So it's spring and as you can see things are a little different the jubilee plum is Sprouting and we've taken the top off. We're doing some formative pruning because we want to shape the tree and There's a bit more going on behind this as well Which we planted the rhubarb and all of the primulas came up with their own accord So what we're going to do now because the grass is starting to grow. We're going to Mulch around the tree to support the tree now the tree obviously it looks quite big and you think well Why does the tree need help compared to the grass but grass has been here a long time and what's important about the grass is it shapes? What's going on in the soil so it shapes the the life in the soil and Trees are further down the the line of succession They like a particular kind of nitrogen in particular. They like to live with fungal species Whereas grasses tend to be a bit further the other way and they prefer more bacterial partners and so The grass is basically creating the the nice kind of conditions for grass and the tree Doesn't particularly find it easy to establish itself initially eventually when the tree gets going It'll have no problem with the grass But at this stage we want to give the tree some help by suppressing the grass around the tree So we're going to do that very simply using some cardboard and Whatever you've got hold of so for us We have we're close to the sea and we go to the beach to walk and we pick up seaweed And we bring it back with us in large quantities and we've been mulching around all our fruit trees with this And this is the last one So we're going to will you see we but you might have woodchip or something else Could use stones perhaps essentially what we need to do is to stop the cardboard from blowing away and So the cardboard is there to Exclude light allow some moisture through now This cardboard isn't particularly thick if I was making a Bed to grow vegetables in put compost on top then I would be using chunkier thicker cardboard because I wanted to last longer Whereas in this case, this is really just a relatively short-term Strategy so I'm quite happy with thinner cardboard actually want some of the moisture to get through it and to get to the roots of the tree Essentially what we're doing here is the trees growing in the soil and if I was making a mulch bed the plants are growing on top of the cardboard So We want to get rid of any tape Because we certainly don't want this floating around as you can see we've taken most of this off already but get rid of the rough there any remaining tape and It's worth mentioning also we talked a little bit about my carizal partners before and What we did earlier was to plant this Allium it's an onion family perennial onions. You're looking for so that includes things like chives and garlic chives and so on I Got these basically were bullbills so some onions make flowers and then they make these little bullbills like a Like a tiny clove of garlic if you like on the top of the head and then Essentially it gets heavier and it falls over and it roots and it makes another plant So you can take those bullbills put them in the soil and they grow into more plants and we had lots from our Perennial alliums last year, so I just took a whole load of those and put them into pots in the greenhouse over the winter and They grown this looks a little bit scraggie because it's been hardened off But as you can see it's got roots and most importantly it's been grown with my carizal Inoculant it's got a fungal partner So when we're planting a bear root tree that's going to be struggling It's good if you can plant something. It already has a my carizal partner that would Feed it because what the allium is doing is giving it sugars and That feeds the fungus that allows it to go and do its thing And then when we put the tree in or we plant the fungus with the allium and fungus with the tree is the Fungus can just go straight off and find the roots of the tree So that's the best way to do it, but it requires a bit of planning obviously so I've just bought these here by way of example. We've already done that so today all we need to do is to Get our cardboard and doesn't need to be a big bit of cardboard. We are obviously we're going to mow around here anyway To manage the grass, but we're going to cut this cardboard in half Put a bit of seaweed in perhaps not all of this just enough to weigh it down and to mulch it Seaweed is interesting in that it When it's moist you pick it up off the beach. It's going to be quite big But after a while and after a fairly short period of time It shrinks and it becomes less to it and less and then it rains and it expands again So we'll put on a bit moldy you might expect Ultimately when the cardboard rots the seaweed will rot down as well and it will feed the tree Which is what we're trying to do and at some point will probably have to do this again And that's absolutely fine. So Okay, we'll get on with that Jules has to remember the water so ideally Tear this in half and do half on either side. Oh It's that kind of cardboard that doesn't want to tear in half in a straight line. So Yeah, let's tear it You might want to soak this first But actually what we want to do is to tear it so it goes around the tree and around the allium And then we'll put some water on it, but that will help weigh it down and soften it up It has been raining today, but it wouldn't hurt to give that a good drenching You can see we've already been putting down some grass cuttings as a beginning to help We've had quite a dry spring after a very wet winter and so Overlap these but actually there's a little cookie flour in there Which is very nice, so I'm going to Just work around that Okay There we are. How about that? So this cookie flour is an indicator of wet landscapes, landscapes that get quite moist And we noticed that since we did this original video when we had lots of heavy rain water actually came out of the bottom of the wall In like a spring and this whole lawn was quite wet and I think it was draining down into this place here because we dug a hole There we are. Okay, and that's Exactly why we need to weigh it down so I'm just going to take the corners off So it doesn't stick out quite so much Okay, if you want to start mulching that side and I'll Do these corners Let's get a bit of seaweed on We're washing up gloves Seaweed can be a bit slimy Seaweed is pretty slimy, can be slimy And our garden then smells like the beach I guess Which is okay by me Okay Do you want to Switch that under your bit over there which has got Oh, yes, of course So I'm just tucking that under that join there to fill that in a bit and see if weight And evidently you don't need to wash it first No, apparently not It is not a problem for the soil So we're just going to keep it away from the tree itself So a little bit of space in there, we might see a little bit of cardboard That doesn't really matter when that's wet, so it will be less obvious and yeah, lovely and yeah Tuck up our cuckoo flower Feels like we're tucking them up in bed Which we sort of are Yeah, or beech stones Some of this seaweed is utterly beautiful There's colours in here So Lovely So And it's as simple as that really Just basically suppressing the grass Giving the tree a chance to get going Woodship is particularly good because it often has fungus in it And it starts, what you want it to do really is create a tiny little woodland Around the tree And eventually we'll be planting a few other little plants To create what's called a guild Around this tree And we started with the pollinator attractor And there are other things that we might want to put in here Like nitrogen fixers And mineral accumulators and so on But for now The main purpose of this is to Reduce the competition for the grass And to help keep the moisture in the soil To protect the tree from drying out So Now we're going to give this a really good soaking And the water will trickle down through The seaweed And soak the cardboard We're using a couple of cans here Don't be stingy with the water This is going to Soak the cardboard And eventually it will break down And that's fine And of course we'll be watering this tree As well Which we can do in the centre in the meantime But this will help keep the tree From drying out In the warm weather And yeah that's essentially it We're just going to leave it Well leave it to get on with it But actually we'll be here every day Keeping a good close eye on it But now hopefully It should just look after itself


Good evening. We'd like to call the Durham City Council meeting to order and certainly want to welcome all of you that are here with us this evening If we could just take a moment for a solid meditation, please Thank you. I would ask Councilor Brown if he would leave us in the pledge Like if you would call the roll, please mayor bell President mayor for Tim Cole McFadden Councilmember Brown Councilma Cattati Councilmember Davis Councilmember Moffitt and Councilmember Schultz We have two proclamations that we'd like to present this evening and There will be another resolution that will be coming up a little bit later in our agenda I would ask Don really is not right behind me Directive water management. This is the 40th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act proclamation And it reads whereas water is a basic and essential need of mankind Whereas the health comfort and standard of living of our citizens depends upon the availability and reliability of safe drinking water Whereas throughout the years the city of Durham has built upon the foundation Established by the Federal Safe Drink Water Act of 1974 has taken a lead role in source water management and protection As well as the production of a consistent high supply of quality drinking water Whereas the clean waters of our reservoirs provide habitat that supports plant and animal life and offer recreational Opportunities such as bird watching fishing and boating are providing the natural scenic beauty that is appreciated by visitors and residents of all ages Where it's changing climate and global warning may impact the availability of our precious natural resources Whereas our drinking water and water resources are undervalued Whereas dedicated individuals and organizations such as city employees Industry leaders scientists environmentalists and students have made significant contributions in developing operating and maintaining these systems Protecting and conserving this precious resource and education to public on the value of this resource Now therefore I will be Bill Bell male city of Durham North Carolina Do have I recognized the December the 17th as the 40th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act in Urge all citizens to join me in a toast to tap The players to help keep our water sources safe for the next 40 years to extend the life of our most precious natural resource With my hand the corporate silver seat of Durham North Carolina. This is the 15th day of December I'm going to present this to Don for any comments that he may have Thank You mayor Bell I'm honored to accept this proclamation on behalf of the water supply treatment division and the employees of the Department of Water Management Our staff of more than 300 is dedicated to making sure that Durham's tap water meets their surpasses All the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act The city has always been committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that whatever Whenever Durham citizens turn on the tap clean safe and high quality water flows out In addition to the teamwork among the staff of our various divisions This also requires careful long-range planning of for new facilities and sources as well as the commitment from the city council The city administration and our citizens to support increasing rates in the robust capital improvement program Although the Safe Drinking Water Act is celebrating its 40th anniversary Durham has always been fortunate to have been at the forefront of water quality since the early 1900s We pledge to continue our efforts to make a reliable supply of safe drinking water available to our customers Beyond the next 40-year milestone. Thank you Next I'd like to ask This Joan Walsh and others if you'd like to bring with you This is a Proclamation recognizing human rights and Bill of Rights Day. Ms. Walsh is a member of the Bill of Rights defense committee committee The proclamation reads whereas the city of Durham is home to a diverse population Including students working people in retirees citizens and non-citizens all of whom add to Durham's cultural resources Richness and economic fatality Whereas the city of Durham is committed to the human and civil rights of all its resonance And to actions that both protect and preserve those rights Whereas the city of Durham respect and recognizes the civil rights and liberties guaranteed all by the Bill of Rights Whereas on October the 20th 2003 The city of Durham adopted both the Bill of Rights defense resolution and resolution number nine zero four six Supporting the rights of persons or irregardless of immigration status And whereas the city of Durham recognizes the importance of maintaining a climate of acceptance and Solidarity thereby a decrease in fear and promoting the corporate corporation of all residents with law enforcement Whereas each year December 10th through 16th is Designated as human rights week and today December 15th is designated as Bill of Rights Day Now therefore I wouldn't be bill veiled me to see the Durham North Carolina do the paper claim December the 15th 2014 as human rights and Bill of Rights Day in Durham Hereby urge all citizens to join me and all members of the Durham City Council Reaffirming our support of the Bill of Rights and of the civil rights and liberties it guarantees to all We urge our residents to support the city's efforts to reckon and welcome welcome immigrants and particularly the many central American children And adolescents who have come here without adults Fleeing violence in their home countries and have been welcomed by our schools and assisted by other agencies We also urge support for the city's recent decision to require that police obtain written consent For any vehicle searches other than those for which there is a warrant of probable cause What's my hand corporate silver seat of Durham North Carolina? This is the 15th of December 2014 and I should have asked a councilman Steve Schulte if you join me here for it Please when in the comments with Steve was pretty instrumental in helping to offer this proclamation Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and and city counselors for this proclamation It's a wonderful occasion much appreciated each year and this year in particular with the Change that has been made to the regulation regarding written consent for vehicular searches Just recently we've experienced a flood of awareness of human rights issues that affect us locally Six days ago as you know the Senate Intelligence Committee released a redacted summary of its extensive report on rendition and torture We now have in the public domain an official recognition of the shocking human rights violations Many of us new were committed by our government during the previous decade 17 of the survivors listed in the reports Redacted summary were rendered to torture by arrow contractors based next door in Johnston County and Data show that at least another 17 were as well This is a long-awaited moment for accountability Restitution to those whose lives have been destroyed and a pledge that such abuses will never happen again North Carolina has a special responsibility to investigate arrow and to apologize and make restitution to its survivors Public attention also is focused on the recent failure of justice in the police killings of unarmed African-American men and a 12-year-old African-American boy who was playing with a toy gun This lack of accountability has given rise to a youth movement such as hasn't been seen in several decades I hope this movement and the moral Monday forward together movement will join forces here to renew our state as a progressive beacon in the south and as part of a national movement for human and civil rights Thank you again for all you have done This year in Durham for constitutional and human rights and all that you will do in 2015 You probably recognize the fact that a few of us don't have jackets on this evening. I Had to take my car to have a service this evening and this morning and They carry me back to my office. I usually leave my jacket hanging in my coat Am I in the back of my car but I put it in my office and When I left and came to see the hall tonight looking back seat didn't have my coat So that's why I'm without a coat, but a couple of my colleagues. They couldn't find coats for me So they decided to take theirs off. So that's why I would dress it. You didn't know that gene All right, you can leave yours on there No, you find you find you find Let me ask the other prior times by the city manager Thank you, mr. Mayor. Good evening. No priority items. Likewise recognized the city attorney no priority irons, mr. Mayor Likewise the city clerk no items, mr. Mayor well, we have rather special resolution that we like to present this evening and It's a resolution that's in the hands of the city attorney, but it recognizes one of Durham's citizens who grew up here and Has been nominated by the president of the United States to be the next United States Attorney General Probably most of you know the Loretta Lynch While she wasn't born in Durham. She grew up in Durham considers this to be home her parents live here our revenue Mrs. Lynch and We have prepared to present a resolution and I'd like the City attorney if he would present that and I would I like to ask Reverend Lynch who's in the audience if you would come up with us, please if you don't mind coming up It isn't often where we have such recognition to be bestowed upon citizens of Durham all of our citizens are great, but In a case such as this is really unique as it's an honor and by honoring Miss Lynch you also honor the city of Durham, but more importantly you honor her parents who but not without them She wouldn't be receiving this a reminiscence I don't know if you have any comments that you want to make before afterwards Thanks to the City Council for this kind of support and this kind of encouragement the Cities, I mean the United States Senate Committee on the judiciary Perhaps will take this up next year and She has been meeting with the individual senators Even in the last week or so and even this week But We all joke sometime. I said that she's headed For a tough place. I won't use the language that I use But she's headed for a tough place and we hope she's gonna hold out and do well Doing these hearings. Thank you all very much Mr. Mayor, Mr. Lynch members of council. This is the resolution that's been prepared and will be before you for passage Had I known the mayor was gonna make me read it. I might have made it a little shorter But as I was putting this information together and I appreciate mr. Lynch providing me with a Scrapbook if you will of Miss Lynch's career It's an amazing career and I'm honored to have actually prepared this and hope one day to get an opportunity to meet her Resolution in support of Lorena Lynch nomination for US Attorney General Whereas Lorena Lynch was raised in Durham, North Carolina by her parents Lorenzo a lynch an ordained Baptist minister and Lorene Lynch a retired librarian And whereas Lorena Lynch received her primary education the Durham public school system from WG Pearson elementary school Witted junior high school and graduated co valedictorian of Durham high school And whereas Lorena Lynch went on to graduate from Harvard University and with honors from Harvard Law School And whereas in 1990 after spending six years as a litigation associate with a private law firm in New York Loretta Lynch answered the call to public service when she joined the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York as an assistant United States Attorney and Whereas based on her outstanding record of accomplishment leadership and work ethic Loretta Lynch quickly rose through the ranks of the office and was promoted to chief assistant United States Attorney in 1998 and Whereas in 1999 Loretta Lynch was nominated by President William J. Clinton and Confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the appointed United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Where she served with this distinction until 2001 and whereas in 2010 after serving as a partner in a private law firm in New York for nine years Loretta Lynch was nominated by President Barack H. Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate to serve a second term in the United States Attorney as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina of New York And whereas shortly after her confirmation Loretta Lynch was appointed by the United States Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. To serve on the Attorney General's Advisory Committee comprised of select United States attorneys from around the country and Whereas in 2013 Loretta Lynch was appointed to service chair of the Attorney General's Advisory Committee and whereas on November 8th 2014 President Barack H. Obama formally announced his decision to nominate Loretta Lynch to succeed Eric H. Holder, Jr. as the 83rd United States Attorney General and Whereas based on her outstanding legal credentials long and distinguished record of public service dedication to the equal enforcement of the law the protection of civil rights and her strong reputation as a fair and impartial federal Prosecutor with exceptional integrity Loretta Lynch is uniquely qualified to serve her country as the next Attorney General of the United States Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Durham Section one that the City Council of the City of Durham endorses and supports the nomination of Loretta Lynch as Attorney General of the United States section 2 The City Council the City of Durham recommends confirmation of her nomination by the United States Senate Section three this resolution shall be effective on and after its passage Again the City Council will adopt this resolution and the intent is obviously to give it to the parents But just as importantly to have it sent to the United States Senate Judiciary Committee And I would suggest that we may also want to send it to our two US senators I know typically the Senate the nominee is Introduced to the Senate by their hometown senator But I know she's in New York so Senator Schumer may be doing this But I think would be good to have our US senators also receive this proc resolution so remember Lynch We after we would adopt this we take those steps and certainly make a copy this available to you and your family and thanks again So I'd entertain the motion on the resolution. Mr. Marrow. I Move I was gonna say more than just move it, but that's okay So it's been properly moved by the mayor pro tem seconded by councilman C. Shewell councilman shewell Madam clerk we open the vote Close the vote it passes seven is zero. Thank you recognize And I'm gonna recognize council person if you have a comment good evening. I attended a Press conference today that was held by a representative called by a representative more Member of the state General Assembly He plans to introduce a bill entitled prohibit Preparatory profiling I will send each of you a copy of it The attendance was really good there were legislators there, but I noticed that No one was there from our delegation. Maybe that's because they are in recess but I'll send you a copy and There was some thought-provoking Things in this and I'll send it to you Okay, the other comments by members of the council if not, I'm going to take a moment to Speak to an issue. I'm not gonna speak along. Just want to it has to do with the protests that have been occurring in our city and I want to Commend councilman Don Moffitt For an email that I just read this evening before I came here Don has Been one of those persons that has been present and he can speak for himself But he's been very observant and as I said that always two sides to a stir and then there's the truth And of course, we've been getting different versions of what has happened at these protests But I have no reason to believe that what councilman Moffitt has presented in terms of his observation It's not an accurate account of what has occurred and I'm going to ask That somehow we make this more more public and Don if you want to add anything to what I've just said, I would appreciate it Well, thank you. I haven't really thought about how to distill down my What I wrote into a few words, but I will say that I was present on Saturday evening in that I was present last December In my observations have been is that there are different groups involved in the protests with different agendas And I think all of us understand the anger and frustration that arose once again with the decision in the Michael Brown case and Disgust I think that we all felt with the decision in the Eric Gardner case And I'm certainly disgusted with a Congress with their There even basically as we speak passing a funding bill that's going to allow the banks more latitude to engage in investing speculating in the kinds of Securities that cause the Great Recession and destroyed so much black wealth in this country so We we all understand the anger and the frustration but and I think that there are people coming out participating in the protests were motivated by That but I also believe there are people coming out and using those protests and the protests last fall for a different agenda to provoke Confrontation with the police in the hopes that they can get the police to overreact or to make a mistake and I Have a I observed a lot on Saturday evening. I followed the March. I was present when the arrests were made and I Will say that your observation that there's you know two sides every story and then the truth There's I mean even I think people present there would have different versions of what transpired, but I Do you want to commend the police department? I feel like that they have been doing did they've been demonstrating a tremendous amount of of training and Discipline and professionalism and I know that there are people who are on there are people that are unhappy with the situation from both sides people who feel like there's been far too much leniency and people who feel like there's been Far too much Response on Saturday night. I watched I followed the protesters as they went from walltown Recreation Center in Cold Boulevard Down Buchanan mark them over to 9th Street And on the Main Street and in that entire time. I saw not one marked police car nor one uniformed police officer So certainly no one can make the claim that the police were exacerbating a situation As you all may know They the protest The group that was leading the way typically wears masks and Beats drums and blows whistles in part to keep people from hearing Instructions that are given to them by the police They chose to turn south on Swift Avenue, which Which confused me earlier in the evening. I had heard people ask where 9th Street was and suggest Perhaps going to Weaver Street market. So I knew they weren't entirely familiar not everybody was familiar with Durham And I thought that perhaps they were confused and I realized that they were headed for the on reps to 147 And when I got up to the railroad tracks, I could see that the police had the same Understanding because for the first time I saw marked police cars and there were a lot of them and there were a lot of red and blue Lights and it was very clear that to proceed on Swift Avenue was to provoke confrontation and that's what the protesters chose to do and And as a result of course, we're 11 or us. So that's in brief what I saw on Friday night on Saturday night Excuse me and certainly people that want to know a lot more Are welcome to email me my city council address. I We'd be glad to give you a long history of what I see as a protester with the last 13 months here in Durham. Thank you Like you don't I had not Discuss this was done prior to this is that I just happened to read his email And my office before I came down here this evening. It had mentioned to me that donny written something But I hadn't seen it but I think it's It's a side that needs to be told from this council's viewpoint Ultimately the city manager will be giving us a report on the internal investigation that the police department has made On its own activities and I was reminded now I don't know why I just thought about it that and I asked his city attorney for this just this evening This council had adopted Rules and guidelines for protests after the Jose Heretic situation I don't know if anybody's has bothered to tell people this or not But it was very clearly the rules of conduct that this council adopted not to stop protests but to make sure that they're done and As all in a fashion as possible while still allowing persons who chose to participate to protest So mr. Manage, I would just hope that we get this back again to the general public in particular And if we know people organizing protests to make sure they see these rules of conduct Mr. Mayor One brief thing I want to add I'm one of the things that we've heard about From different people is what's called the L rad the long-range acoustical device As I said I was president in December. I saw the police use bullhorn. I saw that was ineffective at the police subsequently Acquired the L rad which allows them to make announcements at a very a very high decibel level And I could clearly hear the announcements on Saturday night There's been concerns stated that it's a sonic weapon what I have learned I haven't learned the specifics, but I've learned that they're that an L rad that there are different types of L rads And they have different strengths and what the police department acquired Could not be construed as a as a sonic Deterrent device and so I just wanted to let you all know that that's As I get more information and it's helping me to understand the situation Recognize councilor Brown. Thank you, mr. Mayor and Don. Thanks for your insight. I too was at the Protest Last Saturday And I went is Not just a member of the Durham City Council, but as an observer and also as a photographer I thought the and I was at the D pack and then Followed through to the CCB Plaza and I thought the Durham Police Department acted professionally And at times with Restraint now it did not go down to Foster Street as perhaps you did Don I Guess I'd make a couple of points one and I'm really pleased mr. Mayor that you brought that up Concerning the resolution Instructional resolution that we passed earlier this year concerning protest and I think we need to remind ourselves and the police department and those who want to protest that we do have in this city Certain restrictions that concern anyone and everyone who wants to protest I Think that's really really crucial and then secondly some of us marched in the 1960s for Civil rights And you haven't you don't hear this term that much anymore. It's called civil disobedience Civil disobedience is where you break the the law knowingly and lovingly But you suffer the consequences You go to jail And that's what was used primarily in the in the in the 60s But this group Does not seem to adhere to that belief Which is which is sad changing times I guess but some things that change you're not for the better I Guess I would also suggest to the protesters that And I think I can speak for my colleagues Sitting up here this evening We were just appalled certainly by the New York decision as well as that is in Missouri and very disgusted by it But on the other hand In terms of the protesters When is enough enough What are they trying to do now And I think Some of their tactics are definitely not the way to to use an old term win friends and influence people Indeed just the opposite may be happening So in conclusion I want to thank Don and the mayor again for bringing this up and I think it's really important that we get that resolution that we passed unanimously as a council Out into the public once again as well as to the police because when you start blocking major highways and streets as well in my judgment that's That's not a very smart thing to do and I think you're alienated Alienating many more people than you're trying to convert Win to your side and I must say I was at my Sunday school class yesterday at first Presbyterian we had a discussion on this and Quite frankly I was somewhat disappointed in terms of how some of the participants were Basically trying to blame the police for almost everything And not looking Definitely at the other side not seeing some of the the flyers that we have seen That have gone up and it's definitely an element all it takes is two or three percent folks of that crowd to instigate negative actions and It's there's a herd mentality about some of this as well and And they're there just for that. I mean they're basically and they call themselves this anarchist It's not my description It is it is theirs and They're there just to inculcate into the crowd Disobedience but not civil disobedience. So I would hope that in the future We would take perhaps a Actions and responses that reflect the resolution that we as a council passed. Thank you, mr. Mayor Okay, we're proceed with the Agenda first item being consent agenda consent agenda before I do that. I recognize we have some Scouts in the audience and someone might want to stand up and tell us who you are and who you represent If you don't mind Thank you. Well, welcome to the Durham City Council. Thank you the first item on our agenda or consent agenda items if a member of the council Chooses pull an item someone in the public chooses pull item will pull that item it'll be discussed later in the agenda Otherwise, it can be passed with a single motion second by the City Council person Again, I just read the heading of each one of the consent agenda items item one is approval of City Council minutes item to citizens advisory committee appointment and Item 3 is the mayor's appointee Raleigh Durham Airport Authority Item 4 is the mayor's nominee for appointment passenger vehicle for higher commission Item 5 is correction to zoning map change ordinance for Hanover Point subdivision sub area C C 14 0 0 0 0 0 4 Item 6 is option contract with Southside revitalization Phase 2 LP for the second phase of development for the loss at South Point Southside Item 7 is engineering and related design services for Southside home ownership phase 2 Item 8 is the United States Department of Transportation SHRP dash to C 16 grant project ordinance for the evaluation of the impacts of smart growth on travel demand I'm nine is dam inspections maintenance and rehabilitation Item 10 is amendment number one to the Eno economic development district ward and sewer system project professional engineering services CDM Smith, Inc. Item 11 is a contract for utility bill bill printing and mail services Item 12 is Sorry, I'm 12 is poultry home corporation land donation to the city of Durham of 3.66 acres Located at 5503 Leesville Road and 0.384 acres a portion of the parcel located at 5650 Leesville Road for fire station 17 Item 13 is additional funding construction contracting authority for City Hall annex and building envelope project Item 14 is approval of the Durham Convention Center interlocal agreement between the city of Durham and County of Durham for joint ownership of the Durham Convention Center Item 15 is the third amendment to the management agreement by in between city and County of Durham and global spectrum LFP for the Durham Convention Center Item 16 of US Environmental Protection Agency EPA 2014 2017 Brownfield Communitywide Assessment Grant for North East Central Durham and other targeted areas grant project ordinance and authorization to execute grant agreement Item 17 is telecommunications license agreement with Earthlink carrier LLC Item 18 is CIP ordinance amendment for Northern Way subdivision failed development reimbursement And items 19 through 21 items that can be found on the general business agenda as public hearings Entertain a motion for the approval of the consent agenda It's been properly moved by Mayor Pro Tem second by Councilman Cotate. Madam clerk, we open the vote Close the vote It passes seven zero move into the general business agenda public hearings I'm 19 is solidated annexation Ravenstone extension case BDG 14 0 0 0 0 0 5 Thank You mr. Mayor members of council Pat young with the planning department I can first certify for the record that all public hearing items before each night have been advertised in accordance with the requirements of law and There are affidavits to that on to that effect on file with the planning department The request before you BDG 14 0 0 0 5 Ravenstone extension is a request for utility extension Agreement voluntary annexation in initial zoning by Lenard Carolina's LLC for property totaling Approximately 117.1 acres located along Sharon Road south of NC highway 98 This would be if proved a Contiguous annexation representing an extension of the existing city limits Bordered by two similar residential subdivisions to the east and the west The applicant has indicated a desire to construct up to 230 single-family homes on this site if the request is approved The staff recommendation is an initial zoning of rural residential falls Jordan Lake protected area B Otherwise known as RR and FJP Which is consistent with city council policy to apply the least intensive zoning district allowable within the development tier So if approved, this would be the lowest intensity development a tier allowed in this in the tier excuse me zoning designation allowed in the development here The subject site is currently located in the county jurisdiction and zoned rural residential FJP and RS 20 residential suburban 20 The planning Commission at their August 12 2014 meeting recommended approval of the zoning designation by vote of 12 to 0 And staff recommends approval of this item. Thank you. I'll be happy to take any questions. Thank you. You've heard the staff report This is a public hearing I will open the public hearing to ask if there are questions by members of the council. We have Three persons that have signed up to speak on this item Let me ask before the council comments is anyone else that wants to speak as we try to set the time for the hearing If not our first recognized council members for any comments Recognize councilman sure Thank You mr. Mayor except one question. This is in the memo From Martha Ziegler to John allure attachment five and And Mentioned this to mr. Greeley just a minute ago So Earlier before the meeting so it just this this memo on the second page Says that as evidenced by the table above the department of water management realize additional revenue from outside city rates It would be my understanding and I'm not sure I have this right Which is why I'm asking that these would actually be inside city rates And this is just a mistake in the memo rather than a mistake in some calculation that we made or yes Good evening mayor mayor pro 10 members of council Don Greeley Department of Water Management That's correct councilman shool that that's a mistake in the memo that wants to see an extended will be inside city rates Okay, thank you very much Like any other questions about council if not then I'll call on persons who assigned to speak Let's take ten minutes each if necessary for these Comments first call the proponent Robert shock I don't have a formal presentation for this evening, but I'm here available for any questions you might have. Thank you In case we'll call on persons who have signed up to speak as opponents Brian scurry scurrally and Gina scurrally. Is that correct? Okay Sharkala that wasn't correct. Thank you. If you just state your name and address for the record that I'm Gina Scurrally I live at 501 hiddenbrook drive the road that leads into the new development We were notified About six months ago that there were houses going to be put in that area 230 some odd houses by that The man that was just up here He held a meeting in a little church and had very little information for us, but we don't have any information They've not been contacting us We live on the street less than a quarter-eighth mile away from where the new houses are going to be developed I found this memo and in By accident About it. My house is not on there my address. I live on hiddenbrook. That is a main Thorough fair into that neighborhood When I purchased the house It was a dead-end driveway and it was wonderful and I was never notified of any Moving of streets or trees and I just came home one day and all the trees were cut down I was also never notified of that by anything from the city or the county and So this time I'd like to I know I'm probably not going to stop development but I'd like to pause for a moment because I have no information on water runoff Problems because the hiddenbrook is hidden behind my house So all of that water is going to go through my property when all of the new roads are going to come in which new roads And 230 more homes. I don't know if anybody has ever driven on Highway or excuse me Sharon road to get to highway 70 those three miles take me now Approximately 15 to 20 minutes That's a long time to go through a two-lane highway just waiting and waiting and waiting So if we add those homes, it's going to increase my drive time to work And not just mine. It's not all about Gina Well it might be But then the trash from when they open the roads the track our little road is Completely trashed. We're picking up trash constantly the speed limit is 25, but it's 65 through there We have we don't have small children one house does there's eight houses on that street but we do have our doggies and I have to cross the street to get my mail That's now going to become hiddenbrook drive a major thoroughfare There's only two or three exits to that a neighborhood right now So adding those 230 houses are going to make a big impact on many people's lives not just mine Then the schools our property values the crime rate We've already installed alarm systems as of many of our neighbors because of the crime rate increase recently And then we don't know how the utilities will be allocated either Nothing has been communicated to my husband and I we live in the middle of the street Not in the middle of the street but in the middle of where all of this is going on and we feel completely left out Thank you Thank you, so do council members When we first moved into the area It was a very rural area and we feel that adding This many homes to the area will have a big impact on the characteristic of the area and the people who live there and grew up there and Experienced it as a rural area, so we don't feel like we've been adequately informed Additionally, we signed up with linear homes or representative linear homes to be notified of any studies that were completed Or as this progressed through so we could raise our concerns with linear homes, and we don't feel that they followed through on that That request either they requested or they offered to sign us up as an email and they did not Send us the the information or the studies, so we're kind of concerned about the impact to the residents as far as traffic schools utilities Drainage and what that will do to the neighborhood, so we'd like to get a little bit more information about how that's going to be What the impact is going to be and we'd like the city council to take into consideration in the near homes To take into consideration the impact on the residents who have lived there for a long time And I think that's my my conclusion. Thank you. I didn't See but were you present at the planning? Commission, so this is the first time that you've done something public. Yes Let me ask so there are other persons that want to comment or speak on the side and the side and being a public hearing matter If you would come forward and state your name and address, please Thank you for recognizing me My name is Chastity Martin and I live in the latest part of the Ravenstone extension I've been there since about 2011 and I can agree with what she's saying about the Hiddenbrook I don't live on that street, but I do have to pass her house every day to get out Sometimes just on Hiddenbrook itself People are doing probably 65 or higher There are a lot of wildlife there and I just wondered can we get information on the different things that have been done as far as the water? Have they done to any environmental studies of what's going to happen to the different? Wildlife the trees the you know everything that's around us the streams the Brooks the lake everything that's there We have heard nothing. We've just been told that it's going to happen. So if we could get some information That would be really great for all of us Let me ask were you at the planning board here? I didn't get that memo either Let me ask the staff the persons that have spoken are Given the proximity to the project were they entitled to receive the notices and if so did they go out if not? Maybe you should say why they didn't receive Sure, so mr. Mayor, I don't have the affidavit with me. I can get Have staff go get the file from our office downstairs, but I'm based on the descriptions of locations I'm confident they would have been provided notices and I can confirm that Let me ask you there other persons that want to speak on the site before we close the public hearing and bring it back to the council If not let the record reflect and no one else asks to speak I'm not going to close above cameras. We'll make it back to the council first for any comments the council members may have Bear could I ask Mr.. Young just to briefly talk about the process Going forward, you know what what this is this is the annexation and the initial zoning, but a bit about what the site plan process We'll have to they will have to ensue Assuming the council concurs with the staff recommendation certainly mr. Manager. Thank you As the manager has alluded to if this action is approved tonight This applicant the owner of the property will have to submit what's called a site plan a site plan contains a tremendous detail about the site development Criteria lot sizes environmental protection areas stormwater management devices a roadway access and other site characteristics There's not public notice provided for that But there is an application that's provided to the planning department and the planning department makes through our website Makes the public aware of when those are submitted so that information is available to the public you can review the information It's reviewed against an over 600 page rule book call or unified development ordinance That will have to be met in order for any development to occur So that's what would have to happen subsequent if this if this item were approved tonight Thank you. Yes, ma'am. You have a question Why is it that we have to jump through so many hoops to get applications to get information that will so directly affect my life Thank you Ma'am, I'm not I'm not sure what you're referring to in terms of hoops We're happy to provide any information we have on what's been submitted to us That's right. It's your first time at City Council property, and I can I can appreciate that we here all the time We don't get it right all the time either. Well, let me Suggest that this is an annexation piece that we're talking about the details obviously that you have concerned about We've come forth as the staff indicated But it is an annexation piece. So that's the purpose of the hearing today But I want to make sure that Sure, don't it want to make sure that you understand that at some point in time given you are in the Synod of what's required You would be given a notice and if you aren't certainly need to bring that attention to the city manager or members of the council recognize council Mr. Young did I hear you say you had sent somebody down to get the files? And I wasn't able to do that yet. I can't do that. Here's what I can say I can Certify as I did earlier that anybody who was within the notification area, which is 600 feet from the property boundaries was was provided notice That's in excess of what state law requires It's what our local ordinance requires and that was provided what I can't guarantee based on the descriptions is whether these folks are Within those areas and we do have we do have that information, but it's not on hand right now And that notification would go to the property owner and that would be Everybody who lives within 600 feet of the boundary of the area being developed and then in addition There would be signs posted out there. That's correct And you probably don't know offhand where those signs were posted not the precise locations But on the side of the size I know there was more than one sign posted Again, we can provide that information, but the signs were posted Advertisement in the herald sun and direct mail notifications. So the the reason I asked the questions and details We hear a number of cases. You're the it's the first time That I can remember someone coming and saying we should have gotten notice and didn't get it. So it would be extremely unusual and So I just when the second thing is is I want to check with you on this It's currently zoned if I've read this correctly RS 20 and RR and That the recommended zoning for this parcel is RR. Is that correct? So that's correct counselor mom it Mop it in this is an effective down zoning So it's a reduction in the density intensity that would be allowed on the site versus the current zone So if we if we don't act tonight the developers could actually develop it in a denser fashion with more homes Then they could if we act tonight, they would be allowed to do so under the current zoning, right? Okay, so that's a just a thing to understand is that the the zoning that we're Looking at applying up. This is an annexation so they would come into the city and city property and people who lived there would have to pay city taxes and Receive city services, but the But the other effect would be that they could build fewer homes Under tonight's action than they can currently Just as a point of awareness So also there is one of things you should do before you leave you should check in with these folks So we'll be up there is a planner that's been working on this and so you can get in touch with the planner And this department works with folks like you all the time because there's all these people who live next door And they're really really good at doing that so check in get the name of the planner the phone number and the contact And you can get a lot more information Okay, thank you on any of the comments by members of the council if not the public hearing is closed It matters back before the council consideration Entertain a motion on the item item is an annexation item It's been properly moved by the mayor pro tem second by a councilman Brown in the further discussion Here none called a question madam clerk. We open the vote You close the vote It passes seven zero now we have this Consistency statement It's been properly moved by the mayor pro tem second by councilman Davis Any further discussion here and I called a question madam clerk. We open about close of It passes seven a zero. Thank you. We move to item Recognize councilman. I do want to just reiterate to the folks who are here today that What what councilmember Moffitt said earlier if you all are interested in talking to our planning staff about this and getting more Information they will talk to you about it And I appreciate that you feel like you need to jump through hoops and go to the website But I do want to reiterate what he said they are very open to talk to you about it And so you should feel free to be in contact with them Mr. Mayor if I might quickly councilman sure we'll be happy to get the contact information for these folks and reach out to them Tomorrow following this meeting Thank you Okay item 20 consolidated annexation masses chapel case BDG 14 0 0 0 0 9 Thank You mr. Mayor members of council the case before you BDG 14 0 0 0 9 masses chapel is request for utility extension agreement voluntary annexation and initial zoning for two parcels totaling approximately 3.11 acres Known as masses chapel United Methodist Church located off the fateful road. This is a contiguous annexation to Current city limits would have created a connection to a satellite annexation located to the south of the subject site The place of worship currently exists at this site and no expansions of the present use are currently proposed Staff recommends an initial zoning of rural residential With the FJB watershed overlay which is equivalent or I'd excuse me identical to the county zoning designation currently on the site This is represents the least intense zoning based on the development here per City Council policy Staff recommends approval and I'll be happy to take any questions. Thank you. Thank you the Staff has given us a report as the public hearing the public hearing is open I'd ask first of the questions by members of the council on the staff recommendation Likewise as anyone in the public that would like to speak on the side of me the four against Let the record reflect and no one in the public asked to speak on this item I'll grab puppy and close matter for council It's been property move the second Mayor pro tem councilor Brown in a further discussion here and I called the question by the clerk we open about Close the vote It passes seven to zero. It's been property move the second by mayor pro tem councilor Brown Madam clerk we open about Close vote It passes seven to zero. Thank you. We moved to item 21 street closing elder street street closing 14 0 0 0 0 11 Thank You mr. Mayor members of council pat younging with the planning department case sc 14 0 0 11 elder street Closing is a application by Ron carpenter on behalf of triangle land surveyors to close a 430.43 linear foot segment of elder street This right away is currently open. It's surrounded on both sides by property owned by Duke University If the request is approved the portion of the right away would be recombined with the Jason properties owned by Duke University The area Jason to this right of way is owned UC University College CG commercial general and oh I office institutional and it's located in the Duke Hospital Compact neighborhood tier based on input received from partner agencies and service delivery agencies No concerns were identified With this request and staff recommends approval be happy to take any questions. Thank you You've heard the staff report the public hearing item again the public hearing itself and answer the questions by members of the council Not as anyone's a public who wants to speak on this item either for or against That director fleckland no one asked to speak Henry closed my aspect for the council It's been properly moved by the mayor pro tem councilor Brown Madam clerk, will you open the vote? Close the vote It pans the seven is here Okay, any Clarified the information I get the representative who is drafting the bill is representative Rodney Moore and Drew Morgan is his assistant Thank you any other items to come before the council If not the meetings adjourned at 7 59 p.m. Guys can put your coat speck on now