Durham County

The primary focus of the work session involved extensive public comments regarding the proposed annexation and reorganization of 4802 Cheat Road. Concerns centered on the parcel being outside the adopted Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), conflicting with the comprehensive plan, and infrastructure limitations (including limitations for police, fire, and EMS services). Speakers also addressed environmental impacts, noting the presence of streams running into Falls Lake, potential impacts on floodplains and riparian buffers, and the area's rural and agricultural character. Issues related to service response times, particularly for EMS (noting an expected 12-minute drive time) and fire services (exceeding the 6.5-minute national standard), were heavily emphasized. The lack of demonstrated substantial public benefit for this non-contiguous annexation was a recurring theme.

Key discussion items for this Worksession included a 30-minute citizen comments period, a conversation with the District Attorney and Sheriff's Office staff regarding court scheduling, the Detention Center, and pretrial services, including a follow-up to questions raised in the June 2014 meeting. The Board also received an organizational overview presentation from Alliance Behavioral Healthcare concerning its services and impact on citizens. Further agenda items involved a proposal to amend the membership and charter of the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee to potentially serve as the Local Reentry Council, a discussion on purchasing the "Twist of Fate" sculpture for the County Courthouse plaza, a report on the concept of a Durham County Community Giving Fund, an update on the Durham Workforce Development Program, a review of BOCC Directives from the preceding months, and a scheduled Closed Session to consult with counsel regarding pending litigation.

Key discussions during the worksession included citizen comments regarding educational opportunities at the detention center, where the County Manager suggested the Sheriff's Office present on the GED program utilizing federal funds. Other citizen concerns raised related to the number of long-term inmates, courtroom usage after hours, and taxpayer money for inmate care. The Board also discussed proposed revisions to the Durham County Living Wage Policy, confirming the calculated rate increase to $12.31 and clarifying its internal application, noting it would be placed on the consent agenda for the next regular session. Further discussion involved the results of the Roll Cart Recycling Pilot Program, including the request for $91,717.00 for full implementation, and analysis of household fees and revenue offsets. Amendments to the County's Fund Balance Policy concerning Special Revenue Fund Tax Districts were reviewed, focusing on covenant requirements for revenue bonds and debt balance percentages. Finally, the status of various Board Directives was reviewed, including follow-ups on the Lincoln Community Health Center funding and the Youth Opportunity Initiative.

The meeting addressed the Rougemont Water situation, which involves contamination issues. The County Manager provided a history and noted that the City of Durham declined to extend water service, while Roxboro's extension proposal exceeded $3 million. Information was shared regarding the affected properties and the lack of fire hydrant pressure with existing well systems. A representative from the NC Department of Environment & Natural Resources indicated the contamination may not be totally resolved, and the State is currently providing bottled water. The State must commit $120,000 by February 1 to secure Federal funds, potentially for drilling purposes. Clearer information is expected following the completion of RFPs, and the County assured residents that further meetings would occur as updates become available.

The meeting included an initial closed session to discuss confidential matters concerning personnel qualifications and legal consultation regarding IBM. Following the closed session, the Board handled agenda adjustments and made announcements regarding county television programming, opportunities to serve on boards and commissions, and local health initiatives, including film showings related to dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and the opening of the American Tobacco Trail segment and the History Hub. Key actions included approving the September 23, 2013, minutes and recognizing a Public Health Nurse for a 2013 Service Award. The Board passed resolutions honoring a resident on her 101st birthday and recognizing the North Carolina Extension & Community Association on its centennial anniversary. A significant portion of the meeting involved approving several Budget Ordinance Amendments (14BCC000018 through 14BCC000024) related to fiscal year-end encumbrances, restricted funds for various departments, General Fund transfers, and specific program funding. A public hearing was held regarding a zoning map change request from RS-20 to CG(D) for a self-storage facility development, which the Board ultimately approved unanimously, following discussions about site access and fencing aesthetics. Another public hearing addressed the Coordinated Transportation Program's Section 5311 grant application, which the Board approved for submission to NCDOT. Finally, the Board approved a revision to the Durham County Living Wage Policy to comply with new state legislation, removing external contract requirements but expanding internal coverage to all part-time employees, and discussed the impact of the federal shutdown on DSS programs, appropriating up to $235,000 as a contingency reserve for certain services in November.