Friday, January 13, 2012

Poster hanging on the wall at Ritzman Lab. The "conductor" is Steve Pesci, Special Projects Director, UNH Campus Planning

Courtesy Todd Selig

Durham has been advised by the New Hampshire Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NHOEM) that parts of New Hampshire, including Strafford County, will experience increasingly gusty winds as well as a fresh glaze of ice on trees which may cause some downed limbs this afternoon and evening. 

NHOEM indicates that Strafford County will likely experience peak wind gusts in the 30 to 40 MPH range. Affected areas will see the winds start around 3:00 PM and end an hour or so later with a lull before a fresh batch of wind begins at approximately 5:00 PM. These winds should end sometime around 10:00 PM this evening. 

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. 
 

LAND USE CHANGE TAX PROGRAM UNDER THREAT IN CONCORD -- DURHAM RESPONDS

House Bill 1515, which proposes major changes to the assessment and use of the land use change tax (LUCT), is scheduled for a hearing before the House Municipal and County Government Committee on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in LOB Room 301. This bill raises significant concerns on several levels.

First, the bill provides that the failure to pay all property taxes on current use land within 30 days after the date of notice of tax will constitute a change of use, triggering payment of the LUCT. This is an extremely harsh penalty that, to our knowledge, municipalities are not seeking. The bill also provides that land will be considered changed in use and subject to the LUCT if the landowner does not notify the local assessing officials within 30 days that the land has changed from one qualifying use to another. That also seems unnecessary and extremely harsh.

Second, the bill provides that if any LUCT assessment is not paid within 30 days after the due date, the property shall be deeded to the municipality. Again, this is extremely harsh, and does not seem to be in the interest of either the property owner or the municipality. Municipalities generally do not want to acquire land because of unpaid taxes; they just want the taxes paid.

Next, the bill repeals the provisions of RSA 79-A:25 that, upon majority vote of the legislative body, allow placement of a portion of any LUCT revenues into the conservation fund. This is a tool that many municipalities, such as Durham, have used very successfully to fund acquisition of land or conservation easements. It is an important element of local control and represents an option that should not be taken away from municipalities.

Finally, the bill repeals RSA 79-A:25-a and 25-b, which authorize the establishment of the LUCT fund – an accounting mechanism that allows LUCT revenues to be segregated from the general fund until the legislative body within a traditional Town Meeting setting addresses the use of that revenue at the next annual meeting. This provision does not impact Durham as we are one of only two municipalities in the state (the other being Derry, NH) with a Town Charter granting the Town Council both legislative and budgetary authority enabling Durham to operate as a small city in every way.  However, there is absolutely no reason to remove this option for the vast majority of muncipalities in NH.

The Town Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2012-01 on Monday evening opposing any changes to the existing LUCT statutory framework.  Chair Pro-Tem Jay Gooze plans to testify on behalf of the community before the House Municipal and County Government Committee on Tuesday morning.

LIBRARY BOND REFERENDUM INFORMATION

On Monday evening, January 9th the Town Council held a public hearing on placing a bond referendum on the March 13, 2012 election ballot for the construction and equipping of a new public library for Durham.

The total cost to build and outfit the library is $4.2 million plus the $600,000 in non-tax dollars spent to date provided by the Library Board of Trustees to buy the land (the former Arthur DiMambro homestead located at 49 Madbury Road), resulting in a total project cost of $4.8 million. 

The Library Trustees received $1.2 million of funds prior to March 2011 and have been committed to raising at least another $900,000 since that time. The Library Trustees shared good news Monday that their fund raising had exceeded the $1 million mark and therefore the remaining (up to) $2.6 million, rather than the $2.7 million originally contemplated, will need to be approved by a bond referendum in March 2012. 

The Council opened the hearing and took testimony from residents in attendance that filled the Council chambers.  No testimony was provided against the project at the hearing. 

After closing the hearing, the Council unanimously ordered the following question to be placed on the March 13th ballot:

“Are you in favor of authorizing the issuance of up to $2,600,000 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?”

To view a Foster’s Daily Democrat article on the Public Hearing, go to:

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120110/GJNEWS_01/701109895/-1/fosnews

On Monday, February 6, 2012, the Town Council will hold a second Public Hearing on the library referendum to provide an additional opportunity for members of the community to become familiar with the project, ask questions, etc.

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.

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)

WORKFORCE HOUSING APARTMENTS AT GRANGE PROPERTY NOW AVAILABLE – PLEASE PASS THE WORD

As noted many times over the course of the last year, the Town sold the former Grange property to Mr. Peter Murphy to be redeveloped in the following manner:

1. Move Grange building forward to sidewalk.
2. Three workforce housing units in Grange or in addition (to be determined) w/ associated covenants.
3. Retail/commercial use on first floor front part of Grange w/ associated covenants.
4. Restore and preserve outside historical look and materials of Grange w/ associated covenants.
5. Pedestrian enhancements along side of bldg. with ROW access for general public with maintenance and upkeep the responsibility of the new property owner.
6. Student housing to rear of Grange structure that is convertible to adult housing when the market permits.
7. Universal access apartment.

The Town Council received a report from Mr. Murphy on the project on January 9th and we are pleased to report that the project is moving forward nicely and that Mr. Murphy is now seeking eligible tenants for the workforce housing component of the project. 

If you are interested in this workforce housing opportunity, or if you know of someone who may be interested, please contact Nikki Douglass at The Douglass Group at (603) 610-8900. 

A new pay and display parking meter on Pettee Brook Lane powered by a solar panel.

Courtesy Todd Selig

Front view of a newly installed pay and display parking meter on Pettee Brook Lane.

Courtesy Todd Selig

NEW "Pay and Display" PARKING METERS DOWNTOWN
The Public Works Department and Police Department this week installed the three new Pay and Display parking meters along Pettee Brook Lane to regulate parking within that corridor.  What we hope will be immediately apparent is that these machines are powered by solar panels consistent with Council goals to implement sustainability measures where possible. 

The new Pay and Display system accepts both cash and credit cards and will officially be put into service beginning Tuesday morning, January 17, 2012. 

The Pay and Display meters provide 15 free minutes for downtown patrons who desire to quickly run in to grab a coffee, drop off a package, or collect a soup or sandwich to go.  Beyond the first 15 minutes, the cost is $1.00 per hour which is consistent with the old fashioned analog meters that presently exist in downtown Durham. 

An additional innovation is that the new Pay and Display meters will operate from 8 AM to 6 PM, weekends and holidays excepted.  This allows early morning patrons of downtown establishments such as Young’s and Breaking New Grounds to park at no cost while downtown usage is less intense. 

As residents begin to utilize the new meters, please do not hesitate to send along feedback so that we can work to ensure the program operates as seamlessly as possible. 

This is a pilot project for the Town consistent with our Kaizen approach and we plan to work out glitches as part of this small-scale implementation prior to expanding the program.

Emails may be sent to Jennie Berry at jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CIVIL RIGHTS DAY HOLIDAY

The Town offices will be closed on Monday, January 16th, for Martin Luther King, Jr. 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. 

Please note that during a snow storm, the Department of Public Works does not change its collection schedule unless there is no way to get to the property, the storm is excessively severe, or equipment is down, etc. During snow storms, items must still be placed out on time (by 7am according to ordinance) in order to service the routes. If items are not out curbside on time and DPW staff has already passed your street, they will not be able to return and pick up the rubbish or recycling.

MASTER PLAN SURVEY RESULTS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW
A reminer to residents that the Master Plan Survey results are available. Charlie French, a staff member of the UNH Cooperative Extension, worked closely with the Survey Subcommittee of the Master Plan Advisory Committee to create the survey which was released to the public in May 2012 and closed in June 2011. Mr. French then tabulated the results of the survey in June 2011 with final edits made over the summer months.

The tabulated results consist of four documents: A brief summary booklet document; a summary overview of the findings including basic frequency statistics; a question by question summary with bar charts and frequencies; and a summary of the responses to the open ended questions.  They can all be viewed on line at the Town’s home page at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ under “News”.
 
A total of 467 individuals responded to the survey (397 full responses and 70 partial responses).  52% of respondents were female; 48% were male.

MAJOR FINDINGS:

• Protecting Durham’s natural amenities and water resources, including Great Bay, is a high priority for respondents.
• 93% of respondents indicated that having an attractive natural setting was very important or somewhat important to making Durham a place where they want to live.
• At the same time, respondents support policies to stabilize or reduce the property tax rate, including expanding commercial development outside of the downtown core.
• 61% strongly disagree or somewhat disagree that a tax rate with similar rates as the past is acceptable.
• 92% indicated that access to the Seacoast was very important or somewhat important.
• Respondents overall support policies to make the downtown more pedestrian-friendly, including improving bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks.
• 55 respondents identified the intersection of Madbury Road and Main St. as a hazard to pedestrian safety, and 31 identified the intersection of Main St. and Mill Rd. as a hazard.
• 74%, 73% and 68%, respectively, strongly agree or somewhat agree that improving bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks are important to improving the downtown.
• Overall, respondents support a diverse mix of housing, to include affordable options for working individuals and families, young families and seniors.
• 84% strongly agree or somewhat agree the town should do more to preserve historic structures, but only 41% want to see the Historic District Boundary expanded.
• 83% of respondents indicated that the quality of Oyster River schools is very important or somewhat important to making Durham a place where they want to live.
• 91% of respondents indicated that they strongly agree or somewhat agree that joint UNH-Durham projects to promote economic Development should be pursued.
• 69% indicated that a recreational center for people of all ages would enhance Durham residents' quality of life.
• 91% strongly agree or somewhat agree that they would spend more money downtown if more retail and professional services were available.
• 89% strongly agree or somewhat agree that Durham should continue to facilitate the re-development of existing structures, and 85% strongly or somewhat agreed that Durham should facilitate new construction.
• 84% strongly agree or somewhat agree that economic development options outside of the downtown should be pursued (e.g., office parks, light industry, etc.).
• 71% strongly support or somewhat support making more land available for commercial development.
• 71% strongly agree or somewhat agree that a downtown performing arts center would benefit economic development.
• 96% of respondents indicated protecting drinking water sources was very important or somewhat important.
• 96% indicated that protecting coastal streams and water bodies leading to Great Bay was very important or somewhat important, while over 90% indicated that protecting the watershed for recreational and ecological purposes was very important to somewhat important.
• 92% of respondents strongly agree or somewhat agree that the Town should take action to implement additional energy conservation measures for municipal facilities and 85% said the Town should develop alternative energy sources for municipal facilities.
• 88% strongly agree or somewhat agree the town should support the production and sale of local agricultural products while 82% feel the town should adopt policies to protect ag lands for current or future food production.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT
Ten New Hampshire communities are expected to receive almost $1 million to encourage children to walk and ride their bicycles to and from school.
 
The money comes from the N.H. Safe Routes to School Program and will be used for sidewalk construction, traffic calming measures, and education programs.
 
Durham was one of the communities selected by the NH Department of Transportation for a grant award in 2011.
 
Durham will receive approximately $30,000 to create bicycle lanes, slow traffic near the middle and high school, add speed tables, and encourage a safer environment for children around the schools.
 
Tentative speed tables and/or raised crosswalk locations are being considered for Coe Drive in the vicinity of the High School and Coe Drive between the SAU and the Middle School.  Up to two additional speed table locations are yet to be determined.

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. 

On January 20th, Public Works Director Mike Lynch and Administrator Selig will walk the Madbury Road corridor with PSNH reps. to discuss tree and limb growth that has caused power loss problems over the last few years.  Our intent is to initiate a PSNH trimming program to mitigate future power loss in this part of the Durham grid.
 

2011-2012 FISCAL YEAR 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. 

PORTSMOUTH ATLANTIC INSURANCE - THIS WEEK'S FEATURED BUSINESS

This week's featured business is PORTSMOUTH ATLANTIC INSURANCE. Located at 7 Jenkins Court, Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance is a local, family-owned independent insurance agency that sells and services personal lines (auto, home, boat, motorcycle, rental property, condo, umbrella, and more) and business insurance. It also specializes in life, health, and financial planning services.

Owner/manager Jon Merwin can be contacted at 603-431-4020 or email jmerwin@portsmouthatlanticinc.com. Web site: http://www.portsmouthatlanticins.com/home.html. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

_______________________
 
Businesses interested in participating in this weekly feature should send their information, including location, contact information, web site, hours of operation, and a brief description of the business, to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. Photographs of the business would also be welcomed.

OYSTER RIVER COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT -- IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

January 17th - Budget Public Hearing (ORHS Auditorium 7 PM)

January 25th through 4 PM February 3rd - Filing Period for School District        

     Elective Positions

February 7th Deliberative Session (ORHS Auditorium 7 PM)

February 21st Candidates' Night (ORHS Location TBD 7 PM)

    Snow Date: February 22nd

March 13th Voting Day -- Session II -- Vote in Town of Residence

For more information contact the SAU Office at 868-5100 X2002.

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.

Durham Energy Committee - Tuesday, January 17, 2012 (ORHS Library, 7:00 PM). 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

Planning Board - Wednesday, January 18, 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 UNH MUSEUM OF ART OFFERS CULTURAL EXCURSION OPPORTUNITY TO DURHAM RESIDENTS

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

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.

Cafeteria Man Movie, Monday, January 30, 2012, ORHS Auditorium, 7-8:30 PM. Find out how NH native, Tony Geraci, started a positive food movement one school district at a time. Learn more about how locally grown foods can increase the nutritional value of ORCSD’s food and contribute to sustainability. Free and all are welcome. Please direct questions via email to cdolcino@orcsd.org or call 742-2900. For more information visit http://www.cafeteriaman.com/ .

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Restaurants Rally - A Restaurants Rally in support of the Durham Public Library's New Library Campaign will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2012. For more information about the Restaurant Rally, Click HERE.

Wonderful news:  The Library Board of Trustees have surpassed their fund-raising goal of $900,000.  As of January 5, 2012, the Trustees have raised $1,029,880.50 for the new library.  A thank you is extended to all donors!  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.
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.

Restaurants Rally - Saturday, January 21, 2012

New at the Library!  There is now have a Lighted Magnifier in the Reading Area thanks to a grant from Walmart.
Special Pre-school Storytimes with local guest author Clare Righini, Tues. Jan. 17th and Thurs. Jan. 19th at 10:30 a.m. – This week: Feelings/Moving.  Clare will read her new book "I Think I Lost My Smile".  We will read stories about moving and feelings do some fingerplays, feltboard, songs and a craft.  All are welcome!  Clare will sign and sell her books after storytime.
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.

Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. Jan. 18th, 2:45-4:00 p.m. - Join us for this Middle School Book Group.  Pizza is served.

Ebook Reader Support Group, Weds. Jan. 18th, 7:00-8:00 p.m. - Come with your Kindle, your Nook, or whatever devise you want to read books on... we also want your expertise or lack thereof. We will discuss how to find the information you need to access the free library downloads.  All are welcome.

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.

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

Business (1960-1985): "The developments of the 1960s precipitated further changes in the 1970s, some of them painful to longtime residents of the town. On Ballard Street, Jess Gangwer built a restaurant next door to the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship (formerly Charlie Wentworth's home). He called it Ballard's. Within the next year, the Unitarians bought Dr. George McGregor's home and office on Madbury Road, and the vacated house was used for office space until Norman's Beauty Shop took over the main sloor in th mid-1970s." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.

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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