Durham, N.C. – The Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met virtually on Monday, April 13, 2020, in Regular Session. The virtual option aligns with social distancing requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to ensure the safety of citizens who wish to participate as well as Board members and Durham County Government staff. Highlights of the meeting include:
- The Regular Session was called to order by Chair Wendy Jacobs at 7 p.m.
- The Board meeting began with a period of citizen comments and Chair Jacobs shared comments from emails received.
- Following approval of the minutes, two ceremonial items were approved:
- April was named, “County Government Month” in recognition of the National Association of Counties annual observance. This year’s theme is “Counties Matter.” Read it here.
- Commissioners also approved a proclamation naming Durham County as a “Breastfeeding Friendly Community.” Read it here.
- The Board approved a Budget Ordinance Amendment to recognize $195,954 from the NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health. This provides funding to the Durham County Department of Public Health to support the COVID-19 emergency response.
- The Board authorized the County Manager to execute a contract with LeChase Construction/Right-Build Inc., of Durham in the amount of $182,430 for the Preconstruction Services for the 300 E. Main St. structured parking deck.
- Commissioners approved a Capital Project Amendment appropriating $500,000 to the Downtown Parking Deck Capital Project with a funding source of a future financing and authorize the execution of a contract amendment for the architectural design services with Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Ltd., in the amount of $239,650 for the 300 E. Main St. structured parking deck parking displacement at 410 W. Chapel Hill St., thus totaling a not to exceed total contract amount of $2,223,010.
- The Board approved a conservation easement with Mike and Tina Garrett for three years, to allocate current open space capital project funds to support Durham County’s required match for the easement cost, and to authorize the Manager to execute the Agricultural Lands Easement Program grant agreement if funds are awarded.
- Commissioners granted approval to Durham Public Schools to purchase two parcels of property near Elementary School C in Southern Durham County.
- The Board approved a Budget Ordinance Amendment increasing General Fund departmental operating budgets by $3,837,440 to support unplanned expenditures associated with COVID-19. The appropriated revenue to support these expenses includes $3,679,429 in General Fund balance and $158,011 in intergovernmental revenue. The County will seek expenditure reimbursement from FEMA, other funding source allotments/awards, and other state revenues as designated by the State of North Carolina.
- The Consent agenda was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner James Hill casting the “no” vote.
- Board of Commissioners received an update from County staff on the COVID-19 response and efforts, and an update on the March 6 malware attack recovery process.
- The Commissioners subsequently went into a closed session to discuss matters and economic development project and to instruct staff.
Announcements
- Durham City-County Stay-At-Home Order – Due to the concerns regarding the community spread of COVID-19, Durham County Government and the City of Durham has combined their Stay-At-Home Orders.
- DCo Economic Development Resources – Durham County is committed to providing resources for Small Business Support, Employment Opportunities and Temporary Changes in State, Federal and Corporate Policy. Please visit the Economic Development COVID-19 Resource page located at https://www.dconc.gov/county-departments/departments-a-e/engineering-and-environmental-services/ed-covid-19-resource for additional information.
- Complete Your 2020 Census Now – The 2020 Census is going on now! It’s quick and easy to fill out your questionnaire today by mail, by phone or online! Get more information here: www.2020census.gov.
Board meetings are cablecast live and rebroadcast on Durham Television Network (DTN) on Spectrum Channel 8. Replays are available on DTN along with AT&T U-verse Channel 99, Google Fiber Channel 8 and Frontier Communications Channel 70. 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, April 27, 2020. For more information about BOCC meetings, contact the Clerk to the Board's Office at (919) 560-0025 or email mtoomer@dconc.gov.
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