[Durham INC] BOCC Regular Session Highlights from August 23rd

Tue Aug 24 09:00:59 EDT 2021

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                          Date: 08/24/21
Contact: Public Information Office                   Phone: (919) 560-0000/Fax: (919) 560-0020
E-mail: publicinformationoffice at dconc.gov<mailto:publicinformationoffice at dconc.gov>

BOCC Regular Session Highlights from August 23rd

Durham, N.C. - The Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met virtually on Monday, August 23, 2021, in Regular Session. The virtual option aligns with social distancing requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to ensure the safety of citizens who wish to participate as well as Board members and Durham County Government staff. Highlights of the meeting include:

  *   Chair Brenda Howerton called the July 12, 2021 Regular Session to order at 7 p.m.
  *   Commissioner Nida Allam led the Pledge of Allegiance.
  *   The Minutes of the July 12, 2021 Regular Session were approved.

Clerk to the Board Monica Toomer Read the BOCC Announcements

  *   Virtual Meeting on Bidding and Construction - LeChase and Right Build are hosting an MWBE outreach and information session for 300 E. Main Street on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 5:00pm. This is for all construction industry related firms that have an interest in providing goods or services for this project. To register please visit www.eventbrite.com<http://www.eventbrite.com> and search "300 East Main Street".

  *   Dementia Care Management and Support Services at DCSL - The Durham Center for Senior Life is now offering a FREE Dementia Care Management program for adults 60 years or older with unmet needs and need help identifying or coordinating services. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Neikya Slade at 919-688-8247 ext.116 or email at nslade at dcslnc.org<mailto:nslade at dcslnc.org>.

  *   NCDOT Fall Litter Sweep Need Volunteers - The N.C Department of Transportation is planning a litter sweep this Fall (September 11-15) and seeking volunteers to support this effort. Those interested are asked to sign up at www.ncdot.gov/littersweep<http://www.ncdot.gov/littersweep>.

  *   Nurturing Durham Resource Website - The READY Project is pleased to announce the Nurturing Durham Resource Website in both English and Spanish. The website offers easy to find FREE and LOW-COST resources dedicated to supporting the social, emotional, and mental well-being of children and families in Durham. Please visit www.nurturingdurhamnc.org<http://www.nurturingdurhamnc.org> for additional information.

  *   Seeking Youth Ambassadors - The Durham Office on Youth is looking for the next cohort of Durham Change Makers! Young people interested in being leaders and decision makers in local government must apply by September 12th at 11:59pm. For more information and to apply, please visit www.durhamnc.gov/changedbyyouth<http://www.durhamnc.gov/changedbyyouth>.

  *   DCo Board of Elections: Early Voting - Residents looking to cast their ballots in the 2021 Municipal Primary can do so starting September 16th - October 2nd. Please visit www.dcovotes.com<http://www.dcovotes.com> for full details on early voting, to view early voting locations and hours.

  *   Commissioners added a few other announcements.

     *   Commissioner Allam announced due to a recent court ruling, those convicted of felonies in NC whose current punishments don't include prison time can now register to vote. county boards of elections across North Carolina must immediately begin to permit such individuals to register to vote. Commissioner Burns added that if the ruling survives the appeal process, NC will be the only state in the South to automatically restore voting rights to people after they leave prison.
     *   Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioner Allam both noted that Durham will soon receive a number of Afghan refugees and that support services such as translation, housing and other resources will be needed to assist. Additional information can be found at https://worldrelief.org/.

Ceremonial Items:

  *   Durham County Commissioners proclaimed September 2021 as National Recovery Month in Durham County. The purpose of this proclamation is to raise community awareness about the importance of behavioral health as an essential part of one's overall health. Read the proclamation here<http://durhamcounty.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=53a454aa-9174-4d7d-ba3e-abd66b82e3dd.docx>.

  *   The Board recognized several departments that recently were named recipients of a 2021 NACo Achievement Award.  They are: Board of Elections, Durham County Tax Administration and Durham County Public Health. The NACo Achievement Awards began in 1970, and NACo recognized 13 different categories this year including civic education and public information, community economic development, county administration and management, health, human services, and many more.

A summary of the Consent Agenda follows:

  *   The Board approved a Budget Ordinance Amendment for Public Health to recognize $733,355 from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health, Women's and Children's Health Section/Immunization Branch.

  *   County Commissioners approved a Budget Ordinance Amendment for Early Childhood to recognize $2,000 from Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC Foundation to Durham County Early Childhood area for Early Childhood Projects.

  *   The Board approved a contract with Reach Out and Read Carolinas (RORC) for $50,000 and authorized the Interim County Manager execute the contract to continue co-location of their early literacy initiative in pediatric and primary care sites in Durham County.

  *   Commissioners authorized the Interim County Manager to approve the renewal of the current contract with Southern Computer Warehouse, a reseller of information technology solutions, for Adobe licenses in the sum of $64,458.19.

  *   The Board approved a Budget Ordinance Amendment to acknowledge County Required Match as part of the Durham County's FY 2022 Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) County Funding Plan and to recognize $101,017 in additional funding which includes funding for Covid supplemental nutrition funds (HDc5) FY 2021-22 HCCBG Funding Plan Allocation, and an Increase in County Funding Grant Match.

  *   The Board of County Commissioners accepted the property tax release and refund report for June 2021 and July 2021 and authorized the Tax Assessor to adjust the tax records as outlined by the report.

  *   The Board reviewed a request from NCDOT and adopted a Resolution supporting the proposed addition of Citation Circle and Sierra Court to the State-maintained road system.

  *   Commissioners voted to refund the overpayment in the amount of $2,855.00 to Old Republic National Commercial Services.

  *   The Board approved a Budget Ordinance Amendment to appropriate $382,265 of General Fund fund balance and approve the Contract Extension with Beyu Caffé to continue home delivered meals for COVID-19 related food assistance to seniors and vulnerable populations.

  *   Commissioners authorized the purchase of three parcels on Electra Road for the combined amount of $110,000 and authorized the Interim County Manager to execute all legal documents necessary to affect this transaction.

Public Hearings

  *   Board of County Commissioners conducted a public hearing on the proposed zoning map change application from the Bahama Volunteer Fire Rescue Company Inc for two parcels of land totaling 0.76 acres located at 1426 Bahama Road. A vote will be taken at the September 9th meeting,

  *   The Board concluded a public hearing to consider allocating a total of $125,000 to Smart Wires Inc. and authorized the Interim County Manager to enter into preliminary negotiations and execute an agreement with the Company.

Other Business

  *   Durham County Public Health Director Rod Jenkins provided the Board with an update on the COVID-19 response and efforts. The FDA gave full approval for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

     *   He noted we still have a "clear and present danger" in COVID.  It's not over."  Durham County has 793 total active cases and sadly, 237 deaths at this time. The $100 gift cards for first doses will continue to be available until August 31st.

     *   Booster shots will be available for immunocompromised persons starting Thursday.

     *   Key message still remains:  Get the vaccine and follow the 3 W's...Wash your Hands, Wait Six Feet, and Wear your Mask. Durham County continues under a New State of Emergency due to the Delta Variant. Masks must be worn indoors when you are around people you do not live with.  That applies to those with or without vaccines.

Board and Commission Appointments:

  *   Durham County Commissioners made appointments to the following boards and commissions:
     *   Dangerous Dog Appeal Board - Brian Mulligan
     *   Durham County Convention Center Authority - Marian Dillahunt-Andrews
     *   Juvenile Crime Prevention Council - Lakeisha Blake, Joseph Jackson III and Brandon Morrissey
     *   TJCOG Water Resources Collaborative - Michael Koenig

Commissioners adjourned into Closed Session to discuss real estate and personnel matters.

Chair Howerton mentioned the moving of the next BOCC monthly Work Session - usually held on the first Monday of each month - to Thursday, September 9 at 9 a.m. This change is due to Labor Day being observed on Monday, September 6 and the observance of Rosh Hashanah on September 7-8.

Board meetings are cablecast live and rebroadcast on Durham Television Network (DTN) on Spectrum Channel 8. Replays are available on DTN along with AT&T U-verse Channel 99, Google Fiber Channel 8 and Frontier Communications Channel 70. Meetings can also be viewed on the County's YouTube channel<http://www.youtube.com/dcowebmaster>. To view the agendas and recordings of the BOCC's Regular Session meetings, visit the BOCC's Website<https://www.dconc.gov/county-departments/departments-a-e/board-of-commissioners/commissioner-meetings-and-announcements/bocc-agendas-video-library>.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 12, 2021. For more information about BOCC meetings, contact the Clerk to the Board's Office at (919) 560-0025 or email clerk at dconc.gov<mailto:clerk at dconc.gov>.

###

RANDY JONES |  PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST

[cid:image001.jpg at 01D798C0.3AE9C2A0]
hrjones at dconc.gov<mailto:hrjones at dconc.gov>
Durham County Manager's Office
200 East Main Street, 2nd Floor
Durham, North Carolina 27701
Office (919) 560-0003  | Cell (919) 530-0036  |  Fax (919) 560-0020

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