“FRIDAY UPDATES”

June 6, 2008

 

Nothing brings the spring landscape alive quite like a flowering crabapple tree. This beautiful photograph of the Town Landing was taken by resident Frank Pilar in mid-May of this year.

 

 

This week, the Town concluded its spring catch basin cleanup, with approximately 175 catch basins being cleaned for the season.

 

THE FARMERS MARKET

A reminder that the Durham Farmers Market is underway for the summer and will continue through October 6, 2008. The market will be in the Pettee Brook parking lot every Monday from 2:30 to 5:30 PM. There will be several farmers selling vegetables and fruit, and residents will also find cut flowers, plants, bread, and more.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT CAPTAIN PROMOTIONAL PROCESS CONCLUDES

Three of our Captains at the Fire Department are retiring from public service this year.  Last month, firefighter David Emanuel was promoted to the initial Captain vacancy created by the retirement of Richard Miller.  Following the conclusion of the selection process for the remaining two upcoming Captain vacancies created by the impending retirement of Hubert Matheny and Michael Hoffman, Chief O'Leary recommended firefighters Paul Marcoux and Jeffrey Furlong for promotion.  The promotional process was open to all existing firefighters and included written and oral boards, as well as interviews with the executive officers at the department.  After meeting with Chief O'Leary and the two Division Chiefs (Operations and Fire Prevention & Safety), the Administrator has approved the promotion of firefighters Marcoux and Furlong.  At tomorrow evening's retirement celebration for Captains Matheny, Miller, and Hoffman, there will also be a brief promotional ceremony.  A congratulations is extended to firefighters Emanuel, Marcoux, and Furlong.  In addition, thanks are extended to Captains Miller, Matheny, and Hoffman for their outstanding service to Durham and the University of New Hampshire over the course of many years.

 

TOWN COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP – JUNE 9TH

Councilors and department heads are reminded that we have scheduled a special budget workshop on Monday, June 9, 2008, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Town Council chambers.  In preparation for the meeting, please be sure to bring your 2008 Approved Operating Budget book as it contains detailed information dealing with personnel comparisons, debt to budget ratio comparisons, fiscal forecasts, revenue and expenditure information, etc.  You should also plan to bring your approved 2008-2017 Capital Improvement Program book as this projects anticipated long-term municipal capital projects and their respective funding implications for the community.  In addition, Business Manager Gail Jablonski is in the process of pulling together some financial workups that she will bring to the meeting on Monday evening intended to break out in more detail personnel/benefit information from other functional areas in the budget.  As part of the Town Council's goals for 2008, there is a desire to provide clear direction on budget goals and to review the budget process including the following:

 

 

POOL VOUCHERS NOW AVAILABLE

Pool pass vouchers are still available for resident youths and senior citizens. Please stop by the Town Clerk’s Office, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday to obtain a pool voucher. Eligible residents can receive a $35.00 discount off the full price of a season pass. Vouchers are issued on a first come, first served basis. Pool pass vouchers must be picked up BEFORE purchasing a pool pass, which are currently available at the Front Service Desk at the Hamel Student Recreation Center, located next to the Whittemore Center on the UNH campus. The UNH outdoor swimming pool will be opening on Saturday, June 21, 2008. For additional information regarding hours of operation for the Hamel Recreation Center, rental rates, group rates, policies and regulations, pool programs, Mendum’s Pond programs, or the Hamel Recreation Center facility and programs, please call the UNH Campus Recreation Department at 862-2031 or visit their website at http://campusrec.unh.edu.

 

JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION

The Durham-Great Bay Rotary Club and the Town of Durham will be sponsoring a gala Independence Day celebration with fireworks on Friday, July 4th with a rain date of Saturday, July 5th to be held at Cowell Stadium on the UNH campus. In addition to music, activities are also planned for children. The food court will also be open and serve great food throughout the fireworks display. Donations will be accepted at the gate. Fireworks will begin at dusk (9:00-9:15 PM).

 

DURHAM DAY 2008

Durham Day 2008 has been set for Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 12:30-4:30 PM at Wagon Hill Farm. Residents interested in assisting with this annual event should contact Durham Day Coordinator, Nicole Moore, at 868-6775 or e-mail durhamday3@yahoo.com.

 

MOST CONSERVATIVE OR RESTRICTIVE” MANDATE IN ZONING ORDINANCE

The present language of Section 175-9, A (13) contained within the Durham Zoning Ordinance states:  The Zoning Administrator, his assistant or designee shall "Take the most conservative or restrictive approach in applying or interpreting these regulations."  The general thought expressed in this language is consistent with zoning theory that the zoning administrator's job is merely to interpret and apply the terms of the ordinance -- not to change them.  Therefore, it is not desirable to give the zoning administrator any great amount of flexibility or discretion.  However, as presently written, this instruction is mandated as an absolute, reason or good sense set aside.  On Monday evening, June 2nd, the Town Council discussed the "most conservative or restrictive" mandate and set a public hearing as part of a Council-initiated zoning change to eliminate it for Monday, June 16, 2008.  To view a letter from the Town attorney regarding the implications of striking this language from the Zoning Ordinance, click HERE.

 

SEMIANNUAL TAX BILLS

A reminder that the first half semiannual 2008 tax bills are due on Tuesday, July 1, 2008. Interest will begin accruing on July 2nd.

 

VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES

Currently, there are still a number of vacancies remaining to be filled on various Town boards, commissions, and committees. Residents interested in being appointed to any of the boards, commissions, or committees listed below may obtain an application form by clicking HERE.  Applications are also available at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office. Completed applications may be submitted via email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us, or mailed to Jennie Berry, Town of Durham, 15 Newmarket Road. To view the charges/responsibilities for the various Town boards, commissions, and committees, click HERE.

 

Historic District Commission - (1 vacancy)

Planning Board – (1 alternate member vacancy)

Zoning Board of Adjustment - (2 alternate member vacancies)

Durham Cable Access Television (DCAT) Governance Committee - (3 vacancies)

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee - (2 vacancies)

Strafford Regional Planning Commission (MPO Policy) - (2 vacancies)

 

AUTOMOBILE REGISTRATIONS

On Tuesday of this week, the Town Clerk’s office began performing its on-line automobile registrations utilizing the State of New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles motor vehicle database which will allow the Clerk’s office to offer more services and limit the necessity for residents to go to motor vehicle substations. Except for the process taking a little longer than usual, the Clerk’s office reports that the first week has gone relatively smooth, and that the continued patience of residents during this transition time is very much appreciated. A reminder that registration renewals may also be done on-line through E-Reg by logging on to the Town web site at www.ci.durham.nh.us, or by mail. New registrations must be done in person at the Town Clerk’s office. If registering a new vehicle, residents are reminded to please bring their old registrations or renewal notices with them when registering their cars.

 

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week in the Town Council chambers at the Durham Town Office and will begin at 7:00 PM unless otherwise indicated below.

 

Town Council – Monday, June 9, 2008 (work session on FY 2008 Budget)

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee – Tuesday, June 17, 2008 (7:30 AM)

Zoning Board of Adjustment – Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Conservation Commission – Thursday, June 11, 2008

Economic Development Committee – Friday, June 13, 2008 (7:30 AM)

 

To view an agenda for the meetings listed above, please click HERE.  All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

 

DURHAM POLICE PARTICIPATE IN FIRST ANNUAL STRAFFORD COUNTY SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

Last Saturday, the Durham and UNH Police Departments, in partnership with the Strafford County Child Advocacy Center and SASS (Sexual Assault Support Services), hosted the first annual Strafford County Softball Tournament. Six teams comprised of various law enforcement agencies throughout the Seacoast region competed from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM to raise money for the Child Advocacy Center in this area.   The event consisted of an all day cookout, a DJ, and a variety of raffles with items from University of New Hampshire sports teams. The Child Advocacy Centers are community partnerships dedicated to a coordinated team approach by professionals pursuing child abuse investigations.  The goal is to bring together professionals from law enforcement, the County Attorney’s Office, the Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), victim advocacy agencies, and the medical and mental health communities to provide a safe child-friendly location for interviewing alleged victims of child abuse and coordinating the investigative team. In spite of the rainy weather, the entire event was an incredible success raising over $1,000 for the Child Advocacy Center.  Congratulations to Durham’s Sergeant Dave Holmstock for accomplishing all those tasks that made this event such a success.

 

BICYLCE SAFETY

Now that spring is here, travelers are reminded that bicyclists are out in force, sharing the road with cars, trucks, and motorcycles.  Bicycles are legally considered vehicles and belong upon roadways (or designated bicycle paths), but not on sidewalks.  When the roadway warrants it, bicycles are permitted to “take a lane” and to ride along with traffic in the middle of the traveling lane.  While it may be legal, most bicyclists would prefer to ride on a wide, smooth shoulder instead of in front of a multi-ton vehicle. The Durham police would like to remind motorists that the shoulder portion of the roadway is not always available or may be covered with road grit or remnants of the winter sanding efforts, all of which pose significant problems for a bike’s narrow tires.  At other times, a bicyclist may need to pull into the lane of traffic to make a left turn. As the driver of a multi-ton vehicle that may be following a bike that’s in your lane, please bear in mind that it is rare for a car to ever need to wait more than 60 seconds to pass a bike. Those 60 seconds add tremendously to the safety of the cyclist.  Please pay particular attention and anticipate unexpected maneuvers, especially from young bicyclists, giving them ample berth and respecting their rights.  Following these few suggestions keeps Durham bicycle-friendly and safe for all to enjoy. Bicyclists should remember to:

 

·         Wear bike helmets at all times but make sure it fits appropriately in order to hear approaching vehicles.

·         Never listen to music while wearing headphones when riding a bike.

·         Keep your bike in good shape.

·         Always let cars and people go first.

·         Slow down and check traffic at all corners.

·         Keep both hands on the handle bars except when doing turn signals.

·         Walk across busy streets.

 

NEW BUSINESS DOWNTOWN – TASTES OF NEW ENGLAND

A new gourmet and specialty food shop recently opened in downtown Durham. Tastes of New England features a variety of gourmet and specialty foods from small producers throughout the northeast. Tastings are held daily and offer everything from pates, salsas, pestos, BBQ sauces and marinades to truffle oils, fruit balsamics, jams, chocolates, and more. A variety of gluten-free and vegan products are also available at the store. In addition, the shop offers some unique lines of local pottery and hand painted stemware, a locally made line of cheese and bread boards, candles, cookbooks, home accessories and country style furniture made in Brentwood, NH. Owner Mary Reed says that new products are continually arriving and she hopes to also offer a small selection of wine, cheeses, cured meats, and fresh baked artisanal breads sometime before the holiday season. Gift baskets are available and the store will ship orders anywhere in the continental US. The shop will also offer a bridal/gift registry. Store hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Inquiries are welcomed for fundraising events and special private tasting events after normal business hours. For further information about Tastes of New England call 603-868-1202.

 

OYSTER RIVER PARENTS & PRESCHOOLERS – FUNDRAISER CONCERT

On Monday, June 9, 2008 from 4:15-5:15 PM, the Oyster River Parents & Preschoolers (ORPP) will sponsor a concert to raise funds for the victims of the recent Chinese earthquakes. ORPP members Nicholas and Maria Isaak have had a Chinese graduate student, Joyce (Xu Yi), living with them this past year. Joyce plays the Guzheng (an ancient Chinese zither) and will share her talent for playing this instrument. The concert is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. For more information, please contact Maria Isaak at 603-674-7147 or email misaak@comcast.net.

 

UNH BEGINS MUB SUMMER SERIES

The University of New Hampshire will begin its MUB Summer Series events each Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the summer. On Tuesday, July 8, 2008, beginning at 7:00 PM the movie “National Treasurer: Book of Secrets” will be showing in Theaters I and II at the MUB.  On Wednesday, July 9, 2008, beginning at 3:00 PM, musician Jason Levasseur will be performing in Theater II. Movies are co-sponsored by the MUB, Durham Business Association, and Durham: It’s Where U Live. Everything is free and open to the public. For more information regarding other summer events, please contact Dave at 862-1586 or log on to: www.unhmub.com, or to view the summer series flyer www.unhmub.com/mub/unh_summer_2008.pdf

 

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE MILL POND CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Thursday, June 19, 2008, 5:30 PM, Bliss in concert. Tickets: $10/Adults, $25/Family rate, $5/12 and under, FREE/5 and under. Bring a picnic, chairs, and blankets. Dinner available for purchase A La Carte menu from Hickory Pond Inn.

 

Friday, June 20, 2008, 8:00 PM (doors open at 7:00 PM), The Robin Nolan Trio and Ameranouche. Tickets: $20.00. Bring a picnic, chairs, and blankets. Dinner available for purchase by the Blue Mermain Island Grill.

 

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (603) 868-8999 or visit www.millpondcenter.org.

 

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1785 – When there were 8 school districts there was no busing problem. By 1805 there were 10 districts and for the next 80 years the duty of providing teachers was imposed on a prudential committee in each district. Durham Point and Packers Falls school buildings still stand.”

 

Have a nice weekend.

 

Todd

 

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham
15 Newmarket Road
Durham, New Hampshire 03824
Tel (603) 868-5571
Fax (603) 868-5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us
www.ci.durham.nh.us