“FRIDAY UPDATES”

March 13, 2009

An activity to look forward to as we start to leave winter behind…the Hillyard family of Durham enjoys a peaceful sail in the boat they built at last year’s UNH Marine Docent Family Boatbuilding Workshop. Please see the item below to learn about how to sign up for this year’s workshop. Photo courtesy Ray Belles.

As weather permits, the Public Works Department will be starting its sweeping program next week. Could this mean that spring is on its way?

Town of Durham Election Results

For Town Councilor (3 seats): Diana Carroll – 825, Robin Mower – 791, Neil Niman – 724, Richard Kelley – 653, Michael Skubisz – 539, Christopher Mueller - 113

For Durham Public Library Trustee (2 seats): Douglas Bencks – 942, Robin Balducci – 888

For Durham Trustee of Trust Fund (1 seat): George E. Frick – 991

Article 2. Durham - Conduct of Officials Section 7.1C: Yes – 1,143, No - 100

Article 3. Durham - Town Report. Section 9.1: Yes – 1,129, No - 160

Oyster River Cooperative School District Election Results

Moderator: Richard Laughton – 1514

For School Board:

Durham: Jocelyn O’Quinn – 966, Edward Valena – 841, James Guard - 120

Madbury: Mark Townsend – 1019, Brian Banafato - 241

Lee: Henry Brackett – 997, Donald Anderson - 503

Article 3. ORSD Paraprofessional Contract: Yes – 1188, No – 836

Article 4. ORSD Bus Drivers Contract: Yes, 1369, No – 654

Article 5. ORSD $350,000 for CIP Items at District Facilities: Yes – 1184, No – 792

Article 6. ORSD $317,000 for Technology Improvement & Upgrade Items: Yes – 982, No – 983 (defeated by 1 vote)

Article 7. ORSD Up to $50,000 to SPED Expendable Trust Fund: Yes – 1210, No - 770

Article 8. ORSD Accept an Athletic Facilities Expendable Trust Fund: Yes – 1302, No - 663

Article 9. ORSD Operational Budget Totaling $37,982,610: Yes – 1305, No - 624

Town Elections

Town and School District elections were held on Tuesday of this week at the Oyster River High School. Voting turnout was quite good with 1,412 votes being cast (1,346 regular, 66 absentee). On average, we see between 1,000 and 1,200 votes cast for a local election. On behalf of the Town, we would like to extend a thank you to all of the election officials who devoted many hours this week before, during, and after the election ensuring that the democratic process in Durham was carried out fairly, effectively, and efficiently. A thank you also goes out to the Oyster River Cooperative School District for allowing voters to utilize the school for voting purposes.

Swearing in of New Councilors

Town Clerk Lorrie Pitt will be in attendance at Monday evening's Council meeting to swear in new members of the Town Council. We welcome newly elected member Diana Carroll back to the Town Council, as well as new member Robin Mower, and congratulate Neil Niman upon his re-election to the Town Council. A great deal of gratitude and appreciation is also extended to outgoing Councilors Catherine Leach and Henry Smith, both of whom served for three years, for their devoted service to the community. The newly elected Councilors will officially assume their duties after being sworn in by the Town Clerk.

Orientation Scheduled for Newly Elected Town Councilors

An orientation session has been scheduled for newly elected members of the Town Council beginning at 6:00 PM on Monday, March 16, 2009, in the Town Council chambers. To view the agenda for the session, click HERE.

How Does Local Government in Durham Function?

The Town Charter defines how local government functions here in Durham. Unlike other New Hampshire towns that operate under a Board of Selectmen/Town Meeting form of government, there is no longer a Town Meeting in Durham nor is there a Board of Selectmen. Instead, all of the powers of the town are vested in a Town Council consisting of nine (9) Councilors. The Councilors are elected from the town at large for three-year terms of office. Terms are staggered so that three (3) Councilors are elected at each town election. The Town Council has both budgetary and legislative authority. In other words, it can adopt a budget and make laws without further action of the Town. A Town Administrator is then selected and appointed by the Town Council to serve as the chief administrative officer of the town. S/He supervises and is responsible for the administrative and financial affairs of the town and carries out the policies enacted by the Council. The Administrator is charged with the preservation of the health, safety and welfare of persons and property and sees to the enforcement of the ordinances of the town, the Town Charter, and the laws of the State of New Hampshire. For more information concerning the Durham Town Charter or to view the document in its entirety, click HERE.

What are "Administrative Notes" and "Friday Updates"?

Each Friday, the Town Administrator pulls together information in order to keep members of the Town Council up-to-date concerning issues and topics facing the community. This publication is called "Administrative Notes." The purpose of "Administrative Notes" is to help ensure that Councilors are kept well informed of local issues on an ongoing basis. What is the status of ongoing projects? What challenges are departments facing this week? What strategies are we planning to implement? Is the Administrator about to embark on a course of action that Councilors would like to weigh in on prior to implementation? Are there community events that might be of interest? These questions and others are all addressed each week in the publication. Over time, the distribution list was increased to include department heads who then posted the "Administrative Notes" within each department for members of the staff to read. This served to better inform and communicate with the entire municipal organization. Then, about six years ago, the Town was struggling with the idea of producing an ongoing newsletter for residents. Because municipal newsletters are time intensive to create, expensive to print, costly to mail, and often struggle with the issue of the timeliness of articles, we opted to be creative and moved in a new direction utilizing the information already being produced for the weekly "Administrative Notes" publication as part of a new municipal list server broadcast that could be sent to any and all interested residents electronically. Additional cost to the Town - $0. This new publication was called "Friday Updates." To date, "Friday Updates" has 1,408 subscribers, and individuals/community groups submit publication ideas for inclusion each week. But readers should remember the nexus of the publication -- a way for the Administrator to keep Councilors up-to-date concerning issues facing the community.

Economic Stimulus Update

For the latest update concerning Durham's application for Federal economic stimulus funding click HERE. The Town is also pursuing possible funding opportunities for fire station replacement as well as potential monies to cover the full cost of additional police officers for a period of up to three years. As other opportunities for funding become available, such as renewable energy projects, we will work to pursue these as well.

Annual Appointments of Citizens to Fill Vacancies on Various Town Boards

On April 30, 2009, terms on various Town boards, commissions, and committees will expire. In mid-April, the Town Council will begin the process for making its annual appointments/reappointments to Town boards, with appointments to take effect May 1, 2009. The Durham Town Council is seeking interested residents of the Town of Durham who have the ability, desire, and time needed to fill these vacancies. Citizens interested in board appointments should contact the Town Administrator’s office at 868-5571 and ask for a board application form, or stop in at the Town Clerk’s office located on the first floor of the Town Hall, 15 Newmarket Road, and complete an application. Applications are also available on the Town’s web site at: www.ci.durham.nh.us under the heading “Features” at the bottom of the page. Completed applications may be mailed to the Town Administrator’s office, or submitted via email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. Deadline for receipt of completed applications is Friday, March 27, 2009.

Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing Advisory Committee (1 vacancy)

Conservation Commission - (2 regular vacancies; 2 alternate vacancies)

Durham Cable Access Television (DCAT) Governance Committee - (2 vacancies)

Durham Energy Committee (1 vacancy)

Economic Development Committee – (1 regular vacancy; 2 alternate vacancies)

Historic District Commission - (2 vacancies)

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee - (2 vacancies)

Parks and Recreation - (2 regular vacancies)

Planning Board - (2 regular vacancies; 2 alternate vacancies)

Strafford Regional Planning Commission & MPO Policy Committee - (1 vacancy)

Zoning Board of Adjustment - (2 regular vacancies; 1 alternate vacancy)

PUBLIC HEARINGS – DURHAM TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

On Monday, March 16, 2009, the Durham Town Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 153 “Vehicles & Traffic”, Section 153-34 “Schedule II: Speed Limits” of the Durham Town Code by reducing the speed limit on a section of Mill Road (from Main Street to Oyster River Road) from 30 MPH to 25 MPH. Also on Monday evening, the Town Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed resolution authorizing the acceptance and expenditure of grant funds in the amount of $6,000 from the Oversight Board of ONE Voice for Southeastern New Hampshire, representing the United Way of the Greater Seacoast, 112 Corporate Drive, Unit 3, and Portsmouth, NH for the purpose of alcohol enforcement initiatives.

Questions regarding these items should be addressed to Police Chief David Kurz at 868-2324. To view Ordinance #2009-03, click HERE. To view Resolution #2009-06, click HERE. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend the public hearings and express their views. Comments may be sent by electronic mail to: jberry@ci.durham.nh.us

OYSTER RIVER DAM AT MILL POND

As a follow up to the Public Informational Meeting held on Wednesday, March 4^th, discussion of the Oyster River Dam at Mill Pond has been scheduled for the Town Council meeting on Monday, March 16, 2009. To view the communication regarding this item, click HERE. Based upon the Department of Public Works analysis contained within the communication, combined with the historic, cultural, and aesthetic importance of the Oyster River Dam to the community, the Administrator is recommending moving forward with repairing the dam and supporting Stephens Associates’ next task of designing necessary repairs for the Oyster River Dam.

BABY BRAGGING

Police Detective Frank Weeks and his wife Suzie are the proud parents of twin babies, Andrew Wayne and Rory Elizabeth Weeks, both born on March 8th. Andrew arrived at 12:31PM weighing in at 5lbs, 6oz and 19 inches. His sister Rory procrastinated slightly and arrived 20 minutes later at 6lbs, 14oz and 20 inches. All are doing very well.

SEMIANNUAL WATER METER READING

The spring semiannual water meter reading will begin on Monday, March 23, 2009. It usually takes the Water Foreman approximately two weeks to complete the readings.

Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing

The 2008-09 skating season is winding down!

The rink will close on Saturday, March 21.

In appreciation of the community support this year, we invite you to extended and free public skating during our last weekend:

Friday, March 20 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Saturday, March 21 12:30 – 4:30 PM

Remember there’s no school on Friday, so bring the kids! Thanks to all of you who supported the rink this year.

FAMILY BOATBUILDING WORKSHOP - APPLY BY APRIL 15

The tenth annual UNH Marine Docent Family Boatbuilding Workshop will be held at Kingman Farm in Madbury, May 15, 16 and 17. Each participating family will build their own 12 ft. Oyster River Cat sailboat over the three-day weekend. It is a chance for families to work together on a project they will enjoy for years to come. No experience is needed; only a strong desire and rudimentary skills. Single moms, all thumbs dads, and extended families are invited to apply. Each family must include a youth 12 years or older. The boat is a sprightly sailing vessel with a 5 ft. beam that can carry a family of three for a day of sailing on quiet water. It can double as a row boat if there is no wind. It is light enough to car-top or transport in a pickup, van, or small trailer. The total cost of $950 includes all materials, rigging, and sail. An experienced Docent will work with each family to guarantee success. For complete details and application forms visit our website at www.unh.edu/marine-education. Please call UNH Sea Grant, Mark Wiley or Dari Ward at 749-1565, or Project Director Ray Belles at 868-7180 with questions.

Photo courtesy Ray Belles

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

Seacoast Reads Reading Buddies on Spring Vacation - Reading Buddies Families, please make sure you coordinate with your Buddy about UNH Spring Break next week, March 16 - 21. Sessions will resume the week of March 22nd.

Library Board of Trustees Meeting - Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 7:00 PM

Friends of the Library Meeting - Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 1:30 PM

For a list of all of our programs, visit the Library's website at www.durhampubliclibrary.org and click on Calendar.

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, March 16, 2009

Durham Energy Committee – Monday, March 16, 2009 (4:30 PM)

Lamprey River Advisory Committee – Tuesday, March 17, 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.

DURHAM CABLE ACCESS TELEVISION PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

To view a listing of the DCAT programming schedule, click HERE

HICKORY POND INN

Hickory Pond Inn is pleased to announce NEW hours for public dining Thursday – Saturday 5:00 to 9:00 PM and Sunday Brunch 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Reservations are welcome but not necessary. Join the Hickory Pond Inn for an Irish Dinner and Show coming Tuesday, March 17^th at 6:00 PM featuring a traditional 3-course Irish meal--just $30.00 per person. Call to reserve seats at 603-659-2227, or visit the website at www.hickorypondinn.com.

FUND-RAISER FOR ORHS SENIOR CLASS

Parents of Oyster River High School's 2009 seniors are selling raffle tickets to raise funds for Project Graduation. Project Graduation is a parent-supervised event that provides seniors with a fun-filled, safe evening of activities to celebrate their high school graduation.

Items for raffle include:

· 4 Red Sox Field Box tickets to a home game. Winner will select date based on availability. $5 for 1 chance, $10 for 3 chances.

· March raffle calendars for $10 per calendar. Drawing date will be on 3/26.

· Beautiful jewel-tone, handmade twin-size quilt made by a mother of one of the high school seniors - $5 for 1 chance, $10 for 3 chances.

Participants in this fund-raiser will be at Durham Marketplace on occasional weeknights, and at Market Basket in Lee on Saturday, March 14th, and selected ORHS play-off games. Raffle tickets can be obtained through committee co-chairs, Diane Gallant (coyotemesa@yahoo.com) and Sheila Harding (smdh@comcast.net).

Ballard's Restaurant Social Evening

Parents of Oyster River High School's 2009 seniors are organizing a social evening at Ballard's Restaurant on Main Street in Durham on Thursday, March 19, 2009, from 5:00 PM onwards. Drop in with family and friends for dinner, drinks, or appetizers. Come and meet other ORHS parents and enjoy a fun evening on the Town. Thank you to Ballard's which will be donating a generous percentage of the evening's revenue to Projection Graduation 2009. Raffle items will be on sale at this event too. Contact Francoise Meissner at mfm@meissners.us or 868-3041 for more information.

Extreme Air to Host Regional Tournament

New Hampshire’s Competition Jump Rope Team, Extreme Air, will host the USA Jump Rope Region 10 Tournament on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the Oyster River High School gymnasium at 55 Coe Drive in Durham, New Hampshire. Members of Extreme Air will face teams from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York as they vie for the opportunity to compete at the USA Jump Rope National Championships which will be held in Galveston, Texas in June.

This will be the first time that a Regional Tournament has been held in the Granite State and, therefore, presents a unique and exciting opportunity for area residents to experience live competitive jump rope. The event is open to the general public. The day will begin at 8:00 AM with an Opening Ceremony, followed by single rope individual, relay and double dutch speed events, single rope individual and pairs freestyle, double dutch freestyle and double dutch pairs freestyle. The competition will conclude late afternoon with group team show and an awards ceremony. Continental breakfast and lunch, jump ropes and t-shirts will be available for purchase. Visitors may also purchase a chance to win several exciting raffle prizes. For additional information visit www.extremeairnh.com.

Weekly Police Arrest Report

Week - 15 7 UNH (47%) 8 Other (53%)

*2008/09 Academic Year -611 397 UNH (65%) 214 Other (35%)

Calendar Year –134 91 UNH (68%) 43 Other (32%)

*Commenced September 1, 2008

Historical data for the same week

Year	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Week	13	22	5	24	15
Academic Year	684	809	670	576	611
Calendar Year	147	147	167	135	134

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1900 – The Chapel was erected as a memorial to Hamilton Smith by his widow. Beautifully constructed of granite, it has 6 lovely stained-glass windows. The graves of the Smiths and her daughter are here. It is now owned by the Town and is available for small weddings.”

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.