“FRIDAY UPDATES”

November 7, 2008

 

 

Third Annual Greek Pancake Breakfast held on Saturday, October 25, 2008. Pictured are members belonging to UNH Greek Life, along with members of the Durham Fire Department. All proceeds from this event were donated to the Durham Public Library.

Courtesy Bess Refner, UNH Greek Panhel Philanthropy and Customer Service

 

 

With the General Election behind us, we can now look forward to the upcoming holiday season. I, for one, welcome the reprieve from election-related advertisements.

 

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We have received some feedback from residents who would like the "Friday Updates" to be produced in larger font size for ease of reading.  One suggestion is for readers to view the document via the link from our Town web site home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us.  Then, using your computer's web browser, push Ctrl + (the Control or "Ctrl" key followed by the plus "+" sign) to make the font larger, Ctrl 0 to reset the size of the image to normal mode, or Ctrl - to make the image smaller. 

 

Town Offices/PUBLIC LIBRARY Closed for Veterans Day

All Town Offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2008, in observance of Veterans Day. Offices will reopen for regular business hours on Wednesday morning, November 12, 2008. All commercial recycling and refuse routes will continue as regularly scheduled. The Durham Public Library will also be closed on Veterans Day.

 

General Election Debriefing

The Town of Durham’s election officials and numerous volunteers did an absolutely fantastic job officiating a successful General Election 2008 in Durham.  Public Works staff worked diligently to set up the polling area, coordinate building logistics with the School District, organize traffic patterns, etc.  Durham Police monitored traffic.  Durham Fire kept an eye on egress safety throughout the day.  School District personnel helped with tables, doors, etc.  And many Town Councilors assisted in opening and closing the polls, as well as with various tasks over the day.  Thank you to everyone who was involved.  Statistics of interest and election results follow. 

 

Total General Election votes cast in Durham on November 4, 2008: 7,318

Number of Same Day Registrations: 1,829

Number of Names on Voter Checklist: 10,372

Percentage of Votes Cast Relative to Voter Checklist:  71%

 

Durham's Bond Rating Remains Unchanged at Aa3

Moody's Investors Service has assigned a rating of Aa3 to the Town of Durham's $3.1 million General Obligation Bonds set to go to market on November 12th. The Aa3 rating reflects the Town's stable economy, anchored by the University of New Hampshire, a moderate debt position, and satisfactory financial operations including a comprehensive long-range fiscal forecast. 

 

Moody’s anticipates growth in Durham’s $857 million tax base to slow over the near term given the ongoing weakness of the regional real estate market and the tenuous economic outlook. Despite the anticipated slowdown, the Town’s local economy should remain relatively healthy given the presence of the University of New Hampshire (revenue bonds rated A1), with its approximately 14,071 students and 4,268 employees. Long-term growth prospects are favorable given the Town’s ready access to Rt. 16 and I-95, and local Amtrak train service to Boston (G.O. rated Aa1/stable).

 

Moody's expects the Town's moderate 1.3% direct debt burden to remain manageable given a healthy amortization rate (73.3% retired within 10 years), limited additional debt plans and future tax base expansion. 

 

Durham has one of the top 5 bond ratings among municipalities in New Hampshire.  Only the Town of Bedford, NH has a higher rating at Aa2.  This is an excellent bond rating for a community of our size.  Other key measures stated by Moody's as part of its analysis included:

 

2007 population: 13,313

2007 Equalized valuation: $857 million

2007 Equalized value per capita: $64,405

Direct debt burden: 1.3%

Overall debt burden (including School & County): 3.6%

Payout of principal (10 years): 73.3%

FY07 Total General Fund balance (Draft): $1.4 million (14.1% of General Fund revenues)

FY07 Available Reserve (Draft): $2.4 million (24.0% of General Fund revenues)

1999 Median family income: $83,609 (145.2% of NH; 167.1% of U.S.)

1999 Per capita income: $17,210 (72.2% of NH; 79.7% of U.S.)

Post-sale parity debt outstanding: $11.0 million

 

Fiscal Year 2009 Proposed Budget - Information On-Line

The Town Administrator's proposed FY 2009 Budget(s) and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 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 Town Council will hold a budget work session on Monday evening, November 10th, beginning at 7 p.m. which will be broadcast live on DCAT/Channel 22.  In addition, a public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Monday, November 17th, beginning at 7 p.m.  To view Administrator Selig's proposed FY 2009 budget on line, click HERE.

 

HALOWEEN POLICING ACTIVITY

Halloween on a Friday night was especially busy for the Durham Police with loud noise complaints, fights, and other disorderly acts dominating the calls for service.  At a “fight-in-progress” call at a fraternity house, three Durham officers left their locked, yet unattended police cruisers on the street.  After quelling the fight and arresting a young man who was not a UNH student for assaulting Sergeant Daly, the officers discovered that a tire on one of the cruisers had been slashed and was now flat.  Unfortunately there were no witnesses to the slashing incident. 

 

Bicycle Safety – A MOTOR VEHICLE LAW CHANGE

While it is the vehicle operator’s responsibility to give cyclists the right-of-way, starting January 1, 2009, it will be the law. HB 1203, the so-called three-foot rule, goes into effect, mandating that drivers give bicyclists three feet of space when passing them under 30 mph, and one extra foot for every 10 mph over the speed of 30 mph.  Consequently, if a car is traveling at 50 miles per hour, should the vehicle operator move into the opposite lane of oncoming traffic to give the cyclist at least five-feet of clearance?   While that is the letter of the law, hopefully most drivers will understand that a better and safer option is to temporarily reduce speed and then pass the bicyclist with the required distance that may not require as much traversing into the opposite lane. With the passage of this law, NH joins 23 other states--including Maine--with similar laws.

 

Winter Parking Ban in Effect

The Town of Durham's winter parking ban began November 1st and will continue until April 1st. Under the ban, no parking is permitted on any public way or public parking lot between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.  Penalties for a violation include $20 parking tickets and the possibility of being towed to allow for snow removal.  For questions about the winter parking ban call the Durham Police Department at 868-2324.

 

Mill Pond Road Water Main Replacement Project Update

The water main replacement project on Mill Pond Road is expected to be completed by the end of next week.  The new pipe is in place and successfully pressure tested.  The contractor will be connecting the individual water services next week.  During the time each water service is switched over from the old pipe to the new pipe, the individual resident should expect an interruption in their water service.  Residents will be notified in writing about the interruption of water service at least 24 hours prior to shut down. The apartment houses on Mill Pond Road and the Ocean Bank should expect a temporary loss of water service for approximately 2 to 3 hours on Monday morning November 10, 2008.  Residents in the vicinity of Chesley Drive should expect a temporary loss of water service sometime on Tuesday, November 11, 2008.

 

Woodman Road Water Main Replacement Project Update

The water main replacement at the end of Woodman Road began this week and the contractor is progressing nicely. We anticipate having the pipe in the ground and pressure tested within two weeks.  Residents located within the project limit should expect an interruption of water service during the day on either Thursday (November 13, 2008) or Friday (November 14, 2008) while the connection to the existing main is completed.  A component of the Woodman Road water main replacement project includes installing a valve cluster at the corner of Woodman and Denison Road on Wednesday night, November 12, 2008.  This will require an interruption of water service for approximately 5 to 7 hours on Wednesday from 9:00 PM to approximately 4:00 AM.   Residents will be notified in writing about the interruption of water service at least 24 hours prior to shut down.

 

Fall Cleanup begins November 10

Curbside collection of leaves and brush will begin on Monday, November 10, 2008. Everything must be curbside no later than 7:00 AM.  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.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING UPDATE

Durham Fire Captain David Emanuel recently attended the “Command and Control Decision Making at Multiple Alarm Incidents” program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg Maryland. The 6-day course was simulation-intensive and focused on the command officer's responsibility while conducting major operations involving multi-alarm units. Emphasis was placed on rapid fire ground decision-making, advanced Incident Command, command and control, safety, personnel accountability, and communications. Simulations were employed to develop experience for recognizing critical cues specific to various types of complex emergency incidents. Simulations included; multifamily occupancies, hotels, commercial occupancies, large shopping malls, railroads, wild land, and high-rise buildings. Captain Emanuel’s program tuition fee, lodging, and travel expenses were funded by the National Fire Administration.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR JACKSON’S LANDING TRAIL PROJECT

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. Project tasks include 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. 

 

DURHAM ENERGY COMMITTEE PARTICIPATORY HEARING

On Wednesday, November 19, 2008 from 7:30-9:00 PM, the Durham Energy Committee will hold a participatory hearing, “Creating an Energy Vision for the Durham Master Plan”, facilitated by residents Walter Rous and Bill Schoonmaker. The hearing will be held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall. Members of the public are encouraged to attend this hearing to share their ideas and visions.

 

Durham Public Library Newsletter Separates from Town Email List

The Durham Public Library Newsletter lists library news and upcoming events. For the past few years, the newsletter has been forwarded to the library’s own list of subscribers, as well as to subscribers to the Town of Durham’s list. Our goal in doing so was to reach as many people in the community as possible, but unfortunately this has meant that many of our subscribers receive the newsletter twice. It has also led to some logistical problems. Effective November 4^th we removed the library newsletter from the Town’s listserver, thereby restricting library mailings to only library patrons who subscribe directly. But the library does not want to lose you! The library newsletter is a good way to stay informed about library events and we want everyone interested to receive it. If you have been receiving the newsletter strictly from the Town’s list, or you are unsure which list you are on, please email us at durhampl@gmail.com and we will add you to the library list.

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LEE PUBLIC LIBRARY HOST THE BJ HICKMAN MAGIC SHOW

On Saturday, November 8, 2008 beginning at 10:30 AM, the Durham Public Library, along with the Lee Public Library, will host The BJ Hickman Magic Show at the Oyster River High School Multipurpose Room. Magician BJ Hickman will entertain family audiences with comedy magic, dazzling deceptions, and mind-reading miracles. This event is free to the public. For more information about Durham Public Library events, please follow this link to the calendar: DPL Calendar .

 

Annual Light Up Durham Celebration

The annual “Light Up Durham” celebration, sponsored by the Durham Business Association, the Town of Durham, Durham is Where U Live (DIWUL), the New England Center, Colonial Durham Associates, Ocean National Bank, Wings Your Way and Federal Savings Bank, will take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, December 4, 5, and 6, 2008. Throughout the weekend the public is invited to enjoy the Downtown Merchant/UNH sorority and fraternity holiday light competition. The schedule of events is as follows:

 

Thursday Events

            10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Evergreen Crafts Fair at the UNH Memorial Union Building

 

Friday Events

            10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Evergreen Crafts Fair at the UNH Memorial Union Building

            4:00 – 6:00 PM, Business Holiday Open House – Durham businesses

            4:30 – 6:00 PM, Wine and cheese party at the Three Chimneys Inn

            4:30 – 6:00 PM, Spaghetti dinner at Young’s Restaurant ($7/person; $5 under 12)

            4:30 – 5:30 PM, Huddleston Hall Events:  Visit with Mrs. Claus, Holiday Storytime, and Wayne from Maine

5:45 PM, Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Main Street stage

            6:00 – 6:30 PM, Main Street entertainment at the Main Street stage

            6:45-7:00 PM, Bonfire and dessert at the Mill Plaza

 

Saturday Events

            8:00 – 10:30 AM, Pancake Breakfast at Durham House of Pizza and JP’s Eatery ($5/person, children under 3 FREE)

            10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fair Day in Durham at area churches

            1:30 PM – Shawn the Storyteller in MUB Theatre 2

2:00 PM – Holiday Movie, “The Polar Express”, in MUB Theatre 2

 

Ornament Sales

This year’s limited edition ornament with 2008 artwork will be available for $10.00 at Ocean Bank(s), Durham Marketplace, Town Hall, The Outback, Emery Farms, Town & Campus, and Federal Savings Bank.

 

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 10, 2008 (Work session on proposed FY 2009 Budget)

Planning Board – Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Conservation Commission – Thursday, November 13, 2008

Economic Development Committee – Friday, November 14, 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. 

To view the Oyster River School Board meeting schedule, click HERE. 

To view the Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, click HERE.

 

OYSTER RIVER 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.

 

OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS “THE DIVINERS”

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (November 20, 21, and 22, 2008) at 7:30 PM the Oyster River High School will present "The Diviners", where in a small farm community during the depression, water and faith are in short supply.  A charismatic but backsliding preacher drifts into town and meets a gentle but misunderstood boy with the gift of divining or water witching.  The two outcasts find a common bond and help each other divine for truth, faith, and hope. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.

 

MILL POND CENTER FOR THE ARTS OPEN HOUSE

The Mill Pond Center for the Arts invites its friends and supporters to an OPEN HOUSE this evening, Friday, November 7, 2008, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. Music by Nat Balch and friends. Admission free.  Please bring a hors d’oeuvre to share and your favorite beverage.

Weekly Police Arrest Report

Week – 27                                         14 UNH (52%)                       13 Other (48%)

*2008/09 Academic Year -365       235 UNH (64%)         120 Other (36%)

Calendar Year –880                         512 UNH (58%)         368 Other (42%)

*Commenced September 1, 2008 

 

Historical Data for the same week

Year	2005	2006	2007	2008
Week	23	17	12	27
Academic Year	563	395	335	365
Calendar Year	1122	898	906	880

 

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1839 – Durham clay has a reputation for its tenacity. There were 40 brickyards on the banks of the Oyster and Cocheco Rivers. Gundalows and barges transported the fine bricks to Boston, where it is believed they were used for buildings on Beacon Hill.”

 

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

 

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