Durham public meetings in 2025

DPAC Oversight Committee

The DPAC Oversight Committee will meet to review new business and receive presentations from DPAC and the City. The committee will also address the approval of meeting minutes from September 9, 2025.

• Discussion of $1,000 in grant funds
• DPAC presentation regarding an Annual Report due by 1/21/26

The committee approved the minutes from the September 9, 2025 meeting. It decided to wait on how to allocate the $1,000 grant until the open board seat is filled. Future meetings were set to be held at the Durham Performance Arts Center, with the location subject to change if scheduling conflicts arise.

• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes
• Postponed decision on $1,000 grant funds until vacancy is filled
• Set future meetings to be held at DPAC (subject to change)

Housing Appeals Board

The Housing Appeals Board will determine whether three properties with code violations must be repaired or demolished. Staff have recommended demolition for one non-residential property and repairs for a duplex.

• Case FY26-HAB023: Staff recommends demolition of non-residential structure at 2820 Angier Ave
• Case FY26-HAB024: Staff recommends repair of duplex at 2709 Fayetteville St
• Case FY26-HAB025: Hearing for housing code violations at 1218 Dawkins St
• Proposed civil penalty of $300 per month (up to $5,000) for owner of 2820 Angier Ave
• Review of preferred meeting locations for the upcoming calendar year

The Housing Appeals Board approved the September and October 2025 meeting minutes unanimously (4‑0). It removed Docket FY26‑HAB025 from the agenda and accepted Appendix A evidence for two cases. The board voted 4‑0 to authorize demolition of the structures at 2820 Angier Ave and 2709 Fayetteville St, imposing a $300 monthly civil penalty up to $5,000.

• Approved Sep 2025 and Oct 2025 minutes (4‑0)
• Removed Docket FY26‑HAB025 from agenda (no vote recorded)
• Accepted Appendix A for Docket FY26‑HAB023 into the record (no vote)
• Authorized demolition of 2820 Angier Ave, with $300/month civil penalty (max $5,000) – motion passed 4‑0
• Accepted Appendix A for Docket FY26‑HAB024 into the record (no vote)
• Authorized demolition of 2709 Fayetteville St, with $300/month civil penalty (max $5,000) – motion passed 4‑0

City Council

The council met to hear updates on sidewalk projects, the Forever Home housing program, and a parking fund overview. Members asked questions and requested additional data, but no items were voted on or approved. Nominations for advisory boards were noted for future action.

Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

The Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission will vote on its leadership positions for 2026 and confirm committee chairs. Members will hear a presentation on the City Transportation Department's Capital Improvement Plan projects. The commission will also discuss new reporting and voting requirements that begin in 2027 and plan a retreat on January 10, 2026.

• Vote on Leadership Positions for 2026
• Confirming Committee Chairs (vote)
• Discussion of new reporting and voting requirements starting in 2027
• BPAC Retreat scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, 9:00 am‑3:00 pm at City Hall Innovation Lab
• Guest presentation: City of Durham Transportation Department Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Projects Update

The commission approved the October and November meeting minutes. Members elected Mary Rose as Chair, Trent Cormier as Secretary, and Chris Perelstein as Vice Chair for 2026. Committee chairs for Planning & Policy and Community Engagement were confirmed. A motion to add ten minutes to the agenda was also carried.

• Approved October meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved November meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Elected Mary Rose as Chair for 2026 (motion carried)
• Elected Trent Cormier as Secretary for 2026 (motion carried)
• Elected Chris Perelstein as Vice Chair for 2026 (motion carried)
• Confirmed Nathan Lee as Planning & Policy Committee Chair (motion carried)
• Confirmed Hannah Bartlebaugh as Community Engagement Chair (motion carried)
• Added 10 minutes to agenda (motion carried)

City Council

The Durham City Council unanimously approved a contract amendment to fund rehabilitation of the Brown Water Treatment Plant dam. It also approved several capital contracts, a land lease, a HOME program subrecipient agreement, a transit grant ordinance, and two committee appointments. All votes were 7‑0 in favor with no opposition.

• Approved $1,897,700 contract amendment for Brown Water Treatment Plant dam rehabilitation (7-0)
• Approved $706,212.36 purchase of four compact rear loaders (7-0)
• Approved $598,180 purchase and $59,818 contingency for Whippoorwill Park tennis court lighting (7-0)
• Approved $794,998 purchase and $79,499.80 contingency for Rock Quarry Park tennis court lighting (7-0)
• Approved lease of 4238 University Drive to Durham Regional Association of REALTORS (5‑year term, 7-0)
• Approved $1,612,673 HOME program subrecipient agreement for low‑income homeowner rehabilitation (7-0)
• Approved FY2026 FTA Section 5303 Metropolitan Transit Planning Grant Ordinance (7-0)
• Appointed Federica Cedeno to Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee representing Youth (7-0)

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board will meet to approve minutes, discuss budget timelines for 2026, and review the status of festival contracts totaling over $400,000.

• Approval of November 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of FY25 Festival & Special Event Contracting Status Report
• Discussion of City and County Budget Timelines for 2026
• Consideration of amendments to DCAB By-Laws regarding elections
• Planning for a joint DCAB & Public Art Committee retreat

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board voted to approve the minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting. The motion passed with 13 votes in favor, none against, and one member, Joey Medrano, abstaining. No other actions or resolutions were adopted during the meeting.

• Approved November 19, 2025 meeting minutes (13-0, Medrano abstained)

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Recreation Advisory Commission will review and approve the November 2025 meeting minutes, consider fee waiver approvals, and discuss budget-related items including the CIP & General Fund PreList and an Investment Priority Indicator presentation. The agenda also includes community engagement reports from the Durham Office of Strategic Initiatives and the Durham Parks Foundation, as well as a Director’s Report.

• Approval of November 2025 minutes
• Fee waiver approval
• CIP & General Fund PreList discussion
• Investment Priority Indicator presentation
• Director’s Report (Attachment A)

The Recreation Advisory Commission approved the minutes from the October 16 meeting with a unanimous vote. They also approved the Outdoor Facility in Parks Use and Allocation Policy, also unanimously. Both motions were seconded and passed without opposition.

• Approved October 16 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Outdoor Facility in Parks Use and Allocation Policy (unanimous)

Planning Commission (PC)

The Durham Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a text amendment for a recreational vehicle parking amendment (TC2500002). It will also hear initial zoning map change proposals for three sites: Kerley Gardens, 3600 Pine View Circle, and 938 McLamb Drive. The commission will approve the minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting and address routine new business and committee updates.

• TC2500002 RV Parking Amendment (public hearing)
• Zoning map change – Kerley Gardens (Z2500021A‑BDG2500013)
• Zoning map change – 3600 Pine View Circle (Z2500005A‑BDG2500003)
• Zoning map change – 938 McLamb Drive (Z2500009A‑BDG2500006)
• Approval of minutes from November 12, 2025

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved a text amendment to allow flexible RV parking in residential zoning districts. Additionally, three zoning change requests were approved, two with unanimous votes and one with a 9‑2 vote.

• Approved November 12, 2025 minutes (11-0)
• Approved RV parking text amendment (TC2500002) (11-0)
• Approved Kerley Gardens rezoning to city jurisdiction (Z2500021A) (11-0)
• Approved 3600 Pine View Circle rezoning to city jurisdiction (Z2500005A) (9-2)
• Approved 938 McLamb Drive rezoning to city jurisdiction (Z2500009A) (11-0)

Public Art Committee

The committee will review member skill set poll results to define a recruitment strategy and application timeline. Members will also provide comments on a Public Art Best Practices document.

• Review of member skill set poll results for PAC recruitment
• Discussion of recruitment strategy and application timeline
• Review and comments on Public Art Best Practices Document

The committee could not vote on the meeting minutes because quorum was not met. Members discussed skill‑set needs, the new public art map, and a proposed public art fund that has legal approval. No actions were approved, denied, or tabled during the session.

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Durham Board of Adjustment will consider several variance applications, including requests to modify riparian buffer standards and side‑yard setbacks at 8250 Massey Chapel Road, as well as vehicle stacking and fence‑height variances at 442 Martin Luther King Jr Parkway. It will also review a Minor Special Use Permit to allow a place of worship at 4121 Lumley Road. The meeting includes approval of minutes from the November 18, 2025 session and approval of several prior orders.

• B2400026 – variance from riparian buffer standards for a single‑family residence at 8250 Massey Chapel Road
• B2400027 – variance from side‑yard setback standards for a single‑family residence at 8250 Massey Chapel Road
• B2500025 – variance from vehicle stacking requirements at 442 Martin Luther King Jr Parkway
• B2500026 – variance from fence height standards at 442 Martin Luther King Jr Parkway
• B2500036 – Minor Special Use Permit for a place of worship at 4121 Lumley Road

The Board granted variances for riparian buffer and side‑yard setback standards at 8250 Massey Chapel Road, each with a 6‑0 vote. It denied variances for vehicle stacking and fence‑height standards at 442 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, each with a 0‑6 vote. No outcome was recorded for the minor special‑use permit for a place of worship at 4121 Lumley Road.

• Approved variance from riparian buffer standards for 8250 Massey Chapel Road (B2400026), 6-0
• Approved variance from side yard setback standards for 8250 Massey Chapel Road (B2400027), 6-0
• Failed variance from vehicle stacking requirements for 442 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway (B2500025), 0-6
• Failed variance from fence height standards for 442 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway (B2500026), 0-6
• No recorded outcome for minor special use permit for place of worship at 4121 Lumley Road (B2500036)

Mayor's Council for Women

The Mayor’s Council for Women will approve the November meeting minutes and the December agenda, review fall and holiday season events, and plan the November Giving Day and Holiday Clothes Closet initiatives. They will discuss partnerships with Cornwallis Clothes Closet, Durham Crisis Response Center, and Habitat for Humanity. No new business is scheduled, and members will hold an open discussion on community needs.

• Approve November meeting minutes
• Approve December agenda
• Review fall and holiday season events
• Plan November Giving Day and Holiday Clothes Closet initiatives
• Discuss partnerships with Cornwallis Clothes Closet, Durham Crisis Response Center, and Habitat for Humanity

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the November 18 meeting and the agenda for the December 9 meeting. They also approved excusing a member’s absence due to bereavement. The board agreed to host a spaghetti dinner at Urban Ministries on Dec. 29 and adopted a virtual meeting schedule for 2026, meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

• Approved November 18, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Approved December 9, 2025 agenda (7-0)
• Excused Stephenie Williams’ absence for bereavement (7-0)
• Approved serving a spaghetti dinner at Urban Ministries on Dec 29 (unanimous agreement)
• Approved 2026 board meeting schedule: virtual second Tuesday each month at 6 p.m. (7-0)

Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee

The Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee is meeting to review the completion of PB Cycle IV. The body will focus on analyzing voting data and preparing a presentation for the City Council.

• Analysis of PB Cycle IV voting data
• Preparation of presentation for City Council
• Evaluation of PB Cycle IV

The committee approved the October meeting minutes unanimously. A motion by Rosa to cancel the planned January meeting was passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m. by a motion from Rosemary, seconded by Elizabeth Edmiston, with all members in favor.

• Approved October minutes (unanimous)
• Cancelled January meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:47 p.m. (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the purchase contracts for new LED tennis‑court lighting at Whippourwill Park and Rock Quarry Park. The contracts, presented by Musco Sports Lighting LLC, were accepted as designed, meeting dark‑sky guidelines. No other agenda items were formally decided during the work session.

• Approved tennis‑court lighting contract for Whippourwill Park (Musco Sports Lighting LLC)
• Approved tennis‑court lighting contract for Rock Quarry Park (Musco Sports Lighting LLC)

Durham Workforce Development Board

The board will meet to approve minutes from the September 25, 2025 meeting. Members will receive reports on finances, the board website, and committee updates. The agenda includes reports on NC Works, Business Services, and the Youth Council.

• Approval of September 25, 2025 meeting minutes
• Financial report from Jillian Logan
• Website update from Jasmine Jones
• Governance and Youth Council committee reports

Environmental Affairs Board (EAB)

The Environmental Affairs Board will review suggested changes for Article 7 of the Unified Development Ordinance and hear a presentation on upgrades to the Yard Waste Composting Facility.

• Review of UDO Article 7 (Environmental Protection) draft
• Presentation on Yard Waste Composting Facility upgrades
• Report on city plans to collect and compost food waste
• Report on Energy Saver North Carolina program
• Next meeting scheduled for January 7, 2026

The board voted to approve the minutes from the November meeting. New member Lena Tonkin was introduced. The next board meeting was scheduled for January 7 at City Hall. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved November meeting minutes (passed)
• Introduced new member Lena Tonkin
• Scheduled next meeting for January 7, 2026 at City Hall

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The Joint City-County Planning Committee will review updates regarding the New Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The meeting includes a review of planned developments, administrative content, and mapping.

• New UDO: Planned Developments, Administrative Content and Mapping
• Consolidated Cases Summary

The Joint City‑County Planning Committee approved the minutes from the November 5, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 vote. Staff presented updates on the new Unified Development Ordinance and the committee gave direction on draft sidewalk regulations, but no formal vote was recorded on those items. The meeting adjourned at 11:28 a.m.

• Approved November 5, 2025 minutes (4‑0)
• Provided direction on draft sidewalk regulations (no vote recorded)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission will review and vote on Certificates of Appropriateness for 1316 Carroll Street and three projects at 2019 West Club Boulevard (demolition, new construction, and addition/modification). The meeting will also approve the November 4, 2025 summary minutes, swear in witnesses, and receive a minor COA report and committee updates. A schedule for Historic Moment 2026 will be presented.

• COA2500065 – 1316 Carroll Street – Addition and Modification
• COA2500072 – 2019 West Club Boulevard – Demolition
• COA2500073 – 2019 West Club Boulevard – New Construction
• COA2500074 – 2019 West Club Boulevard – Addition and Modification
• Minor COA Report

The Durham Historic Preservation Commission approved four Certificates of Appropriateness for properties on Carroll Street and West Club Boulevard, each with a 5‑0 vote. Approvals included an addition at 1316 Carroll Street, demolition of an accessory structure, new construction of an accessory structure, and addition/modifications at 2019 West Club Boulevard. All approvals were granted with conditions and required compliance inspections. The commission also excused Commissioner Spencer and approved the prior meeting minutes.

• Motion to excuse Commissioner Spencer carried 5–0
• Approved minutes from November 4, 2025, 5–0
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 1316 Carroll Street addition, 5–0
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition of accessory structure at 2019 West Club Boulevard, 5–0
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for new accessory structure at 2019 West Club Boulevard, 5–0
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for addition and modifications at 2019 West Club Boulevard, 5–0

Human Relations Commission

The commission will hear presentations from the NCCU School of Law and the City of Durham Budget and Management Services Department. Members will also receive updates on Down Payment Assistance (DPA) and discuss a proposed meeting time change to 6:30 PM.

• Recommendation to change monthly meeting time to 6:30 PM
• Presentation by Scott Holmes, Esq. of NCCU School of Law Litigation Clinic
• Presentation by Shari Metcalfe of Budget and Management Services Department
• Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program updates and staffing data
• Volunteer dinner for 225 people at Urban Ministries of Durham on December 14

The commission approved the November 2025 meeting minutes (10 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstained). It voted unanimously to change the regular meeting time from 7:00 PM to 6:30 PM (12 For). Commissioners also unanimously appointed Lottie Barnes as Co‑Chair of the Housing Committee and Kirsten Barrett to the Policies & Procedures and Community Outreach Committees (12 For).

• Approved November 2025 meeting minutes (10 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstained)
• Changed monthly meeting time to 6:30 PM (12 For, unanimous)
• Appointed Lottie Barnes as Co‑Chair of Housing Committee (12 For, unanimous)
• Appointed Kirsten Barrett to Policies & Procedures and Community Outreach Committees (12 For, unanimous)

City Council

The Durham City Council voted unanimously to designate Council Member Javiera Caballero as Mayor Pro Tempore. It also approved appointments to the Citizens Advisory Committee, the City‑County Environmental Affairs Board, and adopted the consent agenda and prior meeting minutes.

• Designated Javiera Caballero as Mayor Pro Tempore (unanimous vote)
• Appointed Bonita Green and Michael A. Jones to the Citizens Advisory Committee (unanimous vote)
• Approved the consent agenda (unanimous vote)
• Appointed Lena G. Tonkin to the Durham City‑County Environmental Affairs Board (unanimous vote)
• Approved City Council minutes from October 2025 meetings (unanimous vote)

Workers' Rights Commission

The commission cancelled the full December meeting and directed subcommittees to meet independently. It approved creating a new Instagram account, "DurhamWorkersRights," and will add more social‑media accounts later. Commissioners Fenerty and Reinstein were tasked with cleaning up the 2025 Yearly Report draft, and comments on the State of Working Durham draft are due by December 7. The next full commission meeting is set for January 13, 2026.

• Cancelled full DWRC meeting for December
• Approved creation of Instagram account “DurhamWorkersRights”
• Agreed to develop additional social‑media accounts after Instagram
• Commissioner Morell to lead planning of in‑person State of Working Durham event
• Commissioners Fenerty and Reinstein to clean up 2025 Yearly Report draft
• Directed subcommittees to meet and work in December despite meeting cancellation
• Set comment deadline of December 7 for State of Working Durham draft
• Scheduled next DWRC meeting for January 13, 2026 at 6:30 pm

City Council

The council approved the nomination of Lena G. Tonkin to the Environmental Affairs Board. The nomination of Michael A. Jones to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee was deferred to the December 1, 2025 meeting due to lack of a majority vote. Council members agreed to postpone the designation of 500 West Main Street for future work sessions. The Downtown Durham Blueprint was presented and scheduled for a public hearing, while other items such as the Open Table Ministries contract amendment and the DHA subrecipient agreement were discussed without a formal vote.

• Approved Lena G. Tonkin nomination to Environmental Affairs Board
• Deferred Michael A. Jones nomination to Citizen’s Advisory Committee (moved to Dec 1 agenda)
• Postponed designation of 500 West Main Street to a future work session
• Scheduled Downtown Durham Blueprint for a public hearing
• Discussed second amendment to Open Table Ministries shelter contract (no vote)
• Discussed subrecipient agreement with DHA for Calvert Place and Main Street townhomes (no vote)

Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST)

The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission will approve the October 2025 meeting minutes and hold elections for the positions of Chair, Vice‑Chair, and Secretary. The meeting will also include routine updates, announcements, and adjournment.

• Approval of October 2025 minutes
• Election of DOST officers (Chair, Vice‑Chair, Secretary)
• Updates and questions on written updates
• Announcements
• Adjournment

The commission unanimously approved the October meeting minutes. Maureen Quinlan appointed Rann Bar‑On as vice‑chair of the Open Space Committee effective Jan 1 2026. The commission then elected the proposed officer slate—Deborah Luecken as chair, Steve Cohn as secretary, and Ramsay Ritchie as vice‑chair—by unanimous vote.

• Approved October minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Rann Bar‑On as vice‑chair of the Open Space Committee starting Jan 1 2026
• Elected Deborah Luecken as chair, Steve Cohn as secretary, and Ramsay Ritchie as vice‑chair (unanimous)

Housing Appeals Board

The Durham Housing Appeals Board will hear appeals for two housing‑code cases: Docket FY26‑HAB020 concerning 306 Red Oak Ave (repair‑only) and Docket FY26‑HAB021 concerning 2900 Angier Ave (repair or demolish). The board will determine whether the owners must comply with the repair order that includes a $300 per month civil penalty, a $250 administrative fee, and possible re‑inspection fees. The meeting also includes routine approvals of the August 20, 2025 minutes and the FY25 Annual Report, and announces the relocation of Housing and Neighborhood Services to City Hall on November 17, 2025.

• Appeal Docket FY26‑HAB020: housing‑code violations at 306 Red Oak Ave, Parcel 115758 (repair‑only order).
• Appeal Docket FY26‑HAB021: housing‑code violations at 2900 Angier Ave, Parcel 118821 (repair or demolish).
• Board order for 306 Red Oak Ave imposes a $300 monthly civil penalty, a $250 administrative fee, and tiered re‑inspection fees ($50, $75, $100).
• Relocation of Housing and Neighborhood Services to City Hall effective November 17, 2025.
• Approval of August 20, 2025 meeting minutes and the FY25 Annual Report; next meeting scheduled for December 17, 2025 at 807 East Main Street, Building 2, 3rd Floor, Suite 200.

The Housing Appeals Board unanimously approved the August 2025 meeting minutes and the 2025 annual report. The board accepted Exhibit A into the record for Docket FY26-HAB020. A motion to continue the FY26-HAB020 case for six months, moving it to the May 2026 meeting, passed unanimously. The board also accepted Appendix A into the record for Docket FY26-HAB021.

• Approved August 2025 meeting minutes and 2025 annual report (4-0)
• Accepted Exhibit A into the record for Docket FY26-HAB020
• Continued Docket FY26-HAB020 for 6 months to May 2026 meeting (4-0)
• Accepted Appendix A into the record for Docket FY26-HAB021

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board will consider amendments to chair and vice chair election procedures and discuss recommendations for the Cultural Roadmap. The board will also review festival feedback and discuss recommendations for two open City-appointed seats.

• Consideration of amendment regarding DCAB chair/vice chair election procedures
• Discussion of recommendations for two open City-appointed seats
• Public Art Committee recommendations for the Cultural Roadmap
• Review of FY25 Festival & Special Event Contracting Status Report totaling $400,000.07
• Festival feedback and review process discussion

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board approved the October 15, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It also approved the ranked recommendations of Emily Ensminger, Robert Frawley, and Crystal Waters to fill two vacant board seats, with an 8‑0 vote and Ensminger abstaining.

• Approved October 15, 2025 meeting minutes (9-0)
• Approved recommendations of Emily Ensminger, Robert Frawley, and Crystal Waters to fill two DCAB vacancies (8-0, Ensminger abstained)

Mayor's Council for Women

The Mayor's Council for Women will approve the September 9 and October 14, 2025 meeting minutes and the November agenda. Members will review fall and holiday season events and plan the November Giving Day and Holiday Clothes Closet initiatives. The discussion will include existing partnerships such as the Cornwallis Clothes Closet, Durham Crisis Response Center, and Habitat for Humanity. Public comments will be invited for community feedback.

• Approve September 9, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approve October 14, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approve November 2025 agenda
• Review fall and holiday season events
• Plan November Giving Day and Holiday Clothes Closet initiatives

The council approved the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (8‑0) and the October 14, 2025 minutes with an amendment for an excused absence (8‑0). It also approved the November 18, 2025 agenda (8‑0) and authorized a $200 gift‑card donation to the Durham Crisis Response Center.

• Approved September 9, 2025 minutes (8-0)
• Approved Board Member Nydick’s excused absence for Oct 14, 2025 (8-0)
• Approved October 14, 2025 minutes with excused‑absence amendment (8-0)
• Approved November 18, 2025 agenda (8-0)
• Approved $200 gift‑card donation to Durham Crisis Response Center

Public Art Committee

The Public Art Committee will vote on adopting its Objectives & Initiatives for the Durham Cultural Roadmap and recommend them to the Durham Cultural Advisory Board and MJR Partners. The agenda includes adopting a City‑County Exact 1% for Art Funding Ordinance and launching a pilot program that provides two awards per year with a $30,000 budget. Additional actions propose integrating public art into urban planning policies and creating a centralized cultural data dashboard.

• Adopt Public Art Committee Objectives & Initiatives for Durham Cultural Roadmap
• Adopt City‑County Exact 1% for Art Funding Ordinance
• Pilot program: two awards per year, $30,000 budget
• Expand partnerships with Durham Planning & Development, GoDurham, Downtown Durham Inc, and Durham Public Schools
• Establish Cultural Data Dashboard as a centralized hub for public art information

The Public Art Committee voted 7-0 to recommend approval of the Bike Durham E.K. Powe mural project and also 7-0 to recommend approval of the County Board of Elections Bull Ballot Box sculpture. The committee also approved the October 2025 PAC meeting minutes by a 6-0 vote and adopted its objectives and initiatives for the Durham Cultural Roadmap.

• Approved October 2025 PAC meeting minutes (6-0)
• Recommended approval of Bike Durham E.K. Powe mural project (7-0)
• Recommended approval of County Board of Elections Bull Ballot Box sculpture (7-0)
• Adopted Public Art Committee Objectives & Initiatives for Durham Cultural Roadmap (no vote recorded)

Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

The Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission will approve minutes from prior meetings and vote on a budget requests letter and a letter of support for the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail. The commission will also discuss leadership positions for 2026, set a date for the January retreat, and hear a guest presentation on streets and sidewalks bond projects. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Guest Presentation: Streets and Sidewalks Bond Projects Update
• Vote on Budget Requests Letter
• Vote on Letter of Support for Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail
• Decision on Leadership Positions for 2026
• Decision on date for BPAC Retreat in January

The commission unanimously approved the 2026 meeting schedule, setting Zoom meetings for January, February, March, November, and December and in‑person meetings for April through June and October, with no meeting in July. The budget request letter was approved with added language to increase funding for third‑party paratransit contracts and other edits. A letter of support for the Durham‑to‑Roxboro Rail Trail was also approved. A motion to extend meetings by ten minutes was adopted.

• Approved 2026 meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Approved budget request letter with added paratransit funding language (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for Durham‑to‑Roxboro Rail Trail (unanimous)
• Approved agenda adjustments (unanimous)
• Approved September meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved addition of 10 minutes to meeting length (unanimous)
• Approved BPAC retreat date for January 10 at City Hall Innovation Lab (unanimous)
• Approved leadership positions vote to occur at December 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Board of Adjustment will consider variance requests regarding setbacks, vehicle stacking, fence height, and impervious surface limits. The board will also vote on the 2026 meeting schedule.

• B2500013: Setback variance for outdoor recreation at 2289, 2311, and 2339 Harris Road
• B2500025: Vehicle stacking variance at 442 Martin Luther King Jr Parkway
• B2500026: Fence height variance at 442 Martin Luther King Jr Parkway
• B2500030: Impervious surface limit variance at 1 Pickard Place
• Vote on the 2026 Meeting Schedule

The Board approved the October 28, 2025 minutes unanimously. It granted a county setback variance for properties on Harris Road and recommended approval of a major impervious‑surface variance for 1 Pickard Place. Two variance applications for 442 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway were continued to December 9, 2025, and the 2026‑2027 meeting schedule was adopted. An order for case B2500020 was also approved.

• Approved October 28, 2025 minutes (8-0)
• Granted county setback variance B2500013 with conditions (6-1)
• Continued variance B2500025 to Dec 9, 2025 (5-2)
• Continued variance B2500026 to Dec 9, 2025 (5-2)
• Recommended approval of major impervious‑surface variance B2500030 (6-1)
• Approved 2026‑2027 BOA meeting schedule (8-0)
• Approved order for case B2500020 (6-0, 2 abstentions)

City Council

The council approved a contract worth $8,541,060 for Phase 3A utility and drainage upgrades at South Ellerbe, with a contingency fund of $854,106 and authority to negotiate changes up to $9,395,166. They also authorized a $313,750 increase to the Volunteers of America contract, bringing its total to $2,060,000, and adopted policies for city boards, committees, commissions and task forces. Additional actions included appointing Lashonda Tyler to the Affordable Housing Implementation Committee, reappointing Patrick Hannah to the GoTriangle Board, and approving a design‑build contract for Carolina Theatre HVAC upgrades up to $5.24 million.

• Approved South Ellerbe Restoration Phase 3A utility and drainage contract $8,541,060 (6-0)
• Approved $313,750 amendment to Volunteers of America contract, total $2,060,000 (6-0)
• Adopted policies and procedures for city boards, committees, commissions, task forces (6-0)
• Appointed Lashonda Tyler to Affordable Housing Implementation Committee (6-0)
• Reappointed Patrick Hannah to GoTriangle Board of Trustees (6-0)
• Approved design‑build contract for Carolina Theatre HVAC upgrades up to $5,235,250 (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda (except items 8 and 10) (6-0)
• Excused Mayor Leonardo Williams from the meeting (6-0)

Planning Commission (PC)

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three zoning map change proposals: Brittmore, Creekside Mixed Use, and Andrews Chapel Apartments. It will also hear an initial zoning map change for the Trenton Road Assemblage and consider a comprehensive‑plan amendment evaluation report. Additional items include an informational update on the Small Area Plan and the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Zoning map change proposal Z2500014 – Brittmore
• Zoning map change proposal Z2400034 – Creekside Mixed Use
• Zoning map change proposal Z2400045 – Andrews Chapel Apartments
• Initial zoning map change Z2500016A‑BDG2500010 – Trenton Road Assemblage
• Comprehensive Plan amendment A2500002 – Evaluation and Assessment Report

The commission approved the minutes from the October 14 meeting unanimously. It denied the Brittmore zoning map change (3‑6) and approved three other zoning changes: Creekside Mixed Use (5‑4), Andrews Chapel Apartments (9‑0), and Trenton Road Assemblage (9‑0). The Comprehensive Plan amendment A2500002 was delayed to the January 13, 2026 meeting (8‑1). The 2026 meeting schedule was approved with the September date moved to September 10 (9‑0).

• Approved October 14 minutes and consistency statements (9-0)
• Denied Brittmore zoning map change Z2500014 (motion failed 3-6)
• Approved Creekside Mixed Use zoning change Z2400034 (motion carried 5-4)
• Approved Andrews Chapel Apartments zoning change Z2400045 (motion carried 9-0)
• Approved Trenton Road Assemblage zoning change (motion carried 9-0)
• Delayed Comprehensive Plan amendment A2500002 to Jan 13, 2026 (motion carried 8-1)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule with September date moved to Sep 10 (motion carried 9-0)

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Durham Recreation Advisory Commission will meet on November 12, 2025 at the DPR Administrative Office to hear community‑engagement reports, approve the October 2025 meeting minutes, and discuss an Outdoor Facilities Allocation Policy and a Trails Delivery Presentation. The agenda includes reports from the Durham Office of Sports and Tourism and the Durham Parks Foundation. The meeting will conclude with the Director’s Report and set the next meeting for December 10.

• Approval of October 2025 minutes
• Outdoor Facilities Allocation Policy presentation
• Trails Delivery Presentation
• DOST Report by Commissioner Dale McKeel
• Durham Parks Foundation report by Emilie McIntosh

The commission approved the September 10 meeting minutes and the proposed fee waivers, each passing unanimously. No other formal actions were taken; the remainder of the meeting consisted of reports on grant programs, trail projects, and upcoming work sessions.

• Approved September 10 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved fee waivers as presented (unanimous)

Human Relations Commission

The Durham Human Relations Commission will hold a virtual meeting on November 12, 2025. Commissioners will approve the October 2025 meeting minutes and hear public comments about the city’s use of federal HOPWA funds. New business includes a discussion of food‑insecurity initiatives and the appointment of Commissioner Harvey McMurray as chair of the Policies & Procedures Committee. Committee reports and the Human Relations Manager’s update will also be presented.

• Approval of DHRC October 2025 meeting minutes
• Public comments on city’s pace spending federal HOPWA housing funds
• Presentation by Durham County Department of Social Services Food & Nutrition Services
• Appointment of Commissioner Harvey McMurray as chair of the Policies & Procedures Committee
• Discussion of DHRC support for food insecurity and community grant involvement

The commission approved the October 2025 meeting minutes (8‑for, 0‑against, 2‑abstain). It then voted unanimously (11‑for, 0‑against) to support Urban Ministries of Durham with a canned‑food drive, monetary donations, and volunteer assistance, naming Commissioner Harvey McMurray to lead the effort. Finally, Commissioners appointed Harvey McMurray as Chair of the Policies & Procedures Committee (10‑for, 0‑against, 1‑abstain).

• Approved DHRC October 2025 meeting minutes (8 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstained)
• Approved support for Urban Ministries of Durham with a canned‑food drive and donations (11 For, 0 Against)
• Appointed Commissioner Harvey McMurray as Chair of the Policies & Procedures Committee (10 For, 0 Against, 1 Abstained)

City Council

The council unanimously suspended rules to vote on the lift‑station change order, then approved a $2,207,420.11 change order, raising the contract total to $7,575,010.11. A second unanimous vote authorized further modifications up to a total of $8,111,769.11. Council also unanimously agreed to pursue Option 1 of the Durham Athletic Park feasibility study, with no money spent until a future vote.

• Suspended rules to vote on lift‑station change order (unanimous)
• Authorized Change Order #1 for Eno River and Lick Creek lift stations ($2,207,420.11) (unanimous)
• Authorized further modifications to lift‑station project, total not to exceed $8,111,769.11 (unanimous)
• Excused Council Member Caballero from the Dec 16 work session (unanimous)
• Consented to proceed with Option 1 for Durham Athletic Park feasibility study (consensus, no funding)
• Nominated Patrick Hannah to GoTriangle Board (approved)
• Nominated Lashonda Tyler to Affordable Housing Implementation Committee, At‑Large (approved)
• Referred Discover Durham nomination back to staff (no action)

Affordable Housing Implementation Committee (AHIC)

The Affordable Housing Implementation Committee will meet to approve minutes from August and receive updates from the Durham Housing Authority and Housing & Neighborhood Services. The meeting includes a public comment period.

• Approval of August minutes
• Durham Housing Authority updates
• Housing & Neighborhood Services updates
• Public comments
• Next meeting scheduled for February 5, 2026

Environmental Affairs Board (EAB)

The Environmental Affairs Board will hear a presentation from Durham Public Schools on its progress converting to renewable energy and reducing greenhouse‑gas emissions. Staff will present responses to the top 22 items from the May 2024 ad‑hoc committee recommendations for rewriting the Unified Development Ordinance. The board will review questions and suggested changes to Article 7 (Environmental Protection) of the draft Unified Development Ordinance, covering sections 6.2 through 7.2. Finally, the board will vote to adopt the recommended environmental voluntary proffers.

• Presentation from Durham Public Schools on renewable energy and greenhouse‑gas reduction progress
• Staff response to the top 22 items from the May 2024 ad‑hoc committee recommendations for the UDO rewrite
• Review of October 2025 ad‑hoc committee questions and suggested changes to Article 7 (Environmental Protection) of the draft Unified Development Ordinance, sections 6.2‑7.2
• Adoption of recommended environmental voluntary proffers
• Approval of minutes from the October 8 meeting

The Environmental Affairs Board approved the minutes from the October meeting. The board formally adopted the recommended voluntary environmental proffers, passing the motion unanimously. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved October meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted voluntary environmental proffers (unanimous)

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The Joint City‑County Planning Committee will meet on November 5, 2025 to consider several agenda items. The committee will review the October 1, 2025 minutes, hear the City and County Managers’ priority items, receive a report from the Durham Housing Initiative Task Force, and discuss a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for infill development. The meeting runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Committee Room at 101 City Hall Plaza.

• Approval of the minutes for October 1, 2025
• City and County Managers’ priority items
• Durham Housing Initiative Task Force report
• New UDO: Infill Development

The Joint City‑County Planning Committee approved the minutes from the October 1, 2025 meeting with a 5‑0 vote. No other actions were voted on; the meeting included a housing initiative report and a presentation of a proposed new Unified Development Ordinance, but those items were discussed without a decision.

• Approved October 1, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission will review and vote on a Certificate of Appropriateness for an addition at 1316 Carroll Street. It will also consider a Minor COA Report, provide committee updates, and vote on the 2026 meeting schedule. Additional agenda items include approval of October 7, 2025 minutes, a historic moment presentation, and the swearing‑in of witnesses.

• Certificate of Appropriateness (COA2500065) for 1316 Carroll Street – Addition
• Minor COA Report
• 2026 Meeting Schedule Vote
• Swearing‑In of Witnesses
• Historic Moment presentation

The Historic Preservation Commission approved the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting by a 6‑0 vote. It then approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for 1316 Carroll Street (case COA2500065) by a 6‑0 vote. Finally, the commission adopted the 2026 meeting schedule, also by a 6‑0 vote.

• Approved October 7, 2025 minutes (6‑0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 1316 Carroll Street, COA2500065 (6‑0)
• Adopted 2026 meeting schedule (6‑0)

City Council

The Durham City Council approved several infrastructure contracts, adopted the FY 2026‑27 budget development schedule, and authorized a $200,000 grant ordinance. It also appointed members to the Planning and Human Relations commissions and excused Council Member Cook from the upcoming work session. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Excused Council Member Chelsea Cook from the Nov 6 work session (7:28 p.m.) – approved; Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none; Abstain: Cook
• Approved the consent agenda (7:56 p.m.) – approved; Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none
• Appointed America E. Juarez Maldonado to the Durham Planning Commission (term ends 6/30/2028) – approved; Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none
• Appointed Kirsten Barrett to the Human Relations Commission (term ends 6/30/2026) – approved; Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none
• Adopted the FY 2026‑27 Budget Development Schedule (7:56 p.m.) – approved; Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none
• Authorized the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Systems for Action Grant Project Ordinance ($200,000) (7:56 p.m.) – approved; Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none
• Approved SW‑103 Street Maintenance Repairs contract with Browe Construction ($3,916,115) and $50,000 contingency (7:56 p.m.) – approved; Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none
• Approved SW‑66 Bike+Walk Sidewalk Phase I contract with Browe Construction ($2,556,806.90) and $255,680.69 contingency (7:56 p.m.) – approved; Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none

Workers' Rights Commission

The Durham Workers’ Rights Commission approved the minutes from its previous meeting. The commission also decided that the upcoming November 25 and December meetings will be held virtually.

• Approved minutes from previous meeting
• Set November 25 and December meetings to be virtual

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Board of Adjustment will consider several variance requests regarding fence height, vehicle stacking, and sidewalk standards. The board is also reviewing a minor special use permit and setback variance for outdoor recreation at Harris Road.

• B2500013 & B2400014: Setback variance and Minor Special Use Permit for outdoor recreation at 2289, 2311, and 2339 Harris Road
• B2500020: Fence height variance request at 2401 North Roxboro Street
• B2500025: Vehicle stacking variance request at 442 Martin Luther King Jr Parkway
• B2500026: Fence height variance request at 442 Martin Luther King Jr Parkway
• B2500010: Sidewalk provision variance request at 450 Muldee Street (withdrawn)

The Board approved a Minor Special Use Permit for an outdoor recreation facility at 2289, 2311, and 2339 Harris Road with conditions, voting 7‑0. It also continued two variance applications for the same property to November 18, 2025 (7‑0) and granted a fence‑height variance at 2401 N. Roxboro Street (5‑2). Additional items approved were the September 23 minutes (6‑0) and a motion to excuse two members’ absences (7‑0).

• Approved Minor Special Use Permit for Harris Road recreation facility, 7-0
• Continued variance B2500013 for Harris Road setback, 7-0
• Granted fence‑height variance B2500020 at 2401 N. Roxboro St, 5-2
• Continued variance B2500025 at 442 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, 6-0
• Continued variance B2500026 at 442 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, 6-0
• Approved September 23, 2025 minutes, 6-0
• Motion to excuse Meadows’ and Morgan’s absences, 7-0
• Removed case B2500010 from agenda at applicant’s request

City Council

The October 23 work session covered items such as a police operations platform contract, an unpaved‑road bond referendum, stormwater maintenance, a multi‑family housing facility, a rail‑trail transportation agreement, a technology contract, a signal‑timing supplemental agreement, and lift‑station improvements. No votes were recorded; the police software contract was referred back to staff for further review, and the other items were discussed without formal decisions. The council also corrected a prior meeting minute and noted upcoming community meetings.

• Referred contract with Peregrine Technologies, Inc. for police platform back to staff (no vote)
• Discussed unpaved roads bond referendum; no decision recorded
• Discussed stormwater control measure maintenance; no decision recorded
• Discussed multi‑family housing facility (Fayette Place Phase 1/Villages at Hayti); no decision recorded
• Discussed transportation improvement agreement for Durham‑Roxboro rail trail; no decision recorded
• Discussed contract with CaraHsoft Technology Corp. for AD implementation; no decision recorded
• Discussed supplemental agreement with Kimley‑Horn for signal timing improvements; no decision recorded
• Discussed construction award to Harper General Contractors, Inc. for Glenn Road lift‑station improvements; no decision recorded

Durham Convention Center Authority

The Durham Convention Center Authority will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and conduct a financial performance review.

• Approval of June and August 2025 meeting minutes
• Financial performance review

The board voted to accept the June and August 2025 meeting minutes. The motion was made by Joye, seconded by Susan, and passed unanimously. The board then voted to adjourn the meeting, with the motion made by Matthew and seconded by Carl. The next meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2026.

• Accepted June and August meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

The commission will hold a work session to discuss committee assignments and the focus of the November meeting. Members will also review and vote on a drafted Budget Request Letter for submission on October 22.

• Vote on drafted City Budget Request Letter
• Streetlight Inventory for Downtown volunteer recruitment
• UDO update from John Lawler
• Horton Road MUP project open house (Oct 28)
• Roxboro-Mangum two-way conversion pop-up events

The commission unanimously approved removing the September minutes from the agenda. A motion to add ten minutes to the UDO update was carried, and the UDO letter with added comments was approved. The draft budget request letter was not voted on and will be presented at the November meeting. Upcoming presentations will focus on bond projects in November and CIP updates in December.

• Agenda adjustment to remove September minutes approved unanimously
• Motion to add 10 minutes to UDO update approved
• UDO letter with added comments approved (motion carried)
• Budget request letter vote postponed; draft to be presented in November

City Council

The Durham City Council approved the Page Road Apartments project and authorized up to $32,000,000 in multifamily housing revenue bonds. The council also adopted the Biophilic Resolution and approved several contract amendments for the Beltline Trail, Turner & Townsend consulting, a photovoltaic solar project, and citywide window washing services. Additionally, the council filled vacancies on the Mayor's Hispanic/Latino Committee and the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission.

• Approved Page Road Apartments project and $32,000,000 bond financing (Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none)
• Approved Biophilic Resolution (Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none)
• Amended Durham Beltline Trail contract by $806,145, total not to exceed $4,658,465.36 (Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none)
• Amended Turner & Townsend consulting contract by $1,046,249, total not to exceed $8,462,569 (Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none)
• Authorized ReNu Energy PV project design‑build contract up to $2,373,795 (Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none)
• Amended Citywide Window Washing contract by $95,463, total not to exceed $125,449.25 (Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none)
• Appointed Angie M. Santiago to Mayor's Hispanic/Latino Committee (Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none)
• Appointed Kayla Keels (At‑Large) and Nathan B. Dixon (NCCU Liaison) to Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission (Ayes: Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton, Baker, Caballero, Cook, Freeman, Rist; Noes: none)

City Council

The Joint City-County Committee will review strategies for violence reduction and updates on the Homeless System Strategic Plan. The body will also discuss the Durham Comprehensive Aging Plan and the Museum of Durham History budget.

• Joint City-County Strategy for Violence Reduction presentation
• Update on the Strategic Plan on Homelessness
• Update on the 2025-30 Durham Comprehensive Aging Plan
• Museum of Durham History FY25-26 Carryover Budget Request
• Re-appointment of Patrick Hannah to GoDurham Board of Trustees

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Durham Recreation Advisory Commission will hear public comments and community‑engagement reports, approve the September 2025 meeting minutes, and vote on fee waiver requests. The commission will also review the FY25 Annual Report and the Director’s Report. All items are scheduled for the October 16 meeting.

• Approval of September 2025 meeting minutes
• Fee waiver approval
• FY25 Annual Report presentation
• Community engagement reports from DOST and Durham Parks Foundation
• Director’s Report (Attachment A)

The commission approved the Natural Surface Trail Policy and unanimously ratified the June 11 meeting minutes. No fee waivers were approved. Other agenda items were discussed but no further actions were taken.

• Approved Natural Surface Trail Policy (approval noted, no vote tally provided)
• Approved June 11 meeting minutes unanimously
• No fee waivers approved

Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST)

The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission will meet to receive a trails update from Durham Parks & Recreation. The body will also discuss a letter of support for the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail and plan a commission retreat.

• Letter of support for Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail
• DPR Trails Update presentation by Henri Prosperi
• Planning for the DOST Retreat
• Selection of a replacement Onboarding Coordinator

The commission unanimously approved a letter of support for the Roxboro Rail Trail. Courtney McGuire was appointed as the new Onboarding Coordinator, replacing Taylor Shaw. The November retreat meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. with a tight agenda to finish before the catered food is served.

• June minutes approved unanimously
• Letter of support for Roxboro Rail Trail approved unanimously
• November retreat start time set for 7:00 p.m.
• Courtney McGuire appointed as Onboarding Coordinator (unanimous)
• Food for November retreat ordered for 7:30 p.m.

Civilian Police Review Board

The Durham Civilian Police Review Board will meet on October 15, 2025 at City Hall. The agenda includes routine items such as call to order, roll call, and approval of the August 20, 2025 minutes. The board will discuss an update to its procedure manual, review new cases, and confirm the next meeting date. Public comments and community events are also scheduled.

• Discuss update of procedure manual
• Review new cases
• Confirm meeting date
• Public comments
• Community events (old business)

The Civilian Police Review Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda. It also approved the August 20, 2025 meeting minutes with one correction by a 4‑0 vote. The approval of the closed‑session minutes from that meeting was postponed to the next session.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved August 20, 2025 minutes with correction (4-0)
• Postponed approval of closed‑session minutes from August 20, 2025

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board will discuss festival funding recommendations and vote on student applications. The board will also consider amendments to board elections and review ARPA grant results.

• Action to recommend path for festival funding if contracts are missed
• Vote on DCAB Student Application
• Consideration of amendment to DCAB elections
• ARPA grant results presentation by Durham Arts Council
• Applications open for two City-appointed DCAB positions

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board approved three sets of meeting minutes from September 2025, with unanimous votes or abstentions noted. The board also approved Curtis Berzofsky as a new student member (10‑0). Finally, it adopted a recommendation to direct any leftover festival funding to Echo Systems and then distribute any remaining balance evenly among other applicants (8‑0, with two abstentions).

• Approved September 3, 2025 minutes (8‑0)
• Approved September 10, 2025 minutes (abstentions: Bond, Medrano)
• Approved September 17, 2025 minutes (7‑0, abstentions: Bond, Medrano)
• Approved Curtis Berzofsky as student member (10‑0)
• Approved reallocation of remaining festival funds to Echo Systems and then evenly among other applicants (8‑0, abstentions: Jordan, McNab)

Housing Appeals Board

The Durham Housing Appeals Board will hear cases for the demolition of two properties, 206 S Goley St and 112 S Hyde Park Ave, due to code violations. The board will also consider cases for repair-only or demolition for two other properties.

• 206 S Goley St: Staff recommends demolition
• 112 S Hyde Park Ave: Staff recommends demolition
• 802 Holloway St: Case for repair or demolish
• 1019 Elmira Ave: Case for repair or demolish
• Administrative fee: $250.00

Planning Commission (PC)

The Durham Planning Commission will hear public input on several zoning map changes, a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance, and the Downtown Durham Blueprint 2035 plan. It will also review the Evaluation and Assessment Report for PTM and policy amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. Decisions or recommendations may be made on these items during the meeting.

• Public hearing on Downtown Durham Blueprint: 2035
• TC2500001 RTP Text Amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance
• Z2500025 RTP Zoning map change
• Z2400047 Garland District zoning map change
• A2500002 Evaluation and Assessment Report – PTM and Policy Amendments

The Planning Commission adopted the Downtown Durham Blueprint 2035 plan with a 9‑0 vote. It also approved several zoning text and map amendments, including the RTP text amendment (TC2500001) and RTP zoning change (Z2500025), each by 9‑0. The commission denied the Garland District rezoning (Z2400047) by an 8‑1 vote and rejected the Treyburn comprehensive‑plan amendment by a 4‑5 vote.

• Approved Downtown Durham Blueprint 2035 plan (9-0)
• Approved RTP Text Amendment TC2500001 (9-0)
• Approved RTP Zoning map change Z2500025 (9-0)
• Denied Garland District rezoning Z2400047 (8-1)
• Approved 3306 Page Road zoning change Z2500006 (9-0)
• Denied Treyburn Comprehensive Plan amendment (4-5)
• Approved North Roxboro and Orange Factory amendment (9-0)
• Denied Baptist Road amendment (9-0)

Mayor's Council for Women

A quorum was not present, so no official business could be conducted. No motions were made, seconded, or voted upon. The chair provided updates on upcoming events and community partnerships before adjourning the meeting.

Public Art Committee

The Public Art Committee will hear a presentation on the Greenspace & Community Mural Project and discuss it. The committee will vote to approve the July and September meeting summary minutes. Announcements from the City of Durham, Durham County, and the Durham Cultural Advisory Board will be shared. The meeting will end with public questions.

• Presentation and discussion of the Greenspace & Community Mural Project
• Approval of July & September meeting summary minutes
• Announcements from the City of Durham
• Announcements from Durham County
• Updates from the Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The committee approved the July 2025 PAC meeting minutes with a 5‑0 vote (Love, Trask‑Price, and Mutschler abstained). It also approved the September 2025 PAC meeting minutes with a 6‑0 vote (Love and Redmann abstained). No other substantive actions were taken at this meeting.

• Approved July 2025 PAC meeting minutes (5-0, Love, Trask-Price, Mutschler abstained)
• Approved September 2025 PAC meeting minutes (6-0, Love, Redmann abstained)

Human Relations Commission

The commission will discuss scheduling in-person meetings, recurring government meetups, and community coffee chats. The body will also receive a presentation from the North Carolina Bar Association regarding pro bono work and disaster legal services for Tropical Storm Chantal.

• Presentation by North Carolina Bar Association on pro bono work and Tropical Storm Chantal legal resources
• Discussion of a State HRC Advocacy Letter
• Review of Housing and Neighborhood Services Department questions regarding community engagement mini grants and down payment assistance
• Planning for recurring DHRC meetups with government boards starting November 11, 2025
• Proposed 2025 Annual Report drafting to begin by December 2025

The commission approved the September 2025 meeting minutes with a 7‑for, 0‑against, 2‑abstain vote. Commissioners unanimously adopted a schedule of in‑person meetings for November 2025 through December 2026. They also unanimously approved recurring outreach meetups before each monthly meeting and community coffee chats with local officials. A motion to submit a support letter to the North Carolina state legislature for continued funding of the NCHRC was approved by a 7‑for, 0‑against, 1‑abstain vote.

• Approved September 2025 meeting minutes (7 For, 0 Against, 2 Abstain)
• Approved in‑person DHRC meeting dates Nov 2025–Dec 2026 (10 For, unanimous)
• Approved recurring DHRC meetups before monthly meetings (10 For, unanimous)
• Approved recurring DHRC community coffee chats (10 For, unanimous)
• Approved support letter to NC Legislature for continued NCHRC funding (7 For, 0 Against, 1 Abstain)

City Council

The council voted 6‑0 to authorize the City Manager to execute a service contract with Justice Matters Inc. not to exceed $250,000. Council also unanimously excused Member Rist from the October 23 work session and suspended the rules to allow the vote. The wildlife‑feeding ordinance was referred to staff for further review.

• Authorized City Manager to execute Justice Matters service contract up to $250,000 (6‑0, no‑es)
• Excused Council Member Rist from the October 23 work session (unanimous)
• Suspended rules to permit voting on items (6‑0, no‑es)
• Referred the wildlife‑feeding ordinance to staff for possible inclusion in Chapter 26

Environmental Affairs Board (EAB)

The Environmental Affairs Board will hold a work session with three presentations: Duke University will outline its climate‑commitment and carbon‑neutrality goals; staff will present proposed updates to the Unified Development Ordinance Phase 3 focusing on environmental regulations; and the board’s voluntary proffers ad‑hoc committee will share recommended voluntary proffers for city development proposals. The board will also approve minutes from the September 3 meeting and handle routine agenda items.

• Presentation by Duke University on its climate‑commitment and carbon‑neutrality goal
• Presentation on proposed updates to the Unified Development Ordinance Phase 3 (environmental regulations)
• Presentation by the EAB’s Voluntary Proffers ad‑hoc committee of recommended voluntary proffers for development proposals
• Approval of minutes from the September 3 meeting
• Adjustments to agenda and routine announcements

The board approved the minutes from the September 2025 meeting, correcting spelling errors. No other actions were formally adopted; the board discussed Duke University's climate commitments, updates to the Unified Development Ordinance Phase 3, and voluntary proffer recommendations, which will be voted on at a future meeting.

• Approved September 2025 meeting minutes (spelling corrections)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet to approve minutes from September and consider design permits for two properties. The body will also hear updates from committees and address minor design reports.

• Approval of September 2, 2025 meeting minutes
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 2307 West Club Boulevard (withdrawn)
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 1315 Carroll Street
• Minor Certificate of Appropriateness report
• Committees' updates

The commission voted 5‑0 to excuse Commissioner Singeisen. It approved the September 2, 2025 summary minutes with a 4‑0 vote (one abstention). The commission also approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for 1315 Carroll Street, authorizing the proposed addition and modifications, by a 5‑0 vote.

• Excused Commissioner Singeisen (5‑0)
• Approved September 2, 2025 summary minutes (4‑0, one abstention)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 1315 Carroll St addition (5‑0)

City Council

The council adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute opioid settlements with secondary manufacturers, Purdue Pharma, and the Sackler family. It also approved a $25,000 grant for digital‑literacy technology, a $388,000 amendment to the storm‑sewer inspection contract, and a $2,131,323 amendment to the South Ellerbe wetland restoration contract. Additional actions included authorizing a virtual city auction on Dec. 7, 2025, and increasing the Carolina Theatre agreement fee by $150,000.

• Approved opioid settlement resolution (unanimous)
• Approved $25,000 digital‑literacy grant (unanimous)
• Approved $388,000 amendment to storm‑sewer inspection contract (unanimous)
• Approved $2,131,323 amendment to South Ellerbe wetland restoration contract, adding $426,265 contingency (unanimous)
• Approved virtual city auction for Dec. 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. ET (unanimous)
• Approved $150,000 increase to Carolina Theatre building agreement, raising annual fee to $927,179.27 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution recognizing Merrick‑Moore as a Durham Heritage Community (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (items 9, 11, 17 excluded) (unanimous)

Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee

The committee will approve the September meeting minutes, receive announcements, and get a staff update on the Cycle IV participatory budgeting voting ballot. It will then discuss action items and next steps for the budgeting process.

• Approval of September minutes
• PB staff update on Cycle IV voting ballot
• Discussion of action items and next steps

The Steering Committee approved the proposed participatory budgeting ballot, which lists ten projects ranging from $100,000 to $1.2 million. Kenneth Jimerson voted to approve and Rosa Cuppari Paradiso seconded; all members present voted in favor. Voting on the ballot will begin on October 7 with a goal of collecting 2,000 votes across all sites.

• Approved participatory budgeting ballot (unanimous)

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The committee will discuss updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), including public art and infrastructure. The meeting also includes reports on housing initiatives and community goals.

• Durham Housing Initiative Task Force Report
• New UDO: Public Art Regulations and Incentives
• New UDO: Module 3 Content (Environment + Infrastructure)
• Evaluation Assessment Report – PTM and Policy Amendments
• 2026 JCCPC Meeting Schedule

The Joint City‑County Planning Committee approved the September 3, 2025 minutes (vote 4‑0). It also approved the 2026 meeting schedule (vote 6‑0). The committee agreed to amend the UDO text to permit recreational vehicles on any driveway at least 25 feet from the street.

• Approved September 3 minutes (4‑0)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule (6‑0)
• Approved UDO text amendment on RV parking (consensus)
• Postponed Durham Housing Initiative Task Force Report to Nov 5

Durham Workforce Development Board

The Durham Workforce Development Board will meet on September 25, 2025. The board will approve the minutes from the July 24, 2025 meeting and receive reports from its Governance, NC Works, Business Services, and Youth Council committees. A financial report and website update will also be presented, followed by staff comments and a group discussion.

• Approve minutes from July 24, 2025 meeting
• Governance committee report – Chair position open
• NC Works committee report
• Business Services committee report
• Youth Council committee report

The board unanimously approved the July 24, 2025 meeting minutes. No members opposed the motion. The board also changed the date of the next meeting to December 4, 2025, keeping the morning schedule. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved July 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Moved next meeting to Dec 4, 2025 (no vote recorded)

Workers' Rights Commission

The commission approved the minutes from its last meeting. Commissioners received updates on the City Council's 4th Amendment Workplace Resolution, planned outreach with Siembra NC, and upcoming research and reporting efforts. No other formal actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved minutes from previous meeting

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Board of Adjustment will approve the August 26, 2025 minutes and consider several variance and minor special‑use permit applications. Applications include a variance from recreational open‑space requirements for 1414 Carpenter Fletcher Road (zoned Residential Suburban‑Multifamily) and variances for setbacks and riparian buffers at properties on Harris Road, Massey Chapel Road, and Orchard Oriole Lane. The board will also approve pending orders for projects such as Ellis Crossing Hotel and Triangle United Soccer.

• Variance B2500018 for 1414 Carpenter Fletcher Road (RS‑M zone) – recreational open‑space requirement
• Variance B2500013 for 2289, 2311, and 2339 Harris Road (RR zone) – outdoor recreation setback
• Minor Special Use Permit B2400014 for 2289, 2311, and 2339 Harris Road (RR zone) – outdoor recreation facility
• Minor Special Use Permit B2400024 for 8250 Massey Chapel Road (RR zone) – single‑family residence on nonconforming lot
• Variance B2500022 for 1202 Orchard Oriole Lane (PDR‑10.000 zone) – riparian buffer porch

The Board approved a Minor Special Use Permit for a single‑family residence at 8250 Massey Chapel Road. It denied a variance request for recreational open space at 1414 Carpenter Fletcher Road. Several other cases were continued to later dates.

• Excused Commissioner Vatavuk’s early absence (7-0)
• Approved August 26, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Continuance of B2500013 variance (7-0)
• Continuance of B2400014 minor special use permit (7-0)
• Denied variance from recreational open space standards (1-4)
• Approved Minor Special Use Permit for 8250 Massey Chapel Road (5-0)
• Continuance of B2400026 riparian buffer variance (5-0)
• Continuance of B2400027 side yard setback variance (5-0)

City Council

The council first suspended its rules to allow an immediate vote on the Box.com service contract. A second motion authorized the City Manager to execute a one‑year contract with Box.com, Inc. for up to $52,212.50. Both motions passed unanimously among those present. Other items were pulled for later discussion, including a housing‑code revision and agenda Item #9.

• Suspended rules to vote on Box.com contract (5‑0 ayes, 0 noes)
• Authorized City Manager to execute Box.com contract up to $52,212.50 (6‑0 ayes, 0 noes)
• Agreed to take up Ordinance Revision to Chapter 10, Article VI, Housing Code, Section 10‑241 as supplemental matter
• Moved Item #9 to the General Business Agenda for discussion at the next regular council meeting
• Welcomed Tony Baker as new Chief Legal Advisor for the Durham Police Department

Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST)

The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission will discuss several new‑business items, including new grant funds, the 2026 meeting schedule, election and nominating committee matters, and a request to accept a donated conservation easement at 5824 Garrett Road. The commission will also receive updates from staff, elected officials, and its Open Space, Trails, Funding Advocacy, and Matching Grants committees. Decisions on the grant funds and the easement request are expected at this meeting.

• New grant funds for DOST – presented by planner Jai Butts
• Approval of the DOST 2026 meeting schedule
• Election discussion and formation of a nominating committee
• Request for DOST support to accept a donated conservation easement at 5824 Garrett Road
• Updates from Open Space, Trails, Funding Advocacy, and Matching Grants committees

The commission voted to support the acquisition of a donated conservation easement at 5824 Garrett Road. Elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary were postponed to November 19. The 2026 meeting schedule was approved by voice vote, and $1,000 was allocated for a retreat and facilitation training.

• Support acquisition of 5824 Garrett Road easement – approved (motion Fred Myatt, second Ramsey Ritchie)
• Postpone DOST elections to Nov. 19 – approved (motion Maureen Quinlan, second Rann Bar-On, all in favor)
• Approve 2026 DOST meeting schedule – approved by voice vote
• Allocate $1,000 for retreat/facilitation training – approved

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board will discuss and vote on final funding determinations for the third round of festival applications. Proposals will be reviewed and voted upon in ranking order from highest to lowest score.

• Discussion and individual votes on final funding proposals for the third round of festivals
• Festival process updates provided by Annette Smith of the City of Durham
• Review of FY24 Festival & Special Event Contracting Status Report showing $400,000.07 in total allocations

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board adopted Scenario 5.4 as the funding model for the Festivals & Special Events grant process and eliminated three alternative scenarios. It approved considering the top 25 ranked proposals and then voted to allocate grant amounts to dozens of organizations, totaling roughly $400,000. All motions were approved with the recorded vote tallies.

• Approved inclusion of proposals ranked 1‑25 for funding (5‑0, 3 abstained)
• Approved elimination of funding models 5.2, 5.3 & 5.5 (7‑0, Shabu abstained)
• Approved adoption of Scenario 5.4 as the grant funding model (8‑0)
• Approved $35,000 for American Dance Festival (6‑0, Abrams & Shabu abstained)
• Approved $18,822 for Durham Arts Council’s CenterFest (7‑0, Shabu abstained)
• Approved $35,000 for Be Connected Durham & Beyond Juneteenth Collaborative (7‑0, Shabu abstained)
• Approved $4,050 for Southern Documentary Fund’s Southern Doc Fest (7‑0, Shabu abstained)
• Approved $1,263 for 10by10 Productions Shakespeare in the Parks (7‑0, Shabu abstained)

Housing Appeals Board

The Durham Housing Appeals Board will hear appeals for housing code violations at several properties, including 2714 S Roxboro Street and 910 Chester Street. Staff recommends authorizing demolition of the Roxboro house and imposing a $300 monthly civil penalty (capped at $5,000) plus a $250 administrative fee. For the Chester Street property, staff recommends authorizing repairs with an estimated cost of $3,154.62 and a $250 administrative fee. The board will vote on ordinances to implement these actions.

• Demolition order for 2714 S Roxboro St with $300/month civil penalty (max $5,000) and $250 admin fee
• Repair order for 910 Chester St with repair estimate $3,154.62 and $250 admin fee
• Civil penalties of $300 per month assessed to Roxboro property owner
• Other housing‑code appeals listed for 1405 Holloway St and 832 Ridgeway Ave units
• Board to adopt ordinances authorizing demolition or repair as recommended

Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission will hear a guest presentation on the Durham Bike+Walk Plan Project Prioritization. A guest speaker, Sheriff Birkhead, will present a letter to the sheriff and the department’s response to the Roxboro near‑miss event, followed by a forum. The commission will also approve minutes from the August meeting, take public comments, and address new business such as volunteer recruitment and future guest speakers.

• Guest Presentation: Durham Bike+Walk Plan Project Prioritization (Brian Taylor, Hannah Salvaggio, Brooke Roper)
• Guest Speaker: Sheriff Birkhead – reading BPAC’s letter, response to Roxboro near‑miss event, forum
• Approval of minutes from August meeting (vote)
• Public comments (up to 3 minutes per speaker)
• New business: volunteer recruitment and planning future guest speakers for October and December

The commission approved the minutes from the August meeting. A motion to add five minutes to the agenda was carried. The commission also approved an expenditure to purchase NACTO books using BPAC funds.

• Approved August meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Added 5 minutes to meeting agenda (motion carried)
• Approved expenditure for NACTO books (motion carried)

City Council

The Durham City Council approved several contracts and appointments, including a CMAR contract for the East End and Long Meadow Parks project up to $535,849.60. It also approved a contract with the Museum of Durham History for up to $126,730, a grant assistance contract with Central Pines Regional Council for up to $58,000, and an amendment to the DAP operating agreement with the Durham Bulls for $357,684.48. Additionally, the council appointed five members to the Mayor’s Hispanic/Latino Committee and adopted the 2025 Eno Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

• Approved CMAR contract for East End and Long Meadow Parks project up to $535,849.60 (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Museum of Durham History up to $126,730 (unanimous)
• Approved grant assistance contract with Central Pines Regional Council up to $58,000 (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to DAP Operating Agreement with Durham Bulls for $357,684.48 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Eno Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (unanimous)
• Appointed Heydi N Andino, Marianella M Marsano Mccole, Josue D Cordova, James T Ham, and Susana G Marcial Armas to Mayor’s Hispanic/Latino Committee (unanimous)
• Approved attendance reports and removal process for non‑attending board members (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (all items except 9, 11, 17) (unanimous)

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Durham Recreation Advisory Commission will consider the Outdoor Facilities Allocation Policy and vote on the August 2025 meeting minutes. The commission will also hear reports from the Durham Office of Sports and Tourism and the Durham Parks Foundation, and receive the Director’s Report. The next meeting is scheduled as a Fall Park Tour on October 16.

• Approval of August 2025 minutes (Chair: Cedric Burke)
• Discussion of Outdoor Facilities Allocation Policy (Assistant Director: Joy Guy)
• DOST Report presented by Commissioner Dale McKeel
• Durham Parks Foundation report by Business Services Analyst Emilie McIntosh
• Director’s Report (Attachment A) presented in Director’s Report segment

The Recreation Advisory Commission approved the June 11 meeting minutes and the fee waiver request, both by unanimous vote. It also voted unanimously to follow staff recommendation and not accept the Cheek Road development park proffer. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved June 11 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved fee waivers (unanimous)
• Rejected Cheek Road development park proffer per staff recommendation (unanimous)

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board is meeting to finalize the list of organizations eligible for funding and select a base funding projection model. The board will discuss applicant rankings and vote on individual funding proposals for selected applications.

• Vote to finalize the list of organizations under funding consideration
• Selection of a base funding projection model for allocations
• Review and potential reclassification of Tier 3 ranked organizations to Tier 2
• Individual votes on final funding proposals for applications
• Review of FY24-25 cycle where 22 organizations were awarded a total of $400,000.07

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board approved the July 2025 meeting minutes unanimously (10-0). It then voted unanimously (10-0) to remove Tier 3‑scored festival applications from funding consideration. No final funding allocations were made, and the board scheduled an additional meeting on September 17, 2025 to continue the funding discussion.

• Approved July 2025 meeting minutes (10-0)
• Removed Tier 3 scoring applications from funding consideration (10-0)
• Replaced proposed closed session with announcements (agenda adjustment)
• Added additional hour‑long meeting for Sep 17, 2025 to continue funding decisions
• Adjourned meeting at 8:07 p.m.

DPAC Oversight Committee

The DPAC Oversight Committee will meet to review committee updates and a presentation from DPAC. The body will also address new business regarding $1,000 in grant funds.

• Grant Funds - $1,000

The committee approved the minutes from the March meeting unanimously. They set the locations for upcoming meetings, with June and December meetings to be held at DPAC and March and September meetings to be held at the City of Durham General Services Department.

• Approved March meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled June and December meetings at DPAC
• Scheduled March and September meetings at City of Durham General Services Department

Planning Commission (PC)

The Durham Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider three zoning map changes: Leigh Village Center, Sagebrook Townhouses, and East Geer Towns. The body will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and elect officers.

• Public hearing for Z2300042 Leigh Village Center
• Public hearing for Z2400040 Sagebrook Townhouses
• Public hearing for Z2500001 East Geer Towns
• Approval of August 12, 2025 minutes
• Election of Planning Commission officers

The commission approved the minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting. It approved the Leigh Village Center zoning change and the East Geer Towns development, and denied the Sagebrook Townhouses zoning change. The commission also elected Sarah Chagaris as chair and Kimberly Cameron as vice chair.

• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (11-0)
• Approved Leigh Village Center zoning map change (10-1, Wouk voting No)
• Denied Sagebrook Townhouses zoning map change (3-8)
• Approved East Geer Towns zoning map change (10-1, Neunkirchner voting No)
• Elected Sarah Chagaris as Chair (11-0)
• Elected Kimberly Cameron as Vice Chair (11-0)

Mayor's Council for Women

The Mayor's Council for Women will meet to discuss updates on Habitat for Humanity and the Durham Crisis Response Center. The body will also coordinate the Cornwallis Clothes Closet & Coat Drive and plan for 2025 holiday events.

• Cornwallis Clothes Closet & Coat Drive launch and logistics
• National Night Out (October 7) in Cornwallis
• Durham Crisis Response Center update
• 2025 Christmas Parade planning
• Adoption of Communities in Durham

The council approved the August 19 and September 9 meeting minutes and agenda unanimously (7‑0 each). Members agreed to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity on November 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. They also set September 28, 3:00 p.m.‑5:00 p.m. to start the Cornwallis clothes closet and pledged ten $20 gift cards ($200 total) for donation. Two vacuum cleaners will be given to the Durham Crisis Response Center at no charge.

• Approved August 19, 2025 minutes (7‑0)
• Approved September 9, 2025 agenda (7‑0)
• Agreed to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity on Nov 15, 8:30‑11:30 a.m.
• Agreed to begin Cornwallis clothes closet on Sep 28, 3:00‑5:00 p.m.
• Agreed to donate ten $20 gift cards totaling $200
• Donated two vacuum cleaners to Durham Crisis Response Center at no charge

Public Art Committee

The Durham Public Art Committee will approve the June meeting minutes, receive updates from the City, County and the Cultural Advisory Board, and hear a presentation on public art in the city's Cultural Roadmap. No decisions on contracts or funding are listed.

• Approve June meeting summary minutes
• Announcements from City of Durham, Durham County, and Durham Cultural Advisory Board
• Presentation on Public Art in the Cultural Roadmap by Constance White

The Public Art Committee approved the minutes from the June 2025 meeting with a 3‑0 vote; five members abstained. No other formal actions or approvals were recorded during the session.

• Approved June 2025 PAC meeting minutes (3-0)

Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee

The committee is meeting to review proposal development and the voting video. Members will discuss upcoming engagement for Participatory Budgeting Cycle IV projects before they are placed on the ballot.

• Welcome of new member Elizabeth Edmiston
• Co-Chair appointment
• Proposal development update
• Review of voting video
• Engagement for PB Cycle IV projects

The committee approved the August meeting minutes unanimously. Raivynn was appointed co‑chair after Donna withdrew, with all members voting in favor. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Raivynn as co‑chair (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Work Session did not approve or deny any measures. Items 4, 5, 7, and 13 were removed from the agenda for further discussion. No vote tallies were recorded.

• Item 4 (Museum of Durham History funding) pulled for further discussion
• Item 5 (2025 Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan update) pulled for further discussion
• Item 7 (2024 Bond Referendum CMAR contract) pulled for further discussion
• Item 13 (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act contract) pulled for further discussion

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The board will review the festival application process, including a conflict of interest policy review. Members will rank and discuss individual applications to determine final rankings and votes per proposal.

• Review and ranking of festival applications
• Conflict of Interest Policy Review
• Approval of July 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Arts Town Hall agenda for September 25
• FY25 Festival & Special Event contracting status report

The board reported that the Celebrate Hayti 50th Anniversary event, originally set for August 29, 2025, was postponed and a new date will be determined later. Approval of the July 2025 meeting minutes was also delayed until the September 10, 2025 meeting. The board confirmed that partial funding can be awarded for festival grant applications. No festival applications were approved or denied; many were flagged for further discussion.

• Postponed Celebrate Hayti 50th Anniversary event (original date Aug 29, 2025) – new date to be determined
• Deferred approval of July 2025 meeting minutes to Sep 10, 2025
• Confirmed that partial funding may be awarded for festival grant applications
• Member Lau recused herself from discussion of Beaver Lodge application due to conflict of interest
• Flagged several festival applications (e.g., Echo System, Bullhorn Arts, Beaver Lodge, North Carolina Asian Americans Together) for further consideration
• Noted that religious organizations may apply for grant funding if event content is non‑religious

Environmental Affairs Board (EAB)

The board will receive presentations on Duke University's carbon neutrality goals and Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE). Members will also receive updates on city resilience initiatives and vote on the Brier Creek zoning case.

• Vote on the Brier Creek zoning case
• Presentation from Duke University on climate commitment and carbon neutrality
• Presentation on Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE)
• Update on flood reduction through stormwater management systems
• Update on extreme heat mitigation via resilience centers and urban forestry

The Environmental Affairs Board approved an endorsement of the C‑PACE program and asked Durham County commissioners to adopt it. The motion was made by Sandra Howell, seconded by Michelle Carter, and passed unanimously by a show of hands. The board also approved the August 2025 meeting minutes. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Endorsed C‑PACE program for commercial property financing (unanimous)
• Requested Durham County commissioners adopt C‑PACE program (unanimous)
• Approved August 2025 meeting minutes (passed)

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The Joint City-County Planning Committee will meet to discuss updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), including the Affordable Housing Density Bonus Program and public engagement efforts. The meeting will also review a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) text amendment and consider an interlocal agreement amendment for the Appearance Commission.

• Review of Affordable Housing Density Bonus Program under new UDO
• Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) text amendment discussion
• City-County Appearance Commission Interlocal Agreement Amendment
• Consolidated Case Summary presentation
• New UDO Engagement Updates

The Joint City‑County Planning Committee approved the minutes from the August 6, 2025 meeting. The motion passed unanimously with a 5‑0 vote. No other items received a vote or formal decision; the remaining agenda items were informational presentations.

• Approved August 6, 2025 minutes (5‑0)

City Council

The Durham City Council unanimously approved a series of contracts, including a $4.5 million agreement with InfoSend for electronic presentment and payment processing. It also confirmed multiple appointments to city commissions and boards. An excused absence for Council Member DeDreana Freeman was granted, and the consent agenda was adopted except for item 20.

• Approved excused absence for Council Member DeDreana Freeman (6-0)
• Adopted consent agenda (all items except item 20) (6-0)
• Appointed Caitlin Kempski to the Racial Equity Commission (6-0)
• Appointed Crystal Avent to the Workforce Development Board (6-0)
• Authorized $62,970 contract with El Centro Hispano for community support services (6-0)
• Authorized $130,000 Brink's SmartSafe services contract (6-0)
• Authorized $4,500,000 InfoSend electronic payment processing contract (6-0)
• Authorized USDA urban forestry contract up to $56,049.12, including a $5,095.37 contingency fund (6-0)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Durham Historic Preservation Commission will meet to approve summary minutes from August 2025, review three Certificates of Appropriateness for property modifications, and receive updates on newsletters and committee reports.

• COA2500048 – 1219 Broad Street – Addition, Modifications, Sign and Site Work
• COA2500051 – 1010 Wells Street – Addition
• COA2500052 – 2307 West Club Boulevard – Modifications

The commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for 1219 Broad Street with conditions, voted 5‑0. It also approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for 1010 Wells Street, also 5‑0. Finally, the commission approved continuation of the case for 2307 West Club Boulevard, again 5‑0.

• Approved COA2500048 for 1219 Broad Street with conditions, vote 5‑0 (Vampran; Webb 2nd)
• Approved COA2500051 for 1010 Wells Street with conditions, vote 5‑0 (Vampran; Webb 2nd)
• Approved continuation of COA2500052 for 2307 West Club Boulevard, vote 5‑0 (Webb; Vampran 2nd)

Human Relations Commission

The commission will assign members to specific goals and initiatives for the 2025-2027 period and determine liaisons for local government departments and community organizations. The meeting includes a presentation on community benefit agreements and engagement in the development process.

• Presentation by Kim Cameron on Community Benefit Agreements and Community Engagement
• Assignment of members to 16 draft initiatives including disaster recovery, environmental impacts in SE Durham, and eviction diversion funding
• Selection of liaisons for the Racial Equity Commission, Planning Commission, and Durham Police Department
• Vote on whether to have a table at 'National Night Out' events on October 7, 2025
• Vote on holding the October 14, 2025 meeting in person

The commission unanimously approved the August 2025 meeting minutes with nine votes in favor. The Community Outreach Committee decided to move the November 2025 public safety panel discussion to 2026. The Housing Committee scheduled its first in‑person meeting for September 17, 2025, and a conference room was reserved for a possible October 14, 2025 in‑person meeting. Food orders for the September 13 Meet & Greet were directed to the Human Relations Manager and senior technician.

• Approved August 2025 meeting minutes (9‑for, unanimous)
• Postponed November 2025 public safety panel to 2026
• Scheduled Housing Committee first meeting for September 17, 2025
• Reserved HNS conference room for potential October 14, 2025 meeting
• Designated Phil Jordan and Juanita English to receive food orders for Meet & Greet

Durham Convention Center Authority

The Authority is meeting to welcome new board members and review the organization's financial performance. The body will also vote to approve the meeting minutes from June 2025.

• Appointment of Carl Newman (City Appointed)
• Appointment of Shawn Holland (County Appointed)
• Financial Performance Review
• Approval of June 2025 Meeting Minutes

Workers' Rights Commission

The Durham Workers’ Rights Commission approved the minutes from its last meeting. No other formal actions, approvals, or denials were recorded. The remainder of the session consisted of public comments, updates on a 4th Amendment resolution, discussions about a worker‑conditions survey, and presentations on worker‑cooperative initiatives.

• Approved minutes from the previous meeting

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Durham Board of Adjustment will hear five cases requesting zoning variances and special use permits, including expansions to an educational facility and hotel near residential areas, as well as variances for outdoor recreation and street connectivity standards. The board will also vote on two old business items related to fence height and tree specimen variances.

• Minor Special Use Permit for educational facility expansion at 5510 Barbee Chapel Road
• Minor Special Use Permit for outdoor recreation facility at 5510 Barbee Chapel Road
• Variance from setback requirements for outdoor recreation use at 5510 Barbee Chapel Road
• Minor Special Use Permit for hotel at 2050 Watchorn Street near residential district
• Variance from recreational open space requirements at 1414 Carpenter Fletcher Road

The Board approved a minor special use permit for a school at 5501 Barbee Chapel Road, allowing up to 213 students and requiring planting of evergreen trees, with a 6‑0 vote. It also approved a variance and a minor special use permit for outdoor recreation facilities at 5510 Barbee Chapel Road, each with a 6‑0 vote. Additionally, the Board approved a hotel permit at 2050 Watchorn Street with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved Minor Special Use Permit for school at 5501 Barbee Chapel Road (6-0)
• Approved variance for outdoor recreation at 5510 Barbee Chapel Road (6-0)
• Approved Minor Special Use Permit for outdoor recreation at 5510 Barbee Chapel Road (6-0)
• Approved Minor Special Use Permit for hotel at 2050 Watchorn Street (5-0)
• Approved July 22, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Excused Commissioner Vatavuk’s absence (6-0)

City Council

The council voted to approve the Deputy City Manager’s priority items and the City Attorney’s priority item, each with a unanimous vote. Several agenda items (7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 19) were pulled for further discussion. No other substantive actions were decided in this work session.

• Approved Deputy City Manager priority items (unanimous)
• Approved City Attorney priority item (unanimous)
• Pulled agenda items 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 19 for further discussion

Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST)

The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission will meet virtually to discuss updates on open space planning, wildlife connectivity, and the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail. The meeting includes presentations, reports from committees, and a vote on a new Natural Surface Trails Policy proposal requested by Durham Parks and Recreation.

• Vote on Natural Surface Trails Policy proposal (requested by Durham Parks and Recreation)
• Presentation on Wildlife Connectivity by Celeste Burns, Durham County Open Space Program
• Presentation on Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail by Brook Roper, Durham County Transportation
• Report on new hires and plans for open space and trails representatives
• Request for extension of the term limit for the ad hoc Funding Advocacy Committee

The commission unanimously approved the revised June meeting minutes. The Funding Advocacy Committee's term limit was extended through March 2026. The Natural Surface Trails Policy proposal was approved unanimously to be sent to DPR. Bickers Bock was appointed to the Matching Grants Committee and volunteers were accepted for the UDO committee.

• Approved June meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Extended Funding Advocacy Committee term through March 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved Natural Surface Trails Policy proposal (unanimous)
• Appointed Bickers Bock to Matching Grants Committee (volunteer appointment)
• Accepted volunteers Bar‑On, Cohn, Luecken, Quinlan for UDO Committee
• Deferred discussion of new grant funds to next meeting

Civilian Police Review Board

The Durham Civilian Police Review Board will hold its regular meeting on August 20, 2025. The board will discuss and vote on approving its annual report and electing a new chair and vice-chair. A closed session is scheduled to hear an appeal request.

• Approval of Annual Report
• Chair and Vice-Chair Elections
• Closed Session for Amy Henderson appeal hearing

The Civilian Police Review Board approved its agenda, the July 16 minutes, and the 2025 Annual Report, each by a 4‑0 vote. The board entered closed session to consider an appeal request for Amy Henderson, then voted 0‑4 to deny the appeal. The board returned to open session and adjourned.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved July 16, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved 2025 Annual Report (4-0)
• Moved to closed session to discuss appeal request (4-0)
• Denied appeal hearing for Amy Henderson (0-4)
• Moved back to open session (4-0)

Housing Appeals Board

The board will determine whether three properties must be repaired or demolished due to housing code violations. Staff recommends demolition for one vacant home and repairs for an apartment building.

• 314 W Carver St: Staff recommends demolition; repair estimate is $120,751.86
• 915 Wadesboro St, Unit E: Staff recommends repair for rodent entry and smoke detector issues
• 905 Wadesboro St, Unit B: Hearing for housing code violations
• Proposed $300 monthly civil penalty for owner of 314 W Carver St

Mayor's Council for Women

The Mayor’s Council for Women will review updates on ongoing programs, including the Durham Crisis Response Center and school clothes closets, and discuss new initiatives like National Night Out and the Cornwallis Clothes Closet launch. The meeting will also recognize volunteers at a September reception.

• Volunteer Appreciation reception on September 4 at 5pm, Durham Armory, 212 Foster St
• Discussion on National Night Out (October 7) registration and collaboration
• Planning for Cornwallis Clothes Closet launch, including start date and logistics
• Updates on Durham Crisis Response Center and Southern High School Clothes Closet
• Review of 2025 event planning and branding initiatives for the council

The council voted 5-0 to approve the June 10, 2025 meeting minutes and the August 19, 2025 agenda. Members agreed to build the Cornwallis community clothes closet on Sundays. The Southern High School clothes closet project was announced as cancelled.

• Approved June 10, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved August 19, 2025 agenda (5-0)
• Board agreed to build Cornwallis clothes closet on Sundays
• Cancelled Southern High School clothes closet project

Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

The Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission will hear a presentation on the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail and discuss updates from various committees and liaisons. The group will also vote on meeting minutes and agenda adjustments.

• Guest presentation: Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail
• Approval of June meeting minutes
• Meeting location change to Forest Hills Neighborhood Clubhouse
• Committee and liaison reports
• Volunteers needed for Durham Pride and Open Streets events

The commission voted to approve the agenda adjustments for the meeting. The minutes from the June 2025 meeting were approved. A motion to add ten minutes to the meeting time was adopted. The next meeting date and location (September 16 at Forest Hills Neighborhood Clubhouse, no Zoom) was set.

• Agenda adjustments approved (motion passed)
• June 2025 meeting minutes approved (motion passed)
• Added 10 minutes to meeting time approved (motion passed)
• Next meeting scheduled for September 16 at Forest Hills Neighborhood Clubhouse, no Zoom

City Council

The Durham City Council approved several appointments to commissions and boards, granted excused absences for the mayor and the mayor pro tempore, and adopted the 2026 council meeting schedule. It also authorized a series of contracts, including a $58,015 CAD‑to‑CAD cloud service, a $78,000 MiFi distribution program, a $1.34 M hazmat truck purchase, and a $26.5 M installment‑purchase financing. All actions were approved unanimously with six votes in favor and none against.

• Approved excused absence for Mayor Leonardo Williams (6‑0 vote)
• Approved excused absence for Mayor Pro Tempore Mark‑Anthony Middleton (6‑0 vote)
• Approved appointment of Michael Johnston to the Recreation Advisory Commission (term expires Aug 8 2028) (6‑0 vote)
• Approved appointment of Elizabeth Edmiston to the Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee (term expires Jun 30 2026) (6‑0 vote)
• Approved 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule and cancellation of several work sessions/meetings (6‑0 vote)
• Authorized contract with Central Square Technologies for CAD‑to‑CAD cloud services up to $58,015 (6‑0 vote)
• Authorized Installment Purchase Contract financing not to exceed $26,500,000 (Resolution #10394) (6‑0 vote)
• Authorized purchase of one Hazmat truck from Sutphen Corporation for up to $1,343,865.47 (6‑0 vote)

Recreation Advisory Commission

The commission will hold its regular meeting to approve the June 2025 minutes and act on a fee waiver request. Members will also hear reports from the DOST committee and Durham Parks Foundation, discuss trail design questions, and receive updates on Sherwood Park improvements and the Cheek Road development proffers.

• Approval of June 2025 minutes
• Fee waiver approval
• Trail design questions
• Sherwood Park improvements presentation
• Cheek Road development proffers

The Recreation Advisory Commission approved the minutes from the January 8 meeting. It also approved a set of fee waivers. Finally, the commission adopted the updated Inclusion Services Policy. All three motions passed unanimously.

• Approved January 8 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved fee waivers (unanimous)
• Approved updated Inclusion Services Policy (unanimous)

Planning Commission (PC)

The Durham Planning Commission will hold public hearings on five zoning map changes, including an initial zoning map change and four additional changes for subdivisions and commercial properties. The meeting will also include approval of minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting and updates on committee matters and upcoming elections.

• Z2400046A - BDG2400020 Hamlin Reserve (Initial Zoning Map Change)
• Z2400010 Heartland Park Subdivision
• Z2400036 1607 East Cornwallis Road
• Z2400038 Wake Olive
• Z2500002 Ravenstone Commercial

The commission approved the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting by an 11‑0 vote. It denied the Hamlin Reserve and Heartland Park Subdivision zoning map changes. It approved zoning changes for 1607 East Cornwallis Road, Wake Olive, and Ravenstone Commercial. All decisions were recorded with vote tallies.

• Approved June 10, 2025 minutes (11-0)
• Denied Hamlin Reserve zoning change (0-11)
• Denied Heartland Park Subdivision zoning change (4-7)
• Approved 1607 East Cornwallis Road zoning change (11-0)
• Approved Wake Olive zoning change (7-4)
• Approved Ravenstone Commercial zoning change (11-0)

Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee

The Durham Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee will hold a virtual meeting to discuss next steps for Cycle IV projects, including upcoming public engagement before the ballot. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes, staff updates, and planning for project signage and proposal development.

The committee approved the June minutes unanimously. The motion to appoint Kenneth as Chair was postponed for a vote in September. The meeting was adjourned at 6:59 pm.

• Approved June meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed decision on Kenneth as Chair to September meeting
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

City Council

The work session ended with Council Member Caballero moving, and Council Member Rist seconding, to adopt the City Manager’s agenda for the August 18, 2025 regular council meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Several items (3, 7, 9, 13, 20) were pulled from the agenda for further discussion, and staff agreed to correct attendance report statistics and update the 2025‑2026 calendar as requested.

• Motion to settle City Manager’s agenda for Aug. 18, 2025 regular meeting passed unanimously
• Items 3, 7, 9, 13, 20 pulled from agenda for further discussion
• Council agreed to correct attendance report statistics moving forward
• Staff to make necessary changes to the 2025 and 2026 council meeting calendars

Affordable Housing Implementation Committee (AHIC)

The committee will meet to approve minutes from May and November. The session consists primarily of updates from UMCNC, the Durham Housing Authority, and Housing & Neighborhood Services.

• UMCNC update
• Durham Housing Authority (DHA) updates
• Housing & Neighborhood Services updates

The Affordable Housing Implementation Committee approved the minutes from the May 1, 2025 meeting. The session provided updates on UMCNC projects, Durham Housing Authority initiatives, and various affordable‑housing programs. No public comments were received and no other actions were voted on.

• Approved May 1, 2025 minutes

Environmental Affairs Board (EAB)

The Environmental Affairs Board will review the Brier Creek rezoning case and a presentation on the Durham Open Space and Trails Commission’s Decision Making Tool and Rezoning Explorer. The board is also seeking two members to serve on the Stormwater Management Plan Citizen Advisory Committee.

• Discussion of Brier Creek rezoning case
• Presentation on Durham Open Space and Trails Commission’s Decision Making Tool and Rezoning Explorer
• Recruitment of 2 members for the Stormwater Management Plan Citizen Advisory Committee

The board approved the minutes from the July 2025 meeting. The CPACE presentation was rescheduled to a future meeting due to a conflict. Two board members volunteered and were appointed to the Stormwater Management Plan Citizen Advisory Committee workgroup.

• Approved July 2025 meeting minutes
• Moved CPACE presentation to another meeting
• Appointed two EAB members to the Stormwater Management Plan Citizen Advisory Committee workgroup

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The Joint City-County Planning Committee will review items related to the new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Discussions include zoning capacity and certifications for bird-friendly design and DarkSky lighting.

• New UDO: Potential Zoning Capacity
• New UDO: DarkSky Certification and Bird-Friendly Design
• HPC Interlocal Cooperative Agreement
• Evaluation and Assessment Report (EAR) Introduction

The Joint City‑County Planning Committee approved the June 4, 2025 minutes with a 5‑0 vote. Staff were directed to incorporate DarkSky certification and bird‑friendly design standards into the new Unified Development Ordinance. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved June 4, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
• Directed incorporation of DarkSky and bird‑friendly design standards into new UDO

Workers' Rights Commission

The Commission met virtually to review and vote on a workplace resolution. The body decided to support a resolution regarding the 4th Amendment in the workplace, which Councilmember Caballero will introduce at a work session.

• Approved July meeting minutes
• Passed motion to support 4th Amendment Workplace resolution for the city of Durham

The Durham Workers' Rights Commission approved the July meeting minutes. A motion to have the commission support the city’s 4th Amendment Workplace Resolution was passed.

• Approved July meeting minutes (6:05pm)
• Motion to support 4th Amendment Workplace Resolution passed (6:09pm)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to consider Certificates of Appropriateness for modifications and additions at three specific addresses. The body will also review a recommendation letter for The Chicken Hut.

• COA2500029: Modifications at 108 West Parrish Street
• COA2500041: Addition, modifications, and site work at 708 Arnette Avenue
• COA2500043: Addition and site work at 2406 Englewood Avenue
• Review of HPC Letter of Recommendation for The Chicken Hut

The Durham Historic Preservation Commission met on Aug 5, 2025 and approved Certificates of Appropriateness for 108 West Parrish Street, 708 Arnette Avenue, and 2406 Englewood Avenue, each with conditions. The motions passed unanimously (5‑0 for West Parrish, 6‑0 for Arnette and Englewood). The approvals allow the proposed additions, modifications, and site work that comply with historic district criteria. No opposition was recorded for any case.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 108 West Parrish St (5‑0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 708 Arnette Ave (6‑0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 2406 Englewood Ave (6‑0)

Human Relations Commission

The Commission discussed community engagement efforts and upcoming strategic planning. Members approved a community meet-and-greet event and payment for retreat facilitators.

• Approved a Meet & Greet with community leaders on September 13, 2025, at the Durham Public Main Library
• Approved $100.00 (two $50.00 MasterCard gift cards) for Restorative Justice Durham retreat facilitators
• Retroactively approved public comments regarding affordable housing funding for the FY 2026 Budget Hearing
• Reported that two reasonable accommodation Fair Housing cases have been settled
• Confirmed Strategic Planning Retreat for August 9, 2025, at 807 E. Main St.

The commission unanimously approved the June 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved a $100 payment to Restorative Justice Durham for two retreat facilitators, and authorized a DHRC Meet & Greet with community leaders on September 13, 2025. Additionally, the commission retroactively approved Commissioner Jack Holstein’s public comments supporting affordable‑housing funding made at the FY2026 budget hearing.

• Approved June 2025 meeting minutes (12‑for, unanimous)
• Approved $100 payment to Restorative Justice Durham for two retreat facilitators (12‑for, unanimous)
• Approved DHRC Meet & Greet on Sep 13, 2025 at Durham Public Main Library (12‑for, unanimous)
• Approved retroactive acceptance of Commissioner Jack Holstein’s public comments at FY2026 budget hearing (12‑for, unanimous)

City Council

The Durham City Council unanimously approved a series of contracts and resolutions covering road repairs, water‑quality monitoring, storm‑water easements, a trail lease, domestic‑violence funding, and support for the Upper Neuse River Basin budget. All motions passed with a 7‑0 vote. The approvals were recorded at 7:51 p.m. during the regular meeting.

• Approved West Woodridge Drive Infrastructure Repairs contract $963,727.80 (7‑0)
• Approved Stantec water‑quality pollutant source tracking contract $339,227 (7‑0)
• Approved InfoSend print and mail services contract up to $908,364 (7‑0)
• Approved FY26 Domestic Violence and Gang Violence Reduction agreement up to $301,189 (7‑0)
• Approved resolution supporting Upper Neuse River Basin Association FY2026 budget $767,000, city contribution $162,937.56 (7‑0)
• Approved permanent storm‑water outfall easements for West Forest Development (7‑0)
• Approved lease of NCDOT property for the American Tobacco Trail (7‑0)
• Approved appointment of Revae Embs to the Durham Performing Arts Center Oversight Committee (7‑0)

City Council

The council voted to approve the priority items presented by City Manager Bo Ferguson, which include staffing updates and technology upgrades for the council chamber. The motion was introduced by Council Member Chelsea Cook, seconded by Council Member Javiera Caballero, and passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided during the work session.

• Approved City Manager Bo Ferguson's priority items (unanimous)

Workers' Rights Commission

The Commission approved an endorsement of the Duke Don’t Dodge Care Assembly letter. Members discussed the history of the commission and current labor projects including heat safety standards and substance abuse policies.

• Approved endorsement of the Duke Don’t Dodge Care Assembly letter
• Discussion of establishing quarterly meetings between the City Manager and a worker task force
• Review of efforts to establish a Heat Safety Standard
• Plan to meet with new Director of Economic and Workforce Development, Josh Gunn
• Development of a research subcommittee questionnaire

The commission moved and approved the June meeting minutes. The commission voted to endorse the Duke Don’t Dodge Care Assembly letter.

• Approved June meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved endorsement of Duke Don’t Dodge Care Assembly letter (motion passed)

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Board of Adjustment is meeting to consider several requests for variances and Minor Special Use Permits. These requests involve educational facility expansions, hotel operations, and outdoor recreation facilities.

• Minor Special Use Permit for a hotel at 2050 Watchorn Street
• Minor Special Use Permit for an outdoor recreation facility at 2289, 2311, and 2339 Harris Road
• Minor Special Use Permits for educational facility expansions at 4019 Holt School Road and 5510 Barbee Road
• Variance requests for sidewalk standards at 450 Muldee Street and fence height at 2511 South Miami Boulevard
• Variance request for tree protection standards at 8116 NC 751 Highway and 102 Wayfield Avenue

The Board of Adjustment approved the order for case B2500008, a Sunrock MDC concrete manufacturing plant access variance, with a 5‑0 vote. It also approved the June 24, 2025 meeting minutes by a 6‑0 vote. Continuance motions were adopted for several minor special‑use permits and variances, each passing unanimously 6‑0.

• Approved order for case B2500008 (Sunrock MDC plant access variance) 5‑0
• Approved June 24, 2025 minutes 6‑0
• Continuance of case B2400001 to Feb 24 2026 6‑0
• Continuance of case B2500011 to Aug 26 2025 6‑0
• Continuance of case B2500010 to Oct 28 2025 6‑0
• Continuance of case B2400014 to Sep 23 2025 6‑0
• Continuance of case B2500013 to Sep 23 2025 6‑0
• Continuance of case B2400015 to Aug 26 2025 6‑0

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The board will vote on appointing Co-Chairs and re-appointing members for the Public Art Committee. Members will also discuss student applications and provide updates on the Durham Cultural Roadmap and ARPA funding.

• Vote to appoint Heather Wilson and Mark Iwinski as Public Art Committee Co-Chairs
• Vote to re-appoint PAC members Jaime Chaves, Aya Shabu, Mark Iwinski, and Rachel Mutschler
• Discussion of student applications for the board
• ARPA updates regarding St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation/Hayti Heritage Center Cycle 2
• Review of FY25 Festival & Special Event contracts totaling $400,000.07

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board approved the June 2025 meeting minutes (9‑0, Abrams abstained). The board appointed Heather Wilson and Mark Iwinski as PAC Co‑Chairs (9‑0, unanimous abstention). It also reappointed PAC members Jaime Chaves, Rachel Mutschler and Aya Shabu (9‑0) and appointed Emily Ensminger as a student member (8‑1). Additionally, the board scheduled two festival‑review meetings for September 2025.

• Approved June 2025 meeting minutes (9-0, Abrams abstained)
• Appointed PAC Co‑Chairs Heather Wilson and Mark Iwinski (9-0, unanimous abstention)
• Reappointed PAC members Jaime Chaves, Rachel Mutschler, Aya Shabu (9-0)
• Appointed student member Emily Ensminger (8-1)
• Scheduled two festival‑review meetings for September 2025 (board support)

Housing Appeals Board

The Housing Appeals Board will hold hearings to determine if specific properties should be repaired or demolished. These cases involve housing code violations at several units on Wadesboro Street.

• Case FY26-HAB001: 911 Wadesboro St., Unit B
• Case FY26-HAB002: 911 Wadesboro St., Unit 8-G
• Case FY26-HAB003: 920 Wadesboro St., Unit A
• Case FY26-HAB004: 920 Wadesboro St., Unit 3-G
• Case FY26-HAB005: 923 Wadesboro St., Unit B

Durham Workforce Development Board

The Executive Committee is meeting to orient a new board member and discuss the agenda for an upcoming strategic planning retreat. The group will determine the date, location, and goals for that retreat.

• New Board Member Orientation
• Discussion on Board Strategic Planning Retreat date and location
• Setting retreat goals and objectives

Public Art Committee

The Public Art Committee will review a proposal for technical support and funding for a mural at E.K. Powe Elementary School. The body will also vote on committee leadership and member re-appointments.

• Proposal for funding and technical support for a groundplane mural at E.K. Powe Elementary School
• Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair for the Public Art Committee
• Re-appointment of members Jaime Chaves, Aya Shabu, Mark Iwinski, and Rachel Mutschler
• Discussion on recruiting new members with specific skill sets like landscape architecture
• Review of value statements regarding equitably located art and fair pay for local artists

The Public Art Committee voted to provide technical support and city funding for Bike Durham's ground‑plane mural at E.K. Powe Elementary School. The committee also approved Mark Iwinski and Heather Wilson as co‑chairs, cancelled the August 2025 meeting, and reappointed four members for a second term.

• Approved technical support and funding for Bike Durham ground‑plane mural at E.K. Powe Elementary (6-0, Shabu abstained)
• Approved appointment of Mark Iwinski and Heather Wilson as co‑chairs of the Public Art Committee (7-0)
• Approved cancellation of the August 2025 Public Art Committee meeting (7-0)
• Approved reappointment of PAC members Jaime Chaves, Aya Shabu, Mark Iwinski, Rachel Mutschler for a second term (7-0)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission will review a landmark application for the Chicken Hut. The commission will also review a Minor COA Report and discuss a newsletter.

• Landmark application for Chicken Hut (LD2500001)
• Minor COA Report

The commission voted 7‑0 to recommend landmark designation for The Chicken Hut (case LD2500001). Earlier motions excused Commissioner Calhoun’s absence and approved the June 3, 2025 minutes, each passing 6‑0. The board also assigned tasks for a newsletter, including photos of 2204 Woodrow Street and text on the Mutual Life Building. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Excused Commissioner Calhoun’s absence – motion carried 6‑0
• Approved June 3, 2025 minutes – motion carried 6‑0
• Recommended approval of Landmark Designation for The Chicken Hut (LD2500001) – approved 7‑0
• Assigned Commissioner Tabron to photograph 2204 Woodrow Street – task delegated
• Assigned Commissioner Singeisen to write text on windows – task delegated
• Assigned Commissioner Vampran to write excerpt on Mutual Life Building – task delegated
• Assigned Commissioner Chambers to work on realtor-focused newsletter – task delegated

Durham Convention Center Authority

The Authority will review financial performance for the end of the year. The board will also vote on a new Vice Chair to replace Nicole Thompson.

• End-of-year financial performance review
• Vote for a new Vice Chair
• Appointment of Carl Newman to the Board
• Appointment of Ari to a second term

Workers' Rights Commission

The Commission discussed reports of ICE activity at Amazon warehouses and the need for 4th Amendment workplace training. Members established subcommittees for research and social media and planned a vision-building exercise for the July meeting.

• Election of Commissioner Morell as secretary
• Formation of social media and research subcommittees
• Discussion of sponsoring 4th amendment workplace training for the city of Durham
• Proposal for a city government pro-worker certification process
• Planning for an annual report and 4th quarter project (August to December)

Commissioner Morell was elected secretary by unanimous acclamation. Vice Chair Reinstein, Commissioner Spates, and Commissioner Robertson were appointed to a new social media subcommittee. The outreach committee was tabled and a July in‑person meeting was scheduled.

• Commissioner Morell elected secretary (unanimous acclamation)
• Vice Chair Reinstein, Commissioner Spates, Commissioner Robertson appointed to social media subcommittee
• Outreach committee motion tabled
• July meeting scheduled for July 22 (in‑person)
• Research subcommittee formed with Chair Ballan, Commissioners Fenerty, Martin, Medelius, Wang

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Board of Adjustment will consider three land-use cases involving variances and a special use permit. The board will also receive a presentation on HB 765 from the City Attorney.

• Variance request for concrete plant access at 1503 Camden Avenue
• Variance request for sidewalk standards at 450 Muldee Street
• Minor Special Use Permit for a hotel at 2050 Watchorn Street
• Presentation on HB 765 by City Attorney Aarin Miles
• Approval of orders for B2500004, B2500006, and B2500007

The Board approved the May 27, 2025 minutes unanimously. It granted a variance for a concrete manufacturing plant at 1503 Camden Avenue by a 6‑0 vote. The Board also approved orders for two minor special use permits and denied a riparian buffer variance, each with recorded vote counts.

• Approved May 27, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Granted variance B2500008 for 1503 Camden Ave concrete plant (6-0)
• Approved order for case B2500004 (Christ Central Church mSUP) (6-0)
• Approved order for case B2500006 (Abundant Love Childcare mSUP) (6-0)
• Approved denial order for case B2500007 (5509 Pelham St riparian buffer) (5-0)
• Postponed cases B2500010 and B2400015 to July agenda (no vote)
• Vice Chair Tarrant recused from case B2500008 (procedural)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:53 a.m.

Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST)

The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission will discuss the new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and the outcome of the City Council's decision on the Half-Penny for Parks. The body will also review the DOST Annual Report and discuss the formation of a UDO Ad Hoc committee.

• Presentation on the new Unified Development Ordinance by Bo Dobrzenski
• Report on City Council decision regarding Half-Penny for Parks
• Review of the DOST Annual Report
• Discussion on establishing a UDO Ad Hoc committee
• Updates from Trails, Open Space, Funding Advocacy, and Matching Grants committees

The commission unanimously approved a template for the Open Space Report Card, which will be used to evaluate rezoning proposals. It also approved a resolution urging the City Council to maintain the half‑penny tax dedicated to park and trail maintenance, with one member abstaining. Both actions were adopted by voice vote.

• Approved Open Space Report Card template (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved resolution to maintain half‑penny park‑trail tax (unanimous voice vote, one abstention)

Housing Appeals Board

The Housing Appeals Board will hold hearings to determine if specific properties should be repaired or demolished. These cases involve housing code violations at multiple units on Wadesboro Street.

• Case FY26-HAB001: 911 Wadesboro St., Unit B
• Case FY26-HAB002: 911 Wadesboro St., Unit 8-G
• Case FY26-HAB003: 920 Wadesboro St., Unit A
• Case FY26-HAB004: 920 Wadesboro St., Unit 3-G
• Case FY26-HAB005: 923 Wadesboro St., Unit B

The Housing Appeals Board approved the May 21, 2025 minutes unanimously. It affirmed a civil penalty of $50 per month (max $1,000) for 1203 N Miami Blvd under the nuisance ordinance (5‑0). It also authorized demolition of the vacant structure at 116 E Trinity Ave and imposed a $300 monthly civil penalty (max $5,000) (5‑0). The board accepted evidence for the Trinity Ave and 804 Park Ave cases and deferred a recommendation to remove the 804 Park Ave case from the docket.

• Approved May 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Affirmed $50 monthly civil penalty (max $1,000) for 1203 N Miami Blvd (5‑0)
• Authorized demolition of 116 E Trinity Ave with $300 monthly penalty (max $5,000) (5‑0)
• Accepted Appendix A as evidence for 116 E Trinity Ave (Chairman Nil)
• Accepted Appendix A as evidence for 804 Park Ave (Chairman Nil)
• Staff recommended removing 804 Park Ave case from docket (no vote recorded)
• Board referred 804 Park Ave case back to staff for further action (no vote recorded)
• Announced department name change to Housing and Neighborhood Services effective July 1, 2025

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The board will appoint a new Chair and Vice-Chair and recommend three members to the County Commissioners for appointment. Members will also discuss public art advocacy within the Unified Development Ordinance and a new conflict of interest policy for festival reviewers.

• Election of DCAB Chair and Vice-Chair for terms starting July 1, 2025
• Election of Public Art Committee Chair and Vice-Chair
• Recommendation of three members to County Commissioners for appointment
• Vote on a proposed Conflict of Interest Policy for the City’s Festival RFP
• Discussion on advocacy for public art in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board approved the May 2025 meeting minutes (12‑0, one abstention). Members confirmed Joseph Jordan as Chair and Margaret McNab as Vice‑Chair for FY2025‑2026 (12‑0, one abstention). The board also approved Kristain Abrams as the County‑recommended member of the board (11‑0, two abstentions).

• Approved May 2025 meeting minutes (12-0, Shabu abstained)
• Approved Joseph Jordan as Chair for FY2025‑2026 (12-0, Shabu abstained)
• Approved Margaret McNab as Vice‑Chair for FY2025‑2026 (12-0, Shabu abstained)
• Approved Kristain Abrams as County‑recommended DCAB member (11-0, Bond and Medrano abstained)

Civilian Police Review Board

The Civilian Police Review Board will meet to elect a Chair and Vice Chair. The board will also discuss its annual report and a community, civic, or neighborhood presentation.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Discussion of Annual Report
• Community/civic/neighborhood presentation
• Discussion on Orientation
• Approval of March 31, 2025 minutes

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda (vote 4‑0) and the March 31, 2025 minutes with one correction (vote 4‑0). Members agreed to keep the regular third‑Wednesday schedule but to cancel meetings in advance when there are no agenda items, and they decided the July 16 meeting will be held virtually. The board set a timeline for drafting its annual work report, discussed community presentation venues, and agreed the annual forum can be held at locations such as libraries or community centers.

• Approved agenda as presented (4‑0)
• Approved March 31, 2025 minutes with correction (4‑0)
• Kept third‑Wednesday schedule, with advance cancellations if no agenda items
• Scheduled July 16, 2025 meeting to be held virtually
• Directed Chair Johnson to draft annual work report for October deadline
• Agreed forum location need not be City Hall; possible venues include libraries or community centers
• Planned two community outreach presentations per fiscal year; final venues to be confirmed at next meeting
• Discussed orientation access to past case materials for new members

Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

The commission will hear a presentation from the NC Department of Transportation and vote on a letter regarding Hope Valley Elementary’s Family Responsibility Zone. Members will also discuss the use of AI note-takers and budget for such tools.

• Vote on a letter regarding Hope Valley Elementary’s Family Responsibility Zone
• Guest presentation by Becca Gallas, NCDOT Division 5 Engineer
• Vote on AI note-taker software and budget
• Brainstorming for 100 Helmets event on June 21
• Vote to reclassify Youth (County) position to At-Large

The commission voted to reclassify the County Youth seat to an At-Large seat. It also approved the April and May meeting minutes and authorized a letter to NCDOT and other officials regarding Hope Valley Elementary’s Family Responsibility Zone. A motion to extend the meeting by ten minutes was also carried.

• Reclassify County Youth seat to At-Large (motion carries)
• Approve April meeting minutes (motion carries)
• Approve May meeting minutes (motion carries)
• Approve letter to NCDOT and other agencies about Hope Valley Elementary (motion carries)
• Add ten minutes to meeting time (motion carries)

City Council

The Durham City Council voted unanimously to approve several appointments and contracts. Highlights include a three‑year $1,700,000 contract with Habitat for Humanity of Durham for the Minor Repair Program, a $64,431 contract with the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness for HMIS services, and a $1,746,250 amendment to the Volunteers of America contract. The council also authorized an amendment to the interlocal inspection‑services agreement. All motions passed with all members voting aye and no noes or absences.

• Appointed Ari S. Medoff to Durham Convention Center Authority (term to 7/31/2028) – unanimous aye vote
• Appointed Ryan Wang to Durham Workers' Rights Commission (term to 6/30/2027) – unanimous aye vote
• Approved $1,700,000 Habitat for Humanity contract for Minor Repair Program (3‑year) – unanimous aye vote
• Approved $64,431 contract with NC Coalition to End Homelessness for HMIS services (1‑year) – unanimous aye vote
• Approved $124,750 contract with Hilliard Lawn Maintenance for landscaping services (2‑year) – unanimous aye vote
• Approved $1,746,250 amendment to Volunteers of America contract, increasing value and extending to 12/31/2025 – unanimous aye vote
• Authorized amendment to Interlocal Agreement for Inspection Services (contract #13458) – unanimous aye vote
• Appointed Indranil Ghosh to Housing Appeals Board (term to 6/30/2028) – unanimous aye vote

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Recreation Advisory Commission will meet to discuss updates to ADA policy and a customer service presentation. The body is scheduled to vote on a fee waiver and the approval of May 2025 minutes.

• Fee waiver approval
• ADA Policy Update
• Customer Service Presentation
• DOST Report
• Durham Parks Foundation report

The Durham Recreation Advisory Commission approved the January 8 meeting minutes and approved fee waivers, both by unanimous vote. No other substantive actions were taken at this meeting.

• Approved January 8 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved fee waivers (unanimous)

Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities

The committee approved the May meeting minutes and heard a presentation from the Midtown Housing Coalition regarding a tiny home community for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Members also discussed the roles of city staff versus committee members. The body voted to cancel its July meeting.

• Presentation by Midtown Housing Coalition on tiny home community for people with IDD
• Vote to suspend the July meeting
• Approval of May meeting minutes

The committee approved the May meeting minutes with four votes in favor and one abstention. A motion to suspend the July MCPWD meeting passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved May meeting minutes (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Suspended July MCPWD meeting (unanimous)
• Subcommittee discussions tabled to August meeting
• Meeting adjourned

Planning Commission (PC)

The Planning Commission will conduct public hearings regarding three specific zoning map changes. The body will also review minutes and consistency statements from the May 13, 2025, meeting.

• Public hearing for Z2400024 Durham Gateway at Brier Creek
• Public hearing for Z2400029-BDG2400013 Courtyards at Oak Grove
• Public hearing for Z2400044 Fayetteville Flats

The Planning Commission approved the minutes from the May 13 meeting unanimously. It denied the recommendation to approve the Durham Gateway at Brier Creek zoning change (8-1) while approving the Courtyards at Oak Grove (7-2) and Fayetteville Flats (9-0) zoning changes. The commission also cancelled the July 8, 2025 meeting due to no ready cases.

• Approved May 13 minutes and consistency statements (9-0)
• Denied Durham Gateway at Brier Creek zoning change recommendation (8-1)
• Approved Courtyards at Oak Grove zoning map change (7-2)
• Approved Fayetteville Flats zoning map change (9-0)
• Cancelled July 8, 2025 Planning Commission meeting

Mayor's Council for Women

The Council is reviewing the distribution of a community survey and planning several upcoming events. Members are discussing logistics for the Cornwallis Clothes Closet and a back-to-school event in August.

• Review of community survey distribution and resident data requests
• Planning for the Cornwallis Clothes Closet launch
• Coordination of volunteer hours for Habitat for Humanity partnership
• Planning for a back-to-school event and National Night Out on August 6, 2025
• Status update on the Southern High School Clothes Closet launch for the 2025-2026 school year

The council approved the May 13, 2025 meeting minutes and the June 10, 2025 agenda, each by a 7‑0 vote. Members discussed volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity, back‑to‑school events, and National Night Out, but no formal actions were taken on those items. The board agreed to hold an informal ice‑cream gathering at Two Roosters on July 20 at 3:00 p.m. No public comments were received.

• Approved May 13, 2025 minutes (7‑0)
• Approved June 10, 2025 agenda (7‑0)
• Agreed to ice‑cream gathering July 20 at 3:00 p.m.

Public Art Committee

The committee will recommend appointments for a new Chair and Vice-Chair to the Durham Cultural Advisory Board. Members will also review a skills assessment and discuss recruiting to replace three members whose terms are ending.

• Recommendation of Chair and Vice-Chair appointments effective July 1, 2025
• Review of PAC Skills Assessment results
• Discussion on recruiting for terms ending for Tony Santiago, Oliver Hess, and Myra Weise
• Updates on the Durham Rail Trail Public Art Plan
• Discussion on value statements regarding equitably located art and fair pay for local artists

The committee approved the May 2025 PAC meeting minutes with an 8‑0 vote. No other actions were formally approved, denied, or tabled during the meeting.

• Approved May 2025 PAC meeting minutes (8-0)

City Council

The Joint City-County Committee will hear presentations on the Familiar Faces Initiative and the Coalition to End the HIV Epidemic. Members will also review budget requests and site options for the Museum of Durham History.

• Durham City-County Familiar Faces Initiative presentation
• Coalition to End the HIV Epidemic in Durham presentation
• Museum of Durham History budget requests and site options
• Durham Public School After-Care discussion
• Agenda setting for the new fiscal year

Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss the current status of the proposal development phase. The session includes a report from the chair and a review of upcoming action items.

• Proposal Development Phase update
• Approval of May meeting minutes

The Steering Committee approved the May meeting minutes after a motion and second. Members scheduled a July celebration at Phoenix Plaza and a lighting project at Holton, Edison Johnson, and Morreene Road Park for early July. The Council will vote on a contract with the Durham Housing Authority at the next session, and there will be no meeting in July. The meeting adjourned at 7:23 pm.

• Approved May meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Scheduled July celebration at Phoenix Plaza (date TBD)
• Planned lighting project at Holton, Edison Johnson, and Morreene Road Park for early July
• Council to vote on Durham Housing Authority contract at next session (consent agenda)
• No meeting scheduled for July
• Adjourned meeting at 7:23 pm (motion passed)

City Council

The council suspended rules to consider Item 44 and then approved a six‑month print and mail services contract with RevSpring Inc. for up to $1,143,576. A matching contingency fund of $1,143,576 was also created, and the City Manager was authorized to negotiate contract modifications not exceeding $2,287,152. All related motions passed unanimously (7‑0).

• Suspended rules to vote on Item 44 (7‑0)
• Approved RevSpring print‑and‑mail services contract up to $1,143,576 (7‑0)
• Established a contingency fund of $1,143,576 (7‑0)
• Authorized City Manager to negotiate contract modifications up to $2,287,152 (7‑0)
• Approved City Manager’s priority items, including contracts for NICE system and Cityworks software (unanimously)
• Approved Habitat for Humanity minor‑repair program contract for $1.7 M (vote not recorded)

Environmental Affairs Board (EAB)

The Environmental Affairs Board will hold elections for its Executive Committee. The board will also receive updates on the new UDO rewrite, the Brenntag facility, and the Heat Action Plan.

• Elections for new Executive Committee members
• Update on new UDO rewrite from Senior Planning Manager Scott Whiteman
• Update on Brenntag facility from Water Quality Manager Michelle Woolfolk
• Feedback on Heat Action Plan from Sustainability Manager Tobin Freid

The Environmental Affairs Board approved the minutes from its May 2025 meeting. The board also held elections for its officers, with Tom Campbell elected chair, Sherry Taylor vice‑chair, Taylor Price secretary, and Corie Hlavaty as at‑large member. All nominations were unopposed. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved May 2025 meeting minutes
• Elected Tom Campbell as chair
• Elected Sherry Taylor as vice‑chair
• Elected Taylor Price as secretary
• Elected Corie Hlavaty as at‑large member

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The Joint City-County Planning Committee will discuss regional transportation and safety plans. The body will also review a summary of consolidated cases and mapping concerns related to the new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

• Metropolitan Transportation Plan presentation
• Triangle West Vision Zero Plan
• Consolidated Cases Summary
• New UDO Update: Mapping Concerns

The committee voted to approve the minutes from the May 7, 2025 meeting. The motion was carried unanimously with a 5‑0 vote. No other actions or decisions were taken during the session.

• Approved May 7, 2025 minutes (5‑0)

Human Relations Commission

The Commission will receive presentations on the proposed city budget and stakeholder engagement. Members will also discuss affordable housing public comments and organizational changes within the Department of Neighborhood Improvement Services.

• Presentation on Proposed City Budget and Property Tax Increase by John Scott
• Presentation on stakeholder engagement by Catherine Williamson-Hardy of Durham County DSS
• Summary of affordable housing public comments provided to City Council on June 2, 2025
• Update on Fair Housing and EEOPA cases
• Discussion on using grant funds for general business cards and presenter gift cards

Commissioner Mike Ross moved, and Commissioner Jack Holtzman seconded, to approve the DHRC April 2025 meeting minutes. The motion passed with nine votes for, zero against, and one abstention (Commissioner Lottie Barnes). The DHRC May 2025 meeting minutes were then unanimously approved with ten votes for. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved April 2025 meeting minutes (9‑0‑1 abstain)
• Approved May 2025 meeting minutes (10‑0‑0)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission will consider Certificates of Appropriateness for two property projects. The meeting also includes a presentation from the City Attorney regarding HB 765.

• COA2500028: Addition and site work at 1212 Hill Street
• COA2500029: Modifications at 108 West Parrish Street
• Presentation on HB 765 by City Attorney Aarin Miles

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the addition and site work at 1212 Hill Street, voting 5‑1. The approval includes four conditions about plan consistency, additional agency approvals, a compliance inspection, and planting a native tree. The commission also voted to continue the review of the 108 West Parrish Street modifications to August 5, 2025, with a unanimous 6‑0 vote. Earlier motions to excuse Commissioner Calhoun’s absence and to approve the May 6, 2025 minutes each passed 6‑0.

• Excused Commissioner Calhoun’s absence – approved 6‑0
• Approved May 6, 2025 minutes – approved 6‑0
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 1212 Hill St addition – 5‑1
• Continued case COA2500029 (108 West Parrish St) to Aug 5, 2025 – approved 6‑0

City Council

The council approved the consent agenda (excluding item 24) and ratified minutes from four prior meetings. It confirmed appointments to several advisory boards and adopted multiple budget and capital‑improvement ordinances. The council also adopted a revised code of ethics and approved contracts for audio/visual support, a disparity study, and HVAC maintenance, all with unanimous votes.

• Consent agenda approved (item 24 excluded) – unanimous vote
• April‑June 2025 City Council minutes approved – unanimous vote
• Workforce Development Board appointments approved – unanimous vote
• Durham Cultural Advisory Board reappointments approved – unanimous vote
• Revised Code of Ethics for Durham City Council adopted – unanimous vote
• Contract with Kontek Systems for AV support up to $76,240 approved – unanimous vote
• 2025 Disparity Study contract up to $400,000 (including $100,200 contingency) approved – unanimous vote
• HVAC preventative maintenance contract up to $925,000 approved – unanimous vote

City Council

The council convened a special meeting to review budget priorities and departmental reorganizations, including planning, environmental services, community safety, and downtown development. Staff presented data, proposals, and upcoming initiatives, but the minutes record no votes, approvals, denials, or other formal actions. The session was informational and discussion‑focused.

City Council

The Durham City Council held a special budget retreat where staff presented FY26 revenue outlooks, pay and benefits proposals, capital improvement plans, and green‑infrastructure updates. Council members discussed the information, requested additional data, and raised questions, but no votes, approvals, or denials were recorded. The session was informational and did not result in any adopted measures.

Workers' Rights Commission

The Durham Workers Rights Commission held a virtual meeting on May 27, 2025. Members approved April minutes, introduced new members, and elected Elizabeth Reinstein as Vice Chair. Updates included discussions on workplace conditions, the Amazon Resolution, and future initiatives.

• Election of Elizabeth Reinstein as Vice Chair of DWRC
• Discussion on Amazon Resolution to be presented to City Council
• Development of a Workplace Practices Quiz by Workers+ Subcommittee
• Data analysis project on work in Durham shared by Commissioner Martin
• Announcement of next in-person meeting on June 24 at City Hall

The commission approved the April meeting minutes. A motion to nominate Commissioner Elizabeth Reinstein as Vice Chair was made and the vote passed, making her the new Vice Chair of the Durham Workers' Rights Commission. All other agenda items were informational updates with no further decisions.

• Approved April meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Elected Elizabeth Reinstein as Vice Chair (vote passed)

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Board of Adjustment will consider requests for special use permits and zoning variances. Decisions will be made regarding a place of worship, a childcare facility, a residential buffer variance, and industrial access requirements.

• B2500004: Minor Special Use Permit for a place of worship at 807 West Chapel Hill Street
• B2500006: Minor Special Use Permit for a childcare facility at 4601 Industry Lane
• B2500007: Riparian buffer variance for a single-family house at 5509 Pelham Road
• B2500008: Variance for concrete manufacturing plant access at 1503 Camden Avenue
• B2500005: Appeal of administrative decision for 1459 Ruritan Drive

The Board of Adjustment approved a Minor Special Use Permit for a place of worship at 807 West Chapel Hill Street with conditions, and approved a Minor Special Use Permit for a childcare facility at 4601 Industry Lane. It denied a variance request for a riparian buffer at 5509 Pelham Road. Several routine motions and order approvals were also carried.

• Excused Commissioner Vatavuk’s absence – carried 6-0
• Approved April 22, 2025 minutes – carried 6-0
• Approved order for case B2500005 – carried 6-0
• Approved place of worship minor special use permit (5-1)
• Approved childcare facility minor special use permit (6-0)
• Continued case B2500008 to June 24, 2025 – carried 5-0
• Denied riparian buffer variance at 5509 Pelham Road – failed 1-4
• Approved order for case B2500003 – carried 5-0

City Council

The council voted to grant an excused absence for Mayor Pro Tempore Mark‑Anthony Middleton, passing the motion unanimously. Mayor Williams also moved items 4, 7, 8, 11, 12 and 15 to the June 2 General Business Agenda. Nominations for several boards and commissions were announced, but no vote was recorded on those appointments.

• Approved excused absence for Mayor Pro Tempore Middleton (unanimous vote)
• Moved agenda items 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15 to June 2 General Business Agenda
• Announced nominations to Workforce Development Board, Environmental Affairs Board, Cultural Advisory Board, Open Space and Trails Commission, Public Safety Sector, Mayor’s Council for Women, Citizen’s Advisory Committee, Durham Sports Commission, and Audit Services Oversight Committee

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board will meet to recommend goals, scores, and weights for the City's Request for Proposals (RFP) regarding festivals and special events. The board will also discuss the upcoming Arts Town Hall and the impacts of federal funding on the arts.

• Recommendation of goals and weights for City Festival and Special Events RFPs
• Arts Town Hall: Community Conversations on the Future of Arts and Culture in Durham on May 24 at Hayti Heritage Center
• Discussion on federal funding impacts via the Americans for the Arts Survey
• Updates on the Durham Cultural Roadmap
• Review of FY25 Festival & Special Event contracts totaling $400,000.07

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board voted to approve the April 2025 meeting minutes with an 8‑0 vote and one abstention. The board discussed public comments about the Festival Conflict of Interest process and agreed to issue a written response. Members were reminded to submit skill‑set information and to encourage student applications. Updates were provided on the Cultural Roadmap, including newly approved Creative Engagement Team contracts and upcoming public events.

• Approved April 2025 meeting minutes (8-0, Nurkin abstained)

Appearance Commission (DAC)

The Appearance Commission will review survey results and a draft proposal. The body will also discuss the schedule for future meetings.

• Review of survey results
• Discussion of draft proposal
• City-County Planning account balance of $2,500
• Keep Durham Beautiful Account balance of $2,717.24
• City Clerk Fund balance of $1,000

Housing Appeals Board

The board will hold hearings to determine if 10 properties with housing and unsafe building code violations should be repaired or demolished. The board will also discuss the use of $1,000 in grant funds for FY26 training and expenses.

• Staff recommendation to demolish 810 S Roxboro St (Docket FY25-HAB051)
• Staff recommendation to demolish 316 E Umstead St (Docket FY25-HAB052)
• Hearings for properties at 2300 S Alston Ave, 1710 Ruffin St, and 1012 Edith St
• Hearings for properties at 1304 Holloway St, 2701 Agusta Dr, and 1715 Forest Rd
• Proposed use of $1,000 grant funds for FY26 training, devices, and retreats

The Housing Appeals Board approved the minutes from the March 19, 2025 meeting unanimously. It moved cases D through H to the beginning of the agenda. The board voted 5‑0 to adopt ordinances authorizing the city administrator to repair the properties at 1710 Ruffin St and 1012 Edith St (two separate cases) and to assess a $300 per month civil penalty, capped at $5,000, for each non‑compliant owner. A similar 5‑0 vote approved the ordinance for the second 1012 Edith St case (FY25‑HAB056).

• Approved March 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjusted agenda to place cases D‑H at the start (motion by Chair Nil Ghosh)
• Authorized administrator to repair 1710 Ruffin St and impose $300/month civil penalty up to $5,000 (motion passed 5-0)
• Authorized administrator to repair 1012 Edith St (FY25‑HAB055) and impose $300/month civil penalty up to $5,000 (motion passed 5-0)
• Authorized administrator to repair 1012 Edith St (FY25‑HAB056) and impose $300/month civil penalty up to $5,000 (motion passed 5-0)

Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

The Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission will receive an update on the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) rewrite. The body will vote on a request to form a UDO Task Force and discuss updated county stipend and attendance policies.

• Vote to create a UDO Task Force
• Guest presentation on UDO Rewrite Update from City of Durham Planning
• Discussion of updated County Stipend Program policy for member enrollment
• Review of Mangum-Roxboro Budget Letter from Bike Durham
• Discussion of letter to the Sheriff regarding a Roxboro pedestrian crash

The commission voted to create a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Task Force. It also approved a letter to the sheriff clarifying details of a recent pedestrian crash and invited the sheriff to speak at a future meeting. Members extended the meeting end time to 9:15 p.m. after a motion carried. Approval of the April meeting minutes was postponed to the next meeting.

• Create UDO Task Force – motion carries (Jeff Bakalchuck motion, Brian Hawkins second)
• Approve letter to Sheriff with invitation and clarification – motion carries (Brian Hawkins motion, Chris Perelstein second)
• Extend meeting end time to 9:15 p.m. – motion carries (Brian Hawkins motion, Maggie Green second)
• Postpone approval of April meeting minutes – motion carries (postponed until next meeting)
• Postpone approval of minutes until next meeting – motion carries (agenda adjustment)

City Council

The Durham City Council approved the acquisition of about 8.12 acres at 708 and 716 Buren Road for $510,000 to support future Lake Michie expansion. It also authorized a construction‑manager‑at‑risk contract for the Outdoor Aquatics Center up to $338,500 and a design‑build contract for the Hillandale Golf Course project up to $924,553. Additional actions included reappointing a theatre board member, adopting the FY26 planning department work program, and authorizing a $245,000 agreement with Legal Aid for the DEAR program. All items were approved unanimously, with Council Member Cook recusing on the Legal Aid agreement.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous Ayes, no Noes)
• Approved City Council minutes from March meetings (unanimous Ayes, no Noes)
• Reappointed Tynetta Walker to Carolina Theatre Board (unanimous Ayes, no Noes)
• Approved City‑County Planning Department FY26 Work Program (unanimous Ayes, no Noes)
• Authorized Legal Aid agreement up to $245,000 for DEAR program (unanimous Ayes, no Noes; Council Member Cook recused)
• Approved acquisition of 8.12 acres at 708 & 716 Buren Road for $510,000 (unanimous Ayes, no Noes)
• Approved CMAR contract for Outdoor Aquatics Center up to $338,500 (unanimous Ayes, no Noes)
• Approved design‑build contract for Hillandale Golf Course project up to $924,553 (unanimous Ayes, no Noes)

Environmental Affairs Board (EAB)

The Environmental Affairs Board will receive updates on the Upper Neuse River Basin, including results of a 10-year evaluation of Falls Lake and its watershed, and discuss the city's Stormwater Management Plan. The board will also hear an update on voluntary proffers research and hold a work session following a prior retreat.

• Update on Upper Neuse River Basin: 10-year evaluation of Falls Lake rules
• City of Durham Stormwater Management Plan update and board response
• Update on voluntary proffers research by the EAB Executive Committee
• Work session to follow up on board retreat items

The board approved the April meeting minutes. It unanimously passed a motion to create an MS4 workgroup for reviewing the Stormwater Management Plan and a second motion defining the workgroup’s membership composition. The meeting adjourned at 7:31 PM.

• Approved April meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Created MS4 workgroup to review Stormwater Management Plan (unanimous)
• Set MS4 workgroup membership: 2 EAB members, 2 business interests, 2 environmental organizations, 1 development interest, up to 2 residents (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:31 PM

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Durham Recreation Advisory Commission will consider approving the April 2025 meeting minutes and a fee waiver request. Commissioners will also hear reports on the DOST program, the Durham Parks Foundation, and updates on Care and Teens programs from the Assistant Director.

• Approval of April 2025 meeting minutes
• Fee waiver approval (action item)
• Care Programs and Teens Programs update
• DOST report and Durham Parks Foundation report
• Director's Report with Attachment A

The Recreation Advisory Commission approved the January 8 meeting minutes, passed a motion to continue fee waivers for programs, and adopted a statement of support for the half‑penny funding plan. All three motions were passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved January 8 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved continuation of program fee waivers (unanimous)
• Approved statement of support for half‑penny fund (unanimous)

Planning Commission (PC)

The Durham Planning Commission will hold public hearings on the Walltown Small Area Plan comprehensive amendment and two zoning map changes (4218 South Alston Avenue and 303 US 70 Warehouse). Commissioners will also receive a New UDO Update and committee updates, and approve minutes from April 8, 2025.

• Public hearing on A2500001 Walltown Small Area Plan comprehensive amendment
• Public hearing on Z2400031 for 4218 South Alston Avenue zoning map change
• Public hearing on Z2400041 for 303 US 70 Warehouse zoning map change
• New UDO Update discussion
• Approval of April 8, 2025 meeting minutes and consistency statements

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the April 8 meeting and the related consistency statements. It recommended and adopted the Walltown Small Area Plan and its place‑type map amendment. The commission also approved two zoning map change requests: one for 4218 South Alston Avenue converting it to Planned Development Residential 41.408, and another for the 303 US 70 Warehouse site changing its zoning to Industrial Light and Falls/Jordan District B. All motions passed with a 12‑0 vote.

• Approved April 8, 2025 minutes and consistency statements (12-0)
• Approved Walltown Small Area Plan amendment (A2500001) (12-0)
• Approved Small Area Plan Place Type Map amendment (A2500001) (12-0)
• Approved zoning map change for 4218 South Alston Avenue to Planned Development Residential 41.408 (12-0)
• Approved zoning map change for 303 US 70 Warehouse to Industrial Light and Falls/Jordan District B (12-0)

Mayor's Council for Women

The Mayor's Council for Women will meet to approve minutes, hear public comments, and discuss new business including editing a community survey and receiving presentations from Crystal Graves of Cornwallis Community and Dr. Wanda Boone of Together for Resilient Youth. Old business includes updates on volunteering with the Durham Crisis Response Center, a Habitat for Humanity partnership, and the Southern High School clothes closet project. No votes or fiscal items are listed.

• Community Survey Review – edit and email to city staff
• Presentation from Crystal Graves, President of Cornwallis Community (DHA)
• Presentation from Dr. Wanda Boone, CEO & Founder of Together for Resilient Youth
• Durham Crisis Response Center – clarify gift basket items for volunteering
• Habitat for Humanity Partnership – review calendar schedule

The board voted 6-0 to approve the April 8, 2025 meeting minutes and the May 13, 2025 agenda. The board reviewed and finalized the community survey, agreeing to send it to city staff for distribution. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved April 8, 2025 minutes (6-0 vote)
• Approved May 13, 2025 agenda (6-0 vote)
• Finalized community survey and directed city staff to distribute it

Public Art Committee

The Public Art Committee will vote on approving Lenovo's technical assistance for a temporary artwork project, hear a Duke student presentation on the Durham Public Art Plan, and nominate a chair and vice-chair. The committee will also discuss value statements for the annual retreat and receive updates from task forces on the Cultural Roadmap, artist capacity building, and anti-racism best practices. Public comments submitted in advance will be shared.

• Approval of Lenovo Technical Assistance for temporary artwork
• Duke student presentation on Durham Public Art Plan
• Chair and Vice-Chair nominations
• Annual retreat value statements: equitably located art and fair pay for local artists
• Task force updates on Cultural Roadmap, artist capacity building, and anti-racism practices

Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities

The committee reviewed housing resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and received updates on the Go Durham Access program. Members held subcommittee breakouts to identify actionable items regarding employment, education, and citywide ADA training.

• Updates to the Go Durham Access program from the City Transportation Department
• Identification of NC Housing Search and Durham Housing Authority as priority organizations for housing research
• Proposal for citywide ADA training and digital accessibility for Boards, Committees and Commissions materials
• Proposal for regularly scheduled townhall forums for residents to discuss disability grievances
• Employment and Education subcommittee goal to research services for people between diagnoses, starting with intellectual and developmental disabilities

The committee voted to approve the minutes from the April meeting, with a unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned after a motion to adjourn was made and seconded.

• Approved April meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee

The Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee will meet virtually to discuss the proposal development phase. The committee will also review and approve the minutes from the April meeting.

• Proposal Development Phase update

The committee approved the April meeting minutes with unanimous support. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also passed unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved April minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Mayor's Hispanic/Latino Committee

The committee is organizing a 'Brave Against Bullying' event for May 31 at the Durham County Main Library. Members also elected new leadership and discussed communication issues regarding the committee's website and social media presence.

• Approved flyer, panel facilitator, and liability form for 'Brave Against Bullying' event (11-0 vote)
• Elected Josue Cordova as Chair, Marianella Marsano McCole as Vice Chair, and James Ham as Secretary
• Resignation of Victor Hiraldo as Chair
• Discussion of a follow-up letter to Mayor Leonardo Williams
• Decision pending by May 31 regarding City of Durham request for Facebook credentials

The committee approved the flyer, panel facilitator, and liability form for the "Brave Against Bullying" event with an 11-0 vote. It elected Josue Cordova as Chair, Marianella Marsano McCole as Vice Chair, and James Ham as Secretary. The committee confirmed it will host the bullying‑prevention event at the Durham County Main Library on May 31. Victor Hiraldo announced his resignation as Chair due to health reasons.

• Approved flyer for bullying event (11-0)
• Approved Oraly to facilitate panel (11-0)
• Approved liability waiver form (11-0)
• Elected Josue Cordova as Chair
• Elected Marianella Marsano McCole as Vice Chair
• Elected James Ham as Secretary
• Decided to host "Brave Against Bullying" event May 31 at Durham County Main Library
• Victor Hiraldo resigned as Chair

City Council

The council unanimously approved an excused absence for Council Member Caballero from the May 22 work session. It also unanimously accepted the City Manager’s priority items for the upcoming budget and capital plan. A motion to hold a closed session for attorney‑client consultation regarding the Town of Chapel Hill vs. City of Durham case was approved unanimously. No other substantive actions were voted on.

• Approved excused absence for Council Member Caballero from May 22 work session (unanimous)
• Approved acceptance of City Manager’s priority items (unanimous)
• Approved holding a closed session for attorney‑client consultation on Chapel Hill vs. Durham case (unanimous)

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The Joint City-County Planning Committee will discuss updates to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) related to Vision Zero safety goals and review an engagement update for the UDO. The committee will also consider an interlocal agreement concerning the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and hear priority items from city and county managers.

• Vision Zero and the UDO – discussion on integrating traffic safety goals into zoning rules
• UDO Engagement Update – staff update on public outreach for code changes
• HPC Interlocal Agreement – discussion of agreement between city and county on historic preservation
• Approval of minutes from April 2, 2025
• City and County Managers’ Priority Items – presentation of top planning priorities

The Joint City‑County Planning Committee approved the minutes from the April 2, 2025 meeting by a 5‑0 vote. No other actions or decisions were taken at this meeting.

• Approved April 2, 2025 minutes (5‑0)

Human Relations Commission

The commission is meeting to discuss the expenditure of $1,000 in City Council grant funds before the May 16, 2025 deadline. The body will also conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair via a nominating committee.

• Deadline of May 16, 2025, to spend $1,000 in FY2025 City Council grant funds
• Officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair
• Reports from the Annual Awards Event, Community Outreach, Policies & Procedures, and Social Media/Marketing committees
• Report from the ad hoc Housing Committee

The commission elected Commissioner Alexandria Gwynn as the new DHRC Chair and Commissioner Natoskia Adams as Vice Chair. The vote for Chair was unanimous, while Adams won the Vice Chair vote 8‑3. Members also approved using the $1,000 city grant to buy business cards for members and gift cards for presenters. All purchases must be completed by May 16, 2025 or the funds will be forfeited.

• Alexandria Gwynn elected DHRC Chair (unanimous)
• Natoskia Adams elected DHRC Vice Chair (8-3 vote)
• Approved purchase of business cards for DHRC members using grant funds
• Approved purchase of gift cards for presenters using remaining grant funds
• Set deadline to spend $1,000 grant funds by May 16, 2025

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission will consider several applications for Certificates of Appropriateness involving changes to historic properties, including a continued demolition and modification at 2515 West Club Blvd and a withdrawn application at 708 Arnette Avenue. Commissioners will also review a Minor COA Report and receive committee updates.

• COA2400083 – 2515 West Club Blvd – Demolition of Accessory Structure and Modifications (Retroactive) (Continued from March 4)
• COA2500019 – 2515 West Club Blvd – Demolition of Accessory Structure
• COA2500015 – 326 E Main Street – Modifications (Amendment)
• COA2500016 – 1115 Iredell Street – Addition and Modifications
• COA2500024 – 1006 Franklin Street – Addition and Modifications

The Durham Historic Preservation Commission approved four Certificates of Appropriateness for properties on West Club Blvd, East Main Street, and Iredell Street, with vote totals ranging from 7‑1 to 8‑0. A fifth application for 708 Arnette Avenue was withdrawn by the applicant. The meeting also addressed newsletter planning, upcoming house bill reviews, and an awards gala nomination period.

• Approved COA2400083 – 2515 West Club Blvd modifications (retroactive) (7-1)
• Approved COA2500019 – 2515 West Club Blvd demolition of accessory structure (8-0)
• Approved COA2500015 – 326 E Main Street modifications (amendment) (8-0)
• Approved COA2500016 – 1115 Iredell Street addition and modifications (8-0)
• Application COA2400087 – 708 Arnette Avenue withdrawn by applicant

City Council

The Durham City Council approved the 2025 Durham Parks and Recreation Comprehensive System Plan. It also authorized a suite of professional services contracts and on‑call temporary staffing agreements with multiple vendors. Appointments were made to the Citizens Advisory Committee, Board of Adjustment, and Environmental Affairs Board. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved 2025 Durham Parks and Recreation Comprehensive System Plan (unanimous)
• Authorized on‑call temporary staffing services agreements with 20 vendors, work orders up to $200,000 (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Governmentjobs.com for recruitment software up to $84,157.05 (unanimous)
• Approved contract ST‑341C Carver Street Extension SCMs with Gradient, PLLC up to $380,933 (unanimous)
• Approved contract ST‑338C Petition Assessment Services with Qunity, P.A. up to $260,000 (unanimous)
• Approved contract ST‑335C Pavement Management Services 2025 with Summit Design and Engineering Services, Inc. up to $2,847,200 (unanimous)
• Approved amendment for SW‑96 PW Street Maintenance Repairs 2024 with Browe Construction Company, revised total up to $5,460,711.73 (unanimous)
• Appointed Abimbola Olorode to Citizens Advisory Committee (term expires June 30, 2028) (unanimous)

Affordable Housing Implementation Committee (AHIC)

The committee will meet to review updates from Forever Home Durham, the Durham Housing Authority, and Community Development. The body will also approve the minutes from the February 6, 2025 meeting.

• Approval of February 6, 2025 minutes
• Forever Home Durham updates
• DHA updates
• Community Development updates

The Affordable Housing Implementation Committee postponed approval of the November 7 2024 minutes and the 2025 meeting schedule to the next meeting. The committee approved the minutes for the May 1 2025 meeting.

• Postponed approval of November 7 2024 minutes to next meeting
• Postponed approval of 2025 AHIC meeting dates (2/6, 5/1, 8/7, 11/6) to next meeting
• Approved May 1 2025 meeting minutes

Workers' Rights Commission

The Commission discussed the lack of a Council Liaison and voted to request that Mayor Williams appoint Council Member Nate Baker to the role. Members also reviewed and amended a resolution supporting Amazon workers' efforts to organize.

• Vote of solidarity to support Council Member Nate Baker as Commission Liaison
• Approval of an amended resolution in support of Amazon workers organizing
• Discussion on collaborating with UE150 and other workers' rights groups
• Review of Commission social media credentials and outreach strategies

The Workers' Rights Commission approved the March meeting minutes and voted to appoint Council Member Nate Baker as the commission’s liaison. A resolution supporting Amazon workers was amended and adopted. Follow‑up actions were assigned to research social‑media credentials and to prepare for a future Vice Chair election.

• Approved March meeting minutes (6:09 pm)
• Motion passed to appoint Council Member Nate Baker as commission liaison (6:30 pm)
• Amended and adopted the Amazon workers resolution (7:10 pm)
• Commissioner Luster tasked to research social‑media account credentials
• Commission to discuss member attendance at outside meetings (follow‑up)
• Vote for new Vice Chair scheduled for next meeting on May 27

Durham Convention Center Authority

The Durham Convention Center Authority is meeting for routine business including approval of February minutes, an owner's administrative report, a financial performance review, and updates on convention center operations. No major decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Approval of February 2025 meeting minutes
• Owners administrative report
• Financial performance review
• Convention center updates

The board voted to accept the February 2025 meeting minutes, with all members in favor. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 12:50 pm. The board also noted it will consider selecting a new Vice Chair after Nicole’s departure.

• Approved February 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 12:50 pm after motion and second

City Council

The Durham City Council held a work session on April 24, 2025, where members discussed several agenda items, including a parks system plan, a pavement management contract, a technology licensing contract, and proposed water and sewer rates for FY25‑26. Presentations and public comments were provided, but no votes, approvals, denials, or tabling actions were recorded in the minutes. The meeting concluded without any formal decisions.

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Board will hold public hearings on three cases: a variance to build a house within the riparian buffer setback at 3326 Rugby Road, a minor special use permit for a place of worship at 807 West Chapel Hill Street, and an appeal of a Notice of Violation issued March 8, 2025 at 1459 Ruritan Road. The Board will also approve orders from prior cases including 901 Virgie Street and HubRTP parking reduction.

• Variance from riparian buffer standards for a single-family house at 3326 Rugby Road (RS-10, Falls/Jordan District B)
• Minor Special Use Permit for a place of worship at 807 West Chapel Hill Street (RU-5(2) and CN zoning)
• Appeal of a Notice of Violation at 1459 Ruritan Road (RS-20)
• Approval of orders for 901 Virgie Street reasonable accommodation denials and HubRTP parking reduction mSUP

The Board approved the March 25, 2025 minutes (8‑0). It denied a variance request for 3326 Rugby Road (0‑7). It voted to continue the minor special‑use permit for a place of worship at 807 W. Chapel Hill Street to May 27, 2025 (6‑1). It also modified the correction date for a notice‑of‑violation appeal at 1459 Ruritan Road to July 25, 2025 (6‑1) and approved three pending orders unanimously or by consensus.

• Approved March 25, 2025 minutes (8-0)
• Denied variance B2500003 at 3326 Rugby Road (0-7)
• Continued Minor Special Use Permit B2500004 for 807 W. Chapel Hill St to May 27, 2025 (6-1)
• Modified correction date for appeal B2500005 at 1459 Ruritan Rd to July 25, 2025 (6-1)
• Approved order for case B2400036 (901 Virgie St. FAR denial) (8-0)
• Approved order for case B2400037 (901 Virgie St. ADU setback denial) (8-0)
• Approved order for case B2500002 (HubRTP parking reduction) (6-0)

City Council

The council moved a recycling grant ordinance to the consent agenda and approved the consent agenda. It appointed members to the Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee, the Mayor's Hispanic/Latino Committee, and the Workers’ Rights Commission. Major financial actions included authorizing a $150,000 loan commitment for 168 affordable units at the Trails at Twin Lakes development, amending the HOPWA housing contract by $353,350.64, and adopting an EV charging station design‑build contract up to $888,080. All votes were unanimous.

• Moved DEQ Recycling Grant Ordinance to consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Appointed Llewellyn Esteban to Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed Victor Ayeni and Mauricio Solano to Mayor's Hispanic/Latino Committee (unanimous)
• Authorized up to $150,000 loan for 168 affordable units at Trails at Twin Lakes (unanimous)
• Amended HOPWA contract, increasing total by $353,350.64 (unanimous)
• Adopted EVSE design‑build resolution authorizing up to $888,079.96 (unanimous)
• Approved Climate Corps amendment for $26,990 (unanimous)

Appearance Commission (DAC)

The Appearance Commission will meet to review financial reports and discuss the 2024 Annual Report. The body will also brainstorm the future of the Commission.

• City-County Planning account balance: $2,500
• Keep Durham Beautiful Account balance: $2,717.24
• City Clerk Fund balance: $1,000
• Recap of 2024 Annual Report discussion

Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST)

The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission will hear a presentation on the Roxboro Rail Trail, receive updates from staff and committees, and consider new business including an Open Space Report Card, initiating quarterly public visits to open spaces, and a resolution urging the City Council to maintain the half-penny dedicated to park and trail maintenance.

• Roxboro Rail Trail Update presentation by Tom Dawson
• DOST Open Space Report Card as new business
• Initiating quarterly DOST-sponsored public visits to open spaces and trails
• Resolution asking City Council to maintain the half penny dedicated to park and trail maintenance

The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission approved the February 2025 minutes. The session featured updates on county open‑space easements, trail projects, advisory committees, and the Unified Development Ordinance, which remains on pause. No other actions were decided before adjournment at 8:51 p.m.

• Approved February 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Housing Appeals Board

The board will hear appeals for seven properties with housing code violations, including staff recommendations to demolish two structures (810 S Roxboro St and 316 E Umstead St) that remain out of compliance. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and a ride-along tour of properties.

• Staff recommends demolition at 810 S Roxboro St (parcel 118625), owner Callis Contractors Inc., with cost repair estimate $79,559.40 and structure value $108,893.
• Staff recommends demolition at 316 E Umstead St (parcel 118303), owner Marvenia M Page, for unsafe building conditions.
• Other appeals: 2300 S Alston Ave, 1710 Ruffin St, 1012 Edith St (three structures), addresses subject to repair or demolish hearings.
• Owners failed to appear at prior hearings for 810 S Roxboro St and 316 E Umstead St; civil penalties of $1,200 and $250 administrative fee noted.
• Board will conduct a ride-along tour of properties as general business.

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The board will vote on several City Council appointments and discuss the formalization of the Festival Standing Committee. Members will also review the Durham Cultural Roadmap and the Stagville contract approval.

• Vote on City Council DCAB appointments for 9 candidates
• Vote to formalize the Festival Standing Committee
• Vote on festival goal language and scoring weights
• Review of Stagville contract approval
• Discussion on the Durham Cultural Roadmap

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board approved the March 19 meeting minutes by a 7‑0 vote. The board then voted 11‑0 to reappoint four returning members to second terms. The discussion of the Conflict‑of‑Interest policy was postponed to the May meeting, and student member Maira Magwene Muñiz announced she will leave the board after receiving a scholarship to Brown University.

• Approved March 19, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Reappointed four members to second terms (11-0)
• Moved Conflict‑of‑Interest policy discussion to May meeting
• Student member Maira Magwene Muñiz will depart the board

Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission will hear guest presentations on Bike Durham's transit travel training and a student-led transit sustainability video project. New business includes discussing upcoming presenters, winning sticker designs, a request for AT&T speed warning signage, and an open call for tabling at events. Committee and liaison reports will cover ongoing work on Vision Zero, development review, and community engagement.

• Guest presentation: Bike Durham Transit Travel Training by Ashley Scott
• Guest presentation: Changed By Youth Ambassadors Transit Sustainability Videos by students from Southern School of Energy & Sustainability and Durham School of Technology
• Discussion of AT&T Speed Warning Signage request by Hannah Bartlebaugh and Mary Rose
• Review of winning sticker designs
• Open call for tabling at events

The commission reported that Durham City Council approved the Vision Zero presentation and action plan. The commission also approved agenda adjustments, approved the March meeting minutes, added ten minutes to the meeting, and adjourned. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Adjusted agenda approved (motion by Trent Cormier, seconded by Nathan Lee)
• March meeting minutes approved (motion by Nathan Lee, seconded by Brian Hawkins)
• Added 10 minutes to meeting approved (motion by Scott Carter, seconded by Jeff Bakalchuck)
• Vision Zero presentation and action plan approved by Durham City Council
• Meeting adjourned (motion by Jeff Bakalchuck, seconded by Nathan Lee)

Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee

The Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee will receive results from the Idea Collection Phase and discuss the upcoming Proposal Development Phase. The meeting also includes approval of February minutes and announcements. No specific projects or funding amounts are listed in the agenda.

• Results from the Idea Collection Phase
• Discussion of Upcoming Proposal Development Phase
• Approval of February meeting minutes
• Action items and next steps

The committee approved the February meeting minutes after a motion by Kenneth and a second by Rosa. A motion to adjourn was made by Angela and seconded by Chris, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:06 pm. PB staff will share the upcoming budget delegate event dates and locations with committee members.

• Approved February minutes (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:06 pm (motion passed)
• PB staff will communicate budget delegate event dates/locations

Mayor's Hispanic/Latino Committee

The Durham Mayor's Hispanic/Latino Committee held a virtual meeting on April 10, 2025. Members approved minutes from February and March, discussed a possible response from the mayor to letters sent, received an update on stipend processes, and raised concerns about website updates. Most items were procedural updates and discussions; no binding decisions were made.

• Approved February and March meeting minutes (9-0).
• Discussed updates and possible response to letters sent to Mayor Leonardo William.
• Received explanation of the stipend process and related information.
• Asked staff to investigate why DMHLC agenda and minutes are not updated on the website.
• Planned support for a Bullying Panel on May 31st.

The Hispanic/Latino Committee voted 9‑0 to approve the February and March meeting minutes and to approve the April agenda. The meeting was then adjourned by a 9‑0 vote. No other formal actions were recorded.

• Approve February and March minutes (9-0)
• Approve April agenda (9-0)
• Adjourn meeting (9-0)

City Council

The council voted unanimously to excuse Council Member DeDreana Freeman from the work session. A motion to adopt the agenda for the April 21 regular council meeting was passed unanimously (6‑0). The clerk announced several nominations to city boards and commissions. No other items received a vote.

• Excused Council Member DeDreana Freeman from the work session (unanimous)
• Approved agenda for the April 21 regular council meeting (6‑0)

Environmental Affairs Board (EAB)

The Environmental Affairs Board will vote on letters of support for the FY26 budget and hold a work session to plan its annual retreat. The agenda also includes approval of March 2025 meeting minutes and announcements. No other significant decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Vote on FY26 budget letters of support
• Work session on annual retreat planning
• Approval of March 2025 meeting minutes
• Next meeting scheduled for May 14 (virtual)

The provided minutes consist solely of numeric and placeholder codes and contain no readable information about decisions, approvals, denials, or actions taken by the Environmental Affairs Board.

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Recreation Advisory Commission will meet to review reports from the Durham Parks Foundation and DOST. The body is scheduled to vote on fee waiver approvals and a statement of support for the Half-Penny Fund.

• Fee waiver approval
• Statement of support for Half-Penny Fund
• Reports on Care, Teens, Athletics, and Aquatics Programs

The Recreation Advisory Commission approved the January 8 meeting minutes after a motion by Karthik Sundaramoorthy, seconded by Dale McKeel, with a unanimous vote. The commission also approved fee waivers following a motion by Karthik Sundaramoorthy, seconded by Gabrielle Rivero, which also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved January 8 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved fee waivers (unanimous)

Mayor's Council for Women

The Mayor's Council for Women will review community survey insights and finalize its 2025 calendar. The body is also discussing the launch of social media pages and website platform options.

• Review of community survey results
• Finalization of the 2025 MCFW calendar
• Discussion of website platform options
• Update on Southern High School Clothes Closet preparation for August 2025-2026
• City of Durham Earth Day event on April 27, 2025, at Central Park

The board approved the March 11, 2025 meeting minutes and the April 8, 2025 agenda, each with a 6‑0 vote. Members agreed to add a residency question and an “other” option to the upcoming women’s community survey. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved March 11, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Approved April 8, 2025 agenda (6-0)
• Agreed to add a residency question to the women’s survey
• Agreed to add an "other" option to survey questions

Planning Commission (PC)

The Durham Planning Commission will conduct public hearings on four zoning map change requests: Durham Rescue Mission on East Main Street (continued from March), Methodist Street Townhouses, 1606 and 1608 East Cornwallis Road, and 401 East Lakewood Avenue. The commission will also consider updated rules and procedures and approve minutes from the March 11 meeting. These hearings allow residents to comment on proposed rezonings that could affect land use and development in those areas.

• Z2400022 Durham Rescue Mission East Main Street (continued from March)
• Z2400020 Methodist Street Townhouses
• Z2400026 1606 and 1608 East Cornwallis Road
• Z2400037 401 East Lakewood Avenue
• Updated Rules and Procedures (New Business)

The commission unanimously approved updated rules and procedures. It also approved zoning changes for the Methodist Street Townhouses and for 1606/1608 East Cornwallis Road, while denying requests for Durham Rescue Mission East Main Street and 401 East Lakewood Avenue. Vote tallies were recorded for each motion.

• Approved Updated Rules and Procedures (10-0)
• Approved Methodist Street Townhouses zoning change Z2400020 (10-0)
• Approved 1606 and 1608 East Cornwallis Road zoning change Z2400026 (10-0)
• Denied Durham Rescue Mission East Main Street zoning change Z2400022 (1-9)
• Denied 401 East Lakewood Avenue zoning change Z2400037 (0-10)

Public Art Committee

The Public Art Committee will vote on the final design proposal for the South Ellerbe Restoration Project and on privately funded public artwork for The Grove. Members will also discuss value statements from the annual retreat and receive task force updates on the Durham Cultural Roadmap, artist capacity building, and anti-racism practices. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and announcements from the City and County.

• Vote on South Ellerbe Restoration Project Final Design Proposal
• Vote on privately funded public artwork for The Grove (UDO)
• Discussion of Annual Retreat value statements: equitable art location and fair pay for local artists
• Task force updates on Durham Cultural Roadmap, artist capacity building, and anti-racism best practices
• Noted two members (Kierston Deck, Myra Weise) with attendance below 50%

The committee approved the minutes from its February 28 and March 11 meetings unanimously. It then voted 9‑0 to recommend the final designs for the city‑funded South Ellerbe Restoration Project. It also voted 9‑0 to recommend the final designs for the privately‑funded Grove project. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved February 28, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved March 11, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Recommended South Ellerbe Restoration Project final designs (9-0)
• Recommended Grove project final designs (9-0)

Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities

The Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities approved March meeting minutes and formed three subcommittees: Public Policy, Awards and Outreach, and Employment and Education. Members volunteered for each subcommittee. The meeting also included presentations from CandleScience (National Disability Employment Awareness Month honoree) and Kramden Institute.

• Approved March meeting minutes unanimously.
• Formed three subcommittees with volunteers: Public Policy, Awards and Outreach, and Employment and Education.
• CandleScience recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month honoree; Lyndsey Gibson presented.
• Kramden Institute representative Marshall Burkes described nonprofit services for the Durham community.
• Pop-up art event for artists with disabilities announced for third Friday at Marriott Hotel.

The committee unanimously approved the March meeting minutes. Volunteers were assigned to the three subcommittees: Public Policy (Hillary Ensminger, Michelle Bush, Daniel Ellison, tentative Michael Wilson), Awards and Outreach (Marge Clemons), and Employment and Education (Jackie Pilgrim, Cynthia Holland, Gloria Whitehead). Sharon Williams will email the volunteers to coordinate subcommittee availability. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved March meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Formed Public Policy subcommittee with Hillary Ensminger, Michelle Bush, Daniel Ellison, tentative Michael Wilson
• Formed Awards and Outreach subcommittee with Marge Clemons
• Formed Employment and Education subcommittee with Jackie Pilgrim, Cynthia Holland, Gloria Whitehead
• Sharon Williams to email subcommittee volunteers to coordinate availability
• Adjourned meeting

City Council

The Durham City Council unanimously approved financing for the Sandy Ridge Station multifamily housing project ($22 million) and the Sandy Ridge Villas project ($11 million). It also authorized several contracts, including a SaaS license for clinical software, a fire‑department breathing‑apparatus upgrade, funding for the Stagville Memorial public art, a solid‑waste storage building, street acceptance on Constitution Drive, and a water‑infrastructure engineering amendment. All motions passed with a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved $22,000,000 multifamily housing revenue bonds for Sandy Ridge Station (unanimous 7‑0)
• Approved $11,000,000 multifamily housing revenue bonds for Sandy Ridge Villas (unanimous 7‑0)
• Authorized SaaS license agreement with TouchPhrase Development, LLC up to $80,015 (unanimous 7‑0)
• Approved purchase contract for fire department SCBA upgrade, $416,619.45 (unanimous 7‑0)
• Authorized funding for Stagville Memorial public art, up to $237,000 (unanimous 7‑0)
• Approved solid‑waste storage building construction contract with PINAM Construction, $337,092.20 plus $24,495.30 contingency (unanimous 7‑0)
• Accepted streets and infrastructure on Constitution Drive for city maintenance (unanimous 7‑0)
• Approved amendment to water‑intake engineering contract, up to $14,687,500, raising total to $18,423,090 (unanimous 7‑0)

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The Joint City-County Planning Committee will hear updates on the New UDO Module 2 engagement and Nonconforming Parcels (NPOs) with use table continuation, consider a Chapter 70 code amendment, and review the FY26 Planning Department Work Program. The meeting also includes approval of March 5 minutes and City and County Managers' priority items.

• New UDO Update: Module 2 Engagement (discussion, staff Bo Dobrzenski)
• New UDO Update: NPOs, Use Table Continuation (discussion, staff Bo Dobrzenski)
• Chapter 70 Code Amendment (staff Scott Whiteman)
• FY26 Planning Department Work Program (staff Sara Young)
• Approval of March 5, 2025 minutes

The Joint City‑County Planning Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the March 5, 2025 meeting (vote 5‑0). It also unanimously approved the FY26 Planning Department Work Program as presented (vote 5‑0). No other actions were taken; updates on the new UDO and Chapter 70 were discussed but not decided.

• Approved March 5, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
• Approved FY26 Planning Department Work Program (5‑0)

Human Relations Commission

The Durham Human Relations Commission will hold its April 2025 monthly meeting on April 1. They will welcome new commissioners, hear a presentation from the NC Human Relations Commission, and discuss an apology letter to the mayor and city council regarding a DHRC Facebook issue. The commission will also appoint a nominating committee for upcoming officer elections at the May meeting.

• Welcome new commissioners Scott Brummel and Kaleigh Greener
• Presentation and training by NC Human Relations Commission
• Discussion of apology letter to Durham Mayor & City Council regarding DHRC Facebook issue
• Appointment of nominating committee for officer elections
• Committee reports including reestablishment of community partner connections and housing committee updates

The Durham Human Relations Commission approved the March 2025 meeting minutes with a 7‑0‑4 vote. The commission sent an apology letter to Mayor Leonardo Williams and City Council about a Facebook page issue. Commissioners Michael Cornwell and Amanda Borer were appointed to an ad hoc Nominating Committee for the May 2025 officer elections.

• Approved March 2025 meeting minutes (7‑0‑4)
• Sent apology letter to Mayor Leonardo Williams and City Council regarding Facebook issue
• Appointed Michael Cornwell and Amanda Borer to ad hoc Nominating Committee for officer elections
• Registered DHRC Facebook page on City of Durham’s ArchiveSocial account, meeting two‑member requirement

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing on three Certificates of Appropriateness: an addition at 1409 Maryland Avenue, new accessory structure at 1010 Arnette Avenue, and modifications at 814 Berkeley Street. The commission will also vote on proposed 2025 edits to its Rules of Procedure and receive a report on minor COA decisions from the past month.

• COA2500003 – 1409 Maryland Avenue – Addition
• COA2500012 – 1010 Arnette Avenue – New Construction of Accessory Structure
• COA2500013 – 814 Berkeley Street – Modifications
• Vote on proposed 2025 edits to HPC Rules of Procedure
• Report on Minor COA decisions from Feb. 20 to Mar. 19, 2025

The Durham Historic Preservation Commission adopted updated Rules of Procedure unanimously. It approved Certificates of Appropriateness for 1409 Maryland Avenue and 1010 Arnette Avenue, each with an 8‑0 vote. The commission also set a training session for April 17, 2025.

• Approved updated Rules of Procedure (8-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 1409 Maryland Avenue addition (8-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 1010 Arnette Avenue accessory structure (8-0)
• Continued case 814 Berkeley Street modifications to June 3, 2025 (8-0)
• Approved minutes from March 4, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved motion to excuse Commissioner Greene absence (6-0)
• Set training schedule for April 17, 2025

Civilian Police Review Board

The board will review its annual report, introduce new members, and participate in an orientation session with the City Manager's Office, City Attorney's Office, and Police Department. No other substantive decisions or discussions are listed.

• Action on September 18, 2024 minutes
• Presentation and discussion of the Annual Report
• Introduction of new board members
• Orientation with City Manager's Office, City Attorney's Office, and Police Department

The Civilian Police Review Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda (6‑0) and the September 18, 2024 board minutes (6‑0). No other motions were adopted; the board conducted an orientation and discussed scheduling, but no additional actions were decided.

• Approved agenda (6-0 vote)
• Approved September 18, 2024 minutes (6-0 vote)

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Board of Adjustment is meeting to consider two reasonable accommodation requests for a property at 901 Virgie Street. The board will also vote on orders regarding previous cases involving setbacks and parking.

• B2400036: Request for floor to area ratio accommodation at 901 Virgie Street
• B2400037: Request for Accessory Dwelling Unit setback accommodation at 901 Virgie Street
• B2400033: Order for 1010 Hale Street ADU Setback Variance Denial
• B2500001: Order for 912A Clarion Dr ADU Reasonable Accommodation
• B2500002: Order for HubRTP Parking Reduction mSUP

The Board approved the order granting a reasonable accommodation for an accessory dwelling unit at 912A Clarion Dr with an 8-0 vote. It also approved the denial order for the ADU setback variance at 1010 Hale Street (6-0). Two reasonable accommodation requests for 901 Virgie Street were denied (1-5 each). The minutes from February 25, 2025 were approved unanimously (7-0).

• Approved February 25, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Denied reasonable accommodation for floor‑area‑ratio at 901 Virgie St (1-5)
• Denied reasonable accommodation for ADU setback at 901 Virgie St (1-5)
• Approved denial order for 1010 Hale St ADU setback variance (6-0)
• Approved ADU reasonable accommodation order for 912A Clarion Dr (8-0)

Workers' Rights Commission

The Commission discussed potential future projects, including a report on Durham labor conditions and a 'Workers' Voices' series. Members discussed outreach strategies and the need to secure a City Council Liaison.

• Proposed resolution supporting CAUSE for Amazon workers to unionize
• Proposal for a report on Durham labor conditions, organizing efforts, and protection gaps
• Discussion on establishing indoor air quality standards in the workplace
• Proposal for a 'Workers' Voices' audio-visual series
• Approval of February meeting minutes

The Workers' Rights Commission moved and approved the February minutes at 6:05 pm. No other formal actions were adopted; commissioners discussed ideas on indoor air quality, labor conditions, outreach, and a city council liaison but did not vote on any proposals.

• Approved February meeting minutes (no vote tally recorded)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the City Manager’s list of priority items. It also authorized the purchase contract with Kontek Systems, Inc. for broadcast equipment in the council chambers, up to $353,679.59, and accepted the City Manager’s request to hold a closed session. The revised Code of Ethics was referred back to the Procedures Committee for further work.

• Approved City Manager’s priority items (unanimous 6/0)
• Suspended rules to vote on Item 6 (6/0)
• Authorized purchase contract with Kontek Systems, Inc. up to $353,679.59 (6/0)
• Accepted City Manager’s closed‑session request (6/0)
• Referred revised Code of Ethics to Procedures Committee (consensus)

Appearance Commission (DAC)

The Durham City-County Appearance Commission will hold a regular meeting to approve December minutes, review the treasurer's report showing available funds ($2,500 for awards, $2,717.24 for Keep Durham Beautiful, $1,000 for training), and discuss a recap of the 2024 annual report alongside brainstorming the commission's future role. No public hearings or major decisions are on the agenda.

• Treasurer's report: $2,500 in City-County Planning account (awards), $2,717.24 in Keep Durham Beautiful account, $1,000 in City Clerk Fund (training/events)
• Discussion: Recap of 2024 annual report
• Discussion: Brainstorming future direction of the commission
• Approval of December 2024 minutes
• No rezonings, contracts, or public hearings scheduled

Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST)

The Commission will hear a presentation on Durham County open space updates and receive reports from staff, liaisons, and committees. Old business includes discussion of the Unified Development Ordinance review process and equity considerations. No new business is scheduled.

• Durham County Open Space Updates presentation by Celeste Burns
• Discussion of Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) review process
• Equity considerations for open space and trails
• Reports from Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and other liaisons
• Updates from Trails, Open Space, Funding Advocacy, and Matching Grants committees

The commission approved the February 2025 meeting minutes, recorded by Quinlan and Myatt. Steve Cohn and Jason Page were noted as excused absences. No new business was taken up. The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. by Quinlin and Gilbert.

• Approved February 2025 minutes (recorded by Quinlan/Myatt)
• Noted excused absences of Steve Cohn and Jason Page
• No new business adopted
• Adjourned meeting at 8:51 p.m. (Quinlin/Gilbert)

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board will discuss membership recruitment for upcoming vacancies, including the County Commissioner appointment for E'Vonne Coleman’s seat and City Council reappointments for four members. The board will review the FY25 Festival & Special Event Contracting Status Report showing 21 of 22 contracts executed totaling over $400,000. New business includes establishing a Festival Conflict of Interest Process Committee and a Festival Standing Committee.

• Review of FY25 festival contracts: 21 of 22 contracts executed, totaling $400,000.07 (American Dance Festival $40,960.40, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival $43,960.40)
• Discussion of County Commissioner appointment process for E'Vonne Coleman's seat (term ends June 30, 2025)
• City Council reappointment process for Joey Medrano, Aya Shabu, Vanessa Smart, and Barbara Lau (term ends June 30, 2025)
• Public Art Day & Creative Engagement Team update from Durham Cultural Roadmap
• Festival Conflict of Interest Process Committee and Festival Standing Committee formation

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board approved the Annual Retreat 2025 meeting minutes with a 9‑0 vote. Members Long, Bond, and Shabu formed a working group to improve student recruitment. Board members McNab and Chair Jordan volunteered to finalize the board’s mission, goals, and values language for approval by June 30, 2025.

• Approved Annual Retreat 2025 meeting minutes (9-0 vote)
• Formed student recruitment working group (members Long, Bond, Shabu)
• McNab and Chair Jordan signed up to finalize mission, goals, values language by June 30, 2025

Housing Appeals Board

The Housing Appeals Board will determine whether specific properties must be repaired or demolished due to housing code violations. The board will also hold an annual retreat immediately following the meeting.

• Case FY25-HAB044: Staff recommends demolition of 4909 Robinwood Rd with a repair estimate of $77,144.93
• Case FY25-HAB045: Staff recommends repair of 4900 Old Farm Rd #420
• Case FY25-HAB046: Hearing for 318 E Umstead St
• Case FY25-HAB047: Hearing for 930 Wadesboro St, 1A
• Case FY25-HAB048: Hearing for 2945 Cedarwood Dr

The Housing Appeals Board approved all five dockets before it, authorizing the city to repair or demolish non-compliant structures and impose monthly civil penalties on owners. Two cases were removed from the agenda: one closed for compliance and one vacated. All motions passed unanimously 5-0.

• Approved repair authorization for 4900 OLD FARM RD, Unit 420 (5-0)
• Approved demolition authorization for 318 E UMSTEAD ST (5-0)
• Approved emergency repair authorization for 930 WADESBORO ST, 1A (5-0)
• Approved emergency repair authorization for 2945 CEDARWOOD DR (5-0)
• Approved emergency repair authorization for 920 WADESBORO ST, 3B (5-0)
• Removed Docket FY25-HAB044 (case closed due to compliance)
• Removed Docket FY25-HAB050 (unit unoccupied)

Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

The Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission will meet to discuss school safety and administrative updates. The session includes a guest presentation from Durham Public Schools regarding Family Responsibility Zones.

• Guest presentation on Durham Public Schools (DPS) Family Responsibility Zones (FRZ)
• Discussion of remaining budget
• Selection of potential presenters for April, May, and June
• Appointment of Social Media Lead and Secretary Back-up

The Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission approved a recommendation letter regarding Family Responsibility Zones at Hope Valley Elementary School, supporting safer pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The commission also approved the February meeting and retreat minutes, and heard a presentation from Durham Public Schools on Family Responsibility Zones and Safe Routes to School programs.

• Approved February meeting minutes (motion by Tony Reevy, seconded by Nathan Lee)
• Approved retreat minutes (motion by Brian Hawkins, seconded by Tony Reevy)
• Approved Hope Valley Elementary School Family Responsibility Zones recommendation letter (motion by Brian Hawkins, seconded by Trent Cormier)
• Extended meeting by 15 minutes (motion by Trent Cormier, seconded by Brian Hawkins)

City Council

The Durham City Council approved a zoning change for the Pickett Apartments project, allowing up to 140 multifamily units on Pickett Road, despite opposition from numerous residents. The council also approved a rezoning for the Chin Page Road Apartments, a $100M bond issuance, and a resolution calling for the reopening of USAID. All other agenda items were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda.

• Approved Pickett Apartments rezoning to PDR 36.176 for up to 140 units (4-3)
• Approved Chin Page Road Apartments rezoning to PDR 24.115 for up to 360 units (7-0)
• Approved $100M General Obligation Parks, Streets, and Sidewalks Bonds, Series 2025 (7-0)
• Approved $15.6M street repairs contract with Sunrock Industries (7-0)
• Approved $6.9M pavement preservation contract with Slurry Pavers (7-0)
• Approved $7.4M sidewalk repairs contract with H & H Enterprises (7-0)
• Approved resolution calling for lifting stop work order on foreign assistance and reopening USAID (7-0)
• Approved annexation of 1012 Valmet Drive for up to 12 single-family lots (7-0)

Mayor's Hispanic/Latino Committee

The Durham Mayor's Hispanic/Latino Committee held its March 2025 monthly meeting. Members approved sending a letter to the Mayor and City Council addressing senior needs and the immigrant situation. The committee also received sub-committee reports and scheduled future meetings, including a leadership retreat in July 2025.

• Approved letter to Mayor and City Council on senior needs and immigrant situation
• Sub-committee reports on letters, events, duties, and calendar for April-July 2025
• Next monthly meeting set for April 10, 2025
• Leadership retreat planned for July 2025, date TBD
• February meeting minutes to be approved at April meeting

The Durham Mayor's Hispanic-Latino Committee approved sending a letter to the Mayor and City Council addressing senior needs and the immigrant situation. The meeting also covered sub-committee reports and scheduled future meetings, but no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved sending letter to Mayor and City Council on senior needs and immigrant situation
• Approved March agenda
• Deferred approval of February meeting minutes to April meeting

Recreation Advisory Commission

The Recreation Advisory Commission will meet to discuss the FY 25/26 budget request and a presentation on the West Point on the Eno field trip. The body will also vote on fee waivers and hold commission elections.

• FY 25/26 Budget Request
• Fee waiver approval
• West Point on the Eno Field Trip Presentation
• Commission elections

The Durham Recreation Advisory Commission unanimously voted to delay approval of the Park and Trail Maintenance Plan until the January 8, 2025 meeting, following requests for updates from commissioners. The commission also unanimously approved the October and November 2024 meeting minutes and the November and December fee waivers. No public comment was received.

• Approved October and November 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November and December fee waivers (unanimous)
• Delayed approval of Park and Trail Maintenance Plan to January 8, 2025 (unanimous)

Mayor's Council for Women

The Mayor's Council for Women will review results from a community survey and begin strategizing for 2025 functions and events. Updates will be provided on volunteer efforts with the Durham Crisis Response Center, a potential partnership with Habitat for Humanity, and preparation for the Southern High School Clothes Closet. No votes or binding decisions are scheduled; the meeting consists of discussions and planning.

• Community Survey Review – discussion of survey results and insights
• 2025 Functions & Events Planning – strategizing for upcoming initiatives
• Durham Crisis Response Center – volunteer form submitted for MCFW
• Habitat for Humanity Partnership – voicemail left about potential community partnership
• Southern High School Clothes Closet – staff cleaning room; preparation over summer for August 2025

The Mayor's Council for Women held a routine business meeting, approving the February 11, 2025 minutes and the meeting agenda, both unanimously. The board discussed various community engagement and volunteer activities, including a survey with inclusive pronouns, volunteering at a women's shelter, and participating in local parades, but no formal decisions were made on these items.

• Approved February 11, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (6-0)

Planning Commission (PC)

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a statutory development agreement amendment (TC2400003) and five zoning map changes: Page Corners, Danube Lane, Brier Creek Multifamily, Durham Rescue Mission East Main Street, and East Club at 85. They will also consider the FY26 Planning Department Work Program. The agenda includes approval of minutes from February 11, 2025, and committee updates.

• Public hearing on statutory development agreement amendment TC2400003
• Public hearings on zoning map changes: Page Corners, Danube Lane, Brier Creek Multifamily, Durham Rescue Mission East Main Street, East Club at 85
• Consideration of FY26 Planning Department Work Program
• Approval of minutes from February 11, 2025

The Durham Planning Commission recommended approval of the FY26 Planning Department Work Program and several zoning map changes, including Page Corners, Danube Lane Townhouses, Brier Creek Multifamily, and East Club at 85. It also recommended approval of a text amendment to allow statutory development agreements, and continued the Durham Rescue Mission East Main Street case to April 8, 2025. All votes were recorded with specific tallies.

• Approved minutes and consistency statements for Feb 11, 2025 (9-0)
• Recommended FY26 Planning Department Work Program to governing bodies (9-0)
• Recommended approval of Statutory Development Agreement Amendment TC2400003 (6-3)
• Continued Durham Rescue Mission East Main Street case Z2400022 to April 8, 2025 (9-0)
• Recommended approval of Page Corners rezoning Z2400027 (7-2)
• Recommended approval of Danube Lane Townhouses rezoning Z2300049 (9-0)
• Recommended approval of Brier Creek Multifamily rezoning Z2400012 (6-3)
• Recommended approval of East Club at 85 rezoning Z2400032 (9-0)

Public Art Committee

The Public Art Committee will hear presentations on three public art projects: the Durham Rail Trail Public Art Plan, the South Ellerbe Restoration Project Final Design Proposal, and The Grove UDO privately funded public artwork. They will also consider approving the Annual Retreat 2025 meeting summary minutes and receive updates from task forces supporting the Durham Cultural Roadmap and capacity building for local artists. The meeting is primarily a discussion and review session with no final votes scheduled.

• Presentation on Durham Rail Trail Public Art Plan by Brenda Miller Holmes & McAdams
• Presentation on South Ellerbe Restoration Project Final Design Proposal by Ben Reid & Julienne Alexander
• Presentation on The Grove UDO privately funded public artwork by Vandorn Hinnant
• Action to approve Annual Retreat 2025 meeting summary minutes
• Task force updates on Goal 1 (Durham Cultural Roadmap), Goal 2 (capacity building for artists), and Goal 3 (anti-racism and equity best practices)

The Public Art Committee heard presentations on the Durham Rail Trail public art plan, the South Ellerbe Restoration Project, and a privately-funded sculpture at The Grove. No formal votes were taken; a vote on the sculpture will be held via email. The meeting was informational, with no decisions made.

• No formal decisions made; vote on The Grove sculpture deferred to email
• Durham Rail Trail public art plan presented with $240K Phase I budget
• South Ellerbe Restoration Project final design proposal presented
• Call for Artists for City Hall artwork announced (posted March 10, 2025)

Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities

The meeting approved minutes, heard announcements including the Renegade housing development opening in Spring 2025, and featured a presentation by ShaLeigh Comerford for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Chair Gloria Whitehead reported that the City Council approved the committee's by-laws, triggering 11 vacancies and a new appointment process via the City Clerk's Office. The committee also discussed a work plan for 2025 based on actionable items from a prior meeting, including housing, employment, and resource database efforts.

• Renegade housing development scheduled to open Spring 2025
• City Council approval of MCPWD by-laws creates 11 vacancies, new member appointment process
• Actionable items for 2025 work plan: housing for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities, epilepsy training for police, resource database
• Subcommittees to be formed: Public Policy, Awards and Outreach, Employment and Education
• Next meeting April 8, 2025

The Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities approved meeting minutes and discussed next steps after City Council approved its bylaws, which will create 11 vacancies. The committee also reviewed and prioritized actionable items for its 2025 work plan, including subcommittees and housing for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

• Approved January meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November meeting minutes (4-2, two abstentions)
• Reviewed actionable items and recommended combining several for 2025 work plan
• Tabled Unity discussion to April meeting

City Council

The Durham City Council held a work session where it approved a joint resolution calling for the immediate lifting of the stop work order on foreign assistance programs and the reopening of USAID. The council also approved the City Manager's priority item (EBOP annual report), accepted the City Attorney's priority item to convene a closed session, and settled the agenda for the March 17 meeting. No other formal votes were taken on the pulled agenda items, which were discussed but not decided.

• Approved joint resolution calling for lifting of stop work order on foreign assistance programs and reopening of USAID (unanimous)
• Approved City Manager's priority item: 2024 EBOP Annual Report presentation (unanimous)
• Accepted City Attorney's priority item to convene closed session (unanimous)
• Settled agenda for March 17, 2025 City Council meeting (unanimous)
• Consensus to not pursue opt-out option for gravel street paving

Durham Cultural Advisory Board

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board holds a retreat to confirm goals and priorities for 2025-2026, review festival improvement processes, and receive updates on the Durham Cultural Roadmap and FY26 budgets. The agenda includes conflict-of-interest training, public art committee updates, and a 10-minute public comment period. The board will also note that all 14 FY24 festival contracts were fulfilled, generating $5,852,262 in economic impact, and 21 of 22 FY25 contracts are executed or in progress, totaling $400,000.07 in recommended funding.

• Confirming DCAB's 2025-2026 goals and priorities, including advocacy for arts funding
• Festival Improvement Process discussion with recommendations on funding and communications
• Public Art Committee update on the Public Art Plan and Unified Development Ordinance
• FY24 festivals: $5,852,262 economic impact, 783 artists, 73,650 attendees
• FY25 festival contracts: 21 of 22 executed, total recommended $400,000.07

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board held its annual retreat, approving the January 2025 meeting minutes (8-0, with one abstention). Members discussed and confirmed goals and priorities for 2025-2026, adding language to advocate for more funding, support the Cultural Roadmap, and strengthen relationships. They also discussed conflict-of-interest policies and formed a subcommittee to review them. No final decisions were made on festival funding or other new business items.

• Approved January 2025 meeting minutes (8-0, Shabu abstained)
• Confirmed 2025-2026 goals and priorities with added language
• Formed subcommittee to review conflict-of-interest policy (Lau, Flores, Smart, McNab volunteered)

Environmental Affairs Board (EAB)

The board will vote on a recommendation regarding the Howard’s Place development. Members will also discuss budget requests, a resolution to designate Durham as a biophilic city, and a potential ban on gas-powered leaf blowers.

• Vote on recommendation for Howard’s Place development
• Resolution on designating Durham as a biophilic city
• Recommendation to ban gas-powered leaf blowers
• Review of City/County budget line items for support
• Update on pesticide pollution prevention from Toxic Free NC

The Durham Environmental Affairs Board (EAB) met on March 5, 2025. The minutes are largely procedural, recording attendance, approval of previous minutes, and staff reports. No substantive motions, approvals, or denials are recorded in the provided text.

• Meeting called to order and roll call taken
• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Staff reports presented and discussed
• Board member reports given
• Public comments received
• Discussion of upcoming agenda items
• Meeting adjourned

Joint City-County Planning Committee (JCCPC)

The Joint City-County Planning Committee will discuss the Walltown Small Area Plan update and updates to the new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), along with a consolidated cases summary and city and county managers' priority items. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and announcements.

• Walltown Small Area Plan update presented by Senior Planner Carl Kolosna
• New UDO updates presented by Assistant Planning Director Bo Dobrzenski
• Consolidated Cases Summary and presentation by Senior Planning Manager Aaron Cain
• City and County Managers' Priority Items discussion

The Joint City-County Planning Committee approved the minutes from its February 5, 2025 meeting (4-0). The committee received updates on the Walltown Small Area Plan and the new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), providing feedback and requesting revisions, but took no other substantive actions.

• Approved February 5, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)

Human Relations Commission

The Durham Human Relations Commission will discuss proposed amendments to the Fair Housing Bylaws concerning hearing procedures. The agenda also includes public comments, approval of February meeting minutes, and committee reports. A program manager from the NC Human Relations Commission plans to present at the April meeting.

• Proposed amendments to Fair Housing Bylaws Section 8 (Hearings)
• Approval of February 4, 2025 meeting minutes
• Public comments open (3 minutes per person)
• Committee reports: Annual Awards, Community Outreach, Policies & Procedures, Social Media/Marketing, Housing
• Program Manager Gene Troy to present/training at April 2025 meeting

The Durham Human Relations Commission (DHRC) met virtually on March 4, 2025, and approved proposed amendments to the Fair Housing Bylaws, Section 8 (Hearings, Hearing Board, Hearing Procedure, and Hearing Board Determination), presented by Associate City Attorney Sarah Laws. The motion passed with eight votes in favor and one abstention. The commission also unanimously approved the minutes from its February 4, 2025 meeting. No public comments or ceremonial items were presented, and no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved proposed amendments to the Fair Housing Bylaws, Section 8, with 8 votes for and 1 abstention.
• Approved the meeting minutes from the February 4, 2025 DHRC meeting, unanimously with 9 votes.
• Confirmed that the North Carolina Human Relations Commission will present at the April 1, 2025 DHRC meeting.
• Discussed plans for a fall 2025 community forum and a possible tour of the Willard Street Apartments affordable housing development.

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission will consider four Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) for alterations to historic properties, including a sign, a retroactive demolition, and additions. The commission will also discuss proposed updates to its Rules of Procedure and review a report on minor COAs issued since the last meeting.

• COA2400066 – 1201 Fayetteville Street – Sign
• COA2400083 – 2515 West Club Blvd – Demolition of Accessory Structure and Modifications (Retroactive)
• COA2400086 – 618 Morehead Avenue – Addition and Site Work
• COA2400087 – 708 Arnette Avenue – Addition, Modifications and Site Work
• Discussion of proposed 2025 edits to HPC Rules of Procedure

The Durham Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a monument sign at 1201 Fayetteville Street (8-0). The commission continued two cases to May 6, 2025: a retroactive demolition and modifications at 2515 West Club Blvd (9-0) and an addition at 708 Arnette Avenue (8-0). It also approved an addition to an accessory structure at 618 Morehead Avenue (6-2).

• Approved COA for monument sign at 1201 Fayetteville St (8-0)
• Continued COA for demolition/modifications at 2515 West Club Blvd to May 6, 2025 (9-0)
• Approved COA for accessory structure addition at 618 Morehead Ave (6-2)
• Continued COA for addition at 708 Arnette Ave to May 6, 2025 (8-0)
• Approved order for COA2400066 (7-0)
• Approved order for COA2400086 (7-1)

City Council

The Durham City Council met on March 3, 2025, and approved the consent agenda, which included multiple contracts and reports. Key approvals included a $11.3 million water and sewer repair contract with Carolina Civilworks Inc, a $3.3 million amendment to the GoDurham transit contract, and several transportation design agreements. The council also closed Clegg Drive to facilitate a multi-family residential development and made a corresponding zoning map amendment.

• Approved consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved $11,313,560 water and sewer repair contract with Carolina Civilworks Inc (7-0)
• Approved $2,318,667.50 unscheduled pipeline repair contract with Carolina Civilworks Inc (7-0)
• Approved $1,668,069 waterline replacement contract with Teraflex Group LLC (7-0)
• Approved $2,386,425 unscheduled pipeline repair contract with Teraflex Group LLC (7-0)
• Approved $3,335,000 amendment to GoDurham transit contract with RATP Dev USA (7-0)
• Closed Clegg Drive permanently for multi-family development (7-0)
• Amended Place Type Map to Mixed Residential Neighborhood for Clegg Drive parcels (7-0)

Public Art Committee

The Public Art Committee is holding a retreat to review its mission and values statements, discuss goals such as supporting the Durham Cultural Roadmap and building local artist capacity, and participate in a training on bias and equity in public art. The meeting also includes approval of January meeting minutes, announcements on the Cultural Roadmap and Rail Trail Public Art Plan, and breakout groups to plan future steps.

• Review and possible revision of the Public Art Committee's mission and values statements
• Training and discussion on implicit/explicit bias and anti-racist best practices for public art
• Breakout groups to advance Goal 1: Support the Durham Cultural Roadmap
• Breakout groups to advance Goal 2: Support Capacity Building for Local Artists
• Breakout groups to advance Goal 3: Develop skills to address bias and promote equity

The Public Art Committee held its annual retreat, approving the January 2025 minutes (8-0) and participating in facilitated activities to define its priorities. The committee reaffirmed three goals: supporting the Durham Cultural Roadmap, building capacity for local artists, and addressing bias in arts and culture. They also articulated two guiding value statements: supporting diverse and equitably located art, and requiring fair pay for local artists. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval; the retreat was primarily for planning and discussion.

• Approved January 2025 meeting minutes (8-0, Shabu abstained)
• Reaffirmed three PAC goals: support Durham Cultural Roadmap, build local artist capacity, address bias in arts and culture
• Adopted two value statements: support diverse equitably located art; require fair pay for local artists

Durham Convention Center Authority

This is a routine meeting with no major decisions on the agenda. The board will approve January 2025 minutes, hear an administrative report, review financial performance, and receive updates on the convention center.

• Approval of January 2025 meeting minutes
• Financial performance review
• Convention center updates

The Durham Convention Center Authority Board approved the FY26 budget of $3.4 million and accepted the January 2025 meeting minutes. The board discussed financial challenges including a projected $429,000 loss, deferred maintenance, and the need to replace kitchen ovens and a walk-in cooler. They also noted new event bookings, including the NC Brewers Association and Microsoft, and discussed hiring a consultant for an RFP at a cost of $200,000.

• Approved FY26 budget of $3.4 million (unanimous)
• Accepted January 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 12:59pm (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on three cases: a variance from ADU setback standards at 1010 Hale Street (continued from December 2024), a request for a reasonable accommodation to allow an ADU larger than 1,000 sq ft at 912 Clarion Drive, and a minor special use permit for a parking reduction over 30% at 4151 Sancar Way. The board will also approve orders from two previous cases.

• Variance from ADU setback standards at 1010 Hale Street (RU-5 zone, continued from Dec 10, 2024)
• Reasonable accommodation for an ADU larger than 1,000 heated sq ft at 912 Clarion Drive (RS-20 zone)
• Minor special use permit for a parking reduction greater than 30% at 4151 Sancar Way (SRP-C zone)
• Approval of orders for B2400016 (International Dr. WCF mSUP) and B2400038 (Fayette Place Tree Replacement Area Variance)

The Durham Board of Adjustment approved a reasonable accommodation to allow an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) larger than 1,000 square feet at 912A Clarion Drive, with a 6-1 vote. A variance for an ADU setback at 1010 Hale Street failed 0-5. The board also approved a minor special use permit for a parking reduction at 4151 Sancar Way (5-0) and approved orders for two prior cases.

• Approved reasonable accommodation for 1,049 sq ft ADU at 912A Clarion Dr (6-1)
• Denied ADU setback variance at 1010 Hale St (0-5)
• Approved minor special use permit for parking reduction at 4151 Sancar Way (5-0)
• Approved order for case B2400016 (International Dr WCF mSUP) (5-0)
• Approved order for case B2400038 (Fayette Place tree replacement area variance) (5-0)
• Approved minutes from January 28, 2025 (7-0)
• Approved excused absence for Commissioner Morgan (7-0)

Workers' Rights Commission

The Durham Workers' Rights Commission held a routine meeting with committee updates and discussion of ongoing projects. Chair Luster announced he is stepping down, and Elise Ballan was appointed interim chair through June 2025. Commissioners also discussed recent unionization efforts at Amazon and plans for the next project.

• Chair Luster stepping down; Elise Ballan appointed interim chair through June 2025
• Discussion of Amazon unionization vote: did not reach required votes, but workers continuing efforts
• Upcoming Durham Worker’s Assembly on February 27 at People’s Solidarity Hub, 1809 Chapel Hill Road
• Quarterly meeting with City Manager Ferguson held; next meeting June 9
• Dissolution of the Workers+ Survey Subcommittee; Elise Ballan to work independently on agenda

The Durham Workers' Rights Commission approved the appointment of Elise Ballan as interim chair through June 2025, following Chair Luster's announcement that he is stepping down. The commission also dissolved its Workers+ Survey Subcommittee, with Ballan continuing the work independently. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting focused on updates and planning for future projects.

• Appointed Elise Ballan as interim chair through June 2025
• Dissolved the Workers+ Survey Subcommittee; Ballan to work independently

City Council

The Durham City Council held a virtual work session on February 20, 2025, with no formal votes on substantive items. They received presentations on the 2024 fourth-quarter crime report, a police satisfaction survey, and a second-quarter financial report. Council also discussed budget requests for FY2025-26, including eviction diversion funding, and settled the agenda for the March 3 meeting.

• Approved City Manager's priority items (unanimous)
• Approved Clerk's nomination of Evan Bradley to Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Approved Clerk's nomination of Kaleigh A Greener to Human Relations Commission (unanimous)
• Settled agenda for March 3, 2025 City Council meeting (unanimous)

Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST)

The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission will consider approving a memo that strongly recommends denying the Sheffield Farms rezoning request unless the developer commits to protecting a 90-acre natural heritage area. The agenda also includes presentations on the Durham to Roxboro Rail Trail and the Parkwood Possibilities Committee, along with updates on 2025 goals and priorities and committee reports.

• Sheffield Farms memo recommending denial of PDR 3.241 rezoning unless 90-acre natural area is protected
• Presentation on Durham to Roxboro Rail Trail by Durham County Transportation
• Presentation on Parkwood Possibilities Committee
• Discussion of 2025 Goals and Priorities
• Updates from committees and liaisons

The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission approved its 2025 Goals & Priorities with minor modifications, and approved a memo to the Planning Commission regarding the Sheffield Farms development. The commission also heard presentations on the Durham to Roxboro Rail Trail and a proposed Parkwood trail, and received updates on budget requests and county grants.

• Approved 2025 Goals & Priorities with minor edits (Quinlan/Myatt)
• Approved memo to Planning Commission on Sheffield Farms development (Cohn/Myatt)
• Approved January minutes (Cohn/Myatt)
• Appointed Courtney McGuire to Trails Committee (Quinlan)

Appearance Commission (DAC)

The Appearance Commission will review the 2024 Annual Report and brainstorm the future of the Commission. The meeting also includes a report on available funds for awards, training, and speaker events.

• Recap of 2024 Annual Report discussion
• Brainstorming session on the future of the Commission
• City-County Planning account balance of $2,500 for Awards program
• Keep Durham Beautiful Account balance of $2,717.24
• City Clerk Fund balance of $1,000 for training and speaker events

Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission will hear a guest presentation on the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan from Durham County Transportation Planner Brooke Roper. The commission will also discuss recommendations for the Fayetteville Street Transit Emphasis Corridor and a DPS Family Responsibility Zone video, along with committee and liaison reports.

• Guest presentation: Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan (Brooke Roper, Durham County)
• Recommendations for Fayetteville St Transit Emphasis Corridor
• DPS Family Responsibility Zone Video discussion
• Brainstorm meeting location for April 15 in-person meeting
• Committee reports from Community Engagement, Development Review, and Planning and Policy

The Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) met virtually and received a presentation on the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail plan, which is in its research and public engagement phase. The commission approved the January meeting minutes and discussed several items, including recommendations for the Fayetteville Street Transit Emphasis Corridor and a video on safe walking to school. No formal votes were taken on policy matters.

• Approved January meeting minutes (motion by Tony Reevy, seconded by Andrés Otero)
• Delayed retreat minutes to next meeting
• Discussed Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail plan (no action)
• Set April 15 meeting location to City Hall (tentative)
• Identified follow-up actions on Family Responsibility Zones, Fayetteville St corridor, and video production

City Council

The Durham City Council approved a zoning map change for the Hoover Road Assemblage, allowing up to 402 residential units on 63 parcels in East Durham, and also approved the annexation of the Polanco Residence. The consent agenda was approved with the exception of two items, and a contract amendment for MWBE consulting services was referred back to staff for more information.

• Approved Hoover Road Assemblage rezoning to PDR 17.325 (7-0)
• Approved Polanco Residence annexation and zoning (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda items 1, 3-10, 13-32 (7-0)
• Approved Homeless Services Advisory Committee annual report (7-0)
• Referred MWBE consulting contract amendment back to staff (no vote)
• Approved $3.015M Turner & Townsend Heery contract amendment (7-0)
• Approved $2.385M ADW Architects contract amendment for Fire/EMS Station 19 (7-0)
• Approved $835,716.84 purchase of 7 light transit vehicles (7-0)

Mayor's Hispanic/Latino Committee

The committee approved minutes and agenda, then heard a legal orientation on immigrant raids and a presentation on Durham Senior Games. Councilor Javiera Caballero provided budget updates including funding requests for Justice Matters and programs supporting the Hispanic-Latin community. Future sub-committee reports and events are pending for March.

• Skylar Kelly (DPR) presented on Durham Senior Games
• Yesenia Polanco (Polanco Law) provided legal orientation on immigrant raids and their relation to law, schools, and places of worship
• Councilor Javiera Caballero updated on budget and funding requests for Justice Matters and Hispanic-Latin community programs
• Mayor's State of the City Address scheduled for Feb. 18 at 6:00 PM
• Potential emergency meeting during week of Feb. 24

The Durham Mayor's Hispanic-Latino Committee met on February 13, 2025, and approved the previous meeting minutes and the agenda. Members heard presentations from Skylar Kelly about Durham Senior Games, Yesenia Polanco on immigrant raids and legal rights, and Councilor Javiera Caballero on budget updates and funding requests for Justice Matters and Hispanic-Latin community programs. No formal decisions were made; the committee discussed upcoming events and potential emergency meeting.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (Luis, 2nd Heydi)
• Approved agenda (James, 2nd Oraly)
• Added Yesenia Polanco to agenda to discuss law and immigrant raids
• Noted Victor will step down as Chair in June