Friday, January 6, 2012

Contractors prepare to place a roof truss on the rear of the Grange building located on Main Street.  The Mill Plaza can be seen in the foreground.

Courtesy Robin Mower

Hopefully everyone had a nice New Year's celebration as we move into 2012.

PRIMARY ELECTION IS ON TUESDAY, JAN 10TH

New Hampshire is going to be buzzing with politicians this weekend as we approach the Primary Election next Tuesday.  Remember, voting in Durham is held at the Oyster River High School located at 55 Coe Drive, Durham.  The polls are open from 7 AM to 7 PM.  Primary ballots are availalbe for preview on the Durham home page.  

YEAR END WRAP UP FOR 2011
On May 2, 2011, the Town Council adopted its goals for 2011/12.  In order to measure the progress of the goals adopted by Council, the Administrator has prepared a year-end report (attached) intended to provide a snapshot of activity for the last year.  To view the 13 page report, click HERE. 
 

TWO NH HOUSE BILLS IMPACT POWERS OF CONSERVATIONS COMMISSIONS AND THE USE OF THE LAND USE CHANGE TAX FOR CONSERVATION PURPOSES
Recently the Town of Durham was made aware of two House Bills (HB 1215-FN and HB 1515-FN) that would negatively impact conservation commissions across New Hampshire by reducing the ability of conservation commissions to accept monetary proprietary gifts and acquire and manage land for conservation purposes, as well as eliminating the existing local option of transferring proceeds from the Land Use Change Tax (derived when land is removed from Current Use) to the Conservation Fund for conservation purposes.
 
HB 1512-FN would:
Prohibit town conservation commissions from acquiring, conveying, or contracting to manage land for conservation purposes.
 
Require the local governing body to hold a public hearing before acquiring, conveying, or contracting to manage land for conservation purposes.
 
Remove the option for a conservation fund funded by the Land Use Change Tax.
 
HB 1515-FN would:
Change the tax collection procedures for the Current Use LUCT.
 
Add failure to pay property taxes and failure to notify of a qualifying use change to the actions which trigger the LUCT.
Require all municipal LUCT revenues to be recognized as general fund revenue.
 
The Town of Durham and numerous other communities across New Hampshire utilize proceeds from the Land Use Change Tax to put money aside for conservation purposes. While the question of whether or not to use Land Use Change Tax proceeds for conservation purposes can be a hotly debated topic and has been in Durham on and off for many years, it is a local option for communities. HB 1512-FN would strip this local option away entirely.
 
On Monday evening, the Council will take up a draft resolution expressing the Town of Durham’s opposition to the passage of HB 1512-FN and HB 1215-FN and requesting that the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated be left intact with existing language ensuring appropriate local control.
 
To view the draft resolution, click HERE.

PSNH PROVIDES INFORMATION ON RECENT POWER OUTAGES
With three extended power outages in 2011, many residents have asked why we are seemingly experiencing more power outages today than in past years.  A web site link from PSNH has been provided to help answer this question: 

http://www.psnhnews.com/pdfs/Oct_Snowstorm_What_Changed.pdf

  
Additionally, PSNH representatives will be in attendance at the January 23, 2012 Town Council meeting to provide an overview and answer questions from the Council on recent power outages impacting Durham and the entire Seacoast area. 
 

WAGON HILL FARM – DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH PER TOWN ORDINANCE
In response to a recent request from a resident who had a difficult time walking the family dog at Wagon Hill Farm due to dogs running loose that were not under the control of their owners,  we have directed our part-time Animal Control Officer/Parking Enforcement Officer, Ed Levesque, to conduct several daily patrols of the Wagon Hill property and to be vigilant for violations of the ordinance there requiring dogs to be on leash.  We have asked that he issue warnings for the first offense and to issue citations for any repeat violations.  We have also asked the weekend day-shift officers to conduct directed patrols, as time allows, of the property.

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR CIVIL RIGHTS DAY HOLIDAY

The Town offices will be closed on Monday, January 16th, for Civil Rights Day.  Although the Town offices are closed, there will be NO CHANGE to the regularly scheduled refuse and recycling routes.  Please have all items out by 7am on your collection day as always. 

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE RUBBISH PICKUP CONFUSION

This week, due to the New Year’s Holiday on Monday, the residential refuse and recycling schedule was pushed forward one day- meaning Monday’s collection was on Tuesday, Tuesday’s on Wednesday, etc.  Additionally, there was no collection of the commercial recycling route this Friday.  This was indicated previously on Friday updates, mailed out in the annual newsletter to each resident, and described on the DPW answering machine. As residents can imagine, every year the Department of Public Works must work around holidays falling on different days, ensuring staff get a much deserved Holiday, residents are still serviced and not inconvenienced, commercial recycling routes are covered, and overtime budgets stay at bay. 

The Department of Public Works staff  appreciates the patience of residents and apologizes for any confusion.  Please review your annual newsletter for the Holiday schedule to know what, if any, changes will happen on holidays for the rest of the year.  Feel free to call the DPW and ask before a holiday comes up if you are unsure, or view the Town web site at at www.ci.durham.nh.us. The schedule may be also viewed by clicking HERE.

CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION

The Department of Public Works will be begin picking up Christmas trees on Monday, January 9th at 7am.  Please put it out on time if you intend on having us collect it for you.  If you put your tree out after we have passed your neighborhood, unfortunately we are unable to come back to collect it.  You may bring it up to the Transfer Station with your regular permit on Tuesdays or Saturdays from 7:30am- 3pm as well. 

2012 ROAD PROGRAM

The 2012 Road Program Bid package (RFP 2012-01) was mailed out last week to prospective bidders and advertised in the Fosters Daily Democrat.  The bid opening is scheduled for Thursday, January 19th at 2pm.  The scope of work for this year is as follows: 

• Application of a 1/2” shim, 1” overlay and shoulder gravel back-up where applicable on the following Town roads;  The east end of Bagdad Road (3,322 ft), Oyster River Road (2,217 ft), Pettee Brook Lane (1,100 ft), Valentine Hill Road (729 ft). This project includes cold planing of joints on all side roads, start and stop points/ Tack coat prior to all pavement installations in this RFP.
• Full depth reclamation, grading, compaction, 2” base, 1” wearing coarse, shoulder gravel backup, lower and adjust all basins/manholes for Magrath Road (1,980 SY), Sunnyside Drive (5,160 SY), Willey Road (3,825 SY) and  one half of Wiswall Road (4,525 SY).
• Parking Lots:
  • Tedeschi Parking Lot - Application of shim and 1” overlay (340 Tons).
  • Pettee Brook Lane Permit Parking Lot – Full depth reclamation, grading, compaction, 2” base,1” wearing coarse, shoulder gravel back up, lower and adjust all basins/manholes (1,585 SY).
• Adjust all stormwater catch basins and sewer manholes (50) per NHDOT specifications.  

Request for Bid Proposal package 2012-01 is available Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 AM – 12 Noon and 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM at the Department of Public Works, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham NH  03824, (603) 868-5578.
 

A flock of Romney sheep from Great Bay Wool Works

Courtesy Theresa Walker

GREAT BAY WOOL WORKS - THIS WEEK'S FEATURED BUSINESS

Knit Local - Lovely, soft knitting yarn from Durham sheep! 

Great Bay Wool Works was started by 15-year old Durham resident Tim Walker.  Tim raises a flock of Romney sheep on his family's farm on Bennett Road.  He shows his sheep at 4-H fairs and agricultural fairs across New England.  The sheep are sheared twice a year and the fleece is sent to Good Karma Spinning Company in Belfast, Maine for spinning into knitting yarn.
 
The yarn is not dyed and is the color of the animal's fleece.  The colors range from warm chocolate brown and creamy white to tweedy gray.  Yarn from Romney sheep is a top choice for hand knitters because of the yarn's luster and soft, fine fiber.  Yarn is for sale from the farm and at area farmers' markets. 

Please call Theresa Walker at 603-534-3913 for more information, theresawalker@comcast.net. 
http://www.greatbaywoolworks.com/.

TOWN OFFICE FILING PERIOD FOR MARCH 13, 2012 TOWN ELECTION
The filing period for Town offices for the March Town Election is Wednesday, January 25, 2012 through 5:00 PM, Friday, February 3, 2012. The following positions will be available for citizens who might choose to become involved in Durham Town government:

Town Council, 3 positions (3-year terms)

Library Board of Trustees, 2 positions (3-year terms)

Library Board of Trustee, 1 position (2-year term)

Moderator, 1 position (2-year term)

Supervisors of the Checklist, 1 position (6-year term)

Trustees of the Trust Funds, 1 position (3-year term)

PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED $2,700,000 LIBRARY BOND REFERENDUM

At the Town Council meeting scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2012, beginning at 7:00 PM, Doug Bencks, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, will provide an overview of the project and an update on the library trustees' fund-raising efforts to date. After the presentation, the Council will hold a public hearing (required by RSA 33-8:d, II) on a proposed library referendum question to be placed on the March 13, 2012 Town Election ballot which would authorize the issuance of up to $2,700,000 in long-term debt for constructing and equipping a new library. After holding the Public Hearing, the Council will then vote to order placement of the referendum language below on the Town Election ballot.

“Are you in favor of authorizing the issuance of up to $2,700,000 in bonds or notes, issued in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33), in order to fund a portion of the cost of constructing and equipping a new library?”

The Public Hearing will be held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall. Members of the public are invited to attend and express their views. Questions concerning the proposed library and bond referendum should be directed to Douglas Bencks, Chair, Durham Library Board of Trustees at 603-868-6559, dbencks@comcast.net. Written comments for submission to Town Council members may be sent to the Administrator's Office. Comments may also be sent by electronic mail to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

2011-2012 CHANGEOVER

The end of one year and beginning of another is always a busy time for Town staff.  The DPW administrative staff has been busy closing out 2011 and preparing for 2012, working on bid packages for approved equipment purchases, finalizing prior year reports and deposits, initiating new current year reports and logs, etc. REMINDER- it is also time for residents to get their new DURHAM RESIDENT/TAXPAYER PERMIT for accessing the Transfer Station and Recycling Center updated- 2012 permits are available at the DPW, M-F, 8am-4:30pm (closed for lunch 12-12:30), or at the Town Clerks office at  Town Hall, M-F 8am-5pm. 

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.

Town Council - Monday, January 9, 2012. To view the complete packet of information for this meeting, click HERE.

Zoning Board of Adjustment - Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Durham Energy Committee - Tuesday, January 10, 2012 (7:00 PM at the ORHS Library)

Planning Board - Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Conservation Commission - Thursday, January 12, 2012

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/  by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.

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

The Winter Carnival & Chili Festival will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 1:00 - 3:30 PM at the Churchill Rink. This year, the event will include a Mac & Cheese Tasting. To view flyer, click HERE.

An opportunity to contribute to the warmth and comfort of your community awaits you. Durham Parks & Rec is looking for people who would like to share a crock of chili or a dish of macaroni & cheese at this year's Winter Carnival on Jan. 28th from 1- 3:30 PM. For more information contact Sandy Devins at recreation@ci.durham.nh.us, 817-4074.

Happy New Year! Stay healthy this year by taking part in one of our fitness classes. For more information, click HERE.

The Museum of Art at UNH provides a Cultural Excursion on Feb. 2nd to the Boston Symphony Orchestra's open rehearsals. To view flyer, click HERE.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Oyster River FIRST Robotics Team #3499 Competition, Saturday, Jan 7, 2012, Southern NH University. Working with adult mentors, Oyster River High School students have just six weeks to design, build, program, and test their robots to meet this year’s engineering challenge. For more information on this competition, click HERE.

The Pressured Child: How to Help your Child find Success in School and Life, presented by Dr. Michael Thompson, consultant, author, and psychologist specializing in children and families, Oyster River High School Auditorium, Wednesday, Jan 11, 2012, 7:00-9:00 PM. This event is being hosted by the Mast Way PTO, Moharimet PTO, ORMS PTO, ORHS PTO, The Alliance for Better Childcare, and Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers. All are welcome.

Durham Newcomers Unlimited Monthly Meeting, Friday, January 20, 2012, 9:00 AM, Fellowship Hall, Durham Community Church. For more information, contact D. Ramey, President, at 603-868-1219 during normal business hours.
 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Library Fund Raising Success:  The Library Trustees have surpassed their fund-raising goal of $900,000.  As of January 5, 2012, they have raised $1,029,880.50 for the new library.  All told, the Trustees and donors will contribute at least $2.2 million as the private portion of the project costs. The Library’s Board of Trustees and campaign volunteers are still continuing to fund-raise with the intent of surpassing the goal and bringing down the bond as much possible.   A thank you is extended to all who have contributed to the building campaign.

Durham Businesses Support the New Library Campaign: The business community is rallying in support of the New Library Campaign. Beginning New Year’s Day, Hayden Sports and Outback Gift Shop will contribute 10% of sales through January 31. The ffrost Sawyer Tavern at Three Chimneys Inn follow on January 7 with an offer to contribute $1 for every order of the chef’s popular potato-crusted haddock entrée through January 21st. We encourage you to support our community-minded businesses during these special promotions.

Community Initiative to Get Out the Vote for DPL
Residents interested in joining the effort to help get out the vote for the new library are invited to join a community initiative to Get Out the Vote for DPL.

Interested residents can mark their calendar and plan to attend one of the meeting dates for new volunteers:  Monday, January 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the Durham Public Library and Sunday, January 22nd at 3:00 p.m. at the Durham Public Library.

__________________________

Pre-school Storytimes Tues. Jan. 10th and Thurs. Jan. 12th at 10:30 a.m. – This week: Moose!  Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays,  feltboard and a craft.  All are welcome!

Sustainability and Your New Library, Tues. Jan. 17th at 7:00 p.m. - Join Library Trustee Chair Doug Bencks and the Durham Energy Committee for a lively evening of discussion about the energy efficiency and conservation measures built into the plans for the new Durham Public Library. Bring your questions, contribute your expertise, or come to listen. Save room for light refreshments. Click HERE to view flyer.
Registration for Tales for Tails: Sessions starting again January, 2012! 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 at the library.
Need a reading buddy?  UNH tutors are available through Seacoast Reads at the library for your child in 1st through 3rd grade.  Sign up for the second semester!
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.  Thanks to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for their continued support of this program.  We have new patches!

Check out the library's website, www.durhampubliclibrary.org, for more information.

Have a nice 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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