“FRIDAY
UPDATES”

January
30, 2009

At the January 26, 2009 Town Council
meeting, Corey Landry was sworn in as the Town’s new Fire Chief by Town
Clerk-Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt. Also
sworn in was new firefighter Warren Kadden.

Photos courtesy
Will and Tara Lenharth

Groundhog Day is Monday, February
2^nd.  Those among us who are curious about Punxsutawney Phil’s
prediction can log on to the official site of the Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Groundhog Club at http://www.groundhog.org  and find out
if we will have an early spring, which would be very welcome right about
now.

Filing
Period for Local Town Offices

The Town and Oyster River Cooperative School
District elections will be held on Tuesday, March
10, 2009 at the Oyster River High School Multipurpose Room from 7:00 AM to 7:00
PM. Voters will park in reserved spaces along the front of the school and use
the Multipurpose Room entrance. The filing period for individuals seeking
elected offices closes at 5:00 PM today. As of 5:00 PM, the following citizens
had filed for the Durham elected offices listed
below:

Town Council - 3
positions (3-year
terms)                             

Diana
Carroll

Richard
Kelley

Robin
Mower

Christopher
Mueller

Neil
Niman

Michael
Skubisz

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

Robin
Balducci

Douglas
Bencks

Trustee of Trust
Funds - 1 position (3-year term)

George “Curly”
Frick

Drawing
Names of Candidates for Order of Listing on Town Election
Ballot

At the Durham Town Council meeting
on Monday evening, February 2, 2009, Town Moderator Christopher Regan and Town
Clerk-Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt will
be present at the beginning of the meeting to draw names of individuals running
for elected offices to determine the order of names on the Town’s March
10^th election ballot.  In 2007, the Town Council adopted a
resolution discontinuing the Town’s previous practice of listing candidates
alphabetically on Town election ballots as outlined in Article 2, Section 2.6 of
the Durham Town Charter and adopting the method of listing candidates on Town
election ballots by the Town Clerk, under the supervision of the Town Moderator
of drawing candidates’ names out of a hat and listing them in the order by which
they are drawn.

ORCSD
BUDGET DELIBERATIVE SESSION

The
Oyster River Cooperative School
District will hold its budget deliberative session on Tuesday,
February 3, 2009 beginning at 7:00 PM in the Oyster River
High School auditorium.

Durham/UNH
Collaborative Efforts

The Town of Durham and the
University of New Hampshire have been active in exploring various
opportunities where the two entities might collaborate more fully with one
another to benefit to the larger community in terms of creating positive
new economic, commercial, and social opportunities for Durham residents,
broadening the tax base, and enhancing the already strong educational experience
available to students at UNH.  One early idea that is
presently being discussed involving Durham, UNH, Procon Construction,
and The Kane Company is a public/public/private partnership which
includes the potential location of a new business school in the vicinity of
the downtown area along Pettee Brook Lane and Main Street combined with
the citing of a new privately owned hotel/conference facility along
Main Street on private property and the potential construction of a
municipal parking garage at the Pettee Brook Parking Lot financed through a
possible Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district associated with the
hotel/conference facility.  This topic has generated a great deal of
interest amongst residents within the community in recent weeks since it was
discussed by the Town Council in December 2008.  To learn more about this
and other collaborative efforts under consideration, I would encourage reviewing
the Town Council minutes from December 15, 2008, New Business, Agenda Item XI,
pg. 8, when the topic was presented in detail by Administrator
Selig and Council Chair Neil Niman at http://ci.durham.nh.us/GOVERNMENT/council/council_minutes2.html. 

Fire
Engine 1 Out of Service - Exeter Lends Durham Fire
Engine

Durham's Engine 1 at the Fire Department
has been taken out of service as a result of structural issues involving
the frame of the vehicle (multiple cracks in the cab frame) and other
mechanical/electrical problems.  Our Engine 2 there has been
designated as the first due front line attack engine.  It is expected that
Engine 1 will be out of service for several months which we take up the
matter with the manufacturer.  While issues are being addressed, the
Town of Exeter has loaned Durham an attack engine to
supplement our fleet. 

PUblic
Works Trash Collection Truck Experiences Engine Problems -
Twice

As if weather wasn't sufficiently
challenging for the Public Works Department this week, the packer trash truck
broke down twice within a period of 24 hours.  In addition, the roll off
truck, which typically is utilized to collect trash when the packer is down,
also experienced mechanical problems.  This resulted in trash (not
recycling) collection within some neighborhoods using dump
trucks.

Employee
Salary Information

A 2008 report of annual Durham employee gross wages
and taxable benefits is currently available on the Town web site. To view the
2008 report click HERE. 
Gross wages include: overtime, special detail pay, merit pay, holiday
pay, sick leave bonus pay, longevity pay, insurance credit, and miscellaneous
stipends. Taxable benefits include: short and long-term disability payments, car
allowance, and matching retirement deductions. While the Town is under no
obligation to create a report that is not already on file, it is important to
facilitate the release of this information in an easily understandable format
for residents. Employee titles were added to make it easier for the lay
person to understand.  The report also includes elected officials who
receive a stipend for service

PUBLIC
HEARINGS – DURHAM TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING

On Monday, February 16, 2009, the
Durham Town Council will hold public hearings on the following two ordinances in
the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall: Ordinance #2009-01, amending
Chapter 175 “Zoning”, Article XXIV “Septic Systems”, Section 175-139 and 175-40
of the Durham Town Code and Ordinance #2009-02, amending Chapter 4
“Administrative Code”, Article IV, Section 4-18(9)(a) of the Durham Town Code by
reducing the number of Council representatives on the Economic Development
Committee from two to one.

Questions regarding Ordinance
#2009-01 should be addressed to Town Planner Jim
Campbell at 868-8064. To view this ordinance, click HERE.
Questions concerning Ordinance #2009-02 should be addressed to Administrator
Todd Selig at 868-5571. To view this
ordinance, click HERE.
Interested citizens are encouraged to attend the public hearings and express
their views.  Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Friday,
February 13, 2009 at the Town Administrator’s office. Comments may also be sent
by electronic mail to:  jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

Draft
Federal Stormwater Permit for Small (MS4) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems
in New
Hampshire

Town Engineer Dave Cedarholm
attended a public hearing on Wednesday, January 28^th in Portsmouth that was sponsored by the EPA to hear public
comment on the Draft Federal Stormwater Permit for Small (MS4) Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer Systems in New
Hampshire.  The Town of Durham’s and UNH’s storm
drain systems fall under the jurisdiction of this permit, which has a 5 year
term.  This will be the second such permit issued to the Town under the
Federal Phase II Stormwater Rules that were authorized in 2003.  There are
42 other Small MS4 Towns, Cities, and Public entities in New Hampshire that are
also required to comply with this permit.  The Draft permit is a
significant change from the previous permit, which expired last May, and
contains conditions that if adopted as proposed will force Durham and UNH to direct
much more resources toward stormwater management.  Mr. Cedarholm gave
written and verbal testimony at the hearing on behalf of the Town.  Click
HERE
to view the written testimony.  Mr. Cedarholm is active in the Seacoast
Stormwater Coalition, which is a consortium of all the Small MS4 Seacoast area
communities, and the Coalition is preparing a comment document on behalf all its
members that will be submitted to the EPA prior to the February 20^th
deadline.  If you are interested in learning more about the Draft Permit
and review the proposed text visit the following EPA Stormwater website: http://www.epa.gov/NE/npdes/stormwater/MS4_2008_NH.html

RECYCLING
PLASTIC MATERIALS

The Department of Public Works has
received inquiries regarding the recycling of plastic numbers 3-7. 
Currently, the Town only recycles numbers 1 and 2 as a result of the market for
recyclable materials.  The fall newsletter, located on the Town web site
(www.ci.durham.nh.us), contains
additional information regarding the recycling of other plastics.  The
following is a breakdown of plastics 1-7: 

1. PETE, aka PET
   (polyethylene terephthalate): Used for most transparent bottles. 
   Generally safe to use (not reuse); generally
   recycled.
   
2. HDPE (high density
   polyethylene): Sturdy, rigid plastic found in reusable food storage
   containers, milk, and detergent bottles.  Generally safe; generally
   recycled.
   
3. PVC (polyvinyl
   chloride): Used for plastic wrap, as well as detergent and cooking oil
   bottles.  Additives in PVC can increase the risk of birth defects and
   hormone-related cancers.  Its production can be hazardous to workers and
   the environment.  Generally not safe; not
   recycled.
   
4. LDPE (low density
   polyethylene): Flexible plastic used for bags or wraps, such as produce bags
   and baby-bottle liners.  Most are not designed for reuse.  Generally
   safe; generally not recycled.
   
5. PPE, aka PP
   (polypropylene): Pliable plastic found in squeeze bottles, reusable food
   containers, and yogurt containers.  Generally safe; generally
   recycled.
   
6. PS (polystyrene):
   Used in rigid take-out containers and foam meat trays.  Can leach styrene
   when heated, a possible endocrine disrupter and human carcinogen.  Not
   safe when heated, generally not recycled.
   
7. Other; most often PC
   (polycarbonate): Most commonly used for baby bottles, large water jugs, and
   sport bottles.  It can leach out the hormone-disrupter bisphenol A,
   especially when heated.  Because this group can include various other
   plastics, it has limited recycling potential.
   

For more information, please feel
free to call Doug Bullen at 868-5578 regarding Durham's handling of recyclables. 

FEMA
REIMBURSEMENT

The Department of Public Works staff
will be meeting with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
representatives today regarding reimbursement for costs incurred due to the
December 2008 ice storm and extended power outage.  Staff members spent the
last week compiling information for submission to FEMA. The following cost
summaries will be presented in the report which represent labor costs, equipment
use, materials, and contracted services, if applicable:  Public Works
Department: $38,522.95, Fire Department: $11,326.55, Police Department:
$4,792.32. The Public Works Department has also submitted an estimate for
debris cleanup in late spring at the cost of $30,000. The FEMA program
reimburses 75% of eligible costs after the review process.  In addition,
the Town is in the process of negotiating whether a report can be filed for the
cost of the shelter that was established with FEMA at the Oyster River High
School during the recent power outages. 

Dog
Licenses

Although 2008 licenses do not expire
until April, dog licenses may be renewed now. As a convenience, 2009 tags are
available beginning in January.  So, if residents have other business at
the Town Hall, they can also register their dogs and check one more item of the
“to do” list.

PUBLIC
MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meetings are
scheduled for the coming week in the Town Council chambers at the Durham Town
Office and will begin at 7:00 PM unless otherwise indicated
below.

Durham Energy Committee – Monday, February
2, 2009 (4:30
PM)

Town Council – Monday, February 2,
2009

Integrated Waste Management Advisory
Committee – Tuesday, February 3, 2009 (7:30
AM)

Historic District Commission –
Thursday, February 5, 2009

To view the agendas for the meetings
listed above, please click HERE. 
All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library
for checkout and viewing. 

To view the Oyster River School Board
meeting schedule, click HERE. 

To view the Durham Public Library Board of
Trustees meeting schedule, click HERE.

Hypothermia

When exposed to cold temperatures or
to a cool, damp environment for prolonged periods, the body’s control mechanisms
may fail to keep the temperature normal.  When more heat is lost than the
body can generate, hypothermia can--and probably will--result.  Wet or damp
clothing, an uncovered head, and inadequate clothing during cold winter weather
can increase the chances of hypothermia, as can falling into cold water. Signs
and symptoms of hypothermia include: shivering, slurred speech, abnormally slow
breathing, cold, pale skin, loss of coordination, fatigue, lethargy, or apathy.
Symptoms usually develop slowly.  Someone with hypothermia typically
experiences gradual loss of mental acuity and physical ability, and so may be
unaware of the need for emergency medical treatment. People that are at higher
risk include, but are not limited to: elderly, infants, and young children. The
following is a list of what to do if you suspect someone is experiencing
hypothermia:

1. Dial 911.  When
   in doubt always summons help.
   
2. Move person out of
   the cold.  Go inside or shelter person from wind, place blanket, etc.
   under person.
   
3. Remove wet clothing
   and replace with dry coverings.
   
4. Do
   Not apply
   direct heat--no heating pad or hot water bottle.
   
5. Do
   Not give
   alcohol to the person.  Do offer warm nonalcoholic drinks unless the
   person is vomiting or non-responsive.
   
6. Do
   Not rub or
   massage person.

Hypothermia can be a
life-threatening emergency.  Call the Fire Department (9-1-1) as soon as
hypothermia is suspected. For more information contact the Durham Fire
Department. This information is not intended
as a substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment, or formal
first aid training.

Importance
of Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Hundreds of people die each year
from Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. As the winter weather moves in, so does an
increase in CO-related deaths.  The Town of Durham along with the National Fire Protection
Agency (NFPA) urges the public to be aware of the dangers of CO and take the
following precautions to ensure safety during the cold winter
months:

• Install carbon
  monoxide (CO) alarms (listed by an independent testing laboratory) inside your
  home to provide early warning of accumulating CO.
  
• CO alarms are not
  substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of
  smoke alarms and CO alarms.
  
• When using a
  fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation.
  
• Never use your oven
  or grill to heat your home.
  
• If you need to warm
  a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run
  a vehicle, generator, or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage
  doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not
  covered with snow.

During and after a
snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are
clear of snow build-up. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that
enters the body undetected as a person breathes. The gas is produced by burning
wood, coal, charcoal, natural gas, gasoline, propane, oil, methane, and other
common fuels. It is also produced by automobiles and other gasoline or diesel
engines.

Churchill
Rink SCHEDULE

Public skating - times offered every
day

Stick and Puck – Monday – Friday and
Sunday

Pick Up Hockey – Monday – Friday and
Sunday

For more information, call the rink
at 868-3907, or visit our website at www.churchillrink.com

PARKS
AND RECREATION COMMITTEE SPONSORS HOT CHOCOLATE AT WAGON HILL
FARM

The members of the Parks and
Recreation Committee are sponsoring hot chocolate at Wagon Hill on Sunday,
February 8, 2009, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.  Come join them for a warm beverage
up by the wagon!  You are welcome to bring any food or snacks to share with
other community members, but that certainly is not required.  Come enjoy
this fantastic Town property during the winter.

PARKS
AND RECREATION COMMITTEE BROCHURE
The Parks and Recreation Committee
has a new brochure available with information regarding activities and
facilities throughout the town.  They are available to pick up at the Town
Hall or Durham Public Library.  You may also e-mail the committee at: parksandrec@ci.durham.nh.us with
any questions or suggestions.  Please also check out the Parks and
Recreation (soon to be updated) website: http://ci.durham.nh.us/community/recreation.html
for additional information.

Spring
Preschool Storytime at Durham Public Library - Date and Time
Change

Beginning the week of February 8,
the library's Preschool Storytimes will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15
AM.  These are "all ages" storytimes so come on the day that's right for
you.

Courtship
Tea with Rita Parisi – Durham Public
Library

Back by popular demand, on Saturday,
February 14, 2009, from 2:00-3:30 PM, Rita Parisi will tell tales of how Mr.
Gordon courted Mrs. Gordon in the 1890's. Enjoy tea and goodies while you listen
to Mrs. Gordon's entertaining tales. What an appropriate and pleasant way to
spend a wintery Valentine's Day. Seating will be limited, so please call the
library at 868-6699 to register. This event is intended for ages 13 and
up.

Seacoast
Active Retirement Association General Meeting

The Active Retirement Association
General Meeting will be held on Monday, February 16, 2009, at the Durham Evangelical Church at 1:30 P.M. The Speaker will be
Kenneth Johnson, PhD, Senior Demographer, The Carsey Institute, UNH.  Learn
how New
Hampshire's population is changing and what that means
for public policy, the economy, and the environment. Membership is open to all
50 and over.  The annual membership is $45.00. For more information,
contact Beverly Johnson at (603) 868-1087 or visit the ARA website at: www.learn.unh.edu/ara

Weekly
Police Arrest Report

Week – 21    
                                   
18 UNH (86%)           3 Other
(14%)

*2008/09 Academic Year –
508     330 UNH
(65%)         178 Other
(35%)

Calendar Year – 31 
                       
24 UNH (77%)           7 Other
(23%)

*Commenced
September 1, 2008 

Historical data
for the same week

FROM
HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1881 – 10 shares of Boston &
Albany RR stock were accepted by the town for a George Ffrost Temperance
Association & Health Insurance Company. Signing the pledge were 43 males
& 46 females. In 1973 the trustees converted it to a school educational fund
to combat drugs and alcohol.”

Have a nice
weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham
15 Newmarket Road
Durham, New Hampshire 03824
Tel
(603) 868-5571
Fax (603) 868-5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us

www.ci.durham.nh.us

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