Durham, NC – The Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met on Monday, November 26, 2018, in Regular Session. Highlights of the meeting include:

• The Board held a Closed Session at 5:30 p.m.
• Board Chair Wendy Jacobs called the regular session to order at 7:03 p.m.
• The chair opened the meeting with announcements including the upcoming selection of the 2018-2019 chair and vice chair of the Durham Board of County Commissioners.The annual identification of these leaders will take place at on December 3rd, during the 9 a.m. Work Session held in the Commissioners Chambers. The session will also include the swearing in of new elected officials. Citizens should note that the swearing in of the new sheriff will take place at noon at Grey Stone Church in Durham.
• The BOCC presented a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Brenda Armstrong, affectionately known at “Coach Doc.” In addition to being a well-known and respected medical professional, specializing in pediatric cardiology, she was heavily involved with giving back to the people of Durham. She was the team physician and a coach for the Durham Striders Track Club. Durham Striders founder Frank Davis received the resolution highlighting Dr. Armstrong’s commitment to community.
• The BOCC recognized Durham Office of the Sheriff’s Captain Raheem Aleem for heroically saving the life of two small children and their mother following a collision on I-85. He shared a firsthand account of the accident and his appreciation of citizens willingly stepping in to help the family in need. Captain Aleem’s wife and two sons stood by his side as the Commissioners thanked him for his commitment to serving others.
• Commissioner Ellen Reckhow read a resolution approved by commissioners which recognized the evolving research regarding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The resolution highlighted the scientifically proven correlation between ACEs and negative health behaviors that can follow children into adulthood. The resolution encouraged residents to become ACEs informed and to support strategies to prevent or alleviate the effects of ACEs. The resolution concluded with an endorsement by the board to develop an ACES Community Resilience Plan. The Durham ACEs Task Force also made remarks.
• The County Commissioners unanimously passed the consent agenda including the approval of the option agreement/purchase for two properties on North Roxboro Road totaling $195,000. The combined properties include 23.44 acres that will be used for future placement of an expanded convenience center designed to service residents in the northern areas of Durham.
• Commissioners discussed the County Public Art Policy Study draft document and invited Deputy Director of the Durham County Engineering and Environmental Services Department Peri Manns to come forth to share an update and overview of the report. Manns was joined by Project Manager Linda Salguero for the discussion.
• The Board discussed approval of federal legislative goals for submission to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) by the last day of the month (Regular Business Item - 18-1132). Items decided on for submission include:  1. Increase Federal Disaster Funding to help repair infrastructure damage through natural disaster.  2. Reinstate Volunteer Fire Departments in State/Local Government Retirement Systems 3. SNAP benefits and new farm bill

  Edits to the items were suggested. Staff will work to make updates for submission.

• County Manager Davis presented the newly evolved Quarterly Management Report (QMR) publication. The Quarterly Management Report (QMR) provides the County Commissioners and the community with regular and measurable updates on outcomes associated with the objectives of the Strategic Plan and the County Manager’s workplan. This next generation QMR presented on Monday night has greater emphasis on high priority projects that meet strategic plan goals and targets. The updated report, given positive feedback by the BOCC, is now available at https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/950535_5d3339f7a3d94bc2b7d7c2ff6fc47be1.pdf
• The Board made the following appointments to boards and commissions:
  • Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee - Deirdre Thornlow 
  • Planning Commission - David Morgan
  • Transportation Advisory Board - Tiana Horn, Fred Myatt and Natalie Murdock
  • Women’s Commission- Elizabeth Morrel

Board meetings are cablecast live on Durham Television Network (DTN) on Time Warner Cable Channel 8 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99. To view the agendas and recordings of the BOCC’s Regular Session meetings, visit the BOCC’s Website.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 10, 2018. For more information about BOCC meetings, contact the Durham County Clerk to the Board's Office at (919) 560-0025 or email clerk@dconc.gov.