Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Change for the better may be coming on Durham Library room fees

There are signs that the recently imposed Durham County Library meeting room fees will soon be modified or reduced.  
 
The County Commissioners asked the Library administration to develop a plan for fees in May.  Apparently this was initially done to make up for reduced income from overdue book fines, which have also been changed, without any increase in County budgeting.  The actual policy was approved by the Commissioners at the September 10th meeting, apparently unanimously.  The fees were going to be $50 dollars for non-profit use for up to 4 hours and $100 dollars for more than 4 hours, and double these fees for for-profit use.  For-profit use has actually been allowed all along, but it had to be open to the public and I think non-commercial.  Some small rooms would stay free, and now there is free space at all of the libraries save Southwest.  The new fees do not seem to be popular in the system and, after public complaints, the fees for non-profits were halved.  Initially the Library expected to make $30,000 dollars a year from the fees, but now they expect half that, and I think the figure for lost overdue books income was around $240,000 dollars (last year's figure), so the administration is not very concerned about getting extra funds from the fees.  The rationale for the fees is now room maintenance.  I still think the rooms are pretty clean, but there have been some cleaning issues and recent (and short-lived) floor replacements.  The administration doesn't actually know the statistics for room usage, but is in the process of finding out for some short period.        
 
The Durham People's Alliance (www.durhampa.org) has been lobbying against the fees and sent letters to the County Commissioners and Library Board of Trustees a few weeks ago, requesting a public forum on the fees.  As a result there was a meeting between PA representatives and "Skip" Auld and Ken Berger Monday afternoon, and the PA is planning to speak at the Board of Trustees meeting on the 11th.  Anyone can request to speak at a Board meeting, but the agenda is not posted online.  The Board has been asked to make new recommendations to the Commissioners, and the administration seems to want to reduce or eliminate the fees.  The sliding scale, based on an organization's budget, which the Library came up with earlier, is considered too much of a hassle to administer.  The old refreshments fee might be restored, instead of the fees.  It would help if organizations could solicit donations at the meetings, to pay the room fee, which is not currently allowed.  The administration seems to be sympathetic, believing that the libraries should be centers in the community and means to increase the availability of information.
 
Some other issues came up, like future plans and how decisions are made about removing worn or little used books.  Apparently the various libraries are behind in going through their collections, and there is more change in the collections than I thought, but that is because these are not academic research libraries.                  

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

BOCC meeting agenda

Sometime after about 2pm the agenda below for the BOCC meeting earlier this evening was finally put online.  The three rezoning items are between RTP and the Wake County line and affect Brier and/or Stirrup Iron creeks, both of which are tributaries of Crabtree Lake and the Neuse River.   
 
 

REVISED

Closed Session

 

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA

 

Monday, November 26, 2007

 

County Commissioners' Chambers

200 East Main Street , Durham, North Carolina

 

AGENDA

 

"Public Charge"

 

The Board of Commissioners asks its members and citizens to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner, both with the Board and fellow citizens.   At any time, should any member of the Board or any citizen fail to observe this public charge, the Chairman will ask the offending person to leave the meeting until that individual regains personal control.   Should decorum fail to be restored, the Chairman will recess the meeting until such time that a genuine commitment to the public charge is observed.

 

As a courtesy to others, please turn off cell phones during the meeting.

_________________________

 

7:00 P.M. Regular Session

 

1.     Opening of Regular Session—Pledge of Allegiance                                                                    5 min.

 

2.     Agenda Adjustments                                                                                                                    5 min.

 

3.     Announcements                                                                                                                            5 min.

 

4.     Minutes

 

        a.  October 22, 2007 Regular Session

        b.  November 5, 2007 Worksession

 

5.     Recognition for MaryAnn Black and Steve Toler, Chairs of "Vote for Learning" Committee

                                                                                                                                                               5 min.

MaryAnn Black, Associate Vice President of Community Relations for Duke University Medical Center, and Steve Toler of Steve Toler LLC enthusiastically co-chaired the "Vote for Learning" committee responsible for the successful marketing of Durham County's $207.1 million bond referendum on November 6, 2007.  This is the second time these individuals have produced winning results for a Durham County bond referendum.  They co-chaired the County's $124 million bond referendum in 2003.

 

The committee included representatives from Durham Public Schools, Durham Technical Community College, and the Museum of Life & Science, along with additional community partners.   Carver Camp Weaver of Square One Marketing Inc. led the marketing efforts.

 

County Manager 's Recommendation: Congratulate Bond Co-Chairs MaryAnn Black and Steve Toler, along with the entire "Vote for Learning Committee" for a successful bond campaign.

 

6.     Recognition of Stuart Albright, Durham Public Schools 2007 Milken Recipient  

                                                                                                                                                               5 min.

Stuart Albright, an English instructor at Jordan High School, has been named North Carolina's "2007 Milken Family Foundation National Educator" award recipient.   The Milken National Educator Awards are called the "Oscars of Teaching".  The honor includes an unrestricted financial award of $25,000 and membership in a network of over 2,300 past recipients across the country.  Mr. Albright is one of 80 most recent recipients and the only one from North Carolina this year.   He was named Jordan High School's Teacher of the Year for 2006-07 and Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year for 2006-07. 

 

Selection criteria include exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school; exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession; strong, long-term potential for professional and policy leadership; and an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community.

 

Mr. Albright was noted for his ability to establish and nurture a sense of community with each of his classes.   He differentiates his instruction and assignments so that each student experiences success in the classroom.  His dedication to writing has led to the creation of several creative writing classes where students not only have opportunities to meet authors but become authors themselves and have their work published.

 

County Manager 's Recommendation: Congratulate Mr. Stuart Albright for his dedication to the teaching profession and for receiving this outstanding award.

 

7.     November Anchor Award Winner—Diane Wright

                                                                                                                                                               5 min.

Diane Wright, Organizational Development Manager for the Department of Social Services, is the winner of this month's Anchor Award.   In her nomination letter, Director Sammy Haithcock notes that she is a leader in the agency's efforts to develop a high performing staff and that she is an excellent ambassador for Social Services as well as Durham County Government.

 

She is recognized in DSS circles throughout the state for her skills and is frequently invited to provide training at statewide events.   She also serves as a faculty member for the Office of State Personnel Certified Training Program.

 

Diane is particularly recognized for promoting continuous improvement through training and over the past six months, under her leadership, 40 different courses were provided to staff in 100 different classes.   Simply put, she directly "touches" every employee in the agency through training other agency committee endeavors. 

 

County Manager 's Recommendation: Present the November Anchor Award to Diane Wright, along with the sincere congratulations of the entire organization.

 

8.     Recognition of Jurisdiction Award to Durham County Tax Administration Department by NCAAO

                                                                                                                                                      5 min.

The North Carolina Association of Assessing Officers Jurisdiction Award is awarded each year in recognition of a county or counties achievement in areas of property tax assessment and/or collections that enhance the overall effectiveness of a county tax department.  The Durham County Tax Administration Department is the winner in the large jurisdiction category.  This is the second year for the award in which recognition is presented in large, medium, and small categories.  The award was presented last week at the organization's annual conference.

 

County Manager 's Recommendation: Present the Award to Mr. Ken Joyner, Durham County Tax Administrator, along with sincere congratulations from the Board.

 

9.    Recognition Sheriff's Office Designation as 2007 Flagship Agency by the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)

                                                                                                                                                      5 min.

The Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) has designated the Durham County Sheriff's Office as a "2007 Flagship Agency".   The Flagship Agency Program was introduced at the 2004 Winter Conference to acknowledge the achievement and expertise of some of the most successful CALEA Accredited public safety agencies, and also to provide "flagship examples" to assist other agencies.   Agencies that have met the criteria and completed at least two
re-accreditation processes are nominated by the Program Manager to the CALEA Board for selection.   The Durham County Sheriff's Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Hill, is proud to accept this honor as the 7th North Carolina agency and only Sheriff's Office in the state to receive this designation.

 

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA®) was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority for law enforcement.  The purpose of CALEA's accreditation program is to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by: maintaining a body of standards, developed by public safety practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives; establishing and administering an accreditation process; and recognizing professional excellence.  

 

County Manager's Recommendation: Congratulate Sheriff Worth Hill and his entire Department for this outstanding national designation.

 

10.   Consent Agenda                                                                                                                           20 min.

 

a.   Property Tax Releases and Refunds for Fiscal Year 2007-2008 (accept the property tax release and refund report for July 2007 as presented and authorize the Tax Assessor to adjust the tax records as outlined by the report);

b.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 08BCC000036—2007 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) (recognize $66,144 in grant revenue received from the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management to be applied to Durham County Emergency Management);

c.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 08BCC000037 and Capital Project Amendment No. 08CPA000008—Advancement of $4,703,550 in County Funds (Fund Balance) for School Capital Projects to be Reimbursed by General Obligation Bond Funds Issued in Spring 2008 (appropriate General Fund fund balance of $4,703,550 in order to create three new Durham County Public School projects and increase funding for seven existing Durham County Public School projects, with the funds to be reimbursed back to the General Fund per a previously approved Reimbursement Resolution);

d.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 08BCC000038 and Capital Project Amendment No. 08CPA000009—$438,897 Appropriation of Capital Financing Fund Fund Balance to Increase the Durham County Detention Center Expansion Project
(No.: DC086) to $706,090;

e.   Budget Ordinance Amendment  No. 08BCC000039—Criminal Justice Resource Center, Pretrial Services (approve in the amount of $146,723; establish a 1.0 FTE in the Criminal Justice Resource Center for a pretrial specialist; authorize the Manager to expand the current contract with Reliant Management for electronic monitoring services by $102,870);

f.    Resolution Declaring the Results of the Special Bond Referendum (approve the Resolution declaring the results of the Special Bond Referendum held on
November 6, 2007 and direct the Clerk to publish the results in the newspaper);

g.   Request Approval of Right-Of-Way Agreement with Duke Energy Corporation (DEC) for the Fayetteville Street Elementary School project located at 2905 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC 27701 (authorize the Manager to enter into the agreement);

h.   Exemption of Durham County Detention Center Expansion Projects from RFQ Procedures for Hiring an Architect (exempt the Detention Center expansion projects from the RFQ process to allow the construction schedule to move as quickly as possible and ensure coordination of the projects);

i.    Durham Public Schools—Purchase Surplus Real Property—Dacian Avenue (decline an offer to purchase the property);

j.    Appointment of Interim Tax Administrator (appoint Kim Simpson, Deputy Tax Administrator, to the position of Interim Tax Administrator at a salary of $96,870, and approve the purchase of Public Official Bond in the amount of $250,000; the effective date of the appointment is January 1, 2008); and

k.   Resolution of Support for Durham At-Risk Youth Collaborative Request for a Dropout Prevention Grant from the Department of Public Instruction (approve the resolution and forward to Mr. Barker French for inclusion in the Department of Public Instruction Dropout Prevention Grant request from the Durham At-Risk Collaborative).


11.   Public Hearing—Zoning Map Change— 3837 Airport Road (Z07-35)

                                                                                                                                                             10 min.

The Board is requested to approve a zoning map change for a 1.296-acre site located at 3837 Airport Road, south and east of Page Road, west of the Wake County line.  Request: RR to OI.

 

To adopt as support for its action on the proposed zoning map change the determinations that the action is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and is reasonable and in the public interest in light of information presented in the public hearing and in the agenda materials; or alternatively, in the event that a motion to approve the item fails, the Commissioners adopt as support for their actions on the proposed zoning map change the determination that, notwithstanding its consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, the request is neither reasonable nor in the public interest in light of information presented in the public hearing and in the agenda materials.

 

Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval, based on consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and considering the information provided in this report.

 

Planning Commission Recommendation and Vote: Approval, 12-0 on October 9, 2007.  The Planning Commission finds that the ordinance request is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan.  The Commission believes the request is reasonable and in the public interest and recommends approval based on the information in the staff report and comments received during the public hearing.

 

Resource Person(s): Steven L. Medlin, AICP, Interim City-County Planning Director

 

County Manager 's Recommendation: The Manager recommends that the Board conduct a public hearing on the proposed zoning map change and approve it, if appropriate, based on the comments received.

 

12.   Public Hearing—Zoning Map Change— Page Road Assemblage (Z06-47)

                                                                                                                                                             30 min.

The Board is requested to approve a zoning map change for a 407.27-acre site located on the west side of Page Road and north of Chin Page Road.   Request: IL, CC and RR to IL(D), CG(D) and PDR 4.733.

 

To adopt as support for its action on the proposed zoning map change the determinations that the action is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and is reasonable and in the public interest in light of information presented in the public hearing and in the agenda materials; or alternatively, in the event that a motion to approve the item fails, the Commissioners adopt as support for their actions on the proposed zoning map change the determination that, notwithstanding its consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, the request is neither reasonable nor in the public interest in light of information presented in the public hearing and in the agenda materials.

 

Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends denial, based on inconsistency with the Comprehensive Plan Policy 8.1.2o and failure to provide required road improvements as identified by the TIA in accordance with Unified Development Ordinance Sections 3.5.6C.3m and 3.3.7.

 

Planning Commission Recommendation and Vote: Approval, 11-2 on October 9, 2007.  The Planning Commission finds that the ordinance request is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan.  The Commission believes the request is reasonable and in the public interest and recommends approval based on the information in the staff report, comments received during the public hearing and additional committed elements proffered by the applicant at the meeting.

 

Resource Person(s): Steven L. Medlin, AICP, City-County Interim Planning Director and Scott Whiteman, AICP, Planning Supervisor

 

County Manager's Recommendation: The Manager recommends that the Board conduct a public hearing on the proposed zoning map change and approve it, if appropriate, based on the comments received.

 

13.   Public Hearing—Technical Corrections for Zoning Map Change Case Z05-33 (Sauternes)                         10 min.

                                                                                                                                                                             10 min.

Adopt the technical corrections for the approved zoning map change case Z05-33; where, the property was taken out of RR and PDR 3.210 and placed the same in and establishing PDR 3.000.

 

To adopt as support for its action on the proposed zoning map change the determinations that the action is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and is reasonable and in the public interest in light of information presented in the public hearing and in the agenda materials; or alternatively, in the event that a motion to approve the item fails, the Commissioners adopt as support for their actions on the proposed zoning map change the determination that, notwithstanding its consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, the request is neither reasonable nor in the public interest in light of information presented in the public hearing and in the agenda materials.

 

Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval, based on consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and considering the information provided in this report.

 

Planning Commission Recommendation and Vote: Approval 12-0 on October 9, 2007.  The Planning Commission finds that the ordinance request is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan.  The Commission believes the request is reasonable and in the public interest and recommends approval based on the information in the staff report and comments received during the public hearing.

 

Resource Person(s): Steven L. Medlin, AICP, Interim City-County Planning Director

 

County Manager's Recommendation: The Manager recommends that the Board conduct a public hearing on the proposed zoning map change and approve it, if appropriate, based on the comments received.

 

14.   Public Hearing— Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Change—Open Space (TC07-04)

                                                                                                                                                             10 min.

Receive public comments on Text Change—Open Space (TC07-04) and adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance, incorporating revisions to Article 7, Design Standards, and Article 8, Environmental Protection.

 

Resource Person(s): Steven L. Medlin, AICP, Interim City-County Planning Director, and Julia Mullen, Planner

 

County Manager 's Recommendation: The Manager recommends that the Board conduct a public hearing on the proposed UDO text change and, if appropriate based on the comments received during the hearing, approve the change.

 

15.   Board and Commission Appointments

                                                                                                                                                             10 min.

Vonda Sessoms will distribute ballots to the Board to make appointments to the following boards and commissions:

 

·     Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Board

·     Civic Center Authority

·     Criminal Justice Partnership Act Advisory Board

·     Design District Review Team

·     Emergency Medical Services Council

·     Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee

·     Open Space & Trails Commission

·     Women's Commission

·     Workforce Development Board 

 

Resource Person(s): Vonda Sessoms, CMC, Clerk to the Board

 

County Manager 's Recommendation: The Manager recommends that the Board of County Commissioners vote to appoint members to the above-mentioned boards/commissions.

 

16.   Closed Session

                                                                                                                                                             10 min.

        The Board is requested to adjourn to Closed Session to consider the fitness of a public officer or employee pursuant to G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(6).

 

The Board is requested to adjourn to closed session to preserve the attorney-client privilege and to discuss County of Durham v. Arec 3, LLC, et al., 06 CVS 847 pursuant to N. C. Gen. Stat. § 143-318.11(a)(3).

 

                                                                                                                                                         ________

                                                                                                                                                    2 hrs. 20 min.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Pickets at Burger Kings this Friday

There is also a national CIW conference call about this today at 2pm (call 605-772-3001 and use access code 340723#).   
 
SAF Solidarity Day
 
Burger King Exploits Farmworkers.
Pickets to be held at Triangle, NC Burger King Restaurants
Join us, or plan actions in your community!

Friday, November 30
4:30pm -- 6pm in Chapel Hill. Burger King at 450 S. Elliott Rd.
4:30pm – 6pm in Durham. Burger King at 1200 W. Club Blvd
4:30pm – 6pm in Raleigh. Burger King at 3701 Hillsborough Street

In solidarity with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' (CIW) nine-mile march in Miami to Burger King's headquarters, Student Action with Farmworkers and the National Farm Worker Ministry will host a picket of selected Burger King locations in the Triangle demanding that Burger King confront the human rights crisis thriving today in tomato fields.

Farmworkers in tomato fields face sweatshop conditions—pickers earn $10,000/year on average & a per-bucket piece rate that hasn't changed since 1978.  Workers have no right to overtime pay, to organize, or to benefits of any kind. In the most extreme cases, farmworkers face conditions of modern-day slavery.

By leveraging its high-volume purchasing power, Burger King plays an active role in creating the miserable conditions in Florida's fields. The CIW has established groundbreaking agreements with Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, McDonald's and others to directly improve farmworker wages and working conditions in these companies' tomato supply chains. Now, the CIW has called on Burger King to do the same.

Burger King, however, has publicly rejected demands to take responsibility for the human rights crisis in the fields where its tomatoes are harvested and has tried to deny the reality of the daily poverty and abuses endured by farmworkers.

Join students and community members as we move Burger King to stand with tomato pickers in their fight for fundamental human rights in the fields on November 30.

The events are sponsored by the Farmworker Ministry Committee of the North Carolina Council of Churches, Farmworker Advocacy Network, National Farm Worker Ministry, North Carolina Justice Center, Student Action with Farmworkers, and Triangle Friends of the United Farm Workers

CONTACT:    
Laxmi Haynes
National Student Organizer, Student Action with Farmworkers, 919-660-3660, farmworker_justice at yahoo dot com
Alexandria Jones
Outreach Coordinator, National Farm Worker Ministry, 919-597-1080, ajones at nfwm dot org


Solidarity Day for Burger King Campaign-Nov.30th!

BOCC meeting Monday, agenda not online yet

The County Commissioners are supposed to be meeting Monday night at
7pm, but an agenda has not been posted yet at www.co.durham.nc.us.

I
will try to post it if it becomes available before the meeting.
Hopefully they will be more prompt in the future. I would think they
could have posted something before Thanksgiving, and edited it later
if necessary, if the holiday is why the agenda is late this time.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

TSF on independent and progressive media

The Triangle Socialist Forum is hosting a discussion
on creating progressive media, with Independent
Voices
TV (indyvoices.blogspot.com ) and
Triangle Free Press (www.trianglefreepress.org), Thursday,
December 6th, at 7pm at the Chapel Hill Public
Library.  What are the challenges in creating
independent media and what are the best ways to spread
progressive and working class messages?  The discussion
will probably focus more on the mechanics of journalism than
on the actual message, but in a way this is a discussion
of 'semiotics,' how to frame messages and symbols.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Two NC impeachment updates

Bruce Fein vs. Michael Tomasky: A Debate On the Question of Impeachment

When: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 7pm

Where: Chapel Hill Town Hall

Who: Bruce Fein versus Michael Tomasky; moderated by Hodding Carter III

Sponsored by the Coalition for the Constitution and the Grassroots Impeachment Movement. Co-Sponsorships available

++++++

We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.

—Edward R. Murrow
 
 
Rep. Price's reply on impeachment
 
Below is the reply I received to an email I sent in support of HR 799.  I don't have a copy of my message to post, but it was a short email stating some of the crimes I think Cheney and Bush are guilty of committing and my worry that they have set in motion the end of what real democracy we have left, asking what else can be done short of impeachment, and saying that how Price voted on the bill will be at the front of my mind when he is next up for re-election. 
 
Price seems to acknowledge that Cheney most likely has committed impeachable offenses, but he says impeachment would be a diversion and would fail.  I can't believe that everything that has turned up since Bush and Cheney gained power is not "an accumulation of evidence of impeachable offenses."  Impeachment proceedings should be supported, even if there aren't enough votes, in my opinion.  And since the offenses relate to Iraq, national defense, energy policy, etc., I would think impeachment proceedings would support the Democrats' push for reforms, by showing what our current situation really is. Possibly it would severely divide those who don't support Bush and Cheney, but if crimes were committed, and nothing else will resolve them, and prevent the next president from continuing them, what choice is there?  I think the idea that impeachment proceedings are intractably slow is a lie, and impeachment is necessary to reveal the Administration's crimes and prevent following administrations from repeating them, so impeachment is very necessary, despite the increasingly late hour.  If the Democratic Party as a whole won't do its duty as the opposition, what should be done to pressure them or create an alternative that will act?     
 
November 20, 2007 
 
Dear Mr. [ ]:
 
Thank you for contacting me in support of impeaching Vice President Cheney.
 
On November 6, 2007, Rep. Dennis Kucinich offered a privileged resolution on the House floor to impeach Vice President Cheney, H. Res. 799. I voted against a motion to table the resolution, which would have prevented any further activity related to it. After the tabling motion failed by a vote of 162-251, the House approved a motion to refer the resolution to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration, which I supported.
 
No one is more frustrated with Bush Administration abuses of power than I, and Vice President Cheney has played a significant role in nearly all of them. I continue to adamantly work to shine a bright light on such abuses, and I believe the Democratic Congress has begun to turn the tide on several issues. For instance, the resignation of former Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez was a direct result of congressional investigations into the politically-motivated firings of U.S. Attorneys.
 
While I understand the reasoning of impeachment advocates, I do not view impeachment as the right course to pursue at present. The machinations of the impeachment process take a significant amount of time, and it is uncertain if they could even be completed before a new administration is inaugurated in January 2009. In addition, impeachment proceedings should only be initiated after the accumulation of significant evidence of impeachable offenses. While I believe the Vice President likely engaged in behavior that could be considered impeachable, such evidence will only be brought to light through the investigations and oversight activities in which House and Senate committees are currently engaged.
 
Even if articles of impeachment were passed by the House - a questionable assumption - there is currently no chance that the Senate could reach the two-thirds threshold needed to convict and remove. The tradeoffs are therefore enormous. This all-consuming process would prevent nearly all other legislative initiatives from proceeding. It would consume media attention, which we are already struggling to get for our battles on Iraq, children's health coverage, and a progressive energy policy. And it would also have serious political and social consequences, needlessly creating greater national division just as large majorities of the population are forming in support of a new direction abroad and at home.
 
I will continue to fight against the abuses of the Bush Administration, and to closely monitor the progress of congressional investigations regarding the actions of Administration officials, keeping your concerns in mind. Again, thank you for contacting me, and please continue to keep in touch.


Sincerely,
DAVID PRICE
Member of Congress
PS: Please sign up for periodic updates on issues, events and town hall meetings at http://price.house.gov/contact/email_updates.shtml .
*** MY OFFICE IS USING AN ELECTRONIC MAIL RESPONSE SYSTEM THAT WILL FACILITATE EMAIL COMMUNICATION WITH CONSTITUENTS. PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER, THAT I CANNOT GUARANTEE THE INTEGRITY OF THE TEXT OF THIS MESSAGE UNLESS IT HAS BEEN SENT TO YOU DIRECTLY FROM MY CONGRESSIONAL EMAIL ACCOUNT: nc04ima at MAIL dot HOUSE dot GOV ***
***PLEASE NOTE - THIS IS A SEND ONLY ACCOUNT. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS, PLEASE VISIT MY WEB SITE AT http://price.house.gov/contact/contact_form.shtml ***

Monday, November 19, 2007

City Council meeting Monday

Below is the agenda for the Council meeting tonight, in the Council
Chamber at 7pm, as well as more on the SDS event last week. There are
two rezoning items, one on Garrett Rd., and the other is related to
one on Lumley and Page roads that was supposed to be on the agenda at
the last meeting. A reconnection fine of $400 dollars might be added
to water conservation rules. The Northeast Creek Development, which
must be in the headwaters near Bethseda, wants voluntary annexation.

Maybe it is common knowledge, but last week I found out that Durham's
public cable access channel is no longer broadcasting government
meetings. I was told by someone at The Peoples Channel in Orange
County that this is due to a cable deregulation bill passed by NC, and
that Durham is a harbinger of things to come under the new law.

The Mayor calls the meeting to order at 7:00 pm

Call To Order
Moment Of Silent Meditation
Pledge Of Allegiance
Roll Call
Ceremonial Items
Announcements By Council
Priority Items By The City Manager, City Attorney And City Clerk
[Consent Agenda]
1. Voluntary Annexation Petitions Received by July 31, 2007
To adopt the resolutions scheduling public hearings for Monday,
December 3, 2007 to hear citizen comments concerning voluntary
petitions for the following properties to be annexed with a
recommended effective dates as indicated below:

a) FY2007-17 Glenn View Station
b) FY2008-01 Newhope Church
c) FY2008-03 Finsbury Phase II
d) FY2008-04 Bethesda Park
e) FY2008-06 Steel Blue/JT Properties of Durham, LLC
f) FY2008-05 TW Alexander Property
g) FY2007-14 Jordan at Southpoint

All petitions above to be effective from and after December 31, 2007.

(Resource Persons: Julie Brenman and Robin Bibby – 4111) (Attachment
#1 – 62 pages) (PR# 4455)


2. Approval of City Council Minutes
To approve City Council minutes for the October 1, 2007 and October
15, 2007 City Council Meetings;

To approve minutes for the September 19, 2007 Joint Meeting of the
Durham City Council and Durham Board of County Commissioners; and

To approve City Council action taken at the September 20, 2007 and
October 4, 2007 City Council Work Sessions.

(Resource Person: D. Ann Gray – 4166) (PR# 4414)


3. Durham Open Space and Trails Commission - Appointment
To appoint Deborah C. Morgan to fill one (1) vacancy on the Durham
Open Space & Trails Commission to represent Ward 2 with the term to
expire on June 30, 2010.

Note: At the Work Session on November 8, 2007, Ms. Morgan received
seven (7) votes.

(Due to the expired term of William Morrison)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #3 - 4 pages)
(PR# 4468)


4. Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission - Appointment
To reappoint John W. Warman, III to the Durham Bicycle & Pedestrian
Advisory Commission with the term to expire on August 31, 2010.

Note: At the Work Session on November 8, 2007, Mr. Warman received
seven (7) votes. (Due to the expired term of John W. Warman, III)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #4 - 3 pages)
(PR# 4469)


5. Passenger Vehicle for Hire Commission - Appointments
To appoint Danny Blackwell (representing Passenger) and Maria
Singleton (representing Law) to the Passenger Vehicle for Hire
Commission with the terms to expire on January 1, 2010.

Note: At the Work Session on November 8, 2007, Mr. Blackwell and Ms.
Singleton received seven (7) votes.

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #5 - 5 pages)
(PR# 4470)


6. Durham Cultural Master Plan Advisory Board - Appointment
To appoint Sherry L. Devries the Durham Cultural Master Plan Advisory
Board with the term to expire on June 30, 2008.

Note: At the Work Session on November 8, 2007, Ms. Devries received
seven (7) votes.

(Due to the resignation of E'Vonne Coleman)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #6 - 5 pages)
(PR# 4471)


7. Capital Program Advisory Committee - Appointment
To appoint John A. Steer to the Capital Program Advisory Committee to
represent Project Management. The term will expire on March 31, 2008.

Note: At the Work Session on November 8, 2007, Mr. Steer received
seven (7) votes.

(Due to the resignation of Susan E. Shaw)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #7 - 3 pages)
(PR# 4472)


8. Bid Report – September 2007
To receive a report and to record into the minutes bids which were
acted upon by the City Manager during the month of September 2007.

(Resource Persons: Joseph W. Clark and Lynette McRae – 4132)
(Attachment #8 - 5 pages) (PR# 4439)


9. Bids – Police Vehicles
To accept the bid from Vic Bailey Ford, in the amount of $1,440,417.00
for providing the City with 65 Police Patrol Vehicles (Item No. 1) and
3 Police Pursuit Vehicles (Item No. 2);

To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Vic Bailey
Ford, in the amount of $1,440,417.00 for providing the City with 65
Police Patrol Vehicles (Item No. 1) and 3 Police Pursuit Vehicles
(Item No. 2); and

To authorize the City Manager to modify the contracts before execution
provided that modifications do not increase the dollar amount of the
contract and the modifications are consistent with the general intent
of the existing version of the contract.

(Resource Persons: Joseph W. Clark – 4132 and Paul Koch – 4101)
(Attachment #9 - 5 pages) (PR# 4441)


10. Piggyback Purchase - Three (3) Tandem Axle Cab and Chassis
To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with
International Truck and Engine Corporation, in the amount of
$210,972.00 for providing the City with three Tandem Axle Cab &
Chassis; and

To authorize the City Manager to modify the contract before execution
provided that modifications do not increase the dollar amount of the
contract and the modifications are consistent with the general intent
of the existing version of the contract.

(Resource Persons: Joseph W. Clark – 4132 and Paul Koch – 4101)
(Attachment #10 - 6 pages) (PR# 4442)


11. Piggyback Purchase – Traffic Pavement Marking Truck Body
To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with M-B
Companies, Inc., in the amount of $254,129.61 for providing the City
with a Traffic Pavement Marking Truck Body; and

To authorize the City Manager to modify the contract before execution
provided that modifications do not increase the dollar amount of the
contract and the modifications are consistent with the general intent
of the existing version of the contract.

(Resource Persons: Joseph W. Clark – 4132 and Paul Koch – 4101)
(Attachment #11 - 5 pages) (PR# 4443)


12. Street Closing - Unnamed Alley Off Jackson Street Between Pauli
Murray Place and Carroll Street (SC07-06)
To adopt a resolution to set a public hearing on the proposed closing
of an unnamed alley off Jackson Street between Pauli Murray Place and
Carroll Street for December 17, 2007.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment
#12 - 6 pages) (PR# 4427)


13. Durham Board of Adjustment Annual Report
To accept the Durham Board of Adjustment Annual Report for July 1,
2006 through June 30, 2007.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment
#13 - 3 pages) (PR# 4430)


14. Street Closing – Whitcomb Street – 484.46 Linear Foot Whitcomb
Street Right-of-Way (SC07-01)
To adopt an Order permanently closing the 484.46 linear foot Whitcomb
Street right-of-way, east of Underwood Avenue and west of Chapel Hill
Road, conditioned on the recombination of lots and the dedication of
easements for such property deemed sufficient by the City.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment
#14 - 7 pages) (PR# 4438)


15. Setting Public Hearing to Consider Ordering Petitioned Improvement
To accept a Certificate of Sufficiency from the Manager of Engineering
and Stormwater for the following petition; and

To adopt a resolution setting a public hearing for December 3, 2007,
to consider ordering the following improvement:

Sewer Main and Sewer Outfall on Umstead Road from the West Property
Line of PIN 0804-02-96-1256 to the East Property Line of PIN
0814-01-06-4576

(Resource Persons: R. Lee Murphy and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326)
(Attachment #15 - 2 pages) (PR# 4434)


16. Sewer Extension Agreement with Bryant B. Roberts, Individual
To authorize the City Manager to enter into a sewer extension
agreement with Bryant B. Roberts, individual, to serve Freeman Road.

(Resource Persons: Robert N. Joyner and R. Lee Murphy – 4326)
(Attachment #16 - 10 pages) (PR# 4435)


17. Agreement for Construction of Utility Improvements and for
Reimbursement – Toll Brothers, Inc.
To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for
construction of utility improvements and for reimbursement with Toll
Brothers, Inc.

(Resource Person: R. Lee Murphy – 4326) (Attachment #17 - 4 pages) (PR# 4450)


21. Water Extension Agreement with Davis-Rodwell TMC, LLC
To authorize the City Manager to enter into a water extension
agreement with Davis Rodwell TMC, LLC to serve Davis Park West.

(Resource Persons: Robert N. Joyner and R. Lee Murphy – 4326)
(Attachment #21 - 10 pages) (PR# 4463)


22. 2007-2008 Contract for Economic Development Services with Downtown
Durham, Inc.
To authorize the City Manager to execute the Contract for Economic
Development Services within the Downtown Durham District between the
City of Durham and Downtown Durham, Inc. in an amount not to exceed
$148,048.00; and

To authorize the City Manager to modify the contract provided that the
modifications do not increase the dollar amount and the modifications
are consistent with the general intent of the contract.

(Resource Person: Alan DeLisle – 4965 ext. 224) (Attachment #22 - 15
pages) (PR# 4466)


24. This item can be found on the General Business Agenda.
25. Proposed Acquisition of Property - Parcel ID #159783 – To
Construct a New Fire Station #9
To authorize the acquisition in fee simple absolute of unimproved land
from Ruth Rand Waldrop and Allister M. Waldrop, identified at Parcel
#159783 (4.2± acres) for a total purchase price of $214,200.00.

(Resource Person: Judy Simuel – 4197 ext. 244) (Attachment #25 - 4
pages) (PR# 4447)


28. Approval of the Grant Award for Project T.E.A.M. – A Teen
After-School Program to be Offered at the Community Family Life Center
at Lyon Park
To authorize the City Manager to accept the Durham County Juvenile
Crime Prevention Council Grant by executing the grant documents; and

To adopt the Durham County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Grant
Project Ordinance in the amount of $15,000.00 for Project T.E.A.M.

(Resource Person: Annette Smith – 4355) (Attachment #28 - 4 pages) (PR# 4452)


31 – 36. These items can be found on the General Business Agenda –
Public Hearings.
42. 2008 City Council Schedule
To adopt the 2008 City Council Schedule;

To adopt an Ordinance Cancelling the Regular City Council Work Session
and Regular City Council Meeting July 10, 2008 and July 21, 2008.

(Resource Person: Reginald J. Johnson – 4222) (Attachment #42 – 3
pages) (PR# 4484)


43. 2007 GO Bond Referendum Resolution Certifying and Declaring the Results
To adopt the Resolution Certifying and Declaring the Results of the
Special Bond Referendum on the Bond Order Authorizing the Issuance of
$20,000,000.00 General Obligation Street and Sidewalk Bonds Held for
the City of Durham, North Carolina on November 6, 2007.

(Resource Person: Kenneth C. Pennoyer – 4455) (Attachment #43 – 7
pages) (PR# 4528)


44. This item can be found on the General Business Agenda.
46. Ordinance Amending City Code Article VI Water Conservation
To adopt an Ordinance Amending Article VI, Water Conservation, Sec.
23-166 and 23-167, to Clarify Provisions Regarding Termination of
Water Service, Establish Charges for Reconnection, and Make Other
Minor Technical Changes.

(Resource Person: Vickie Westbrook – 4381) (Attachment #46 – 4 pages)
(PR# 4504)
[General Business Agenda]
24. Proposed Acquisition of Property at 301 Archdale Drive (Parcel ID
#134658) from Friendly Rest Home, Inc.
To approve the fee simple absolute acquisition of land and
improvements from Friendly Rest Home, Inc. (Parcel ID #134658) for
$725,000.00; and

If a Phase I Environmental Assessment reveals that any environmental
remediation is necessary, authorize the City Manager to enter into an
escrow agreement and to make changes to the agreement provided such
changes are consistent with the substance of the sample escrow
agreement.

(Resource Person: Judy Simuel – 4197 ext. 244) (Attachment #24 - 8
pages) (PR# 4446)


44. Police Department's Third Quarter Crime Report
To receive the Police Department's Third Quarter Crime Report.

(Resource Person: Jose Lopez – 4322) (Attachment #44 – 25 pages) (PR# 4521)
[General Business Agenda – Public Hearings]
Assessments and Improvements

31. Mini Assessment Roll for Sewer Main on Mayo Street from Tax Map
603-2-1 to the South Property Line of Tax Map 603-2-2
To reconsider the assessment against the property of Ila Scott T. Atwater; and

To find that the property, identified as 818 Mayo Street, PIN
0842-17-11-8455, has benefited from the sewer main improvement and to
confirm the assessment in the original amount of $2,820.00. (Resource
Persons: R. Lee Murphy and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326) (Attachment #31 -
1 page) (PR# 4344)


32. Mini Assessment Roll for Sewer Main on Easley Street from Oberlin
Drive to the East Property Line of PIN 0803-04-53-3802
a. Property of Donna C. Jenkins

To find that the property of Donna C. Jenkins, identified as 2701
Sparger Road (Easley Street side), PIN 0803-04-54-3140, has benefited
from the sewer main improvement and to confirm the assessment in the
original amount of $1,917.60.

b. Property of Foy T. Hunt

To find that the property of Foy T. Hunt, identified as 4709 Easley
Street, PIN 0803-04-53-3802, has not benefited from the sewer main
improvement at this time and to relieve the assessment in the amount
of $1,410.00 with the provision that a future frontage charge will be
due and payable at the prevailing rate should the property connect to
City sewer (in accordance with City Policy).

(Resource Persons: R. Lee Murphy and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326)
(Attachment #32 - 1 page) (PR# 4433)


33. Ordering Petitioned Improvement
To receive public comments; and

To adopt a resolution ordering Sidewalk on Monmouth Avenue (South
Side) from N. Buchanan Boulevard to Watts Street.

(Resource Persons: R. Lee Murphy and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326)
(Attachment #33 - 2 pages) (PR# 4448)


34. Ordering Improvement Under Enabling Act Authority
To receive public comments; and

To adopt a resolution ordering Curb, Gutter and Paving and Water and
Sewer Laterals on Harvard Avenue from S. Benjamine Street to Miami
Boulevard.

(Resource Persons: R. Lee Murphy and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326)
(Attachment #34 - 2 pages) (PR# 4449)


35. Voluntary Annexation Petition Received by January 1, 2007
To receive citizens' comments concerning the annexation of the
following Voluntary Annexation Area:

a) FY2007-11 Northeast Creek Development

To adopt "An Ordinance Annexing to the City of Durham" the Voluntary
Annexation Area in accordance with N.C. General Statutes 160A-31; and

To authorize the City Manager to pay debt service with the Bethesda VFD.

Effective from and after December 31, 2007.

(Resource Persons: Julie Brenman and Robin Bibby – 4111) (Attachment
#35 - 8 pages) (PR# 4417)


36. Zoning Map Change – Alexan Garrett Farms (Z06-64)
To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the zoning
map change for Alexan Garrett Farms (Z06-64);

To adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance, the
same being Chapter 24 of the Durham City Code, by taking the described
property in zoning map change case Z06-64 out of RS-20 and placing
same in and establishing same as PDR 9.280; and

To adopt as support for its action on the proposed zoning map change
the determinations that the action is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan and is reasonable and in the public interest in
light of information presented in the public hearing and in the
accompanying agenda materials; or

Alternatively, in the event that a motion to approve the item fails,
the Council adopts as support for its action on the proposed zoning
map change the determination that, notwithstanding its consistency
with the Comprehensive Plan, the request is neither reasonable nor in
the public interest in light of information presented in the public
hearing and in the accompanying agenda materials.

Staff Recommendation: Approval, based on consistency with the
Comprehensive Plan, and considering the information contained in this
report.

Planning Commission Recommendation and Vote: Approval, 13-0 on August
14, 2007. The Planning Commission finds that the ordinance request is
consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. The Commission
believes the request is reasonable and in the public interest and
recommends approval based on the information in the staff report,
comments received during the public hearing and additional committed
elements proffered by the applicant at the meeting.

[The site is located on the west side of Garrett Road, north of
Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard and south of Landsbury Drive. PINs:
0800-02-55-7934, -65-5657, -65-7930, -66-8190, -66-8228]

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment
#36 - 33 pages) (PR# 4444)
[Supplimental Agenda]
47. The Worship Center Initial (Z07-06A)
To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the initial
zoning map change for The Worship Center Initial (Z07-06A);

To adopt an Ordinance Amending the Unified Development Ordinance, the
same being Chapter 24 of the Durham City Code, to establish
Residential Rural (RR) and Residential Suburban Multifamily (RS-M(D))
zoning for the property described in the attached staff report; and

To adopt as support for its action on the proposed zoning map change
the determinations that, while the action is not consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, it is reasonable and in the public interest given
that this reflects the zoning of the property in the County and in
light of information presented in the public hearing and in the
accompanying agenda materials.

Staff Recommendation: Approval, based on annexation by the Council and
the information contained in this report.

Planning Commission Recommendation: Approval, per the resolution
adopted by the Commission on December 13, 2005 and attached to the
staff report.

[The site is located at the intersection of Lumley Road and Page Road,
south side of Lumley Road, west side of Page Road. PIN
0759-04-51-0649]

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment
#47 – 9 pages) (PR# 4406)
[Adjournment]


More on the SDS counter-recruitment demonstration:

It must have ended quickly before I got there. NC Now on PBS reported
that evening that there were "dozens" of protesters, and a firsthand
email I saw said that the SDS and GOE groups directly confronted each
other and SDS went through the counter-protest, with police escort.