“FRIDAY UPDATES”

Friday, September 10, 2010

 

 

Jackson Hornbeck of Annapolis, MD views donkeys at Emery Farm --- or is it vice versa?

Courtesy Jim Hornbeck

 

 

The Jewish High Holidays began at sundown on Wednesday of this week with Rosh Hashanah. We wish you a sweet New Year.

 

PRIMARY ELECTION – SEPTEMBER 14^th 

A final reminder that the New Hampshire State Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at the Oyster River High School located on Coe Drive. Polling hours will be from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

 

Absentee ballots for the September 14^th Primary Election are available at the Town Clerk’s Office. Residents who will be out-of-town during the Primary or who are physically disabled or observing a religious holiday, may request an absentee ballot. Ballot requests may be made in person at the Town Clerk’s Office between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, or with a written request by mail. Written requests must contain your name, residence address, address to mail the ballot (if different from the residence address), and a signature. 

 

This is a Primary, so you will receive a ballot for the party of which you are currently registered. If you are undeclared (a.k.a., independent), you will need to specify a Democratic or Republican ballot.  No party changes can be accepted until after the election. To view a copy of the Republican absentee ballot, click HERE. To view a copy of the Democratic absentee ballot, click HERE.

 

UNH ANNUAL PICNIC, SEPTEMBER 14^th – ROAD CLOSURE

The annual UNH Picnic will be held on Tuesday, September 14^th. A portion of Main Street will be closed from Garrison Avenue to Edgewood Road between the hours of 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM.  There will be detours provided for motorists to go around the event.

 

NOTE:     As this event is being held the same day as the Primary Election, residents may want to consider taking an alternate route to the Oyster River High School for voting.

 

“DISORDERLY HOUSE” ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING

For more than a year the impact of UNH students renting properties located within neighborhoods has again become a focus for various Town departments, the Rental Housing Commission, and residents living within affected neighborhoods. Also included as part of this ongoing challenge are the matters of parking, noise, vandalism, and crime in general. The Rental Housing Commission has been working diligently to develop potential ways in which to address these various issues, including the creation of a rental registry, a property maintenance code, a large gathering permit, amending the Town’s current Noise Ordinance, and crafting a Disorderly House Ordinance.

 

On June 21, 2010, the Town Council held a First Reading on a draft Disorderly House Ordinance (Ordinance #2010-08) modeled from other ordinances across the country. This ordinance focuses not on the tenant, but on the property owner with the idea that ultimately the owner needs to be responsible for the behavior occurring on his/her property.  It is to ensure that property owners actively have a stake in and take responsibility for activities at their properties that affect quality of life for the broader community. After a first event the owner will be notified. After a second event the owner will be fined $500 unless he/she meets with the Police Chief to develop a strategy to avoid future disorderly events. After a third event the owner will be fined $1,000 and meet with the Police Chief and 3 representatives of the Durham Rental Housing Commission to discuss ways to alleviate the problems and show that they have taken steps to eliminate future disorderly events.  The owner and the Police Chief will then sign a document outlining the steps that need to be taken to resolve these disturbances.  After a third and all subsequent events there will be a fine of $1000.

 

At the Town Council meeting scheduled for Monday evening, September 13, 2010, the Council will hold a Public Hearing to receive input from members of the public relative to this issue.  The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM and will be held in the Council chambers at Town Hall.

 

To view the draft ordinance, click HERE.

 

Durham Public Forum on Workforce Housing

Did you know that the average home price in Durham was $221,500 in 2000 and increased almost 60% to $352,171 in 2009-2010?  Could you afford to buy a house at this price? And did you know that the State of New Hampshire requires all communities to provide opportunity for workforce housing (RSA 674: 58-61)? The Durham Town Council and Workforce Housing Committee invite all residents to an exciting Public Forum to learn what we can do to encourage affordable housing for local people making average incomes in the area.  Please join us at the Town Hall on September 28th at 7 PM to share your ideas, issues, and concerns, and to learn about possible solutions.  We want to learn how you feel about Durham’s housing needs.  The Workforce Housing Committee is beginning the process to update the Zoning Ordinance to include greater opportunities for workforce housing—for those people who can’t afford to live where they grew up or where they may want to work.  Now is the time to share your thoughts.  See you at the forum!

 

 

IDEA GREENHOUSE

Can Durham become a hub of creative and entrepreneurial energy? That's the question the Idea Greenhouse is trying to answer by September 20th.

 

Formed in June, the Idea Greenhouse is the creation of Tom Elliott, a Durham resident and "work from home" entrepreneur. After many conversations with town leaders and residents about the opportunities for revitalizing Durham's downtown through attracting new startup businesses, Elliott launched the Idea Greenhouse as "an experiment to grow a creative culture by providing a space to connect people."

 

With Revolution Energy, a local company and winner of the Green Launching Pad business contest last May (see www.greenlaunchingpad.com), as an "anchor tenant,"  Idea Greenhouse rented a space in the historic 13 Jenkins Court building owned by the very supportive Kostis family.

 

Two events this summer brought together a wide range of creative, entrepreneurial, and downtown supporters, to discuss the opportunities for creating a "creative cultural center" and coworking space. Demand for meetings, business mentoring, talks, and other programming is strong and growing.

 

After just three months in a small month-to-month space, the Idea Greenhouse is now poised to open a bigger, permanent location. Elliott is working with Matthew Crape of CF Ventures to lease over 1,700 square feet of the fourth floor of Mr. Crape's new 8 Jenkins Court building.

 

Elliott and Crape have agreed to explore interest in the use of the space as shared offices, cubes, desks, and "drop in" memberships for laptop workers looking to get out of the house and work in a collaborative, creative, and entrepreneurial community. The center will sponsor many day time and evening events, to bring together the town and region's business and nonprofit leaders.

 

The deadline for joining the Idea Greenhouse as an early member or tenant is September 20th. Anyone interested in working in this new space is encouraged to visit www.ideagreenhouse.biz to see a video tour of the space, learn more about membership prices, and register for next Tuesday's major event.

 

Next week's event is a combination social gathering, tour of the new potential home, and talk by UNH graduate and local entrepreneur Peter Getman of MicroArts. The event is free and begins at 6pm. Details and registration at www.ideagreenhouse.biz

 

2010 Surplus VehicleS BID

The Department of Public Works will be placing its annual surplus vehicles bid advertisement in the newspaper next week. This year, the following items are up for bid:

 

#1 1995 GMC Sierra 3500                               VIN# 1GDHC34KXSE539296

#2 1997 Crown Victoria                                    VIN # 2FALP71W3VX165981

#3 2001 Crown Victoria                                    VIN # 2FAFP71W91X158   

#4 Ranger Pick-up Cap – dark blue

 

Interested parties must submit a sealed bid to the Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, no later than 2:00 PM, Wednesday, September 29, 2010.  The envelope must be clearly marked “SURPLUS VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT BID, VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT #” indicating the corresponding number, above, for each bid.  Use only one envelope for each vehicle/equipment item and each corresponding bid.  All items can be viewed at the Department of Public Works, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, M-F 8AM- 3:30PM.  Vehicle Bids must be at least $100 to be considered.  The Town of Durham reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to investigate the qualifications of any bidder, and to waive or not waive any and all informalities in any bid when making an award.

 

West End PROJECT

Town and UNH representatives did a walk-through of the West End project to create a punch list of smaller repairs and cleanup work that needs to be done prior to the end of the project.  Representatives are pleased with the work that has been done. 

 

WATER CONSERVATION STATUS

The Town and University continue to monitor the river flows closely. Although there has been no significant rain and conditions remain very dry, flow in the Oyster River, combined with increased withdrawal from the Lee Well, has been adequate to meet demand. With the cooler weather, rivers are losing less water to evaporation which has helped slow the decline in flow.

 

Town and UNH representatives will conduct another review next week at which time it is likely they will begin drawing from the Lamprey River impoundment. The drought warning level may need to be increased from level 1 to level 2 at that time.

 

Although the drought warning level does not currently need to be increased from the present level 1, representatives will work with UNH Residential Life to circulate flyers in the dorms asking for voluntary conservation measures. 

 

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY

Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held on Saturday, October 9^th at the Public Works Facility.  Remember that this is for residential household hazardous waste products only.  In order to participate in the event, you must call the Public Works Department, 868-5578, and set an appointment time.  Appointments will be set between 8:30 and 11:30 AM. There is a five gallon maximum per household.  Remember that latex and oil based paints DO NOT come to Household Hazardous Waste Day since they can be brought to the Transfer Station throughout the year, latex dried out first to bring up, oil based paints can be brought up to the Transfer Station as is.  Please call with any questions and to set an appointment.  To view details/instructions, please click HERE.

 

Cable Franchise Agreement Renewal Process – PUBLIC HEARING

The Town of Durham is currently in the process of negotiating a renewal of its cable franchise agreement with Comcast, the incumbent cable operator. The renewal process is an opportunity for the Town to ascertain the future cable-related needs and interests of the community and to negotiate with Comcast to meet these needs in the renewal franchise agreement.

 

As part of the process, the Town will be holding a public hearing a public hearing to ascertain the future cable-related needs and interests of the community on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 beginning at 7:00 P.M. The hearing will be held in the Town Council Chambers at the Durham Town Hall located at 15 Newmarket Road. Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing and provide input relative to this important process. Written comments may also be submitted to Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry at jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

 

In order to provide information to the Town Cable Franchise Review Committee, a list of questions was provided and sent to various Town organizations and departments to answer and submit for consideration by the committee. To view these questions, please click HERE.

 

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, September 13, 2010

Zoning Board of Adjustment – Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Rental Housing Commission – Wednesday, September 15, 2010 (4:00 PM)

Planning Board – Wednesday, September 15, 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

 

Sound Beginnings – Youth music program offered at Parks & Rec

Sound Beginnings is a unique and affordable music and movement enrichment program for parents and their children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years.  Instructor Maria Isaak will focus on nurturing the joys of early childhood musical development. Using traditional children's folk songs, nursery rhymes and games, parents and their children build a repertoire of joyful musical experiences.  The 8 week program is $75.  Class will meet on Wednesdays from September 29^th through November 17^th.  There are two time sessions to choose from, 5:00pm to 5:45pm or 6:00pm to 6:45pm.  All classes are held at the Durham Parks & Recreation Department.  To register contact P&R Director Michael Mengers at mmengers@ci.durham.nh.us, 817-4074 or visit the Clerk’s Desk.  For more information, click HERE. 

 

Durham Day – Sunday, September 26th

Make sure to come out to Durham Day on September 26^th from 12:30pm to 4:00pm.  Enjoy a free community barbeque, boat tours of the Little Bay, live musical performances and plenty of activities and games for the whole family.  Just added to the entertainment lineup are the antique cars of the Northeastern Region of the Nash Car Club of America.  Check out the 1910 Rambler owned by Durham resident Roland Pelletier.  It is one of two still known in existences.  Contact P&R Director Michael Mengers with any questions (817-4074, mmengers@ci.durham.nh.us.)

 

The Parks & Recreation Nature Note – Stolworthy Wildlife Sanctuary

The Stolworthy Wildlife Sanctuary is a 3.5 acre, Town owned parcel of land located directly behind the Oyster River Middle School.  A trail system begins at the newly constructed ORMS Outdoor Classroom and travels northeast, eventually meeting up with Bagdad Road.  Off of the main trail numerous other paths head east eventually meeting up with a tributary of the Littlehale Creek and the Oyster River High School athletic fields.  Another brief path heading west is an old Class 6 Road and connects with Bagdad Road Extension.  Now is a great time to visit the Stolworthy Sanctuary.  Thanks to Gubby Noronha’s Eagle Scout project all of the trails have been cleared and widened.  Please only use the ORMS parking lot to access Stolworthy after school hours and on weekends.

 

Durham Public Library Programs and Events

§         Preschool Storytime this week, Tue, Sep 14^th and Thu, Sep 16^th at 10:30 AM - Stories, fingerplays, feltboard, songs, and a craft.  This week - Chickens and Farms.

§         The patch program reading incentive program for children aged 2-12 years has started.  Children earn patches for minutes read or being read to as well as a Durham Library book bag.  If new to the program, stop by and register.

§         Registration for UNH Reading Buddies through Seacoast Reads has started.  Would your child in grades 1^st through 3^rd benefit from a UNH Reading Buddy? Then sign up at the library for your child to be partnered with a student trained by the UNH Education Department’s Seacoast Reads program.

§         Registration for Tales for tails has started.  Have a young reader who could use some non-judgmental encouragement for reading aloud?  A Delta Therapy dog is waiting for your child.  Sign up now at the library for 4-week sessions beginning in October.

§         Parenting Book Group “Why Fathers Count” begins Tue, Sep 14^th at 10:30 AM.  Call the library at 868-6699 for more information and how to register.

§         Lyme Disease Support Group, Tue, Sep 14^th, 6:30 – 8:00 PM.

§         Family Preparedness Workshop, Wed, Sep 15^th, 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Learn how to keep your family safe.  Sponsored by the Safety Council of Strafford County.

§         Granite Earth “Healthy Child, Healthy Planet” 7-week series begins Tue, Sep 21^st, 7:45 – 9:15 PM. To Register and for more information call the library.

§         Young adults interested in writing a review of a book, play, movie, event?  Email the children’s librarian at ekleinmann@ci.durham.nh.us  or stop by the circulation desk and we’ll put you in contact with our partner, YA author Megan Frazer, who is helping us with this blog. Visit the library website at www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

§         Saturday, Sep 11^th, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Durham Churches Hold Annual Family Yard Sale. The Durham churches of Durham Community Church and St. Thomas More Church will hold the annual family yard sale. Come search for possible treasures in including clothing, ketch ware, furniture, sporting goods, books, vintage items, linens, tools, and toys. Enjoy barbecue foods. Bring a friend and shop, rain or shine.

§         Tuesday, Sep 14^th, 1:30 PM, Durham Evangelical Church - Active Retirement Association General Meeting. Dr. Mark Huddleston, President of UNH, will speak about the state of the University of New Hampshire.  For more information, visit our website at www.unh.edu/ara/ or call Carol Caldwell, our Membership Chairman at (603) 343-1004.

§         Wednesday, Sep 15^th, 4:00 PM, Durham Community Church - UNH Professor, Ellen Fitzpatrick, will speak about her book, Letters to Jackie, which examines the condolence letters, archived in the John F. Kennedy Library, that were written to Jacqueline Kennedy after her husband’s assassination devastated the nation.  This event is hosted by the Active Retirement Association and is FREE. All are welcome and books will be available.

§         Friday, Sep 10^th, 5:00 – 7:00 PM,- Museum of Art, UNH – Preview reception of a new exhibition, The Artists Revealed: 2010 Studio Faculty Exhibition, featuring 97 recent works created by 13 art studio faculty members of the Department of Art & Art History at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). This multi-media exhibition features drawing, ceramics, furniture design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. It will remain on view from September 11 through October 17, 2010. The preview reception, exhibitions, and accompanying educational programs are all open to the public FREE of charge.

 

DURHAM GARDEN CLUB SEEKING NEW MEMBERS

The Durham Garden Club is looking for new members to attend its first monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 21, 2010. The topic for this meeting will be CREATING BEAUTY WITH PLANTS AND STONE BY THOMAS BERGER, STONE SCULPTOR. He will give some ideas for incorporating art into your garden settings.  The Garden Club invites residents for socializing and refreshments at 6:30 PM at St. George's Episcopal Church, Main Street, Durham. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.   We look forward to seeing some new faces.  Please call Joanne Young at 659-8055 if you have any questions.

 

Weekly Police Arrest Report

Week – 54                                         34 UNH (63%)           20 Other (37%)

*2010/11 Academic Year – 77        49 UNH (64%)           28 Other (36%)

Calendar Year – 503                        298 UNH (59%)         205 Other (41%)

*This data represents the 2010/11 Academic year report which began August 27^th when UNH dormitories officially opened and students begin arriving in Durham.

 

Historical data for the same week

	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Week	118	72	45	43	92	54
Academic Year	158	98	65	59	117	77
Calendar Year	717	601	636	574	663	503

 

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

“The water system has expanded as the university and the town have grown. More water became available when the university acquired a much larger reservoir on the Oyster River west of the town. The water treatment and pumping facility, which is owned by the university, has also been able to keep pace with the growth of the student body and development of the town north of the river.” Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

 

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.