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1. Who handles the tree planting?
2. What is the tree planting process like and how long does it take?
3. What types of planting material are being used for this project?
4. What neighborhoods will get trees during the November 2022 - March 2023 planting season?
5. What are the City rights-of-way?
6. How do I request new trees in my neighborhood?
7. How can I get involved?
8. What if I have another question that is not answered here?

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1. Who do I contact to apply for an ABC permit?
2. How do I get an application to apply for an ABC permit?
3. What forms do you need to process my application?
4. How long does it take to get my permit?
5. How do I get the Fire and Zoning Departments to sign off on my paperwork?

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1. Why is this work needed?
2. What is geotechnical boring and Level A SUE?
3. What impacts can be expected during the Study/Design phase of the project?
4. What impacts can be expected during the Construction phase of the project?
5. Will my water service be affected by the project?
6. How do I get more information?

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1. What type of information does the Durham Career Center examine when approving potential service providers?
2. What if my training is more than $4,500 per person or longer than 1 year?
3. Why do training providers get a maximum of 5 referrals?
4. What is the process for individuals to utilize the training programs?

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1. What is a proclamation?
2. What are the guidelines to request a proclamation?
3. Who can make a proclamation request?
4. How should a proclamation request be made?

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1. Why is the City starting with “pilots”?
2. What is Crisis Call Diversion (CCD)?
3. What is a Community Response Team (CRT)?
4. What is Co-Response (CoR)?
5. What is a Care Navigator (CN)?
6. Where do these pilots operate?
7. Why don’t all pilots operate citywide? Will they ever?
8. How did you select the pilot service area and why use police beats?
9. What are the hours of operation for each pilot?
10. Why don’t pilots operate 24/7? Will they ever?
11. How did you select the hours of operation?
12. Will these new responses slow down 9-1-1 in sending a response as call takers have to learn about the new responses?
13. How are you going to keep unarmed responders safe?
14. Can I request one of these responses?
15. Is there a number other than 9-1-1 to request these services?
16. Why do I have to go through 9-1-1 to get an unarmed response?
17. What kinds of personnel are staffing these pilots, and what kinds of training have they had prior to starting with DCSD?
18. What kinds of additional training will DCSD staff have prior to responding to calls for service?
19. What kinds of calls for service are eligible for these pilots and how did you select them?
20. How are these pilots being evaluated?
21. How can I follow the progress of these pilots?
22. How did you develop these pilot plans? Who did DCSD work with to plan?
23. Why did the City create the Community Safety Department?

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1. What is composting?
2. Why compost?
3. How can I get started?
4. Does the City have any plans to begin composting?
5. Does the City offer free mulch or compost?

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1. I need to go to an emergency shelter in Durham. Can Entry Point help me?
2. Will Entry Point Durham find me housing? Can Entry Point Durham help me get Section 8 or Public Housing?
3. Does Entry Point Durham have a residency requirement?
4. How is Entry Point Durham different than Durham County DSS?
5. What if I have belongings that prevent me from going through security at the Human Services Building?

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1. The Community Development Department received the following questions about the 2021 Continuum of Care Homeless Grants Competition and provides the following responses to them.
2. The FY 2019 NOFA allowed grant consolidation and transitioning projects to a different type, i.e. a TH project becoming a RRH project.
3. If transitioning a project is allowed in the FY 2021 competition, does that mean that a RRH project can apply to become a PSH project?

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1. What is the contract term for these funds? Is it a 12-month contract? A 24-month contract? Is there a specific date that the funds must be expended by? Please provide more clarity here.
2. Item #2 on the Revised Scoring Rubric for Covid-19 ESG allocation focuses on an organization’s operating reserves.
3. If awarded funding, would the awarded amount be an amendment to a current ESG contract with the CDD; or would this be a completely new and separate contract?
4. If this would be a new contract, can you gauge how long it would take to get the contract executed and when the contract start-up meeting would happen?
5. Item #4 on the Scoring Rubric focuses on the cost of the activity per household. What tool are you utilizing to determine this statement:

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1. My meter has been locked by Cross Connection (bright colored laminated tag) for non-compliance. How do I get it unlocked?
2. What types of backflow conditions exist?
3. What is Backsiphonage?
4. What factors can cause backsiphonage?
5. What is backpressure?
6. What factors can cause backpressure?
7. What is a cross connection?
8. What is the most common form of a cross connection?
9. What is an Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)?
10. Will an Anti-Siphon Vacuum Breaker protect against backpressure?
11. What is continuous pressure?
12. Can an AVB be used under continuous pressure?
13. What is a Hose Bibb Vacuum Breaker (HBVB)?
14. Can I tie my lawn irrigation/sprinkler system to my outside AVB or HBVB?
15. If I have an existing lawn irrigation/sprinkler system do I need a backflow preventer?
16. If I have a new lawn irrigation/sprinkler system do I have to have a separate irrigation meter?
17. When do I need to get a backflow permit? Do I also need a Plumbing Permit?
18. As a homeowner, can I install my own backflow preventer?
19. Do I need a plumbing permit to install a backflow preventer?
20. What if I have a commercial property or I just don’t feel comfortable doing the work myself, who can I hire?
21. How do I become a certified backflow tester in Durham?
22. Are re-certification classes every 2 years necessary?
23. Why can’t we have one universal State backflow testing form for each jurisdiction?
24. What if I want to test backflows outside of Durham?
25. Why do I have to be a properly licensed contractor to test backflows in Durham?
26. How often do I have to test my backflow preventer?
27. What if I have a temporary use that requires a backflow preventer assembly, do I have to get a permit, inspection, etc.?
28. How do I pay for CCC Class Enrollment, residential opt-in testing program enrollment, unlock trip charge fee, illegal connection citations, and any other associated fees with Cross Connection?
29. What does it take to be ASSE 1060-Certified for Freeze Protection Insulated Enclosures?
30. How do I get my meter unlocked?

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1. How do I start new water service?
2. How can I make changes to my water billing account?
3. How do I access my online water billing account?
4. How can I get help paying my water bill?
5. Where can I find a trash pickup schedule for my address?
6. My trash was never picked up! Who do I contact?
7. My garbage/recycling cart is damaged. How do I get a new one?
8. I submitted a request using the Durham One Call online request form. What happens now?

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1. Is this similar to live chat?
2. What if I don't get the answer I'm looking for?
3. Are there other ways to get assistance?
4. What are the terms and conditions?
5. How can I provide feedback?

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1. What’s in it for business?
2. What is the approximate cost to your business?
3. How does a business get matched with an intern?
4. How does your business sign up to participate?

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1. Why is this work needed, what is included, how much will it cost, and how long will it take?
2. Will my business/property be impacted during the construction phase of this project?
3. Why will some construction take place on weekends?
4. How will I know about detours, changes in traffic patterns, etc.?
5. Will my water service be affected by this project?

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1. Can residents burn within the city limits?
2. I have trash and/or yard waste. Can I burn it?
3. Can I have a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace on my property?
4. How do I find my insurance rating and Fire Station?
5. I called for an ambulance. Why did a fire truck arrive?
6. I see firefighters at the gym during the workday? Why?
7. Why do I see firefighters at the grocery store during the workday?
8. Can I volunteer for the Durham Fire Department?
9. I keep calling the fire station. Why am I not getting an answer?
10. My fire alarm is chirping. What does that mean?
11. How do I reset the alarm and/or replace the battery backup?
12. There is a fire hydrant that has been running for some time. Why doesn't the fire department cut it off?
13. How can I get a fire hydrant painted?
14. When are you hiring?
15. Where is the nearest fire station to me?
16. Where do I send records search requests for property condition assessments such as past history of : hazardous spills, fire code violations, fire inspections, etc.?
17. How do I get an ABC permit?

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1. Are Fire Recruits paid during the Academy?
2. Do you have any tips for applying?
3. Is the starting salary negotiable?
4. What can I expect on the written test for Fire RECRUITS?
5. How difficult is it to pass the physical testing?
6. What time does the academy start each day?
7. How long does the academy last?
8. I'm really nervous about testing for EMT classes. Will I be able to pass?
9. Does the City of Durham provide temporary housing or relocation expenses?
10. What are requirements for physical conditioning?
11. What would my schedule look like when I go into Operations?
12. How often does the DFD hire?
13. If I'm hired, what documents will I need before beginning employment?
14. What shot records will I need?
15. Are there any residency requirements for City of Durham Firefighters?
16. When are you hiring Certified/Lateral Firefighters?
17. Still got questions?

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1. Why does Water Management flush hydrants?

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1. What are your sizes of hydrant meters?
2. What are your fees for hydrant meters?
3. How much water will I get from my meter?
4. Are hoses provided?
5. Should I turn off the fire hydrant during the winter months or when freezing temperatures are expected?
6. How long do you allow hydrant meter to be used?
7. What if hydrant meter is damaged or lost?
8. Who can I contact for more information?

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1. Where do I find the insurance rating (ISO) and Fire Station for my address?
2. What Fire Station serves my address?
3. How can I contact a fire inspector?
4. How can I get a copy of a Fire Report?
5. How can I schedule the Fire Department, firefighters, or a fire truck to participate in my community event?
6. How can I schedule a ride-along with a fire station?
7. I received a bill from Fire Recovery USA (FRUSA) that I believe is incorrect. What should I do?
8. How do I schedule a fire drill for my business?
9. How do I request a free smoke alarm?
10. How do I schedule a fire inspection?
11. Does the Durham Fire Department install car seats?
12. Where can I find City of Durham Ordinances?

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1. What is the goal of Forever Home, Durham?
2. Will Forever Home, Durham, solve the affordable housing crisis in Durham?
3. Does this program focus on other areas in addition to the development of affordable housing?
4. How will the City achieve the goals of Forever Home, Durham?
5. How does the $160 million spur $443 million in private funding for additional affordable housing support in the City of Durham?
6. What progress has the program made so far?
7. What is the role of the Durham Housing Authority (DHA) in providing housing in Durham?
8. How does the City work with DHA to create and maintain affordable housing options in Durham?
9. What is the DHA Downtown Neighborhood Plan and what is its role in affordable housing?
10. What will happen to the residents living at DHA properties that are slated for redevelopment?
11. How did the City decide which activities are included in the Forever Home, Durham Program?
12. How does the City decide which activities to work on when?
13. What else is the City doing beyond the programs funded by Forever Home, Durham?
14. How will the City track the money being spent as part of this program?
15. Was this program impacted by COVID-19?
16. How does the City track activities that count toward Forever Home, Durham goals and progress?
17. How will the funds for Forever Home, Durham be collected and authorized?
18. How does Forever Home, Durham support jobs?

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1. Should Durham's water customers be concerned about lead in the drinking water?
2. How could lead get into the drinking water?
3. How would I know if my household plumbing was a problem?
4. What can I do to minimize the risk to me and my family?
5. What is Durham doing to eliminate/reduce exposure to lead in our drinking water?
6. Have the City's actions eliminated my risk/exposure to lead and copper?
7. What should I do if I suspect lead poisoning?
8. What if I need more information or want my water tested?
9. Who may I contact at the City if I still have questions about lead?

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1. Why is this work needed, what is included, how much will it cost, and how long will it take?
2. Will my business/property be impacted during the construction phase of this project?
3. Why will some construction take place on weekends?
4. How will I know about detours, changes in traffic patterns, etc.?
5. Will my water service be affected by this project?

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1. Do these restrictions apply to car washing or pressure washing?
2. Does this apply to rain water or reclaimed water?
3. How do you define hand-watering?
4. I would like to install new sod, but will need to water more frequently than this schedule will allow, can I apply for permission to irrigate outside of this schedule?
5. What watering schedule should be followed for medians and common areas that do not have a traditional address?
6. I manage a complex with multiple addresses but just one irrigation system., how should we operate our system?
7. Why do we have to follow this schedule?
8. Do other municipalities have the same schedule?
9. Am I required to water on all 3 days of the schedule?
10. Do these restrictions replace the water shortage response restrictions?
11. If it rains on one of my scheduled watering days, can I water on another non-scheduled day?
12. What type of enforcement of the ordinance will be occurring?
13. How can I report a violation if I see one?

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1. How can I pay my City of Durham utility bill by phone?
2. How much is the payment processing charge?
3. Can a customer service representative take my payment over the phone?
4. How secure is the interactive voice response system?
5. How can I be sure my payment is received by the city?
6. Can I make a payment by phone if my account is turned off for non-payment?
7. Can I make a payment by phone if my account is still on but I have received a letter notifying me that it will be turned off today for non-payment?
8. Will the $50 nonpayment service charge be waived if I pay by phone before my water is turned off?
9. Can I make a payment when I get an automatic reminder phone call from the city that my payment is late?
10. Can I make a payment for a relative or roommate or can another person make a payment on my account?
11. Can I set up recurring payments using the interactive voice response?
12. How can I make a payment by phone if I can’t find my bill?
13. Do I have to pay the entire bill or can I pay a portion?
14. How can I cancel a payment if I’ve made a mistake or find out my spouse already paid online?
15. Why is the city offering payment by phone when the website already accepts credit cards?

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1. What is the pink film on my surfaces?
2. When does this happen?
3. How do I get rid of the pink residue?

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1. How do I hire an off-duty officer for my business or special event?
2. How large is the Durham Police Department?
3. How do I become a Durham Police officer?
4. What should I do if I am in an automobile accident?
5. What is the procedure for reporting suspicious activity in my neighborhood without calling the police?
6. How do I get it back property of mine that was turned into the police department?
7. How do I get crime statistics for a neighborhood?
8. How do I obtain a special events permit?
9. Should I install a burglar alarm on my home?
10. How can I obtain a restraining order?
11. How can I get fingerprinted for a job application?
12. How do I get a permit to purchase a pistol? How do I get a concealed weapons permit?
13. How do I get a copy of a police report or an accident report?
14. Do you have Neighborhood Watch programs?
15. I have a warrant on me. How do I get it cleared up?
16. I have a criminal summons on me. How do I get it cleared up?
17. How do I take out a warrant on someone?
18. What do I do if my vehicle has been towed? Who do I contact if I have a towing complaint or issue?
19. How do I apply for an ABC permit?
20. How can I find bond information after you have arrested someone?
21. What can I do about stray dogs and cats and barking dogs?
22. What is Partners Against Crime (PAC)?
23. What is CrimeStoppers and how does it work?
24. Can the police open my car if I have locked my keys inside?
25. Can I make a police report at any time of day and do I need to make an appointment?
26. Can I make a police report over the telephone or does a police officer have to come to my house?
27. Is there a waiting period before I can report someone missing?
28. Someone has abandoned a junk car on the street near my house. Can the police get rid of it?
29. Where can I learn more about the Citizens Police Academy?
30. How do I find out more about National Night Out?
31. I do not have any transportation and have to get somewhere. Can a police officer give me a ride?
32. I have left my spouse and am living elsewhere but I need to get my clothing and other items. Can the police help me?
33. I need to get a message to someone that does not have a telephone. Can the Police Department go to the person's home and deliver the message?
34. My family and I are going on vacation. Can the police keep an eye on our home while we are gone?
35. We have a problem with speeders in our neighborhood. What can I do about it?
36. What happens to unclaimed property?
37. I have been charged with a traffic infraction or a crime. Can I reschedule the court appearance date?

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1. How large is the Durham Police Department?
2. Are you hiring lateral applicants at this time?
3. I am BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training) certified. Will I be required to attend the entire academy?
4. When is your next academy?
5. How large is your department?
6. Do you hire out- of-state candidates?
7. Is there a residency requirement?
8. How long does the hiring process take?
9. How many people are you hiring for your next academy?
10. Do I have to attend an open house informational session?
11. Does my packet need to be complete on the day that I report for testing?
12. Is there an age requirement/cutoff?
13. Is the academy paid training?
14. Would I have a take home car?
15. Do I have to work patrol/street duty or can I go to a specialized unit once I graduate from the academy?
16. What records are required and how do I obtain copies?
17. Will you accept copies of any documents that I have to pay for?
18. Can I do a ride along with an officer?
19. Do I have to stay overnight at the academy?
20. What are the Durham Police Department’s policies on tattoos, hairstyles, beards and jewelry?

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1. Public Records Definition
2. What records are exempt from the Public Records Law?
3. May I request to inspect a record rather than get a copy?
4. What information should I provide to help the City fulfill my request?
5. How much does it cost to obtain public records?
6. How long should I expect to wait to have my request fulfilled?

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1. What is reclaimed water?
2. What is the benefit of using reclaimed water?
3. How is reclaimed water processed?
4. Is reclaimed water safe?
5. How can reclaimed water be used?
6. Are there any uses of reclaimed water that are not allowed?
7. How can I get reclaimed water?
8. What is the cost for reclaimed water?

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1. Who is eligible for curbside recycling collections in Durham?
2. What happens to recyclables I put in my blue cart?
3. I heard all recycling is now going to the landfill. Is that true?
4. Some communities aren't recycling anymore. Will this happen in Durham?
5. How can I be a better recycler?
6. What do Durham residents recycle the most?
7. What items are worth the most?
8. Can you start collecting recycling every week instead of every two weeks?
9. Why should businesses recycle?
10. How can my business start a recycling program?

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1. What is smoke testing?
2. Is the smoke toxic?
3. As a property owner, is there anything I need to do before smoke testing is performed in my neighborhood?
4. What is sewer cleaning?
5. Will the cleaning affect me?
6. What is closed circuit television and will it affect me?

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1. How do I request a bulky item pickup?
2. How am I supposed to set out bulky items?
3. Do you have a list of prohibited bulky items?
4. I live in a townhouse community. What do I need to know about bulky item set out?
5. What is bulky brush collection?
6. How can I dispose of my Television?

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1. Where is the City's solid waste drop off facility and when is it open?
2. What services are offered at the facility?
3. What are the rates for using the facility?
4. Will staff help me unload my stuff?
5. Why are there long lines every time I go?
6. Why do you have to go across the scale when bringing items to be disposed of at the hand unload or yard waste site?

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1. Where can I find my collection day?
2. What size roll out carts do you offer?
3. Where should I place my carts for collection service?
4. How do I get my damaged cart fixed?
5. How many carts are allowed per household?
6. Why was my garbage or recycling collection missed today?
7. Can you start collecting recycling every week instead of every two weeks?
8. How can I be a better recycler?
9. What happens to recyclables I put in my blue cart?
10. How do I dispose of large items that do not fit in my cart?
11. What should I do with construction and other materials?
12. I live in an apartment complex or townhome; do I receive collection services from the city?

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1. How do I sign up for yard waste service?
2. How much does it cost to sign up for yard waste service?
3. How do I find my collection day?
4. Why does Durham charge for yard waste service?
5. Why was my yard waste collection missed today?
6. Why doesn't Durham do leaf collections on streets?
7. What happens to yard waste?

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1. Why Walltown?
2. How do I participate?
3. Why collect food waste?
4. How does the program work?
5. Where will my food waste go?
6. What happens after the pilot ends?
7. I like what I hear - how do I get started?

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1. Who can I contact for help?
2. Do I need to submit a City special event permit application for my event?
3. When is my application due?
4. What supporting information do I need before beginning my special event permit application?
5. How do I hold an event within a facility owned and maintained by the Durham Parks and Recreation?
6. How do I obtain an ABC permit to sell alcohol at my event, and how long does it take to get one?
7. When do I need security or police presence at my event?
8. How do I request to use City trash receptacles?
9. What is the SERT and why am I being asked to attend their meeting?
10. How do I register or operate a food truck in the City?

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1. How do I report stormwater basin, ditch, or drainage issues?
2. How do I report illegal dumping in a storm drain?

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1. Stormwater fees for properties in Durham County, OUTSIDE of City of Durham limits.
2. What services do I get from paying stormwater utility fees?
3. Do you prefer monthly billing over annual?
4. How can I find out if there is a limit on the amount of impervious surface on my lot?
5. I disagree with my billing tier or ERU calculation...
6. What is stormwater?
7. Isn't this essentially a tax on rain water?
8. How long is my billing cycle?
9. Who is responsible for paying the stormwater utility fee?
10. Are churches and other tax-exempt properties exempt from stormwater utility fees?
11. My property is in the County, do I have to pay?
12. Why is impervious area used to determine a property's stormwater utility fee?
13. What is considered an impervious surface?
14. How is the amount of impervious area on my property calculated?
15. If stormwater causes so many problems, why don’t we treat it along with our sanitary sewage?

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1. What is a WaterSense High Efficiency Toilet?
2. Do I have to buy the toilet at a particular store?
3. Are all of the toilets on the EPA WaterSense list available at all retailers?
4. Is there anything else I need to buy with the toilet?
5. Do I have to hire someone to install the toilet?
6. What do I need to submit with my application?
7. How will I receive the rebate?
8. Will the city be checking to see that my toilet has been installed?
9. How long will the toilet rebate program last?
10. How can commercial, institutional, and industrial customers become eligible?

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1. How do I find out who towed my vehicle?
2. Who do I contact if I have a towing complaint?
3. What do I need when I pick up my vehicle from the tow company?

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1. How do I Request a Deaf Child Sign?
2. How do I request a traffic sign?
3. How do I appeal a parking ticket?
4. How do I request a Speed Hump?
5. How do I report a faulty/ out street light?
6. Where do I retrieve a lost item on a bus?

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1. What is root control?
2. How does the process work?
3. As a property owner, is there anything I need to do before root control is performed in my neighborhood?
4. Will the cleaning affect me?

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1. What are tiered water rates?
2. Why are only Single Family Residential (SFR) customers subject to the tiered rate system?
3. If I use water in the higher Tiers, will all my water be charged at that amount?
4. Will sewer charges be assessed at the tiered rates?
5. How are commercial customers billed?
6. Do business customers pay more for water and sewer services than residential users?
7. Why are water and sewer rate increases necessary?
8. What do water and sewer service charges pay for?
9. What do water and sewer consumption/usage charges pay for?
10. What is an irrigation rate?
11. Does the City have resources for customers that may not be able to pay their water and sewer bill?
12. Does Durham use tax money to provide water and sewer services?
13. Why does the use of “one-time” revenues have an impact on the water and sewer rates?
14. What are revenue bonds and why are they issued?
15. What are revenue bond rate covenants and what is their connection to water and sewer rates?
16. What are fixed sewer consumption charges – also known as sewer only charges?

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1. What is an estimated bill?
2. How can I tell if my bill is estimated?
3. How are estimated bills calculated?
4. Do I have to pay a bill that is estimated?
5. What if I paid estimated bills that turned out to be higher than my actual water use? Will I be issued a refund now that it's clear I overpaid?
6. I already paid bills without noticing they were estimated bills. Now I am being billed for more. Do I have to pay that, too?
7. How far back are you allowed to retroactively bill me?
8. How do you calculate the back-billed amount to make sure that I have not been overcharged?
9. How do I contact Customer Billing if I have a question about the amount due and how it was calculated?

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1. 1. What is water hammer?
2. 2. What causes water hammer?
3. 3. How can I stop or prevent water hammer?

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1. Where do I pay my water bill?
2. How do I get permission to tap into water or sewer?
3. How do I find out if water and sewer is available at/near my property, and/or how do I get the line extended?
4. How do I request new water or sewer lines be installed at my property?
5. Before I dig on my property how do I get my utilities located or marked?
6. How do I inquire about a Pending Assessment?
7. How do I inquire about Confirmed Assessments?

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1. Why is this work needed?
2. What is included in this project?
3. How much will it cost?
4. How long will it take?
5. Will my business/property be impacted during the field investigation phase of this project?

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1. Why is this work needed, what is included, how much will it cost, and how long will it take?
2. Will my business/property be impacted during the construction phase of this project?
3. Why will some construction take place on weekends?
4. How will I know about detours, changes in traffic patterns, etc.?
5. Will my water service be affected by this project?