MEMBERS PRESENT

Johnea D. Kelley Duke Park NA

Pat Carstensen Cross County NA

Dierdre Shipman Old West Durham NA

Mike Peterson Forest Hills NA

Mike Woodard Watts/Hillandale NA

Fred Mowry Colony Park NA

Mike Shiflett Watts/Hillandale NA

Renate Wend Lakewood NA

Robert Larson Grove Park NA

Mo Fried Placid Valley NA

Administration and Announcements

Mike Shiflett called the meting to order at 7:15PM.

Programs

Opening comments were made by john Burness and assisted by Susan Kauffman. Mike Ruffin, Durham County Manager noted that all the components of the bond issue enhance the quality of life of Durham’s citizens. They make a statement that the community is willing to invest in it’s future. In July a 10-year long-range capital improvement plan was approved also. The major projects totaling $570 million are:

New County Court House

American Tobacco

Human Services Complex and parking deck

Durham Public Schools (41.8% of total)

Health Care Facilities (EMS building)

The combination of bond requests is configured to maintain the AAA bond rating so that a lower rate of interest is available. Funding will also come from certificates of participation. Other sources of income are: property taxes. In a worst-case scenario an additional 4.15 cents might be needed to help retire the debt. Conservative estimates put the figure at 2.5 cents.

Tom Krakauer, Director of the Museum of Life & Science talked about the 70-acre campus off Murray Street that the Museum occupies. He pointed out that 70% of Museum revenues come from outside the County of Durham and also the Museum is ranked 4^th in the Southeast. Monies requested for the Museum will receive a matching Federal grant of up to $2 million.

Alice Alexander spoke next about the Center for Life planned for Durham’s senior citizens. Monies for this project are also coming from state, federal, Duke University and Private gift sources. The Durham area is expecting an 80% increase in seniors in the next twenty years. The new center will provide a central location for all aging issues and includes an Alzheimer’s Day Care Unit. Meals on Wheels and the Senior Pharmacist will also be located here.

Dale Gaddis addressed the Library systems needs. She stated that renovations and expansions were needed. The County is divided into 5 library service regions. Current needs indicate building an East Durham branch plus needs for the Parkwood area, the Southwest Durham branch and the East Durham branch with a goal of completion by the end of 2004. The main library is scheduled for expansion in 2008 to include new3 computer facilities and space for additional reference materials.

Burt L’Homme reported 30,000+ students currently enrolled in our Public School System. Growth is anticipated to be from 1.5% to 2% each year. He pointed out that for every 500 students, a new school is needed. At the completion of the bond projects Durham Schools are projected to have 35,000 students.

Mike Tezai from Emergency Management Services pointed out that ambulance calls currently total over 25,000 per year. There are 10 different locations in the city with 5 also at volunteer districts. South Central Durham receives 40% of all calls which requires borrowing ambulances from other areas to meet needs. Adequate space is needed to build a facility close to Lincoln Center.

General Business

Mike mentioned the upcoming INC elections and the need for willing candidates.

The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted as written. John Dagenhart made a motion to purchase a website for $50. The motion was seconded by Mo Fried. It was approved.

Gaye Weaver from Old West Durham says a developer is planning to put a hight density (80 unite/acre) development in their neighborhood. Old West Durham neighbors do not want this zoning passed until there is definite proof that a rail station is actually locating there.

It was pointed out the large numbers of stores selling alcohol in an area relate to higher crime rates. A discussion followed on more controls being needed in the State’s ABC permitting process.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40PM.