“FRIDAY UPDATES”

Friday, October 31, 2008

 

 

Swans at Beard’s Creek

Courtesy Jessie McKone

 

According to Jessie McKone, the swans will not fly to Portsmouth until the Beard’s Creek pond is frozen solid.  They will return just prior to Spring when there is the slightest thaw of open water (about the size of a hubcap) in mid-March.

 

PHOTOGRAPH CREDIT CORRECTION

The Old Landing Park photograph featured in last week’s “Friday Updates” was incorrectly credited. The photographer is Nino Coletti. We apologize to Mr. Coletti for the error and thank him for sharing his beautiful photograph with us.

 

Fiscal Year 2009 Proposed Budget

The Town Administrator's proposed FY 2009 Budget(s) and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) have been placed in Town Council boxes and are available for residents to review in hard copy at the Town Office or the Durham Public Library.  This year's budget is reflective of the prevailing recessionary economic climate and works to mitigate the financial hardships experienced by our residents. It proposes a drop in operational spending by approximately $100,000, makes strategic infrastructure investments to promote the broadening of the tax base in years to come, reduces personnel, foregoes wage increases for non-unionized salaried employees such as the Town Administrator and our department heads, and holds the projected 2008 local/municipal (non-school/non-county) tax rate of $7.03 flat for 2009. The budget also focuses on municipal fiscal stability during uncertain contracting economic times, particularly within financial markets that impact municipalities when borrowing or obtaining TANS/BANS. The proposed FY 2009 Budget(s) will be placed on the Town web site within a week. To view Administrator Selig's budget transmittal letter to the Town Council, click HERE.

 

ELECTION PLANNING

A final reminder that the General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Voting in Durham will be held at the Oyster River High School located on Coe Drive. Polling hours are 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. To view the sample ballot listing offices that will be on the November 4^th General Election ballot and candidates running for those offices, please click HERE.  

 

Fall Backward

Daylight Saving Time officially ends at 2:00 AM on Sunday morning, so don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday evening.

 

Collaborative Efforts Between Durham/UNH Prove Productive

After much productive dialogue over a number of  years between the Town and the University in exploring the possibility of private development on University land in order to broaden the tax base and provide win/win affordable housing opportunities for UNH and Durham alike, a Request for Information (RFI) has been issued by the University intended to attract ideas for the development of the Leawood Orchard parcel on Mast Road as future below market graduate student/junior faculty family housing.  The RFI is self-explanatory and will be of great interest to a variety of Durham boards/committees.  To view the RFI, click HERE.  The Town Council will receive an update on this positive development on Monday evening, November 3rd. 

 

Downtown Disturbance Prevention Efforts Prove Successful in Durham

The Durham Police Department, in conjunction with student affairs staff from the University of New Hampshire, the Fire Department, the Durham Rental Housing Commission, the Durham Business Association, and the Durham Landlords Association have been effective over the last several years in employing proactive strategies to help prevent celebratory riots in Durham following major sporting events such as the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the Frozen Four Collegiate Ice Hockey Championship involving local/regional teams.  In fact, following the Red Sox loss to the Rays two weeks ago in the final game of the American League Championship Series, the police department was able to substantially scale back staffing costs associated with preventative efforts.  Unfortunately, Penn State University had challenges earlier this week following a collegiate football game against Ohio State prompting authorities there to renew their proactive efforts.  In Durham, we have worked to sustain proactive preventative efforts over time while also being mindful of the cost of police ramp-ups during high profile athletic events.  For more information on this week's Pennsylvania incident, go to  http://www.centredaily.com/408/story/926562.html.

 

Durham Tax Bills Will Be Mailed Late

The Town is still likely two to three weeks away from setting its 2008 tax rate as a result of the ongoing revaluation process.  In September, the Assessing Office established draft values for property in town and set aside several weeks for property owners to respond.  Assessor Robb Dix met with more than 200 residents about the draft values and is now reviewing the feedback received as part of finalizing values.  The Assessing Office is also still awaiting feedback with respect to multi-unit and commercial property valuations from Steve Traub, an appraisal expert from Newburyport, Mass that has been engaged by the Town to provide feedback concerning existing draft value sets.  Once the tax rate is set, the Town Council would be asked to approve the tax warrant which would trigger the mailing of 2008 final bills.  Tax bills will be due thirty days thereafter.  The Town has received correspondence from the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) following the review of Durham assessing records by DRA Auditor David Hynes which indicates draft values are proportionate and reflect the true and fair market value as of April 1, 2008. To view the DRA correspondence, click HERE.

 

Dispatch Transition Challenges

2-Way Communications is still working to address microwave signal transmission disruptions between Durham and Strafford County Dispatch.  At the present time, Durham Fire is operating on its backup UNH Dispatch signal and Durham Police is operating on its backup channel. 

 

DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCREDITATION RESULTS IN INSURANCE PREMIUM SAVINGS FOR THE TOWN

Founded in 1979, the New Hampshire Public Risk Management Exchange (Primex³) is a public entity risk pool organized and operating as a trust on behalf of member municipalities, schools, counties and other governmental entities. Primex³ offers Durham a wide variety of risk management and financing services, ranging from workers' compensation to property and liability coverage. Executive Director Ty Gagne notified the Police Department this week that because of the department’s status as a nationally accredited law enforcement agency, there would be a savings in Durham’s insurance premiums.  Director Gagne has been working on this issue for some time and is finally able to add a “credit” for law enforcement accreditation into our workers’ compensation and property/liability rating models. Director Gagne is aware that the accreditation process contains a self-documenting system of accountability and independent verification. The principles of accreditation, such as professional standards, documentation, and accountability can therefore supply the documentary evidence and persuasive authority necessary to demonstrate that the police did in fact act within the bounds of the lawful authority if and when challenged for actions taken.  As a result, Director Gagne advised that Primex would be providing a discount totaling $1,621.00 on Durham’s insurance premiums. 

 

Bicycle Safety Reminder

With the stunning fall weather bringing out many cyclists around Durham and UNH, it bears repeating that bicyclists should ride on the RIGHT side of the road, not facing traffic. Not only is this the law, it is also in place for the safety of cyclists. Cars pulling out expect bicycles to be riding with traffic, so they may not look in the direction of cyclists riding the opposite way. Wrong-way bikes meeting right-way riders head-on in a bike lane also pose a dangerous situation. For the forgetful or directionally challenged, the bike lanes on Main Street are conveniently painted with arrows indicating the direction of traffic.

 

DURHAM PLANNING BOARD

The Planning Board met on Wednesday, October 29, 2008, and the following items were on the agenda: Public Hearing on an Application for Subdivision submitted by David T. Sawyer to subdivide one lot into two lots at 6 Spinney Lane; Public Hearing on a Site Plan Review Application and Conditional Use Application submitted by Park Court Properties Inc. for the construction of a mixed-use, multi-unit building which would create 32 units with 124 beds located at 262 Mast Road; Discussion of Zoning Ordinance Amendments Regarding Article XXII, Landscaping, and Article XXIV, Septic Systems; and approved Request for Extension on Conditions of Approval for Site Plan Approval at 1 Madbury Road.

 

RECYCLING CHANGE AT THE OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL

Beginning November 1^st, the Department of Public Works will be replacing the current cardboard dumpsters at the Oyster River Middle and High Schools with a single-stream recycling container. This will be done on a trial basis and will allow the schools to recycle all materials into one container, including: cardboard, mixed paper, all plastics 1-7, glass bottles, and cans. Currently the school system disposes most of these materials in the regular trash.  The Department of Public Works has been working with the Oyster River Facilities Department, their Business Office, and Casella Waste Services to facilitate this change. This new method of recycling is gaining popularity and appears to be the direction that the recycling market is going. 

 

Fall Cleanup

Curbside collection of leaves and brush will begin on Monday, November 10, 2008. Everything must be curbside no later than 7AM.  Leaves should be placed in paper leaf bags (remember, plastic bags are not recyclable).  Paper bags may be purchased at the Durham Marketplace or Town and Campus.  Loose leaves will not be accepted but may be brought to the Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road.  Brush should be placed in one direction, bundled and tied with string (no wire please).  Brush and limbs must be no greater than 5 feet in length and 5 inches in diameter.  No stumps will be accepted.  The amount of brush and limbs is limited to one truckload per household.

 

Anonymous POLICE Complaints

While the police will respond to any incident with or without a complainant, that getting back to those who have alerted the police of a situation and informing them of the action and resolution of the police intervention becomes problematic with a complainant.  As an example, recently a letter was left in mailboxes by a presumed neighborhood resident expressing concern about dogs that he/she considered violent and potentially dangerous that were housed in the neighborhood. The police investigated the allegations which resulted in an abatement notice being served on the animals owner. As a routine practice, the police would have advised the complaining party of the outcome but with an anonymous complaint, they are unable to so.

 

Roselawn Farm Walk

On Saturday, November 1, from 9:00-11:00 AM, citizens are invited on a farm walk at Roselawn Farm in Madbury to learn about the diverse habitats and conservation values of the farm with Mark West, wetland scientist and naturalist. Roselawn Farm, a favorite site for pick-your-own blueberries, offers visitors an interesting variety of forests, fields, and wetlands to explore. Part of the property was recently conserved by the Gangwer family in partnership with the towns of Durham and Madbury, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and The Strafford Rivers Conservancy. There is no groomed trail, so participants should be prepared for some bushwhacking on rough terrain. Registration is free. For registration and directions please contact the Strafford Rivers Conservancy at (603) 516-0772, e-mail info@straffordriversconservancy.org, or register online at www.straffordriversconservancy.org. The walk is co-sponsored by the Strafford Rivers Conservancy, the Madbury and Durham Conservation Commissions, and the Durham Land Protection Working Group.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR JACKSON’S LANDING WALKING TRAIL PROJECT CLEAN UP

On Saturday, November 15, 2008 (rain date: Saturday, November 22^nd), from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, members of the Durham Parks and Recreation Committee will be clearing, cleaning, and constructing a 1/4 –mile (1300 ft) walking trail at Jackson’s Landing. The Committee is seeking approximately 13-15 volunteers to assist with this project. Members will also be doing some minor grading, creating water bars, installing signage, landscaping/planting, and painting. Coffee will be provided. Please call Amy Cunningham at 868-1410 to sign up. Any time you have to give would be appreciated.

 

OR SCHOOL BOARD HOLDS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENING

On Tuesday, November 18, 2008, from 7:00-8:30 PM, the Oyster River School Board invites all interested citizens to join them in a discussion:  “Is Your Child Engaged in Learning?” to be held at the Oyster River High School Library. Light refreshments and daycare will be provided. If you have questions, or are unable to attend but want to provide input, please email orcsd@orcsd.org.

 

DCAT: 1st District Congressional Debate between Carol Shea-Porter and Jeb Bradley
This Sunday (November 2) at both 5:00 and 9:30 PM, DCAT will air a tape of the October 26, 2008, 1st District Congressional Debate between Democratic incumbent Carol Shea-Porter and her Republican challenger Jeb Bradley. The debate was held at Temple Adath Yeshurun in Manchester, NH. The tape was produced by the Carol Shea-Porter for Congress campaign and runs approximately 40 minutes. A reminder: DCAT (Durham Cable Access TV) programming can be seen on Comcast's Channel 22.

 

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, November 3, 2008

Historic District Commission – Thursday, November 6, 2008

 

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.

 

Churchill Rink AT JACKSON’S LANDING PUBLIC SCHEDULE

The Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing opened on October 20^th this week. Public Skating for the 2008/09 season is as follows:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday- 2:00-3:20

Tuesday & Thursday- 9:00- 10:20 & 2:00-4:20

Saturdays- 2:30-4:20

Sundays- 2:00-3:50

 

Churchill Rink Halloween Skate

The first Community Event, Halloween Skate, is scheduled for this evening, Friday, October 31^st. The community events take place from 7:30-9:00 PM and are free of charge.

 

DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION SEEKING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Durham Business Association is looking for an Executive Director.  Responsibilities for this part-time position include planning and implementing DBA projects and activities and working closely with the Board of Directors and members to facilitate strong communication and relationships between its members, the Town, the University, and the Economic Development Committee.  The position averages 30 hours per month.  Interested candidates may send a resume and letter of interest to Johanna Knight at d_b_a@verizon.net by November 5, 2008.

 

TOWN OF NEWMARKET INFORMATIONAL MEETING-DRAWDOWN OF LAMPREY RIVER

The Town of Newmarket will perform a drawdown of the Lamprey River on Monday, November 10, 2008 for the purpose of conducting an inspection of the Macallen Dam.  This work is being done with the approval of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau. All members of the public and interested parties are invited to attend the informational meeting regarding the drawdown to be held at the Newmarket Town Hall at 7:00 PM on Monday, November 3, 2008.

 

Cooking with Tastes of New England

On Saturday, November 1, 2008, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Tastes of New England, a retailer, distributor, and promoter of New England-made products and The Inn at Spruce Wood, a senior living community, will host an event dedicated to cooking, eating, and shopping. The event will take place at The Inn at Spruce Wood located at 25 Worthen Road in Durham. Renowned chef, Mary Ann Esposito, host of PBS’s Ciao Italia and author of the new book Ciao Italia: Slow & Easy, will headline the event. Attendees will be treated to a cooking demonstration and tasting featuring recipes for everything from holiday hors d’ oeuvres to tailgate parties. In addition, they will learn Esposito’s secrets to success. Individuals will also be able to sample and purchase hundreds of New England-made food products. Seats are limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information call Tastes of New England at (603) 868-1202 or visit their retail store at 7 Jenkins Court in Durham (next to Wings Your Way).

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY FABULOUS FALL BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Durham Public Library will hold a fall book sale on Friday, October 31, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday, November 1, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The book sale will be held at the Durham Public Library located in the Mill Plaza. Come shop for holiday gifts or treat yourself to a variety of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books.

 

FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS SALE

On Saturday, November 1, 2008 from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM and on Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM, the Durham Community Church will hold a Fair Trade products sale. Through the purchase of high quality, distinctive handcrafts, shoppers have an opportunity to change lives in developing countries.  Unique items from Niger, Guatemala, Afghanistan, Syria, Kenya, Honduras, and Uganda will include leather goods, jewelry, baskets, wood carving, textiles, organic coffee and much more.  Come and learn.  Questions about the sponsoring organizations and the artisans’ lives are welcome. 

 

Weekly Police Arrest Report

Week – 25                                           16 UNH (64%)             9 Other (36%)

*2008/09 Academic Year -338            221 UNH (65%)           117 Other (35%)

Calendar Year –853                            498 UNH (58%)           355 Other (42%)

*Commenced September 1, 2008 

 

Historical Data for the same week

Year	2005	2006	2007	2008
Week	30	26	28	25
Academic Year	540	378	323	338
Calendar Year	1099	881	894	853

 

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1836 – Anti-slavery agitation began when a convention was called in Gilmanton, with John Richardson, Joseph Coe, George Thompson and John Kelly attending. The town Anti-slavery Society was formed with 63 members and Abraham Perkins, Daniel Mathes and Richard Steele as officers.”

 

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

 

Our weekly “Friday Updates” provide updates and announcements concerning the community for interested individuals and we’ve now made it even easier to subscribe.  Please visit this link and fill out our new form to sign up.