Friday, June 3, 2011

  Demolition of former Stats Place building located on Madbury Road

Courtesy Todd Selig

Demolition began this week on the property located at 9 Madbury Road (formerly Stats Place). The property, now owned by Matthew Crape, is being cleared for the construction of a new 4-story mixed use building that will have commercial offices on the first and fourth floors and apartments on the second and third floors.  Once demolition is complete, pile driving will begin on the site which is expected to last for approximately two weeks.

ADMINISTRATOR'S PLAN FOR REDUCING THE RISK TO DURHAM RESIDENTS OF WEST NILE VIRUS AND EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS

The State of New Hampshire saw a growth in activity in both West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) during the 2005 mosquito season.  Despite an aggressive state-wide education campaign, seven New Hampshire residents developed serious illness following infection with EEE, two of whom died. Once present in an environment, both viruses will likely continue to surface to some extent every year. In response to this situation, the Town Administrator has provided information concerning WNV and EEE, prevention and control strategies, and the Town's planned response in 2011. To view the Administrator's plan in detail, click HERE. Some helpful suggestions also follow in terms of reducing the risk of exposure to mosquitoes around one's home.

What can residents do around their homes to help reduce exposure to mosquitoes?

• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes.
• Remove all discarded tires from your property. The used tire has become the most important domestic mosquito-breeding habitat in the United States.
• Do not allow water-holding containers.  Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers. Do not overlook containers that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation. 
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left out of doors.  Drainage holes that are located on the sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed in.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Tightly screen “rain barrels” to ensure mosquitoes cannot deposit eggs in or on water.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and outdoor hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered.
• Drain water from pool covers.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito breeding grounds if they are allowed to stagnate.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and change water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.  Both provide breeding habitat for domestic mosquitoes.
• Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property. Use landscaping as needed.  Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle that lasts more than 4 days.  Mosquito larvae look like tiny shrimp and are not recognized for what they really are by most people.
• Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.

What can residents do to reduce their risk of becoming infected with WNV or EEE? When mosquitoes are active, take the following precautions:

• Wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks if outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours, the time when mosquitoes are most active, and at other times when mosquitoes are biting.
• If outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours, or whenever mosquitoes are biting, consider the use of an effective insect repellent.
• Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense, and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.

Use repellents according to manufacturer’s directions.

• Repellents containing DEET have been proven effective.  No more than 30% DEET should be used on adults or children.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated recommendations for use of DEET products on children, citing:  “Insect repellents containing DEET with a concentration of 10% appear to be as safe as products with a concentration of 30% when used according to the directions on the product labels.”  AAP recommends that repellents with DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old.
• Repellents containing Picaridin (KBR3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus (a plant based repellent) provide protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET.  Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. Do not allow young children to apply repellent themselves.
• Do not apply repellent directly to children.  Apply repellent to your own hands and then put it on the child’s exposed skin.
• Avoid putting repellent on the hands of children or near their eyes or mouth. 
• Do not spray directly on the face, spray into the hands first and then apply to the face. 
• Do not apply to cuts, wounds, or irritated, skin. 
• Do not use under clothing. 
• Do not spray repellent containing products in enclosed areas. 
• Avoid prolonged or excessive use of repellents.  Use sparingly to cover exposed skin and clothing. 
• Wash all treated skin and clothing after returning indoors. 
• Store repellents out of reach of children. 
• Research has shown that repellents based on natural oils or herbs are less effective than products based on Picaridin or DEET. 
• Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense, and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.

COUNCIL TO RECEIVE UPDATE ON NUTRIENT POLLUTION IN THE GREAT BAY ESTUARY AND HOW THIS IMPACTS AREA WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS

On Monday evening, the Council will receive an update from the Town Engineer relative to the understanding of the nutrient pollution in the Great Bay Estuary and Southeast Watershed with regard to how it impacts the municipal wastewater treatment facilities within the watershed, and provide feedback to the Administrator relative to a draft Memorandum of Agreement between the Great Bay Municipal Coalition and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services or potential similar arrangements that might be reached to protect Durham’s various interests in ensuring the long-term viability and health of the Great Bay Estuary as well as ensuring that Durham’s limited financial resources are effectively utilized.  To view the Council communication regarding this topic, click HERE.  

COUNCIL TO RECEIVE PRESENTATION ON STRAFFORD COUNTY BUDGET MONDAY

Representative Peter Schmidt, Chairman of the Strafford County Delegation, and Commissioner George Maglaras, Chairman, Strafford County Board of Commissioners, have been invited to attend the June 6, 2011, Council meeting to provide Councilors with a brief overview of the Strafford County Board of Commissioners’ proposed 2011/12 budget. County Administrator Raymond Bower, will also be in the audience during the presentation.

This presentation will give the Council and Durham residents important information. First of all, many Durham taxpayers ask, "What does the County tax money pay for?" And this budget year the questions that arise are: "What changes have been made in the 2011 County budget? What effect will these changes have on County programs? Will these changes have an effect on municipalities like Durham?"

The presentation and discussion should answer these questions.

WISWALL BRIDGE ACCIDENT

The Durham Police are investigating an accident that occurred upon the Wiswall Road Bridge between a vehicle and a pedestrian on Monday May 30th.  While a number of privacy and confidentiality issues surround this event due to the on-going police investigation and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  (HIPAA), we remind motorists that they should be very cautious as they traverse this one-lane roadway while pedestrians should be aware of their surroundings if they are upon this and any other roadway.

STORE 24/STRAFFORD AVENUE LEASE AGREEMENTS

The lease agreements between Durham and UNH relative to the Store 24 Lot (UNH-owned but leased to Durham) and parking along Strafford Avenue (Town-owned but leased to UNH) have been extended through June 30, 2012. Durham and UNH had been limiting these leases to 6-month terms since July 2008 to allow flexibility to roll these discussions into other broader Durham/UNH collaborative conversations as appropriate.  In 2010 the Town and UNH began extending these leases to 1-year terms. Prior to 2008 there had been longer terms in place. 

Members of the Durham Police Department, and others, participated in today's Special Olympics Torch Run

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARE IN DURHAM

The Summer Games are the largest competition event offered by Special Olympics of New Hampshire that will be ongoing this weekend on the campus of the University of New Hampshire.  Over 1,000 athletes will be competing in six sports supported by approximately 1,000 volunteers, 500 coaches and chaperones all supported by 750 event volunteers.Leading up to this event is the Law Enforcement Torch Run which is one of the largest Special Olympics fund-raising events in New Hampshire. Every branch of state, municipal, county and Federal law enforcement will participate in the Torch Run through a series of eighteen (18) “legs” that originate in various segments of the State.  Members of the New Hampshire law enforcement community will complete these relays that cover more than 850 miles of NH roads. Each of the “legs” will have one runner carrying a torch and when all legs come together in Durham this afternoon, the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” will be ignited at the Opening Ceremonies later this evening from the flames of these torches.  Residents should be aware that there will be a brief fireworks display during this opening ceremony.

SUPERIOR COURT APPEAL FILED ON CAPSTONE STUDENT HOUSING PROJECT ON TECHNOLOGY DRIVE
Friday, May 27th, represented the end of the 30 day appeal deadline for the 619 bed Capstone student housing project’s Planning Board approvals.  An appeal was filed in Strafford County Superior Court by the 5:00 p.m. deadline by River’s Edge Apartments, LLC.  To read the appeal, click HERE.  The likelihood is that the appeal will delay the Capstone project by a year. 
 

Parade Marshall Frank Pilar, along with Auxiliary Unit 94 of the Bourgoin-Reardon American Legion members Beverly Burrows and Barbara Langley, toss a wreath into the Oyster River during the Memorial Day Parade. Courtesy Andrea Bodo

THANKS TO ALL WHO MADE DURHAM’S MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY A HUGE SUCCESS

This past Monday, Durham’s Annual Memorial Day Parade cruised through Town with strong participation by parade marchers and spectators alike.  The Durham Parks & Recreation Department would like to thank all those who made the event possible! A special thank you to Frank Pilar who served as this year's Parade Marshall.

Craig Stevens and Tom Johnson in Skagway, AK

TOWN STAFF MEMBERS MEET UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE ON VACATION IN OF ALL PLACES … ALASKA
Durham Code Enforcement Officer Tom Johnson is presently on vacation in Alaska with his family.  DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens and his wife were also away on an Alaskan cruise last week.  Imagine their respective surprise when they bumped into one another in Skagway, Alaska.

WISWALL DAM REPAIR AND FISH LADDER PROJECT

Construction Starts for the Wiswall Dam Repair and Fish Ladder Project

The contractor, Reed & Reed, began work for the Wiswall Dam Repair and Fish Ladder Project this week. Access to the parking area and either side of the dam will be restricted for the duration of the project. The project is anticipated to continue through the summer and late fall. Residents should be reminded that parking along the road is prohibited and will be enforced accordingly.

DEPOT ROAD CULVERT REPAIR PROJECT

Depot Road Culvert Repair Project construction contract award bids were opened on Thursday May 26th, 2011 and the low bidder was Ted Berry Company, Inc. of Livermore, Maine with a bid of $99,454.02. Ted Berry Company, Inc. has extensive experience with culvert lining and their references were superb. The Department of Public Works will be bringing the construction contract to the Town Council on June 6th for their approval.  This project is funded through a $200,000 grant from the US EPA Brownfields Program and was secured through the efforts of the Public Works Department.

BREAKDOWN OF ROAD SWEEPER

The Department of Public Works Fleet Maintenance Division has been busy this week fixing the roadway sweeper. The equipment is ten years old and was initially up for replacement in 2011, but unfortunately had to be moved out to a future time. The conveyer system beneath the sweeper was compromised with rust causing the system to break. The repair is quite extensive and costly. The schedule for replacement is based on usage and condition in order to avoid these types of situations. Thank you to residents for their patience with the break in sweeping schedule. The department is hoping to complete the repair within the next two weeks and get back on the road sweeping schedule as soon as possible. 

NEW BUSINESS SCHOOL ON GARRISON

Department of Public Works and UNH officials met this week with contractors involved in the new Paul Business School that will be built on Garrison Avenue between Ballard Street and Rosemary Lane.  The three groups met to discuss utility installations and hookups as well as traffic conditions during the construction phase. The school will most likely be under construction for over a year. During this summer, there will be up to 6 roadway cuts or crossings along Garrison Avenue that will cause temporary traffic delays or on occasion a detour.  Additionally, Rosemary Lane will have a brief closure at some point and there will be a short time that it will become a two way street with appropriate signage.  Contractors intend on working on these two streets separately in order to avoid traffic interruptions occurring at the same time. Garrison Avenue is on the Town's repaving schedule regardless of the construction for the new Business School and will likely take place the year following construction completion.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT TO SEEK INTERIM HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
On Wednesday evening, June 1, 2011, the Oyster River School Board voted unanimously to approve the Superintendent of School's recommendation to move forward with an interim principal at the High School.  To view a Foster's article on this matter, go to
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110602/GJNEWS_01/706029733/-1/FOSNEWS0102&template=GreatBayRegion.  In addition, an Editorial appeared in today’s Foster’s at http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110603/GJOPINION_01/706039980/-1/FOSOPINION with numerous links to related articles.
 
DURHAM EVALUATES 57 MADBURY ROAD AS POSSIBLE TOWN OFFICE SITE
Given the interest of the owner of 57 Madbury Road (the property next to 49 Madbury Road – the site of the new Durham Library) in selling his property to the owner of the Irving Station located next to the Town Office, who in turn has an interest in acquiring the Town Office site for development as a new pharmacy or other commercial use, and compensating the town with cash plus 57 Madbury Road for use as a possible future Town Office location, I had asked the Public Works Department to evaluate whether it would be possible to in fact construct a Town Office at the 57 Madbury Road location. 

The preliminary results look promising but to be certain, we have engaged the services of SMP Architects, the architectural design/build firm utilized by the Library Trustees, to assist us as part of this process.  SMP Architects will provide three iterations assuming an approximate 14,000 s.f. town office facility with parking. 

At least one scheme will show a stand-alone town office building and at least two layouts will explore joining the future library and potential town office buildings.  It should be noted that a deed restriction on the future library site places some restrictions on the layout of a joint facility. 

On the afternoon of June 7th, Mr. Selig will meet with the owner of the Irving Station to receive an update regarding their ideas for the existing Town Office site.

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/.

Town Council - Monday, June 20, 2011. To view the entire Council packet for this meeting, click HERE.

Rental Housing Commission - Wednesday, June 22, 2011 (4:00 PM)

Planning Board, Wednesday, June 22, 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.

ORCSD SUMMER ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The ORCSD offers summer enrichment opportunities for children, and there are still plenty of camps available. A new YOGA camp has been added for students in grades 1 through 5 for the first week of August. For more information about Yoga, click HERE.  The deadline for registration is is June 3, 2011.

Updated camp listings can be found on the district website at http://www.orcsd.org/.

Please contact the district office at 868-5100, extension 11 for more information.

GROWING PLACES SUMMER CAMPS
Growing Places, a non profit early education and youth recreation agency, offers two different camp programs for children:

Camp Cowabunga for children ages 5-7. This camp offers arts and crafts, games, swimming at the Durham Pool, and a field trip every Wednesday.

Bridge Camp for children ages 8-12. This camp offers many of the same opportunities as Camp Cowabunga.  Different themes, age appropriate arts and crafts, and sports and games will keep the children engaged and having fun.  Bridge Campers attend the Durham Pool three to four days a week, and go on weekly Wednesday field trips with Camp Cowabunga, including SEE Science Center, and York Wild Kingdom.

Both camps are housed at Moharimet Elementary School in Madbury.  Camp Directors are professional full-time teacher/directors at Growing Places. There is a 10% discount for full-time siblings.  Pay 50% of summer tuition by May 2, and you will receive a 5% discount for the entire summer. Camp Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended care available until 6 p.m.  Part or full-time schedules available. Tuition assistance is available for eligible families.  Please contact 868-1335 for more information, or email Director Jen Hayward at moharimet@growingplacesnh.org.

DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Music by the Bay. The Parks & Rec Department is very excited to kickoff the summer on June 22nd  featuring  “Bliss” from 5-7pm at Wagon Hill Farm. Bring the whole family while taking in the view of the bay. Friends and families are encouraged to bring picnic dinners, lawn chairs, and blankets. “Bliss” is an all female local four-piece string band that plays folk music, blues, a little country, and some original songs. Event is free. Check out their web site at http://www.bliss4.net/.

For more information please contact P&R Director Sandy Devins at 603-817-4074 or sdevins@ci.durham.nh.us Also check out our new Facebook account on “Durham Rec”   

Durham Police officers Kathryn Mone and Nicholas Glowacki read to children during Storytime at the Durham Public Library. Courtesy DPL

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 

Durham Fire Department Celebrates 100 years - Tues. June 7, 6:30-8:00 p.m. The Durham Historical Association will give a talk on the history of the DFD. Please join us as Fire Chief Corey Landry presents the history of the Durham Fire Department and its original roots.

On March 14, 2011, the Durham Fire Department celebrated its 100 year anniversary by unveiling a plaque at the location of the original Durham Fire Station at 60 Main Street, site of the former “Pettee Block." This celebration came about after a friend of the Fire Department stumbled across a 1912 Town Report revealing the roots of the department. It was previously believed that the first fire department in town started in 1927. After research it has been determined that the 1927 date refers to the merger of the Durham FD with the UNH FD after the “Pettee Block” burned in 1924. Join the library for a fun, fact-filled evening sponsored by the Durham Historic Association.

Babysitting Certification Class, Sat. June 11, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - McGregor Memorial EMS offers the two-year certification through the American Heart Association. To register, call 862-3674 or cprregistration@megreorems.org. Cost is $20.
Register for our fun 5 week summer reading program starting June 14th. The theme this year is “One World, Many Stories”.  Our program runs from June 26th through July 29th.  When you register you will receive a packet including your reading logs, calendars, some gifts and a fun bag.  Keep track of your reading minutes and have them checked once a week to earn a prize of the week.  You will receive a new book, and prizes at the end, as well as a reading certificate. Also add to our visual display in the library. Some fun visitors planned, 

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 

Chicken Curry Dinner, Sun., Jun 5, 2011, 5:00/6:00/7:00 PM seating, Multipurpose Room at Moharimet Elementary School. Proceeds go towards building a school in Rajastan, India through an organization called Free the Children. Please contact Mamoon Herz-Khan, 868-1341, mamoonherzkhan@yahoo.com for ticket and other information.

Annual Plant Sale, Strafford County Master Gardeners' Association, Sun., Jun 5, 2011, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, United Peoples Bank parking lot in Durham. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions.

Bobcat Bolt, Sat., Jun 25, 2011. Portions of Town roads will be closed from 9:00 to 10:00 AM to conduct a 5K and 10K road race. The Bobcat Bolt is a run to remember and honor two local brothers, Joshua and Nathan Hardy, and to benefit the Oyster River Youth Initiative in their names. For more information, visit http://bobcatbolt.com/wp/?page_id=58.

Oyster River Festival.  Following the Bobcat Bolt event on Sat., Jun 25th,  a community music/art festival fund-raising event will follow from 11:00 to 2:30 PM at the ORHS field, 55 Coe Drive. For more information on this event, visit http://oralumni.org/oraa/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=58

Vacation Bible School, Durham Community Church, June 26-30, Sunday 10-11:30, Monday to Thursday 9-Noon. The theme is Great Bible Reef and children from ages 4 (preschool experience) to those entering 5th grade are welcome to attend. Older youth are welcome to help out as team leaders. This is a collaborative effort between Durham Community Church, St. George's Episcopal Church and Saint Thomas More Catholic Church, all in Durham. Cost is $20 for one child, $15 for 2nd child and no more than $40 per family. For more information, please contact Paula Norbert, 868-1230 or cedirector@durhamcommunitychurch.org.

Summer Art Camp Classes for Children, Teens, and Adults. The Museum of Art, UNH, is offering week-long summer art classes during the weeks of Aug 1-5 and Aug 8-12, 2011. For a complete description of the classes or to register on line, visit the Museum of Art's website at http://www.unh.edu/moa/ or contact Catherine A. Mazur at catherine.mazur@unh.edu, 603-862-3713.

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.

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

Business: Thomas Schoonmaker owned the next building on Main Street, going east from Pettee Brook. He came to Durham, originally, as the butter-maker for the Oyster River Creamery - a speculation that lasted from 1880 to 1890. The butter sold for 27-2/3 cents a pound and was of high quality, but the business failed either because of Schoonmaker's ill health or because Durham farmers could get more for their cream by shipping it to Boston. Whatever the reason, Schoonmaker turned to barbering, and business in a college town was brisk. He promised 'first-class work', and 'Dutch-cuts' were a specialty. Ordinary haircuts cost 25 cents, neck trims 15 cents, and a shave but a dime." 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

Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?