Work Session Excerpts: Trail Project Delays and New Tracking System

The board addressed chronic delays in trail, bicycle, and sidewalk projects, with staff revealing causes and announcing a major overhaul of the project tracking system. Council members called for better communication and accountability to restore public trust and ensure future support for city initiatives. 12mins

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Original Meeting

Thursday, September 4th, 2025
13228.0
Video Notes

Welcome to the Durham City Council Work Session for September 4, 2025.

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

PLEASE NOTE: Comments left on this livestream will not be read or entered into the meeting record.

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

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

Bike Durham Advocacy, Old West Durham, Duke
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In This Video
  • Tim Flora from the Finance Department introduced the Q4 report, highlighting updates on contracting, claims, and real estate division requirements.
  • A resident raised concerns about chronic delays in trail, bicycle, and sidewalk projects, highlighting issues with the CIP stoplight report and urging improvements and greater accountability.
  • A speaker from General Services provided updates on the status and review process for the 3rd 4th Creek and R Kelly Bryant projects, including anticipated construction timelines.
  • Henry Prosperity explained that delays to the 3rd 4th Creek trail project were caused by design changes resulting from public engagement and environmental requirements, and acknowledged that the project's 'green' status in the stoplight report was inaccurate.
  • Assistant Director Scott and the Manager discussed improvements to the Stoplight report system, including clearer project delivery dates and status indicators, and acknowledged that delays in trail projects were partly due to slow reviews by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
  • Mayor Williams pledged to use their influence to address project delays caused by external agencies and requested to be informed immediately of such issues.
  • Council Member Cook emphasized the importance of efficient project delivery, consistent communication between staff and elected officials, and maintaining public trust to ensure future support for city initiatives.
  • Council Member Baker stressed the need for timely communication about project delays and supported changes to the city's reporting approach to improve transparency.
  • Council Member Cook emphasized the importance of informing the public and advocates when updates to the communications tool are completed.
  • The Manager provided updates on the Durham Rail Trail project, upcoming bond referendum progress reports, and scheduled presentations on city trail projects for October and November.
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