Thursday, October 30, 2008

Senate candidate Kay Hagan is a reactionary

Progressive people have little choice for Senate in this election, thanks to restrictive ballot access laws and domination by rightist Democrats.  Democrat Kay Hagan (www.kayhagan.com) is only a little to the left of rightwing Republican incumbent Elizabeth Dole on issues like foreign policy.  
 
One of Hagan's tactics is to join the bandwagon of scapegoating undocumented immigrants, and this is out in the open on her website.  In today's News & Observer the immigration positions of several candidates are highlighted.  Hagan had a hand in using millions of taxpayer dollars to deputize police as immigration enforcers and she voted to prevent undocumented immigrants from getting drivers' licenses.  That will not stop them from driving, it just means they drive without being being required to know the rules, so the roads are more dangerous, thanks to Hagan. 
 
On her website it says "illegal immigration is a threat to our national security and economy" and the Bush Administration has "eroded the rule of law" by not cracking down enough.  Her idea of "a practical solution that is fair to taxpayers and addresses the problem at its roots" is "strengthening the borders," cracking down "on employers who knowingly hire illegal workers," and "eliminating the shadow economy that drives down wages and working conditions" (whatever that means), and possibly an agricultural guest worker program.  Perhaps by "shadow economy" this supposedly "business progressive" candidate (coined by an N&O columnist I think) means that native workers should blame immigrants for their troubles, not the bosses, their politicians, and their anti-union and anti-worker laws.  Hagan does not admit that free trade rules and foreign policies are the cause of immigration, though she is for "fair trade," but her concern for fairness is for the US, not for our partners as well.    
 
Before listing how she would help veterans, she reveals her foreign policy mindset.  The veterans fought "repressive Communist regimes" (yet most of those dirty wars were carried out by the CIA, so the US could repress the peoples of the world, and what about WWII, when the Western imperialists allied with the communists against the "scourge of totalitarianism"), freed "Kuwait from the brutality of Saddam Hussein," and promotes "freedom around the globe."  Yet she later claims to be for withdrawing from Iraq (so Afghanistan can be kept under control).  The Iraq War was only 'mismanaged,' not wrong for the American and Iraqi people ands against freedom from the start.  Her reference to keeping "nuclear weapons out of our enemies' hands" must refer to Iran.  Hagan says he is for "cooperation," but if she becomes our senator, she is likely to back a war with Iran, launched by Obama or McCain, if Bush doesn't beat them to it in the next few months.   
 
Gangs are a problem, but I don't trust her on preserving civil liberties in combating criminals.  She wants to keep sexual offenders off of social networking sites to protect children, but that is a disturbingly broad statement.  It is good that she supports anti-bullying legislation, presumably including GLBT people, but she does not say that explicitly.     

Cynthia McKinney for president

North Carolinians have only three progressive choices for president, all write-ins - Green Cynthia McKinney (www.gp.org), independent Ralph Nader (www.votenader.org), and Socialist Brian Moore (www.sp-usa.org).  As I showed in a post over the summer, Obama is not really a progressive choice, because he is basically for the same imperialist, anti-democratic, and pro-capitalist policies, such as the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan, wiretapping Americans, and using our tax money to bail out Wall Street.  We will still be at war under an Obama administration, and possibly at war with Iran, Pakistan, Syria, or Sudan, and we will not recover the civil liberties lost under Bush and Cheney.  There are important differences between Obama and McCain, such as on the environment, abortion, and gay rights, but on the economic, diplomatic, and Constitutional basics there is mainly a difference in style, not in whom they represent. 
 
I have voted for Ralph Nader before, and the disgusting way many Democrats blame him for Bush's 'election' in 2000, when the real cause was the Gore campaign's reluctance to fight for its voters, is why I am now a registered independent.  Nader's refusal to run under a party is one big reason I am not supporting him this time.  If he ran as a Green, or under some other party, his candidacy would help build that party, even though he is likely to lose the election.  But he is running only for himself.  I think I have also heard him make many statements about "Red China" and its bad policies, as if China is led by real communists and as if those bad policies come from communists. 
 
Brian Moore is probably the most progressive candidate, even anti-capitalist, but if I am going to vote for a party that is not capitalist, I want it to be one closer to my ideas about socialism.  The Socialist Party is also weaker the Green Party (at least in this state) and probably will get fewer votes than Nader, though I don't have statistics on this, so my vote would have less impact.  I looked at the SPUSA's website, expecting to find more anti-communism than I did, but they are definitely enemies of Marxism-Leninism, being against "'Communism,'" the "authoritarian" "Stalinist Soviet Union" ( they probably mean "totalitarian" to refer to the socialist USSR too), and Leninist internal party organization, such as democratic centralism.  They obviously use Marxist theory, but Marx and Engels are not mentioned at all as far as I can tell.  They are similar to the Eurocommunists that Enver Hoxha warned against, and I doubt they will gain power with the methods they advocate.  If the Wikipedia entry on the SPUSA is accurate, they were very influenced by Trotskyists, and very right-wing pro-Israel, working class party liquidating, Democratic Party-tailing Trotskyists at that, only a few decades ago.  I don't want to encourage the SPUSA and belief in their anti-revolutionary methods, though I am for their right to ballot access.   
 
This leaves Cynthia McKinney and her running mate, Rosa Clemente.  I liked what I heard about McKinney's role in the House when she represented Georgia, and more information is available at the Green Party's website.  The Greens are definitely a capitalist party, probably mainly representing the small capitalists, and because of this they cannot end the imperialist and anti-labor policies of the government, but they could make some changes in the short term.  People need to see how little can be done about the problems of the day without ending capitalism and building socialism.   
 
According to the Durham County Board of Elections, to vote for a recognized write-in for president, and their running mate, voters only need to write-in the presidential candidate's first and last names.  For some other offices, such as soil and water commissioner, any write-in counts.   

Friday, October 24, 2008

BOCC meeting Monday - 2 zoning items

The County Commissioners are meeting Monday (the agenda is originally posted at www.co.durham.nc.us).  There are two zoning items, one north of RTP and the other is probably in north Durham.  If the consent item about lighting at Hillside and Northern highs is outdoors, I hope they are taking light pollution into consideration, since Durham's school grounds are already lit up all night unnecessarily.  This is also National Adoption Awareness Month.   
 
 

           [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, October 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.

 

·         The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will hold a citizens informational workshop for the proposed SR 1978 (Hopson Road) grade separation, the North Carolina Railroad/Norfolk Southern Track realignment, and the Church Street rail crossing closure and street extension on Thursday, October 30, 2008.  It will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Comfort Suites Hotel RTP/RDU in the Tarheel Room, located at 5219 Page Road, Durham 27703.

·         The remaining Early Voting schedule for Durham County is:

Tuesday, October 28              9am-5:30pm    all locations

Wednesday, October 29         9am-5:30pm    all locations

Thursday, October 30            9am-7:00pm    all locations   (Extended hours)

Friday, October 31                 9am-7:00pm    all locations   (Extended hours)

Saturday, November 1           9am-1pm         all locations-- FINAL DAY

 

On Election Day, November 4, citizens may vote between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

 

4.     Minutes

                                                                                                                                                       5 min.

October 6, 2008 Worksession

 

5.     Adoption Month Proclamation

                                                                                                                                                       5 min.

National Adoption Awareness Month is a collective national effort to raise awareness of the 118,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families.  For the last seven years, National Adoption Month has made the dreams of thousands of children come true by working with courts, judges, attorneys, and advocates to finalize adoptions and find permanent, loving homes for children in foster care.

 

In North Carolina, there are more than 10,000 children in foster care, but not all of them are available for adoption.  These children are in the custody of the local Department of Social Services because of abuse, neglect or because their parents voluntarily placed them for adoption.  Most are in custody temporarily while social work professionals attempt to safely reunite them with their families or place them with relatives.  Some may be adopted by foster parents.  Approximately one-third of the children in foster care will be adopted.  Court action to terminate parental rights is necessary before they are available for adoption. 

 

In Durham County, there are more 253 children in foster care, and 17 children are available for adoption but are not currently in an adoptive placement. 

 

The children most in need of safe, loving, permanent homes include those who are over age 10, are in sibling groups and do not want to be separated, minority children, and special needs children (those with medical, behavioral, emotional, or physical problems).  Most foster children have special needs simply because they have undergone the trauma of abuse, neglect, and separation from their birth families.  Some have physical disabilities and medical problems.  Many children need to be placed with a sibling or siblings.

 

Resource Person(s): Janice Williams, Adoption Supervisor, and Jovetta Whitfield, Child Placement and Supportive Services Program Manager, Department of Social Services

 

County Manager's Recommendation: Recommend approval of proclamation declaring Adoption Month in Durham County and to raise community awareness of the many ways to support our children who are waiting for a loving, permanent family.

 

6.     Consent Agenda

                                                                                                                                                     15 min.

a.   Property Tax Releases and Refunds for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 (accept the property tax release and refund report for September 2008 as presented and authorize the Tax Assessor to adjust the tax records as outlined by the report);

b.   Approve the Request for Funds Designated for Other Post Employment Benefits;

c.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 09BCC000018—Public Health—Recognize Aid to County Funds in the amount of $38,482 from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services for operational expenses for the Document Management Project. 

d.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 09BCC000019—Public Health—Recognize Grant Revenue in the amount of $5,727 from N.C. Department of Health and Human Services for the Local Healthy Carolinians Initiative, The Partnership for a Healthy Durham;

e.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 09BCC000020—Public Health—Recognize $6,245 in Additional Funding from the North Carolina Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Initiative to support Plain Talk, a pregnancy prevention program;

f.    Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 09BCC000021—Public Health—Recognize One-Time Funds in the amount of $15,000 from N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to Support a Syphilis Elimination Media Campaign in the Division of Health Education;

g.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 09BCC000022—Public Health—Recognize One-Time Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) Out-of-Wedlock Funds in the amount of $20,003 from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to Support the Family Planning Program to purchase contraceptive supplies;

h.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 09BCC000024—Appropriate Reserved Funds for the Tax Department, Sheriff's Office, Fire Marshall, Cooperative Extension, DSS, and Mental Health (appropriate reserved fund balance [e.g., previously classified in prior years as deferred revenue] in the amount $2,242,332);

i.    Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 09BCC000025—Appropriate Unexpended Grant Funds for Cooperative Extension's Strong Couples Strong Children Grant in the amount of $25,551;

j.    Standard Non-Reimbursable Utility Contract for the Extension of the County Sanitary Sewer System (authorize execution of the contract with Keystone Crossings LLC to extend the County sanitary sewer system to serve Keystone Crossings Subdivision—Phases 2 through 7);

k.   Durham Public Schools Lighting Projects at Northern and Hillside High Schools (approve the assignment of design contracts with Spring Stoops McCullen Engineering, PA, and approve the owner/contractor agreements with C.W. Electric Co. Inc. for lighting work at Hillside and Northern High School in the amounts of $173,075.00 and $302,000; authorize the Manager to execute the agreements);

l.    Durham Public Schools Projects at Jordan High and Carrington Middle School (approve the Owner/Engineer contract with Coulter Jewel Thames in an amount not to exceed $93,080.00; approve the Design Consultant contract with Bute, PLLC for work at Carrington Middle School in an amount not to exceed $230,100.00; and authorize the County Manager to execute the contracts);

m.  Final Work First Block Grant Plan for 2009-2011 (approve the final draft of the plan);

n.   Annual Report for the Durham Board of Adjustment (accept the Durham Board of Adjustment Annual Report for FY 07-08);

o.   RFID Tags Purchase and RFID Conversion Stations Rental for Main, Southwest, and South (Parkwood) Libraries (approval as requested); and

p.   Little River Uplands Open Space Clean Water Management Trust Fund Grant Agreement (execute the CWMTF Grant Agreement, and approve the conveyance of conservation easements to the State of North Carolina on the Lee property).

 

7.    Public Hearing on Coordinated Transportation FY 2008-2009 Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) Grant

                                                                                                                                                     15 min.

The Cooperative Extension Service is requesting the Board to hold a public hearing on the Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) application submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation on August 27, 2008.

 

The Board held a public hearing and approved the submittal of the grant during the August 25, 2008 Regular Session.  The application has been received, reviewed, and approved by NCDOT pending having another public hearing.  The initial public hearing notice was published in July for the August 11, 2008 BOCC meeting.  When the item was moved to a later meeting, it was published again in August for the August 25, 2008 BOCC meeting.  The official length of notice requirement of 14 days was not met by the August 25, 2008 BOCC meeting; hence, we are required to hold another public hearing to receive the funds. 

 

The ROAP grant consolidates the Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP), Rural General Public Program, and the Work First/Employment Program into a single application package.  EDTAP provides for assistance in the transportation of the elderly and disabled.  Work First/Employment Program is intended to provide operating assistance for transitional Work First.  The Rural General Public funds will be used to supplement existing routes that currently serve the county.

 

The application proposes $95,653 of governmental revenue to be allocated to support coordinated transportation for Durham County Elderly and Disabled residents through the Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP) and $11,065 for Work First Transitional/Employment.  These funds require no Local match.  The $95,245 represents an increase of $408 from last year's allocation.

 

The $43,508 for Rural General Public Transportation (RGP) requires a 10% local match.  The majority of the local match is recouped through fares and the remaining match has been budgeted.  These programs help support the transportation needs of citizens residing in the County.  The program is administered by Cooperative Extension and Coordinated Transportation.

 

The NCDOT annually allocates funds for EDTAP, RGP, and Work First.  Durham County will receive $150,226 for FY 2008-2009.

 

EDTAP Funds shall be used to provide services for the noted agencies:

 

Council of Senior Citizens                                 

Dept. of Social Services (Adult)

Durham Exchange Club Industries

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

Services for the Blind

Durham Parks and Recreation

The ARC of Durham

Additionally, Durham County has applied for the maximum amount of supplemental ROAP funding from NCDOT.

 

·      EDTAP           $56,162

·      Work First       $8,851

·      RGP                $22,818

 

The $22,818 for Rural General Public Transportation (RGP) requires a 10% local match.  The majority of the local match is recouped through fares and the remaining match has been budgeted.  These funds will be used for expanded service.

 

Durham County is applying for a total of $87,831 in supplemental ROAP funds for
FY 2008-2009.

 

Resource Person(s): Delphine Sellars, Cooperative Extension Director, and Johnny Ford, Transportation Access Coordinator

 

County Manager's Recommendation: Hold the public hearing.

 

8.     Public Hearing—Zoning Map Change—1521 Mineral Springs Road (Z0800002)

                                                                                                                                                     10 min.

To approve a request for a zoning map change for a 4.14 acre site located on the east side of South Mineral Springs Road, south of Delmar Drive.  Request: RR and RS-20; F/J-B to PDR 4.000; F/J-B

 

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 with additional committed elements, 11-2 on September 9, 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 an additional committed elements proffered by the applicant at the meeting.

 

Resource Person(s): Steven L. Medlin, AICP, City-County Planning Director, and Amy Wolff, 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.     Public Hearing—Zoning Map Change – Pleasant Grove Church Road Warehouse

(Z0800025)

                                                                                                                       10 min.

To approve a request for a zoning map change for a 3.57 acre site located on the east side of Page Road, north of Comstock Road, west of I-540 and west of the Wake County line

 

Request: Residential Rural (RR) to Industrial Light (IL)

 

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, 13-0 on September 9, 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 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.

 

 10.    Public Hearing for Close-out of the 2002 CDBG Scattered Site housing Program Grant

                                                                                                                                                            10 min.

     In 2002 the County of Durham received a $400,000 grant from the Department of Commerce – Division of Community Assistance to rehabilitate housing in the unincorporated areas of Durham County.  With this allocation, the County's administrator Leah Consulting Group rehabilitated 13 properties.  The grant funds were designated to repair homes of Durham County for residents whose income was at or below 50 percent of the area median income.  In addition to the original $400,000 allocation, the State awarded another $176,940.73 to repair the Gentry property.  In total, the County expended $518,008.12 of the $576,940.73 that was allocated.

 

At the conclusion of the activities, the County is required by the State to hold a Public hearing to review the budget and activities that have been accomplished though the 2002 CDBG Scattered Site Housing grant and any amendments.  After six years, the activities are complete.  The administrator of the program, Mr. Brian Crawford of Leah Consulting Group, will discuss the final results of the 2002 CDBG Scattered Site Housing Program and the close-out documents.

        Resource Person(s): Brian Crawford, President of Leah Consulting Group

        County Manager's Recommendation: The Manager's recommendation is that the Board hold a public hearing and receive the closeout report for the 2002 CDBG Scattered Site Housing Program in order to proceed with the grant close-out process.

                                                                                                                                                           

11.   Adopt Durham County High Performance Building Resolution

                                                                                                                                                            10 min.

        The Board is requested to adopt the High Performance Building Resolution. 

 

Durham County is a leader in developing green buildings in North Carolina.  Several of the County's existing buildings are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified by the US Green Building Council including the Triangle Waste Water Treatment Plant, East Regional Library, and North Regional Library.  All new buildings under development are scheduled to achieve some level of LEED certification, including the new Human Services Building and the Justice Building.  In order to reach the goals established in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and the Durham Comprehensive Plan, the County must continue its commitment to building and maintaining healthy, efficient, high-performing buildings.  This policy solidifies the County's commitment to be a leader in green building development.

 

This policy was developed by the Engineering Department and General Services Department, in consultation with the Environmental Affairs Board Sustainability Committee.  The Environmental Affairs Board voted to support this resolution on October 1, 2008.

 

Resource Person(s): Tobin L. Freid, Sustainability Manager, and Glen Whisler, P.E., County Engineer

 

County Manager's Recommendation:  The Manager's recommendation is that the Board adopt the High Performance Building Resolution.

 

12.  2011-2017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Local Priority List                                 

                                                                                                                                                      30 min.

Adopt the "Resolution to Endorse the Durham County Project Priority List for the
FY 2011-2017 Transportation Improvement Program".

 

The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the Durham-Chapel
Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) mutually adopt a seven-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).  The TIP is a program of transportation capital and operating assistance projects to be implemented in the next seven years with the use of federal and state funds.  The TIP is traditionally updated every two years.  The Administration prepares and recommends an update to the list of transportation priority projects to be submitted to the MPO and State for consideration in the development of the next TIP.  The DCHC MPO and the State recently approved the FY 2009-2015 TIP and have begun development of the FY 2011-2017 TIP. 

 

Resource Person(s): Ellen Beckmann, Transportation Planner, DCHC MPO

 

County Manager's Recommendation: The Manager recommends that the Board review the Transportation Improvement Program Local Priority List and adopt the Resolution to Endorse the Durham County Project Priority List for the FY 2001-2017 Transportation Improvement Program.

 

13.  Board and Commission Appointments

                                                                                                                                                            10 min.

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

 

·         Animal Control Review Board

·         Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau/Tourism Development Authority

·         Farmland Protection Advisory Board

·         Historic Preservation Commission

·         Library Board of Trustees

·         Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee

·         Transportation Advisory Board

·         Workforce Development Board

 

Resource Person(s): Vonda Sessoms

 

County Manager's Recommendation:

 

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

                                                                                                                                                            _____

                                                                                                                                                             2¼  hrs.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Upcoming events

The last Friends of the Durham Library booksale for the year starts this afternoon for members and is open to everyone Saturday and Sunday.  It is in the garage at the Main Library and the times are probably posted at www.durhamcountylibrary.org
 
The Durham BORDC meets Saturday at 2pm in the third floor conference room of the Main Library.  Agenda items include more on immigration and protecting the election from theft. 
 
The City Council meets Monday (www.durhamnc.gov/agendas).  There are many items including, raising the Durham living wage, approving the decision not to add a bike lane on Fayetteville Street during expansion, many historic building designations, reviewing and revising the Comprehensive Plan regulating development, and offering an incentive of up to $400,000 to Bandwith.com, Inc. 
 

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. Approval of City Council Minutes

To approve City Council minutes for the September 15, 2008 City Council Meeting; and

To approve City Council action taken at the September 4, 2008 City Council Work Session.

(Resource Person: D. Ann Gray – 4166) (PR# 5510)

2. City-County Environmental Affairs Board - Receipt and Acceptance of Applications

To receive and accept applications for citizens to fill three (3) vacancies on the City-County Environmental Affairs Board representing Energy (term expires June 1, 2009), Law (term expires June 1, 2010) and Biological Sciences (term expires June 1, 2011).

(Due to resignations and the expired term of Raphael Sagarin)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #2 - 12 pages) (PR# 5369)

3. Durham Open Space & Trails Commission - Receipt and Acceptance of Applications

To receive and accept applications for citizens to fill four (4) vacancies on the Durham Open Space & Trails Commission; three (3) vacancies to represent At-Large with terms expiring June 30, 2011 and one (1) vacancy to represent Ward 1 with term expiring June 30, 2010.

(Due to the terms expiring of Paula M. Childers, John A. Goebel and Josie McNeil-Owen and the resignation of Susan Willis)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #3 - 10 pages) (PR# 5405)

4. Durham Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission - Receipt and Acceptance of Applications

To receive and accept applications for citizens to fill two (2) vacancies on the Durham Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission with one term to expire on August 31, 2010 and one term to expire August 31, 2011.

(Due to the expired term of Alan Dippy and the resignation of Lilah M. Besser)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #4 - 8 pages) (PR# 5523)

5. Durham Historic Preservation Commission - Receipt and Acceptance of an Application

To receive and accept an application for a citizen to fill one (1) vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission for an Architect with the term to expire on September 1, 2009.

(Due to the resignation of David Arneson)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #5 - 3 pages) (PR# 5525)

6. City-County Appearance Commission - Receipt and Acceptance of an Application

To receive and accept applications for a citizen to fill one (1) vacancy on the City-County Appearance Commission with the term to expire on April 1, 2011.

(Due to the expired term of Eric Staehle)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #6 - 3 pages) (PR# 5526)

7. Lyon Park Advisory Board - Appointments

To appoint Alicia Grant and Karin Douglas to the Lyon Park Advisory Board with terms expiring on June 30, 2010.

Note: At the Work Session on October 9, 2008, Ms. Grant and Ms. Douglas both received seven (7) votes.

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #7 - 5 pages) (PR# 5544)

8. Workforce Development Board - Receipt and Acceptance of Applications and Appointments

To receive and accept applications and to appoint ShaShawnda L. Carlton and Geoffrey Luce as recommended by the Durham Chamber of Commerce (representing Private Sector) and Li-An Yeh (representing Public Sector-Educational Agency) to the Workforce Development Board with terms expiring on June 30, 2010.

(Resource Person: Laverne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #8 - 17 pages) (PR# 5549)

9. Bid Report – August 2008

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

(Resource Persons: Joseph W. Clark and Lynette McRae – 4132) (Attachment #9 - 7 pages) (PR# 5480)

10. Piggyback Purchase - Twenty Hybrid Buses

To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the Gillig Corporation in the amount of $10,678,353.00 for providing the City with twenty hybrid-transit buses from an existing City of Charlotte contract; 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 Stephen Mancuso – 1535) (Attachment #10 – 5 pages) (PR# 5509)

11. Bids – Term Contract for Diesel Fuel

To accept the bid from James River Solutions, in the estimated amount of $3,317,050.00 for providing the City with its Estimated Multi-Year Requirements for Diesel Fuel;

To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with James River Solutions, in the estimated amount of $3,317,050.00 for providing the City with its Estimated Multi-Year Requirements for Diesel Fuel; 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 and Lynette McRae – 4132) (Attachment #11 - 5 pages) (PR# 5511)

12. Additional Purchase – Two Low Entry Refuse Collection Cab & Chassis

To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Southern Truck Service, Inc., in the amount of $206,886.00 for providing the City with two Low Entry Refuse Collection Cab & Chassis; 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 #12 - 5 pages) (PR# 5531)

13. Setting Public Hearings to Consider Ordering Petitioned Improvements

To accept a Certificate of Sufficiency from the Manager of Engineering and Stormwater for each of the following petitions; and

To adopt a resolution setting a public hearing for November 3, 2008 to consider ordering each of the following improvements:

Sidewalk on Sedwick Road (North Side) from Revere Road to Grandale Drive

Water Main on Valley Springs Road from Rivermont Road North, then West to Include PIN 0814-03-10-7214; Rose Road from Valley Springs Road to the North Property Line of PIN 0813-01-19-9957 and Forestdale Road from Valley Springs Road to the End of the Cul-de-sac

(Resource Persons: Edward R. Venable and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326) (Attachment #13 - 7 pages) (PR# 5503)

14. Street Acceptances

To accept the streets on the attached list for maintenance by the City of Durham.

(Resource Person: Edward R. Venable and Nathan L. McHenry – 4326) (Attachment #14 - 5 pages) (PR# 5504)

16. Naming Rights Agreement for the Stage of Durham Performing Arts Cente

To authorize the City Manager to execute a naming rights contract of the stage at the Durham Performing Arts Center with Robert D. Teer, Jr. on behalf of the Teer family in the amount of $1.2 million to be paid by the Teer family over a 10-year period; 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 Person: Alan DeLisle – 4965 ext. 212) (Attachment #16 - 17 pages) (PR# 5547)

18. Proposed Advanced Acquisition for the Future Expansion of Lake Michie, Property of Carolina Singh Associates

To approve the acquisition in fee simple absolute of unimproved land from Carolina Singh Associates, identified as PIN # 0847-04-73-8471 (±109.76 acres) for $8,500.00 per acre for a total purchase price of $932,960.00.

(Resource Person: David Fleischer – 4197 ext. 288) (Attachment #18 - 3 pages) (PR# 5484)

19. Lease Agreement with Members Credit Union

To authorize the City Manager to execute the Lease Agreement with Members Credit Union for a five-year lease for office space in the City Hall Annex; and

To authorize the City Manager to make changes to the lease agreement provided the changes do not decrease the lease rates or change the intent of the agreement.

(Resource Person: David Fleischer – 4197 ext. 288) (Attachment #19 - 11 pages) (PR# 5486)

20. Proposed Sale of 727 N. Mangum Street, Parcel ID# 104905 (City Tract #1981)

To declare the property at 727 N. Mangum Street surplus;

To propose to accept the offer of $30,000.00 from UDI Community Development Corporation to purchase the property at 727 N. Mangum Street and advertise for upset bids pursuant to the Upset Bid Procedure (G.S. 160A-269);

To delegate authority to the City Manager to accept the bid from the highest responsible bidder at the conclusion of upset bidding, pursuant to Section 86.3 of the City Charter; and

To authorize the City Manager or the Mayor to convey the property with a non-warranty deed.

(Resource Person: Donna Lunsford – 4197) (Attachment #20 - 6 pages) (PR# 5506)

21. North Carolina Division of Environment and Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Grant for Durham Street Tree Canopy Analysis Project

To authorize the City Manager to accept the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Grant for Durham Street Tree Canopy Analysis Project by executing the grant documents with the Davey Resource Group; and

To adopt the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Grant Project Ordinance in the amount of $7,050.00.

(Resource Person: Alexander Johnson – 4197 ext. 275) (Attachment #21 - 8 pages) (PR# 5518)

22. Durham Minimum Livable Wage Information

To receive a report on the Durham Minimum Livable Wage and to change the Durham Minimum Livable Wage to $10.95 per hour effective January 3, 2009; and

To approve a recommendation to make changes to the Durham Minimum Livable Wage ordinance.

(Resource Person: Alethea C. Bell – 4214) (Attachment #22 - 9 pages) (PR# 5555)

23. Durham City County Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Planning

To adopt the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Planning.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4132 ext. 223) (Attachment #23 - 17 pages)(PR# 5438)

24. 2007 Highway Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Grant

To authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreement for the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Policy, 2007 Highway Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) grant;

To adopt the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Policy, 2007 Highway Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Grant Project Ordinance;

To authorize the City Manager to execute sub-recipient contracts between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) with the City of Durham in order to comply with required collaborations as set forth in the approved Federal award budget and HIDTA Initiative; 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 Person: Steve Mihaich – 4322) (Attachment #24 - 33 pages) (PR# 5508)

25. 2008 Highway Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Grant

To authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreement for the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Policy, 2008 Highway Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) grant;

To adopt the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Policy, 2008 Highway Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Grant Project Ordinance;

To authorize the City Manager to execute sub-recipient contracts between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the Raleigh Police Department, with the City of Durham in order to comply with required collaborations as set forth in the approved Federal award budget and HIDTA Initiative; 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 Person: Steve Mihaich – 4322) (Attachment #25 - 47 pages) (PR# 5516)

26. Contract Amendment for Professional Services Agreement with Stewart Engineering, Incorporated for Design and Construction Administration Including Construction Engineering Services

To authorize the City Manager to amend the professional services agreement with Stewart Engineering, Incorporated in the amount of $247,500.00 for increases in the design and construction administration for the NC 147 Pedestrian Bridge Project (North Carolina Department of Transportation U-4445); and

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

(Resource Person: Edward R. Venable – 4326 ext. 233) (Attachment #26 - 3 pages) (PR# 5530)

27. Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for an Apprenticeship

To adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the Apprentice program; and

To adopt a City of Durham Grant Project Ordinance – Transportation Apprentice in the amount of $37,498.00 for the funding of this program.

(Resource Person: Felix Nwoko – 4366) (Attachment #27 - 56 pages) (PR# 5538)

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

29. Ordinance to Clarify Solid Waste Department Fees for Bulky Item Pickup, Roll-Off Container Rental and Cart Rental

To adopt an Ordinance to Clarify Solid Waste Department Fees for Bulky Item Pickup, Roll-Off Container Rental and Cart Rental.

(Resource Person: Donald Long – 4186) (Attachment #29 - 7 pages) (PR# 5535)

30. Service and Equipment Lease Agreements for IP Telephony System Implementation

To authorize the City Manager to execute a service agreement with FeatureTel Managed Communications, LLC in the amount of $873,970.40 to supply a fully managed IPT system for 3 years;

To authorize the City Manager to execute a 59 month lease agreement with Cisco Systems Capital Leasing in an amount not to exceed $990,000.00 for the lease, installation, and maintenance of Cisco Systems telephony and networking equipment; and

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

(Resource Person: Bill Hess – 4122 ext. 231) (Attachment #30 – 80 pages) (PR# 5515)

31. Contract Award for Construction of Cary Interconnection Project along NC 55

To authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with J. F. Wilkerson Contracting Co., Inc. for the Cary Interconnection Project in the amount of $897,860.00;

To establish a contingency fund for the contract in the amount of $180,000.00;

To authorize the City Manager to negotiate change orders for the contract provided that the cost of all change orders does not exceed $180,000.00 and the total project cost of $1,077,860.00; and

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

(Resource Person: James E. Harding – 4381 ext. 260) (Attachment #31 - 3 pages) (PR# 5507)

32. Contract Amendment #1, SR-47 Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study

To authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment #1 with Hydrostructures, PA for the extension of services under the SR-47, Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study Project, increasing the original not to exceed contract amount by $350,000.00 for a total not to exceed amount of $1,044,334.50;

To authorize the City Manager to modify the amendment before execution provided the modifications do not increase the dollar amount of the amendment and are consistent with the general intent of the version of the Contract amendment by City Council; and

To authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute change orders under the Agreement provided the total fee does not exceed $1,113,768.00, which is the total contract amount plus contingency.

(Resource Person: James Harding – 4381) (Attachment #32 - 6 pages) (PR# 5522)

36 – 54. These items can be found on the General Business Agenda – Public Hearings.

61. Resolution Memorializing William I. Thornton, Jr.

To adopt a Resolution Memorializing William I. Thornton, Jr.

(Resource Person: Mayor William V. "Bill" Bell – 4333) (Attachment #61 – 1 page) (PR# 5559)

64. This item can be found on the General Business Agenda – Public Hearings.

65. Joint City-County Planning Commission (JCCPC) Recommendation Regarding Transportation Impact Analyses (TIAs)

To receive a report on the Joint City-County Planning Commission (JCCPC) Recommendation Regarding Transportation Impact Analyses (TIAs). (Resource Person: Council Member Michael J. Woodard – 4396) (Attachment #65 – 3 pages) (PR# 5610)

[General Business Agenda]

28. Bicycle Lanes on Fayetteville Road between Woodcroft Parkway and Buxton Street

To approve an exception to the bicycle plan to indicate that bicycle lanes will not be provided as part of the widening of Fayetteville Road between Woodcroft Parkway and Buxton Street.

(Resource Person: Dale McKeel – 4366) (Attachment #28 - 8 pages) (PR# 5541)

[General Business Agenda – Public Hearings]

36. Proposed Nonresidential Building Code Ordinance

To conduct a public hearing and public comments related to the proposed Minimum Nonresidential Building Code;

To adopt a proposed Minimum Nonresidential Building Code Ordinance;

To adopt an Ordinance that designates a new division in chapter 10. Article VII captioned Unsafe Buildings entitled "supplemental Procedures"; and

To adopt an Ordinance to impose fee for noncompliance with administrator's order under the Nonresidential Building Code.

(Resource Person: Constance Stancil – 1647) (Attachment #36 - 28 pages) (PR# 5452)

37. Historic Landmark Designation – Paschall's Bakery and Studebaker Building (LD0700001)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating Paschall's Bakery Building and Studebaker Building, 115-121 North Duke Street (LD0700001) as Historic Landmarks.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #37 - 8 pages) (PR# 5488)

38. Historic Landmark Designation – Simpson-Umstead House (LD0700002)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the Simpson Umstead House, 807 Hermitage Court Drive (LD0700002), as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #38 - 7 pages) (PR# 5489)

39. Historic Landmark Designation – Original Watts Hospital Building (LD0700003)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the Original Watts Hospital Building, 302 Watts Street (LD0700003), as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #39 - 7 pages) (PR# 5490)

40. Historic Landmark Designation – Webb Thompson House (LD0700004)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the Webb Thompson House (LD0700004), as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #40 - 7 pages) (PR# 5491)

41. Historic Landmark Designation – Penny Furniture Building (LD0700005)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the Penny Furniture Building, 111 East Chapel Hill Street (LD0700005), as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #41 - 8 pages) (PR# 5492)

42. Historic Landmark Designation – Durham Laundry Building (LD0700006)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the Durham Laundry Building, 209-211 North Church Street (LD0700006), as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #42 - 7 pages) (PR# 5493)

43. Historic Landmark Designation – L. D. Rogers Furniture Store Building (LD0700009)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the L. D. Rogers Furniture Store Building, 107 East Parrish Street (LD0700009), as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #43 - 7 pages) (PR# 5494)

44. Historic Landmark Designation – Rogers Drugs Building (LD0700010)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the Rogers Drugs Building, 200 North Mangum Street (LD0700010), as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #44 - 7 pages) (PR# 5495)

45. Historic Landmark Designation – Tempest Building (LD0700011)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the Tempest Building, 102 City Hall Plaza (LD0700011), as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #45 - 8 pages) (PR# 5496)

46. Historic Landmark Designation – Venable Center (LD0800001)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the Venable Center, 302 East Pettigrew Street (LD0800001) as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #46 - 7 pages) (PR# 5497)

48. Historic Landmark Designation – John O'Daniel Hosiery Mill Building (LD0800003)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comment on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the John O'Daniel Hosiery Mill Building, 801 Gilbert Street (LD0800003), as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #48 - 8 pages) (PR# 5499)

49. Historic Landmark Designation – King's Daughters Home (LD0800004)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the King's Daughters Home, 204 North Buchannan Boulevard (LD0800004), as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #49 - 8 pages) (PR# 5500)

50. Historic Landmark Designation – C.C. Taylor Building (LD0800006)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the C.C. Taylor Building, 115 East Main Street (LD0800006), as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #50 - 7 pages) (PR# 5501)

51. Historic Landmark Designation – Johnson-Rogers House (LD0700008)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the proposed Historic Landmark designation; and

To adopt an ordinance designating the Johnson-Rogers House, 215 Monmouth Avenue (LD0700008), as a Historic Landmark.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #51 - 7 pages) (PR# 5502)

52. Plan Amendment – Evaluation and Assessment Report (A0800005)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the Evaluation and Assessment Report (A0800005); and

To rectify the Future Land Use Map of the Durham Comprehensive Plan by approving the map changes that the County Board of Commissioners adopted in 2007.

Staff Recommendation: Approval, based on the justification and meeting the four criteria for plan amendments

Planning Commission Recommendation: Approval, 13-0, August 12, 2008, based on the justification and meeting the four criteria for plan amendments.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #52 - 22 pages)(PR# 5534)

53. Ninth Street Plan

To continue the public hearing on the Ninth Street Plan for two additional cycles to November 17, 2008.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #53 - 3 pages) (PR# 5512)

54. Sierra Initial (Z07-14A)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the initial zoning map change for Sierra Initial (Z07-14A); and

To adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance, the same being Chapter 24 of the Durham City Code, to establish PDR 3.000, RR; F/J-B 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 the action is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and 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 on the east side of Doc Nichols Road, north of Leesville Road and east of Olive Branch Road. PIN's 0860-03-33-3314, -01-20-8767, 0767-01-27-6679, -28-5772]

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #54 - 17 pages (PR# 5520)

64. Bandwidth.com, Inc.

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on Bandwidth.com, Inc.;

To authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Bandwidth.com, Inc. for an economic development incentive in an amount not to exceed $400,000.00; and

To authorize the City Manager to make changes as may be needed so long as they do not increase the amount to be paid by the City nor reduce the benefits to be gained by the City.

(Resource Person: Alan DeLisle – 4965 ext. 212)

[Adjournment]