Durham, N.C. – The Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met virtually on Monday, June 8, 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:

• Chair Wendy Jacobs called the Regular Session meeting to order.
• The Board proclaimed June 19, 2020 as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. The purpose of this proclamation is to bring annual awareness with the goal of increasing public knowledge and an understanding of sickle cell disease and the challenges experienced by patients, families and caregivers. Read the proclamation here.
• The Board approved a resolution entitled, Racism: A Public Health Crisis in recognition of the national and local protests and riots that have resulted from the recent death of George Floyd by four Minneapolis Minnesota Police officers. The event has served as a spark to recognize the tireless work that must continue to address and reduce the pervasive racial inequities that continue to exist in our country. Read the resolution here.

A summary of the Consent Agenda follows:

• The Board approved a service contract with Animal Protection Society of Durham, Inc. (APS) for the operation of the Durham County Animal Shelter, in the amount of $779,594.40.
• County Commissioners recognized a $50,000 donation from the Research Triangle Foundation to Durham County’s Emergency Operations Center. According to Scott Levitan President and CEO, the group “wanted to make a contribution” to the emergency efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “When Jim Groves and County Manager Wendell Davis called, we wanted to stand and deliver. We are grateful to be able to help,” he concluded. The funds will be used to support the Emergency Operation Center’s current and future response and recovery efforts.
• The Board authorized the County Manager to enter into a standard service contract in the amount of $92,000 with Hydrostructures, PA for Manhole Inspection Services for the Utilities Division’s sewer collection system. Approximately 2,250 sewer manholes within the county’s collection system will be inspected, assessed, photographed and labeled.
• Commissioners authorized the County Manager to enter into a service contract in the amount of $98,280 with Psychiatric Services and Consultation, LLC to provide psychiatric services to individuals in the Durham County Detention Center.
• The Board authorized the County Manager to enter into a contract in the amount of $120,450 with Buddi US, LLC to provide Electronic Monitoring Services for individuals assigned to Durham County Pretrial Services in Fiscal Year 2020-21.
• The Board granted the County Manager authority to execute a three-year contract (extension) with Child Care Services Association for Durham Pre-K management.
• The Board approved a Budget Ordinance Amendment recognizing $58,008 from the FY2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplement Funding (CESF) Program to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.
• The Board approved a one-year extension of the existing Interlocal Agreement with Orange County for the operation of the jointly owned Little River Regional Park (LRRP). The LRRP is a 391-acre park in northern Durham and Orange County jointly acquired by the two counties in 1999 with a combination of local funds, non-profit land trust assistance and a grant from the Clean Water Management Fund.

In other business:

• The Durham County Manager presented the FY 2020-21 Annual Budget Ordinance to the Durham County Board of Commissioners for final approval. This submission is in accordance with the Local Government Budget & Fiscal Control Act which requires adoption of the annual budget, no later than July 1. By a 3-2 vote, Durham Board of Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget in the amount of $675,607,696. This year’s budget holds the tax rate steady at 71.22 cents per $100 valuation. A complete description is available on the Durham County Government website at www.dconc.gov.
• County Commissioners received a presentation and approved a proposed Durham County Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Plan from staff. This plan must be presented to the NC Pandemic Recovery Office (NC PRO) by June 15^th. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that CARES funding is designed to provide short-term and quick support funding to respond to the pandemic. Durham County has been allocated $5.48 million that can be used for COVID-19 response and mitigation efforts.
• The Board heard a presentation from staff on the revised (updated) FY 2020-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) update. The overview explained the guiding principles used to develop the 10-year CIP, showed recommended funding levels for County projects, explained potential Bond Referendums, and highlighted major changes to the CIP since its approval in June of 2019.
• Durham County Public Health Director Rod Jenkins shared an update with the Board of Commissioners regarding the current efforts and status of the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that cases continue to increase, and Durham County has received additional contact tracers to help with identifying those who have been in contact with persons diagnosed with COVID-19. He continued to stress the three Ws safety message from the state: Wear A Cloth Face Covering, Wait Six Feet Apart and Avoid close Contact and Wash Your Hands Often or Use Hand Sanitizer.
• The Board adjourned the regular meeting at 10:57 p.m.

Announcements

• COVID-19 volunteer opportunities for residents looking to help their community during the pandemic, find out more here: https://www.dcopublichealth.org/services/communicable-diseases/coronavirus-disease-2019/covid-19-resources-volunteering.
• Free Tax Help from Reinvestment Partners through July 10 at Northgate Mall. More info can be found here: https://reinvestmentpartners.org/what-we-do/local-services/taxpayer-assistance-center.html.
• COVID-19 testing in Durham: If you are looking to get COVID-19 testing, visit the Durham County Department of Public Health’s webpage at https://www.dcopublichealth.org/services/communicable-diseases/coronavirus-disease-2019/covid-19-testing.
• COVID-19 rental assistance program from Durham County’s Department of Social Services. Have you been laid-off or furloughed, and are now behind in your rent? The Department of Social Services may be able to help. Please call 919-560-8000 to schedule an appointment.
• Become a mentor to African American Males as the African American Male Initiative at North Carolina Central University is seeking mentors for their upcoming 2020 class. The 2020 cohort will include 40 young men who are majoring in various subjects. To apply, visit https://bit.ly/2020MacMentors.
• There is still time for the 2020 Census. For the first time ever, the 2020 Census can be completed by phone, mail or online. Go to www.2020census.gov to complete yours or find out more information today!
• Did you know you can vote from home? Visit www.dcovotes.com for more information on absentee ballots and how to request a form.

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. Meetings can also be viewed on the County’s YouTube channel. 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, June 22, 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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