“FRIDAY UPDATES”

Friday, April 30, 2010

 

Courtesy Durham Police Department

 

It was a wild scene in the Longmarsh neighborhood as two of Durham’s finest were able to “capture” two escapees!  Officer Holly Rouleau and Pam Donley used their resources to quickly return two horses which managed to find that the grass in fact may be greener outside of their compound. 

 

 

Tax Anticipation Notes – Semi Annual Tax Billing

The Town of Durham operates on a calendar year fiscal cycle. Prior to 2007 the Town collected taxes once a year in December, which required the Town to borrow money on a Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) in the spring of the year to cover expenses until the tax bills were issued and payments received, typically in December. This resulted in large interest payments being paid yearly (in 2006 $275,000 was paid in interest). In 2007 the Town moved to the semi-annual collection of property taxes which improved the Town’s cash flow, however, there are still times during the year when we are in need of short-term borrowing to cover expenses.

 

On Monday evening the Council will be asked to approve a $2,000,000 TAN line of credit with Citizens Bank to cover the Town through May and June. This TAN line of credit is considered to be the equivalent of a TAN, with the exception that the funds are not taken in one lump sum with principal and interest due at maturity. The Town can borrow as needed up to the full amount and in addition, the Town can pay back the amount borrowed when it has the funds to do so. This TAN line of credit authorization will expire on July 31, 2010. It currently appears that we will have a deficit in late May/early June while we are waiting for people to pay their tax bills. The deficit is due in part to some of the large ARRA projects for which we have begun work but have yet to receive Federal/State assistance, as well as the projects which are waiting to be bonded.

 

Memorial Day Parade – Some History Regarding the Change

Monday, May 31, 2010, is Memorial Day.  On this day each year, the Town has traditionally conducted a Memorial Day Parade to honor its veterans. In 2009, The Bourgoin-Reardon Unit 94 Auxiliary of the American Legion, who for many years faithfully coordinated the parade, requested that the Town assume primary responsibility for planning and organizing the Memorial Day Parade.  To this end, the Parks and Recreation Department has graciously taken on the planning for this traditional Durham activity.

 

As noted several times this spring, in 2010 there will be a slight modification to the parade route. In past years, the parade has originated from Laurel Lane.  While the Laurel Lane route did bring the parade through the Newmarket Road portion of Durham’s historic district, it also caused safety concerns with flatbeds, tractors, fire trucks, covered wagons, marchers, numerous participating children (including the Middle School Jazz Band), and local traffic converging precariously on Laurel Lane.  In addition, we have historically received complaints from local and regional traffic which experience lengthy traffic flow disruptions when the corridor is closed during the parade.  Sound amplification has been an issue on the Route 108/Oyster River bridge for the wreath dropping ceremony and concerns have been received regarding the length of the traditional parade route, as well as its required a tremendous amount of police man hours to close all of the affected roadways. These factors therefore prompted the modification to the traditional parade route.

 

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 up Church Hill, through the Historic District, toward 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 spectators are asked not to drive down Old Landing Road prior to the start of the Parade, but are welcome to walk to Old Landing for the first Wreath Ceremony.

 

For a map of the new parade route, please click HERE. 

 

Several Financial Policies Recommended for Adoption

Several years ago, the Durham Business Office discussed the creation of an investment policy, general fund balance policy, and debt policy with the Town’s Auditors and has been working on them as time has allowed. Laura Spector of Mitchell Municipal Group, P.A. has reviewed the policies along with Dick Lilly, Town Treasurer.

 

The adoption of financial policies is a good, sound business practice that fosters confidence in the fiscal operations of the municipality. Financial policies help to provide consistency, stability, and continuity in the financial operations of the Town. Written policies also provide a framework to guide and education both newly elected officials in carrying out their fiduciary responsibilities and newly appointed staff in the conduct of their financial duties. The ability to rely on well-defined financial policies helps to resolve conflicts and avoid allegations of bias or favoritism.

 

Although the statutes do not specifically address fund balance and debt policies, the Town Administrator and Business Office believe it prudent to establish and maintain appropriate internal control procedures to ensure the safeguarding of all town assets and properties.

 

On Monday evening, Business Manager Gail Jablonski will be present to provide the Council with a brief explanation of each of these policies and to answer questions from Councilors. The Council will then be asked to adopt these policies upon the Town Administrator’s recommendation.

 

Does the Rental of Parking Spaces Constitute a Change of Use?

Recently, an application before the Planning Board was denied in part because the owner of the property was leasing some of his parking spaces to students who attend the University of New Hampshire. This was interpreted to be a change in use and thus requires Planning Board approval. However, there are a number of properties (whether they are a church, business, or single-family residence) that rent parking spaces to UNH students.  In fact, any physical piece of property in close proximity to the University appears to be a ripe revenue opportunity for the shrewd landowner. However, if a change of use is required on one property, then any landowner who similarly chooses to rent spaces to UNH students and does not possess the requisite approvals from the Planning Board, will also need to be subject to the same rules and regulations.  The Council will discuss this matter at its meeting on Monday, May 3^rd.

 

ADMINISTRATOR ATTENDS USNH BOARD OF TRUSTEES QUARTERLY MEETING

On Thursday, April 29, 2010, Administrator Selig attended the quarterly meeting of the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees held at Keene State College in which board members received reports from the Chancellor, presidents, and various committees. Attendance of these meetings helps the Administrator to identify areas for potential partnership and cooperation opportunities between the Town of Durham, University of New Hampshire, and the University System of New Hampshire.

 

 

CENSUS CHALLENGE - DATE SET TO WASH NEWMARKET’S FIRE TRUCK

As reported in last week’s “Friday Updates”, the Town of Newmarket was declared winner of the Census Challenge with 71% of its residents mailing in their census responses. Dover came in second with 68%, and Durham last with 67%. A date has been set for Friday, June 4, 2010 at 1:00 PM for the Durham Town Administrator Todd Selig and Dover City Manger Michael Joyal to wash Newmarket’s fire truck at the Newmarket fire station.  To read the Foster’s Daily Democrat article about the challenge, please click HERE.

 

Its’ Graduation Time…Let’s be careful out there!

In New Hampshire it is illegal to host a gathering where underage guests consume alcohol.  The so-called "underage alcohol house party" law can be triggered whenever there is a gathering of five or more people under the age of 21 at any occupied structure, dwelling, or curtilage, where at least one person under the age of 21 unlawfully possesses or consumes an alcoholic beverage.  It is possible that the person who owns or has control of the occupied structure, dwelling, or curtilage where an underage alcohol house party is held may be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.  Of course, beyond the criminal liability is exposure to civil liability where action by a private party seeking monetary damages for injuries that may result from permitting underage drinking on the host's premises can occur.

 

Sadly, there have been situations in Durham where absent parents believe it is okay to leave their children home alone.  In this day and age of texting and immediate access to a cell phone, “alone” does not last too long.  The Durham Police encourage parents to be cognizant of where and with whom their children will be during this exciting time of transition so that the future is not marred by tragedy.

 

Vehicle Burglaries

A number of car break-ins occurred in residential areas over the weekend.  The Durham Police implore residents to lock their vehicles during the overnight hours even in your driveway!  Locking vehicles will prevent such thefts as there were no forced entries into any of the vehicles.  If it was locked….they moved on to the next vehicle.  The thieves are targeting residential neighborhoods and enter ONLY unlocked vehicles.  The objective appears to be focused upon GPS devices.  Removing these electronics from sight and locking vehicles will be extremely preventive.  Residents are encouraged to contact police if they hear any unusual noise(s) or a dog barking when it is not common.  Remember, the police are on patrol 24/7 and will quickly respond to your neighborhood to ensure your safety and that of your property.

 

Energy efficiency news: Appliance rebate program

The NH Office of Energy and Planning (OEP) is pleased to announce a State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program. Additionally OEP has partnered with the NH Public Utilities Commission to offer rebates for residents who install solar thermal hot water heaters. For more information on these programs and to download the application, please visit OEP's website at www.nh.gov/oep/recovery/seearp.htm.

 

ATTENTION ALL GARDENERS

If you are digging up or thinning any plants and are not transplanting them in your garden, there are some projects in Town that can utilize your plants. The Master Gardeners of Durham are developing gardens at the Smith Chapel on Mill Pond Road, the community gardens at Wagon Hill Farm, and the General Sullivan Monument.  Any and all plants would be appreciated.  If you have some unwanted plants to contribute, please contact Susan MacLennan at 868-2628 and she will be glad pick them up.   Thank you!

 

Morgan Way/Route 4 Intersection Improvements

The engineering contract for the Morgan Way and Route 4 intersection improvements will be going to the Town Council for approval on Monday night, May 3^rd.  Wetlands delineation and surveying has recently begun.  DPW staff met with engineers from FairPoint and PSNH to review the overhead and underground utilities in the vicinity. 

 

Spring Cleanup

Spring Cleanup begins on Monday, May 3^rd.  Remember that all items should be out no earlier than Saturday, May 1^st and no later than 7:00 AM on Monday, May 3^rd.   All electronics that require a sticker will also need them for the cleanup.  To view details, please click HERE.

 

Main Street two-way traffic study

Department of Public Works staff has been busy this week creating initial base mappings for a department head scoping meeting on May 4^th regarding turning the one-way loop in the downtown area into a two-way road setup.  This discussion will focus, at the request of Administrator Selig, on the two-way ideas brought forward as part of the B. Dennis Strategic Plan discussion.  Maps have been created in anticipation for brainstorming during the meeting.  As part of the discussion, representatives from UNH and the Strafford Regional Planning Commission have been invited to participate in this very preliminary discussion. 

 

FEMA

The FEMA project manager for the February wind storm will be meeting with Department of Public Works representatives this afternoon to discuss damages from the storm in February. 

 

Hydrant Flushing and Gate Valve Exercising

The Town of Durham and the University of New Hampshire concluded gate valve exercising this week.  The flushing of water mains will begin on Monday, May 3, 2010 and end on or before Friday, May 14, 2010.  Flushing will be done at night between the hours of 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM.  These procedures are necessary to eliminate the buildup of sediment in the water mains and to allow for easy isolation of water shut off during any leaks or breaks.  Flushing of the mains and gate valve exercising may cause temporary discoloration of the water however the water remains safe for drinking.  This discoloration will disappear with normal household use.  It is suggested that sensitive laundry not be washed if the water is obviously discolored. Residents are asked to try and not draw water if they observe flushing in their area. Please call the UNH Water Supply at 862-1390 or the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 with questions and/or concerns.

 

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. 

 

Town Council – Monday, May 3, 2010.  To view the complete Council packet for this meeting, please click HERE.

Historic District/Heritage Commission – Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Rental Housing Commission – Wednesday, May 5, 2010 (4:00 PM)

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee – Thursday, May 6, 2010 (7:30 AM)

 

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.’ 

 

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

 

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

§         Thursday, May 6, 10:30 AM, Durham P&R:  Tai Chi.  9-week session. Preregistration required.

§         Thursday, May 6, 7:00 PM, Durham P&R:  Community Movie & Discussion – DIRT!

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

§         Monday, May 17, 7:00 PM, Durham P&R:  Monday Evening Yoga Begins

§         Wednesday, May 19, 6:00 PM, Durham P&R: Women’s Self-Defense Course.  FREE, but space is limited.

§         Saturday, May 22, 10:00 AM, Wagon Hill Farm: Green Thumb Gang – Youth Gardening Introduction Meeting

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

§         Friday, April 30, 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Community Church of Durham: Celebration and Benefit Concert for the Waysmeet Center of United Campus Ministry to UNH. Music starts at 7:00 PM and will headline Craig Werth, award-winning Seacoast musical artist, joined by his son Ben Werth, and UNH alum Lucia Nazzaro.

§         Saturday, May 1, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 5 Sandybrook Drive:  Yard Sale to Benefit the Stratham NHSPCA. This is part of a project envisioned by a 9^th grade Oyster River student to raise awareness for both animal cruelty and to help animals in need. 

§         Saturday, May 1, 5:00 – 9:00 PM, C-lot off of Mill Road: May Day Carnival. Hosted by UNH's Campus Activities Board. Entering the carnival you will receive a wristband that gives you free, unlimited access to all rides and games. Game prizes will be raffle tickets that will be placed in for drawing throughout the night for prizes including an I-Touch and GPS. At 9:00 PM there will be a FREE outdoor movie, AVATAR, on the Great Lawn in front of Thompson Hall. 

§         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.

§         Saturday, May 1, 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7 Dover Road/Route 108:  Moe’s Italian Sandwiches GRAND OPENING

§         Sunday, May 2, 3:00 PM, Durham Community Church:  NH Youth Chorus and NH Choral Society. Pieces by Copland, Mendelssohn, Verdi, Beck, and Stroope will be performed. Reception to follow. FREE family-friendly event.

§         Sunday, May 2, 4:30 – 6:00 PM, Community Church of Durham:  Resources and Support for Parents Caring for Teens Series continues. This program provides parents of teens an opportunity to explore important issues, develop skills and strategies for supporting teens through challenging and dynamic years.

§         Thursday, May 6, 7:00 PM, River Run Book Store, 20 Congress Street, Portsmouth:  Active Retirement Association Memorial Fund and River Run Book Store book event, featuring Evan Thomas, Assistant Managing Editor of Newsweek Magazine. He will discuss his new book, The War Lovers: Roosevelt, Lodge, Hearst, and the Rush to Empire, 1898.

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

§         Saturday, May 8, 9:00 AM, St. George’s Church:  Durham Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

§         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. 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.

§         Wednesday, May 19, 7:00 PM, Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center, 89 Depot Rd., Greenland, NH:  Public Meeting of the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. For more information, call Reserve Manager Peter Wellenberger at 603-868-1095. Read more at http://www.wildnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q2/Great_Bay_Hrg_2010.html

§         Wednesday, May 26, 4:30 – 6:00 PM, Moharimet Elementary School:  One World Language School Registration and Information Night. Classes are for children 3 to 15 years of age and are held Wednesday afternoons at Moharimet. Classes begin September 29, 2010. For more information, please contact Julie Reece at julie.reece@oneworldlanguageschool.org or 866-0364.

 

Durham Public Library Programs and Events

Visit our website at www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.

 

§         Tue., May 4, 6:00-7:00 PM - Ripped Up Rat Readers, 2nd-4th grade book club

§         Tue., May 4, 7:00-8:00 PM - TAB, Teen Advisory Board (6^th-12^th grade)

§         Wed., May 5, 7:00-8:00 PM  – UNH Organic Garden Club Talk.  Come hear how to make your home garden organic and successful.  Tips from UNH Gardeners.

§         Thu., 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. For more information, contact Beth Newkirk at bnewkirk@comcast.net

§         Tue. & Thu. May 4 & 6, 10:30 AM  – Storytime – this week, Mother’s Day/Flowers

§         Fri., May 7, 10:30 AM - Baby Lap-Sit

 

Wagon Hill Community Garden - Full Speed Ahead

On Earth Day, April 22, 70 volunteers mustered out at Wagon Hill Farm to work under the direction of Tom Roberts and Andrew Dawson from Timberland Corporation. They accomplished a miraculous transformation in the area used by the community gardeners. Now there are 23 raised beds, each 4' x 10' and full of composted manure and loam. Mike Lynch and his crew at Durham's Public Works Department are bringing water close to the plots, and there is a shed for storage of supplies and tools. Thank you to Timberland Corporation for adopting the WHF gardens for one of their service days!

 

Gardeners pay $20 to use their plot for a year, and they sign an agreement that spells out the habits which will permit 25 people work close together in harmony in the gardens. Plots are limited. However, if you wish to learn more about acquiring the use of a garden plot, contact Filson Glanz fhg@comcast.net or Dennis Meadows lataillede@aol.com.

 

Weekly Police Arrest Report

 

Week – 32	22 UNH (69%)	10 Other (31%)
*2009/10 Academic Year – 776	490 UNH (63%)	286 Other (37%)
Calendar Year – 223	154 UNH (66%)	79 Other (34%)

*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	34	31	57	38	32
Academic Year	960	805	787	771	776
Calendar Year	298	302	346	294	223

 

NEW HAMPSHIRE TRIVIA & TIDBITS

“The Flag Hill Winery & Distillery in Lee (pop. 4,145) planted its first acre of vineyards in 1990, harvested its first grapes in 1994 and produced its first 500 cases of wine by 1996. The business also is New Hampshire’s first micro-distillery, producing premium vodka from locally grown apples. AmericanProfile Magazine – First appeared: 3/25/2007

 

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.