Two presentations on Palestine Monday

Elders for Peace in Chapel Hill is hosting two educational events:

 

Two Important Events on Israel - Palestine

Monday, February 2, 2009
 
1:00 pm -- Eyewitness Gaza:  a report with slides by peace activist and photographer Skip Schiel, who has been documenting the Palestinian and Israeli reality through photographs and journal postings since 2003. Monday Feb 2 at 1 pm at the Robert and Pearl Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill. Sponsored by Elders for Peace (918-3504). 
 
7:15 pm -- The Water Politics of Palestine/Israel:  Israel-Palestine has scant water resources, but now, with the current strife, water is a dramatic mirror of power relationships. Through an examination of water in various settings—small Palestinian villages & the Gaza strip—along with large cities shared by Israeli Jews & Arabs—Haifa & Jerusalem—Schiel portrays a very difficult to visualize topic.  Monday Feb. 2 at 7:15 in the Community Room of the Carol Woods Retirement Community, 750 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill.  Sponsored by Elders for Peace (918-3504).  Cars will leave for the Seymour Center from in front of the Carol Woods at 12:30 pm.
 
Skip Schiel is a participatory photographer, photographing while engaging in struggles for justice, peace, right treatment of the environment, and enlightenment.  His main current project is a photographic examination of conditions in Palestine & Israel. Other projects include retracing the Transatlantic African slave trade journey (A Spirit People), the earth (Scent of Earth), prisons (Imprisoned Massachusetts), and an exploration of the impact of digital technology on photography.  Since 1992, he teaches photography at the Landscape Institute of Harvard University and the Cambridge Center of Adult Education.
 
Skip Schiel has been documenting the Palestinian and Israeli reality through photographs and journal postings since 2003—work with a better feel for the detailed texture of life in Gaza and the West Bank than any appearing in US media.

--Annette Herskovits, Consulting Editor, Turning Wheel, the Journal of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship

State of the City Address and Council meeting Monday

Mayor Bell's State of the City Address is at 7 (see the press release below) followed by the regular Council meeting at 7:30.  At the end of the agenda are two rezoning requests and the issue of revising the UDO to allow the keeping of hens. 

 

Stop Torture Now is addressing the Johnston County Commissioners on Monday, and I will post that press release later.

CITY OF DURHAM
Office of Public Affairs
101 City Hall Plaza
Durham, NC 27701
 
 
News Release
For Details, Contact:
Amy C. Blalock
Senior Public Affairs Specialist
(919) 560-4123 x 253
(919) 475-7735 (cell)
Amy.Blalock at durhamnc dot gov
 
For Immediate Release:  January 29, 2009
 

 
Durham Mayor Presents Annual State of the City Address
 
What:              City of Durham's Annual State of the City Address
 
Who:               Mayor William V. "Bill" Bell
 
When:             Monday, February 2, 2009, from 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
                        * Regularly scheduled City Council Meeting will immediately follow.
 
Where:            Council Chambers
                        First Floor, City Hall
               101 City Hall Plaza
               Durham, NC 27701
 
Fast Facts
·         This annual address for Durham citizens recounts the City's achievements and challenges throughout the previous year and outlines the mayor's goals for the coming year.
 
·         Attendance is free and residents, business owners, and local news media are encouraged to attend. 
 
·         New for this year, attendees will receive a DVD copy of the 2008 Year in Review.  This DVD will contain a 16-minute video highlighting many of the accomplishments by the City of Durham in 2008.  Beginning Monday, February 2, the 2008 Year in Review video will also air throughout the month of February on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays at 4 p.m. on Time Warner Cable channel 8.
 
·         The address will be televised live on Time Warner Cable channel 8 beginning at 7 p.m. as well as on the City's Web site.   The address will be immediately followed by the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
 
·         News media will be provided access to a mult box during the presentation.  Wireless microphones are recommended to help avoid trip hazards.
 
·         Hard copies of the mayor's presentation and speech will be available to the news media immediately after the address and placed on the City's Web site by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at www.durhamnc.gov/mayor. 
 
###

 

City Council Agenda
Monday, February 2, 2009
Council Chambers, First Floor

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 January 5, 2009 City Council Meeting; and

To approve action taken at the December 18, 2008 City Council Work Session.

(Resource Person: D. Ann Gray — 4166) (PR# 5829)

2. Passenger Vehicle for Hire Commission — Receive and Accept an Application

To receive and accept an application for a citizen to fill one (1) vacancy on the Passenger Vehicle for Hire Commission to represent a Taxicab Operating Permit Holder with the term to expire on January 1, 2012.

(Due to the term expiring of Kwakou Asinia Shakur)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks — 4166) (Attachment #2 — 4 pages) (PR# 5828)

3. Resolution Memorializing James M. Schooler, Sr.

To adopt a Resolution Memorializing James Morse Schooler, Sr.

(Resource Person: Council Member Howard Clement, III — 4396) (Attachment #3 — 1 page) (PR# 5833)

4. Resolution Memorializing Trevor Devon Spain

To adopt a Resolution Memorializing Trevor DeVon Spain.

(Resource Person: Mayor Pro Tempore Cora Cole-McFadden — 4396) (Attachment #4 — 1 page) (PR# 5834)

5. Capital Program Advisory Committee — Appointment

To appoint James C. Henry to the Capital Program Advisory Committee to represent PAC 3 with the term to expire on March 31, 2010.

Note: At the Work Session on January 22, 2009, Mr. Henry received seven (7) votes.

(Due to the resignation of Deon Forde)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks — 4166) (Attachment #5 — 3 pages) (PR# 5839)

6. Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority — Reappointment

To reappoint Tonita F. Lipscomb to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority with the term to expire on January 1, 2011.

Note: At the Work Session on January 22, 2009, Ms. Lipscomb received seven (7) votes. (Due to the term expiring of Tonita F. Lipscomb)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks — 4166) (Attachment #6 — 8 pages) (PR# 5841)

7. Bid Report — December 2008

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

(Resource Persons: Joseph W. Clark and Lynette McRae — 4132) (Attachment #7 — 3 pages) (PR# 5826)

8. Contract Extension — Low Entry Refuse Collection Cab & Chassis

To authorize the City Manager to extend contract no. 10-037-07 with Southern Truck Service, Inc., through February 15, 2009 in the amount of $834,701.00 for providing the City with seven Low Entry Refuse Collection Cab & Chassis; and

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

(Resource Persons: Joseph W. Clark — 4132 and Paul Koch — 4101) (Attachment #8 — 3 pages) (PR# 5827)

9. Term Contract for Water Meters

To approve the bid submitted by HD Supply Waterworks in the amount of $555,375.00 for providing the City with its estimated annual requirements for water meters;

To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with HD Supply Waterworks in the amount of $555,375.00 for providing the City with its estimated annual requirements for water meters; 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 Thomas P. Lucas — 4344) (Attachment #9 - 5 pages) (PR# 5830)

10. Durham Affordable Housing Coalition FY 2008-2009 Subrecipient Agreement

To authorize the expenditure of $60,000.00 from Community Development Block Grant funds;

To authorize the City Manager to execute a performance based subrecipient agreement with the Durham Affordable Housing Coalition to provide pre-purchase housing counseling, financial literacy housing counseling, and/or default delinquency housing counseling;

To authorize the City Manager to make changes to the Contract which does not increase the agreement amount, lessen DAHC's duties, or extend the term of the agreement beyond February 1, 2010.

(Resource Person: Juanita B. Massenburg — 4570 ext. 240) (Attachment #10 — 21 pages) (PR# 5825)

11. HOME Agreements between the City of Durham and Metropolitan Housing and Community Development Corporation, Inc.

To authorize the expenditure of up to $450,000.00 in HOME CHDO funds to support the development of ten affordable housing units at Franklin Village;

To authorize the City Manager to execute a HOME Investment Partnership Agreement and CHDO Grant Agreement with Metropolitan Housing and Community Development Corporation, Inc. in the amount of $450,000.00 to support the Franklin Village development; and

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

(Resource Person: Richard Valzonis — 4570 ext. 226) (Attachment #11 — 35 pages) (PR# 5835)

12. Award of Funding to CASA (Community Alternatives for Supportive Abodes) for Special Needs Housing

To authorize the expenditure of $500,000.00 in budgeted general funds for the purpose of affordable housing for persons with special needs;

To authorize the expenditure of $160,486.00 in HOME CHDO funds;

To authorize the City Manager to execute a general fund permanent loan agreement and other related legal documents in the amount of $500,000.00 at a 0% interest rate that is forgiven over a period of 20 years and a HOME CHDO grant agreement in the amount of $160,486.00 with Community Alternatives for Supportive Abodes (CASA); and

To authorize the City Manager to make changes to the agreements prior to execution that does not increase the loan and/or grant amounts or lessen the duties of CASA.

(Resource Person: Shepherd Smith — 4570 ext. 227) (Attachment #12 — 63 pages) (PR# 5824)

13. Self-Help Pass-Through Grant Ordinance

To adopt the Self-Help Pass-Through Grant Ordinance.

(Resource Person: Shepherd Smith — 4570 ext. 227) (Attachment #13 — 4 pages) (PR# 5850)

14. Computer Lease Agreement Amended for the Police Department-ePlus Group, Inc.

To authorize the City Manager to amend the master lease agreement with ePlus Group, Inc. in the amount of $76,307.28 annually for three (3) years, plus $19,076.82 for the end of term transition for a total of expenditure of $247,998.66 for 111 MDCs for the Police Department; and

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

(Resource Person: Martha J. Lester-Harris — 4122) (Attachment #14 — 6 pages) (PR# 5813)

15. Resolution Directing City Manager to Execute State Loan Documents

To adopt a resolution to delegate authority to the City Manager to represent the City, and to transact and sign any and all documents related to securing loan funds from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources made available by the federal public works stimulus package.

(Resource Person: Nancy Newell — 4381) (Attachment #15 — 4 pages) (PR# 5837)

17 — 19. These items can be found on the General Business Agenda — Public Hearings.

25. 2009 Legislative Program Outline

To receive a report from the Legislative Committee and the City Attorney; and To approve the 2009 Legislative Program Outline.

(Resource Person: Legislative Committee and Patrick W. Baker — 4158) (Attachment #25 — 10 pages) (PR# 5885)

[General Business Agenda — Public Hearings]

17. Zoning Map Change — Duke Lemur Center (Z0800029)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the zoning map change for Duke Lemur Center (Z0800029);

To adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance, by taking the described property in zoning map change case Z0800029 out of UC and placing same in and establishing same as UC(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: Approval, 14-0, on December 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.

[The site is located on the east side of Erwin Road between NC 751and West Cornwallis Road. PIN: 0801-13-88-3948.SPL]

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP — 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #17 — 20 pages) (PR# 5822)

18. Zoning Map Change — Finley Glen (Z0800007)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the zoning map change for Finley Glen (Z0800007);

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 Z0800007 out of RS-M(D) and placing same in and establishing same as RS-M(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: Approval, 10-4 on December 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.

[The site is located on the west side of Moreene Road, north of Whitfield Road. PIN: 0812-01-16-6744]

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP — 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #18 — 25 pages)(PR# 5821)

19. Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendment — Female Chickens (TC0800006)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Change – Female Chickens (TC0800006);

To adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance, incorporating revisions to Article 2, Review Authority, Article 3, Applications and Permits, Article 5, Use Regulations, and Article 16, Definitions; and

To adopt an Ordinance to Impose a Fee for a Limited Agriculture Permit.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP — 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #19 — 25 pages) (PR# 5852)

[Adjournment]

How to support the Moncure Plywood strike

This is a message from a listserve, unfortunately all in caps. 

 

  *PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO YOUR FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, COMMUNITY AND FAITH
BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND ELECTED AND POLITICAL LEADERS*

*OUR MONCURE PLYWOOD IAM LOCAL 369 WORKERS SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE IS
URGING/PLEADING WITH ALL OUR  FRIENDS AND ALLIES TO CALL NOW! NOW! NOW! THE
NAMES AND NUMBERS BELOW.  THE COMMUNITY AND WORKERS CANNOT IN THIS STRIKE
ALONE.  THEY ARE BEING STARVED OUT BY THE COMPANY WHO IS RESISTING ANY
SETTLEMENT.  WE ARE RAISING THE HEAT.  WE HAVE ORGANIZED AND CONTINUE TO
BUILD FINANCIAL AND PICKET LINE SUPPORT, BUT CANNOT HELP THE WORKERS WIN
THEIR VALIANT STRUGGLE WITHOUT MORE PRESSURE ON THE MONCURE OWNERS, ATLAS
HOLDINGS, AND  DEEPER UNION SUPPORT FROM THE TOP LEADERSHIP OF THE
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS.  *
*
*
*1. PRESSURE THE OWNERS.  PLEASE KEEP CALLING AND EMAILING ATLAS HOLDING
OWNERS TO TELL THEM HOW OUTRAGED WE ARE AT THEIR REFUSAL TO NEGOTIATE IN
GOOD FAITH.  THEY OWN MONCURE PLYWOOD AND ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INDECENT
TREATMENT OF THEIR WORKERS, MANY OF WHOM HAVE BEEN IN THE PLANT FOR DECADES.
 *
*
*
*A. Call Andrew Bursky at (203) 983-7933, email abursky at atlasholdingsllc dot com
 *
*and Tim Fazio, Managing Partner, (203) 622-0207, email
tfazio at atlasholdingsllc dot com*
*
*
B. Go to the IAM website www.goiam.org/moncure/ to send a letter to Moncure
Plywood customers like Lazy Boy and Ethan Allan urging not Moncure product
purchases until they settle a just contract with the workers at IAM Local
369.
*
*
*2. PLEASE CALL INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT BUFFENBARGER AND VP MICHALSKI  AND
REGIONAL PRESIDENT BLOCKER AND SEND THE MESSAGE:*
*MORE UNION FINANCIAL AID BEYOND $150/WEEK STRIKE FUND
*
*MORE UNION VISIBILITY AND HELP IN ORGANIZING A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE OF FAITH,
LABOR AND COMMUNITY (WE NEED A PART TIME ORGANIZER).  ONE STAFF PERSON
COVERING 3 STATES CANNOT DO THE JOB ALONE. MORE UNION IDEAS ON RAISING THE
HEAT.
*
*WE CANNOT LOSE THIS STRIKE.  WE CANNOT LET THE WORKERS DOWN.  WE CANNOT
SEND A MESSAGE OF DESPAIR AND DEFEAT OUT TO OTHER WORKERS SEEKING TO
ORGANIZE IN A RIGHT TO WORK STATE.
*
*
*
*LOOK FOR THE FOLLOW UP  LETTER FROM OUR MONCURE WORKERS SOLIDARITY
COMMITTEE WHICH YOU CAN ALSO EMAIL IN YOUR OWN WORDS TO THE PARTIES BELOW.
 SEND COPIES OF ALL YOUR WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE TO MEL MONFORD, UNION STAFF,
AND LEWIS CAMERON, LOCAL 369 PRESIDENT.*
*
*
*CALL, EMAIL, WRITE*
*
*
*International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers*
*Contact information*
**
*International Officers*

R. Thomas Buffenbarger
International President
9000 Machinists Place
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-2687
(301) 967-4500
EMAIL Mr. Buffenbarger in care of his secretary Janet Woodward -
jwoodward at iamaw dot org

Rich Michalski
General Vice President
9000 Machinists Place
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-2687
(301) 967-4500
EMAIL Mr. Michalski in care of his secretary  peggypayne@ iamaw.org

*District Officers*
**
Calvin L. Blocker
President/Directing Business Representative
Woodworkers District Lodge W2
1962 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 272-7557
EMAIL - clblocker at aol dot com and to office clerk/bookkeeper, Loretta Taylor at
iamww2 at aol dot com
---------------------------------------------
SEND COPIES OF YOUR LETTERS TO:

*District Staff Assigned to North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia*
**
Melvin F. Montford
Business Representative and Organizer
Woodworkers District Lodge W2
P.O. Box 10428
1408 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC  27605
(901) 619-1987
E-mail: *mfmontford at earthlink dot net* <mfmontford at earthlink dot net>

*Woodworkers Local Lodge W369*
**
Lewis E. Cameron
President
Woodworkers Local Lodge W369
P.O. Box 318
Moncure, NC 27559
(919) 770-5836
lcameron at windstream dot net

Short BOCC meeting Monday

I thought the Jordan Lake critical watershed survey was coming up again at this meeting, but apparently not.  The Division of Water Quality still has not decided whether to accept or reject the BOCC's decision to use a survey paid for by an interested developer.  

 

Also, the online petition asking Rep. Price to support impeachment of Bush and Cheney has been closed.  Based on what Obama has said so far, it will be foolish and hypocritical if the impeachment movement trusts Obama and lets him get away with continuing the last administration's policies, such as occupying Afghanistan and Iraq and illegally wiretapping Americans.  The closest the dominant media gets to constitutional issues and questioning Obama seems to be talking about so-called "conspiracy theorists," who ask whether or not Obama became president on Tuesday, since the first oath was mangled.   

 

From www.co.durham.nc.us/departments/bocc/Agendas/Current_Meeting_Agen.html -

 

---

           [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, January 26, 2009

 

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.

 

2009 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign

January kicks off tax season and the 2009 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign across Durham.  EITC is the nation's largest anti-poverty program that provides a refund based on a household's earned income and family size.  It provides a financial boost to families by reducing the tax burden and granting a tax refund when filing an annual income tax return.  While thousands of Durham households applied for the EITC last year, thousands more of uninformed families left millions of dollars unclaimed!

 

Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of tax credits including the EITC, Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent, and Credit and Education credits.  Citizens that earned less than $41,646 in 2008 may qualify for both the Federal and the New NC EITC.  Citizens are also encouraged to visit a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site to have an IRS-certified volunteer prepare their taxes.  VITA sites throughout Durham are open from late January through April 15.  Most VITA sites use electronic filing that allows citizens to receive their refund within two weeks- sooner with direct deposit.  To locate a VITA site, dial 211 or visit the EITC Carolinas website at www.eitc-carolinas.org.

 

A community thrives when its residents thrive.  The EITC is a way to strengthen working families while bringing more federal dollars into the local economy.

 

4.     Consent Agenda

                                                                                                                                                     15 min.

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

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

c.   Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Grant Offer (accept the $792,192 grant offer from the Federal Aviation Administration to the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority);

d.   Resolution of Support for Durham At-Risk Youth Collaborative—Truancy Program (approve the resolution and forward to Mr. Barker French for inclusion in the grant application to the Governor's Crime Commission); and

e.   Resolution of Support for Durham At-Risk Youth Collaborative—Intervention and Prevention (approve the resolution and forward to Mr. Barker French for inclusion in the grant application to the Governor's Crime Commission).

 

5.     FY 2009-2010 Annual Action Plan "Needs" Public Hearing

                                                                                                                                                     15 min.

The Citizen Participation Plan contained in the adopted 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan requires that two public hearings be held prior to the submission of the Annual Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The purpose of the first public hearing is to receive citizen comments on housing and community development needs.  The purpose of the second public hearing is to receive citizen comments on the draft Annual Action Plan, which specifies the allocation of CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds.  The City of Durham will hold its "Needs" public hearing on January 20, 2009.

 

As an entitlement city, Durham has been the recipient of CDBG funds since 1975 and HOME Consortium funds since 1992.  CDBG funds have primarily been used for housing activities, public services, code enforcement, and public infrastructure.  HOME Consortium funds have been used for affordable housing activities as required by HOME program regulations.  Durham has also been a recipient of Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds from HUD, which have been used to provide assistance to individuals and households who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

 

The Annual Action Plan is Durham's application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the upcoming fiscal year's funding and outlines the actions Durham is taking with HUD-awarded funds to meet the goals as described in the
2005-2010 Five Year Consolidated Plan.  Comments received from the "Needs" public hearing will be incorporated into the draft FY 2009-2010 Annual Action Plan, which will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for adoption in April 2009.

 

Resource Person(s): Mike Barros, Director of the City of Durham Department of Community Development, and/or Assistant Director Larry Jarvis

 

County Manager's Recommendation: Hold a public hearing on January 26, 2009 to receive citizen comments on community development needs.

 

6.     Final Approval of 2009 Durham County Legislative Agenda

                                                                                                                                                     15 min.

The North Carolina General Assembly will convene the 2009 General Assembly Session at noon on January 28 in Raleigh.  A final listing of Durham County Legislative proposals will be presented at the breakfast meeting between the Durham Legislative Delegation on Friday, January 23, at 8:00 a.m.

 

Resource Person(s): Deborah Craig-Ray, Assistant County Manager, and Chuck Kitchen, County Attorney

 

County Manager's Recommendation: The Manager's recommendation is that the Board approve the proposed legislative agenda items.

 

                                                                                                                                                            _____

                                                                                                                                                            1 hr.

Protest Price's position on Gaza this Friday

Heard about this through Facebook:

 

Event: Protest Rep. David Price's Support for Israeli Massacres of
Palestinians 

       "Free Palestine!"

What: Protest
Host: UNC-Chapel Hill SDS
Start Time: Tomorrow, January 23 at 4:00pm
End Time: Tomorrow, January 23 at 5:00pm
Where: David Price's Chapel Hill Office

There is also a weekly peace vigil 4:30-5:30 at East Franklin and South Elliot Road.  I heard that there was a pro-Palestinian protest and a counterprotest there recently, I think last Monday evening, but I didn't hear about anything being planned that day. 

Socialist Forum 2/4 - Strategizing about the crisis and stimulus

The next non-partisan Triangle Socialist Forum will discuss Obama's stimulus plan and what actions to take locally to respond to that plan and the economic crisis in general.  As part of that, the meeting could also look at employment issues and local labor struggles, as management tries to put more of the weight of the crisis on the workers, and they in turn push back.  The meeting will be on Wednesday, February 4th at 7pm at The Peoples Channel studio (300-AC South Elliot Road in Chapel Hill near the Village Plaza shopping center). 

Council meeting Wednesday

An update on the last post - a delegation of students and community members met with Price about Gaza Friday morning.  I assume more will come of this. 

 

www.durhamnc.gov/agendas

 

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 December 15, 2008 City Council Meeting.

(Resource Person: D. Ann Gray – 4166) (PR# 5796)

2. Housing Appeals Board - Appointment

To appoint Mavis Gragg to the Housing Appeals Board as an Alternate Member representing Law with the term to expire on June 30, 2010.

Note: At the Work Session on January 8, 2009, Ms. Gragg received five (5) votes.

(Due to the resignation of Carena R. Lemons)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #2 - 3 pages) (PR# 5780)

3. Human Relations Commission - Appointments

To appoint James Z. Daniels (term expires June 30, 2009) and Nathaniel H. Goetz (term expires on June 30, 2010) to the Human Relations Commission.

Note: At the Work Session on January 8, 2009, Mr. Daniels and Mr. Goetz both received five (5) votes.

(Due to the resignations of Larry Holt and Steve Benkin)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #3 - 6 pages) (PR# 5781)

4. Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority - Receive and Accept Applications

To receive and accept applications for a citizen to fill one (1) vacancy on the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority with the term to expire on January 1, 2011.

(Due to the term expiring of Tonita Lipscomb)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #4 - 8 pages) (PR# 5782)

5. Capital Program Advisory Committee - Receive and Accept an Application

To receive and accept an application for a citizen to fill one (1) vacancy on the Capital Program Advisory Committee to represent PAC 3 with the term to expire on March 31, 2010.

(Due to the resignation of Deon Forde)

(Resource Person: LaVerne V. Brooks – 4166) (Attachment #5 - 3 pages) (PR# 5756)

6. Acceptance of Offer to Purchase Surplus Real Estate for Affordable Housing Subject to Conditions

To determine the property at 123 S. Guthrie Street to be surplus, authorize the sale of the property under the authority of North Carolina General Statutes 160A-267 and 160A-279;

To accept the offer to purchase 123 S. Guthrie Street subject to certain conditions as detailed in the agenda memo; and

To authorize the City Manager to sell and the Mayor to convey the property by a non-warranty deed that includes relevant covenants that the property be used for affordable housing.

(Resource Person: Larry Jarvis – 4570 ext. 273) (Attachment #6 - 7 pages) (PR# 5787)

7. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subrecipient Agreement with Crest Street Community Council, Inc. for Roof Replacement

To authorize the expenditure of up to $130,000.00 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds;

To authorize the City Manager to execute a CDBG Subrecipient Agreement in the amount of $130,000.00 with Crest Street Community Council, Inc. for roofing replacement and related improvements for the New Bethel and L.W. Reid elderly housing developments; and

To authorize the City Manager to make changes to the agreement prior to execution that does not increase the grant amount or lessen the duties of the Subrecipient.

(Resource Person: Richard Valzonis – 4570 ext. 226) (Attachment #7 - 22 pages) (PR# 5790)

8. Subrecipient Contract between the City of Durham and Self-Help Community Development Corporation for the Acquisition of Three Properties

To authorize the expenditure of up to $95,000.00 in FY 08-09 CDBG funds;

To authorize the City Manager to execute a Subrecipient Contract with Self Help CDC in the amount of up to $95,000.00 to acquire three properties; and

To authorize the City Manager to modify the contract and other related documents prior to execution provided that the modifications do not increase the dollar amount of the contract and do not lessen the obligations of the Subrecipient.

(Resource Person: Shepherd Smith – 4570 ext. 227) (Attachment #8 - 23 pages) (PR# 5776)

9. Reallocation of FY 08-09 Home Funding to Durham Community Land Trustees, Inc.

To authorize the reallocation of $160,000.00 in FY '08-'09 HOME CHDO funds;

To authorize the expenditure of an additional $140,000.00 in HOME CHDO funds;

To authorize the City Manager to execute a HOME CHDO Loan Agreement and other related documents with DCLT in an amount not to exceed $300,000.00 to provide construction financing for up to three new homes at any given point in time; and

To authorize the City Manager to modify the agreement and other related documents prior to execution provided the modifications do not increase the dollar amount of the agreement and do not lessen the obligations of the non-profit.

(Resource Person: Shepherd Smith – 4570 ext. 227) (Attachment #9 - 49 pages) (PR# 5789)

10. Reimbursement Resolution for COPS Projects

To adopt a resolution declaring the intent of the City of Durham to reimburse itself for capital expenditures incurred in connection with COPs financing for the construction of the Durham Area Transit Operations Center and the purchase of 15 hybrid transit buses.

(Resource Person: Keith Herrmann – 4455 ext. 230) (Attachment #10 - 3 pages) (PR# 5773)

11. Proposed Acquisition of Property located at 5416 Fayetteville Road for Phase II of the Fayetteville Road Widening Project

To approve the fee simple absolute acquisition of unimproved land from the Robert Bradley and Eugene Bradley Heirs, identified as 5416 Fayetteville Road (Parcel ID # 147699), approximately 0.169 acres, for a total purchase price of $25,000.00.

(Resource Person: Judy Simuel – 4197 ext. 244) (Attachment #11 - 3 pages) (PR# 5766)

12. Proposed Acquisition for the South Roxboro Street Extension of 2625 Oak Ridge Boulevard, Parcel ID 134565 and 2628 Oak Ridge Boulevard, Parcel ID 134572

To approve the acquisition in fee simple absolute of unimproved land from The Estate of James S. Sale, identified as 2625 Oak Ridge Boulevard, Parcel ID 134565, and 2628 Oak Ridge Boulevard, Parcel ID 134572, approximately 25.72 acres, for a total purchase price of $135,000.00.

(Resource Person: Jeannette Ramsay – 4197 ext. 248) (Attachment #12 - 3 pages) (PR# 5765)

14. Northgate Park Renovations, Phase 1 CMAR Construction Services Amendment

To authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Amendment No. 2 with Skanska USA Building for construction of Northgate Park Renovations, if the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) does not exceed $609,919.00 which is the full amount budgeted for construction phase services;

To establish a project contingency in the amount of $47,000.00; and

To authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute change orders on the Northgate Park Renovation Project, provided the total project cost does not exceed $656,919.00 which is the full amount budgeted for construction phase services plus the project contingency.

(Resource Person: Marilee Martin – 4197 ext. 285) (Attachment #14 - 9 pages) (PR# 5792)

16. Contract for Fabrication and Installation of Park Signage

To authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Signature Signs, Inc. for fabrication and installation of Park Signage for the sum of $108,177.00 with a $10,800.00 contingency for a total appropriation of $118,977.00; and

To authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute change orders, and to make changes to the contract before executing it, if the changes do not increase the compensation to be paid by the City beyond the appropriated contract total, and do not decrease the goods and services to be provided to the City.

(Resource Person: Beth Timson – 4355 ext. 215) (Attachment #16 - 14 pages) (PR# 5769)

17. Donation of Playground Equipment for Old North Durham Park

To adopt a resolution accepting the donation of playground equipment and its installation in Old North Durham Park by the Central Park School for Children.

(Resource Person: Beth Timson – 4355 ext. 215) (Attachment #17 - 6 pages) (PR# 5771)

18. 2009 Fox Family Foundation, Inc. Grant Award

To authorize the City Manager to accept the 2009 Fox Family Foundation Grant by executing the grant documents; and

To adopt the 2009 Fox Family Foundation Grant Project Ordinance in the amount of $10,000.00.

(Resource Person: Jim Bjurstrom – 4332) (Attachment #18 – 4 pages) (PR# 5775)

19. Contract for the City of Durham FY2008 Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative Grant

To authorize the City Manager to execute a contract between the City of Durham, the District Attorney for the Fourteenth Prosecutorial District and the Administrative Office of the Courts to continue to support one full time Assistant District Attorney position acting as prosecutor for the Gang and Habitual Felon Task Force in the amount of $60,000.00; 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 agreement.

(Resource Person: Steve Mihaich – 4322 ext. 238) (Attachment #19 - 79 pages) (PR# 5779)

20. Nine-Year Lease for Police Substation District #3 at 10 Consultant Place

To authorize the City Manager to execute a nine-year lease with CLF Limited Partnership for Police Substation District #3 at 10 Consultant Place; and

To authorize the City Manager to make changes prior to execution provided such changes do not change the intent of the lease or increase the monthly rental rate.

(Resource Person: Lew Wardell – 4155) (Attachment #20 - 19 pages) (PR# 5795)

21. Use of Controlled Substance Abuse Funds and Federal Asset Forfeiture Funds

To authorize the Use of Controlled Substance Abuse Funds and Federal Asset Forfeiture Funds in an amount not to exceed $96,000.00 to purchase equipment that will be used to upgrade or replace equipment in the department to allow personnel to execute their daily responsibilities in the most efficient manner possible.

(Resource Person: Randy Browning – 4304) (Attachment #21 - 73 pages) (PR# 5797)

22. Water Extension Agreement with Bethpage Acquisition Partners II, LLC

To authorize the City Manager to enter into a water extension agreement with Bethpage Acquisition Partners II, LLC to serve Bethpage II; and

To authorize the City Manager to modify the contract prior to execution provided that such modifications do not increase the dollar amount of the contract and do not significantly decrease the obligations of the contractor.

(Resource Persons: Edward R. Venable and Robert N. Joyner – 4326) (Attachment #22 - 10 pages) (PR# 5757)

23. Sewer Extension Agreement with Culton Investments, LLC

To authorize the City Manager to enter into a sewer extension agreement with Culton Investments, LLC to serve Culton Properties; and

To authorize the City Manager to modify the contract prior to execution provided that such modifications do not increase the dollar amount of the contract and do not significantly decrease the obligations of the contractor.

(Resource Persons: Edward R. Venable and Robert N. Joyner – 4326) (Attachment #23 - 10 pages) (PR# 5763)

24. Amendment to the Inter-Local Agreement between the City of Durham, City of Raleigh and Triangle Transit Authority for Reimbursement for the Special Transit Advisory Commission

To authorize the City Manager to amend the Inter-local Agreement between the City of Durham, City of Raleigh and Triangle Transit for payment of the ITRE contract; and

To authorize the City Manager to make modifications to the agreements provided that the modifications do not increase the City's financial obligation and are consistent with the agreement approved by the Council.

(Resource Person: Ellen Beckmann – 4366 ext. 293) (Attachment #24 - 10 pages) (PR# 5793)

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

[General Business Agenda - Public Hearings]

26. FY 2009-2010 Annual Action Plan "Needs"

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the FY 2009-2010 Annual Action Plan "Needs".

(Resource Person: Wilmur Conyers – 4570 ext. 277) (Attachment #26 - 2 pages) (PR# 5758)

27. Neighborhood Stabilization Program and Application Submittal

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and Application Submittal; and

To authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute all administrative requirements and contractual documents necessary to submit an application for and to implement the NSP Program including all program agreements and related documents.

(Resource Person: Larry Jarvis – 4570) (Attachment #27 - 4 pages) (PR# 5809)

28. Street Closing – 295 Linear Feet of Sumter Street (SC0800007)

To conduct a public hearing on the permanent closing of 295 linear feet of Sumter Street, north of Maxwell Street, south of West Pettigrew Street; and

To adopt an Order permanently closing 295 linear feet of Sumter Street.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #28 - 11 pages) (PR# 5785)

29. Street Closing – 1,067 Linear Feet of Maxwell Street (SC0800008)

To conduct a public hearing on the permanent closing of 1,067 linear feet of Maxwell Street, west of South Buchanan Boulevard, east of Campus Drive; and

To adopt an Order permanently closing 1,067 linear feet of Maxwell Street.

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #29 - 11 pages) (PR# 5786)

30. Zoning Map Change – Roxboro Road Family Fare (Z0800010)

To conduct a public hearing and receive public comments on the zoning map change for Roxboro Road Family Fare (Z0800010);

To adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance, by taking the described property in zoning map change case Z0800010 out of CN and placing same in and establishing same as 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: Approval, 13-1 on November 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.

[The site is located on the west side of Roxboro Road and south of East Club Boulevard PIN's: 0832-09-25-2974, -3924, -4937, - 4828]

(Resource Person: Steven L. Medlin, AICP – 4137 ext. 223) (Attachment #30 - 21 pages) (PR# 5764)

[Supplimental Items]

35. Resolution in Support of the City of Durham Playing a Role in the Federal Stimulus Package

To adopt a Resolution in Support of the City of Durham Playing a Role in the Federal Stimulus Package.

(Resource Person: Mayor William V. "Bill" Bell – 4333) (PR# 5856)

[Adjournment]

David Price is against Palestine, again

On the 9th, David Price and 221 Democrats voted for Nancy Pelosi's House Resolution 34 (thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d111:1:./temp/~bd1Ff9::|/bss/111search.html|).  Only 4 Democrats, including Dennis Kucinich, and one Republican, Ron Paul, voted against (see the vote at clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll010.xml).  It had 116 cosponsors.  This is basically an anti-Palestinian resolution that scapegoats Hamas in support of Israeli imperialism, despite a few words about Israeli benevolence and Congress' "condolences" to the Palestinian victims and support for a "viable, independent, and democratic Palestinian state."  This was a day after Harry Reid's Senate Resolution 10 (thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.RES.10:), basically the same as Pelosi's bill, passed unanimously, without amendment and with 34 cosponsors, such as John Kerry.  Local protests for Gaza should target Price (and Etheridge), but his imperialist and Zionist sympathies were obvious after his vote on a similar resolution when Israel attacked Lebanon.     

Events this week

Durham PA meeting tonight:

 

City Manager Tom Bonfield will speak at the PA member meeting tonight at the Herald-Sun Building, 2828 Pickett Road, at 7pm. 

 

Gaza events:

 

7:30 Wednesday January 14, at the
Community Church of Chapel Hill, UU
106 Purefoy Road [see directions below]

BALANCE & ACCURACY IN JOURNALISM,
with co-sponsors

Carolina Interfaith Taskforce Connecting the Americas and the Charles Jones Peace and Justice committee

present

MIKO PELED, Israeli American peace activist,

RASHA ALI,  Guilford College student from Ramallah area

RICHARD WARK,  ICAHD and AJJP

on

RIGHTS & WRONGS IN GAZA: THE TASK AHEAD

As the 1967 Israeli war against the Arabs ended,
Miko Peled's mother -- and wife of the victorious
Israeli general Matti Peled -- refused to accept a house
taken from fleeing Palestinians.  "I will not live
in a house that belongs to another woman," she said.
What did she know that is lost to our media and our
government?

In 1997 when Miko Peled's niece died from a suicide bomber's
blast, his sister Nurit's statement to a BBC reporter resounded
across the world:

  "My little girl was murdered because she was an Israeli,
  by a young man who was humiliated, oppressed and
  desperate to the point of suicide and murder and
  inhumanity, just because he was a Palestinian."

  "There is no basic moral difference between the soldier
  at the checkpoint who prevents a woman who is having
  a baby from going through, causing her to lose the baby,
  and the man who killed my daughter. And just as my
  daughter was a victim [of the occupation], so was he."

Miko Peled recently traveled to Gaza but was turned
back from entering or delivering hospital equipment
to a Gaza hospital.  [see link below] He will share thoughts
on next steps for the peace movement as deaths and
injuries mount.

Our panel includes Rasha Ali, a Palestinian from Ramallah
studying at Guilford College, and sociologist Richard Wark
Israeli Coalition Against House Demolitions and participant
in the new organization American Jews for a Just Peace.

Miko Peled will be with us via video link.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We will share DVD copies of a Democracy Now! program featuring
an exchange between Hillary Clinton advisor and occupation supporter
 Indyk, and occupation opponent professor Norman Finkelstein.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday January 15, Balance & Accuracy in Journalism cosponsors :

UNDERSTANDING GAZA

UNC-CH TEACH-IN
 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2009

Nelson Mandela Auditorium at the FedEx Global Education Center

(located at McCauley and Pittsboro Streets)

7:00 - 9:00 pm

Panelists:

Dr. Sarah Shields: Associate Professor of Middle Eastern History at UNC-CH, she is the author of Mosul before Iraq and teaches courses on Islamic civilization, the modern Muslim world, and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Marty Rosenbluth: Formerly the Country Specialist for Israel, the Occupied Territories and the Palestinian Authority for Amnesty International-USA, he is currently a human rights lawyer with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice in Durham.  Through his work with AI, he documented violations by all parties to the conflict. In 2006 he participated in a fact-finding mission in northern Israel during the war between Israel and Lebanon where he documented Hezbullah attacks on Israeli civilians as well as meeting with Israeli officials to discuss IDF attacks on civilians in Southern Lebanon.

Laila El-Haddad: A freelance journalist from Gaza, her blog "Raising Yousuf and Noor: Diary of a Palestinian Mother" explores the complex relationships between the personal and political as she raises kids and negotiates displacement and occupation.

Rann Bar-On: A graduate student at Duke University, he is an Israeli-born activist and organizer who demonstrates and insists that criticism of Israel's policies is not anti-Semitic.

Presented by: UNC -CH for Justice in Gaza

 

===================================

Related links:

What You Don't Know About Gaza  By RASHID KHALIDI
Rashid Khalidi, a professor of Arab studies at Columbia,
is the author of the forthcoming "Sowing Crisis: The Cold War
and American Dominance in the Middle East." Int'l Herald Trib.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/08/opinion/edkhalidi.php

~~~~~
Contact multiple Washington offices and local media to share
the message from Jewish Voice for Peace and other peace groups
specifying A) an end to the blockade of Gaza, B) an end to the bombing
and troop presence, C) a requirement that all parties come to the table
without preconditions and D) an evenhanded and robust peace
process WITHOUT the negotiators and advisors who have thwarted
the process for so many years.
Contact info at
http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/

~~~~~
Gazan journalist Laila al-Haddad living temporarily in Durham
maintains a blog her blog "Raising Yousuf and Noor: Diary of
a Palestinian Mother" explores the complex relationships between
the personal and political as she raises kids and negotiates
and occupation. Today Michael Heart's song/video,
"We Will Not Go Down" is posted:
http://a-mother-from-gaza.blogspot.com/

Al-Haddad's report on earlier ground attack on Gaza in 2004 that killed
civilians, & wiped out the Gaza zoo, & the largest collection of religious texts
in Gaza.
http://www.countercurrents.org/pa-laila040604.htm

~~~~~
Seattle peace activist website Tikun Olam: Make the World
a Better Place [not connected with Tikkun mag and community]
http://www.richardsilverstein.com/tikun_olam/
~~~~~

Israel has since 2006 been testing carcinogenic close quarters
[DIME or Dense Inert Metal Explosive] tungsten powder
bombs on Palestinians for the US
http://www.defensetech.org/archives/002434.html
UPDATE 05/22/06 Marc Garlasco, senior military analyst
at Human Rights Watch comments:
  "While Human Rights Watch is supportive of the US military's
  commitment to reducing civilian casualties, collateral damage
  as they call it, it is unfortunate that these weapons are being
  developed specifically for use in densely populated areas
  which may negate the intended effect.

Italian TV article re "DIME" bombs
http://www.rainews24.rai.it/ran24/inchieste/10102006_gaza_eng.asp
Italian TV video re experimental bombs being tested on Gazans
http://www.rainews24.rai.it/ran24/inchieste/video/10102006_gaza_ing.wmv

~~~~~

WATCH FOR UPDATE ON AID FOR BESIEGED GAZANS
~~~~~
THE OTHER SIDE:
Samson Blinded:  A Machiavellian Perspective on the Middle East Conflict
Book urging the kind of "To succeed, Israeli violence against Arabs should
be immediately overwhelming. Israel should show itself a bloodthirsty
monster to scare the Arabs into submission in any war."  [this is not satire]
http://samsonblinded.org/index.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DIRECTIONS to
Community Church of Chapel Hill:

106 Purefoy Road, in Chapel Hill

FROM EITHER DIRECTION ON THE CHAPEL HILL BY-PASS:
take 15-501 [or 54] to the 15-501 Pittsboro exit
As you exit, TURN at the traffic light toward Chapel Hill.
In half a block, TURN RIGHT just short of the convenience store.
That's PUREFOY ROAD, and you take it almost a half mile,
passing side streets and curving left up the hill past speed bumps and
an extra stop sign, until you can just see the stop sign at the end of the street.
Watch for a driveway on the left with a white-painted curb and a tan colored sign for the church.
that driveway takes you to the parking lot and the Community Church.

 

Protest of excecution by police in Oakland, California:

 

There is a protest for Oscar Grant tentatively planned for Thursday 4:30-6 at the Durham Police headquarters. 

 

El Kilombo fundraiser

 

CIMARRON LATIN NIGHT @ CLUB 9 THIS FRIDAY!
 
El Kilombo, in partnership with Mi Gente, International Association, and other organizations, will be hosting Cimarron Latin Night at Club 9 (744 Ninth St.) FRIDAY, January 16!  Featuring the hottest Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, and Bachata music, doors open at 10pm. A free salsa lesson will be held at 10pm. Door proceeds are donated to support free community programs at Durham-based El Kilombo nonprofit.
 
What: Cimarron Latin Night!
Date: Friday, January 16, 2009 - 10pm - 2am (with a free salsa lesson at 10pm); Every 3rd Friday of the Month!
Contact: clubcimarron@gmail.com
Where: Club 9 (744 Ninth St., Durham, 27705)
Why: You'll have an awesome time!  And it's a fundraiser for a great Durham nonprofit!
 
$10 door cover; $5 with RSVP to clubcimarron@gmail.com by Friday with your name.
 
******************************
CIMARRON NOCHE LATINA! EN CLUB 9 VIERNES!
 
LUGAR: Club 9 (744 Ninth Street, Durham, NC 27705)
 
FECHA: 16 de enero, 2009 (cada tercer viernes del mes)
 
HORA: 10 pm (con una clase de salsa gratis a las 10pm)
 
Descripcion: Vengan a disfrutar Cimarrón Noche Latina en Durham, con  lo ultimo en Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, y Bachata. Las puertas abren a las 10 de la noche con una entrada de $10. Vengan para una clase de salsa GRATIS a las 10:00 de la noche. Los beneficios de esta fiesta financiarán los programas gratuitos que El Kilombo ofrece a la comunidad. ¡Venga, divertase y apoye a la comunidad!
 
Contestanos a clubcimarron@gmail.com y lo incluiremos en la lista de invitados (solo $5 de entrada en vez de $10 para los que no esten en la lista)

 

Tell Perdue to stop helping torturers:

 

Stop Torture Now's regular vigil against the use of the Global Transpark and other airports for rendition and torture flights will be at the Governor's Mansion (201 North Blount Street, Raleigh) Saturday, 2-3:30. 

BOCC meeting - DPS budget cuts, beekeeping, etc.

The Comissioners are also discussing changing the UDO regarding beekeeping, as well as reducing the budgets for the Durham Public Schools and nonprofits by 3%, and there is a rezoning request for a radio tower, which doesn't come up very often.  

 

Reportedly, the Jordan Lake boundary issue, in which the Commissioners accepted a survey paid for by a self-interested developer with land on 751, allegedly to save money, is coming before the BOCC again on the 26th.  A few days ago this issue was covered on NPR's State of Things program.  Julie Ventaloro, at the NC Division of Water Quality, has not yet approved or rejected the County's decision, so there is still time to lobby.  Several citizen groups have sent letters urging her to reject the BOCC's decision.       

 

www.co.durham.nc.us/departments/bocc/Agendas/Current_Meeting_Agen.html

 

       [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, January 12, 2009

 

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.       November 24, 2008 Regular Session

b.      December 8, 2008 Regular Session

 

5.     January Anchor Award Winners—Leon D. Wright and Jacob A. Cash

                                                                                                                                                       5 min.

        Durham County Sheriff's Deputies Leon Wright and Jacob Cash are being recognized for helping to save the life of a suicidal man who was distraught over this mother being placed in an assisted living home.  When the deputies arrived on site, they found an elderly man with a shotgun in his hands.  By gaining the man's trust and with patience, they were able to persuade him to lower the gun, at which point Deputy Wright was able to remove the gun.  In a communication from EMS Senior Paramedic Gary Witherspoon, the two were also credited with securing the scene for EMS and Durham Police officers who also were responders.

 

County Manager's Recommendation: Present January Anchor Awards to Deputies Wright and Cash, along with the sincere congratulations of the entire organization.

 

6.     Support for Community Health Coalition's "Call to Action" Resolution to Manage and Monitor Blood Pressure

                                                                                                                                                       5 min.

        Dr. Elaine Hart-Brothers, local physician and Chair of the Community Health Coalition Inc., has requested that the Board of County Commissioners support the organization's ongoing efforts to eliminate health racial disparities.  In the fall, the group's Board of Directors approved a resolution that seeks to partner with the County of Durham, City of Durham, health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and health agencies in establishing a community-wide health education program on "Managing and Monitoring Blood Pressure".  The objective is to educate the community on the importance of:

A)                Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels; and

B)                Knowing how to properly monitor and manage blood pressure; thus, reducing or preventing chronic disease such a stroke, kidney disease, and heart attacks.

 

        Dr. Hart-Brothers will attend the meeting to discuss the group's efforts.

 

County Manager's Recommendation: The County Manager's recommendation is that the Board of County Commissioners endorse the Community Health Coalition's Resolution and pledge to join with the organization and partners in assisting efforts to spread appropriate information to help eliminate cardiovascular events in the
African-American community.

 

7.     Consent Agenda

                                                                                                                                                     15 min.

a.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 09BCC000040—Cooperative Extension—Recognize $4,200 in Revenue from the North Carolina Department of Insurance as a Partner in the Senior Health Insurance Information (SHIIP) Program;

b.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 09BCC000041—Social Services—Recognizing Additional Revenue (Crisis Intervention Payments—$295,931 increase; and LIEAP and CIP Administration Funds—$45,923 increase);

c.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No.09BCC000042—Public Health—Recognize Revenue in the Amount of $44,000 from the Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources for the Environmental Health Division for the childhood lead poisoning prevention program;

d.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 09BCC000043—Public Health—Recognize Aid To County Funds in the amount of $1,907 From N.C. Department of Health and Human Services for operational expenses to Support the Document Management Project;

e.   Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 09BCC000044—Public Health—Recognize One-Time Funds in the amount of $16,750 from the N. C. Department of Health and Human Services for the Family Planning Clinic;

f.    Cancel March 9, 2009 Commissioner Meeting and Reschedule for Thursday,
March 12, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the County Commissioners' Meeting Room);

g.   Appointment of County Commission Chairman Michael D. Page as Legislative Liaison to the NCACC for the 2009-10 Legislative Biennium;

h.   Department of Social Services One Source Contract (approve the contract amendment for continuation of the Document Management Imaging [DMI] Project in DSS);

i.    Approve the Sale of County Surplus Property—2600 Lincoln Street to Thomas Bailey for $2,000 and 540 Belt Street Greater Zion Wall Baptist Church for $968);

j.    Appointments—Cultural Master Plan Advisory Board (appoint Kofi Boone, Joshua Parker, and Michael Schoenfeld);

k.   Approval of Commissioner Assignments to Boards and Commissions;

l.    Termination of Conservation Agreement and Easement (approve the Termination of Conservation Agreement and Easement in consideration of $75,000 from the Eno River Association); and

m.  Durham Public School Roofing Projects at Neal Middle and Lakewood Elementary (approve the owner/contractor agreements with Baker Roofing Company for roofing work at Neal Middle School and Lakewood Elementary School in the amounts of $1,075,247 and $462,926, respectively, and authorize the Manager to execute the agreements).

 

8.     Recommended Budget Reduction for Durham Public Schools

                                                                                                                                                     30 min.

The County Manager has proposed a 3%, $3,081,862 reduction to the Current Expense appropriation for the Durham Public Schools.  North Carolina law requires that the Board provide the school system with an opportunity to respond to the impact of the proposed reduction before any final action can be taken

 

Resource Person(s): Mike Ruffin, County Manager, and Dr. Carl Harris, Superintendent

 

County Manager's Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board receive the presentation and advise the staff if any additional information is necessary.

 

9.     Public Hearing—Zoning Map Change—Radio Transmitter Site (Z0800028)

                                                                                                                                                     10 min.

To approve a request for a zoning map change for a 5.979 acre site located at 242 Nobel Drive, on the south side of Nobel Drive and west of its intersection with South Mineral Springs Road.  Request: Regular Session-20; F/J-B to RR; 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 the report.

 

Planning Commission Recommendation and Vote: Approval, 14-0 on November 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 and comments received during the public hearing.

 

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.

 

10.  Public Hearing—Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Change—Unattended Clothing Donation Containers (TC0800004)

                                                                                                                                                       5 min.

Receive public comments on Text Change – Unattended Clothing Donation Containers (TC0800004) and adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance, incorporating revisions to Article 5, Use Regulations.

 

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.

 

11.   Public Hearing—Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Change—Beekeeping (TC0800005)

                                                                                                                                                       5 min.

Receive public comments on Text Change – Beekeeping (TC0800005) and adopt an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance, incorporating revisions to Article 5, Use Regulations, and Article 16, Definitions.

 

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.

 

12.   Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Budget Reduction Recommendations

                                                                                                                                                     15 min.

The County Manager has proposed budget reductions of 3% for all nonprofit appropriations for the current fiscal year. 

 

Resource Person(s): Mike Ruffin, County Manager

 

County Manager's Recommendation: The Manager recommends that the Board approve the requested reductions and authorize the Manager to execute the required contract amendments necessary to reduce the appropriation.

 

12a. Request for Release of 2008 Property Tax under N.C.G.S. 105-381 from Edward Dement II, Property Address—3535 Hillsborough Road:  Parcel Number 124848

                                                                                                                                                     15 min.

Mr. Edward Dement II has requested, under N.C.G.S. § 105-381 Tax remedies, that the Board of County Commissioners consider his request for release of 2008 property taxes due to a tax imposed through clerical error.  

 

Mr. Dement has indicated that the Durham County Tax Assessor has (1) "erred in the assigning of a 2008 value"; and (2) "the Tax Assessor failed to bother making any sort of hands on appraisal or visit the property".  Mr. Dement further states that "the appraisal is incorrect and he feels the comparable properties used are fine, just applied incorrectly".  In none of his assertions does Mr. Dement indentify any clerical error.  Instead, Mr. Dement does not agree with the appraisal of his property.  He did not file an appeal of his value, but instead alleges a clerical error to rectify his failure to appeal the value in a timely manner. 

 

Resource Person(s): Kimberly Simpson, Tax Administrator, and Chuck Kitchen, County Attorney

 

County Manager's Recommendation: Deny the request for a refund as no clerical error is present, and the property was correctly valued.

 

13.   Discussion of Issues for 2009 Durham County Legislative Agenda

                                                                                                                                                     10 min.

The North Carolina General Assembly will convene the 2009 General Assembly Session at noon on January 28 in Raleigh.  Following a communication to County department heads and other traditional legislative partners, several items were received as possible legislative proposals to be considered for inclusion in the final 2009 Durham County Legislative Agenda.

 

Staff will conduct the first discussion of these items with the Board of County Commissioners at the worksession.  The goal is to prepare a strategic, focused package of legislative items that can be aggressively supported by members of the Durham Delegation.

 

In addition, staff will seek direction from the Board to set a joint meeting with the Durham Delegation in the coming weeks.

 

Resource Person(s): Deborah Craig-Ray, Assistant County Manager, and Chuck Kitchen, County Attorney

 

County Manager's Recommendation: The Manager's recommendation is that the Board receive the proposed legislative agenda items, discuss, and direct staff.

 

                                                                                                                                                            _____

                                                                                                                                                             2¼ hrs.