The Durham City Council approved a resolution Monday night that expresses support for the idea of a consolidated, regional transport system that would link Raleigh, Durham and Research Triangle Park.
The resolution, which passed 6-1, also authorizes the city manager to negotiate a Memorandum of Agreement that will spell out the process of how the new regional system will be created by the Triangle Transit Authority.
Before the vote, one resident and several council members questioned what role average citizens will play in the decision-making process. Mayor Bill Bell explained that further input will be taken from the public before any major decisions are reached, and emphasized that the system is still a long way off since the plan is for trains to start running in late 2007.
"We're still in the first stages of looking at consolidation," Bell said. "This recommendation does not mean consolidation. [This is] just the first step, which will lead to more discussion. Before the final decision is made, we will get further input. But it's not a done deal."
Council member Howard Clement said he hoped residents would be consulted every step of the way.
"We want citizens who will be consumers to be part of the process, to help shape the proposal and not just respond at meetings," Clement said. "This is a very, very important matter impacting people's lives and careers."
According to the TTA's plan, the six major bus systems in the area will be merged into a regional rail service. Before the service can operate though, the elected body of each city is required to grant final approval.
Council member Thomas Stith was the only member to vote against Monday's resolution.
"My concern is there are a lot of unanswered questions," Stith said before the vote. "I don't think we're ready to support [the transport system]. This resolution makes it a foregone conclusion."
Also at the meeting, a group of local residents asked the Council to pass a resolution saying that Durham would not use local agencies to assist the federal government in implementing the provisions of the USA Patriot Act that violate individual rights protected by the Constitution. The measure also called on North Carolina Congressional representatives to support revision of the Act.
The group of residents at the meeting, which included several members of the Durham People's Alliance, objected to provisions of the Act which allow searches of confidential records at libraries and illegal "sneak and peak" searches of homes in which law enforcement officers look around citizens' homes while they're away and then leave. The group also said they had collected over 750 signatures in support of the measure and that several other local counties have passed similar measures.
Although several Council members--including Cora Cole-McFadden--expressed support for the resolution, a vote was delayed until this Thursday's work session because of a dispute over whether language in the resolution comes into conflict with the oath police officers take to support all local and federal laws. McFadden said they will take care of the resolution on Thursday at 1 p.m., when the city attorney who reviewed the resolution would be present.
Also at Monday's meeting, the Council unanimously approved an agreement that gives a development group led by Clear Channel Entertainment the exclusive rights to develop a downtown theater.
IN OTHER BUSINESS: Finally, Clement urged Durham to ban Nelly's Pimp Juice, a new beverage which he called a "disgrace."
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