“FRIDAY UPDATES”

January 30, 2009

 

 

At the January 26, 2009 Town Council meeting, Corey Landry was sworn in as the Town’s new Fire Chief by Town Clerk-Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt. Also sworn in was new firefighter Warren Kadden.

Photos courtesy Will and Tara Lenharth

 

Groundhog Day is Monday, February 2nd.  Those among us who are curious about Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction can log on to the official site of the Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania Groundhog Club at http://www.groundhog.org  and find out if we will have an early spring, which would be very welcome right about now.

 

Filing Period for Local Town Offices

The Town and Oyster River Cooperative School District elections will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at the Oyster River High School Multipurpose Room from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Voters will park in reserved spaces along the front of the school and use the Multipurpose Room entrance. The filing period for individuals seeking elected offices closes at 5:00 PM today. As of 5:00 PM, the following citizens had filed for the Durham elected offices listed below:

 

Town Council - 3 positions (3-year terms)                             

Diana Carroll

Richard Kelley

Robin Mower

Christopher Mueller

Neil Niman

Michael Skubisz

 

Library Board of Trustees - 2 positions (3-year terms)

Robin Balducci

Douglas Bencks

 

Trustee of Trust Funds - 1 position (3-year term)

George “Curly” Frick

 

Drawing Names of Candidates for Order of Listing on Town Election Ballot

At the Durham Town Council meeting on Monday evening, February 2, 2009, Town Moderator Christopher Regan and Town Clerk-Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt will be present at the beginning of the meeting to draw names of individuals running for elected offices to determine the order of names on the Town’s March 10th election ballot.  In 2007, the Town Council adopted a resolution discontinuing the Town’s previous practice of listing candidates alphabetically on Town election ballots as outlined in Article 2, Section 2.6 of the Durham Town Charter and adopting the method of listing candidates on Town election ballots by the Town Clerk, under the supervision of the Town Moderator of drawing candidates’ names out of a hat and listing them in the order by which they are drawn.

 

ORCSD BUDGET DELIBERATIVE SESSION

The Oyster River Cooperative School District will hold its budget deliberative session on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 beginning at 7:00 PM in the Oyster River High School auditorium.

 

Durham/UNH Collaborative Efforts

The Town of Durham and the University of New Hampshire have been active in exploring various opportunities where the two entities might collaborate more fully with one another to benefit to the larger community in terms of creating positive new economic, commercial, and social opportunities for Durham residents, broadening the tax base, and enhancing the already strong educational experience available to students at UNH.  One early idea that is presently being discussed involving Durham, UNH, Procon Construction, and The Kane Company is a public/public/private partnership which includes the potential location of a new business school in the vicinity of the downtown area along Pettee Brook Lane and Main Street combined with the citing of a new privately owned hotel/conference facility along Main Street on private property and the potential construction of a municipal parking garage at the Pettee Brook Parking Lot financed through a possible Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district associated with the hotel/conference facility.  This topic has generated a great deal of interest amongst residents within the community in recent weeks since it was discussed by the Town Council in December 2008.  To learn more about this and other collaborative efforts under consideration, I would encourage reviewing the Town Council minutes from December 15, 2008, New Business, Agenda Item XI, pg. 8, when the topic was presented in detail by Administrator Selig and Council Chair Neil Niman at http://ci.durham.nh.us/GOVERNMENT/council/council_minutes2.html. 

 

Fire Engine 1 Out of Service - Exeter Lends Durham Fire Engine

Durham's Engine 1 at the Fire Department has been taken out of service as a result of structural issues involving the frame of the vehicle (multiple cracks in the cab frame) and other mechanical/electrical problems.  Our Engine 2 there has been designated as the first due front line attack engine.  It is expected that Engine 1 will be out of service for several months which we take up the matter with the manufacturer.  While issues are being addressed, the Town of Exeter has loaned Durham an attack engine to supplement our fleet. 

 

PUblic Works Trash Collection Truck Experiences Engine Problems - Twice

As if weather wasn't sufficiently challenging for the Public Works Department this week, the packer trash truck broke down twice within a period of 24 hours.  In addition, the roll off truck, which typically is utilized to collect trash when the packer is down, also experienced mechanical problems.  This resulted in trash (not recycling) collection within some neighborhoods using dump trucks.

 

Employee Salary Information

A 2008 report of annual Durham employee gross wages and taxable benefits is currently available on the Town web site. To view the 2008 report click HERE.  Gross wages include: overtime, special detail pay, merit pay, holiday pay, sick leave bonus pay, longevity pay, insurance credit, and miscellaneous stipends. Taxable benefits include: short and long-term disability payments, car allowance, and matching retirement deductions. While the Town is under no obligation to create a report that is not already on file, it is important to facilitate the release of this information in an easily understandable format for residents. Employee titles were added to make it easier for the lay person to understand.  The report also includes elected officials who receive a stipend for service

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS – DURHAM TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

On Monday, February 16, 2009, the Durham Town Council will hold public hearings on the following two ordinances in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall: Ordinance #2009-01, amending Chapter 175 “Zoning”, Article XXIV “Septic Systems”, Section 175-139 and 175-40 of the Durham Town Code and Ordinance #2009-02, amending Chapter 4 “Administrative Code”, Article IV, Section 4-18(9)(a) of the Durham Town Code by reducing the number of Council representatives on the Economic Development Committee from two to one.

 

Questions regarding Ordinance #2009-01 should be addressed to Town Planner Jim Campbell at 868-8064. To view this ordinance, click HERE. Questions concerning Ordinance #2009-02 should be addressed to Administrator Todd Selig at 868-5571. To view this ordinance, click HERE. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend the public hearings and express their views.  Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Friday, February 13, 2009 at the Town Administrator’s office. Comments may also be sent by electronic mail to:  jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

 

Draft Federal Stormwater Permit for Small (MS4) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems in New Hampshire

Town Engineer Dave Cedarholm attended a public hearing on Wednesday, January 28th in Portsmouth that was sponsored by the EPA to hear public comment on the Draft Federal Stormwater Permit for Small (MS4) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems in New Hampshire.  The Town of Durham’s and UNH’s storm drain systems fall under the jurisdiction of this permit, which has a 5 year term.  This will be the second such permit issued to the Town under the Federal Phase II Stormwater Rules that were authorized in 2003.  There are 42 other Small MS4 Towns, Cities, and Public entities in New Hampshire that are also required to comply with this permit.  The Draft permit is a significant change from the previous permit, which expired last May, and contains conditions that if adopted as proposed will force Durham and UNH to direct much more resources toward stormwater management.  Mr. Cedarholm gave written and verbal testimony at the hearing on behalf of the Town.  Click HERE to view the written testimony.  Mr. Cedarholm is active in the Seacoast Stormwater Coalition, which is a consortium of all the Small MS4 Seacoast area communities, and the Coalition is preparing a comment document on behalf all its members that will be submitted to the EPA prior to the February 20th deadline.  If you are interested in learning more about the Draft Permit and review the proposed text visit the following EPA Stormwater website: http://www.epa.gov/NE/npdes/stormwater/MS4_2008_NH.html

 

RECYCLING PLASTIC MATERIALS

The Department of Public Works has received inquiries regarding the recycling of plastic numbers 3-7.  Currently, the Town only recycles numbers 1 and 2 as a result of the market for recyclable materials.  The fall newsletter, located on the Town web site (www.ci.durham.nh.us), contains additional information regarding the recycling of other plastics.  The following is a breakdown of plastics 1-7: 

 

  1. PETE, aka PET (polyethylene terephthalate): Used for most transparent bottles.  Generally safe to use (not reuse); generally recycled.
  2. HDPE (high density polyethylene): Sturdy, rigid plastic found in reusable food storage containers, milk, and detergent bottles.  Generally safe; generally recycled.
  3. PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Used for plastic wrap, as well as detergent and cooking oil bottles.  Additives in PVC can increase the risk of birth defects and hormone-related cancers.  Its production can be hazardous to workers and the environment.  Generally not safe; not recycled.
  4. LDPE (low density polyethylene): Flexible plastic used for bags or wraps, such as produce bags and baby-bottle liners.  Most are not designed for reuse.  Generally safe; generally not recycled.
  5. PPE, aka PP (polypropylene): Pliable plastic found in squeeze bottles, reusable food containers, and yogurt containers.  Generally safe; generally recycled.
  6. PS (polystyrene): Used in rigid take-out containers and foam meat trays.  Can leach styrene when heated, a possible endocrine disrupter and human carcinogen.  Not safe when heated, generally not recycled.
  7. Other; most often PC (polycarbonate): Most commonly used for baby bottles, large water jugs, and sport bottles.  It can leach out the hormone-disrupter bisphenol A, especially when heated.  Because this group can include various other plastics, it has limited recycling potential.

 

For more information, please feel free to call Doug Bullen at 868-5578 regarding Durham's handling of recyclables. 

 

FEMA REIMBURSEMENT

The Department of Public Works staff will be meeting with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives today regarding reimbursement for costs incurred due to the December 2008 ice storm and extended power outage.  Staff members spent the last week compiling information for submission to FEMA. The following cost summaries will be presented in the report which represent labor costs, equipment use, materials, and contracted services, if applicable:  Public Works Department: $38,522.95, Fire Department: $11,326.55, Police Department: $4,792.32. The Public Works Department has also submitted an estimate for debris cleanup in late spring at the cost of $30,000. The FEMA program reimburses 75% of eligible costs after the review process.  In addition, the Town is in the process of negotiating whether a report can be filed for the cost of the shelter that was established with FEMA at the Oyster River High School during the recent power outages. 

 

Dog Licenses

Although 2008 licenses do not expire until April, dog licenses may be renewed now. As a convenience, 2009 tags are available beginning in January.  So, if residents have other business at the Town Hall, they can also register their dogs and check one more item of the “to do” list.

 

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.

 

Durham Energy Committee – Monday, February 2, 2009 (4:30 PM)

Town Council – Monday, February 2, 2009

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee – Tuesday, February 3, 2009 (7:30 AM)

Historic District Commission – Thursday, February 5, 2009

 

To view the agendas 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.

 

Hypothermia

When exposed to cold temperatures or to a cool, damp environment for prolonged periods, the body’s control mechanisms may fail to keep the temperature normal.  When more heat is lost than the body can generate, hypothermia can--and probably will--result.  Wet or damp clothing, an uncovered head, and inadequate clothing during cold winter weather can increase the chances of hypothermia, as can falling into cold water. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include: shivering, slurred speech, abnormally slow breathing, cold, pale skin, loss of coordination, fatigue, lethargy, or apathy. Symptoms usually develop slowly.  Someone with hypothermia typically experiences gradual loss of mental acuity and physical ability, and so may be unaware of the need for emergency medical treatment. People that are at higher risk include, but are not limited to: elderly, infants, and young children. The following is a list of what to do if you suspect someone is experiencing hypothermia:

 

  1. Dial 911.  When in doubt always summons help.
  2. Move person out of the cold.  Go inside or shelter person from wind, place blanket, etc. under person.
  3. Remove wet clothing and replace with dry coverings.
  4. Do Not apply direct heat--no heating pad or hot water bottle.
  5. Do Not give alcohol to the person.  Do offer warm nonalcoholic drinks unless the person is vomiting or non-responsive.
  6. Do Not rub or massage person.

 

Hypothermia can be a life-threatening emergency.  Call the Fire Department (9-1-1) as soon as hypothermia is suspected. For more information contact the Durham Fire Department. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment, or formal first aid training.

 

Importance of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Hundreds of people die each year from Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. As the winter weather moves in, so does an increase in CO-related deaths.  The Town of Durham along with the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) urges the public to be aware of the dangers of CO and take the following precautions to ensure safety during the cold winter months:

 

 

During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that enters the body undetected as a person breathes. The gas is produced by burning wood, coal, charcoal, natural gas, gasoline, propane, oil, methane, and other common fuels. It is also produced by automobiles and other gasoline or diesel engines.

 

Churchill Rink SCHEDULE

Public skating - times offered every day

Stick and Puck – Monday – Friday and Sunday

Pick Up Hockey – Monday – Friday and Sunday

 

For more information, call the rink at 868-3907, or visit our website at www.churchillrink.com

 

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE SPONSORS HOT CHOCOLATE AT WAGON HILL FARM

The members of the Parks and Recreation Committee are sponsoring hot chocolate at Wagon Hill on Sunday, February 8, 2009, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.  Come join them for a warm beverage up by the wagon!  You are welcome to bring any food or snacks to share with other community members, but that certainly is not required.  Come enjoy this fantastic Town property during the winter.

 

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE BROCHURE
The Parks and Recreation Committee has a new brochure available with information regarding activities and facilities throughout the town.  They are available to pick up at the Town Hall or Durham Public Library.  You may also e-mail the committee at: parksandrec@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions or suggestions.  Please also check out the Parks and Recreation (soon to be updated) website: http://ci.durham.nh.us/community/recreation.html for additional information.

 

Spring Preschool Storytime at Durham Public Library - Date and Time Change

Beginning the week of February 8, the library's Preschool Storytimes will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 AM.  These are "all ages" storytimes so come on the day that's right for you.

 

Courtship Tea with Rita Parisi – Durham Public Library

Back by popular demand, on Saturday, February 14, 2009, from 2:00-3:30 PM, Rita Parisi will tell tales of how Mr. Gordon courted Mrs. Gordon in the 1890's. Enjoy tea and goodies while you listen to Mrs. Gordon's entertaining tales. What an appropriate and pleasant way to spend a wintery Valentine's Day. Seating will be limited, so please call the library at 868-6699 to register. This event is intended for ages 13 and up.

 

Seacoast Active Retirement Association General Meeting

The Active Retirement Association General Meeting will be held on Monday, February 16, 2009, at the Durham Evangelical Church at 1:30 P.M. The Speaker will be Kenneth Johnson, PhD, Senior Demographer, The Carsey Institute, UNH.  Learn how New Hampshire's population is changing and what that means for public policy, the economy, and the environment. Membership is open to all 50 and over.  The annual membership is $45.00. For more information, contact Beverly Johnson at (603) 868-1087 or visit the ARA website at: www.learn.unh.edu/ara

 

Weekly Police Arrest Report

Week – 21                                         18 UNH (86%)           3 Other (14%)

*2008/09 Academic Year – 508     330 UNH (65%)         178 Other (35%)

Calendar Year – 31                          24 UNH (77%)           7 Other (23%)

*Commenced September 1, 2008 

 

Historical data for the same week

Year

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Week

13

31

19

12

21

Academic Year

585

731

551

463

508

Calendar Year

48

69

48

22

31

 

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1881 – 10 shares of Boston & Albany RR stock were accepted by the town for a George Ffrost Temperance Association & Health Insurance Company. Signing the pledge were 43 males & 46 females. In 1973 the trustees converted it to a school educational fund to combat drugs and alcohol.”

 

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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