[Durham INC] Durham Citizens' Newsletter - Nov./Dec. 2009 Edition

Thu Nov 19 11:39:39 EST 2009

City Adopts New Water Shortage Response Plan

On November 2, Durham City Council approved a Water Shortage Response
Plan (WSRP) that outlines the City's response to short-term water
shortages, which may be caused by drought, extreme service disruptions,
or facility operations.

This plan provides the framework to implement the City's updated water
efficiency ordinance, which was also adopted by City Council on November
2. The new water efficiency ordinance, which replaced the 1981 water
conservation ordinance, was written to update restrictions and
requirements and to provide consistency across the region. 

During the recent drought episodes, the lack of consistent terminology
caused significant public confusion.  Also, ordinances in neighboring
utilities varied in the number of stages and types of restricted
activities. In response, representatives from the cities of Raleigh and
Durham, the Town of Cary, and the Orange Water and Sewer Authority
(OWASA) formed the Regional Conservation Work Group in March 2008. Staff
from Triangle J Council of Governments, the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources participated in this
process, along with representatives from Duke University's Nicholas
School of the Environment. This group worked together to create
ordinances and plans for their respective utilities that will work
cohesively across the region. 

Durham's new water efficiency ordinance has simplified the number of
stages and includes irrigation requirements that align with those of
neighboring water providers. The plan, developed in compliance with 2008
drought legislation, was approved by the state in September. The plan
also includes triggers for moving into and out of the various stages,
notification information, and revision requirements. Citizens can view
the Water Shortage Response Plan by visiting  www.durhamsaveswater.org
<http://www.durhamsaveswater.org/> . For information on the plan, tips
on saving water, or information about the conservation program, call
(919) 560-4381.

Durham JobLink Extends Northgate Mall Service Dates

In an effort to reach out to the community and assist with the continued
high volume of traffic at the Durham JobLink Career Center, the Durham
JobLink Mobile Unit has extended its service dates at Northgate Mall
through the end of 2009. 

Durham residents can receive job leads, conduct job searches, and submit
online applications at the Durham JobLink Mobile Unit via express
service every Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec.
29. The mobile unit will be located in the Sears parking lot of the
Guess Road side of Northgate Mall. 

If applicants are not currently registered with Durham JobLink, they
should come prepared to receive this new "express service" after filling
out a brief registration card.  Residents who need assistance with
resume writing, career search information, assistance with job
applications or unemployment insurance benefits should continue to use
the Joblink Career Center at 1105 South Briggs Avenue. Durham JobLink
satellite sites are also available at:

W.D. Hill Recreation Center, 1308 Fayetteville St.

Durham County Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro, St.

Oxford Manor, 3633 Keystone Place

Durham Technical Comm. College, 1637 Lawson St.

Antioch Baptist Church, 1415 Holloway St.

For information, contact Tanya Spaulding-Hill, manager for the Durham
JobLink Career Center, at (919) 560-6880, ext. 202 or via e-mail at 
Tanya.Hill at ncmail.net. 

Don't Forget To Return Your Citizen Satisfaction Survey

Every two years, the City of Durham conducts a satisfaction survey to
determine how satisfied Durham residents are with city services.  It's
an important part of the planning process to gather input from citizens
on a wide range of issues that have an impact on our quality of life.
The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and is being mailed to
randomly selected residents who live within the city limits of Durham.

"In addition to providing useful feedback about City services, the
information that is gathered helps us make critical decisions about
prioritizing City resources and helps set the direction for the future
of our community," said City Public Affairs Director Beverly B.
Thompson.

Only a representative sample of homes has been randomly chosen to
receive the survey. If you received one, please take the time to fill it
out and return it.  Findings will be provided in January. 

Subscribe to the City Manager's Report

Receive the latest information and important City news via e-mail with
the City Manager's Report. The report from City Manager Thomas J.
Bonfield highlights the latest happenings in Durham City Government. To
subscribe, visit www.durhamnc.gov/managersreport.

Durham...Beyond the Headlines

It's that time of year, when organizations are looking for speakers.
The City of Durham is available to talk to you on a wide variety of
topics about your city.  For us, it's simple.  We want to build strong
partnerships with our residents by providing presentations on topics
ranging from where your tax dollars go, our water quality, code
enforcement in neighborhoods, to parks and recreation and the list goes
on...  Frankly, we want to be your best resource for getting answers to
important questions about Durham.  Call us at 560-4123 or email us at 
speakersbureau at durhamnc.gov.  We're waiting...

Toilet Rebate Program Still Available

The City of Durham is offering rebates valued at $100 for qualified
water customers who replace their existing toilets with EPA WaterSense
labeled High Efficiency Toilet (HET) models. Any toilet that meets the
criteria and is purchased after January 1, 2008, is eligible for the
rebate. Rebates will be applied as credits to customers' water bills.
For information and the rebate form, visit www.DurhamSavesWater.org
<http://www.durhamsaveswater.org/> . 

Your City - Your Channel

DTV8 provides programming to keep Durham informed on the important
issues and services involving citizens every day. City government
produced programs include scheduled meetings of the Durham City Council
and the Durham Planning Commission. The City also produces "City Hall
This Week," a program dedicated to informing citizens on what is going
on inside Durham's city hall, and "CityLife," a show featuring
information on current City issues and upcoming events. For a
programming schedule, or to watch DTV8 live on the Web, visit 
www.durhamnc.gov/dtv8.

Notice Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

The City of Durham will not discriminate against qualified individuals
with disabilities on the basis of disability. Anyone requiring an
auxiliary aid or service for effective communications, or assistance to
participate in a City program, service, or activity, should contact the
office of Stacey Poston, acting ADA coordinator, voice: (919) 560-4197,
ext. 21254, TTY: (919) 560-4809; Stacey.Poston at durhamnc.gov,as soon as
possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.

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