Monday, May 26, 2008

BOCC meeting Tuesday

     [Please contact the Clerk to the Board at (919) 560-0025 for information related to items on the agenda.]

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA

 

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

 

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

                                                                                                                                                       5 min.

a.  April 28, 2008 Regular Session

b.  May 5, 2008 Worksession

c.  May 12, 2008 Regular Session

 

5.     Hunger Awareness Month Proclamation

                                                                                                                                                       5 min.

June is Hunger Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to educate the community about hunger throughout the world and in Durham County.  This spring we have seen headlines warning about food shortages in third world countries.  Even Wal-Mart announced they are rationing sales of rice in the U.S.  Hunger is serious news - even in Durham.

 

In the United States, hunger is, generally, less severe than in developing nations.  This is in part because established programs – like Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps) and the Women, Infant and Children's Program (WIC) – help to provide a safety net for many low-income families.

 

Despite the good work of those programs, too many Americans and Durhamites are hungry.  Hunger occurs when people are unable to obtain sufficient food for their household.  Some may find themselves skipping meals or cutting back on the quality or quantity of food they purchase.  This recurring and involuntary lack of access to food can lead to malnutrition.  Hungry children struggle in school.  Hunger in elderly adults can lead to serious health care problems.

 

More than 23,000 people in Durham have food on their tables thanks to the Food and Nutrition Services program, yet the State estimates that only 60.74% of those potentially eligible for the program are enrolled.  Many more receive meals and non-perishable food from local non-profit organizations. 

 

To raise awareness about hunger in our community, the Food and Nutrition Services staff at DSS will distribute food bags on June 11 to 100 clients.  Staff is also conducting outreach to help more families get connected to the Food and Nutrition Services program.

 

Resource Person(s): Sammy Haithcock, DSS Director; Pinkie Davis-Boyd, Program Manager, Food and Nutrition Services

 

County Manager's Recommendation: The Manager recommends approval of the proclamation to declare Hunger Awareness Month in Durham County and to raise community awareness of the need for good nutrition to support the health and well being of everyone in our community.

 

6.     FY2008-2009 Recommended Budget

                                                                                                                                                     45 min.

Durham County Manager Michael M. Ruffin will formally present the recommended budget for FY2008-2009 to the Board of County Commissioners.  This is in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 159-12(Board), the Local Government Fiscal Control Act.

 

Resource Person(s): County Manager Michael M. Ruffin

 

County Manager's Recommendation:  The Manager recommends that the Board receive the presentation.

 

7.     Consent Agenda                                                                                                                        20 min.

 

a.   Approve the Recommended JCPC/DJJDP Program Funding for FY 2008-2009, which is contingent on approval of state funding in the amount of $547,019;

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

c.   Construction Contracts for Morehead and Mangum Elementary Schools (award construction contracts with Bordeaux Construction Co. Inc. for the Mangum Elementary School project for $3,629,600 with 15% for contingencies for a total project amount of $4,174,040.00, and the Morehead Elementary school project for $3,771,991.00 with 15% for contingencies for a total project amount of $4,337,789; authorize the County Manager to execute the construction contracts; and authorize DPS to approve change orders which are within the scope of work and do not exceed the respective total project amounts);

d.   Replacement Vehicles and Equipment Loan (authorize the County Manager to execute the required documents with SunTrust Bank in order to close the loan for the equipment and vehicles authorized in the FY 2008 budget; the loan will be in an amount not to exceed $1.7 million for 48 months at an interest rate of 2.675%); and

e.   Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Grant Offer (accept the $3,483,220 grant offer from the Federal Aviation Administration).

 

8.         Public HearingZoning Map ChangeAngier Haven (Z05-45)

                                                                                                                                                     20 min.

The Board is requested to approve a zoning map change for a 33.5-acre site located on the east side of Angier Avenue, west of Ruritan Road and south of Glover Road with the effective date of the amendment delayed until the ordinance is approved by both Governing Bodies.  Request: RS-20 and CG; F/J-B (partial) to RS-M(D); F/J-B (partial)

 

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 contained in this report.

 

Planning Commission Recommendation and Vote: Approval, 8-3 on March 11, 2008.  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 Planning Director, and Gail Sherron, Senior Planner

 

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.

 

9.     Approval of Lease Extension for Scarborough and Hargett Funeral Home Inc.

                                                                                                                                                     20 min.

Scarborough and Hargett Funeral Home has requested an extension of its lease with the County through December 31, 2008.  The lease expires on June 30, 2008.  All terms and conditions as presently expressed would remain in force and effect including the monthly payment of $9,250.  County staff has ascertained that the extension will not create any additional delays or cost to the Justice Center project.

 

Resource Person(s): Wendell Davis, Deputy County Manager; Glen Whisler, County Engineer; and Chuck Kitchen, County Attorney

 

County Manager's Recommendation: The Manager recommends that the request be approved subject to compliance with all terms and conditions of the present lease and lease amendment.

 

10.   Board and Commission Appointments

                                                                                                                                                       5 min.

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

 

·      Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee

·      Durham City-County Appearance Commission

·      Durham Planning Commission

·      Memorial Stadium Authority

·      Women's Commission

 

Resource Person(s): Vonda Sessoms

 

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

 

                                                                                                                                                            _____

                                                                                                                                                             2¼ hrs.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

City Council meeting Monday

This is the agenda, from the City Council page at www.durhamnc.gov.
 

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 January 1, 2008

To adopt the resolutions scheduling public hearings for Monday, June 2, 2008 to hear citizen comments concerning voluntary petitions for the following properties to be annexed with a recommended effective dates as indicated below:

a) FY2005-14 Brightleaf Commons
b) FY2007-05 Ravenstone Phase 3
c) FY2007-13 Doc Nichols
d) FY2008-02 Davis Park Retail
e) FY2008-07 Freeman Road/Roberts Property
f) FY2008-08 Bivins Creek
g) FY2008-11 EPCON
h) FY2008-12 Tract 3 Outparcel at Brightleaf
i) FY2008-13 Duke School Expansion
j) FY2008-14 Currin Oaks
k) FY2008-15 Cruz Property
l) FY2008-16 Elementary School B
m) FY2008-17 Biggerstaff & Crawley

All petitions above to be effective from and after June 30, 2008.

(Resource Persons: Bertha Johnson and Robin Bibby – 4111) (Attachment #1 - 108 pages) (PR# 5029)

2. Capital Program Advisory Committee - Appointments

To appoint Deon Forde, (PAC 3) and J. Houston Barnes (Financial Management) and to reappoint Charles D. Watts, Jr. (PAC 5) and Harold L. Chestnut (PAC 4) to the Capital Program Advisory Committee with terms to expire on March 31, 2010.

Note: At the Work Session on May 8, 2008, Mr. Watts, Mr. Chestnut, Mr. Forde and Mr. Barnes all received six (6) votes.

(Due to the terms expiring of Keith D. Burns, Harold L. Chestnut and Charles D. Watts, Jr. and the resignation of Ronald T. Johnston)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #2 - 10 pages) (PR# 4980)

3. Durham Planning Commission - Appointments

To appoint Harry C. Monds (District 2) and to reappoint Benjamin Greene to the Durham Planning Commission with the terms to expire on June 30, 2011.

Note: At the Work Session on May 8, 2008, both Mr. Monds and Mr. Greene received five (5)

(Due to the terms expiring of Jon Kuczynski and Benjamin Greene)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #3 - 8 pages) (PR# 4981)

4. Citizens Advisory Committee - Appointment

To appoint Gil Bernie Stewart to the Citizens Advisory Committee with the term to expire on June 30, 2010.

Note: At the Work Session on May 8, 2008, Mr. Stewart received six (6) votes.

(Due to the expired term of Lanya Shapiro)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #4 - 3 pages) (PR# 4982)

5. Human Relations Commission - Appointments

To appoint Suzann E. Riddle to represent Non-Minority Female (term expires on June 30, 2011) and Alba Onofrio to represent Other Racial Minority Group Member Female (term expires on June 30, 2009) to the Human Relations Commission

Note: At the Work Session on May 8, 2008, Ms. Riddle and Ms. Onofrio both received six (6) votes.

(Due to the resignation of Kristen Dubay and a vacancy)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #5 – 6 pages) (PR# 4983)

6. Durham Historic Preservation Commission - Appointment

To appoint Jennifer Mitchell to the Durham Historic Preservation Commission representing Historian with the term to expire on September 1, 2010.

Note: At the Work Session on May 8, 2008, Ms. Mitchell received six (6) votes.

(Due to the resignation of Beth Mulvaney)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #6 - 3 pages) (PR# 4984)

7. Cable TV Advisory Board - Appointment

To appoint Angie Elkins to the Cable TV Advisory Board with the term to expire on October 31, 2008. Note: At the Work Session on May 8, 2008, Ms. Elkins received six (6) votes.

(Due to a vacancy)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #7 - 3 pages) (PR# 4985)

8. Durham Housing Authority Board of Commissioners - Receipt and Acceptance of Applications

To receive and accept applications for a citizen to fill one (1) vacancy on the Durham Housing Authority Board of Commissioners with the term to expire on September 28, 2011.

(Due to the resignation of Rochelle Newton Brown)

(Resource Person: Laverne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #8 - 12 pages) (PR# 5026)

9. Bid Report – March 2008

To receive a report and to record into the minutes bids which were acted upon by the City Manager during the month of March 2008.

(Resource Persons: Joseph W. Clark and Lynette McRae – 4132) (Attachment #9 - 6 pages) (PR# 4943)

10. Setting Public Hearing to Consider Ordering Petitioned Improvement

To accept a Certificate of Sufficiency from the Director of Public Works for the following petition; and

To adopt a resolution setting a public hearing for June 2, 2008, to consider ordering the following improvement:

Curb, Gutter and Paving, Water and Sewer Laterals on Ardmore Drive from Cook Road to the West Property Line of PIN 0820-18-41-3473

(Resource Persons: Edward R. Venable and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326) (Attachment #10 - 2 pages) (PR# 5004)

11. Setting Public Hearings for the Confirmation of Assessment Rolls

To adopt a resolution setting a public hearing for June 2, 2008, for confirmation of each of the following assessment rolls:

Curb, Gutter and Paving on Chalk Level Road from the East Property Line of Tax Map 298-1-5 to Shaftsbury Street;

Water and Sewer Laterals on Chalk Level Road from the East Property Line of Tax Map 298-1-5 to Shaftsbury Street;

Water Main on Chalk Level Road from the East Property Line of Tax Map 298-1-5 to Shaftsbury Street;

Curb, Gutter and Paving on Chalk Level Road from Shaftsbury Street to Stadium Drive;

Water and Sewer Laterals on Chalk Level Road from Shaftsbury Street to Stadium Drive;

Water Main on Chalk Level Road from Shaftsbury Street to Stadium Drive;

Curb, Gutter and Paving on Edgerton Drive from Ed Cook Road to the West Property Line of Tax Map 566-3-23;

Water and Sewer Laterals on Edgerton Drive from Ed Cook Road to the West Property Line of Tax Map 566-3-23; and

Water Main on Edgerton Drive from Ed Cook Road to the West Property Line of Tax Map 566-3-23.

(Resource Persons: Edward R. Venable and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326) (Attachment #11 - 4 pages) (PR# 5005)

12. Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan

To approve the Affirmative Statement for Adoption of the Vantagecare Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan;

To approve the RHS Plan Adoption Agreement;

To approve the Administrative Services Agreement with ICMA-RC; and

To authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute all appropriate documents and take the necessary administrative actions to establish a retiree welfare benefits plan in the form of a Retirement Health Savings Plan with ICMA Retirement Corporation.

(Resource Person: Keith Herrmann – 4455 ext. 222) (Attachment #12 - 19 pages) (PR# 5017)

13. Sam's Club Foundation Grant Award

To authorize the City Manager to accept the Sam's Club Foundation Grant by executing the grant documents; and

To adopt the Sam's Club Foundation Grant Project Ordinance in the amount of $1,000.00.

(Resource Person: Bruce T. Pagan, Jr. – 4242 ext. 222) (Attachment #13 - 3 pages) (PR# 5018)

14. Lease and License Agreement with Cellco Partnership D/B/A Verizon Wireless

To authorize the City Manager to execute the Lease and License Agreement with Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless to attach Cellular Antenna to Ellis Road Water Tank, 801 Ellis Road, Parcel ID #S 156775 and 156779; and

To authorize the City Manager to make changes to the agreement provided such changes do not materially affect the intent and purpose of the agreement.

(Resource Person: David Fleischer – 4197 ext. 288) (Attachment #14 - 19 pages) (PR# 5014)

15. Old Lyon Park Center Renovation

To authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an Amendment No. 2 with Skanska USA Building Inc. for construction of the Old Lyon Park Recreation Center Renovation project if the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) does not exceed $766,885.00;

To establish a project contingency equal to the difference between $833,885.00 which is the full amount budgeted for construction phase services, and the final GMP; and

To authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute change orders on the Old Lyon Park Recreation Center Renovation project, provided the total project cost does not exceed the amount budgeted for construction phase services plus the project contingency.

(Resource Person: John Paces-Wiles – 4197 ext. 252) (Attachment #15 - 8 pages) (PR# 5028)

16. Amendment to Contract for Design, Development, Construction Documentation and Construction Observation for Extending North South Greenway Trail for Warren Creek and Third Fork Creek; CMAR Contract Amendment for Construction Services for Third Fork Creek

To adopt an ordinance amending the General Capital Improvement Project Ordinance, Fiscal year 2007-2008, the same being Ordinance # 13428 for the purpose of increasing the total appropriation for the design and construction of the Third Fork Creek Trail by $159,200.00;

To adopt a Resolution Exempting the Third Fork Creek Trail Project from G.S. 143-64.31;

To authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment to the Contract for Design Development, Construction Documentation and Construction Observation for extending North South Greenway Trail for Warren Creek and Third Fork Creek with Coulter Jewell Thames, PA in an amount not to exceed $183,037.00 so that the total dollar amount will not exceed $495,037.00;

To authorize the City Manager to make changes to the contract before executing it if the changes do not increase the fee to be paid by the City and do not decrease the goods and services to be provided to the City;

To establish a project contingency in the amount of $18,304.00;

To authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute change orders on the Contract for Design Development, Construction Documentation and Construction Observation for extending North South Greenway Trail for Warren Creek and Third Fork Creek with Coulter Jewell Thames, PA, provided the total project cost does not exceed the amount budgeted for design phase services plus the project contingency;

To authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an "Amendment No. 2" with Skanska USA Building for construction of the Third Fork Creek Trail Project, if the Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) does not exceed $1,848,083.00;

To establish a project contingency equal to the difference between $1,848,083.00 which is the full amount budgeted for construction phase services, and the final GMP; and

To authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute change orders on the Third Fork Creek Project provided the total project cost does not exceed the amount budgeted for construction phase services.

(Resource Person: Lamarco M. Morrison – 4197) (Attachment #16 - 22 pages) (PR# 5031)

17. Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority-Federal Aviation Administration Grant Offer

To accept the Federal Aviation Administration Grant Offer in an amount of $3,483,220.00 for Runway 5R-23L Pavement Rehabilitation and Airfield Lighting Improvements, FAA AIP Grant Number 3-37-0056-34-2008;

To authorize the City Manager to execute the Grant Agreement; and

To authorize the City Attorney to give assurances with respect thereto.

(Resource Person: Ronald J. Jewell – 919-840-7736) (Attachment #17 – 8 pages) (PR# 5059)

18. Planning Commission Annual Report for 2007

To receive the Planning Commission Annual Report and to give future consideration to the issues of concern.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #18 - 6 pages) (PR# 5006)

19. Use of Federal Asset Forfeiture Funds in an Amount Not To Exceed $60,000 for the Purchase of Computer Software to be Used in the Crime Analysis Unit

To authorize the use of Federal Asset Forfeiture Funds in an amount not to exceed $60,000.00 for the purchase of computer software to be used in the Crime Analysis Unit.

(Resource Person: Jason Schiess - 4258) (Attachment #19 - 3 pages) (PR# 5019)

20. This item can be found on the General Business Agenda.

21 – 28. These items can be found on the General Business Agenda – Public Hearings.

29. Installment Financing Series 2008

To set a public hearing for June 2, 2008 concerning the approval of the execution and delivery by the City of an Installment Contract and Deed of Trust in a principal amount not to exceed $26,000,000.00; and

To adopt a Resolution Approving the Financing Contract and Other Related Matters.

(Resource Person: John Allore – 1330 ext. 262) (Attachment #29 - 11 pages) (PR# 5020)

30 – 34. These items can be found on the General Business Agenda – Public Hearings.

38. Development Review Process Improvement Schedule for 2008

To review and provide comments on the proposed schedule for additional time reductions in the development review process; and

To consider the first round of specific recommendations for reducing development review processing time.

(Resource Person: Theodore Voorhees – 4222 ext. 231) (Attachment #38 – 14 pages) (PR# 5107)

[General Business Agenda]

20. Proposed Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Budget and Fiscal Year 2009-2014 Capital Improvement Plan

To receive a presentation on the proposed Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Budget and Fiscal Year 2009-2014 Capital Improvement Plan.

(Resource Person: Bertha T. Johnson – 4111 ext. 285) (PR# 5013)

[General Business Agenda – Public Hearings]

Assessments and Improvements


21. Confirmation of Assessment Roll

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments; and

To adopt a resolution confirming the assessment roll for Curb, Gutter and Paving on Castlerock Drive from NC Hwy 55 to end of cul-de-sac.

(Resource Persons: Edward R. Venable and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326) (Attachment #21 - 2 pages) (PR# 4995)

22. Confirmation of Assessment Roll

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments; and

To adopt a resolution confirming the assessment roll for Curb, Gutter and Paving on Dial Drive from S. Alston Avenue East to East Property Line of Tax Map 555-11-16.

(Resource Persons: Edward R. Venable and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326) (Attachment #22 - 2 pages) (PR# 4996)

23. Confirmation of Assessment Roll

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments; and

To adopt a resolution confirming the assessment roll for Water and Sewer Laterals on Dial Drive from S. Alston Avenue East to East Property Line of Tax Map 555-11-16.

(Resource Persons: Edward R. Venable and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326) (Attachment #23 - 2 pages) (PR# 4998)

24. Confirmation of Assessment Roll

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments; and

To adopt a resolution confirming the assessment roll for Sewer Main on Dial Drive from S. Alston Avenue East to East Property Line of Tax Map 555-11-16.

(Resource Persons: Edward R. Venable and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326) (Attachment #24 - 2 pages) (PR# 5000)

25. Confirmation of Assessment Roll

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments; and

To adopt a resolution confirming the assessment roll for Curb, Gutter and Paving on Beebe Drive from Barbee Road to West Property Line of Tax Map 517-1-12A.

(Resource Persons: Edward R. Venable and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326) (Attachment #25 - 2 pages) (PR# 5001)

26. Confirmation of Assessment Roll

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments; and

To adopt a resolution confirming the assessment roll for Water and Sewer Laterals on Beebe Drive from Barbee Road to West Property Line of Tax Map 517-1-12A.

(Resource Persons: Edward R. Venable and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326) (Attachment #26 - 2 pages) (PR# 5002)

27. Confirmation of Assessment Roll

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments; and

To adopt a resolution confirming the assessment roll for Water Main on Beebe Drive from Barbee Road to West Property Line of Tax Map 517-1-12A.

(Resource Persons: Edward R. Venable and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326) (Attachment #27 - 2 pages) (PR# 5003)

28. Approval of Greenfire Real Estate Holdings, LLC "Rogers Alley" Sub-Portion of Development Agreement

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on an economic development incentive contract per G.S. § 158-7.1;

To authorize the City Manager to execute an "Economic Development Incentive Contract for Capital Investments for 'Rogers Alley' in Downtown Durham" between Greenfire Real Estate Holdings, LLC and the City of Durham for the Rogers Alley Subproject portion of the Greenfire Improvements Project; and

To authorize the City Manager to make changes to the contract as may be needed so long as they do not lessen the obligations of Greenfire Real Estate Holdings, LLC or increase the amount to be paid by the City.

(Resource Person: Alan DeLisle – 4965 ext. 212) (Attachment #28 - 32 pages) (PR# 5033)

30. Authorization of Two-Thirds Bonds

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the Two-Thirds Bonds;

To adopt the Orders Authorizing Not Exceeding $4,335,000.00 Street and Sidewalk Improvement Bonds, $2,445,000.00 Culture and Recreation Bonds and $5,570,000.00 Public Safety Facility Bonds of the City of Durham, North Carolina; and

To adopt a Resolution Providing for the Issuance of the Two-Thirds Bonds.

(Resource Person: John Allore – 1330 ext. 262) (Attachment #30 - 29 pages) (PR# 5024)

31. Street Closing - A Variable Width Alley at Onslow Street Between Berkeley Street and Lancaster Street (SC07-13)

To conduct a public hearing to permanently close a 341 linear foot variable width unnamed alley at Onslow Street between Berkeley Street and Lancaster Street; and

To adopt an Order permanently closing a 341 linear foot variable width unnamed alley at Onslow Street between Berkeley Street and Lancaster Street as identified.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #31 - 10 pages) (PR# 4999)

32. Street Closing - A 507.50 Linear Foot Portion of Onslow Street between West Club Boulevard and an Unnamed Variable Width Alley (SC07-14)

To conduct a public hearing for the permanent closing of a 507.50 linear foot portion of Onslow Street between West Club Boulevard and an unnamed variable width alley; and

To adopt an Order permanently closing a 507.50 linear foot portion of Onslow Street between West Club Boulevard and an unnamed variable width alley as identified.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #32 - 10 pages) (PR# 4997)

33. Street Closing – A 514 Foot Linear Unnamed 20 Foot Wide Alley between West Club Boulevard, on the South and a Variable Width Unnamed Alley, on the North (SC07-15)

To conduct a public hearing on the permanent closing of a 514 linear foot 20 foot alley between West Club Boulevard and a variable width alley; and

To adopt an Order permanently closing a 514 linear foot 20 foot alley between West Club Boulevard and a variable width alley as identified.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #33 - 10 pages) (PR# 4993)

34. Zoning Map Change – Fairfield at Hillandale (Z07-39)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the zoning map change for Fairfield at Hillandale (Z07-39);

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 Z07-39out of RS-M, RU-5 and CG and placing same in and establishing same as RU-M(D) and CG(D); 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: Denial, 10-1 on February 12, 2008. The Planning Commission finds that the ordinance request is consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. The Commission does not believe this request is reasonable or in the public interest in light of the information in the staff report and comments received during the public hearing. The Commission recommends denial based on inconsistency with neighboring land uses, problems with traffic congestion, concerns regarding impacts on the environment and opposition from the community.

[The site is located at 2800, 2951 Bertland Avenue, and 2619 Omah Street, south side of Bertland Avenue, west of Omah Street, north of I-85 and east of Hillandale Road. PIN's: 0813-20-90-6113; 0823-17-00-0360, -3106)]

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #34 - 34 pages) (PR# 5021)

[Adjournment]

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Attacking China does not promote human rights

From anecdotal evidence and what I have read about how their economy was set up after 1949, it looks to me like China is a capitalist country, and the Communist Party of China seems revisionist and capitalist.  That said, China seems to be especially under attack now, which benefits US interests, under the cover of human rights. 
 
Tibet might have a right to self-determination, and a real communist cannot deny that all nations have the equal right to determine their own futures, but the Western "Free Tibet" types are glorifying the feudal Dalai Lama, who is apparently not even for independence, unlike the Tibetan protesters in Tibet.  The independence of Tibet would weaken China and strengthen the US, which would probably be the new imperialist over Tibet.  I think the Kosovar Albanians had a right to secede from Serbia, but at the same time the way they did it has put supposedly free Kosova under the control of US and European imperialism and strengthened those powers, while weakening Serbia and imperialist Russia.
 
Now in the past few weeks we have been barraged with attacks on the military dictatorship in Myanmar, a Chinese ally.  In this case, the USA's junior partner, the UK, has been a leader.  On the BBC they call Myanmar Burma and are focused on it, while NPR usually calls the country Myanmar.  The often progressive radio and TV program Democracy Now (on 90.7 FM here, at 6:30pm on weekdays, after Free Speech Radio News) also uses the name Burma.  There are calls for forcing Myanmar to accept aid, and I cannot believe that otherwise progressive people are calling for invasions of Myanmar and Sudan (another client of China, and it was reported in the N&O on Tuesday that at least one Darfurian guerilla group has ties to al Qaida, which is rarely mentioned by the dominant US media).  These same people are against the occupation of Iraq, which former British Prime Minister Tony Blair justified on humanitarian grounds.  The US is throwing stones from a glass house, given its response to Hurriance Katrina and what would we have done if Cuba used force to deliver the aid it offered in that disaster?  If I remember correctly, while little was being done here, the Bush Administration refused to accept aid from Cuba and even from friendlier countries. 
 
Below the fold in the Herald-Sun's Metro section on Monday they reported on the Human Rights Torch Relay on Foster Street.  At least the writer said "reportedly" the "Communist regime" is (insert your anti-communist abuse here) "oppressive, abusive and soul-shattering."  They want a "liberalized China," which to me means a liberal economic China that is lead by people who admit that they are capitalists, not a China that defends human rights.  It is odd to me what a Chinese expatriate who was imprisoned there between 2003 and 2006 on the charges of wanting to sabotage "broadcasting equipment" and says he went "to expose the persecution" of Falun Gong" said.  Supposedly "The Chinese Communist government is the most brutal regime in history.  It's even worse than Nazi Germany.  It shows no respect for life at all."  In prison he says he had to go to "brainwashing sessions every day and do slave labor" and had no privacy, but I think the Nazis would do worse than that.  Revisionists in power often act like fascists though.  That account is at the end of the article.  I hope most readers saw that as exaggeration.  I'm more used to Stalin and the USSR being called worst, though Mao's China often comes in for lumps too, especially now. Maybe this comes from the vilification of "communism" (but what does that have to do with China?) by Falung Gong type groups here, such as The Epoch Times.  Earlier a person with a European name says China has had "waves and waves of violence since 1949," which is true but does not mean the CPC is at fault.  We have had waves of internal violence too, as classes fought each other, especially before WWII.       
 
Human rights are important, but imperialist countries focus on violations by their opponents, while trying to hide or even encourage the violations by their allies.  China might be aiding the government of Sudan, but Bush and Congress encouraged Israel in its war of aggression against Lebanon in 2006.  China has its violations and oppressive clients, but we are no better, and at least China has not recently invaded countries, besides supporting the occupation of Haiti and allowing the US, UK, and France to have their way too often in the UN Security Council.  The internal affairs of China are up to the Chinese people, and I don't see anything "worse than Nazi Germany" from over here.  If the Chinese people want more respect for human rights in China, they should rise up and reclaim the CPC from the capitalists, or overthrow it, without going the way of Yeltsin.        

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day!

This holiday has been commercialized, but the US holiday started as a day to work for peace.  It was started by Julia Ward Howe in 1870 as the Mother's Day for Peace, and was related to the bloodshed of the Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War (followed by the establishment of the Paris Commune, which was bloodily put down by the bourgeois French government, with the consent of the victorious German army).  Howe's Mother's Day Proclamation, from Wikipedia, is below.  In 1914, a few years before the US entered WWI, President Woodrow Wilson made Mother's Day a national holiday honoring the mothers of lost soldiers.  A few years later one of the original proponents of Mother's Day came out against it over commercialism.  Several American holidays were started with progressive sentiments, or are still progressive, just forgotten in their country of origin, like International Workers' Day (May Day) and International Women's Day, which is every March 8th.         

The Mother's Day Proclamation

Arise, then, women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts,
Whether our baptism be of water or of tears!

Say firmly:
"We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

From the bosom of the devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own.
It says: "Disarm! Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel.

Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace,
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God.

In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And at the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.

BOCC meeting Monday

On the agenda Monday is yet another vote on rezoning for the Joven apartments (?) project on Ellis Rd. east of 147, in the area north of RTP.  This project might be the one featured in the Herald-Sun a few days ago.  Several streams come together on the site to form a branch of Northeast Creek.  What are the developers going to do to prevent excessive sedimentation and stormwater runoff, and will they preserve any natural areas?  What will happen regarding transportation, and how does this fit with Durham's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?  Joven also owns land along the Creek downstream at Sohi Rd., so it looks like that area is on the way to being built up, though it could be delayed by the mortgage crisis. 
 
Something to watch in the City government is Mayor Bill Bell's proposal to quicken development decisions by more frequently hearing voluntary annexation requests (like the one for Jordan at Southpointe, seemingly because the County was not yielding enough to the developer) and weakening the Planning Commission.  As the article said, the County and community groups will probably (hopefully) resist Bell's proposal. 
 
 

           [Please contact the Clerk to the Board at (919) 560-0025 for information related to items on the agenda.]

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA

 

Monday, May 12, 2008

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.

 

        County Manager Mike Ruffin will present the 2008-2009 Recommended Budget to the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m.

 

4.     Minutes

                                                                                                                                                       5 min.

        a.  April 28, 2008 BOCC/Durham Public Schools

        b.  April 30, 2008 BOCC/Legislative Delegation

 

5.     DSS Recognition—Food and Nutrition Services Achievement of 100% Accuracy

                                                                                                                                                       5 min.

For the first time the Department of Social Services' Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps) has maintained a 100% Quality Accuracy Rate.  This covers the Quality Control (QC) review period of October 2006-July 2007.

 

This is a significant achievement on behalf of our clients and the taxpayers of Durham County.  During February, a record 23,279 people in Durham had food on their tables due to the hard work of our Food and Nutrition Services staff.  Achieving this 100% Accuracy Rate represents attention to detail and a high level of accountability under extraordinary circumstances.  During the same time period, Durham has seen major increases in the number of people served in the program and had a high staff turnover rate.

 

The Department is requesting that the Board of Commissioners extend congratulations to Program Manager Pinkie Davis-Boyd and the entire Food and Nutrition Services Team. 

 

Resource Person(s): Pinkie Davis-Boyd, Food and Nutrition Services Program Manager; Rhonda Stevens, Assistant Director; and Sammy Haithcock, DSS Director

 

County Manager's Recommendation: Recommend that the Board of Commissioners recognize the Food and Nutrition Services staff for this accomplishment.

 

6.     Consent Agenda                                                                                                                          15 min.

 

a.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 08BCC000071—Cafeteria Fund Adjustment (approve to reduce the Cafeteria Fund budget from $13,750,000 to $1,424,723);

b.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 08BCC000072—Social Services—Direct Medical Funds (approve with a total increase of $50,000);

c.   Lease Amendment for 501 Willard Street for The Durham Center (authorize the Manager to sign the lease amendment to continue to lease 501 Willard Street for the Durham Center staff for three additional years with one option lease renewal term);

d.   BAN Financing/General Obligation Bonds (accept the Bank of America bid);

e.   Accept the 2007 Annual Report of the Durham Planning Commission;

f.    Contract with Unity Business Systems (approve the contract with UBS in the amount of $41,700 and authorize the Manager to execute the contract);

g.   Approve the Reappointment Request of The Durham Center Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Authority; and

h.   Approve the Resolution in Support of a Regional Shared-Use, Value-Added Food and Agricultural Processing Center.

 

7.    Public Hearing—Zoning Map Change—Joven Northeast Creek Revisions (Z07-46)

                                                                                                                                                     15 min.

To approve a request for a zoning map change for a 189.25-acre site located on the north side of Ellis Road, east of the Durham Freeway, and south of Stone Road.

 

Request: Industrial Light (IL[D]), Commercial General (CG[D]) and Planned Development Residential 4.840 (PDR 4.840) to Industrial Light (IL[D]), Commercial General (CG[D]) and Planned Development Residential 4.840 (PDR 4.840)

 

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, 9-2 on February 12, 2008.  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, City-County 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.

 

8.     Public Hearing—Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Change—FEMA FIRM Update (TC0800002)

                                                                                                                                                       5 min.

The Board is requested to receive public comments on Text Change—FEMA FIRM Update (TC0800002) and adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance, incorporating revisions to Article 8, Environmental Protection.

 

Resource Person(s): Steven L. Medlin, AICP, 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.

 

9.    Public Hearing—Reallocation of the 2002 CDBG Scattered Site Housing Program Grant Project Fund for the Purpose of Removing Lead-based Paint

                                                                                                                                                     15 min.

In 2002, Durham County was awarded $400,000 in CDBG Scattered Site Housing funds.  The County has completed rehabilitation on 13 properties since instituting the program.  As a condition of closing out the 2002 grant, the State Inspectors conducted recent site visits at four properties and determined that one of the four needed to have additional lead-based paint removed prior to closing out the grant.  The County, per its last allocation from the State, has residual funds in the amount of $58,236.50 remaining in the Local Option Project Budget in line items entitled "clearance", "relocation assistance", and "administration" activities.  These funds can be reallocated to line item entitled "rehabilitation-private dwellings" activity, which could be used to remove
lead-based paint from the property of Ms. Patricia Painter located at 1311 Thompson Road, Durham, NC.  The estimated cost of removing the lead-based paint from the subject property is undetermined at this point; however, the County may allocate the residual.  Therefore, the Board is being requested to add line item "rehabilitation-private dwellings" to the Local Option Project Budget, and reallocate $58,236.50 to the line item.

 

In order to reallocate funding from the 2002 grant to remove the lead-based paint, the State requires the Board of Commissioners to hold a public hearing.  Therefore, the Board is requested to hold a public hearing and approve reallocating to the 2002 CDBG Scattered Site Housing Program Grant Project Fund in the amount of $58.236.50 

                                                           

This will result in an increase of $58,236.50 for general housing rehabilitation to include the property belonging to Ms. Patricia Painter.  Once the lead abatement has been performed on the Painter property, the County will return the remaining 2002 grant funds to the State.

 

        Resource Person(s): Brian Crawford, President of Leah Consulting, and Catherine Davis, Compliance Manager

 

        County Manager's Recommendation: The Manager's recommendation is that the Board holds a public hearing and approves the re-allocation of $58,236.50 from the 2002 CDBG Scattered Site Housing Program Grant and uses some portion of those funds to remove lead-based paint from the property of Ms. Patricia Painter.

                                                                                                                                                            _____

                                                                                                                                                             1¼ hrs.