Friday Update - Thursday, December 22, 2016

Thursday, December 22, 2016

The Honorable Dudley Webster Dudley

On Monday this week, a portrait unveiling was held at the New Hampshire State House honoring Durham resident Dudley Webster Dudley for her achievements as a Legislator, Executive Councilor, and Political Activist. Her portrait will join those of 128 men and 8 other women to hang on the walls of the State House. Artist Alastair Dacey of Portsmouth, NH was commissioned for the painting. View Dudley's remarks at the unveiling ceremony HERE.  We wish Dudley Dudley a hearty and well earned congratulations!  

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On an emergency preparedness note, if you have a backup generator, be sure it is in operational order.  You don't want to learn it does not work when you need it most.  

In addition, the "Friday Updates" serves as our emergency broadcast system during times of emergency in Durham.  If you know of someone who might benefit from this weekly broadcast, please pass this issue along.  People can sign up for the "Friday Updates" on the Town's home page.

The Winter solstice has arrived!  On a bright note, the days only get longer from here.

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TOWN OFFICES CLOSING SCHEDULE FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS

FREE HOLIDAY PARKING IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM - If you still have to do holiday shopping, consider shopping right here in Durham!

In coordination with the Durham Business Association, the parking kiosks in the immediate downtown business area will allow free parking to encourage residents and others to shop the downtown during the holidays. The screen on the applicable kiosks will inform parkers of the free parking and will not accept any payment.

No receipts on your dashboard will be required during the Holiday parking period. The grace period that allows for free parking for shoppers will commence Monday, December 19th, and run through Monday, January 2nd, 2017. Normal parking rates shall still apply to all long-term term parking areas as posted.

WINTER SAND/SALT MIX

The Department of Public Works has winter sand/salt mix available for RESIDENTIAL USE ONLY at the Public Works department located just outside the gate near the mailbox. As many may recall, this used to be in the old Town Hall parking lot until the property was sold and the Town Hall moved.

Residents may fill a few pails as needed for their homes throughout the winter. This is NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE.
 

HOW MUCH DID LAST SATURDAY’S STORM COST DURHAM TAXPAYERS?
When most people see beautiful winter snow gently falling from the sky, they think picturesque NH winter. But when Durham Public Works Director Mike Lynch sees it, he thinks dollar signs.

As an example, on Saturday, 12/17/16, DPW responded to a modest snow event in order to keep Durham roadways safe. Here was the cost breakdown for that one storm over the course of 24 hours:

Wages (all overtime as the storm arrived on a weekend) - $6,860; Fuel - $1,426; Materials (salt) - $6,171. Total cost: $14,458.

Durham uses much less salt today than we did years ago in order to reduce costs and to be more environmentally sustainable. The Town has its own sand supply at the Packers Falls Road gravel pit – enough to last for another 40 years!

ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE CLOSED WEEK OF DECEMBER 26, 2016
Due to vacation scheduling, the Administrator's Office will be closed December 26-30, 2016. The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.

"FRIDAY UPDATES" SCHEDULE FOR END OF DECEMBER, 2016
There will be no "Friday Updates" on December 30th.

The first "Friday Updates" publication in January will be on January 6, 2017.

UNH HOLIDAY GREETING
Each year, UNH develops a holiday greeting in electronic form. View this year’s greeting HERE.

Sketch of proposed renovation/addition at Durham Police Department.  Courtesy Bill Schoonmaker, Schoonmaker Architects

DURHAM POLICE RENOVATIONS/ADDITION PROPOSAL - Additional information for residents in a new video from DCAT.
The second video pertaining to the proposed renovations/addition to the existing police facility is now available. Kudos to Craig Stevens of DCAT who developed this 2nd of 3 videos available on "Video on Demand" at the Durham website. While the first 13 minute video focused upon the three critical and immediate needs that challenge the agency, this video offers insight to the working areas of the department that the public rarely sees. Future information will focus upon the following items:

• Breaking down the pricing cost centers for the $1,960,000 renovation/addition
• Highlighting the positive energy efficiency that the renovations will accomplish
• Define the useful 30-50 year life expediency of the project’s outcome
• Discuss the existing attractive interest rates that would be financed over a number of years.

If there are any residents who would care to see their police facility first-hand, please contact Chief Dave Kurz and he will be happy to arrange for a tour.

PLACEMENT OF REFERENDUM QUESTION ON THE MARCH 14, 2017 TOWN ELECTION WARRANT asking residents if they are in favor of raising and appropriating not more than $1,960,000 for the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police facility.

The Durham Town Council currently has only one meeting scheduled in January, Monday, January 9, 2017.

At that meeting there will be three items (below) brought forward for Council action for the placement of a referendum question on the March 14, 2017 Town Election Warrant relating to bonding for the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police facility.

Hold Public Hearing and order the placement of a proposed referendum question on the March 14, 2017 Town Election ballot asking residents if they are in favor of raising and appropriating the sum of $1,960,000 for the purpose of the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police Facility, with said sum to be in addition to any federal, state or private funds made available therefor, and of authorizing the issuance of not more than $1,960,000 of bonds or notes in accordance with the provision of the municipal finance act, RSA Chapter 33, and authorizing the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon. The Council recommends this appropriation. 2/3 ballot vote required.

Shall the Town Council, in accordance with RSA 33:8-d II (b), schedule a second Public Hearing for Monday, February 6, 2017, on a referendum question to be placed on the March 14, 2017 Town Election ballot asking residents if they are in favor of raising and appropriating the sum of $1,960,000 for the purpose of the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police Facility, with said sum to be in addition to any federal, state or private funds made available therefor, and of authorizing the issuance of not more than $1,960,000 of bonds or notes in accordance with the provision of the municipal finance act, RSA Chapter 33, and authorizing the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon. The Council recommends this appropriation. 2/3 ballot vote required.
 

Shall the Town Council, in accordance with Section 5.12(A) of the Durham Town Charter, schedule a Public Hearing for Monday, February 6, 2017, on a resolution authorizing the borrowing of money and incurrence of debt of not more than $1,960,000.00 of bonds or notes, issued in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33), for the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police facility?

The Alexander Scammell Bridge (the "pretty bridge") between Durham and Dover along busy Route 4.  NHDOT turned off the lights as a cost savings measure in 2012.  Courtesy Union Leader

DURHAM REQUESTS NHDOT TO REVISIT 2012 DECISION TO DISCONTINUE USE OF STREETLIGHTS ON SCAMMEL BRIDGE – In light of new highly efficient, low cost LED technology, and PUC rating structures, reconsideration is warranted in 2016/17.

In March of 2012, representatives from Durham wrote to the NHDOT regarding the discontinuance of the operation of streetlights along the Scammell Bridge over the Bellamy River between Durham and Dover along Rt. 4.

At that time, NHDOT indicated there were two driving forces behind the streetlight reduction program.

The first was the Governor’s Executive Order 2011-1 requiring state agencies to further cut energy use by setting the goal of reducing the use of fossil fuels in state government by 25 percent, compared to 2005 levels, by 2025. In an effort to comply with the Governor’s order and provide essential, cost efficient services, the Department was then in the process of evaluating all streetlights operating on the state highway system with the intent to de-energize any streetlight not absolutely required by safety standards or either state or federal mandates. In addition, at the time there was no rating structure available from the NH Public Utilities Commission for LED lighting so public entities could not take advantage of potential cost savings.

The second reason behind the program was simple economics. For the FY 2012/2013 budget, the NHDOT Bureau of Highway Maintenance’s budget for utility costs was dramatically reduced from $1,897,817 in FY 2011 to $953,740 in FY 2012, and further reduced to $815,211 in FY 2013. Approximately 55% of the FY 2011 budget operated the 93 NHDOT patrol sheds and 6 district offices, and the remaining 45% of the utility funding was used to operate streetlights statewide. This reduction in funding required the Department to look at major changes as to how it operated. From the beginning, NHDOT acknowledged that any attempt to meet the budget reduction would require the reevaluation of all streetlights in operation and only operate those that were deemed absolutely necessary.

In terms of highway safety, more lighting is generally safer. The lights that were constructed as part of the Scammell Bridge were done for ornamental lighting, but also for safety reasons given that there is a pedestrian way on either side of the structure for fishing, walking, and taking in the scenic beauty of the area. Morning sunrise and evening sunsets impact visibility along the busy Rt. 4 corridor at this location, as does the distraction of picturesque views on either side of the structure.

In terms of retrofitting the Scammell Bridge lighting, there are options available to NHDOT today that were simply not available in the 2011/12 timeframe. For example, the NH Public Utilities Commission has now established a variety of tiers of pricing for LED street lighting. In addition, the cost of LED lighting has become more affordable over time. There are also now available a variety of lighting conversation kits for integration with existing ornamental lighting styles.

In 2017, for example, Durham plans to replace 334 old style high-pressure sodium street light fixtures illuminating roadways and sidewalks around town for a cost of approximately $143,000. Given the existence of energy provider rebates and annualized projected energy savings of $25,195 per year, we estimate a payback period of 4.06 years. The same approach may now be available for the NHDOT. In essence, with a modest investment by the NHDOT, it will likely be possible to illuminate the scenic Scammell Bridge once again, enhance roadway/walkway safety, dramatically reduce recurring energy costs, and eliminate unnecessary carbon demand.

In light of these new conditions in 2016, Admin. Selig has respectfully asked that NHDOT revisit the 2012 decision to discontinue street lighting on the Scammell Bridge. There may very well today be a reasonable solution to restoring nighttime illumination impacting both aesthetics and safety within the Durham/Dover corridor.

The bridge, which opened in 1998 to replace one built in the 1930s, is named after a Revolutionary War soldier, Alexander Scammell, born in Massachusetts, an “adopted son of Durham,” according to the nearby historic marker, who died after being wounded in Virginia during the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. New Hampshire’s General Court named the original bridge after him in 1933.

The 51 decorative lights along the bridge and approaches were turned off in spring 2012. The state is saving $6,950 a year by not lighting the bridge using old, non-LED technology. So a retrofit to LED would likely bring the annual cost down substantially.

NHDOT Commissioner Victoria Sheehan responded to Admin. Selig this week that her agency would take another look at the issue and would follow up sometime after the holidays. Mr. Selig believes that it may ultimately require an out of the box solution to solve this issue.

Time will tell. In the meantime, we can blame the lack of lighting at the Scammell Bridge on the Grinch who stole Christmas. 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM – Now using LED technology.

Public Works Director Mike Lynch received the following email this week from Town Councilor Diana Carroll:

“During the last two weeks I've often found myself doing errands, etc. in downtown after dark. I must say every time I drive down Main Street I find myself smiling. I feel like I'm driving through a jewel box. It is so colorful and sparkly. Kudos to you and your crew at DPW for the wonderful display of lights, wreaths, etc. that we all get to enjoy!”

Mr. Lynch indicates the wreaths have an additional string of lights in each one this year and all the bulbs are now LED’s. This is part of Durham’s continuing commitment to sustainability and economical use of electricity and associated costs.

CURRENT USE VALUE RANGES FOR 2017-2018
Current Use Assessment provides a property tax incentive to all qualifying landowners who agree to maintain their land in an undeveloped condition. This assessment is based on the capacity of the land to produce income in its current use-whether it is managed farm or forest, or unmanaged open space. Current Use is the cornerstone of the state's land conservation efforts, with over half the land in New Hampshire is enrolled in this valuable program.

"It is hereby declared to be in the public interest to encourage preservation of open space, thus providing a healthful and attractive outdoor environment for work and recreation of the state's citizen's, maintaining the character of the state's landscape, and conserving the land, water, forest, agricultural and wildlife resources." - NH Current Use law RSA 79-A (enacted July 1, 1973)

For land to qualify for Current Use it must be a tract of land or a combination of contiguous tracts under identical ownership comprised of a minimum of ten (10) acres.

When land is disqualified from Current Use due to development of the land or because it no longer meets the minimum acreage requirement, it is subject to a land use change tax equal to 10% of the full and true value of the land at the time it is disqualified.

View more information regarding Current Use HERE.

Per RSA 79-A, the Current Use Board has revised the Current Use value ranges for 2017-2018.

Cub 304.07 Assessment Ranges for Forest Land Categories. The assessment ranges for forest land categories without documented stewardship shall be as follows:

a)  The category of white pine shall be $110 to $165 per acre;

b)  The category of hardwood shall be $47 to $71 per acre; and

c)  The category of all other shall be $34 to $51 per acre.
 

Cub 304.08 Assessment Ranges for Forest Land Categories with Documented

Stewardship. The assessment ranges for forest land categories with documented stewardship shall be as follows:

a)  The category of white pine shall be $66 to $99 per acre;
b)  The category of hardwood shall be $28 to $43 per acre; and
c)  The category of all other shall be $20 to $30 per acre.
 

Cub 304.13 Assessment Range for Unproductive Land. The assessment for unproductive land shall be $20 per acre.
 

Cub 304.14 Assessment Range for Wetland. The assessment for wetland shall be $20 per acre.

A second floor has been added above where the former Town Council chambers existed in the old Town Hall building at 15 Newmarket Road. Courtesy DCAT Studios

HAVE YOUR APPLIED FOR YOUR SOLAR EXEMPTION YET?

Persons that own property in Durham and recently installed a “solar energy system” that utilizes solar energy to heat or cool the interior of their building, heat water, or to provide electricity, may qualify for a solar exemption.

The Town of Durham has adopted the Exemption for Solar Systems per RSA 72:62 which gives qualifying residents a solar exemption from their property tax assessment.

In order to qualify for this exemption, a PA-29 exemption application must be received by the Assessing Office by April 15, 2017. Applications may be downloaded from the Town website or may be picked up at the Assessor’s Office located on the 2nd floor of the Town Hall building at 8 Newmarket Road. Applications must also include the total installation cost and a detailed list of what equipment was installed on an applicant's property.

If approved, this exemption will be applied to 2017 assessments.

Please contact the Town Assessor at 603-868-8064 with any questions regarding the solar systems exemption.

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A map illustrating the route of the proposed Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project - Courtesy Eversource

NHPR FEATURE STORY ON EVERSOURCE SRP – Energy Project Faces Skepticism from a Town with a History of Taking a Stand

Disputes between utility companies and local residents over new power lines are a familiar story. But on New Hampshire's Seacoast in Durham, a version of that story is playing out with a few twists. For one, the power lines would go underwater. And two, they would go through a town that prides itself on its history of opposing energy projects.

Listen to the story on New Hampshire Public Radio HERE.

DURHAM WORKS TO IDENTIFY/ENGAGE INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT TO ASSIST IN VETTING PROPOSED EVERSOURCE SRP CROSSING OF LITTLE BAY
Our staff, Councilors Wayne Burton, Firoze Katrak, and Jim Lawson, and the Town’s attorney, Doug Patch, have been actively undertaking due diligence since Dec. 5th to evaluate and select a highly qualified environmental expert to assist the community in vetting the Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project (SRP) submittals relative to the proposed underwater crossing of the Little Bay utilizing controversial jet plow technology. Durham’s paramount concern is to ensure no harm is done, inadvertently or otherwise, to the natural resources of the estuary. Durham has a deep appreciation for the fragile natural resource of the Great Bay. We will undertake significant efforts to protect them. Admin. Selig expects we'll have an environmental expert in place by the first part of next week. The cost of Durham's efforts will likely fall within the $50,000 - $100,000 range.

While Eversource’s employees and contractors have asserted to date there is no risk to the bay, Durham believes it’s essential to carefully vet Eversource information by an impartial third party engaged by the Town. This review, as well as that undertaken by an independent expert from the Attorney for the Public at the NH Department of Justice, will help the community and the SEC to fully understand the implications of this significant $70 million Eversource proposal impacting the estuarine resources of the region.

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION GRANTED INTERVENOR STATUS IN EVERSOURCE SRP PROCESS | NH SEC POSTPONES SCHEDULED PROCEEDINGS AT DURHAM’S REQUEST
This week, the NH Site Evaluation Committee’s presiding officer recognized that the Durham Historic Association (DHA) has a recognized interest in the preservation of historic resources, including historic sites, in Durham. “DHA's expertise and knowledge of historic resources in Durham may assist the Subcommittee with determining the impact of the Project on historic sites. Furthermore, allowing DHA's intervention will not interfere with the orderly and prompt conduct of the proceedings.”

Technical sessions of Eversource’s witnesses were scheduled to be conducted on December 19 and 21, 2016, but were postponed at the request of Durham, and a revised procedural schedule will soon be issued.

The SEC presiding officer granted the DHA’s request to participate in the re-scheduled technical sessions. The order states: “DHA's participation will not delay resolution of this docket and DHA is allowed to intervene in this docket as a single intervenor. It is apparent, however, that DHA's interests are limited to the impact of the Project on both above and below ground historic resources in Durham. DHA's participation in this docket shall be limited to issues associated with the impact of the Project on historic resources in Durham. DHA's Petition to Intervene is granted in part and denied in part. Eversource’s request to limit DHA's participation in the discovery process is granted, to the extent that certain discover deadlines have already passed.”

YOUNG’S RESTAURANT NAMED AS TOP 10 SUSTAINABLE NH COMPANY BY L’AUTRE COULEUR
When we think of New Hampshire, we think of its numerous scenic forests and parks, rural landscapes, inviting lakes, coastal life, and of course Durham and UNH.

The State of New Hampshire may look small on the map, but its diverse regions has inspired various sustainable companies that are working hard to protect and enrich their communities.

The group L’Autre Couleur has provided a ranking of NH’s top 10 sustainable companies and Young’s Restaurant is on the list!

Note as well that many of the other companies listed have been partners of, or are affiliated with, the Town of Durham in one way or another over the years – including ReVision Energy, Mr. Fox Composting, the Post Landfill Action Network, and the Gundalow Company.

View the full list HERE.

PLANNING BOARD SITE WALK AND PUBLIC HEARING ON PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR YOUNG DRIVE REDEVELOPMENT

The Planning Board held a site walk and a public hearing on the preliminary design for the redevelopment of Young Drive on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. 

The property owner proposes to demolish the dozen duplex buildings that have housed students for many years and to build four new large buildings for senior (55+) housing.  The applicant seeks to have 160 units which could accommodate 300 or so residents. 

The zoning ordinance for the Coe’s Corner district allows only three story buildings but the applicant proposes four story buildings.  Thus, a variance would be needed for the current design. 

At the public hearing a number of residents expressed concerns about the height, mass, and locations of the proposed buildings.  Some cutting in the wooded buffers to site the buildings is proposed. 

A key goal is to minimize the visibility of the buildings from Dover Road, Bayview Road, and Beard’s Landing Road.  The review was continued to January 11.  Once the preliminary phase is closed, the applicant will seek any necessary variances and then submit a new, formal application to the Planning Board. 

View the most recent plans HERE.

Mill Plaza Site Plan and Context

PLANNING BOARD PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF PROPOSED MILL PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT

The Planning Board held another preliminary review of the proposed Mill Plaza redevelopment at its meeting this past Wednesday.  The conceptual design has continued to evolve. 

Under the current conceptual design, the building containing the Hannaford Store would remain and the rear building would be demolished.  Two new buildings would be erected with commercial on the first floor and two and a half and three and a half floors of multi-unit residential above.  There would be a total of 386 parking spaces including 36 spaces in a garage.  The general layout on the ground is quite good with a rectilinear arrangement of buildings and some potentially attractive pedestrian spaces. 

The main challenge remains that in order to move massing away from the Faculty Neighborhood and toward the northern portion of the site (Main St.), the mass of the buildings would be quite large in order to accommodate the stated required goals of the applicant.  A number of citizens have attended various public hearings expressing concerns about the project including the size of the buildings, number of residents proposed, and other elements. 

The zoning ordinance permits only two floors of residential above commercial so the applicant would need to obtain variances for the current configuration.  The review was continued to January 25.  

After that time, the applicant will have several options for how to proceed, which may include seeking variances and then submitting a new, formal application to the Planning Board. 

You can view the most recent plans and prospective architectural designs at this link.

GREASE TRAPS FOR DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES - New regulations require retrofits for businesses.
New code requirements mandate that grease traps be in place for commercial businesses within the community. Unfortunately, there are a handful of business that still do not have them in town. Code Officer Audrey Cline indicated this week that 6 establishments that did not have grease traps previously are now putting them in following up on her office’s outreach efforts.

TRAFFIC MODEL UPDATE – A collaborative Durham/UNH initiative.
Durham and UNH jointly contracted years ago to create an AM peak demand traffic model for use by both entities in order to assess traffic impacts that might be generated as a result of physical changes on and off campus, new construction, and potential roadway modifications. For example, if Main Street was transitioned back to two-way, if a new roadway was added such as the Northern Connector, or if the Mill Plaza or 66 Main St. were ultimately redeveloped, what would be the result on Durham/UNH traffic patterns? 

The AM model has been useful in the past but to more accurately look at downtown traffic impacts, a PM peak model is needed, as well as an update to the AM model to reflect changes in town and on campus over the last several years.

When Durham ran its PILOT program to transition Main Street from two lanes to one a few years ago, the Town did not have the benefit of a PM peak demand model which caused an inability on the part of the Traffic Safety Committee to fully predict the outcome in an data-driven manner. The PILOT program was ultimately eliminated by Admin. Selig due to traffic backups it caused along Main Street heading up to A-Lot and the Field House.

Durham and UNH have agreed to update the existing, and to create a PM peak demand model in the coming year. The total cost is about $80,000, which will be cost shared 50/50. RSG Engineering will undertake the work on a contract basis.

UPDATE FROM PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
P&R Director Rachel Gasowski has lined up a great set of programming for the upcoming Christmas break. In addition, her office is already looking ahead to begin organizing spring/summer 2017 programming.

UPDATE FROM TOWN CLERK/TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE
Town Clerk/Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt indicates that her office takes advantage of the holiday break to catch up on various items.

DURHAM WATER FOREMAN DWIGHT RICHARD USING TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATING DURHAM-UNH WATER SYSTEM UTILITY DATA – A nice example of Town/Gown collaboration.
This year as Durham’s water foreman Dwight Richard goes about his rounds to track valve replacements and hydrant flushing, he will be doing so on an I-Pad, tethered to his smart phone, that will integrate fully with the UNH GIS system tracking elements of our joint water system. It’s our hope that the integration will make our foreman’s job a little more efficient, and will also give us much better real time information about the system in the future. Not only that, the I-Pad will enable Dwight to pull up data on the water system that would otherwise have required a trip back to the office. This is another example of very beneficial Durham-UNH collaboration that was simply not possible years ago due to issues that existed between Town and Gown – issues we have overcome in the past several years.

FY 2016 YEAR END CLOSING INFORMATION
Business Manager Gail Jablonski reports that with the exception of police and fire overtime, largely offset by DPW under expenditures, the Town’s annual budget looking fairly good moving into the last couple weeks of FY 2016.

Durham operates on a fiscal year that tracks the calendar year. It is anticipated that the cost to bring on board an environmental expert to independently vet the Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project will be in the realm of $50,000 - $80,000. Consequently, we’re currently evaluating how to integrate this unanticipated cost into the FY 2016 and FY 2017 budgets.

Payroll next week will be on Tuesday.

REFUSE/RECYCLING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Below is the holiday schedule for the remainder of the year. View the 2016-17 Winter Newsletter HERE as well that also includes the holiday collection schedule. Please note that the Transfer Station and Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday, December 24th.
 

2016 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

2017 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

REMINDERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

• As the holiday season approaches, please remember to remove all packing peanuts or packaging materials from cardboard boxes so they can be properly recycled.
• Also, during the winter months especially, the Swap shop at the Transfer Station will not accept any furniture or bulky items as the weather and snow make it even more difficult to manage. Come spring, should space allow, items will be welcomed at the shop again.
• All items in the right-of-way and street area need to be removed such as basketball hoops and other street recreational structures. The department will not be responsible for anything damaged in the way of the snow plow that should have been removed.  Additionally, there is NO PARKING on any Town road from November 1st through April 1st between the hours of 1AM and 6AM.
• 2017 Transfer Station Stickers are now available to all town residents.

SPRING BULKY WASTE PICKUP - A program for the community but common sense requested for use by residents.
Town Councilor Alan Bennett recently met with the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee to discuss the annual Spring Bulky Waste pickup in which residents are able to bring bulky waste items curbside for pickup by the Public Works Department. The concern expressed by Councilor Bennett was that it appeared some households were abusing this service and bringing construction debris, etc. curbside for pickup where such material really should be conveyed by contractors to the Raymond LaRoche Transfer Station and Recycling Center on Durham Point Road as part of a specific project.

The outcome was to request that a reminder be broadcast to residents via the “Friday Updates” that the purpose of the annual spring pickup is really to dispose of typical household bulky waste items, such as chairs, couches, bedframes, etc. for those who do not possess a large vehicle or are unable to transport such items themselves to the Town’s facility.

On a positive note, the annual pickup is widely utilized by residents as a service offered by the community.

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. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.

There are no public meetings scheduled for the week of December 26 - 30, 2016.

Historic District Commission/Heritage Commission - Thursday January 5, 2017

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All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.

December Vacation Week Activity Schedule
Join us December 27th-January 2nd for vacation week fun with daily drop-in programs! Pre-registration is required for several of the programs, so please be sure sign up early!

Tuesday, December 27th:
Stargazing at Wagon Hill Farm- 6-7:30pm. Meet near the gate near the barn. Learn about the winter sky from UNH Astronomer John Gianforte. Pre-registration required by 12/26. Suggested donation of $5/person.
Rain/cloud date- 12/28 at the Durham Public Library: 6-7:30pm.

Wednesday, December 28th:
Music with Benji 9:45-10:30am at Durham Parks & Recreation Building. Participation is FREE. Enjoy 45 minutes of interactive, kid favored songs and dance.

Family Snow-trek 1pm at Wagon Hill Farm- FREE. Meet near the gate by the barn and enjoy a guided trek around WHF. Bring snowshoes if conditions allow. Hot Cocoa served to conclude the trek. Pre-registration required by 12/27.

Pick-up Pickleball 6-8pm at ORHS- MPR, All equipment provided. Participation is FREE.

Thursday, December 29th:
Pottery Painting with Doodlebugz Studio 1-3pm at the Parks & Recreation building. Design and paint a bisque item. $10/piece and will be available for pickup in a week after they’ve been fired. Pre-registration required by 12/28.

Snow Flag Football 1-3pm at Woodridge Park Field. FREE

Friday, December 30th:
Arm Knit Scarves- 10am-12pm at Durham Parks & Recreation Building. $5/person, includes yarn and instruction. Recommended for ages 9+. Pre-registration required by 12/29.

Capture the Snow Flag- 1-3pm at Woodridge Park Field. FREE

Saturday, December 31st
New Years Eve Sledding Social 1-3pm at Wagon Hill Farm. Gather at the wagon for sledding fun, hot cocoa and cookies!!

Monday, January 2nd
String Art 10am-12pm at Durham Parks & Recreation Building. $5/person, includes all supplies need to create a string art masterpiece! Recommended for ages 5 +. Pre-registration required by 12/31.

Upcoming Winter Programs

After School XC Ski & Snowshoe Adventures - Tuesdays, January 10th-31st. 3:30-4:30pm Grades 1st-4th. $60/student. Min. of 4, Max of 10. Durham Parks & Recreation has teamed up with Seven Rivers Paddling for some after school fun in the outdoors! Students in 1st-4th grade are invited to register for a four-week session of XC skiing and snowshoeing adventures!! We will use the trails and fields surrounding Moharimet School and Madbury Town Hall.

*Students will need to provide their own XC Ski equipment *
* Snowshoes are available for those who need them *
(Please let us know your equipment needs so we can plan accordingly.
Transportation of equipment can be arranged as well)

Bus transportation is available from Mast Way to Moharimet on Bus #84.

Karate & Kobudo-A Community Martial Arts Class - Thursdays, January 19th-February 23rd from 6-7:30pm at the Middle School-MPR. Ages 10+ (youth & adults). $60/participate. Practical self-defense through a traditional Okinawan style of karate (Shorinryu Matsumura Seito), including training with bo, sai, and kama.

Energy Medicine Workshop: Explore your Inner Healing - Monday, January 30th 9-10:30am and Thursday, February 2nd 6:30-8pm at the Parks & Recreation Building. Participation is FREE!

Save The Date!

Family Sweetheart Dance - Friday, February 10th 6-8pm at the Oyster River High School- MPR. Join us for our first Family Sweetheart Dance!! The whole family is invited to join in on an evening of dancing, FUN and to celebrate Valentine’s Day!!

$20/couple or $30/family (add a person for $5). Ticket prices include a 5x7 photo. Tickets go on sale January 2, 2017!

After School & Community Archery Clinics - Tuesdays: February 14th-March 14th. After School Session for grades 5-12, 2:45-3:45pm. Community Session for ages 7+ (youth & adults), 4-5pm at the Oyster River Middle School. $70/pp. Archery In Motion will be instructing this four-week clinic which will focus on safety, proper shooting form and developing technique to become more precise in order to enhance the archers’ abilities.
Pre-registration required by February 8th.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

OR High School Weekly Athletic Schedule. View the schedule HERE.

UNH Museum of Art Upcoming Events. View schedule of events HERE.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Holiday Closings- The library will be closed on the following days:
Fri. 12/23, Sat. 12/24, Mon. 12/26, and Mon. 1/2/2017. Happy Holidays!

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

Make-It-Take-It Craft! Felt board Gingerbread House! Week of December 27th through December 31st. - Drop by the Storytime/Craft room during vacation week to make a fun felt board gingerbread house. Come and be creative with felt. NO REGULARLY SCHEDULED CHILDREN’S/YA PROGRAMS THIS WEEK. PROGRAMS START AGAIN THE WEEK OF JAN. 2ND. CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR FOR DETAILS...
Storytimes Tues. Jan. 3rd and Thurs. Jan. 5th at 10:30 am - “Birthdays!”
Family STEAM Program, Sat. Jan. 7th at 10:30 am – Lego Build-it! Come and try some Lego Building Challenges. This is an all ages program.
Teen Advisory Board Mon. Jan. 9, 6:30 pm - Decorate cupcakes and help us plan the Young Adult Library programs for the new year! The teen advisory board is open to kids ages 10 and up. We want to hear from you! Tell the staff about books you would like added to the collection, activities you want to try, movies you want to watch or anything else you feel we should know.
Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) Tues. Jan. 10, 6:00 pm - Join us for Raccoon Readers, our monthly 2nd-4th Grade Book Group. This month's book is "All the Answers" by Kate Messner. We talk about books, authors, play some games and make a craft.
Oyster River High School Poetry Out Loud Contest, Weds. January 11th, 6:00-8:00 pm – Come join us for a fun night of Poetry. Refreshments are served. Snow date is Thurs. January 12th 6:00-8:00 pm. All are welcome.
Special Cocheco Valley Humane Society visit with Bonnie Burke, Miss Strafford County, Sat. Jan. 14th at 10:30 am - Come learn about the animals, meet an animal and make a fun craft. All ages.
Jack & Annie Book Club (Grades K-2) Tuesday, January 17th at 4:00 – 5:00 PM - Join us for our new monthly book club made just for kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade! During our meeting we will talk about our book club book, play games, and make a craft. This month’s book is "Ghost Town at Sundown" by Mary Pope Osborne. Books are available at the circulation desk. Registration is required. Please sign-up at the Children's desk!
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care giver) Begins again on Weds. Jan. 18th at 10:30 am
Pajama Storytime - Pirates! Thursday, January 19th at 6:30PM - Join Oyster River Parents & Preschoolers (ORPP) at the Durham Public Library for our monthly evening storytime for preschoolers! This month we will be all about the Pirates. Come hear stories, do the felt board, sing some pirate songs, and make a fun Pirate craft. Snack provided by ORPP and all are welcome!
Family Movie: Finding Dory! Sat. Jan. 21st at 10:30 am - Join us for this fun family movie: Finding Dory! This movie is shown upstairs in the Oyster River Room. Popcorn is served and all are welcome!
Knitting and Craft Club for 3rd-5th graders Begins again on Weds. Jan. 25th 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).
Join us for Lego Club (K-4th grade) begins again on Thurs. Jan. 26th at 3:30-4:30 pm! We will have fun weekly challenges and of course free build.
Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. Jan. 25th 2:45-4:00 pm – Join us for this month’s book group. This month’s book is “Maximum Ride” by James Patterson. Ruth Wharton McDonald is the facilitator. Books are available at the circulation desk. Pizza is served.
New! Fun and Games Fridays, begins on Fri. Jan. 27th all day! – Come and create a drop-in craft and play some fun board games. All ages.
Family STEAM program, Sat. Jan. 28th at 10:30 am – Playdough Engineers. Come and create with clay. All ages.
YA Mondays will begin on Monday, Jan. 30th from 2:45-4 pm (ages 10 & up) – Stop by the YA room for movies, crafts, snacks and games.
Join the Patch Program! Come and join and collect your patches! This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library.

Adult  Programs:

January Artist of the Month- Kirk Trombley, Mon. Jan. 9, 2017, 6:30-7:30 pm - The Ten Minute Artist. All are invited to meet Kirk Trombley, Durham artist at the Reception and Art Exhibit. Kirk is a talented painter, sculptor, photographer and writer. He enjoys painting and photographing scenes in nature that move him. He has an innate ability to notice and capture even the tiniest details and bring them to life. When he is not pursuing his passions, Kirk works as a lawyer and adjunct professor at UNH. His work will be on exhibit in the Gallery for the month of January. Contact Armida ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Acoustic Open Mic with Mike, Wed. Jan. 11, 6:30-7:30 - Held in the Cafe. All are welcome, first time performers and original music are particularly encouraged.
January Author Talk-Michele Albion, Thurs. Jan. 19, 2017 6:30-7:30 pm - Michele Albion to visit DPL again! This time she will talk about her book, The Quotable Amelia Earhart. Michele was the guest author in June at the Ole Time Auto event when she spoke about The Quotable Henry Ford. Light refreshments will be served. Book signings and purchases available, cash, checks & credit cards accepted.
Oyster River Knitters Tues. Jan. 3, 7-9 pm - Join the Oyster River Knitters for an evening of assistance in knit or crochet. Beginners and all levels are welcome to attend. Contact Janet jadoty@comcast.net
Friends of the Durham Public Library monthly meeting Wed. Jan. 4, 1:00 social time 1:30 meeting - All are welcome to attend. Held in the Oyster River Community Room, 2nd floor.
Friends of the Durham Public Library - The Friends will not hold any book donation week in December. Book Donations Please bring books and DVDs in bags or boxes that do not need to be returned. This is a big help to the volunteers that run the monthly book donation drives. Thank you. Also, the Friends will not meet in December.

The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology: computers, iPads & cell phones, eReaders (Nook, Kindle, etc.) Call to check on availability of the volunteers and set up an appointment. 868-6699 or email durhampl@gmail.com.

For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.

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Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah-Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa!  :-)

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T: 603-868-5571 

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us  

Website: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/

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