“FRIDAY UPDATES”

Friday, July 2, 2010

 

 

Fireworks at Cowell Stadium – July 4, 2009

Courtesy Todd Selig

 

A final reminder that on Monday, July 5, 2010, the Town Offices will be closed in observance of the July 4^th holiday. All offices will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 8:00 AM.  The Transfer Station will be closed on Saturday, July 3^rd. The Transfer Station will resume regular operating hours on Tuesday, July 6th, 7:30 AM – 3:15 PM.  There will be NO CHANGE to the regularly scheduled refuse and recycling pick up.  Please put your items out on your normal day for collection by 7:00 AM as always.  

 

JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION

The Durham-Great Bay Rotary Club and the Town of Durham will be sponsoring a gala Independence Day celebration with fireworks on Sunday, July 4^th with a rain date of Monday, July 5^th to be held at Cowell Stadium on the UNH campus. Activities will begin at 6:30 PM. In addition to music, activities are also planned for children. The food court will also be open and serve great food throughout the fireworks display. Donations will be accepted at the gate. Fireworks will begin at dusk (9:00-9:15 PM). UNH provides this venue at no cost to the community.

 

USE OF FIREWORKS

The State of NH allows the use of ‘Permissible Fireworks’ for individuals to possess and ignite.  The list of ‘Permissible Fireworks’ is located on the State of NH Fire Marshal’s web site.  Anyone who intends to use fireworks should review this list for compliance prior to use.  Additionally, the Town of Durham requires the individual to obtain a ‘Permissible Fireworks’ permit.  The fee is $200.00 and a Certificate of Insurance is required.  In the event the individual uses these products and does not properly secure the permit, a fine of $100 plus $200 (permit) and $50 (failure to obtain a permit) will be assessed for the first violation.  Subsequent offenses are $300 each.

 

Consumer fireworks contribute to thousands of injuries requiring emergency medical treatment each year in this country.  The tip of a ‘sparkler’ has the same temperature as the tip of a lit match.  Additionally, fireworks are responsible for the ignition of outside fires.  In isolated cases, fireworks have been the cause of fires inside structures as well. 

 

The Durham Fire Department would like to remind our residents and friends that the safest way to enjoy fireworks this July 4^th is to attend a public display that is conducted by trained pyrotechnic professionals.

 

 

Pettee Brook Traffic Reconfiguration Goes into Effect

In an effort to move forward aspects of the B. Dennis Strategic Plan for our commercial core, including increasing parking and making downtown Durham more pedestrian-friendly, the Public Works Department was asked to develop a test/pilot program for implementation this summer along Pettee Brook Lane. This change involves narrowing the traveled way from two lanes to one using paint and cones, adding a designated bicycle lane, and including additional parking spaces to support downtown businesses along the left-hand side of the roadway. If the configuration is successful, we hope to continue it into the fall and possibly make it a permanent addition to Durham's downtown.

 

Beginning on Thursday morning, July 1^st, Pettee Brook Lane was made a one-lane roadway with additional parking as follows:

 

§         The roadway will consist of 17 new parking spaces all on the southern side of Pettee Brook.  Between the egress of Store 24 and Jenkins Court – 3 spaces; between Jenkins Court and the southern egress to the Pettee Brook permit lot – 4 spaces; between the egress into the southern portion of Pettee Brook lot to the egress to the Ocean Bank – 10 spaces.

 

§         Signage at the intersection of Madbury Road will consist of a yield for vehicles entering Pettee Brook from the south, a merge advisory sign, and a temporary electronic billboard that will be placed on the Store-24 parking lot advising travelers of the traffic pattern change.

 

§         The roadway configuration will consist of 10-foot wide parking spaces, a single 12-foot wide travel lane, and finally a 6-foot wide bicycle lane, for a total of 28 feet. The parking spaces will be up to 4 feet longer than some of the parallel parking spaces along Main Street.  It is hoped that the larger spaces will make the parking both easy and attractive to businesses and customers. 

 

§         There will be no fees associated with this trial parking period.  The immediate goal is to determine if this pattern will function safely and appropriately. However, if successful and made permanent, these parking spaces may become subject to permitting or metering in the future.

 

We recognize that this new traffic and parking pattern is a significant change for residents and downtown businesses. However, we believe that the change will provide downtown businesses with increased parking options and a more pedestrian-friendly environment; two outcomes that will ultimately support and sustain our downtown business community.

 

The revised configuration of Pettee Brook Lane will be evaluated on an ongoing basis during the pilot period this summer and early fall. We want your feedback so that we can most effectively evaluate this trial and thus meet the needs of the downtown and the community.  If you have suggestions, questions, or feedback, please contact Jim Lawson, chair of the EDC’s subcommittee on downtown parking, traffic, and transportation. Jim can be reached at lawsonje24@comcast.net or by phone at 603-397-7921.

 

FREE PARKING AVAILABLE TO DURHAM RESIDENTS

Parking at the Depot Road lot is FREE all summer to Durham residents using the UNH outdoor swimming pool or taking the Amtrak Downeaster. Durham residents may also obtain FREE day permits from the Durham Police Department during the school year when using the Amtrak Downeaster. The Police Department will work with those residents who use the Downeaster to spend a weekend in Boston or Portland.

 

FREE PARKING AT WOODSIDE LOT FOR UNH OUTDOOR POOL USERS

Durham residents with UNH outdoor pool passes may obtain a parking pass from the UNH Parking Office which will enable them to park FREE at the Woodside Lot. Residents must have their outdoor pool passes with them in order to receive a parking pass. The UNH Parking Office is located at the Visitors Center (next to “A” Lot) and is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM daily.

 

PARKING STATUS REPORT – JUNE 2010

The Durham Police Department has published its fourth review of parking in Durham with previous reports presented in 2002, 2005, and 2007. This report is designed to provide an update as to the status of vehicle parking within the Town of Durham and to measure the progress, or lack thereof, of initiatives previously suggested and implemented as well as provide an overview of the current parking conditions. To view the June 2010 Parking Status Report, click HERE.

 

RESIDENT / TAXPAYER STICKERS

A reminder that residents can obtain a “Durham Resident/Taxpayer Permit” at no cost. Residents can acquire the permit (sticker) at the Town Clerk’s office at the Town Hall or the Department of Public Works. The sticker entitles residents to FREE access to enter the Transfer Station. The sticker also allows residents/taxpayers who display the sticker an additional hour of parking in the existing downtown one-hour, non-metered spaces for a total of two hours. Call the Town Clerk’s office at 868-5577 with any questions. Permit holders will need to purchase bulky waste coupons which allow them to drop off one item or up to a pickup truck load of non-recyclable bulky waste items per coupon.  Bulky waste coupons are only sold at the Public Works facility as follows: $10 for the first coupon, $15 for the second coupon, and $65 for any additional coupons purchased after the initial two. Durham Public Works office hours are 8AM-12, 12:30-4:30PM, M-F at 100 Stone Quarry Drive.  Check or cash only, no credit cards.  Bulky Waste coupons are also available by mail when requested.  Call Public Works at 868-5578 with any questions. The 2010 Durham Resident/Taxpayer Permit stickers are RED.

 

          

 

Wiswall Bridge Danger Signage

The Town Administrator and the Department of Public Works solicited input last week on how best to protect the public from the danger/hazard associated with jumping or diving from the Wiswall Bridge into the Lamprey River. This activity has been popular since the time of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn and concerns about the associated risks are heightened with the new Wiswall Bridge being slightly higher than the former bridge, and an additional underwater ledge is now exposed where the former bridge’s center pier was located. The center pier was removed in favor of constructing a single span bridge which provides greater flood capacity and eliminated the problem of debris piling up on the pier. However, a large ledge outcropping now extends downstream of the new bridge where the old pier was located. This ledge outcropping is hidden below about 2 or 3 feet of water which makes it almost impossible to see when looking over the bridge railing. The Town is also concerned about other areas around the bridge where rocks, submerged trees, or other debris might be lodged and hidden from view. These hazards pose an obvious risk to those who choose to recreate in the Lamprey River near the Wiswall Bridge.

 

    

   Danger signs painted on concrete brush rail in 6 locations

 

A variety of options have been considered over the last few months on how to reasonably protect the health and welfare of the public and manage the Town’s own liability risk. These options have ranged from doing nothing, to installing warning signage, or prohibiting jumping or diving altogether through a new ordinance.  It was decided that the “do nothing” option was not appropriate, and the concept of prohibiting jumping or diving altogether seemed extreme especially since there is no record of serious injury by a bridge jumper.  The police were also concerned that prohibiting jumping or diving would require a No Jumping/Diving Ordinance, and even if the Town Council approved such an ordinance it would be almost impossible to enforce. 

 

The idea of installing a buoy(s) in the general vicinity of the ledge outcropping as well as painting the rocks with bright colored paint was also considered; however, a buoy would not be able to identify the numerous underwater hazards in place and would serve to catch river debris washing downstream. After further evaluation on the buoy idea, additional concerns have been raised about the buoys actually becoming a hazard themselves.  Buoys would likely provide a false sense of safety. Paint on the bottom of the river would wear off, and it is important to remember that the Lamprey River is a Federally-designated natural river.

 

Ledge below the water surface at Wiswall Bridge visible from above

 

To date the Town has embraced the option of alerting the public about the dangers by installing warning signage was the most prudent choice.  Signs have been posted on either end of the bridge that read “SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK - This Location Contains Underwater Hazards - The Town DOES NOT Provide Life Guards or Any Other Form of Supervision.”  To more specifically warn people on the bridge, the following message was stenciled at six locations on the bridge curbing in bold, black print: “DANGER – SHALLOW ROCK AND DEBRIS UNDERWATER”.   This week, four additional signs have been posted on the bridge itself which carry the "Danger-Shalow Rock and Debris Underwater."  The Administrator has also encouraged Foster's Daily Democrat to do a feature of the dangers associated with jumping or diving from the bridge.  We will continue to monitor and fine tune our approach to the warning individuals of the natural hazards which exist at the Wiswall Bridge

 

PUBLIC HEARING ON FUTURE SITE FOR THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

At the Town Council meeting on Monday, July 12, 2010, the Council will hold a public hearing regarding the purchase of a 3-acre parcel located at 49 Madbury Road, Durham, NH, as the future site for the Durham Public Library. 

 

The Public Library Trustees and the Town Council are enthusiastic regarding the site, but are interested in hearing from the public before moving forward with acquiring the parcel.

 

Interested citizens are encouraged to attend the public hearing and express their views.  Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Friday, July 9, 2010, at the Town Administrator’s office. Comments may also be sent by electronic mail to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

 

NEW ENGLAND CENTER FURNITURE SALE

The New England Center will close its doors Wednesday, June 30. Sale of inventory will take place starting Tuesday, July 6, through Friday, July 9, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. for university staff only. Please bring your University ID for admittance. On Saturday, July 10, the sale will open to the general public from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. All sales are final and must be taken at time of sale. Cash or check made to the University of New Hampshire only. Be prepared to move your purchases yourself. No delivery or assistance will be available. The money raised will be used to offset the NEC’s FY10 operating loss.

 

LEED Certification for Future Durham Buildings

The University of New Hampshire’s James Hall has received LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its $34.2 million renovation and expansion. James Hall, which houses the UNH departments of Earth sciences and natural resources and the environment, is the first UNH building project to seek LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. 

 

It is the perspective of Administrator Selig, as outlined in the past, that future Durham buildings should be LEED certified (or an appropriate equivalent) and represent examples of sustainable design and energy efficiency.  This perspective is also reflected in the Town Council goals for Sustainability as a Core Value of the community.

 

Sustainable innovations in James Hall include a gray water system that captures rainwater from the building’s roof and gutters for use in toilets and urinals; daylight harvesting, which utilizes sensors to turn off electrical fixtures when natural daylight provides adequate light; and a heat wheel recovery system, which makes the air handling unit extremely efficient. In addition, 20 percent of the materials used in the renovation consist of recycled content, and 30 percent of the materials were extracted and manufactured within 500 miles of Durham. Visitors to James Hall can monitor energy use live via an interactive energy kiosk in the building.

 

To learn more about LEED certification, go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership_in_Energy_and_Environmental_Design

 

Looking for a highly motivated business intern to help your company this fall?

Every fall the Entrepreneurship Program at the Whittemore School of Business and Economics, UNH, teaches a course for senior entrepreneurship students, which requires them to intern at area companies for 8-10/weeks for the fall semester. The students are all entrepreneurship majors in their senior year with an interest in working with start up and high growth ventures. They are interested in gaining experience in a variety of areas, including real estate, marketing, sales, finance, human resources, and management. The students have significant business education and look forward to the exposure and experience of working with interesting and exciting companies and the close contact with business professionals at these organizations. This is the 11^th year offering this program. UNH is currently in the process of recruiting companies for the 2010 fall program.  If you are interested in participating in the 2010 Internship Program, please contact Laura Hill, Educational Program Coordinator, 603/862-3341 or laura.hill@unh.edu for more details.

 

Economic Development Committee (EDC)

The EDC has been working on several initiatives over the last few months including sending out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Town-Wide Market Analysis.  The Town received twelve (12) proposals in response to the RFP.  A subcommittee of the EDC read through and analyzed the responses and agreed to bring in four (4) of the consulting firms for interviews. The committee hopes to select a finalist by the end of the month so they can begin work in August.  The EDC has also been working on a Business Visitation and Retention Program and sent out a “discussionnaire” to approximately 125 businesses in the Town of Durham. The committee will begin face-to-face visits with these businesses next week.

 

Planning Board

The next meeting of the Planning Board is scheduled for Wednesday, July 14, 2010.  The Board will hold public hearings on the following: 

 

§         Federal Savings Bank’s applications for constructing a two-lane drive-thru for its facility at the Mill Plaza.

§         Park Court Properties’ applications for retaining the existing structure for a mixed-use and moving the driveway and parking area for that structure on its property located at 262 Mast Road.

§         Amendments to the Site Plan and Subdivision Regulations to address the management and control of the discharge of stormwater.

§         A Zoning Ordinance amendment to Article XII, Zone Requirements, to remove Section 175-55 (E) “Minimum Contiguous Lot Area.

 

In addition to the above public hearings, the Board will decide whether to accept an application for a minor subdivision submitted by Peter Andersen for a parcel located at 260 Durham Point Road and an acceptance on a conditional use application submitted by Michael and Tammy Keegan on behalf of Chester Tecce, Jr. to expand the Tecce Farm Stand to include freshly made baked goods, subs, and prepared meals and to add a 24-foot mobile kitchen to the site located at 240 Mast Road. 

 

The Board will also continue deliberations on an amendment to a previously approved conditional use permit application for Pine Ledge Holdings to create a parking area and construct an exterior addition to an existing structure located at 20 Strafford Avenue.  At the last Planning Board meeting held on June 23, 2010, the Board opened the public hearing on a site plan review application, conditional use application, and a boundary line adjustment application for Ionian Properties, LLC to demolish the existing buildings and accessory shed and to construct a four-story mixed use building located at 10 Pettee Brook Road.  This public hearing was continued until Wednesday, July 28, 2010.

 

Master Patrolman Recognition

The Durham Police Department recognizes exemplary performance and years of dedicated service by awarding "Master Patrolman" status.  To qualify the officers must have a minimum of seven years continuous full-time police service with the most recent four years worked as a Durham Police Officer.  The Master Patrolman must be a certified Field Training Officer (FTO) or Instructor in one or more police service disciplines.  Additionally, the officer must have received exemplary evaluations for a minimum of two years preceding this award with a clear demonstration of the principles described in the departments' Mission and Values Statements.  Finally, the candidates must take a written examination that measures knowledge of frequently used Operations and Investigations policies and receive a passing score of 80% or greater.

 

This past week, Officers Holly Rouleau and Danny Brooks both met these qualifications and were awarded this status.  While there is no pay adjustments associated with this status, Master Patrol Officers will be distinguished by the two stripes they are authorized to wear on their uniform sleeves.  Congratulations to Holly and Danny for this recognition of their commitment to the department and community they serve.

 

Neighborhood Traffic Enforcement

The Police Department has recently been inundated with requests from various neighborhoods to have more of a police presence to enforce and prevent traffic violations that they are seeing in their area.  With three officers in the police academy, the department is challenged to simply respond to calls for service and traffic enforcement has taken a back seat to the more serious matters officers are encountering daily.  To address this issue, Chief Kurz has hired retired sergeant and School Resource Officer, Ed Levesque to work 20 hours a week to focus exclusively upon traffic enforcement. Officer Levesque will be closely monitoring traffic in a variety of neighborhoods and locations and while it is nice to see Ed Levesque in a uniform again, try not to have him stop you to say more than “Hi”! 

 

USA Today: College towns do OK in recession

During the 2008 recession, it was projected that college towns and capital cities across the United States would fare better than most other municipalities.  This perspective has indeed born out with as outlined in the following USA Today article:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/2010-06-24-census-boom-towns-college-capitals_N.htm

 

UNH OUTDOOR POOL EVENTS AND INFORMATION

The UNH Outdoor Pool is having a Penny Drop Treasure Hunt on Sunday, July 4^th at 2:00 PM. Come and look for pennies at the bottom of the pool and win penny candy!  Membership or day pass is required.

 

Effective Tuesday, July 6, UNH Outdoor Pool hours change to Noon – 7:00 PM. 

 

July 14 and August 11, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, UNH Outdoor Pool Night Under the Lights

 

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meeting(s) is 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 meeting(s) listed below, please click HERE.  All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing. 

 

Durham Energy Committee – Tuesday, July 6, 2010 (4:00 PM)

Historic District Commission – Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Economic Development Committee – Friday, July 9 (1:00 – 4:00 PM)

 

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

 

JULY 4^th UNCLE SAM BIKE/WALK PARADE AT FIREWORK CELEBRATION

Join Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers and Durham Parks & Rec for the July 4^th Uncle Sam Parade.  Children are encouraged to come to the Durham-Great Bay Rotary July 4^th Celebration in their best Uncle Sam costume and to bring their bike along too!  At the celebration visit the Children’s Entertainment Area to decorate your bike in red, white and blue, get your face painted or temporarily tattooed and make your own Uncle Sam top hat.  The Parade begins at 8:15pm and will loop around the UNH track.

 

DURHAM P&R PUPPY & DOG OBEDIENCE CLASSES BEGIN JULY 24TH

This 6-week program will run on Saturday mornings beginning July 24^th.  Puppy Class (dogs 10-16 weeks) will meet at 9:00am.  A Dog Manners Class (dogs of all ages) will meet at 10:00am.  All classes will be held at the Churchill Rink.  The entire 6-week program is $90.  The classes will use positive reinforcement training methods and will focus on the basics: sit, down, stay, wait.  Dogs will learn how to greet others, walk on a leash and other basic dog manners.  Contact Michael Mengers, 817-4074, mmengers@ci.durham.nh.us to register.  CLICK HERE for more information.

 

DURHAM PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Stay current with all Durham P&R programs by viewing the June 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 or mmengers@ci.durham.nh.us or visit the Town Clerk’s Office.

 

§         Sunday, July 4, 8:15 PM, at Rotary Celebration, Cowell Stadium: Uncle Sam Kids Parade

§         Monday, July 5, 6:00 PM, ORHS Field: Adult/Teen Pickup Field Hockey

§         Wednesday, July 7, Noon to 1:00 PM: Free Yoga at Wagon Hill Farm  

§         Thursday, July 15, 5:30 PM:  Thursday Evening Yoga Begins – Preregistration required

§         Friday, July 23, 5:00 PM:  A Band by the Bay. The Clearly Related String Band and a guided trail walk of Wagon Hill Farm.

§         Saturday, July 24, Churchill Rink: :  Puppy Class (9:00 AM) and Dog Obedience Class (10:00 AM) begins

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

§         June 26, 11:30 AM, Portsmouth High School:  AmericaSpeaks in partnership with the Carsey Institute at UNH and Portsmouth Listens announces a town hall meeting event: Our Budget, Our Economy. Register at:  www.USABudgetDiscussion.org. Visit www.Americaspeaks.org for more information.

§         June 27 – July 1, 10:00 – 11:30 AM on Sunday and 9:00 AM – Noon, Monday-Thursday, Community Church of Durham:  Vacation Bible School. $20 for first child, $15 for second, cap of $40 per family. For more information, please contact Paula Norbert at 603-868-1230 or cedirector@durhamcommunitychurch.org. 

§         July 5-9, 8:30 – Noon, UNH Paul Creative Arts Center:  Music For Youth. Designed for band students entering 5th and 6th grades in the fall. Daily instrumental lessons are taught by experienced UNH music education majors. For more information, contact Sarah DeTurk at sarah.deturk@gmail.com.

§         August 2-6 and August 9-13, Museum of Art, UNH Paul Creative Arts Center:  Summer Art Camp. For complete description of classes or to register on-line, visit www.unh.edu/moa or contact Catherine A. Mazur at Catherine.mazur@unh.edu, 862-3713.

§         MUB Summer Series 2010 begins July 7^th. Everything is FREE and OPEN to all! For more information and to view schedule of events, go to www.unhmub.com or call Dave at 862-1586.

 

Durham Public Library Programs and Events

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

§         Tue., July 6, Summer Reading Program “Make a Splash, Read.  Make Waves At Your Library”, in its fun second week for children and teens which runs through July 29th. 

§         Tue., July 6, 10:30 AM:  Pre-school Storytime – Pirates!

§         Tue., July 6, 6:30 PM:  9-12 year old program – WII Night at the Library

§         Wed., July 7, 6:30 PM:  All ages – Family Game Night, relay races, and group games

§         Thu., July 8, 3:00 – 4:00 PM:  6-8 year old program – Pirates and the Isles of Shoals

§         Thu., July 8, 4:00 – 5:00 PM:  Young adult program – YA author Megan Frazer will visit again. Megan will continue to work with writers on an on-line cultural magazine with interested young adults. Megan is an Oyster River graduate and author of the YA book “The Secrets of Truth & Beauty”.  New and experienced writers welcome.

 

FROM “DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE A HISTORY – 1900-1985”

“The Town Hall at the intersection of Main Street and Newmarket Road (State Route 108) was the seat of local government for nearly three-fourths of the twentieth century. In 1959 the building was remodeled, and the Durham Historic Association granted the upstairs room for a museum. In 1968 plans were formulated to buy another site for town offices; by 1972 the offices had moved to this site at 13 Newmarket Road.” Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

 

Have a safe July 4^th 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.