“FRIDAY
UPDATES”

September
5, 2008

Monotropa uniflora, commonly called
Indian Pipes

Courtesy Frank
L. Pilar

The photograph above was taken in
the woods adjoining The New England Center. In spite of its appearance, it is
not a fungus but a flowering plant in the blueberry family. It is usually found
in very dark and shaded woods. Thanks to Linn Bogle for the identification of
this plant.

The UNH students have
returned.  The majority of incoming first year students moved into their
residence halls last Saturday, August 30th, with the remainder of the
student body arriving in Durham over the course of this past week.  The
move in went well by all accounts.  UNH is to be congratulated for working
closely with the Town's various departments as part of this complex
logistical effort.

PRIMARY
ELECTION – SEPTEMBER 9^TH

The Primary Election will be held on
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at the Oyster River
High School located on
Coe
Drive. Polling hours will be from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Absentee ballots for the September 9^th Primary Election are now
available at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office. Residents who will be
out-of-town during the Primary or who are physically disabled can come to the
Town Clerk’s Office at the Town Hall and complete an absentee ballot form
between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Remember that
this is a Primary, so if you are an unaffiliated voter, you will need to specify
a Democratic or Republican ballot. To view copies of the Republican or
Democratic ballots, click HERE.

2009-2018
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN DEVELOPMENT

In conjunction with the annual
budget development process, a draft Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is prepared
in accordance with the Town Charter.  Section 5.8 states that
the Administrator, after consultation with the Planning Board, shall
prepare and submit to the Council a CIP at least one (1) month prior to the
final date for submission of the budget.  The CIP must contain a
list of capital improvements, including major replacements, which are proposed
to be undertaken during the next six fiscal years.  Since
2001, the Administrator has expanded the required six year
timeframe to a ten year window to provide a better sense of Durham's long-term
needs.  In addition, rather than is the case in most communities,
we have integrated the CIP into the actual budgetary document submitted to
the Council such that all items ultimately recommended by the
Administrator for the next fiscal year are actually included within
the Capital Budget submitted to the Council.  All items contained
within the CIP are made part and parcel of the ten year fiscal
forecast that is generated by the Business Office as part of the budget
process.  The result is a streamlined budget and CIP development
process that connects requests made with actual financial and projected tax rate
implications.  To facilitate this process, the Town Council is typically
provided in September with the initial draft CIP outlining all requests made for
capital improvements by departments, boards, and committees which is
discussed with the Planning Board.  Following meeting with the Planning
Board, the Administrator with the assistance of the Business Office and other
departments, hones the plan and ultimately transmits a final proposed document
along with the Annual Budget to the Council prior to November
1^st.  On September 10th, Business Manager Gail Jablonski and I will meet with the Planning
Board to introduce the CIP.  We'll follow up with a subsequent meeting to
discuss the document further with the Planning Board on October 15,
2008.

DURHAM
DISTRICT COURT

Durham District Court
Judge Gerald Taube will be retiring from the bench this fall.  In the past,
there has been a concerted effort on the part of the N.H. District Court System
to consolidate the Durham District Court located in the brick historic
building located at the corner of Newmarket and
Dover Roads into the new Dover court facility.  I anticipate
continued discussion regarding this topic with state officials in the coming
months. 

WNV/EEE
UPDATE

The New Hampshire Department of
Health and Human Services has received a report of an emu with confirmed Eastern
Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The emu, kept in Barnstead, NH,
became ill on August 31, 2008. As the emu had not traveled prior to the onset of
disease, EEE was acquired in Barnstead. Active trapping and testing of
mosquitoes is ongoing in the area. This is the first recognized EEE activity
this season.

SALT
PRICES ON THE RISE

The City of Manchester was quoted a per
ton salt price of $67.77.   Durham's per ton price is set at
$59.23. 

Durham
Receives $1 Million Federal Grant for Wiswall Dam Fish Passage
Project

History: Plans to
establish a fish passage facility at the Wiswall Dam have been evaluated
over the last ten years ranging from constructing a fish ladder to dam removal
to constructing a nature-like fishway and finally in February 2008
back to a fish ladder project.  The United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) had
announced in January/February 2008 that there was a possibility
that funding in the range of $1 million might become available to pay for
the construction of a fish passage facility at the Wiswall Dam in 2008.
Subsequently, however in early spring of 2008, we were notified that it was
unlikely that the Town would receive any funding. NRCS funding requires a 25
percent local financial match and representatives from the NRCS
indicated to the Town at the time that the cost associated with the
construction of the Wiswall Dam repairs, as required by the N.H. Department of
Environmental Services Dam Bureau, could be used as the needed match regardless
of whether a fish ladder would eventually be constructed.  We believed at
the time that the NRCS grant funding represented a good opportunity to
obtain funds to help pay for a portion of the Wiswall Dam repairs, which
Durham was required to perform, as well as to develop a fish passage project
that would be respectful of the historic aspects of the Wiswall
Historic Mill Park.  The Grant: The
grant was part of the NRCS Grant Program, which is available to
homeowners and branches of municipal government for protection and restoration
of rivers and fish habitat. The grant is a 75% reimbursement / 25% matching
formula of all eligible components of the fish ladder/fish passage
restoration project.   The Durham Public Works Department
anticipated utilizing available funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
for development of engineering design plans for the fish ladder and
incorporating the fish ladder into the Dam.  The Town’s match would be in
the form of construction costs associated with the repair of the dam abutment
(of which the fish ladder would become an integral component), volunteer labor,
and public works labor, equipment, and supplies.  The bottom line financial
side of the equation for Durham was that if the grant was received, we
would expend fewer local dollars on the dam repair/fish
ladder project than would otherwise be required on only dam repairs through the
use of Federal monies and we would also receive the benefit of the
fish ladder.  Dam removal would also be an option to consider for use
of the funds if there was a desire on the part of the Town at a subsequent time
to move in this direction.  On February 18, 2008, upon
the recommendation of the Administrator, the Durham Town
Council adopted Resolution #2008-05 authorizing the
Administrator to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Services grant for constructing a fish passage facility
at the Wiswall Dam and associated renovations to the Wiswall Historic Mill
Park, as well as to sign said grant agreement with accompanying
documents.  Durham Receives Positive
News: At this time I am pleased to report that the
Federal Government has approved $1,045,000 in WHIP funds for a fish
passage project at the Wiswall Dam in Durham.  Additional Federal funds
will become available to provide technical assistance in mapping the dam area,
addressing historic aspects of the site, and assisting the Town to evaluate
whether dam removal would also be a viable option worth considering in
conjunction with the ongoing evaluation and permitting of the Spruce
Hole Aquifer as a potential future water source.  This infusion of
funding is a complete turn from last spring when we were told that there
was no chance of receiving WHIP funds for a fish passage any time
soon.  By September 15, 2008, Durham is required to notify NRCS as to
whether we intend to move ahead with the project using the Federal funds and
thereby commit ourselves to accepting the grant.  This week, I
met with Town Engineer David
Cedarholm and representatives from the NRCS to discuss
the grant award in more detail.  Following that discussion, I
became comfortable in proceeding with the project utilizing WHIP funds. 
Unless otherwise directed by the Council, I plan to notify NRCS on Tuesday
of next week that we plan to move ahead with utilizing the grant for the
project.  This will entail an initial period of approximately 12
months in which engineering and analysis will take place focusing on both the
potential installation of a fish ladder AND the implications associated
with dam removal.  After analysis is completed, the Town will then
need to decide whether to construct a fish ladder or remove the dam. The project
would need to be completed within three years.

UPDATE
ON SKATEBOARD PARK AT WOODRIDGE
RECREATIONAL AREA

The Department of Public Works is
close to completing the small skateboard park at the Woodridge recreational area.  Local skateboarders are
soliciting donations to support the building of this skateboard park.  If
you are interested in making a donation to the skateboard park, you may send
them to Durham Department of Public Works, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824, clearly marked as “Skateboard Park”. 

OYSTER
RIVER
DAM INSPECTION – TEMPORARY DRAINING OF MILL POND

The Department of Public Works plans
to temporarily drain the Mill Pond upstream of the Oyster River Dam near Route
108 during the third week of September (on or around September 18, 2008) to
perform a dewatered inspection of the dam which is being required by the State
of New Hampshire. The plan includes a slow controlled release of the water,
monitoring of upstream habitat, maintaining adequate downstream flows for the
duration of the event, and refilling the Mill Pond on or before September 26,
2008.  A mailing was sent out last week to abutters in the Mill Pond area
notifying them of the dewatering event. A public informational meeting on this
matter was held on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, and is being replayed on Channel
22. Anyone interested volunteering to help conduct observations during the
event is encouraged to contact DPW (603) 868-5578.

UPDATE
OF PLAQUES AT MEMORIAL PARK

The Department of Public Works
continues to update/correct names for the plaques at Memorial Park honoring
residents of Durham who served our country.  Please let
us know if you have names to add or corrections to make.  The current
plaques are temporary vinyl.  We will be collecting names and providing the
permanent plaques by next Memorial Day.  Please call 868-5578 with any
additions. 

Household
Hazardous Waste Day

On Saturday, September 13, 2008, the
annual Household Hazardous Waste Day will once again be held at the Department
of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. As in the past, all
hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only. 
There are still appointment times available.  To register, you must call
the Department of Public Works at 868-5578.  Please remember that the
maximum collected
per resident is five gallons. 

PUBLIC
MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meeting is
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 Town Council – Monday, September 8,
2008

Integrated Waste Management Advisory
Committee – Tuesday, September 9, 2008 (7:30
AM)

Zoning Board of Adjustment –
Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Planning Board – Wednesday,
September 10, 2008

Conservation Commission – Thursday,
September 11, 2008

Economic Development Committee –
Friday, September 12, 2008 (7:30
AM)

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

THE
FARMERS MARKET

A reminder that the Durham Farmers
Market is currently underway for the summer and will continue through October.
The market is held in the Pettee Brook parking lot every Monday from 2:30 to
5:30 PM.

DURHAM
CHURCHES HOLD ANNUAL YARD SALE

On Saturday, September 6, 2008, from
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Durham churches of St.
George Episcopal Church, Durham
Community Church, and St. Thomas More Church will hold the annual 700-family
yard sale. Come search for possible treasures in electronics, toys, furniture,
house wares, books, and more. Enjoy baked goods and coffee or a delicious
BBQ on the lawn. Bring a friend and shop, rain or shine.

ENERGY
SAVING TIPS

ü     
Consider installing a whole house fan instead of an
air conditioner. Whole house fans typically use about one-third of the
electricity of an efficient central air conditioner.

ü     
Turning the dishwasher off after its final rinse and
opening the door allows the dishes to dry without using extra
electricity.

DURHAM DAY
2008

It’s getting close! Durham Day 2008
will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 12:30-4:30 PM at Wagon Hill
Farm. Residents interested in assisting with this annual event should
contact Durham Day Coordinator, Nicole Moore, at 868-6775 or e-mail durhamday3@yahoo.com.

DURHAM
HISTORIC ASSOCIATION DISPLAY TABLE AT DURHAM DAY

The Durham Historic Association will
have a number of historic items from their museum on display at the Durham Day
Picnic on September 14th.  The Association will have for sale the
"Durham, Then and Now" jigsaw puzzle, the
Durham afghan, and several books and pamphlets on
Durham's
history. Please drop by their table to learn more about Durham's
past.

Seacoast
Active Retirement Association

The Seacoast Active Retirement
Association (ARA) will hold its General Meeting on Monday, September 8, 2008 at
the Durham Evangelical Church located on Dover Road in Durham beginning at 1:30
PM. The speaker will be Dr. Andrew Smith, Director of the UNH Survey Center, who will provide insights on the
current Presidential race. Membership is open to seacoast residents 50 years or
older. For more information on the various programs offered or how to join the
association, please visit the ARA website at: www.learn.unh.edu/ara.

UPCOMING
EVENT AT THE MILL
POND CENTER FOR THE
ARTS

The Mill Pond Center for the
Arts will host a NH Blues & Jazz Festival, rain or shine, on Saturday,
September 6, 2008, beginning at 1:00 PM. Tickets are available by calling the
Mill Pond at 603-868-8999, or by visiting the Durham Marketplace (Customer
Service Desk), RiverRun Book Store in Portsmouth, NH, and The Big
Bean Cafe at 118 Main Street in Newmarket, NH.  (Hours for the
Big Bean are Mon-Fri 6 am - 2pm, Sat & Sun 7am - 2pm
(603-659-8600).

RETURN
OF UNH STUDENTS

This weekend will mark the first
that all the UNH students are in Durham. The Durham Police will be adding
overtime patrols assisted by Strafford County Sheriff personnel who will provide
prisoner transportation from the site of an arrest to the Durham Police
facility.  At the police facility, administrative staff assisted by Parking
Enforcement Office Ed Cilley will be available to process any arrests that may
occur and coordinate bail conditions with bail commissioners who will be
standing by to expedite the process if needed.  The goal of the Police
Chief is to keep Durham officers on patrol maintaining a high
visibility and ensuring the officers rapid response to any calls for
service. 

ALCOHOL
SEMINAR

The Durham Police, in cooperation
with the New Hampshire Liquor Commission Bureau of Enforcement, is conducting a
seminar on September 11, 2008 at the Durham Police facility that will focus upon
regulations, protocols and other issues regarding the alcohol laws of the State
of New
Hampshire.  Every establishment that sells alcohol
in Durham has
been invited to participate. Chief Kurz has numerous goals regarding underage
consumption of alcohol in Durham including creating positive
relationships with the business community ensuring that everyone is working
cooperatively to ensure that businesses are properly confirming the age and
identity of those persons attempting to purchase alcohol.  The problem of
illegal alcohol possession, consumption, and intoxication is an acute problem in
Durham and it is
the goal of police department to confront this issue on multiple levels. 

WEEKLY
POLICE ARREST REPORT

Week –
16                                        
2 UNH
(75%)            
Other (25%)

*2008/09 Academic Year
-16          12 UNH
(75%)           4 Other
(25%)

Calendar Year
–531                        
289 UNH (54%)         242 Other
(46%)

*Commenced September 1, 2008 

Historical Data
for the same week

FROM
HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1815 – Durham Social Library was
incorporated, used the Richardson building, and bought the property in
1883. The Library’s share of Simpson house was sold to the church for $8,000. In
1893 the Town, Library Association and NHC consolidated, all contributing to
support as they do today.”

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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