Friday Updates - October 13, 2023

Friday, October 13, 2023

The General Sullivan Monument during a previous fall season. Courtesy, John Parsons

Staff within the Administrator's Office and Business Office are busy at work reviewing the requested budgets from departments and external organizations as well as municipal committees for the Town's fiscal year 2024 (1/1/24 - 12/31/24). Total increased spending requests to date total approximately $1.4 million on a $18.3 million budget, a percentage increase of 7.73%. This would have a tax rate impact of approximately 25 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, an increase of 4.36%. In conformance with Council goals, the Administrator is working to achieve a tax rate increase of 0% or less. The consumer price index increase for August is 3.7% for the United States. Needless to say, it is a very busy time crafting a budget for Council consideration. Administrator Selig has until the last business day in October to submit a proposed FY2024 budget to the Council.

HOMECOMING IS UPON US - You may want to find alternative routes

The University of New Hampshire Homecoming Weekend is once again upon us. UNH will be hosting the University of Albany Football team on Saturday, October 14th. Tailgating will start at 9 AM and the game kicks off at 1 PM. The Durham Police Department expects to see a significant increase in traffic throughout the town and wants the community to be aware that the traffic pattern on Main Street from Sage Way to Mast Road will be changed for the football game. Community members may wish to seek alternative routes during the day to avoid any delays. 

DURHAM WINTER PARKING BAN BEGINS NOVEMBER 1ST

The Durham Winter Parking ban begins Wednesday, November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2024. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But the Winter Parking ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM. As the ordinance states,

“Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.” 

For the first few weeks, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur during this period, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed to allow for Durham Public Works to effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham.

A view from along the Oyster River Forest walking trail. Courtesy, Karen Edwards

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY EVENT – October 14th at Durham Public Works

The annual Household Hazardous Waste Day Event will be held on October 14th. This collection event provides an opportunity for residents to properly dispose of

certain common household hazardous wastes free of charge while protecting the

environment. Please call Durham Public Works at 603-868-5578 for additional

details. Pre-registration is required.

The Durham Police Department would like to remind pedestrians and operators of motorized scooters or similar modes of transportation that they have a responsibility to drivers when they are crossing at a crosswalk. It remains the responsibility of drivers to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

Pedestrians have an equally important responsibility to cross safely. New Hampshire RSA 265: 35 states, “no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.” With the increase in motorized scooters and other electric forms transportation, the speed they may enter a crosswalk can be considerably faster than that of someone walking, thereby decreasing the response time of a driver. Please remember to be safe when crossing at all crosswalks, especially as the days get shorter with the season. 

To read the Town's Ordinance regarding motorized vehicles, please click HERE.

Fifty years ago this month, Durham first learned that Aristotle Onassis, then the richest man in the world, intended to build the largest oil refinery in the world on Durham Point! The story of how the fight to defeat that project, led by three Durham women, is the subject of a talk by David Moore, who wrote about the events in his book, Small Town, Big Oil. Please consider attending his talk at the Durham Public Library on Wednesday, October 18 at 6:30pm. No registration is required.  

SEPTEMBER MONTHLY REPORT FROM SARA CALLAGHAN, DURHAM'S LAND STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR

September progress and activities included: Supported the Stewarding Our Lands Working Group; Collected trail use information from Longmarsh Preserve; Continued to coordinate efforts with Gale Carey to create a more robust Trail Stewards program, including identifying and communicating with potential volunteers and confirming their interest in taking on this role and scheduling a Trail Stewards workshop; Continued to support Doe Farm and the Trustees of the Trust Funds in facilitating the forest management plan update by Charlie Moreno and coordinating invasive species management efforts; Brushed out the yellow trail at Longmarsh Preserve; Drafted a 2024 budget proposal for land stewardship and met with Todd Selig and Business Manager Gail Jablonski to discuss; Coordinated field and trail mowing of Thompson Forest and Oyster River Forest for this Fall and next year with an independent contractor; Began to work with individuals involved in the coordination of invasive species management along the Mill Pond in anticipation of removal of the dam; Attended Land Stewardship Subcommittee, Stewarding Our Lands Working Group, and Doe Farm Trustees of Trust Funds meetings; Met with Milne Nature Sanctuary Committee and Tom Brighton, previous land stewardship coordinator, to better understand the vision and goals of the Milne Sanctuary; Coordinated a volunteer workday at Milne Nature Sanctuary, which included invasive species removal, trail clearing and mulching and the creation of a short trail through the pollinator garden.

Upcoming Work Days:

• Friday October 13th, 9:00 to 11:00 – Negotiating Knapweed at Meadows
• Sunday October 15th, 8:30-11:30 - Buckthorn Blitz with Boy scouts at Doe Farm
• Monday November 6th, 4:00-6:00 – Trail Stewards Workshop at the Town Hall

Although not yet open, it appears that the Durham Ice Rink is preparing for the season. A "buried" hockey player was spotted along Route 108 heading out of Town. Courtesy, James Bubar

HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING OCTOBER 16

The Housing Task Force is meeting this Monday, October 16, at 10:00 am in the Council Chambers. The agenda can be seen HERE. Nick Taylor will give a presentation on Housing and Smart Growth. Nick is the director of the Seacoast Workforce Housing Coalition and an advisor to the task force.

Several members of the Durham Housing Task Force and the Planning Board toured the Cottages of Back River Road in Dover yesterday. Construction is well underway on the site which will offer 44 affordable single-family, cottage-style, "tiny" homes. Each cottage includes a bedroom, a living room with a high open ceiling, and a loft space above which can be used as sleeping area. 

The development is being constructed by John and Maggie Randolph who own the two Harmony Homes senior facilities in Durham. Maggie, an architect, designed the structures and the site in Dover. The houses are laid out around a landscaped green which will be a community focal point (shown in the central area in the photograph). Half of the 8-acre parcel will be conserved in its natural state. The units meet the state’s definition for workforce housing and will remain affordable in perpetuity. 

The Randolphs were able to provide affordable units, without any government subsidies, because of the additional density allowed by the City of Dover for workforce housing and the highly efficiency design and small size of the houses. John and Maggie have become leading voices in New Hampshire for the enormous need for affordable housing and its impact on many businesses now struggling to find workers.

OUT FOR A WALK? WEAR ORANGE. HUNTING SEASON HAS BEGUN!

As New Hampshire Fish and Game advises, “It’s recommended that all outdoor enthusiasts and their pets heading into the woods this fall think safety by wearing blaze orange, sticking to established trails when hiking, and reviewing the safe hiking guidelines at hikesafe.com.” Fluorescent orange not in your fall wardrobe? “Wearing blaze orange has statistically been shown to decrease hunting incidents across the country,” said Josh Mackay, who coordinates the Hunter Education Program at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Learn more, including hunting season dates, at the Department's website HERE.

Composting is one of the most effective and impactful ways to be sustainable. If you’re looking to make just one sustainable change in your life, consider composting!

Here are a few tips from Durham residents on what helps make composting work for them.

If you have a backyard compost:

“I rotate 2 bins in order to have good compost for my garden. I leave one to rest and decompose for a season while I fill the other.”

“In the winter, when my bin tends to freeze shut, I bag my compost and take it to the transfer station.”

“My Autumn pumpkins will complete their life cycle in our yard next to our leaf pile. “

If you bring your compost to the transfer station:

“I live in town, so I don’t have a yard big enough for a backyard compost. Instead, I keep a 3 gallon ceramic compost bin under my sink for my compost. The bin has a filter, which keeps it odor-free and it’s easy to fill with food scraps during food prep. When the weather gets warm, I store my full bags of compost in the freezer until I bring them to the transfer station for drop off.”

“I keep a colander with a plate under it on the counter when I prepare meals. That way, I can just toss scraps in the colander while I'm working, let any liquid drain out, and then, at the end of the day, I empty the colander into the bin we keep under the sink. The colander fits easily in the fridge during the summer, so we don't invite fruit flies.”

“Ever since I've been composting, my trash bin is so light and easy to wheel to the curb.”

Join us on Wednesday, October 25 at 6:30 PM at the Durham Public Library to learn more about composting, and how you can benefit from its advantages. 

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Click HERE.

Want to know more about the Swap Shop?  Click HERE.

DO YOU HAVE A DESIRE FOR MORE LIKE BIKE LANES OR EV CHARGERS IN DURHAM?

The NH Department of Transportation has provided a survey for residents to express their views on the Department's 2025-2034 Ten-Year Plan. The survey covers all modes of New Hampshire's transportation system. The survey can be accessed HERE.

The Town of Durham is pleased to announce the option to pay for metered parking using a mobile app. The Town is partnering with ParkMobile to make contactless parking easy! 

ParkMobile is available for both iPhone and Android devices and can be accessed on a mobile web browser. To pay for parking via the ParkMobile app or website, users will enter the zone number or scan the QR code found on the signs located within the parking lot, choose the duration of time they wish to park and touch the “start parking” button. Users can easily extend their parking sessions after they have paid for parking via the ParkMobile app.

At this time, it is not feasible for the ParkMobile app to offer the 1-hour free option in the downtown core. However, this option is still available at many downtown pay stations using the “pay and display” method. Your first hour is free when displaying the receipt from the pay station in the designated areas. Residents with a Durham taxpayer/resident sticker on their car receive a second hour free in these spaces as well.

DPW FALL NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE – Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Begins November 6th

Durham Public Works’ Fall Newsletter is now available by clicking HERE.  Check out the many fall projects that are being done as well as important information on Hazardous Waste Day and Fall Leaf & Yard Waste Residential Curbside Collection Program. The Newsletter is also available in a hard copy version which can be picked up at the Durham Public Works, Durham Police Department, Durham Town Hall, and the Durham Public Library.

The Fall Leaf and Yard Waste Residential Curbside Collection Program begins on November 6th at 7:00 am. Please place acceptable materials curbside no earlier than November 3rd. A list of acceptable and unacceptable materials can be found in the Fall Newsletter.

HALLOWEEN IS A BUSY TIME IN DURHAM 

Trick or treating in Durham will take place on Monday, October 30th, from 5 - 7:30 PM. The Durham Police Department wants to remind all parents to think “Safety First” and recommends high visibility costumes for your little witches and gremlins. It is expected to be a very active weekend for the department as we strive to maintain a proactive and high visibility presence designed to allow everyone to enjoy the various entertainment opportunities both on the UNH campus and throughout the downtown.  

BEARS CAN BE GOOD NEIGHBORS

Bears continue to be on the move, and it is important to understand how we can limit our interactions. According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game website, black bears are generally shy and usually avoid humans. They are opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when natural foods are not available. Maintaining a sustainable bear population in New Hampshire depends on minimizing human-bear conflicts. It is illegal to intentionally feed bears in New Hampshire. Intentional feeding can create problems within residential areas and can result in fines. It also may threaten the life of the bear if it becomes a nuisance animal as a result of this feeding.

New Hampshire Fish and Game understands the importance of educating the public and provides very good tips for helping to avoid conflicts with bears. You can find the tips HERE. 

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, the Durham Fire Department will host an open house at the fire station. In keeping with National Fire Prevention month, which occurs annually during the month of October, the open house hopes to bring awareness to the importance of fire prevention in the home and in the community. For more information, please scan the QR code. The Fire Department hopes to see you there!

The Durham Fire Department is accepting applications to fill an open vacancy and to create a hiring eligibility list for the position of Firefighter/AEMT. The hiring eligibility list may be active for up to eighteen months.

The full position posting and Town of Durham application may be found on the Town’s website HERE.

The application deadline is Friday, October 27, 2023, at 4:00 pm. Position to remain open until filled.  

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 would like to introduce Smokey the Fire Dog. Smokey will give short tips on Fire Safety, weekly so Parents and guardians can generate conversation with their children about Fire Safety. Keep an eye out in the weekly updates These small questions and tips are a great way for you as a Parent to teach your kids about Fire Safety, the more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #40

Ok kids, it’s almost Fire Prevention Week, so we need to make sure of 3 more things.

1.   Do you have a meeting place when you come out of your house during an emergency.

2.   Are all the smoke detectors in the house working and do you know what they sound like.

3.   Have you done a family fire drill?

JOB OPENING FOR A DCAT 22 TV CAMERA OPERATOR/CONTROL ROOM TECHNICIAN  

An as-needed position in the DCAT/IT Department for a TV camera operator/control room technician is available. The person in this position will perform highly responsible work supporting and maintaining the operation of the Town’s audio/video recording systems. This position focuses on the video recording of public meetings, generally during the evening hours.  The position pays $20.00 per hour with a 2-hour minimum. Position is open until filled. Click HERE for full job description.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Craig Stevens, Durham TV Coordinator, 8 Newmarket Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or email: cstevens@ci.durham.nh.us. 

ORCSD SCHOOL BOARD SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE

The Superintendent Search Committee thanks all students, parents, guardians, staff, and community members who provided critical feedback by completing the survey and attending a focus group. The feedback is being used by the committee to create a candidate profile which will summarize the qualities the district values in its leadership. This profile will be utilized by the screening committee to determine candidate assessment methods.

Additional information regarding the superintendent search process and timeline can be found on the District website HERE.

OCTOBER 16-20 IS NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK

Did you know Oyster River school bus drivers work all day to ensure the safe transportation of students? Together, the transportation team has over 662 years of combined experience transporting children. And 462 of those years are with Oyster River!

In honor of National School Bus Safety Week, we invite Oyster River families to give their driver a compliment. To do so, please click HERE to complete a short form.

To learn more about our transportation department, please click HERE to visit our website.

OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SENATE TO HOST MENTAL HEALTH PANEL

The ORHS Student Senate invites you to attend Mental Health Matters: Breaking the Stigma, on October 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium (55 Coe Dr., Durham).

The goal of this panel conversation is to continue our community conversation on mental health. The theme is "breaking the stigma related to mental health".

Panelists will reflect a variety of perspectives including students, faculty, and mental health professionals in our community. You may submit a question for the panel by completing the question submission form HERE. 

Want some insects with your IPA? How about sea life with a local cider?

Seacoast Sips of Science, a series that brings UNH scientists into Seacoast-area breweries and other venues to share their latest research in a relaxed, interactive environment, returns with six events this coming academic year.

Seacoast Sips of Science traces its origins to 2016, when Seacoast Sips of Science director Christine Caputo, associate professor of chemistry, launched a three-day Pint of Science festival at Seacoast-area breweries. The event rebranded as Seacoast Sips of Science after COVID, and in 2022 it expanded to host monthly events. In addition to Caputo, volunteer organizers are UNH Ph.D. students Emily Andrews, Jo Field and Caroline Kanaskie; Dovev Levine, assistant dean for graduate student affairs/assistant vice provost for outreach and engagement; and Beth Potier, director of research communications.

Seacoast Sips of Science has partnered with the UNH Graduate School, and receives funding from the UNH Office of Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach.

NH AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION PUMPKIN DAY - Saturday, Oct. 14, 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Kingman Research Farm, 333 Knox Marsh Rd., Madbury, NH 03823

Join the NH Agricultural Experiment Station for Pumpkin Day—an opportunity to learn from Dr. Chris Hernandez about UNH’s cucurbits research program. Participants will have the opportunity to decorate and take home a pumpkin or butternut squash grown right at UNH’s Kingman Research Farm. Oyster River Parents of Preschoolers will lead the decorating fun for aspiring scientists of all ages!

Registration is required. Click HERE to register.

Due to limited parking, we encourage carpooling to accommodate as many as possible.

Founded in 1887, the NH Agricultural Experiment Station at the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture is UNH’s first research center and an elemental component of New Hampshire's land-grant university heritage and mission. We steward federal and state funding, including support from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to provide unbiased and objective research concerning diverse aspects of sustainable agriculture and foods, aquaculture, forest management, and related wildlife, natural resources, and rural community topics.