NHDOT FUNDING AND THE $30 MOTOR VEHICLE SURCHARGE - IMPLICATIONS FOR DURHAM

The $30 motor vehicle registration fee increase was a temporary, two year measure that was established in HB2 Chapter 144, Laws of 2009. This surcharge was expected to raise approximately $86 million dollars in total and will expire on June 30, 2011.

The money that is levied by this fee is solely for the purpose of New Hampshire's transportation system and allows NHDOT to leverage an authorized portion of USDOT funding. This surcharge also allows the capital construction program to move forward, and covers operating costs for servicing the highway system.

Without replacement revenue, NHDOT will need to change its approach with implications for basic road, bridge, and winter maintenance.

Currently no bills have been put forward with alternative funding sources.  This will likely mean a reduction in NH Highway Block Grant assistance to Durham in the amount of $45,000 and the elimination of the scheduled 2012 Durham-Newmarket Rt. 108 Bicycle Lane/Shoulder/Flood Mitigation Project (including scheduled improvements on Rt. 108 at Hamel Brook)($4.2 million) and the 2014 planned interchange improvement at Route 4 and Route 108 ($.5 million).

For the complete listing of projects that may be impacted in our area, please visit http://strafford.org/cmsAdmin/uploads/TYP_Project_ChoppingBlock.pdf 

 "A FAMILY LIVES HERE" SIGNS AVAILABLE AT ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE

The sign shown above was created by a Realtor in Plymouth, NH who is also a landord in the Plymouth community. He has generously provided Durham with 45 of these signs which are available now. Reisdents interested in placing a sign on their property may pick up a sign at the Town Administrator's Office, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.

 New advertising panels in place at UNH-Durham Train Station Platform for Downtown Businesses and UNH

ADVERTISING PANELS IN PLACE AT UNH-DURHAM TRAIN STATION -- MORE PANELS AVAILABLE

The Public Works Department has installed the first set of advertising panels under the RR Trestle at the UNH-Durham Train Station platform.  As you may recall, this had been a problematic site for graffiti for many years.  The new program endeavors to both dissuade future graffiti and promote downtown Durham businesses and UNH.  If downtown Durham businesses are interested in purchasing a space on any of the remaining vacant panels for the next twelve month period, contact the Public Works Department for details at (603) 868-5578 or email  jhoglund@ci.durham.nh.us.

WHAT ARE the "FRIDAY UPDATES"?

Each week, the Town's various departments, boards, and committees—as well as citizens—forward informational pieces to the Administrator's Office to include as part of "Friday Updates."  These are then reviewed and edited by Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry and Administrator Todd Selig. In addition, the Administrator's Office prepares items for the weekly Friday broadcast. 

Originally, the "Friday Updates" were created in an effort to keep members of the Town Council and town departments informed of what was going in Durham -- and this is still their core function. 

Over time, the listserver has also become an important means of relaying information concerning all things Durham and local emergency situations, most notably the ice storm in December 2009 and the wind storm event in February 2010, both of which left many Durham residents without power and stranded for a number of days. 

We hope that you will decide to join the 1800 Durham residents who already subscribe to this FREE e-mail list service, and that you will find its contents both informative and fun.  Please pass them along as well to people whom you know that may be interested.  Our subscriber base is generated by word of mouth. 

If you are interested in receiving this service, go to the Town web site at http://ci.durham.nh.us/ to "Friday Updates" sign up on the right side of the page. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE BUSINESS VISITATION INTERVIEWS

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) was presented with preliminary results form the Business Visitation interviews and survey.  EDC Member Yusi Wang Turell has been heading the effort and will be putting the finishing touches on the final report.  The final survey results will be made available to the Committee and the community at large. The EDC’s next meeting is scheduled for March 28, 2011.

TWO RSA 79-E COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION TAX RELIEF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FROM DURHAM PROPERTY OWNER MATT CRAPE

The Town has received two new applications for the Community Revitalization Tax Relief Incentive Program, also known as RSA 79-E. Both applications were submitted by Matt Crape. One is for his newly completed project at 8 Jenkins Court and the other was for his soon to be redeveloped parcel at 9-11 Madbury Road (The Stats Place location). The applications will be on the March 21, 2011 Town Council agenda for a presentation by Mr. Crape followed by a public hearing on the April 4, 2011 Town Council agenda for public hearings.  After the hearing the Town Council will have 45 days to render a decision on the applications.

SHARE THE ROAD BUMPER STICKERS AT TOWN HALL 

One road, many users. What’s the solution? Share the road! Spring is just around the corner, and so are better bicycling days. Show your support for bicyclist safety by adding a "Share the Road" sticker to your car bumper. Pick one up today at the Town Clerk’s office at the Durham Town Hall.

Seasonal safety brush-up:

Bicyclists, the same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists. Always ride in the same direction as traffic and signal to drivers your intentions (yield, turning, stopping).
Drivers, yield to cyclists. Bicycles are considered vehicles. Reduce speed when encountering cyclists. Recognize hazards cyclists may face and give them space. New Hampshire state law requires motorists to keep at 3-foot distance when passing a bicycle at speeds under 30mph and 4-feet when going 40mph.

(Thanks to Seacoast Area Bicycle Routes (SABR) for providing the stickers.)

NEW POLICE OFFICER HIRED

Gregory A. Ruby has been hired effective March 28th to fill the vacant position of the “19th Officer” that had been eliminated during budget deliberations in 2009 and restored this past year. 

Durham’s selection process is arduous to ensure that the appropriate person/s are hired to provide law enforcement services to the Durham community.  With the receipt of a resume, candidates are subjected to a physical agility process that is required of all entrants into the New Hampshire Police Academy. This process reduces the applicant pool to a manageable number for interviews by a panel of Durham police as well as two citizens representing the community. A special thank you goes to Johanna Knight and Jim Lawson who graciously gave a day of their valuable time to offer insight to Chief Kurz.  The oral board identified several candidates to move forward in the process commencing with an extensive background investigation that includes financial stability.  Medical, psychological, and polygraph examinations complete the process and ultimately identified Greg Ruby as the sole candidate.  

Mr. Ruby has been employed in law enforcement as a New Hampshire Marine Patrol Officer for the past five years.  He is a 2005 graduate of the University of New Hampshire, graduating with honors in Political Science.  While at UNH he participated in a variety of organizations including the Woodsman and Rugby clubs.  As a certified law enforcement officer, Greg will not be required to attend the police academy but will commence his field training familiarization of the Durham Police on Monday March 28th.  This process will last from six to twelve weeks as Officer Ruby learns the Durham policies, procedures, streets, report process and essentially the nuances of policing in Durham.

CHURCHILL RINK - CLOSING FOR THE SEASON

The Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing will be closing for the season on Saturday, March 19, 2011.  The regular schedule will apply through Friday, March 18th. 

On Saturday, March 19th there will be a free Public Skate from 12:00 – 3:50 PM. This will conclude the skating season.  Thanks to all for a fantastic winter, hope to see you next season! 

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CLASS TO BE OFFERED IN DURHAM

The Strafford County Citizen Corps is excited to be teaming up with the Town of Durham to offer the Community Emergency Preparedness Class (CEP Class) this March at the Durham Police Department. The CEP Class is a comprehensive preparedness training developed by FEMA and used in all 50 States, 3 territories and 6 foreign countries. It is designed to help residents take care of themselves, their families and neighbors during an emergency. Topics include: Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety, Disaster Psychology, Safety Strategies involved in a Terror Attack, Light Search and Rescue, Incident Command Systems, CPR and First Aid. Those who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion from the NH Fire Academy, and CPR and First Aid certification from the American Heart Association.

This class completes the core training requirements for the Strafford County Citizen Corps (SCCC), a team of medical and non-medical volunteers who train to support and assist local first responders during emergencies. No commitment to the SCCC is required from those who enroll in the class. Following the completion of Community Emergency Response, participants can continue to attend trainings through the SCCC (such as Traffic Control, Search & Rescue, Basic Disaster Life Support, Fire Rehabilitation, etc.), which are offered every other month.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Class will meet Wednesdays March 23rd – April 27th from 6:30-8:30pm (there will be no class April 13th) AND Saturday, April 2nd from 8:30am-4pm at the Durham Police Department. For more information, or to register, contact Samantha Brann at sbrann@hscstrafford.org or 603-335-0168.

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham 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, March 21, 2011. To view the entire Council packet for this meeting, click HERE.

Durham Energy Committee - Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Planning Board - Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Parks & Recreation Committee - Thursday, March 24, 2011(P&R Building)

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 & RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Easter Egg Hunt, Sat., Apr 23, 2011 - 10 AM sharp at the Town Landing. Bring your basket! Refreshments, a visit from the Easter Bunny, non candy prizes, and a fire truck. There will be two separate egg hunts for younger and older children.

Wellness Seekers Class for Seniors, Tuesdays, 10-11 AM to work on flexibility $40/8wks.
Kid's Yoga, Wednesdays, 5-6 PM at the Durham Parks & Recreation Bldg. $40/8wks
Womens' Pick Up Basketball, Saturdays, 6-8 PM - Free!
 

Watch for Pick up Co-ed Volleyball coming soon!
 

For more information contact Durham Parks & Recreation at 603-817-4074 or mailto:sdevins@ci.durham.nh.usPARKS

PARKS & REC IS LOOKING FOR PICKUP RECREATION ENTHUSIASTS

Are you crazy for Croquet?  Wishing for more Wiffleball?  Looking for Ultimate Frisbee?  Missing your old Mountain Bike Club?  If so, contact Parks & Recreation Director Sandy Devins (817-4074, sdevins@ci.durham.nh.us  We are currently looking for volunteers to help coordinate all types of Spring & Summer pickup games.

SESAME STREET LIVE IS COMING TO THE WHITTEMORE CENTER

Sesame Street Live is coming to the Whittemore Center on March 29th & 30th. Through Durham Parks & Recreation residents are offered a discount of $3 off tickets. To order tickets log on to 

http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/8352/1231952. Enter Discount code: 10SCAR

NEW LOOK FOR THE LIBRARY NEWSLETTER 

The Durham Public Library has updated and upgraded its weekly email newsletter. Years in development, months in execution, involving dozens of graphic artists, copywriters, consultants, and hangers-on in what has to be the most tremendous, innovative media transformation of the 21st century.
Okay, so it was thrown together in a week. Hopefully subscribers will find this new format easier to read, more graphically interesting, and ultimately more informative than the previous newsletter. Included in the newletter will be information on upcoming programs, building project news, photos and stories of library events, contact information, and much more. Not on the mailing list? Sign up on the library's website homepage at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/durham/.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Preschool Storytime, Tue., March 22nd and Thurs., March 24th, 10:30 a.m. - This week:  Ducks and Spring.  All are welcome to enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, feltboard, and a craft.
Not a Victim!  Tales of Survival in Nazi Budapest, Wed. March 23rd , 6:30-8:00 p.m, is a first-hand account of Exeter author Thomas Weisshaus' experiences as a teenager during the Nazi occupation of Budapest in 1944-45. Beginning in 2003, Tom has visited many schools and organizations in the New England area, sharing his stories of survival and discussing the importance of bearing witness to the tragedies of the Holocaust.
Join the Patch Program, the library's reading incentive program for children aged 2-12 years. 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 Tales for Tails. 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 a 6-week session in March and April.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

The Laramie Project, presented by the Black Box Theatre Company, Tue., Mar 22, 2011, 7:00 PM, Exeter High School. Production is directed by 17 year old Bridget Regan of Durham. Many of the cast members attend ORHS. Tickets are $5 at the door. This show was added at the request of residents who were unable to obtain tickets for the two prior sold-out performances at The Rep. For more information call 603-534-0158.

Museum of Art, UNH, Slide Lecture by Artist Sam Cady, Wed., Mar 23, 2011, 12:00 noon in Room A219 Paul Creative Arts Center. Cady's lecture is offered as part of the Museum's ArtBreak: Brown Bag Lunch series of programs. His work is included in the Museum of Art's current exhibition, ReView: Recent Work by UNH Alumni. The exhibition and lecture are open to the public free of charge.

Museum of Art, UNH, One-day Trip to Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA, Fri., Mar 25, 2011. Advance reservations must be received by March 11, 2011. Please visit http://www.unh.edu/moa/events.html to complete the form and pay by credit card or e-check, or call 603-862-3713 to register by phone or to obtain more information.

PC/Laptop Clinic, Sat., Mar 26, 2011, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, Durham Evangelical Church. Bring in your "sick" Windows PC and have some basic diagnostics test performed for FREE. For more information, call Ron Streelman at 603-397-7600.

ORMS Jazz Band Presents A Music Celebration, featuring the ORMS Jazz Band, Tri City Almighty and Fling, Sat., Mar 26, 2011, 5:00-10:00 PM, Huddleston Ballroom, Durham. Live and silent auction. Lite fare, dancing, and fun. $20/person-a benefit for the 2010/11 ORMS Jazz Band. For tickets, email: kayajewelers@comcast.net.

8th Annual Todd's Trot 5K Road Race/Walk, Sat., Apr 2, 2011, Oyster River High School. Registration begins at 8:30 AM with a 10:00 AM start time. For more information, visit http://www.toddstrot.org/.

Museum of Art, UNH, Slide Lecture by Main E Artist Janvier Rollande, Wed., Apr 6, 2011, 12:00 noon in Room A219 Paul Creative Arts Center. Rollande's lecture is offered as part of the Museum's ArtBreak: Brown Bag Lunch series of programs. Her work is included in the Museum of Art's current exhibition, ReView: Recent Work by UNH Alumni. The exhibition and lecture are open to the public free of charge.

2011 USA Jump Rope Regional Tournament, Sat., Apr 9, 2011, Oyster River High School gymnasium. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:00 AM, followed by speed events, single rope and double dutch freestyle, Group Team Show, and concluding with an awards ceremony at 5:15 PM. Admission is free--donations appreciated. Breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks will be sold throughout the day.

Conservation Options Workshop, sponsored by Strafford Rivers Conservancy and UNH Cooperative Extension, Mon., Apr 11, 2011, 6:30-8:15 PM, Dover Public Library, 73 Locust Street, Dover, NH. Preregistration required. Deadline: Fri., Apr 8th. Call Deb at UNH Cooperative Extension, 603-679-5616, deb.stevens@unh.edu.

Doe Farm Restoration Work - Volunteers Needed, Sat., Apr 30 and Sun., May 1, 2011, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM both days, Doe Farm. Parking off Bennett Road in Durham. Bring heavy gloves, sturdy boots, long sleeves and pants (possible exposure to poison ivy and ticks). Email Malin Clyde at malinelyclyde@gmail.com to sign up. Click HERE for more information.

PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP

Parents in the Oyster River community are invited to join a new group providing information and emotional support to parents of children with special needs (diagnosed or not). This group is open to parents of children (birth-high school) with behavioral, emotional, physical, or mental health needs. 

The group's next social support meeting is Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Tavern at Three Chimneys. 

To RSVP or request more information, contact: Jenna Roberts, jennajroberts@yahoo.com or ChrisAnn Wiechert cawdaisy@yahoo.com.

WEEKLY POLICE REPORT

Week - 11                                        7 UNH (64%)             4 Other (36%)

*2010/11 Academic Year -631        356 UNH (56%)         275 Other (44%)

 Calendar Year –139                        82 UNH (59%)           57 Other (41%)

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

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

“Graveyards and Cemeteries - There are several graveyards for pets in Durham, one of which was located behind the Smith mansion on Main Street. Hamilton Smith, Durham's first recognized millionaire, was a dog lover. He always had a dog companion with him and, therefore, established his own little dog graveyard. Here were buried five of his pets, their graves marked with granite stones and surrounded by a chain-link fence. Another pet graveyard is located east of Newmarket Road at Beech Hill. This is a private site, enclosed by an iron rod fence. Here lie the remains of the Walter Flanders' family dog, marked by a stone inscribed 'Bennie Flanders/June 17, 1909/Sept. 11, 1917. Gone but not forgotten." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

Have a good weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, New Hampshire

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us    http://www.ci.durham.nh.us

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