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Durham Board of County Commissioners Regular Session Highlights from August 14, 2023

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

Durham, N.C. – The Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met on Monday, August 14, 2023, in Regular Session. Meetings are held in person with a hybrid option, inside the BOCC Chambers, located at 200 E. Main Street on the second floor.

Closed Session: The Board adjourned into Closed Session pursuant to G. S. 143-318.11(a)(6) at 5:30 pm. Directions were given to staff and no further action was taken.

Chair Brenda Howerton called the meeting to order.

All attendees were led by Commissioner Nimasheena Burns in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Announcements: Monica Wallace, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners read the announcements.

  1. Stop the Violence & Cease Fire Community Resource Event – The Durham County Sheriff’s Office will host a “Stop the Violence & Cease Fire Community Resource Event” at the Durham County Memorial Stadium, 750 Stadium Drive, on Saturday, August 19th from 1:30-5:30 p.m. This event is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Join Durham community organizations for an afternoon of fun while learning about the community resources available to you! There will be back-to-school giveaways, and complimentary food from local food trucks (while supplies last), as well as entertainment for all ages.
  2. Durham County Disparity Study Public Hearing – Join Durham County Government for a public hearing on the new Durham County Disparity Study. This is a great opportunity for your opinions to be heard and your questions answered. The event will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday, August 21, 2023, at the Durham County Administration Building I, 200 E. Main Street, inside the Commissioners Chambers, located on the second floor. The public hearing is free and open to the public. Participants will be encouraged to share any verbal or written testimony that they would like to share about their experiences working with Durham County. For more information on the Disparity Study project visit: https://www.dconc.gov/…/departm…/finance/disparity-study
  3. Building a Safer Community Conference – Durham County Community Intervention and Support Services is gearing up to host the Building a Safer Community Conference on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., at the Durham Convention Center, 301 W. Morgan Street. The goal of the one-day conference is to bring together leading experts, advocates, and practitioners to share insights, challenges, and opportunities in a communal space devoted to advancing the field of community violence intervention. The collaborative and informative event is free and includes an overview of health equity training, panel discussions, and more. Registration is required and accessible at https://www.wakeahec.org/courses-and-events/71538/building-a-safer-com. Questions regarding the conference should be directed to Community Intervention and Support Services Director Krystal Harris at kmharris@dconc.gov. 
  4. Apply for Durham Neighborhood College – The City of Durham and Durham County governments announce the return of their longtime citizen academy program, Durham Neighborhood College, after being on hold for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The award-winning program, co-sponsored by the City of Durham and Durham County, provides an opportunity for residents to learn about the operations and services of both local governments. Classes will be held on seven Thursday nights beginning September 14 through October 26, from 6-8:30 p.m. Residents looking to play a more active role in their neighborhoods and the Durham community are encouraged to apply at https://forms.office.com/g/BeMWDJz9xy or email publicinformationoffice@dconc.gov. Applications are accepted through Thursday, August 17th. For more information contact the County’s Public Information Office at (919) 560-0000 or visit https://www.dconc.gov/NeighborhoodCollege.
  5. Eligible Residents Can Apply for County’s LIHR Program – Durham homeowners can apply for property tax relief through the County’s Low-Income Homeowners Relief Program, known as LIHR. The LIHR Program is a joint effort between the Durham County Tax Administration Office and the Durham County Department of Social Services. The application process for the LIHR program is online, accessible via the Durham County DSS website. Durham residents who wish to receive assistance with the LIHR application process may call 919-560-8000 for an appointment with a LIHR specialist. All details on the requirements for the Low-Income Homeowners Relief Program are available on the website at: http://www.dconc.gov/DSS.
  6. Public Engagement Opportunities Announced for US 70 East Corridor Study – The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) is pleased to announce the start of the second round of public engagement opportunities as part of its US 70 East Corridor Study. The feedback shared at these upcoming engagement opportunities will guide the Study team and MPO as they develop a locally preferred design for the future of the US 70 East Corridor. Four meetings will be offered to the public to learn about the study and to provide feedback. For additional meeting details and to pre-register, please visit the meeting’s registration webpage at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1FEjkeDG6YG3cm5IBwS, or by emailing david.miller@dchcmpo.org.
  7. Durham County Public Health Immunization Clinic – The new school year is just around the corner. Make sure your children are caught up on all vaccinations required for their age before the school year begins. All required vaccinations are available in the Durham County Department of Public Health’s Immunization Clinic. For more information visit: https://www.dcopublichealth.org/services/communicable-diseases/immunization-3638.
  8. NC Voter ID Cards Now Available – The Durham County Board of Elections is now able to issue free North Carolina Voter ID Cards to individuals that need them for voting purposes. NC Voter ID Cards will be issued by the Board of Elections during regular business hours except during the time period between the end of One-Stop voting and Election Day for each election. These cards are valid for 10 years from the date of issuance. Voters requesting new cards will be required to complete the NC Voter Photo ID Card Request Form To see full details on the voter identification requirement in North Carolina, please visit the Durham County Board of Elections’ new Voter ID page at https://www.dcovotes.com/voters/voter-id. For more information, contact the Board of Elections at, 919-560-0700, or email elections@dconc.gov.
  9. International Overdose Awareness Day – You are invited to an evening of celebration spreading love, joy, and support. Please join Durham TRY on August 31st from 6 pm – 7:30 pm for this FREE event at the Durham Central Park Pavilion located at 501 Foster Street. There will be guest speakers, medication take back, and much more!

Minutes: Commissioners approved the minutes of the June 12, 2023, Regular Session and June 26, 2023, Regular Session.

Ceremonial Items:

  1. Proclamation – Child Support Awareness Month – The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed August as Child Support Awareness Month.  Read the proclamation here.
  2. Acknowledgment – Introduction of 2023 Durham County 4-H Youth Delegate, Addisyn Lee O’Briant, for the NC Association of County Commissioners YouthVoice Program – The Board met and recognized the 2023 Durham County Youth Delegate, Addisyn Lee O’Briant, for the NC Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) YouthVoice program. YouthVoice, which takes place at the NCACC’s Annual Conference, offers sessions that help youth gain a better understanding of what county governments do and the role of commissioners as the governing body for counties and provides multiple opportunities for youth and county officials to connect. NCACC invites delegates ages 14-19 from all 100 NC Counties.  Addisyn “Addy” Lee O’Briant is an active 4-H member and a rising high school senior who is in the process of applying to the United States Air Force Academy.
  3. Acknowledgment – Recognition of Durham County Government being selected as a Top 10 Digital County by the Center of Digital Government – They recognized the Durham County Information Systems & Technology Department for their award presented by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo). Durham County Government has again been selected as a Top 10 Digital County by CDG. Durham County was selected as the #4 digital county in the nation for its population category, 250,000 – 499,000. The survey, developed in partnership with NACo and conducted by CDG, identifies the best technology practices among counties in the United States, including initiatives that streamline the delivery of government services; provide data analytics to allow decisions based on performance and outcomes; enhance cybersecurity; and apply innovative and emerging technologies to county priorities. Durham County has been ranked in the Top 10 every year since 2017 for its innovative work in the field. Read a description of the award here.
  4. Acknowledgment – Recognition of Greg Marrow, Chief Information Officer of Durham County Government, being recognized as one of Government Technology’s “Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers for 2023” – The Board acknowledged that Greg Marrow, Chief Information Officer of Durham County Government has been recognized as one of Government Technology’s “Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers for 2023.” The annual program recognizes CIOs, CISOs, broadband chiefs, and privacy experts who work in government agencies and nonprofits. Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers for 2023 represent a diverse group of IT and other professionals united by one goal: improving public-sector services for residents. The Top 25 winners earn recognition by demonstrating that their government IT systems are accessible, reliable, and fit for the 21st century. Read a description of the award here.
  5. Acknowledgment – Board of Elections Receives National Clearinghouse Award from the United States Election Assistance Commission – The Board recognized the Durham County Board of Elections for receiving a 2022 Clearinghouse Award, also referred to as the ‘Clearie’ Award,” from the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) for outstanding innovation in election administration for its Poll County and Audit Application. The Durham County Board of Elections Poll Count and Audit Application was developed to create an electronic/automated means for county precincts to report elections-related information. First used in the 2020 Primary and General Election, the Poll Count and Audit Application enhances the internal/external tracking and reporting for some of Election Day’s most critical functions. Additionally, this application was built to streamline the election night audit process by integrating electronic and automated tools. DCo BOE was one of 10 awardees in the Outstanding Innovations in Elections Category. Read a description of the award here.

Consent Agenda: Commissioners considered the following items. See full agenda for complete details: 

  1. Board of County Commissioners Approval of FY 2023-24 Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) Grant Funding Resolution
  2. Award of Chemical Purchase Contracts for the Triangle Wastewater Treatment Plant, Invitation for Bid (IFB) 23-034
  3. Adoption of the Rougemont Water System’s Water Shortage Response Plan and Resolution Signature
  4. Memorandum of agreement with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) and Durham County Youth Home
  5. Award of Preventative and Emergency Generator Services Contract for the Utilities Division, Request for Proposal (RFP) 23-029
  6. Approval of Electrical Services Contract for the Utilities Division in the amount of $40,000 with a Not to Exceed amount of $65,000, Request for Proposal (RFP) 23-031R1
  7. Approval of Scheduled and Emergency Bulk Diesel and Delivery Services Contract in the amount of $65,000 with a Not to Exceed amount of $90,000 for the Utilities Division, Request for Proposal (RFP) 23-032
  8. Budget Ordinance Amendment No.24BCC00010 Appropriating $6,000 in General Fund Fund Balance for the Soil and Water Conservation Department’s Contract with the Beaver Management Assistance Program (BMAP)
  9. Approval of Sewer Line Cleaning, Closed Circuit Television Inspections, Grease Line Cleaning, Pump and Haul, and Cured-in-Place Pipe Services Contract in the amount of $210,000 with a Not to Exceed amount of $300,000 for the Utilities Division, Request for Proposal (RFP) 23-040
  10. Approval of Evoqua Water Technologies, LLC Contract Amendment for Utilities Division in the Amount of $4,499.04 Bringing the Total Contract Amount to $94,480.08
  11. Budget Ordinance Amendment No.23BCC00015 to Recognize $38,000 in Grant Funding from the State Library of North Carolina
  12. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Appointment
  13. Approval of an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Durham and Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24CC00018 to Increase Funding from the City of Durham for Bull City United Program by $132,404 (for a new total of $1,067,892) and Project BUILD by $108,028 and Decrease Funding from General Fund Fund Balance
  14. Approval of Service Contract with Animal Protection Society of Durham, Inc in the amount of $1,080,334
  15. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00011 Recognizing $ 29,000 from the NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health Extending a Sunsetting Community Linkages to Care for Overdose Prevention and Response Program
  16. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00012 Recognizing Funding of $26,853.00 from NC DPH Environmental Health Section / Lead and Asbestos Branch to Support Testing and Remediation Activities for Lead in Water and Paint in Durham County Public Schools and Licensed Child Care Facilities
  17. Approval of a $1,643,284 Contract (RFP 23-041) with Inter-Faith Food Shuttle to Provide Emergency Community Food Assistance in Durham County
  18. Contract Approval for American Rescue Plan Act Approved Framework Objective 1.2 Workforce Development ($3,000,000)
  19. Property Tax Releases and Refunds for June 2023
  20. Approve Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Contract with Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce for Services Related to Small Business Support
  21. Budget Amendment No. 24BCC00014 Recognizing a $400,000 LASII Stormwater Grant from the North Carolina Division of Water Infrastructure to Fund a Contract with WK Dickson for the Whispering Pines Mobile Home Park Stream Restoration Project
  22. Approve Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Contract with Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce for Services Related to Industrial Recruitment and Economic Development
  23. Approve Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Contract with Downtown Durham, Inc. for Identified Downtown Economic Development and Business Support Services
  24. Approve Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Contract with Made in Durham for Identified Workforce Development Support Services
  25. Approval of Contract with WK Dickson in the amount not to exceed $225,000 for professional engineering services for the Neal Middle School Bioretention Project to assist the County in compliance with Falls Lake Nutrient Management Rules
  26. Approve an Amendment in the amount of $44,748.90 for a Contract Renewal with Ivanti, Inc.
  27. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 24BCC00013 Appropriating $154,761 of General Fund Fund Balance to Support a New Position Related to the Reorganization of the General Services Department
  28. Approval of DCo Thrives, Counties for Guaranteed Income Program, in the amount of $1,690,000 to support families with children accepted into the CGI program with monthly stipends of $750 for one year.
  29. Amendment Contract with NightHawk Security (373,590.28) to Increase Services Provided Across Multiple County Departments in FY 2023-24
  30. HVAC Quarterly Service at Various Durham County Facilities
  31. Approval of Contract with US Imaging to index books from 1975-1978 in the Register of Deeds office in the amount of $78,502.34
  32. Animal Welfare Advisory Committee Appointment
  33. Annual Generator Service for Various Durham County Facilities
  34. Approve the Interlocal Agreement-ILA between Durham County and the City of Durham for the Department of Social Services to administer the Low-Income Homeowner’s Relief Program.
  35. Board of Elections Adecco Temporary Employee Agency FY 2023-24 Contract
  36. Approve Contract Renewal in the amount of $99,566.20 with EmployBridge Holding Company (DBA Westaff) to continue contracted services of a Temporary Associate
  37. Approve the Contract Renewal with EmployBridge Holding (DBA Westaff) to extend the Administrative Assistant contract in the amount of $70,148 using IS&T’s FY 2023-2024 funds
  38. Approval of Contract Renewal with EmployBridge Holding Company (DBA Westaff) to continue contracted services of a Junior Software Developer in the amount of $63,133.20 using IS&T’s FY 2023-2024 funds
  39. Board of Elections Electro Rent Corporation dba Rush Computer Rental FY 2023-24 Contract
  40. BAS Preventive Maintenance Service Contract Agreement in General Services for Various County Facilities
  41. Approval of Contract Renewal with Insight Global to renew the services of IT Technical Writer
  42. Approval of Contract Renewal with Insight Global to Renew Administrative Assistant Contract
  43. Approval of Two Contract Renewals with Insight Global to Extend the Contracts for IS&T Help Desk Technicians
  44. Approval of Contract Renewal with The Select Group to extend IS&T Project Manager Contract
  45. Approval of Contract Renewal with Southern Computer Warehouse to renew Adobe Enterprise Licenses
  46. Approval of Contract Renewal with Insight Global to renew the services of IT Business Analyst
  47. Opioid Settlement Manager Position Approval
  48. Amendment to the contract with Tyler Technologies for Eagle System software to include annual renewal of Maintenance and Support Services
  49. Approve Agreement with Alliance Health for Fiscal Year (FY)2024
  50. Miller3 Consulting Inc. Contract Amendment in the amount of $38,890.00 increasing the total contract amount to $460,540.00 for the Durham County Disparity Study
  51. Approval of Public Official Bonds
  52. Resolution to Appoint (Plat) Review Officers and to Cancel the Review Officer Duties of Former County Employees
  53. Acceptance of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Grant Offers to Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
  54. Appoint Voting Delegate – 2023 North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) 116th Annual Conference
  55. Contract approvals for American Rescue Plan Act Community Grants Awarded in RFP Category 5: Youth Initiatives and Enrichment Opportunities, totaling $593,168.
  56. Appointment to GoTriangle Board of Directors

Other Business: Commissioners received an update on Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) from Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead.  PSN is a nationwide initiative, previously launched in 2001 that brings together federal, state, and local governments, including community partners to identify violent crimes and to develop strategies to address them. The goal of the program is to reduce violent crime. The Sheriff introduced program leaders Rev. Philip Cousin and Tamika Gilmore.  Read the presentation here.

Adjournment: The Board adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners meetings are cablecast live and rebroadcast on Durham Television Network (DTN) on Spectrum Channel 8. Replays are available on DTN along with AT&T U-verse Channel 99 and Frontier Communications Channel 70. Meetings can also be viewed on the County’s YouTube channel. To view the agendas and recordings of the Board of County Commissioners’ Regular Session meetings, visit the BOCC’s Website.

The next hybrid Regular Session is scheduled for Monday, August 28, 2023, inside the Commissioners’ Chambers on the second floor at 200 E. Main Street.

For more information about BOCC meetings, contact the Clerk to the Board’s Office at 919-560-0025 or email clerk@dconc.gov.