“FRIDAY UPDATES”

Friday, April 16, 2010

 

 

Spring has sprung, and this Tom Turkey is showing off his best side hoping to attract a hen.

Courtesy Craig Stevens

 

Due to equipment transfer the Town’s website (http://www.ci.durham.nh.us) will be unavailable for four hours beginning at 8:00 AM on Saturday, April 17, 2010.

 

 

 

UNITED CAMPUS MINISTRY REOPENS

Today, the NH Department of Health and Human Services lifted the quarantine order on the United Campus Ministry (Waysmeet) Building. The building has been closed since December after samples from several rooms tested positive for low-level anthrax contamination. To read the DHHS Press Release, please click HERE.

 

MEETING WITH NHDOT REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING FLOOD MITIGATION ON ROUTE 108

On Tuesday of this week, Town personnel met with representatives of New Hampshire Department of Transportation to discuss how the NHDOT and the Towns of Durham and Newmarket might work together on flood mitigation within the Newmarket Road/Route 108 corridor as NHDOT moves forward with the construction of 4-foot bike shoulders. This section of state road has flooded numerous times in recent years during heavy rain events. The Town’s main concern is the safety and well-being of residents, regional and transportation impacts along Route 108 during times of flooding, as well as the negative impact directing 17,000 vehicles per day during 100-year storm events onto local residents, specifically Packers Falls Road and Durham Point Road. A follow up meeting to continue discussion of this matter was scheduled for June 2010.  To view the minutes of this meeting, please click HERE.  To view the agenda and map provided at the meeting, please click HERE.

 

 

DOE FARM TRAILS DEBRIS CLEAN UP EFFORT

The windstorm not only caused a lot of debris in individual yards, but also in our town parks and trails.  With a full slate of clean-up for the Department of Public Works, the Parks and Recreation Committee has re-focused the Adopt-A-Trail Program on the two hardest hit and well used trails, Doe Farm and Longmarsh.

 

An enormous thank you to volunteers John Luchsinger and Bob Pickles. They single-handedly cleared all 35 trees from the Doe Farm trails. This includes the Doe cemetery, where trees knocked out the fence on one side, but narrowly missed the headstones.  The Boy Scouts plan on being there soon to continue the clean up. Hikers can now navigate freely in Doe Farm!  

 

A similar program is currently being organized for the Longmarsh trails.  If there is another trail that needs clearing or you would like to volunteer, please contact the Parks and Recreation committee at parksandrec@ci.durham.nh.us   

 

Tour the First LEED Designed Building in Durham: Saturday, April 17

An 18-month renovation of UNH’s elegant but aged James Hall has produced a striking building that is Smart, LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) (certification expected to be granted in 6 months) and uses energy, water and other resources wisely and innovatively.

Durham residents are invited to tour the building with the Project Manager, Brenda Whitmore, who has worked on this renovation from the first ideas brought forth to the move in of faculty, staff and students and who will continue to be the point person for the building.

There is so much to see, learn and experience from the basement to the green, garden rooftop that there will be 2 different tours given:

9:00 – 10:30 will be a general tour of how the building works

10:30 – 12:00 will be a technical tour for those who want to learn how the specific technologies work

To sign up for the tour, please email jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. To learn more about the James Hall renovation, please click HERE.

 

Parents gather to discuss drug issues at Oyster River Schools

A group of interested parents met with Police Chief Kurz to discuss the current climate of drug usage in the Oyster River schools on the heels of a study that placed New Hampshire as the top user of marijuana in the county.  Resident Kim Clark opened her home to a group of approximately thirty parents who brainstormed ideas and next steps that would dovetail with the efforts of the Oyster River High School.  One of the concepts that collected significant support was the idea of correlating the names of parents willing to enter into a “contract” with other parents that would create “safe houses” where parents would agree not to allow or enable kids coming to their home to drink or smoke. These arrangements would encourage an open line of communication with other parents and reaffirm that it’s okay not to do drugs, alcohol, or tobacco to be accepted.  Additionally, discussion focused on the premise that parents need to be just that…parent!  It was quickly acknowledged that as parents it is our collective role to talk, keep the lines of communication open with our teens, support the schools and the Durham Police in their coordinated efforts, and realize we are not the only one saying NO!  There was further discussion that focused upon several topics that certainly require further discussion and/or support:

·   The creation of the Oyster River Teen Center where our kids will find a safe after-school outlet that is non-sport related.

·   The development of sample contracts between parent and our kids as well as from parent to parent.

·   Strengthen the concept that as parents it is our role to reinforce that it is no longer cool to allow our kids to party, to break the rules and to not support the enforcement of rules.  There needs to be awareness that the consequences may hamper admission to college and subsequent scholarships.

All of the attendees were energized and look forward to further discussions and initiatives that will foster the concept that drugs and alcohol are not critical to having a good time during the school years!  For more information, please contact Kim Clark at Alikenzi@comcast.net.

 

PUBLIC HEARING – SPECIAL DRAWDOWN OF DURHAM RESERVOIR

A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Durham Town Hall relative to a special drawdown of the Durham Reservoir Dam owned by the University of New Hampshire for repairs by the Department of Environmental Services, Water Division, Dam Bureau’s Engineering and Construction section. The drawdown will be started on/or shortly after May 3, 2010 and will continue for several weeks to allow for a slow release of water and the migration of mud burrowing aquatic life.

 

2010/2011 Town Council Goal Setting Process

The annual Council goal setting process is continuing.  At the March 15, 2010 Town Council meeting, Councilors began the process of reviewing the goals list that was adopted for 2009/10 considering whether or not to amend the current goals list.  After some discussion, the Council decided to have each individual Councilor provide suggested amendments they may have to be incorporated into the document for further discussion.  At the April 5, 2010 Town Council meeting, Councilors were provided a draft goals list with updated suggestions from Councilors as of March 30, 2010 and the Council held a general discussion on the goals. The Town Administrator has attempted to rework and update the goals list incorporating the discussion from April 5^th, which will be discussed at the Town Council meeting on Monday evening, April 19^th. To view the latest draft of the Council’s goals, click HERE.

 

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT

On Monday evening, April 19, 2010, Business Manager Gail Jablonski will present the Council with the Town’s financial report through March 31, 2010. To view the report, click HERE.

 

WISWALL BRIDGE UPDATE

The new Wiswall Bridge beams are due to arrive at the site of the Wiswall Bridge Replacement Project this coming Tuesday and Wednesday.  The five precast concrete box beams are 110 feet long, 4 feet high, and have been fabricated by J.P. Carrara & Sons of Middlebury Vermont. The first of beams are due to arrive mid-day on Tuesday and will be traveling down Packers Falls Road and carefully backing down Wiswall Road. Spectators are asked to please stay clear of Wiswall Road, and if you would like to watch the arrival and placement of the beams, the best and safest place to view the event will be from the Lee (west) side of the bridge.  To the get the west side of the bridge, you will need to drive around through either Lee or Newmarket and access Wiswall Road by taking Lee Hook Road and Little Hook Road in Lee.  

 

This week Public Works signed contracts with American Excavating out of Derry, NH for the water and wastewater extensions on Mast Road/155A.  This is the extension of utilities for the support of economic development in that portion of Town. 

 

Wind Storm Brush and Woody Debris Collection

York Woods Tree Service of South Berwick, ME, began the brush and woody debris collection due to the February 25-26^th wind storm this week.  Please remember, if you put your debris out after they have completed your neighborhood, the crew will NOT be able to return to your street.  Please have debris out on time. Thank you for your cooperation.    

 

Spring Cleanup

Residents should have received a flyer last week regarding Spring Cleanup.  This year the cleanup will be held on May 3rd.  Remember that all items should be out no earlier than Saturday, May1st and no later than 7AM on Monday, May 3rd.  The flyer has details regarding this collection. 

 

MAST ROAD/ROUTE 155A WATER/WASTEWATER EXTENSIONS

This week the Town signed contracts with American Excavating, Derry, NH, for the water and wastewater extensions on Mast Road/155A that will support economic development in that portion of Town. 

 

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week in the Town Council chambers at the Durham Town Office. All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. To view the agenda for the meetings listed below, please click HERE.  All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing. 

 

Joint Meeting of Cemetery Committee & Trustees of the Trust Funds – Monday, April 19, 2010 (5:30 PM @ Durham Police Station) regarding tree damage at Doe Farm

Town Council – Monday, April 19, 2010

Parks and Recreation Committee – Thursday, April 23, 2010

 

Oyster River School Board meeting schedule, please click HERE. 

Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.

DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE

 

DURHAM PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Stay current with all Durham P&R programs by viewing the April Recreation Reminder, please click HERE.  Also, visit our website at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/COMMUNITY/recreation.html or on Facebook - search ‘Town of Durham Parks.’ 

§         Monday, April 19, 6:00 PM, Durham Town Landing:  HIIT Walks Begin

§         Saturday, April 24, 10:00 AM – Noon, UNH’s Great Lawn:  World Tai Chi Day

§         Wednesday, April 28, 4:00 PM, Durham P&R:  Broadway Bound Begins

§         Tuesday, May 4, 7:00 PM, Durham P&R:  Tuesday Yoga Begins

§         Saturday, May 8, 9:30 AM, Durham P&R:  Introduction to Digital Photography

§         For updated Zumba, Pilates, and Circuit Training class times, click HERE.

 

To register for any of the above classes please contact Durham P&R Director Michael Mengers at 817-4074, mmengers@ci.durham.nh.us, or visit the Town Clerk’s Office.

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

§         Saturday, April 24, 10:00 AM – Noon, Great Bay Wildlife Management Area at Crommet Creek: Celebrate the Sweet Trail for Earth Day hosted by the Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership. Come join us for field trips and the official trail opening in honor of Earth Day. Free Parking at the intersection of Route 108-Dame Road in Newmarket in the Espresso Coffee / Bowl-A-Mania parking lot with free Shuttle Services provided by Bill Dube Ford Toyota Scion to and from the event site. For more details www.greatbaypartnership.org.

§         Saturday, May 1, 5:00 – 9:00 PM, C-lot off of Mill Road: May Day Carnival. Come join UNH's Campus Activities Board in the first UNH May Day Carnival! The night will have 3 large carnival rides, musical performances, food, and free Honest Tea and Vitamin-Water!  Food will be available from various Durham locations including DHOP, JP's, Kurt's Lunchbox, and more. The event is open to the public and free for all UNH ID Holders, $3 for others, with families getting a discounted entrance fee.

§         Saturday, May 1, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Great Bay Trout Unlimited Cleanup on the Durham portion of the Lamprey River below Wiswall Dam. A cookout for participants will follow. Details are available at our website at www.greatbaytu.org.

§         May 6, 6-8:30 AM; May 7, 10 AM-5 PM; May 8, 10 AM-2 PM, Durham Public Library: Durham Library Spring Spectacular Book Sale. Over 1,000 gently used books on sale. Over a thousand donated books, audios, and videos. Generous selection of children's books. Many almost brand new! Paperback $1; Hardback $2; Children's $.50; some collectibles. For more information, contact Beth Newkirk at bnewkirk@comcast.net

§         May 6, 7, & 8, 7:00 PM, Oyster River High School:   Bye Bye Birdie. Tickets: $8 students/Seniors $5

§         Saturday, May 8, 12:00 noon, Town Landing: Oyster River Quackfest sponsored by Oyster River Womenade – a rubber duck race down the Oyster River. Ducks will launch at 1:30 PM. To learn more about Oyster River Womenade and the Quackfest, visit: www.orwomenade.org.

§         Saturday, May 15, 8:00 AM, Oyster River High School:  Bobcat Bolt 5K/10K Race and Oyster River Festival. Proceeds from the races go directly to The Oyster River Alumni Association. This non-profit organization will donate the proceeds to The Durham Teen Initiative for the construction of a youth center in Durham in the names of Josh and Nate Hardy. Registration can be completed online at www.bobcatbolt.com. Following the race, the Oyster River Festival will commence with live music, art exhibitions, and food vendors on-site. For more information, contact Race Director Christopher Jerard at cj@bobcatbolt.com or Festival Director Anita Mathur at orhs92@yahoo.com (or anita@bobcatbolt.com). Residents should expect traffic delays; especially in the area of the Oyster River High School.

 

2010 MEMORIAL DAY PARADE – MONDAY, MAY 31^ST

The Durham Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 31^st.  This year there will be a slight modification to the parade route.  In past years, the parade has originated from Laurel Lane.  This year the parade will begin at Old Landing Road. 

At 10:00 AM on the 31^st, the Oyster River wreath-dropping ceremony will take place on the footbridge at the Durham Town Landing.  Immediately following the ceremony, the parade will depart Old Landing Road and turn left onto Route 108.  At the 108 intersection the parade will proceed towards downtown for the second ceremony at Memorial Park.  A third ceremony will take place up at the Memorial Union Building Chapel following the events at Memorial Park.  Parade participants are asked to park at the Durham Town Landing parking area or at the Town Hall and must report to Old Landing Road by 9:30 AM. Parade spectators are asked not to enter Old Landing Road prior to the start of the parade.

For a map of the new parade route, please click HERE.  Please contact Parks & Recreation Director Michael Mengers at 817-4074, mmengers@ci.durham.nh.us with questions.

 

Growing Places Camp Cowabunga

Growing Places offers Camp Cowabunga for children ages 5-7 and Bridge Camp for children ages 8-11, in Durham.  In addition to enriching themes, special events, a special afternoon Lego program, daily swimming, and fun field trips, Growing Places is well known for experienced highly qualified staff, and a low counselor-to-child ratio. Growing Places also offers children and families flexible schedule options and multiple child discounts. Your child will have a fantastic, creative, and safe summer with us!  Register and pre-pay 50% camp tuition by May 1 to receive a 5% discount!  Contact Jen Hayward at 868-1335 or jenhayward@growingplacesnh.org.

 Weekly Police Arrest Report

 

Week – 27	20 UNH (74%)	7 Other (26%)
*2009/10 Academic Year – 726	459 UNH (63%)	267Other (37%)
Calendar Year – 183	123 UNH (67%)	60 Other (33%)

*Commenced September 1, 2009 

 

Historical data for the same week

This data represents the 2009/10 Academic year report which begins anew each August

when UNH students begin arriving in Durham.

Year	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Week	26	11	34	13	27
Academic Year	904	749	691	689	726
Calendar Year	242	246	250	212	183

 

NEW HAMPSHIRE TRIVIA & TIDBITS

“The Moffat-Ladd House in Portsmouth (pop. 20,784) is a Georgian-style mansion built between 1760 and 1763 for merchant John Moffatt, and later inhabited by Gen. William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.” AmericanProfile Magazine – First appeared: 11/18/2007

 

Have a good 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

 

The Town of Durham has developed a list server. The server provides interested individuals with updates and announcements concerning the community. Individuals interested in subscribing should send an email to Town_of_Durham@ci.durham.nh.us and type the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.