DOWNTOWN DURHAM PARKING – IDEAS FOR CONSIDERATION
Durham’s recently completed downtown parking and pricing report recommends eliminating free spaces and instead creating a tiered pricing approach whereby the most desirable spaces are priced commensurately and less desirable spaces are given a lower price point in order to more effectively distribute parking throughout the entire array of available downtown parking spaces. While Durham will need to give additional consideration to whether this modes is appropriate for our community in the next year to two years, a recently released on line video explores the problems caused by under-priced parking spaces in communities and how some of the most valuable downtown land is provided at no charge, creating a situation where free spots are hard to find and a large fraction of the traffic is comprised of motorists cruising around, looking for a spot, creating congestion and inadvertently polluting the air and emitting CO2. The video concludes that there are ways to address this issue through appropriate pricing strategies: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/04/pricing-parking-properly-would-solve-problems-video.php#xdm_e=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.treehugger.com&xdm_c=default8382&xdm_p=1&

SENATOR SHAHEEN REQUESTS EPA DELAY ACTION ON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLAN PERMITS TO INCLUDE DURHAM
On April 27, 2011, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen sent a letter requesting that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delay any decision on final wastewater treatment plant permits for Exeter, Dover, Durham, Rochester, Newmarket, and Portsmouth -- all communities surrounding the Great Bay Estuary -- until a comprehensive model of the Estuary has been completed to ensure that limited local resources are used most effectively to protect water quality. At this time, the EPA is focusing upon nitrogen discharge from local wastewater treatment plants which contribute approximately 30% of the total nitrogen impacting the Great Bay with the remaining 70% of nitrogen coming from non-point sources such as fertilizer, failed septic systems, agriculture operations, and runoff. The permits in question address levels of discharge by local wastewater treatment plants. To view more information, go to: http://shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/release/?id=6d92a40a-82b2-48ce-a7d1-178a82942542

SALE/REDEVELOPMENT OF GRANGE – AN UPDATE
In September 2010, the Town advertised a Request for Proposal for the productive reuse/redevelopment of the parcel and structure known as the Grange (H.A. Davis building) located at 37 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824 (Tax Map 5, Lot 1-5). One proposal was received by the deadline from Mr. Peter Murphy on November 12, 2010.

Since that time, the Administrator and Mr. Murphy have brought the redevelopment project to the Historic District Commission/Heritage Commission, the Economic Development Committee, and on several occasions, the Town Council for discussion and refinement. The parties have reached general agreement on terms consistent with Council dialogue and a public hearing on the proposal to solicit public input prior to taking further Council action is set for May 16, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. during the regularly scheduled Council meeting.

Proposed sale price: $240,000. Assuming a price $240,000 paid over 5 years secured by a subordinate 7% mortgage to primary debt, the town would receive an annual loan payment of $58,533.77. In addition the town will receive approximately $45,000 in property taxes annually based upon an assessed value in the $1,700,000 range. This transaction would include the following items:

Move Grange building forward to sidewalk per request of HDC;
Three workforce housing units as part of redevelopment w/ associated covenants;
Retail/commercial use on first floor front part of Grange w/ associated covenants;
Restore and preserve outside historical look and materials of Grange w/ associated covenants;
Pedestrian enhancements along side of bldg with ROW access for general public with maintenance and upkeep the responsibility of the new property owner;
Student housing to rear of Grange structure that is convertible to adult housing when the market permits; and
One universal access (handicapped) apartment included.

DURHAM WORKS TO OPPOSE A PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE RESTRICTIONS ON BILLBOARD “HAPPY HOUR” ADVERTISING

On Tuesday of this week, Administrator Selig, representatives from the University System of New Hampshire, New Futures, Dover’s Youth to Youth program, and others appeared before the House Commerce Committee to oppose Senate Bill 120, a bill that would eliminate restrictions on billboard “Happy Hour” advertising in New Hampshire.

As residents know, the Town of Durham serves as the host community for the University of New Hampshire. UNH is an important part of Durham and offers significant cultural, educational, and sporting opportunities that any area resident may enjoy. In spite of these positive characteristics, however, come challenges for our municipality which includes some 14,000 young and transient students who may on occasion come into conflict with our full-time resident population. At the foundation of these conflicts is alcohol consumption, both legal and illegal, and it is not only the students who create challenges.

The community remains diligent in the prosecution of alcohol violations with the realization that virtually every criminal act faced by the Durham Police Department has alcohol at its foundation. In 2010, for example, the Durham Police Department responded to over 24,000 calls for service and on average makes approximately 1,000 arrests annually. Of these arrests, the vast majority occur on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday between the hours of midnight and 3:00 AM and involve persons between the ages of 18-22 years. Hence, the promotion of the sale of alcoholic beverages is a concern to us locally.

Because of the unique nature of the Durham community, the Town has worked with New Futures to craft an alternate amendment for consideration by the NH Legislature. This amendment ensures appropriate local control and would afford the governing body within a city or town the ability, after due consideration, to prohibit exterior signs or signs in view of a public way that contain a reference to “happy hour” or otherwise promote the sale of liquor or beverages at reduced prices.

WORK CONTINUES IN EVALUATING THE POSSIBLE APPLICATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY TECHNOLOGY FOR DURHAM FACILITIES
As you may recall, following a Request for Qualifications process the Town selected Revolution Energy as a partner to evaluate and implement energy efficiency technology where feasible within Durham infrastructure. Revolution Energy has been meeting with Mr. Selig, Town Engineer David Cedarholm, Town Councilor Robin Mower, and Durham Energy Committee members Kevin Gardner and Charles Forcey to work through viable opportunities. This week, the group discussed the possible application of photo voltaic panels on or near a variety of buildings to include: wastewater treatment plant, town office, police station, public works facility, Dover road wastewater pump station, downtown street lighting, etc. When a proposal is ready to be brought forward, we will keep Councilors informed.

MORGAN WAY/ROUTE 4 INTERSECTION PROJECT UPDATE
On Monday evening, May 2, 2011, the Town Council approved a State Aid Highway Program Municipal Agreement for the Route 4/Morgan Way intersection improvement project.

The 2010 and 2011 Capital Improvement Plan, the Town of Durham allocate a total of $545,863 for the improvement of the Morgan Way/Route 4 intersection with funds to be bonded as part of the State Highway Aid Program. The State Highway Aid Program funds 2/3 of local highway projects with the local community covering 1/3 of the total project cost.

The April 2011 engineers estimate places the current project cost at $465,000, with $310,000 coming from State Highway Aid. The remaining $155,000 will be the Towns costs.

The State Aid Highway Program Agreement between Durham and the State of New Hampshire clearly outlines that the "Agreement [and funding from the state] is contingent upon the appropriation of sufficient funds from the State of New Hampshire Legislature.”

We anticipate putting the project out to bid within the next two to three weeks.

PUBLIC MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

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.

VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://ci.durham.nh.us/ or directly by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.

Durham Energy Committee - Monday, May 9, 2011

Zoning Board of Adjustment - Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Master Plan Advisory Committee - Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Rental Housing Commission - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 (4:00 PM)

Planning Board - Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Conservation Commission - Thursday, May 12, 2011

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.

CAPSTONE SEWER EXTENSION PUBLIC HEARING

The Department of Public Works will hold a public hearing at the Durham Town Hall Council Chambers on Tuesday May 17, 2011 beginning at 4:30 PM to receive comments from residents on a proposed sewer extension off of Technology Drive. This sewer extension is proposed to be approximately 5,380 ft long and will include 38 new sewer manholes. Its purpose is to serve the proposed Capstone Cottages of Durham development. Design plans from this project will be available for review and an informational presentation will be conducted followed by questions and answers.

Questions and comments should be directed to Durham Town Engineer David Cedarholm, P.E. or Assistant Town Engineer April Talon at (603) 868-5578.

PROJECT UPDATES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING DIVISION

The Department of Public Works has been busy bidding new projects for the 2011 summer construction season.

Wiswall Dam Repair and Fish Ladder. This project involves replacement of the Wiswall Dam left abutment and gate structure, installation of 17 rock anchors, installation of a Denil fish ladder and downstream migration notch, and miscellaneous site work.

Bid opening is scheduled for this coming Monday May 9th, 2011 at 11AM. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting was held this past Monday May 2nd, 2011. Bid documents are available at Durham DPW for $100 per set plus postage.

Depot Road Culvert Repair. This project involves the installation of approximately 173 linear feet of culvert liner pipe to be constructed in the existing concrete arch culvert under Depot Road and the Boston and Maine Railroad.

Bid opening is scheduled for Thursday May 26th, 2011 at 11AM. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at the Durham DPW on May 13th, 2011 at 11AM. Hard copy bid documents are currently available at Durham DPW for $40 per set plus postage.

Questions and comments regarding both of these projects should be directed to the Durham Town Engineer David Cedarholm, P.E. or Assistant Town Engineer April Talon at (603) 868-5578.

DRIVEWAY PERMITS

Tis’ the season for re-doing driveways! A friendly reminder that anyone who wishes to modify (by moving a driveway entrance, paving of an existing gravel drive, or repaving of an existing paved drive) or construct a new driveway from a Town controlled road cannot do so without a written permit issued by the Department of Public Works.

An application for a driveway permit can be obtained from the Public Works Department or by printing the attached PDF. The application fee is $100.

Questions should be directed to Durham Assistant Town Engineer April Talon at (603)-868-5578.

PLANNING BOARD

On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, the Planning Board approved the Capstone Development Corporation's Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit applications.

The applications were submitted by Capstone Development Corporation, c/o Appledore Engineering Inc., Portsmouth, New Hampshire on behalf of William & Edna Woodward Revocable Trust, Durham, New Hampshire to construct approximately 100 structures with 141 residential units consisting of single-family and duplex residences with a total of 619 beds and 650 parking spaces, at the property shown on Tax map, Lot 10-3, located on Technology Drive, and in the Office Research/Light Industry Zoning District.

The applications were approved with a list of conditions that must be fulfilled before Capstone can be given all the necessary permits to construct the project. Residents may notice some logging or other minor site work occurring in the meantime.

INSPECTION OF THE DURHAM POLICE CONCLUDES

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) sent an assessment team to Durham last week to inspect the management systems including policies and procedures of the Durham Police. Their role is to determine that the Durham Police are in compliance with nationally accepted standards, inspect agency operations, conduct a public information session, and then report their findings to the Commission for final determination of accreditation status.

The Durham Police were first accredited in 1999 and have been reaccredited every three years passing subsequent inspections by CALEA assessors. This particular cycle offered a unique experience as the Durham Police were chosen to be a “beta site” for a new inspection format. Under previous assessments, the teams would inspect documentation that demonstrated the Durham Police had nationally sanctioned policies in place and they further ensured that the agency was in fact adhering to those policies. These two elements served to manage risk of liability either through acts and/or omissions of the officers and served to defend the Town in any litigation that was to arise from police actions.

In the new inspection format the assessors looked at the Durham Police accreditation process and drilled into the policies to render opinions of the outcome of these systems. For instance, under the beta process the assessors reviewed in great detail how the Durham Police established a new employee selection process, secured employment of the candidate, trained and indoctrinated the new member to the Durham systems and how that employee ultimately was “the right police officer for the community.”

Throughout four days the assessors reviewed the management systems of the Durham Police, gathered information through inspection, interviews and observation and they will now issue a written report of their findings. As the team was preparing to leave Durham on Tuesday they held an exit interview, where staff and several Council members heard the team’s initial findings. While the assessors were very complimentary of the department and the hospitality of the entire Durham community, they were very clear that while they were the eyes and ears of the Commission, it was not within their purview to grant reaccreditation, but they did indicate that they were unanimous in recommending to the Commission that the Durham Police Department be favorably reviewed at the next meeting which will occur in Cincinnati, Ohio in late July.

OYSTER RIVER WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM - VOLUNTEER WATER MONITORS NEEDED

The Oyster River Water Quality Monitoring Program, sponsored by the Durham/UNH Water Supply, Oyster River Watershed Association, and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, is seeking volunteer water monitors. Working in teams, volunteers collect water quality data on the Oyster River using state-of-the-art instruments. Field sites are easily accessible and sampling trips last just several hours.

Volunteers can be involved at different levels, depending on interest and time available. For more information, contact Tom Lee, 659-2269, tom.lee@unh.edu or Brian Gallagher, 862-1390, brian.gallagher@unh.edu

SUMMER MUSIC CAMP AT UNH

SYMS Prep (previously Music for Youth) is being offered at UNH this summer for band students exiting grades 4-6. This is a fun way to continue playing your instrument over the summer, meet some older band friends, and even meet band students from other schools.

Camp runs 9am-3pm, July 11-15th at the Paul Creative Arts Center at UNH. Final concerts begin at 1:00pm on July 15th.

Bands are directed by area music teachers: David Tromba (Dover), Sarah DePorter (Farmington), Amanda Russell (Rollinsford), and Sarah Kuhn (Oyster River).

$150 per students includes: instruction, camp shirt, music and daily snack.

For more information call 862-3244 or see your band teacher.

Courtesy Samantha Brann

RESIDENTS LEARN PREPAREDNESS SKILLS

Area residents learned Emergency Preparedness skills in the Community Emergency Preparedness class, hosted by the Town of Durham and the Strafford County Citizen Corps. During the five week class, participants studied the topics of: Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety, Search & Rescue, Incident Command Systems, Disaster Psychology, Safety Strategies involved in a Terrorist Incident, and completed First Aid and CPR certification through the American Heart Association. Members of the Durham Fire Department, Barrington Fire Department, Rochester Police Department, and NH National Guard Family Program served as guest instructors for the course. Participants toured the Durham Fire Department and McGregor EMS station to provide for a better understanding of their operations.

All participants who successfully completed the course received a certificate of completion from the NH Fire Academy and are eligible to apply to become members of the Strafford County Citizen Corps, a team of volunteers who support first responders throughout Strafford County. For more information regarding the Community Emergency Preparedness classes, or the Strafford County Citizen Corps, contact Samantha Brann at sbrann@hscstrafford.org, or 335-0168.

DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Annual Memorial Day Parade. Every Durham resident who ever wore a military uniform is invited to participate in the annual Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 30, 2011. Preparations are underway by a committee.
The committee is also encouraging as many groups as possible to march or ride in the parade. Groups are encouraged to show support for all military services, United States and Durham Veterans, and U.S. military personnel who are now serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world.
If you or someone you know would like to take part in the parade, please email sdevins@ci.durham.nh.us or call Sandy Devins at 603-817-4074.

Merrick Trail Clean Up. Clean up of the Merrick Trail will be held this Saturday, May 7th, from 9am – 11am. Merrick Trail is located on Canney Road, close to Rt.108 in Durham.

Wellness Class for Seniors meets every Tuesday 10am at the Parks & Recreation Building. This class focuses on flexibility, balance and having fun!
Yoga for Kids: Held on Wednesdays 5-6pm at the Parks & Recreation Bldg. For more information on any classes or events contact Sandy Devins, Parks & Rec. Director at recreation@ci.durham.nh.us

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Preschool Storytime, Tues., May 10th and Thurs., May 12th, 10:30 a.m. - This week: Caterpillars and Butterflies. All are welcome to enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, feltboard, and a craft
Extreme NH Weather, WMUR Meteorologist Josh Judge to Speak, Tues. May 10th , 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. WMUR Meteorologist Josh Judge will speak on the greatest storms and bizarre weather to hit New England during the last century. Judge will delight weather buffs of all ages (he's got a children's book on weather as well) with trivia and tidbits about the fickle and sometimes wicked weather in our region of the country.This talk is suitable for weather fans of all ages.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Lyme Disease and Other Tick-bourne illnesses, Weds. May 11th, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Suzanne is here to share her own personal journey to wellness. There is a lot of misinformation circulating, and she will share what she knows from having attended several presentations on the scientific research, debates with CDC and Lyme Literate Docs, and seminars geared to Doctors, to help them with their own treatment plans. This Question and Answer session will be geared to the need of attendees.

Geocaching with Families, Sat. May 14th, 10:30 a.m. Join ORPP for this fun family event. Meet at the library and Larry Vannata will teach you how to geocache. Afterward, he will take you outside to start geocaching. Sign-up at the front desk of the library and all are welcome. Rain Date is Sat. June 21st at 10:30 a.m. Bring your own GPS if you have one.
Join the Patch Program, our 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. The patch program ends May 31st for this year, but will start again Sept. 1, 2011 through May 31, 2012.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Kids' Night Out with UNH Gymnastics, Fri., May 6, 2011, 6:00-10:00 PM at the gymnastics gym located in the Field House, 145 Main Street. Kids ages five to 13 are invited to perform gymnastics with instruction and supervision from UNH gymnasts while also enjoying movies, games, and pizza with the Wildcats. For more information on this event, contact Katie at ktq8@unh.edu.

Oyster River QuackFest, Sat., May 7, 2011, 5:00 PM, Town Landing. Ducks will launch at 6:00 PM. Really stormy rain date is May 8th. This fun family event with activities, sponsored by Oyster River Womenade. To learn more about Oyster River Womenade and the QuackFest visit: http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7960900&msgid=137734&act=GOYV&c=832637&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.orwomenade.org%2F

Annual Lamprey River Cleanup, Sat., May 7, 2011, Durham, Wiswall Dam to Packer's Falls Road section of the river, hosted by Great Bay Trout Unlimited. Cleanup group to meet at the Wiswall Dam area 10:00 AM. For more information email greatb3@greatbaytu.org or visit http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7960900&msgid=137734&act=GOYV&c=832637&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatbaytu.org%2Fhome%2Findex.php

The 20th Annual Lee Church Congregational Plant Sale, Fri., May 13, 2011, 4:00-7:00 PM and Sat., May 14, 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Over 2,000 perennials, trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and shade plants will be offered. A beef stew, macaroni & cheese salad bar supper during Friday evening sale from 5:00-7:00 PM. Breakfast available on Saturday morning. For more information contact Marianne Banks, 603-659-2792.

FREE MAC Computer Users Group - Second Tuesdays of the month, Rye Junior High, 501 Washington Road, Rye, NH. Mentors at 6:15 PM (ask any questions).Main topics are 7:00-8:30 PM. Open to all levels.

WEEKLY POLICE REPORT

Week - 24 17 UNH (71%) 7 Other (29%)

*2010/11 Academic Year -760 420 UNH (55%) 340 Other (45%)

Calendar Year –268 146 UNH (54%) 122 Other (46%)

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

Historical Data for the Same Week

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

“Business - 1900-1930: In traveling the length of Main Street, under any conditions, it was apparent that Durham was not much better prepared to provide living accommodations in the teens than it was when New Hampshire College first came to town in 1893. A student in the 1890s wrote of the "vast amount of trouble" he had getting settled until he "found satisfactory rooms between Broth Hill and Lee, east and west, and Dover and Newmarket, north and south." His complaint is familiar and is still voiced by students in the 1980s. The following advice in an editorial in the College Monthly for 1900 was not heeded: "We believe there is no place in New Hampshire where better interest can be earned on your money than by putting up a first-class hotel, boarding house, or even a dormitory, here in Durham, and we would respectfully ask all monied men to investigate the matter." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.