadership is rooted in integrity and compassion. Throughout her tenure, she's been recognized for making tough, necessary calls while holding the entire agency to the highest professional standards.

Rather than leading from a distance, Patrice sets an example by her involvement in the work of her department. She's the kind of leader who truly leads from the front, often working right alongside frontline officers during operations and on patrol. That commitment to her team really shows in how she has prioritized morale in the department. She's made herself accessible to her officers and to all of us in city leadership 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and took the time for one-on-one engagement across the department that hasn't always been the norm in our department or in their profession.

She institutionalized this transparency by starting listening sessions across all leadership levels in the department and importantly with non-sworn personnel as well to make sure every voice in the department was heard and was a part of the decisions that go into leading the department. Her path from a patrol officer in Durham in 1997 to our chief of police is a testament to her constant pursuit of excellence. After proving her leadership as the chief of police in Morrisville, she came back home to Durham in 2021 to lead our agency. She's a kumlai graduate of North Carolina Central University. Go Eagles. And a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the West Point Leadership Academy. Under her guidance, the department has made real progress on multiple fronts, ensuring that we remain an accredited, progressive, and trusted law enforcement partner for the community we serve.

Patrice's leadership has been instrumental in bridging the gap between law enforcement and many of our residents by supporting initiatives like the heart program and making herself accessible to all communities and advocacy groups across Durham. She's fostered an environment of mutual trust. As she prepares to retire on May 1st, we are profoundly grateful for her 25 years of dedicated service to Durham and 30 years of law enforcement. She leaves behind a department that is more diverse and more professional because of her vision. We wish her nothing but the best as she moves into this next chapter.

Chief Andrews, it has been my privilege to be a co-orker of yours and a partner and to work with you. you have provided tremendous leadership in what I think really is one of the hardest jobs in city government. if if not the hardest job in city government. and Durham deserves a chief of your character, but Durham makes it very hard on their chiefs. And so I I just want on behalf of the staff and on behalf of the council in the community, I want to thank you for your service and your leadership. And we wish you a very very rewarding retirement.

Thank you. I swear if y'all tell anybody I'm up here crying, we're all going to have problems with everybody in this room. So there was never there was never a question for me returning back to Durham., it's it's for me it's returning back to home, returning back to places that I've known for years. It's returning back to memories. It's returning back to people. I came into this profession not being very familiar with the work, never having experienced law enforcement. I just simply needed to survive for myself and my daughter.

And what I found out was is that ultimately your steps have always been ordered. Your path has always been predestined. And and and when things are for you, they they will always be for you. And so I am incredibly grateful and thankful to have walked this road with all of you with all of you here with my my staff both sworn and nonsworn. I'm thankful for the grace that you have given to me and to my staff as we navigate some of the really hard issues in Durham, but also to the team of people that I work with that you know like Brian Smith, he will forever be stuck with me and I've told him that. and and his incredible team and and and I embrace and don't regret the tough conversations.

I don't regret the the moments where, you know, we didn't know what was going to happen at the end of that tunnel because all of those were opportunities for for us to be able to hear each other and see each other and give each other the space to learn, to agree, to disagree, but ultimately to become one Durham. And so I am transitioning into going back into mom. So, my kids have already started making sure I've got doctor's appointments and all of the things, and they're saying that it's hard to parent, a parent, but, I'm looking forward to that next chapter in my life. I will still be here, in in more of a private capacity. But I love Durham and I'm incredibly thankful.

So, I want to thank my officers, my staff at Durham Police Department for allowing me to serve you, for allowing me and trusting in me to represent you. I want to thank my leadership team for working with me, for filling in the gaps where I may, you know, one one thing about being in leadership role, you have to be comfortable with saying, "I don't know that, but I do know people that do." And so I'm I'm very thankful and fortunate to have had them to fill in that gap for me. And so to you all, I will say continue doing the work. I know it's not easy. If it was easy, everybody would do it. but you all were meant to be in the places and the spaces that you're in, no matter how tough it might get. And so I thank you for that. And this is not goodbye. This is this is see y'all later. So, thank you. Thank you.

>> And mayor, before they sneak out, I I do want to quickly acknowledge and thank our soon to be interim chief, Walter Tate, who is here. I want to commend him for taking on. Commend him for taking on this important responsibility. We are extremely lucky to have someone of his caliber ready to move into the shoes and so I know we'll be in good hands as we complete our search for Durham's next chief of police. Thank you, mayor. >> Another Durmite.

>> Thank you. Annie and Ann Eagle. Thank you all so much. it >> Yeah. Now we'll formally move to the manager's priority items. >> Thank you, Mayor, Mayor Prom, members of council. I do have a number of priority items for your consideration this evening. First on the agenda, given a couple of pending price increases, we are asking to suspend the rules and vote today on agenda item number six and agenda item number seven. These are some vehicle purchases on North Carolina state contract. for agenda item number 26, a supplemental item was added. That's the approval of the draft FY2627 annual action plan., and then I do have actually two, brief acknowledgements. First, I'd like to ask, Richard Barbie to stand.

Mr. Barbie, began this week as our new director of technology solutions. We are, you Yes, we can. We are extremely excited to, welcome Richard to, this very critical role for the city. Richard comes to us from Durham Tech where he led information technology for that critical partner. and we are really excited to have him take the realm take take the helm of our really successful and very very critical technology work here in the city. I will note that I I find it of interest that Mr.

Barbie is of the Barbie family of which the Barbie road in Durham is named. And so he is of Durham and for Durham. he came into his first interview and put his Duke hat on the table and I told him that didn't necessarily play with all of us but it played with some of us. but nonetheless he he wowed us with his professionalism but also his commitment to this community. So Richard I just want to welcome you. Thank you for coming and we're really excited to have your leadership.

Adjacent to that, I know Marcia Richardson is in the audience today. Marcia had been with the city about a month as our assistant technology services director when we asked her to move into the role of interim director and Marcia has led the department in a time of tremendous tremendous workload in the department as we have worked to implement our ERP program. Marcia has done a fabulous job. We are so fortunate to have her in our organization. Look forward to her continued leadership within the organization and want to thank you formally for your service in that role.

And finally, I added a quick report to the agenda this morning, this afternoon. I'd like to ask Don Greley to come up., I know most of us know that we've been in a drought since, August of 2025, but as of recently, it's gotten a lot more public attention, especially as some of our partner neighboring utilities have implemented some water restrictions., thought there might be some curiosity on the part of the public and the council as to our current condition and stance. And so, I've asked director Greley to come provide some brief comments on our status as it pertains to the drought.

Thank you, Don. >> Great. Thank you, Mayor, Mayor Prom, members of council. Don Gley Water Management., as the city manager mentioned, you know, the drought across North Carolina is continu continuing on. The North Carolina Department or Drought Management Advisory Council this week stated that 40 47 counties across North Carolina are in extreme drought conditions. Durham County moved into that category this week, unfortunately., there are 47 counties that are in severe drought and six are in moderate drought. So, the long-term prognosis nationally is the rain is coming, but based on what's happened the last time they predicted rain, I I'll believe it when I see it, but we we remain cautiously optimistic. [snorts] currently Durham, we are 85 84% full in our lakes., that's usually that's a little lower for this time of year.

But we are continuing to to monitor where we stand as a city. the our hydraulic model is run weekly and has not determined that we need to trigger our restrictions anytime in the near future. that model is based on you know over 100 years of hydraologic data and streamflow data that we have. if we were to move in that direction of course we can access our Jordan Lake allocation through the town of Kerry and certainly through AASA as well. For as far as regional cooperation, last week we met with Raleigh, Kerry, AASA, and Holly Springs on a joint call.

Heard a little bit about why Raleigh pulled their trigger. if you didn't know that Raleigh has monthly triggers for their water supply and for April, their their trigger is if Falls Lake is less than 85% and they were at 83%. and they talked about maybe not going to stage one, but with the forecast the way it was, they felt obligated to to move., as well, Fugquway, Verina pulled the trigger earlier this week as well. for Kerry Aasa and Holly Springs and Durham all of us were all in good shape and don't see pulling a moving into restrictions but we are talking jointly and we'll be getting together also within the next few weeks to to circle back to see if we need to do some joint messaging and outreach and whether we need to move ourselves into stage one just to to be cooperative with the other regions.

We have up upside or increased our outward facing drought messaging towards our residents and our community. we want to encourage all of our customers to value water and use it wisely. our core messaging reinforces our our year round watering schedule, our odd even days for watering. finding and fixing all leaks, replacing inefficient fixtures, toilet, airators, shower heads, etc. with water sense labeled bottles running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, especially tell your your kids.

Make sure that if you do use sprinklers, water the lawns and landscaping, not the sidewalks and pavement. And we also want to encourage residents from planting drought tolerant and native trees and plants if they're this time of year. There's a lot of green thumbs out there. So, we want to encourage all of our residents to to pick drought tolerant plants. But just to reiterate, you know, we're continuing to push out our messaging, continue to work with our regional partners about messaging within the region, continuing to assess where we are, but we are in good shape right now, but we'll continue to monitor going forward. And with that, I'll just open it up for any questions.

[snorts] >> Well, just a quick question. And I'm thinking about that last the last time you were here. We were talking about some of our partners and their decision to not necessarily I think it was the Jordan Lake. This is like something that's going to be 20 years down the road. >> Correct. >> but the reason why I was really concerned about their partnership and being a regionalist is for things like this, you know, when we need to work collaboratively.

>> However, I know we're talking about the future. Does the Hall River and the folks that are pulling from that are they in worse shape than we are right now or? >>, currently Jordan Lake is in very good shape. >> Okay. >>, so, right now I I it would not surprise me to see utilities over the next few weeks if we do not get rain of different utilities going into stage one. >> Okay. >> As we see. But for now in in the region right now it as I said in speaking to the other utility partners in the area it looks like just Fugquway and Raleigh in the near future and they've already pulled their trigger. So >> sounds good.

>> Thank you. >> Thank you Mr. Gley. Appreciate the update and mayor and council. Those are all my priority items. >> Thank you madam attorney. >> Good afternoon Mr. Mayor Madame Mayor Pro Tim and members of the council. The city attorney's office has no priority items today. >> Madam Clerk, >> good afternoon, mayor, mayor prom, and city council members., I don't have a report today, but I did want to let you know that the next work session, or maybe we'll have to postpone it another two weeks, but you will have a very heavy board and committee report.

So, there will be 10 plus ballots. So, I know it's our busy season right now, and I did want to give you that heads up. Thank you. Thank you. All right. [clears throat and cough]. All right. At this time, I'll read the.

Consent agenda. All right. Item number one, development review performance audit March 2026. Number two, children's wealth building resolution. this was put on by council member Risk, but we are working very closely together. So, if there are any questions about it, I could definitely talk talk about it. pull it. Yeah. >> Yeah, let's pull it.

>> number three, endangered species res day resolution. >> I want to pull that one too for the same reason I want to pull number two. >> Right. Number five, opioid settlement update and spending authorization. Number six, we are we've pulled to suspend >> and number seven we pull we're going to suspend the rules on those. number eight Durham Armory HVAC upgrades design build contract with Brady Train Services Service Incorporated. Number nine, keep Durham beautiful 2025 annual report. Number 10, second amendment to contract with Inter National Business Machines Corporation for next generation ERP implementation.

Number 11, supplemental agreement number two to governing agreement number 21551 with WSPUSA Incorporated for Central Durham bus rapid transit design 30% and national endowment polic environmental policy act NEPA study number 12 extension of street impact fee credits to Creekwood Highway 70 Alexander LLC [clears throat and cough] 12 number 13 construction construction contract for signalized pedestrian upgrades at 13 locations for traffic control devices LLC. >> I'd like to pull that one and the next three. Well, that one and the next two.

>> Number 14, Gold Durham fiscal year annual report. Number 15, fiscal year 26 for water and sewer funds budget ordinance amendment. That one as well, right? [snorts] 15. Number 16, amendment number five to professional engineering services contract number 14605 with Hazen and Sawyer PC for the Lake Mitchi Mickey and Little River raw water pump stations improvements. Number 17, professional services contract with the Wooden Company for the Duke Golf Course Aerial Rehabilitation and Lick Basin Sewer Assessments Project. Number 18, professional services contract award with McKim and and Creed good incorporated for the southeast pressure zone pump station upgrade.

And to come number four, ordinance imposing a temporary moratorum on development approvals for data centers, cryptocurrency mining and related high impact data processing facilities within the city of Durham. I did have speakers for that one. I'm going to move those to general comment because it will be a public hearing. Number 19, substantial amendment to the home ARP allocation plan. Number 20, public hearing and economic development incentive agreement with AAC Properties Incorporated. Number 21, public hearing and economic development incentive agreement with Coco LLC. Number 22, consolidated annexation enclave at Little Creek.

23, consolidated annexation, 1735 Fletcher Chapel Road. M 24, consolidated annexation experience reality Glenn West. Number 25, consolidated annexation 1418 South Miami. 26, housing neighborhood services improvements. Number 26, approval of the draft fiscal year 2026 2027 annual action plan AP and recommended funding plan. Mr. Manager, you said something about that. >> Just it was added as a supplemental. >> Oh, okay. All right. >> All right. That's our consent agenda with the exception of 2 3 12 13 14 15 6 and seven.

>> Mr. Mayor, if there are no other questions from colleagues, since it's a number of items pulled, I can pass a number 12. Steph did answer my questions. >> All right. So, that's the consent agenda with the exception of 67 23 67 134 15 26. No, 26 is not pulled. It's just an additional item. [snorts] All right. Entertain a motion. >> No, I'm not. No, that's the general meeting. Sorry. >> Seven. [gasps] All right. And I have my public comment here. Move that back up just a second.

We'll do public comment and then I'll come back and do the pull the suspended 406 and 7. All right. >> Mr. Mayor, are you doing remote public comment first? >> Yeah.

Okay, got it.

>> But I think you said >> Yeah, I'm going to move those up. >> Is this strikeed out? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, they're not speaking. >> Okay. [snorts] All right., so we are at public comment now. The first person I have is Lyndon James. Thank you, >> Mr. Mayor. Lyndon James and Cassandra Row were going to be speaking today, but they're instead speaking at the public hearing. >> Okay. On the floor. >> Sounds good. >> All right.

>> See 13. Oh, this is public comment. Okay. >> Okay. Got it. >> All right. Trina. Can you hear me?

Do you see them in there? >> She's here. >> Trina, can you hear me? >> Yes. Can you hear me? >> Yes. Welcome. You have three minutes. >> Yes. Excellent. Good afternoon, council. My name is Trina. I'm representing the Grove Park Homeowners Association and the Grounds Committee. we're currently facing a dual threat to our $ 1.1 million lake restoration and the Little Lit Creek Basin. our community right now is being sandwiched really between two major developments. the active clearing at Sharon Road and Highway 98 case Z23000014 and the pending 5502 Highway forest Wake Forest Highway project cases BDG2400009 and Z240016.

Regarding the 50 5502 Wake Forest highway site, we're at a critical window right now. It sits in technical review and we are formally requesting that the the City Council, the planning and storm water departments mandate the following. The first is that this 750 ft topographical ridge which is called the red zone barrier, we're asking that it be designated a nondisturbance area in the final engineering drawings. Second, we're asking that the developer physically stake this ridge with a licensed surveyor prior to permit issuance. And thirdly, we're asking that a the staff verify that these stakes verify these stakes during the pre-construction meeting to ensure the natural elevation of this watershed divide is not is never lowered., simultaneously, the active clearing of the Sheron Road apartment site is already increasing the sediment load in the creek that feeds our lake. We're asking the city to look at the cumulative impact of these two projects.

When multiple projects are disturbed at once in the Falls Jordan district, the silt fences often fail. We can't afford for our link to become a settlement basin to two massive construction projects at this time. So, we're asking the for engineering accountability to ensure that the technical permits for 5502 site include the physical ridge protection that we've outlined today and that the inspection frequency is increased for both sites to protect Little Lit Creek wershed. And you see the map that I've attached as well. Thank you for your time.

>> Thank you. And I just want to make sure those comments are recorded for staff and we can make sure we address it. Yeah., thank you, Miss HMS. All right. Next up is Jacqueline Waxf. >> Yes. Can you >> We have three minutes. >> Good afternoon., first I just want to thank the chief for her service to Durham. I know she's left the room, but just wanted to congratulate her on her retirement and also joining the Divine Nine since she's not in the rooms. But my real concern today is to speak on several things that have brought concerns to myself and other members of the community that I've spoken with. And one question I have is on the resolution that Mr. Riss has proposed on the child the children wealth building resolution. I'm concerned. I just want to know if this resolution and if there's anything that's going to be movement on it. Does it have anything to do with the job that he I don't know if he currently still is employed by this.

Organization that operates out of DC and they've done this program in DC? And if so, is this the same organizations that's going to have something to do with this once this resolution is passed? though. That's one question. And I also like to thank council member Nate Baker for proposing the data center moratorum. And I'm so happy because we had just talked about that in the community because I'm looking at all of the counties around us that have already proposed and actually enacted moratoriums on data centers. And we know data centers are not contributors of good faith in our communities. But the unfortunate part about this is I'm hoping that you that this body will be unanimous on this moratorum. I don't believe that's going to happen because I believe there are four members of this council that are so prodevelopment. They would see this as another opportunity as you say about this development. It creates affordable housing. So I guess this data center will create jobs. So I.

I'm very ler about how this will turn out on Monday. But I'm also concerned about our unsheltered residents of Durham and the treatment of our unsheltered residents. I I've yet to see a comment or a statement put out about what happened recently a week ago in Oak Park. the parks are public parks, meaning they the access to those parks are for everybody, even our unhoused. We may not like the way it looks and I see it every day when I go on Fable Street unhoused there sheltered 50 feet away from the school the front door of the school and nobody says anything about that. But the minute that we have someone come down there with a$100,000 or $500,000 home and complain then we get action on it. So it's problematic on how I'm seeing our unhoused population being viewed and treated in this community. And I was listening to the mayor talking about don't believe what you're hearing on social media. And you know, it strangely eerily makes me feel.

Like that's some information that I'm hearing from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It sounds like that rhetoric. Don't believe your eyes even though people are watching it, but believe what I say. >> Thank you, Miss Waxf. >> Thank you. >> Those all my online speakers. The next I have are in person starting with Leslie St. Dre.

Hello everyone. Thanks for hearing this. Just for the record, public comment for item number four, this resolution was on your website as an item people could sign up to speak to. I'm Leslie St. I am here as a Durham resident with community land and power and I'm also part of the stop data centers in Durham coalition. we have a petition here that has so far been signed by 735 people. 12 community groups and orgs are co-sponsoring this. Together we are demanding that Durham passes the strongest and longest moratorum possible. The petition says 32 months. We ask that you even think about that. That's what's held up in courts before for development moratoriums.

So we want the strongest and longest that we can possibly get because we know information on this is coming out every week. There's the newest report was that hypers scale data centers can raise the temperatures for miles around them 16 up to 16 degrees. So as we're looking to address our climate and environmental crisis, the last thing we should do would be to allow data centers anywhere in the state. So, we do want this to be a step in looking towards permanent protections in Durham, in our surrounding counties, and statewide. So, we do ask that you work across cities as we are doing. We are working with folks that are fighting these in in every city through a statewide network that North Carolina environmental justice network has has buil built and Apex just passed Apex just passed their moratorum and they also just defeated a data center that was going to steal water out of Jordan Lake. So I do think the context of the presentation that we heard on the drought conditions should.

Just be a signal that we just can never have these. We know droughts are going to get worse. we know it's going to get hotter. We know our climate catastrophes are going to get more severe. So this technology that they're running inside them that is is also we can't decouple the infrastructure that is dangerous. It pollutes our air, our water, our soil. It creates huge public health problems of increasing cancer and asthma. the list really goes on that I can't see anything good about these that is is good for the people here., and we know AI, we know this is addressing the infrastructure, but we really want to push you all to continue to think about what is running within these data centers that is also ruining our lives. It's stealing millions of jobs. It's increasing surveillance and policing of people, especially the most vulnerable. It's it's keeping vulnerable tenants and unhoused tenants out of assistance, right? It's through our coordinated entry. Thank you for your comments.

>> Thank you. So, I'm going to submit this to the clerk and we will email all of >> next I have Mr. Dale Freeman. And Mr. Chavis, you're going to be right after Dale. Dale Freeman, you can start coming on up. >> Oh, well, let No, you Hey, Dale. Hold on. Let Mr. Chavis, you come on up. >> Yeah, I had you on. I had you down, but I thought you were around the corner, so I was give you time to come over.

Welcome. >> Well, good afternoon to all. You know, Durham has been a beautiful place to live in. This has been my home. I know Durham up and down, but I know some sorry Democrats has helped ruin Durham. We're putting it all on the Republicans, but we're not looking at the Durham Dem Democrats here in Durham, North Carolina. That's ruining Durham. As you already heard, I got more calls about Oakwood and Holloway Park than law allow cuz it's in our district.

Now, who's going to be held accountable? Mayor and city council. Who's going to be held accountable for that? It's time for this inner crime to stop and people that should have not let it happen from the very beginning be held accountable. Those peoples are human, too. Yes, they're less fortunate than some of you, but they're still human. So why are we not treating them like human beings? YOU GOT WHAT? HARD TEAM. WHY OUR TEAM HASN'T BEEN OUT THERE HELPING THESE PEOPLE? Where is our tax money going?

So y'all need to wake up and see the need for darn the less fortunate. Right now I'm trying TO HAVE A PROBLEM over in our community for the last program. We had it last year. I'M CATCHING HELL RIGHT NOW THAT I CAN'T HAVE IT. BECAUSE RULES HAS BEEN CHANGED BUT HAS NOT BEEN BROUGHT TO THE COMMUNITY. [snorts and laughter] This is unfair. So please TAKE IN CONSIDERATION OF HOW y'all going FOR STUFF AND WHO Y'ALL REALLY GOING TO HOLD ACCOUNTABLE BECAUSE THREE PEOPLE SHOULD BE HELD accountable for that.

Your your your city manager who's no longer a city manager. I mean, you know who he is? He trying to be like Trump. And what we say Trump want to be a dictator. HE HAVE CHANGED THE CITY ALL THE WAY AROUND. But how many people in these city department has came out in the community and explained to us about the changes? We only find about the changes when it happened. No one can tell us. I asked three OF THE PEOPLE. THAT'S NOT MY JOB. I don't know nothing about it. I haven't looked. I asked them.

So don't say and sit here and try to say y'all Democrats are the best for Durn cuz it's making us look like y'all making Durn the worst for D. Thank you for your comments. Next, I have Dale Freeman.

>> Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor, council member members, and fellow Durham residents. My name is Dale Freeman. I serve as the chairman of the Black Liberation Action Committee. Our organization is dedicated to the advancement of Durham's African-American citizens through the intentional application of political power and economic strategy. I'm here today because I along with a significant number of concerned residents formally request that this council and the and the Board of County Commissioners draft and adopt a joint resolution supporting the UN General Assembly March 25th resolution which recognizes slavery as the gravest crime against humanity. I'm here in person because previous digital outreach went unanswered and this issue is too critical to go ignored. We are here to bring this conversation directly to the DES. The legacy of slavery is not a distant abstract concept. It is a f a live issue documented in the current reality of our city. We see this in the stark racial wealth gap. While the median income for white households in Durham is approximately $102,000, it sits roughly 60,000 for black.

Households. Furthermore, black ownership in our city lags behind white ownership by 28 percentage points. These disparities are not coincidental. They are a downstream result of past policy decisions, including the actions of the now defunct Durham Redevelopment Commission and HUD, which systematically place displace thousands of black families. The crisis we face today from homelessness to cycles of from homelessness to cycles of community violence are rooted in these historical denials of opportunity. When a population is confined and deprived of the stability guaranteed to other citizens, we see predictable negative outcomes. I have submitted a predict petition, excuse me, with nearly 200 signatures from residents who support this initiative. We are asking you to take the following steps. Draft a formal resolution. Endorse the UN General Assembly recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the greatest crime against humanity.

Publicly address the federal stance. State that the city of Durham stands in opposition to the federal government's refusal to acknowledge this truth. Acknowledge local impact, formally recognize that our current local inequalities are the direct legacy of this historical practice, and also commit to restorative justice, move beyond symbolic gestures by establishing a concrete, actionable framework for reparations, investing directly in blackowned land, housing, and business to compensate for generations of state sanctioned inequality. We look forward to your support on this resolution. If for any reason you believe this action is not possible, we respectfully request a clear public as explanation as to why.

Thank you. >> Thank you. And Mr. Freeman, I'm just I just pulled that up and I am sorry I did miss that email, but I will be looking into it. Thank you. Next, I have Jana or Jana Sims. >> If you can pronounce that for me, I know I butchered it. >> No, it's Jana. My parents blessed me with a complicated name. >>, hi, I'm Jana Sims., and I'm here to speak on the item around the data center moratorum. I just wanted to just say and lift up I think it's kind of been said but we don't h we're presented with an opportunity to make wise decisions. There are plenty of things that I would promote and say let's be an early adopter of you know I think programs like the heart program I would been would I'm pretty new here two years I've only been here but I would have been behind something like that and said let's be an early adopter of that. Let's work out the kinks as we go along.

Right. I I hear the concerns that that are coming happening right now around that. That's a great example of like let's work out those kinks. But a data center, that's something that like we can take our time with. We don't need to rush that decision. We can say no, we we don't need to be an early adopter of those. Either those are going to go away and we didn't need to take the risk of our community, the harms that come from these data centers, or if they're going to stick around, if they're really going to be a part of our our our our country and our our fabric, let's be an adopter of like wave three or four where the kinks have been worked out. we've not taken on the risks that that there are to the people, to the environment, the long-term damages that could happen., so I really want to encourage y'all, ask y'all to support the moratorum, and and let's really look out, take the time to make a wise decision about.

What what data centers, if they're going to be in our community, what they look like. Thank you. >> Thank you for your comments. Next I have Reena Rachel Gapper.

Welcome. You have three minutes. [sighs and gasps] >>, so I am an entrepreneur here in Durham. I've been here for 20 years in May and I'm also here as a supporter of Southerners on New Ground and the many organizations that are supporting a moratorum. And to be clear, what we're asking for is a minimum of a 2-year, 24month minimum moratorum that includes the city, the county, as well as the RTP area. And the reasons for this have already been pretty clearly stated. The impacts outweigh the benefits.

It is a land grab of catastrophic proportions. It throws our water system in jeopardy and threatens depletion. It does not promote job growth despite what developers and their lawyers are saying. And also it in the root system as I'm listening to everybody sharing today and I'm and I'm hearing the treatment of unhoused people. I'm thinking of overdevelopment in our community that is threatening to erase communities of color and displace them. At the root is who do you serve? It's not the developers. It's not their lawyers. It's us. And the community has a right to understand fully which the moratorum would help with the impact of this AI center which not only do we not want we don't need it. There are plenty plenty of ways to shore up the infrastructure without these really destructive AI centers.

So the other thing that I wanted to say is that the Durham creeks and streams that drain into the Piedmont region's most critical watersheds which was shared earlier that were already facing drought conditions. They provide drinking water to 1.5 million people and that's a whole lot of folks whose drinking water could be impacted by these AI centers. The other thing is that the the land that is used for AI centers, it affects biodiversity and when those AI centers are done, that land cannot be reclaimed in any kind of recognizable timely manner. So there are just so many things that we need to consider and that includes by the way that moratorum gives everyone an opportunity to be transparent about these AI centers and what's actually going on and to ensure that taxpayer dollars do not foot the bill for this catastrophic decision and that our utility bills don't keep going up both of which are really something to consider. So thank you so much. Thank you so much.

And last, I have it Jagun. You're going to have to help me out with that one. I was trying before we started. >> This is like the fourth time. >> I know. >> F Yot to Jagun. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. So, I don't really like getting up here, but yesterday, I saw videos of people from an encampment being rounded up and restrained like cattle., and it resonated with me because I used to work down the street at a shelter. I won't say their name. I'm not here on their behalf. But while I was working there, I saw people being dumped like trash. And just seeing that again, you know, it's a reminder of how people are treated when they don't have the proper connections, when they don't have, you know, money. And a story that sticks with me is there was a man, he was an elderly person., he couldn't really talk. I think he had like, you know, mental health issues. He couldn't really hold a conversation., somehow.

He made it to a hospital., and a few days later, he appeared., DPD pulled up with him in their back seat and, you know, they just threw him out. Not threw him, but they just placed him in the, parking lot with nothing, no resources, nothing. And they told us, they told one of my co-workers that, you know, he asked to be dropped off there. he can't talk. He can't have a conversation. If I was talking to you like this and he was sitting there, he wouldn't he would be talking, but he wouldn't be talking about like anything related. So he he couldn't have requested for that. And so we also saw that often from the Department of Adult Corrections. People would come, they got released from jail, they have nothing in their pockets. Can I have a toothbrush?

Can I have a razor? Can I have soap? They had nothing. And that happened day after day. and so the mayor said during his state of the city that you know we have an obligation to provide homeless services and homeless people should accept our services. And I won't get into it, but there are a lot of reasons why people don't want to stay in the shelter. And that's no shade to the people that work there. They don't get paid enough to be honest. But there are a lot of reasons why those services are not accessible to people. And I would encourage you to speak to people, go down to the library, speak to the people that are sitting on the benches there.

You know, they have reasons why they can't access housing. And so I just want some clarity. Who is ordering these encampments to be cleared? What are we doing with people after we clear these areas? Are we, you know, dumping them in a random area? Are we actually helping them? and there's just no clarity. And so I just really wonder what our strategy is going forward. And I don't think we can keep arresting people, throwing people in jail, shifting the problem to other parts of Durham, that is not a sustainable strategy. And I just want to say that I don't know if you know what it looks like when you tell someone that there's a waiting list for the shelter and they realize that they're going to sleep on the street and the light goes out of their eyes. So, I just want to, you know, please think about what we're doing. Who is ordering this stuff? Why do we live in a city with 1.5 million dollar town houses and.

People are living on the street? >> Thank you. >> So, thank you. >> Can you answer that question? >> We won't do that. You're out of order. >> You're out of order. >> You're out of order. >> All right. before we get going, I am going to request let's make sure this all.

Right. You in regards to actually the comment that you just heard, thank you for showing up to speak on that. I've been of course notified as you know our government is very hard to understand. And so when I started getting messages of Leo, this is not right. How dare you? Why did you order the police to come down here? Why did you do this tonight and I like what are people talking about?, you know, again, this is this is a Dylan rule state. So I'm I'm not an executive mayor, which means I'm not sitting in an office calling the chief of police or superintendent of public safety and saying, "Hey, go do this, go do that." I usually find out when you guys find out.

But at the end of the day, that's the second time you're out of order. And this is me this time, not the manager. >>, so usually we find out when the public finds out what's happening., with that being said, I am going to ask Mr. Manager to if you will give us some insight on, and I know that you you're still working with the police department to find out what was going on on the Holloway Street, Austin Avenue Long Meadow, I believe, area.

And and then I'll address a few comments after that. Specifically, I know you need a question. >> What what was happening? >> I received several texts from a number of council members yesterday with questions about enforcement activity that was taking place in Long Meadow Park. received a question as to whether or not there had been a direction or a decision to clear an encampment in Long Meadow Park. the answer to that question is no. There is still an encampment in Long Meadow Park that was not cleared. When I inquired to the police department what activity was going on in Long Meadow Park, I received a response that Durham police were conducting a violent crime initiative focused on known gun and drug offenders.

They had search warrants that they had sought and the search warrants directed them to a location in Long Meadow Park. They served the search warrants in Long Meadow Park where several individuals were arrested for on both narcotics charges and on firearms, illegal firearms in the encampment. The investigation is ongoing. but there was no one taken into custody for anything other than narcotics or gun charges. there was no direction to trespass or close the encampment. And those are the answers I provided to council members yesterday. So I'm happy to repeat that information here. I don't have additional information beyond that. but if that addresses your question, mayor, that that's the information I provided to several of you yesterday.

Thank you. so as I stated and colleagues, correct me if I'm wrong here. I'm stepping out of line speaking for you, but I believe homelessness is one of the most important things we're trying to address on this council and and in this community. in addition to that, we do have a framework that we are now starting to raise money to address the homeless situation in our city., and in addition to that, even the unhoused deserve to be safe. And this is a very complicated matter, but it's also not a matter that's unique to Durham. So, I'm not going to pretend that this city has a magic wand and that we are being able that we're going to just be able to solve this overnight.

But what I can say is we're about to be doing a lot more than most. And it is one of the things that is top of mind in addition to youth balance in our community., but a a a drug bust or weapons bust, whatever you want to call it, is very different than an encampment clearing., we realize that we have a capacity issue in this community. We realize that and we are hearing it from both sides. We're hearing neighbors say, "Look, my kid can't go to the park. We feel unsafe. You know, my house is almost set on fire because of a fire in an encampment." or you know you're walking past the park and there are needles everywhere there defecation or people having sex publicly and then we also hear you know where where are they going to go you know and I to to you know to anyone that pretends this council is is com you know heartless to that reality and the complexity of that is just wrong you.

Know so we're going to continue to work toward you know trying to address this as much as possible. We're going to continue to support staff. I think this is one of the things where council is more actively involved than than we have before in regards to trying to raise money to support this plan and bring our partners together. and and it is very difficult and it is it's really hard to sleep at night. so through all of the work that we're trying to do and all the work that staff is doing you know we're going to continue to try to support that and move as aggressive as we possibly can. but you know yeah go ahead >> and I just wanted to add a clarify I believe they that is private property is not owned by the city is property that's adjacent to Long Meadow Park. So that's why they had to get the search warrant for it because it isn't own it's like cuz the park is currently fenced off.

Right now. So that's what I was told was that >> I can verify I did not get that information from the police department but I don't have anything that refutes that. So I'm happy to verify that but that very likely could be true. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Okay.

Okay. All right., thank you for that, Mr. Manager. I There was a lot of attention toward that and it it happened really quick and I know they were doing their job and it just kind of it threw me off as well and I didn't know what was going on. So, thanks for addressing that. Okay., first up, we're going to go ahead and suspend the rules for items number six and seven. So, first I need to entertain a motion to suspend the rules to vote on items numbers six and seven.

>> Second. >> It's been moved and properly seconded. And first, I'll address item number six. >> Mr. Mayor, can you call the vote? >> Oh, I'm sorry. all in favor for suspending the rules. I >> I all oppose. All right. We are now rules are suspended and we can now take an actual vote. so I'll entertain a motion to authorize the city manager to execute a contract with Trans Source Incorporated of Kernersville, North Carolina for the purchase of five tandem axle dump trucks for a total amount of 1,467,751.75.

So moved. Second. >> It's been moved and properly seconded. >> All in favor? >> I. All opposed. >> All right. And for item number seven, I'll entertain a motion to authorize the city manager to execute a contract with Trans Source Incorporated of Curtisville, North Carolina for the purchase of five tandem axle dump trucks for the amount total amount of 1,270,368,000.

So moved. >> It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor? >> All opposed? >> Thank you so much.

I would ask you to please keep your comments low or at a minimum to where it's not disrupting >> the is you're out of order, Miss Wallace. You're out of order. I'm just >> Please get out. Please remove please remove from the chambers of people that don't have a house. Stop messing with them and don't got to worry about. All right. Thank you colleagues. Back up to item number two. All right, children's wealth building resolution. >> I think we both pulled it. I do have one question >> >> which is about where the money is held for these and I know that >> you're sort of the proxy. So I don't know if you have the answer to this question.

>> Nope. I I did because that was a question I had as well and now I'm trying to remember what was actually said and yeah, give me a moment to think on that. >> Okay. And then the other thing was and I think Mayor Prom and I pulled for the same reason. I've sent some edits to council member wrist for this. I think that he's accepted some of them. Others that he has not accepted. So I would like to put it on GBA. and I can just state that I'm I'm curious about the answer to that question. And then the other piece was that I had asked for one of the clauses whereas clauses to be removed which is about [sighs and gasps] sorry let me pull it back up when I get accurate.

The clause that I had asked to be removed was about the success and peer-reviewed nature of baby bonds. I know that there has been some success and I also know that there have been lots of academic critiques of them as well. I don't really need to debate the any of of it behind, but my request was that we just remove that clause so that it's not a statement that's coming from the city since I don't feel like I'm a an academic expert on that. But I know that there has been some some question about efficacy in some of those spaces. But once if we have question answer to a question about where the money is held and otherwise I'm happy to move that to GBA.

>> Okay. If you could just notate If you could just notate those two points, I'm going to get the answer to the question about where the money is held. Because I it's it it does depend actually because we're trying to we're we're trying to do it as a public private approach which means we'll be working with our local CDFIs, but then the actual main accounts would I think that's already established. I need to find out exactly what that is. But I I'll look do some research while we're here, but I I think I support going to GBA as well., you had a question.

>> Yeah, mine's the same for two and three. Since we have three resolutions, if we should just put all three of them on GBA and then that way >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that was it. I'm >> okay with that. >> That way if there's folks they're not pulling it, it's already on GBA if they show up to speak on it. >> Yeah. And I I know for yours for number four, I I I would like to extend it a little further than 32 months., but I we can talk about that I guess at that point.

But we'll get to that in a in a moment. So, number two is on GBA. Number three, >> the same just Yeah, I wanted you to comment on it. Yep. Go ahead. >> That That's all. I just thought it was We've been doing a lot of our resolutions on GBA and so I thought it was it was a good move generally speaking. >> Yeah. I agree with the mayor prom I because council member is not here and and he stated he wasn't going to be here but I think that the final paragraph is very long and takes on its own kind of story there. I think I would just pull out and I will probably direct this question to council member wrist unless we can get some answers here. the portion that says that the city manager is to direct city staff to support efforts on the part of community partners to ensure that these messages are clear and frequent. I think I will probably ask council member wrist if unless staff have anything to.

Say what exactly that means like what kind of direction is city staff getting? Is it clear to city staff like what direction is is is being provided here and then kind of like how how broad and flexible is that? So I can take that up with council member. >> yeah just so one thing you know and just part of the language here you know these are called Trump accounts. They were initially Biden accounts and before that they were just the 529 or whatever a accounts. they the name changes based on the administration but ultimately it's the invest invest America accounts. so some language there that I was I'm going to suggest changing also just for the sake of you know I mean I think yeah just for the sake of you know just encouraging everyone to take part in it. Ultimately this is a really good thing. It's going to be a lot of private philanthropy in it. to your question there there's going to be a lot of folks that are going to be.

Privately supporting this as well. a lot of parents. I think over 5,000 children have already signed up in Durham privately. And so this is basically like stating publicly that you know the city would be supportive of it. whereas multiple other entities and agencies are going to you know be promoting it as well. but I it it does feel a little awkward that the city of Durham is I don't want to get political in a formal setting but you know what I'm getting at., but ultimately the the spirit of it is basically can we support pushing this out to the community on a in a an awareness campaign basically.

>> Yeah, definitely., thank you for that., yeah, I have a nine-month-old and when we filed our taxes, we signed up for the $1,000. I've als I've done a little research that you shouldn't add much more money into that. You should actually just add money into a 529 account., which is separate. And, but yeah, I mean, if if you know, this is about using the city's channels to to encourage people to sign up to get their thousand dollars for for a child. I think, you know, >> ultimately that's that's what it is.

>> Okay. >> How we message it and how we market it, that I think that's going to take some massaging. >> Yeah. Yeah. I think I'll we we can talk to council member wrist about massaging some of this language. >> Yeah. >> Thank you all. That was item number two. I feel like we addressed many more but that was item number two. Item and it's on GBA. Item number three >> same on GBA. Okay. And council member Riss I mean Baker I will shoot my notes over to you about the data center. just for what it's worth I am working with a few tech companies and AI organizations on shaping public policy on how how right now there isn't any language on how we should be working together. And I I when we're dealing with the housing crunch I I too think it's a giant land grab. It doesn't provide many jobs. It pulls from our our resources pretty extensively. I'm grateful to the mayor of Boone for for leading this up.

It's definitely in our channels. >> I mean, no, >> the endangered species. >> There are talking about the endangered species. You're talking about >> I'm actually talking about right now. >> Okay. Okay. >> There. there are several mayors across the country and especially those of us that are in urban centers., you know, you choose the housing or data centers, you know, and and let it be known, Durham has the largest data center in the world, for Dale Technologies right here. It was established years ago., and it takes up a lot of acreage and it looks like a regular office building. It doesn't provide many jobs., it is a great resources, great resource to have at that time, but you don't want these popping up in an urban center, just land grabbing. I think that there needs to be more language, more discussion around public policy on how they integrate into communities and how we can get creative and how they could contribute to another community, but not one like this one. So, I I.

Thank you for bringing this forward. I am an avid supporter of it. I so much that I want to lean into it and help shape policy around it. All right. Number four, six and seven has been addressed. So we're at 13, 14, and 15.

>> Voted on six. >> Voted on six. Yeah. >> All right. Did I just unofficially address number four? >> Sorry. Yes, sir. >> Good afternoon, Mayor, mayor prom, members of council. Sean Egan, transportation department. Thank you. Thanks for thanks for coming up. so can you just talk a little bit about what what these pedestrian crossings are are going to look like and like maybe four example here. One of them is at Guest Road in West Elerby Creek Trail where where a bicyclist was was killed a couple years ago. can you just give us because there are already buttons that are emit flashing signals. So what what kind of difference is there going to be?

>> So what this project is focused on is the pedestrian signal the walk don't walk. So the green person shaped and then a red hand that says don't walk. So, at Guest in Lerby Creek, we have a Hawk signal that, flashes and then turns a solid red, to, indicate when someone is crossing guest road there., so this would be in addition to that, it would provide clear information, to anyone walking across of when it was safe to walk. But also not just visually but with an audible connection as well.

So it announces that just like here at city hall plaza that it's the light is green to cross Mangum Street. It'll it'll announce that to you so that it addresses the needs of people of all different abilities. >> Okay, cool. So it's it's more addressing the actual pedestrian that is approaching the street and when they is it going are we is there going to be a >> is it paired with infrastructure changes like any bulbouts or anything like that?

>> So we have a study underway right now to look at the roadway design at that location at Guest Road at the Ellerby Creek crossing there. so we're going to be bringing forward a set of recommendations on the roadway design and how to make that crossing safer particularly in light of the fatality there. Thank you. And then the the other question that I had was how do we determine whether there should be a button at all or we should just say pedestrians will always be able to to cross when the light turns red. you know, some people call them beg buttons.

And they are kind of these, you know, in trans trying to transition from a city that's car centric to one that is more indicating that pedestrians are equal to cars., you know, I may that may not be appropriate everywhere immediately, but sort of transitioning that direction. How do we determine where we're going to put buttons versus just say, you know, the pedestrian light is going to show up >> where there is a crosswalk, where we've determined that there is a safe crossing at that leg of the intersection. Some intersections, that's all four legs of the intersection. at other intersections because of conflicting movements and risks. but where there's a crosswalk and a traffic signal, we're working to have every single one of those crosswalks have an audible pedestrian signal, accessible pedestrian signal at that so that there's clear information provided to pedestrians. One of the big advantages that we have of adding these pedestrian signals is what we call a leading pedestrian interval. So if you're at the street and the light is.

Red for the motorist and you have the red hand when the signal is getting ready to change, the pedestrian signal will turn green for about 5 seconds before the traffic signal for motorists turns green. And so what that allows is for the pedestrian to get out into the crosswalk and start so they get a head start ahead of the motorists at that. So that's one of the biggest advantages that we have that makes those crossings safer and more friendly for people walking is that that leading pedestrian interval because once the cars start making that turning movement it it can be impossible to safely cross. So that leading pedestrian interval, but you have to have that pedestrian signal there to be able to show that leading pedestrian interval.

>> That's great. thank you. I guess to rephrase and I appreciate that answer, are all of these going to have buttons or will some of them just automatically have the pedestrian signal show up? so they will be equipped with buttons, but we also program the the pedestrian signal to be green for pedestrians on every cycle so that there's always green time whether you press the button or not. There will always be green time for pedestrians to safely cross.

>> Okay. So like you push the button, you get more time. >> I think it's Yeah. in some cases it depends on the the signal timing. But the button and then the button also has a touch sensitivity to as an ADA function so that folks can can know when to expect the u the crossing. So it it serves multiple purposes. >> Okay. Thank you. one final question, sorry. Anything in the foreseeable future about this being for bikes having bike lights? we're looking at bicycle signals right now that are specific for bicycles. We've seen them in other cities. We have for example a transit only signal at NC55 and Odyssey. If you're coming northbound on NC55, you'll see that the bus pulls off and there's a special signal that's just for the bus. It gives the bus a green light before the other lanes.

So the bus can serve that stop. the bus gets a green while all the motorists have a red, which then allows the bus to pull out ahead and then merge into the same travel lane. Otherwise, if they're all green at the same time, the bus, no one will ever let that bus in. And a 40ft bus, it can be tough to squeeze in. so, we already have that installed as part of our transit signal priority program. but we're looking at u at opportunities for bicycle signals, traffic signals as well.

>> Thank you so much. >> If I may, Mr. Mayor, just while we're talking about safety here, typically I would come before council in a coat and tie. but I'm wearing an orange shirt today. this is roadway work zone safety awareness week. so every day across the country, two people are killed in roadway work zones and we're trying to bring attention to that. We have our crews, our staff from the transportation sign and signal shop, from environmental and street services, from water management, our partners at the North Carolina Department of Transportation. our folks are out in those work zones and putting themselves at risk on a daily basis.

And so I want to just take this opportunity to ask folks who are approaching a work zone to slow down and proceed with caution. We want everyone in that work zone to make it home safely to their family tonight. >> Thank you. >> Was Was that all of them? >> There was 14. >> Moving on. >> thank you. I don't know if everyone had a chance to look at the report. The report is amazing. the numbers are are incredible.

>> I mean our comparison to our peers. I did screenshot some of these and send them over to colleagues in adjacent municipalities. >> I don't do that kind of thing very often, but I mean it is it is pretty I mean we we need to celebrate some of these successes., and yeah, if you haven't had a chance to look at the report, t take a look take a look at it., >> if I may, I just want to, thank, Thomas Johnson, and Quentyn Martinez, who contributed to this report. In the past, council has gotten, a PowerPoint presentation, which was pretty good. but we really wanted this to be something that would be accessible and useful to members of the community so that folks could learn about all the different services that we provide and really get a full and clear picture of what we're doing to improve mobility across Durham. But yeah, Quentyn Martinez in particular was the driving force behind this and I really want to appreciate him. Yeah, thank you, Quinton.,.

Yeah, so I think, you know, we're looking at our our peers. We're all kind of sprawling cities., I think it shows how much is being done with so few resources, but we need to really make sure that the successes continue and that adequate resources are provided so that you all can continue to do that work. Stepping back and looking at the big picture, it's still really hard to get places by bus, it's not comparable to driving somewhere in terms of speed and access. And we just need to always hold that close and try and move our city toward one where one day it will take the same amount of time to get to get somewhere using the bus as it as it takes to drive. And so I think I think that's one thing that that I think we need to continue to work on. And part of that is transit planning and part of that is planning for transit and the land uses that and urban design that supports or does not support.

Transit. I did have one little question because I'm hyping the numbers. the preventative maintenance and I'm just curious. This is a kind of smaller item that's within the report. Important item >> completed on time 2023 100% 2024 100% 2025 73%. I'm just curious is that like a stats quirk is that something that is showing us a trend and something that we need to take take a look at. >> it is showing that we had a significant problem with maintenance during 2025. so we had maintenance scheduled maintenance that was not getting performed on time by our contractor and that resulted in a significant number of misrips where the buses because they weren't properly maintained were either breaking down or were not available for service at the start of the day. and that had a huge impact on our riders.

I was at a an event where we take questions from riders every other month at Durham Station. and in June of 2025, I got a lot of questions from riders about what is going on with the system. So we worked with our contractor we had put them on notice that there were some very concerning trends that we were seeing. those trends started to really result in [snorts] in miservice and a real degradation in our service quality and reliability. we've emphasized repeatedly with the contractor that our our contract is about performance and accountability. and as a result, the contractor made some significant changes. and several of the senior personnel who were part of that contract are no longer part of that contract. and so we've just brought in a new general manager, Ashley Cole, who's getting started.

She was here in our offices upstairs. And we're also recruiting for a new maintenance director., and we've seen a significant improvement, in maintenance., but we've got to make sure that we have the right folks and that, they are approaching this with the the vigilance and attention to detail that is required so that we should never be below 100% on preventive maintenance. And so we've made it very clear to them that that's unacceptable. And you know that some significant changes needed to be made and and were made.

>> Thank you for that and thank you for taking that decisive action. I think that's important. Was there anything to do with the type of vehicle like electric vehicle versus diesel? >> I think certainly the age of our fleet we have an average fleet age that's very high for our industry peers. so the age of the fleet I think was was a significant factor in that but it really was I think primarily a management issue. the the age of the fleet should not have been a surprise to anyone. when they bid on the contract we told them exactly what the fleet would be. so it really was making sure that we have the right personnel, the right supervision, the right management and leadership to get the results that that our riders and our community deserve.

>> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. And I don't remember Yeah, go ahead. >> Yeah, since we're on it, I just want to talk about transit in general. Hi, Director Egan. Good to see you. Good to see you. >> I think it's important I don't know if Joint City County when it's in the county's building is is recorded. Does anyone know that? >> I was told that there were some audio issues with the recording. So it was recorded but the audio was not functional.

>> Okay, that's all right because we had a really important conversation at the last joint city county meeting that colleagues really should be aware of around transit and our and our issues. And so happy since there isn't that that would have been the most straightforward way to get that information was that there was a very constructive conversation that happened at that meeting. I think there was some good working between the city and the county to figure out our budget shortfall in in our transit fund., so happy to have follow-up conversations with colleagues since I'm both the chair of the TPO and on Joint City County., and, I felt good about that, but we will hear from staff soon on where we land., but there is some appetite at the county level to help us at least close part of the shortfall, if not all of it. That's all. Thank you.

>> Thank you. Last item >> number 15.

>>, good afternoon again, Mayor Mayor Prom, members of council. Don Gley, water management. >> Thank you. I think I'm the person again. Just a one question. I was just curious what and I didn't see it in the memo, maybe it was in there. what what is behind needing to move the money from the fund balance? >> the department's operating costs this are it will be a shortfall. So this is to balance out the move money out of the fund balance into the department's operating budget to be able to have the department have enough resources financial resources to finish out the the fiscal year.

>> Okay. Just general there there wasn't any specific reason. It was just kind of general. >> a couple different things. Of course, cost of everything is going up. >>, over the last several years, you know, our department budget is made up of, you know, personnel costs, operating costs, and capital costs., the department has carried unfortunately a larger number of vacancies and with working with the budget office., part of those lap salary money is used to calculate how much the budget is for the for the coming fiscal year. [snorts] And, the good news is our sal we we're filled a lot of vacancies.

Reduced our vacancy in half over the last couple years. but what was counted on to cover the operating costs of the budget were those lap salaries, but now we don't have as much lap salary money. So, and some of that is projection. So, sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don't. So, and and basically those two things kind of happen together. >> Yeah. Thank you. That's all I have. I just add some explanatory comments exactly as as Don said, but it's important as we head into our budget adoption discussions over the next couple of months. it's a regular business practice in in budget management services to not fund positions at 100% but rather to use a calculation that actually reflects what our historical trends have been. that benefits the council in that it frees up money that would just be sitting there for vacant positions and allows us to you know to recommend in the budget other uses for that. However, it does create situations where if we overperform on that number.

Corrections have to be made like this in particular in the water and sewer fund because we have such a healthy fund balance. This is not really an indication of not performing the budget but rather just a more conservative way to adopt the budget., but I appreciate the question and and just wanted to provide that context. >> And I just wanted to mention I just wanted to thank Christina R and her staff for working with us on this item. Thank you.

>> All right. colleagues, to answer the question from earlier, madam attorney just sent an email. we can review that about the the accounts. So you can check your email and and read through that. I won't go through it right now but we'll discuss it on the night of colleagues I will not be here the first week of I mean I'll be here but will not be able to be at the meeting and yeah >> fourth order seven both. So, you vacationing?

>> I wish I was vacationing. So, I don't think we have a quorum. I can't I can't confirm that just yet. I need to make sure Council Member Ris's schedule is what it is. So, I'm going to verify that and then I may request a special meeting. >> We will need an excused absence for the fourth. >> I'll make a motion for you to have >> Great for him to be excused for the May 4th meeting. >> Council meeting.

>> He already got an excused absent. No, this is for Mayor Williams. >> He already got an excused absence for the work session, so this is for the meeting. >>, >> and yeah, >> there's a there's a motion and a second. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Okay, motion carries. Thank you. >> Don't be surprised if I show up. just so you guys know there there are a lot of things happening where Durham is hosting and I'll be on a few stages representing us but city vision new deal leaders hunt institute and I think there's there's one more but all are coming down to the triangle and mayor u cow of Raleigh and I are co-hosting all of these events so don't be surprised I may be able to get back over here from Raleigh in time but the first week of May is going to be really really interesting. interesting. But thanks for thanks for excusing me on that.

All right. Well, I >> agenda. >> Yeah, that's that's the agenda. So, >> do we need to talk about work session or is that >> Yeah, I'll shoot an email and then we'll make a notice publicly. All right. >> Mr. Manager, >> you have a question. I guess I haven't this before, so I haven't let you handle it, but I'm just curious like if he isn't available, what would be the normal approach? And is there something we could talk about about what we would do since we're all here and that isn't usually the case?

>> So, so what will happen if he's not available, then we'll notice that the meeting will be postponed to whatever date we can work out on our calendars, which I will probably try and shoot for before work session. I mean, I I'll try to shoot for a date that does work for everyone. So, we have to work calendars >> to get that that that that general body meeting in that would address this meeting. >>, >> we we have that meeting.

The May 4th isn't the issue. It's the May 7th work session. >> Yeah. But so, it's sometime then between that date and the next GBA to try and fit it in. >> Yeah. >>, okay. Do you want to talk those dates or just wait until now? >> I'd rather work with our admins., okay. >> Because I I know I I don't know just yet. >> Okay. but we'll we'll basically work through the clerk's office to notice publicly after we get everyone's schedule figured out. but we'll we'll get it in before then and it'll I what I'll do is declare a special meeting and we'll notice it.

>> All right. Mr. Manager is on you. >> Thank you, Mayor May, members of council. I have the following for the settlement agenda. and that is on consent items 1 5 8- 18 and 26. On GBA I have items 2 and three and on GBA public hearings item 41 19 through 25. >> I entertain a motion to set the agenda. >> So move second. >> So moved and properly seconded. All in favor? >> I All right. All oppose. Thank you guys for not having a Monday night meeting.

This is this is this is good. We're journ at 248. >> My bill or what I was thinking. Grab you for a couple seconds.