Durham public meetings in 2022

City Council

City Council agreed not to sell the land at 505 West Chapel Hill Street, opting instead to explore public/private partnerships. The council prioritized affordable housing at various income levels and the preservation of the Milton Small Building if financially feasible. The January 3, 2023 agenda was also approved.

• Consensus reached to not sell land at 505 West Chapel Hill Street
• Prioritized affordable housing and commercial space for 505 West Chapel Hill Street redevelopment
• Approved January 3, 2023 City Council Agenda (7-0)
• Nominated Maureen Quinlan to Durham Open Space and Trails (Ward 1)
• Nominated Peter Whitehead to Durham Open Space and Trails (Ward 2)
• Nominated Alejandra Montoya to Mayor’s Hispanic Latino Committee

City Council

The City Council authorized several million dollars in ARPA grants for housing and community resiliency. The council also approved the annexation and rezoning of the Stella View and Geer and Junction properties for residential development.

• Approved $1M ARPA grant to Latino Community Credit Union
• Approved $1M ARPA grant to Rebuilding Together of the Triangle, Inc.
• Approved $1M ARPA grant to Durham Community Land Trustees, Inc. for homeowner program
• Approved $700,000 ARPA grant to Durham Community Land Trustees, Inc. for sustainable homes
• Approved $554,042.30 ARPA grant to Community Empowerment Fund for eviction assistance
• Approved $200,000 ARPA grant to National Institute of Minority Economic Development
• Approved annexation and rezoning of Stella View for up to 230 units (5-2 zoning vote)
• Approved annexation and rezoning of Geer and Junction for up to 160 units

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The Board approved a letter of support in principle for the Stagville Memorial Project. It also approved 10 individuals to serve on the Cultural Roadmap planning group. Minutes from October and November were approved.

• Approved minutes from October and November meetings (8-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved letter of support in principle for the Stagville Memorial Project (8-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved 10 individuals for the Cultural Roadmap planning group (8-0, 1 proxy vote)

Homeless Services Advisory Committee

The committee approved amended minutes from September, October, and November 2022. Members discussed the allocation of approximately $4 million in HOME ARP funds and current white flag shelter capacity. No other formal votes were recorded.

• Approved September, October, and November 2022 minutes as amended
• Decided to hold on sending a funding request letter to City and County until a specific ask is determined

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Recreation Advisory Commission will hear presentations on the FY23-24 budget and the 2023 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) prelist. Commissioners will also vote on fee waivers and approve minutes from the November 9 meeting.

• FY23-24 Budget Presentation by Rich Hahn, Business Services Manager
• CIP Prelist 2023 Presentation by Tom Dawson, Assistant Director
• Fee Waivers (December) — action item
• Approval of November 9, 2022 Minutes
• Director's Report with project updates (Attachment B)

The Recreation Advisory Commission approved the October 2022 meeting minutes and a 25% fee waiver for the Dirty Birds Ultimate Frisbee Club. The commission also approved a draft 2022 report to City Council and reviewed the FY 2024 Capital Improvement Program pre-list.

• Approved October 12, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November RAC fee waivers (unanimous)
• Approved 25% fee waiver for Dirty Birds Ultimate Frisbee Club at Old Chapel Hill Rd. Park
• Approved draft 2022 RAC report to City Council

Appearance Commission (DAC)

The Commission approved the 2023 calendar and recommended Charles Simpson for membership. Members discussed potential amendments to the interlocal agreement to clarify the Commission's role and explore quasi-judicial design review.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 calendar
• Recommended Charles Simpson for membership

Planning Commission (PC)

The Planning Commission recommended approval for the American Village Townhomes and 1907 South Miami Boulevard zoning requests. The Commission also approved a staff-initiated text amendment for development plan revisions and a committee report on affordable development codes. Two other zoning requests and one text amendment were recommended for denial.

• Recommended approval of American Village Townhomes zoning change (12-0)
• Recommended approval of 1907 South Miami Boulevard zoning change (10-2)
• Recommended denial of Courtyards at George King zoning change (0-12)
• Recommended denial of 901 and 903 Sherron Road zoning change (1-11)
• Recommended approval of Development Plan Revisions text amendment (12-0)
• Recommended approval of SCAD committee report text amendment (12-0)
• Recommended denial of SCAD case TC2200001 text amendment (6-6)
• Rescheduled February 14, 2023 meeting to February 28, 2023 (12-0)

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Board of Adjustment approved several requests for special use permits, a riparian buffer variance, and a reasonable accommodation for a pool. The Board also voted to keep hearings open indefinitely for four appeals related to the Black Meadow Ridge residential development.

• Granted request to hold hearings open indefinitely for Black Meadow Ridge cases B2000018, B2100043, B2100044, and B2200015 (7-0)
• Approved Design Special Use Permit for 508 Gordon Street to reduce pedestrian mall width and increase building height (7-0)
• Approved Minor Special Use Permit for additional lighting at 3263 Rose of Sharon Road (7-0)
• Approved Variance for riparian buffer standards at 1706 Ward Street to construct a porch (7-0)
• Approved Reasonable Accommodation for an in-ground pool at 12 Hopewell Drive (7-0)
• Approved Minor Special Use Permit for a single-family residence at 2210 Edwin Avenue, Lot 9 (7-0)
• Approved Minor Special Use Permit for a single-family residence at 2210 Edwin Avenue, Lot 10 (7-0)
• Approved minutes from October 25, 2022 (5-0)

City Council

City Council reached a consensus to allocate $1,500 from contingency funds for a National Mentoring Month event in January. The session primarily consisted of staff presentations regarding transit plans and development mitigation strategies in Southeast Durham. No formal votes were taken on the presented transit or zoning proposals.

• Approved $1,500 from contingency funds for National Mentoring Month (consensus)
• Approved resolution request to support LGBTQ community (consensus)
• Approved December 19, 2022 City Council Agenda (4-0)
• Referred Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Mayoral Appointment back to staff

Environmental Affairs Board (EAB)

The board approved the minutes from the November 02, 2022 meeting. Members discussed community garden efforts in Braggtown and Merrick-Moore and reviewed a proposed revision to the inter-local agreement regarding board seats.

• Approved November 02, 2022 Minutes

Human Relations Commission

The commission approved the November 2022 meeting minutes and appointed Commissioner Hayley Thompson as the Housing Committee Chair. The body also announced a transition to hybrid meetings starting in January 2023.

• Approved November 2022 meeting minutes (10-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Hayley Thompson as Housing Committee Chair

City Council

Council approved several million-dollar contracts for street repaving, bridge repairs, and pavement preservation. They also authorized funding for a school academic program and approved the permanent closure of two streets. Two annexation requests were continued to future meetings.

• Approved $5.67M street repairs and repaving contract with Carolina Sunrock, LLC (5-0)
• Approved $3.28M pavement preservation contract with Slurry Pavers, Inc. (5-0)
• Approved $1.48M bridge repairs contract with FSC II, LLC dba Fred Smith Company (5-0)
• Approved $1.66M unpaved roads improvements contract with Carolina Sunrock, LLC (5-0)
• Approved $368,764 for Promoting Academic Learning (PAL) program with Durham Public School Board of Education (5-0)
• Approved $1.52M design contract for Durham Station Transit Center Improvements with Perkins & Will, Inc. (5-0)
• Permanently closed Fontanelle Street (5-0)
• Permanently closed 361.37 linear feet of Gilbert Street (5-0)

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The committee will review updates to the Comprehensive Plan and discuss development concerns. The agenda includes proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendments regarding sedimentation, erosion control, phased development, and tree preservation.

• Comprehensive Plan Update
• Sedimentation and Erosion Control UDO Text Amendment
• Phased Development and Tree Preservation UDO Text Amendment
• Development Concerns and Mitigation Steps

The committee approved the minutes from the October 5, 2022 meeting. Members received updates on the Comprehensive Plan, EHC metrics, and proposed UDO text amendments regarding erosion control and tree preservation.

• Approved minutes from October 5, 2022 (6-0)
• Excused Brenda Howerton (4-0)

Citizens Advisory Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the September meeting. The remainder of the session consisted of staff updates regarding homelessness services and community development projects.

• Approved September meeting minutes

City Council

City Council approved the agenda for the December 5 meeting and granted excused absences for Council Member Caballero. The session primarily consisted of presentations on the 2022 Third Quarter Crime Report, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and a deep dive into the city's planning and development process.

• Approved excused absences for Council Member Caballero (7-0)
• Approved City Attorney's priority item for closed session (7-0)
• Settled the December 5, 2022 City Council Agenda (7-0)
• Entered closed session for attorney-client consultation on Willie Womble v. City of Durham and George Miller, Jr. v. City of Durham (7-0)

City Council

City Council approved a new ward redistricting map and several zoning changes for educational and residential projects. The council also authorized multiple infrastructure contracts, including a $70 million pump station project. Mayor O’Neal rescinded a previous proclamation regarding a foreign conflict.

• Approved Option 1 as the new City Ward Reapportionment Plan (7-0)
• Approved $70,084,138 contract with Crowder Industrial Construction for pump station improvements (7-0)
• Approved zoning change for Durham Elementary School F to Office and Institutional (7-0)
• Approved zoning change for 1402 Holloway Street for 28 apartment units (7-0)
• Approved zoning change for NCCU 24/7 Collaborative Learning and Resource Center (7-0)
• Approved annexation of Rhododendron Sewer and Lots (7-0)
• Authorized $840,000 ARPA grant for The Pearson Project kitchen renovation (7-0)
• Postponed vote on Guess Road and St. Albans Court annexation until January 3, 2023

Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST)

The commission approved the October meeting minutes and established a 2023 schedule consisting of both virtual and in-person meetings. Members also volunteered for the Equity and Open Space Commissions and designated a BPAC liaison.

• Approved October minutes (Unanimous)
• Set 2023 schedule: In-person meetings in March, May, and September; virtual meetings in January, February, April, and June
• Named Tonia as BPAC liaison
• Volunteered Shakira and Qais for the Equity and Open Space Commissions

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board approved a list of 20 members to serve on the Cultural Roadmap Planning group. The board also scheduled an extended meeting for January to discuss priorities and goals.

• Approved 20 members for the Cultural Roadmap Planning group (10-0)
• Approved nomination of Jordan as DCAB representative for CRM pending acceptance (10-0)
• Agreed to an extended January meeting from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Deferred approval of minutes to December meeting

Planning Commission (PC)

The Planning Commission recommended approval for three zoning map change requests and recommended denial for one. A proposed text amendment regarding development plan revisions was continued to the December meeting.

• Recommended approval of Crescent Drive Assemblage (Z2200003) zoning change (8-1)
• Recommended denial of 2201 West Cornwallis (Z2200008) zoning change (0-9)
• Recommended approval of 1311 NC Highway 54 (Z2200023) zoning change (11-0)
• Recommended approval of Chapel Hill C-Store (Z2200025) zoning change (11-1)
• Continued Development Plan Revisions (TC2200002) to December 13, 2022 meeting (11-0)

City Council

Council approved a $40 million grant agreement with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for the redevelopment of two properties. The session also included presentations on ward redistricting, affordable housing legal frameworks, and the redevelopment of 505 West Chapel Hill Street.

• Authorized $40M HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant for 519 East Main Street and Liberty Street Apartments (Unanimous)
• Approved the agenda for the November 21, 2022 regular meeting (Unanimous)

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Recreation Advisory Commission will consider approving October meeting minutes and fee waivers, receive a Capital Improvement Program presentation, discuss the RAC report to City Council, and set the 2023 meeting schedule. The Director's Report and committee updates are also on the agenda.

• CIP Presentation by Assistant Director Tom Dawson
• RAC Report to City Council by Lynda Stracks-Mullem
• RAC Meeting Schedule 2023 by Lynda Merritt
• Fee Waivers (consent agenda)
• Director's Report with project updates

The Recreation Advisory Commission approved a 50% fee waiver for Triangle Ultimate and voted to continue holding meetings in person. The commission also received presentations on the athletic rental process and the Lyon Park renovation project.

• Approved September 14, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 50% fee waiver for Triangle Ultimate (unanimous)
• Voted to continue in-person meetings (unanimous)

City Council

City Council approved several zoning changes, annexations for residential and industrial developments, and the creation of a social district. The council also authorized multiple vehicle and equipment purchases and a $4.8M lift station project.

• Approved $4.8M construction contract for Celeste Circle Lift Station Project
• Approved $22M in revenue bonds for Cedar Trace Apartments
• Approved ordinances to create a social district with Downtown Durham Inc. as designee
• Approved annexation and zoning for 5202 Leesville Road (4-3)
• Approved annexation and zoning for Junction and Ferrell (5-2)
• Approved annexation and zoning for Wilkinson Estates (7-0)
• Approved rezoning of Greater Love Worship Center to Industrial Light (7-0)
• Authorized $261,631.30 ARPA grant for Ellerbee Creek Watershed Association

Affordable Housing Implementation Committee (AHIC)

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the June 9, 2022, meeting. Members received updates on Durham Housing Authority projects and Community Development financial reports, and discussed the formation of six voluntary subcommittees to research housing strategies.

• Approved June 9, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Environmental Affairs Board (EAB)

The board received presentations on the Durham Public Schools Energy Conservation Plan and water quality benchmarks for Falls Lake. Staff also provided an update on the timeline for the Durham City/County Comprehensive Plan public review. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved October 12, 2022 Minutes

Human Relations Commission

The Commission approved a transition to hybrid in-person and virtual monthly meetings starting in January 2023. Members also approved the October 2022 meeting minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved transition to hybrid monthly meetings starting January 2023 (11-0)
• Approved October 2022 meeting minutes (11-0)

Durham Convention Center Authority

The Authority will discuss the end-of-year financial performance review and a finance committee discussion. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and an administrative report.

• End-of-year financial performance review presented by Rebecca Bolton
• Finance committee discussion led by Alice Sharpe
• Approval of August meeting minutes

The Authority approved the minutes from the August 25, 2022 meeting. Members discussed a $1,000 city-approved training budget and reviewed financial reports showing a net loss for July despite a positive budget variance.

• Approved August 25, 2022 meeting minutes

Durham Convention Center Authority

The Durham Convention Center Authority will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and receive an administrative report. The main item is a review of the end-of-year financial performance.

• Approval of August meeting minutes
• Owners administrative report
• End-of-year financial performance review

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Board of Adjustment approved a Minor Special Use Permit for a hotel at 3114 Hillsborough Road with 13 specific conditions. The Board also granted several variances for street connection payments and residential modifications, while denying one request for an accessory structure.

• Approved Minor Special Use Permit for hotel at 3114 Hillsborough Road (5-0)
• Continued Design Special Use Permit for 508 Gordon Street to Dec 13, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved payment-in-lieu of street connection at 602 and 606 NC HWY 54 W (5-0)
• Approved payment-in-lieu of street connection at Eastfield Lane (5-0)
• Denied Variance for accessory structure at 1420 Ellis Road (1-4)
• Approved riparian buffer setback variance at 11 Rose Brook Drive (5-0)
• Approved porch encroachment variance at 3729 Stonegate Drive (5-0)
• Approved Minor Special Use Permit for addition at 703 Watts Street (5-0)

Citizens Advisory Committee

The committee approved minor edits to its bylaws and the minutes from the August meeting. Members were notified of LeVon Barnes' resignation and the availability of a representative seat on the Affordable Housing Implementation Committee.

• Approved August meeting minutes
• Approved minor edits to CAC bylaws

Audit Services Oversight Committee

The committee received a performance audit of Participatory Budgeting Cycle 1, finding that 67% of projects were implemented, performance metrics were insufficient, and voting controls could be tightened. Management concurred with all six recommendations. The committee also approved the previous meeting's minutes and an excused absence for the mayor.

• Approved minutes of August 22, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved excused absence of Mayor O'Neal (unanimous)
• Received Participatory Budgeting Process Performance Audit with 6 recommendations, all management-concurred

Recreation Advisory Commission

The commission will review a presentation on Lyon Park and discuss the athletic rental process. The body is also considering whether to hold meetings in person or virtually.

• Decision on in-person vs. virtual meetings
• Lyon Park presentation by Sr. Park & Trail Planner
• Athletic rental process discussion
• Fee waivers

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The committee is meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Plan update and development plan revisions. The session includes a preview of pending growth management cases and the establishment of the 2023 meeting calendar.

• Comprehensive Plan Update
• TC2200002 Development Plan Revisions
• October 2022 Growth Management Pending Case Preview
• 2023 Meeting Calendar

Durham Convention Center Authority

The Durham Convention Center Authority will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and receive administrative reports. The body will also conduct an end-of-year financial performance review.

• Approval of April and June meeting minutes
• Owners Administrative Report
• End-of-year financial performance review

Recreation Advisory Commission

The commission will review meeting minutes and fee waivers via the consent agenda. The meeting includes a grant approval and a report from the Director.

• Approval of June 8, 2022 Meeting Minutes
• Fee Waivers
• Grant Approval
• Director’s Report

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The Joint City-County Planning Committee will review updates to the Comprehensive Plan and discuss metrics for expanding housing choices. The body will also consider a Unified Development Ordinance text amendment to simplify codes for affordable development and hold a discussion on annexation.

• UDO Text Amendment TC2200001 regarding simplifying codes for affordable development
• Comprehensive Plan Update
• Expanding Housing Choices Metrics
• Annexation discussion

Durham Convention Center Authority

The Authority will review the April meeting minutes and receive an owner's administrative report. The agenda also includes a financial update and a report from Spectra Venue Management.

• Approval of April Meeting Minutes
• Owner's Administrative Report
• Financial Update
• Spectra Venue Management Report

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Recreation Advisory Commission will meet to review a proposal for an indoor pool partnership. The body will also consider fee waivers and receive reports from the Director and various community commissions.

• Potential Indoor Pool Partnership Proposal
• Fee Waivers
• Hillandale Advisory Commission report
• DOST Report
• Durham Parks Foundation report

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Recreation Advisory Commission will meet to review a proposal for a potential indoor pool partnership. The body will also consider fee waivers and receive reports from the Director and various community committees.

• Potential Indoor Pool Partnership Proposal
• Fee Waivers
• Hillandale Advisory Commission report
• DOST Report
• Durham Parks Foundation report

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The committee will meet to discuss a Comprehensive Plan Update and a privately initiated text amendment. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes from April 6, 2022.

• TC2200001 Privately Initiated Text Amendment
• Comprehensive Plan Update

Recreation Advisory Commission

The commission will meet at Burton Park to review the Director's Report and various committee reports. The agenda includes public comments and a consent agenda for approving previous minutes and fee waivers.

• Approval of April 13, 2022 Meeting Minutes
• Fee Waivers
• Hillandale Advisory Commission report
• DOST Report
• Durham Parks Foundation report

Durham Convention Center Authority

The Authority will conduct an administrative report and a financial update including a venue management report. The board will also review upcoming term expirations for three members.

• Administrative Report by Jina Propst
• Financial Update and Spectra Venue Management Report
• Board member term expirations for Pashara Black, Lew Myers, and Richard Ford

Recreation Advisory Commission

The commission will review the FY23 budget update and receive reports from various community engagement groups. The agenda also includes a consent agenda for meeting minutes and fee waivers.

• FY23 Budget Update
• Fee Waivers
• Hillandale Advisory Commission report
• DOST Report
• Durham Parks Foundation report

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The committee will review several planning items including the FY23 Planning Department Work Program and a Comprehensive Plan Update. Discussions also include development plan revisions for UDO text amendments and expanding housing choices metrics.

• FY23 Planning Department Work Program
• Comprehensive Plan Update
• Development Plan Revisions UDO Text Amendment
• Expanding Housing Choices Metrics

Recreation Advisory Commission

The commission is meeting to review park classifications and a naming request presented by Director Wade Walcutt. The body will also receive reports from the Director, the Hillandale Advisory Commission, and the Durham Parks Foundation.

• Naming request presented by Director Wade Walcutt
• Review of Park Classifications (Attachments A and B)
• Approval of fee waivers
• Project updates via Director's Report
• Report from Durham Parks Foundation

Recreation Advisory Commission

The commission will discuss park classifications and a naming request. The agenda also includes a May meeting proposal and various community engagement reports.

• Park Classification discussion
• Naming Request
• May Meeting Proposal
• Director's Report and Project Updates
• Hillandale Advisory Commission report

Durham Convention Center Authority

The Authority will review the January meeting minutes and receive an owner's administrative report. The agenda also includes a financial update and a venue management report from Spectra.

• Approval of January Meeting Minutes
• Owner's Administrative Report
• Financial Update / Spectra Venue Management Report
• Review of Board Member term expiration dates for Lew Myers and Richard Ford

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The committee is meeting to review annual reports from several planning boards and commissions. Members will discuss updates to the Comprehensive Plan and neighborhood meeting guidelines, as well as two UDO text amendments.

• Comprehensive Plan Update
• Natural Heritage Areas UDO Text Amendment
• Block Length and Connectivity UDO Text Amendment
• Neighborhood Meeting Guidelines Update
• Session Law 2021-138 Compliance

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Recreation Advisory Commission will meet to discuss community engagement events and the Durham Rail Trail. The body will also consider fee waivers and review an annual attendance report.

• Durham Rail Trail presentation by Assistant Director Tom Dawson
• Review of fee waivers
• RAC Annual Attendance Report
• Meeting proposal from Director Wade Walcutt

Durham Convention Center Authority

The Authority will meet via Zoom to approve the October meeting minutes. The session includes an administrative report and a financial update from Spectra Venue Management.

• Approval of October meeting minutes
• Owners Administrative Report
• Financial Update / Spectra Venue Management Report