In This Video
  • Mayor Pro Tem Middleton invites community members to join him, acknowledging their roles and contributions to the story of Sam Cooke's song. 
  • Councilmember Baker discusses the implications of Senate Bill 382 on local governance and thanks city workers for their contributions, emphasizing the importance of their roles. 
  • Virginia Workman speaks virtually, expressing concern over the displacement of individuals due to city improvements and urging the council to address the housing crisis. 
  • Thomas Crawl Britton, an unhoused resident, expresses excitement for the bond referendum but concerns about the displacement of residents, urging the council to address the needs of the unhoused. 
  • Councilmember Cook stresses the importance of proactive measures to prevent gentrification and displacement, and the need for creative solutions to support unsheltered neighbors. 
  • The council votes on the motion related to the bond referendum, which passes unanimously. 
  • Samuel Scarborough speaks against the allocation of funds for police cars, suggesting alternative uses for the money that could better support community safety and housing. 
  • Elizabeth Arant voices opposition to the consent agenda items related to police vehicle purchases, advocating for investment in supportive housing and community infrastructure instead. 
  • Mayor Williams discusses the city's efforts and challenges in addressing homelessness, emphasizing the various funding and initiatives in place to support housing and homelessness services. He stresses the importance of acknowledging the city's efforts and the need for continued work. 
  • Mayor Williams moves to authorize a contract for police vehicle upfitting, which is quickly seconded and voted on. Councilmember Freeman adds to the discussion, encouraging community input on solutions for homelessness and budget considerations. 
  • Mayor Williams and Councilmember Freeman clarify that the discussion on homelessness is not adversarial and emphasize the importance of collaboration and existing efforts. The motion passes unanimously, and a break is announced. 
  • Madam Manager explains the three-party agreement involving Hayti Promise, the City of Durham, and Rebuilding Together Triangle. Director Alexis John provides details on the use of $1.75 million for property repairs and compliance. 
  • Councilmember Freeman and Director John discuss the funding process, emphasizing the role of the CDC in paying contractors upfront. 
  • Mayor Williams announces the appointment of William Bowman Bow Ferguson as City Manager, effective January 1, 2025. The motion is passed unanimously. 
  • Councilmember Cook raises concerns about the process of appointing the new City Manager, emphasizing the need for transparency and objective evaluation in future appointments. 
  • Mayor Williams explains the necessity of closed sessions for personnel matters and clarifies the council's decision-making process. Councilmember Freeman expresses a desire for a more open process and emphasizes the importance of evaluating city officials objectively. 
  • Mayor Williams further explains the council's decision-making process and the options considered. He reassures that the decision was made with integrity and was not a 'smoke-filled room' decision. 
  • Mayor Pro Tem Middleton and Mayor Williams discuss the process and emphasize that the decision was not about Bo Ferguson personally but about the process. They express excitement about working with the new city manager. 
Durham City Council
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December 16, 2024 Meeting

The council honors Sam Cooke's legacy, discusses the impact of Senate Bill 382 on local governance, and addresses concerns about displacement and housing amid city improvements. Public comments highlight the tension between infrastructure investments and community needs, while the council certifies the bond referendum and appoints a new City Manager, emphasizing transparency and collaboration in leadership decisions.

22mins of 2hr 58min meeting
Awards & Recognitions Budget Homeless Services Social Services Staff
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Durham Public Schools Board of Education
Durham County Board of Commissioners
Fayetteville City Council
Spring Lake Board of Commissioners
Hope Mills Board of Commissioners
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Video Notes

Welcome to the Durham City Council meeting for Dec 16, 2024.

To view the meeting agenda, visit http://DurhamNC.gov/AgendaCenter.

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For details on how to participate, visit https://www.durhamnc.gov/1345

To contact City Council members directly, visit https://www.durhamnc.gov/1323

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