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Beautiful daffodils. Courtesy Todd Selig
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Longtime downtown Durham business owner Jesse P. Gangwer passed away at the age of 89 on April 7, 2021. Jesse's full obituary can be viewed HERE.
The Islamic holiday of Ramadan began on April 12th and will end on May 12th.
The DPW spring newsletter was mailed out to residents this week and can also be viewed HERE.
The New Hampshire Children's Trust has released an activity book for families that helps build strong bonds between child and their caregivers. The Activity Book is filled with fun games and puzzles, as well as illustrations from local artists. The book walks families through the protective factors that help children and families be their best. Download the activity book HERE.
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TOWN COUNCIL TO RECEIVE QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT THROUGH MARCH 31, 2021 FROM BUSINESS MANAGER ON MONDAY EVENING
In compliance with section 5.6 of the Durham Town Charter, Business Manager Gail Jablonski will provide a financial report for 2021 through March 31, 2021.
The Town’s expenditures as of March 31, 2021 show a total expenditure of $3,743,489 or 22.1% of the total approved budget amount of $16,963,700. To compare, the amount expended as of March 31, 2020 was 22.8%.
There are no abnormalities to report at this time.
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COUNCIL TO HOLD CONTINUED DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ADOPTION OF GOALS FOR 2021/22
At the March 15, 2021 Town Council meeting, Council members began discussing the process for the development of goals for the upcoming year.
Council members were asked to submit any suggested changes to the Administrator’s office for their incorporation into the draft 2021/22 goals, which were further discussed at the April 5, 2021 Council meeting and a few additional amendments to the goals document were suggested.
The draft goals list for 2021/22, which incorporates all comments and suggestions that have been discussed to date may be viewed HERE.
Council goals are generally intended to have a timeframe of 1-3 years, and potentially longer with some issues.
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WHILE GOVERNOR ENDS STATE-WIDE MASK MANDATE, DURHAM’S LOCAL FACIAL COVERINGS ORDINANCE REMAINS IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT THROUGH AT LEAST JUNE 5TH
While Governor Sununu has made the decision to end the state-wide mask mandate on April 16th, the Town of Durham’s local facial coverings ordinance will remain in effect, at least through the beginning of June. Throughout the pandemic, the Town and UNH have jointly advised people to wear face masks to protect themselves and prevent COVID-19 from spreading. The lifting of the state-wide mandate by the Governor does not diminish the importance of wearing a face mask. The threat to public health from COVID-19 is real.
Even though the state-wide mandate will be going away, the Governor has made clear his determination will not limit or prevent the ability of private businesses and local cities and towns from requiring masks.
While deaths from COVID-19 are down in the state compared to where they were during the fall and winter surge, hospitalizations are actually increasing, rising on Thursday of this week to a level last seen in early February. Case numbers also continue to climb as the virus spreads across the state. As you’ll note above, Durham’s active Covid-19 case count is at 92.
The state’s vaccination program is progressing well. However, only 25% of the state’s population is fully vaccinated. It will be weeks still before everyone who wants a vaccine in the state is fully vaccinated, and even then, that doesn’t mean the pandemic will be over. The risk of Covid-19 variants and their impacts upon public health is also something we will need to monitor closely.
Outside of Durham, we strongly recommend that people continue to take steps to protect their own health, the health and safety of their family and friends, and the health of their local communities: Wear a mask around others, get vaccinated, avoid close physical contact, monitor your health, wash hands/disinfect.
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DID YOU KNOW?
The Oyster River Cooperative School District is committed to advancing sustainability in its operations, culture, and curriculum.
Recently, a UNH Sustainability Intern was asked to analyze and report on the district’s greenhouse gas emissions from 2014-2020. It was found that transportation, electricity, utility, and solid waste were the greatest sources of greenhouse gas emissions for the district.
Learn more about the findings in the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report HERE.
Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee.
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FROM THE SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The Supervisors of the Checklist are required by New Hampshire law to verify the voter Checklist every 10 years. This is the year. We are about to start this process and would like to share part of what needs to be done. Anyone who is currently on the Durham Checklist who has not voted in 4 years (since April 1, 2017) will be sent a letter explaining that they will be removed from the checklist. However, if they do still live in Durham and would like to remain on the checklist, they may either come before us on the dates and times below, or simply go to the Durham Town Hall during regular business hours, to re-register. They may also call the Town Hall at 868-5577 with questions.
The Supervisors will be meeting on Monday April 26 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM at the Durham Town Hall to finalize the list of people who will receive a letter. The letter itself will be sent out somewhere near the end of May. If your household should receive one of these letters and the person no longer lives there, simply toss the letter. Unfortunately, people who registered last fall but then did not vote or your absentee ballot arrived late, will also receive a letter and will need to re-register at some point. If you receive the letter and need to re-register (or believe you truly have voted since April 1, 2017), the Supervisors will meet on the following dates for this purpose:
7:00 – 8:00 PM
Both at Durham Town Hall
The Supervisors will also be accepting applications for new voter registration, requests for the correction of the checklist, and/or change of political party affiliation at these times. Voters may check party affiliation HERE.
Applicants for registration or re-registration, whether at the Clerk’s office or with the Supervisors, should bring with them proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
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Aerial photograph of 66 Main Street. Courtesy DCAT Studies
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PROPOSAL ADVANCES FOR DURHAM TO PURCHASE 66 MAIN STREET FROM UNH - Presentation set for Monday's Town Council meeting, 4/19/21.
At the Town Council meeting this Monday, April 19th, a presentation by Economic Development Director, Christine Soutter, will be made recommending that the Town of Durham purchase the vacant parcel located at 66 Main Street from UNH. A full description of the proposal can be found HERE.
It is recommended that the Town of Durham purchase the vacant lot located at 66 Main Street for the appraised price of $2,045,000 (derived from two separate appraisals). The recommendation for this purchase stems from months of research, discussion and analysis as seen in the attached document, “Recommendation that the Town of Durham Acquire 66 Main Street.”
The property, currently owned by the University of New Hampshire, has languished for years. The property provides an excellent opportunity for public parking and commercial development, which will generate new tax revenue. The Town has already been in discussions with a developer (Elliott Sidewalk Communities) and the University about a plan that would bring desirable commercial development to the site.
The 1.18-acre lot is the last remaining undeveloped parcel in the downtown.
Currently, future redevelopment in the downtown is limited by the lack of available parking. Public parking on this site could help enable future redevelopment of underutilized buildings elsewhere in the downtown adding to the local Durham tax base.
The purchase would be financed using parking impact fees ($713,750), TIF funds ($674,578) and a TIF bond ($741,672). The financing would therefore not impact the budget or future Town tax rate.
Additionally, the parking impact fees that would be utilized to help purchase the site will begin to expire starting in August 2021 and will have to be returned to the developers if not used.
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DPW ADDRESSED FAILURE OF AERATED GRIT BLOWER AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT THIS WEEK
Following a mechanical failure, the blower has been repaired and is now online. The solution included a reconfiguration of the high discharge alarm sensor from a horizontal to a vertical configuration to avoid accumulation of small amounts of moisture. The alarm sensor failed most often in very cold conditions and gave a false failure signal. Changing the position will eliminate this issue during colder temps.
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UPDATED CURRENT USE VALUE RANGES FOR 2021-2022 - Information from Assessor Jim Rice
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 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.
For more information regarding Current Use, please go to the website HERE.
Per RSA 79-A, the Current Use Board has revised the Current Use value ranges for 2021-2022.
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 $122 to $183 per acre;
(b) The category of hardwood shall be $57 to $86 per acre;
(c) The category of all other shall be $40 to $60 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 $73 to $110 per acre;
(b) The category of hardwood shall be $38 to $57 per acre;
(c) The category of all other shall be $24 to $36 per acre.
Cub 304.13 Assessment Range for Unproductive Land. The assessment for unproductive land shall be $24 per acre.
Cub 304.14 Assessment Range for Wetland. The assessment for wetland shall be $24 per acre.
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DANDELIONS ARE BEE-UTIFUL - 4th Annual Durham Dandelion Contest
In conjunction with Durham’s Bee Friendly Program, the Agricultural Commission is sponsoring the 4th Annual Contest (2021) to encourage town residents to both recognize and demonstrate the importance of dandelions for honeybees and other pollinators.
Town residents are invited to submit a photo(s) of where dandelions are either allowed -- or encouraged! -- to grow. Like last year, the contest now includes nine (9) categories:
Criteria
- The most dandelions per unit area (>50% dandelions)
- Greatest total area (50% grass and 50% dandelions)
- A scraggly lawn that is improved by dandelions
- A garden site where dandelions can grow
- A single dandelion blossom or bouquet
- Aligns with Ladybird Johnson’s beautify America’s roadways initiative
- A dandelion blossom with honeybee or bumble bee
- Dandelions growing in the downtown area or on Town property
- Dandelions growing under difficult circumstances
Send a photo(s) via e-mail to:
Lee Alexander
e-mail: leealex64@gmail.com
mobile: 603-866-2822
Please include name, address, and phone number.
Each contest participant will receive a small (2 oz) squeeze bottle of “Lee’s Bees” Wildflower Honey. The winner of each of the nine (9) contest categories will be awarded a larger (12 oz) bottle.
Note: Durham has again been challenged by Kingston, NH to a “Two-Town Contest”. The winner will be the town with the most participants. Show your pride and “Bee-a-Contestant”!
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DURHAM PD CONDUCTS TASER TRAINING PROGRAM
The Durham Police Department recently conducted a taser training program for its officers. The follow is an overview of the program.
A new officer certification is (6) six hours of classroom and practical demonstrations and exercises. This must include a comprehensive written exam.
Annually, all Durham Police Officers are re-certified in a 2-4 hour training. This includes a classroom portion and written exam. Following successful completion of the classroom portion and exam, there is a practical exercise that includes firing the Taser, successfully, at least two times at a static target. It involves using verbal commands and removing and replacing the weapon in the officer's holster (for muscle memory).
Quarterly, the department instructors download data from each of the officer's Tasers. This ensures that they are completing their daily arc function and safety checks, as well as checks the Tasers internal systems to make sure they are properly functioning. Training issues can easily be identified to hold officers accountable, if they are not doing their daily checks during this quarterly inspection.
In the field, officers carry the yellow colored Taser, which was a conscious decision by the administration of the DPD, versus a dark or black colored Taser. This decision was so that both the officer handling the Taser and the backup officers on scene would be able to differentiate the less than lethal weapons system over a firearm, to avoid confusion in tense and high stress situations.
The Tasers carried by all Durham Police Officers are carried on the “support” side, which means the opposite side of their dominant hand. For an example, if the officer is right handed, they carry their firearm on their right hip, their “strong” or “dominant” side. Their Taser, per policy and procedure, must be carried on their left hip, or their “support” side.
Additionally, the Taser is carried backwards, so that the handle points forward from the officers duty belt. This is completely different from their firearm, which is carried with the handle pointing toward the rear of the officers duty belt for quick and efficient access. To draw the Taser, the officer has to complete a “cross-draw,” which means they have to reach completely across their body, turn their hand, and then activate the safety mechanism to remove the Taser. Once the Taser is drawn, a safety switch on the side of the weapon has to be pushed in an upward direction with the officers thumb to power on the Taser. There is nothing done with a firearm once it is removed from the officers holster; it is a live weapon immediately.
In summary:
- Annually: 2-4 hours of classroom training and a practical exercise using the Taser;
- Quarterly: Data downloads of all DPD issued Taser's to ensure proper operation, and to check that officers are completing their required daily checks;
- Daily – Officers draw their Taser from their holster at the beginning of their work shift, arc check it for 5 seconds to verify appropriate operation of the device, and then re-holster the Taser. This builds muscle memory every shift as to the difference between the cross-draw and a regular draw of a firearm, so that under even the most stressful conditions, the officer will remember the correct procedures;
- Taser Instructors – Online course, followed by one day hands on course, must recertify every two years. Must complete written and practical exams on each of Taser's current Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW) systems - X26, X2, and Taser 7. Currently, all Durham officers carry the X2.
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HVAC UPGRADES AT THE CHEMICAL BUILDING AND THE DOVER ROAD SEWAGE PUMPING STATION
These upgrades were recommended following the completion of a recent energy audit to replace the electrical heaters, as well as cooling systems to keep the sensitive electronics and instrumentation operating at the most optimum temperatures during the summer months. The contractor who is recommended for award for this project is Correct Temp, which had also installed heating and cooling upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant in 2012.
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PLANNING BOARD APPROVES EXPANSION PLAN FOR YATES ELECTRIC
The Planning Board approved a site plan for the expansion of Yates Electric at 88A Dover Road on Wednesday. The project will involve an 1,800 square foot garage and storage building, parking, and a rain garden to treat stormwater runoff. Some residents might not be aware of this electrical contracting business as it is located on a lot set back from the road behind the Durham Police Station. Yates Electric was founded in 1978 and has 25 employees.
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SPRING CLEANUP BULKY WASTE DAYS AT THE TRANSFER STATION
Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and other concerns described above in the preceding item, the Town has elected to manage the bulky item disposal program this season similar to last spring’s collection. The Transfer Station will be open for Spring Cleanup with extended hours and days as listed below. All participants will be required to practice social distancing and wear masks as they drop off items. On the days listed below, facility users with Resident/Tax payer permits may enter the Transfer Station to dispose of BULKY WASTE ITEMS ONLY (Bulky waste items include mattresses, box springs, upholstered chairs, couches, painted or stained decking, rugs/carpeting/padding, and pressure treated wood) at No Charge and will NOT require coupons.
Wednesday, May 12th and Thursday, May 13th between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM
Wednesday, May 19th and Thursday, May 20th between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM
Wednesday, June 2rd and Thursday, June 3rd between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM
Residents will have to unload their own material. The Transfer Station attendants will be monitoring activities to ensure capacity will allow for social distancing at each vehicle drop off point. Please Note, electronics items (such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, computer monitors, televisions, laptops and water coolers) still require a $15 electronics sticker which may be purchase with check or cash at DPW or with check only at the Transfer Station. Metal items (such as Bicycles, rolled wire fencing, metal pipe, cast iron sinks and tubs, aluminum screen doors/windows without glass, lawn mowers (fluids removed), bed springs, washers/dryers, empty paint cans, fitness machines) should be separated and put in the metal pile.
Durham Public Works asks that all regular trash and recycling and “regular” transfer station activities be limited to regular Transfer Station hours, Tuesday and Saturday, 7:30am- 3:00pm.
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Students were shown CPR and were able to practice on CPR mannequins. Courtesy Mark Milliken, ORHS Dean of Faculty
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SAVE A LIFE TOUR - Sponsored by Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock
On Wednesday, 4/14, The Oyster River High School hosted the Save A Life Tour, which was sponsored by Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Oyster River High School staff members Melissa Jean (Assistant Director of Special Education), Michael McCann (Dean of Students), Michael Nicolosi (School Resource Officer) and Celeste Best helped in organizing the event.
The Save A Life Tour is a safe driving awareness program that informs, educates, and demonstrates the potentially deadly consequences resulting from poor choices and decisions made by the operator of a motor vehicle.
Sophomore, Junior, and Senior students experienced hands-on and interactive activities, including a Distracted Driving Simulation, Impaired Driving Simulation, informative visual learning stations, and surveys. Prizes were awarded to participating students throughout the day from the donations of Melissa Jean, the Oyster River High School, the Durham Police Department, and the Durham Professional Firefighters Association.
The Durham Fire Department, McGregor Memorial EMS, and the Durham Police Department were also in attendance to educate students on their roles in accidents. They talked to students about what to do if they were involved in an accident and lessons from their experiences responding to calls.
Fire Marshal Brendan O’Sullivan, Firefighter Phil Beaudoin, and McGregor Memorial EMS staff spoke about the various tools and medical equipment they use to help victims involved in an accident. Students were shown CPR and were able to practice on CPR manakins. McGregor Memorial staff included Captain Robert Lyons, Isaiah Fogg, Doug Young, Maureen Cassidy, Stephen Orlych, and Katya Engalichev. The students were also given an in-depth tour of a fire truck and an ambulance.
School Resource Officer Michael Nicolosi and Officers Emily Festa, Robert Keith, and Chloe Jepson spoke with students about being pulled over by police, what to do if they get into an accident, and discussed various laws the students should know about. They also talked about bicycle laws, law enforcement careers, what to expect in college, and demonstrated Standardized Field Sobriety Testing.
Oyster River High School is looking forward to next year, where the Save A Life Tour will be coming back to help keep the students and families in our community safe.
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VACANCY - REGULAR PART-TIME MECHANIC POSITION
The Town of Durham is in seek of a regular part-time mechanic to assist in performing equipment maintenance on the Town's fleet. Requires knowledge of regular fleet vehicles and heavy equipment repair, diagnosis of malfunctions utilizing test equipment and technical repair manuals. Employee will work up to 24 hours per week, flexible scheduling available. Position receives paid holidays and pro-rated vacation and sick leave accruals.
High School Diploma or G.E.D. and one year of formal training in fleet vehicles and heavy equipment repair or equivalent experience. Possession of a Class B CDL Operator's License and Certification to perform NH Safety Vehicle Inspections highly sought after.
Hourly wage starting at $20/hour, higher possible depending on experience. Job will be posted until position is filled. Interested parties please send application/letter of interest/resume to: publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us or 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 attn: Janice Richard.
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VACANCY - PART-TIME TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT
The Town of Durham is looking for a part-time Transfer Station Attendant. The position is part time, non-benefits. Applicants must be comfortable dealing with public and have a Solid Waste Operators License, level 1 minimum or the ability to obtain license within 2 months of hire. Duties include: checking in residents, ensuring materials are disposed of in proper locations, ability to operate a loader and skid steer, maintenance and cleaning of facility. Pay $14-$17/Hr based on experience. Hours will be Saturday from 7am-3:30pm, potential for more hours. Valid driver’s license, background check will be performed. Applications accepted through Wednesday, March 31st.
Applications are available at the Public Works Office, contact below:
Janice Richard
Assistant to the Director
100 Stone Quarry Drive
Durham, NH 03824
868-5578
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VACANCY - DPW PART-TIME SEASONAL HELP WANTED - Mowing, landscaping, facility maintenance.
Seasonal summer help wanted for the Department of Public Works- mowing, general landscaping and facility maintenance, support to other DPW staff, etc. If interested, please feel free to fill out an application at the Public Works office located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. Pay will start at $12/HR or more depending on experience. All applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license to apply.
Applications may also be requested via e-mail at publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us or by calling 603-868-5578. Application and copy of valid driver’s license to be submitted to the Public Works Department no later than 4:00 PM, Friday, April 9, 2021.
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VACANCY - PART-TIME SEASONAL HELP WANTED - Water department.
Seasonal summer help wanted for the Durham Water Department. Duties will include general facility and water system maintenance. Pay ranging from $13-$15/hr. If interested, please feel free to fill out an application at the Public Works office located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. All applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license to apply.
Applications may also be requested via e-mail at publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us or by calling 603-868-5578. Application and copy of valid driver’s license to be submitted to the Public Works Department no later than 4:00 PM, Friday, April 9, 2021.
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VACANCY - DPW BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS FOREMAN JOB OPPORTUNITY
Durham Public Works, located in the beautiful seacoast region of New Hampshire, is a recognized leader in the Public Works field. The Department is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Buildings and Grounds Foreman. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Director of Public Works.
The Buildings and Grounds Foreman supervises the work of the Buildings and Grounds Department, which includes two (2) full-time personnel and a seasonal summer grounds maintenance crew. The Foreman performs skilled and trade level work in the maintenance, construction and operation of Town owned buildings, parks, public lands, and related equipment to ensure the proper upkeep and operation of the Town’s municipal services. The Foreman is also required to assist the Water Department Chief Operator in the maintenance of the Town’s public drinking water conveyance systems and treatment facilities and must be available for 24/7 emergency operations including snow removal and water system failures.
This position requires a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in Buildings and Grounds construction and maintenance, one (1) year of which shall be in a supervisory capacity. The successful candidate will also possess the ability to operate a variety of complex pieces of machinery. Applicants must possess a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent as well as a NHDES Grade 1 Distribution and Treatment Water Works Operator license or have the ability to obtain OIT designation within one (1) year of employment.
This position offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement, paid time off, dental, vision, and other supplemental benefits. Starting salary is based on experience and ranges from $23.91 - $29.60/hr with opportunities for overtime.
Durham Public Works is an equal opportunity employer.
Please submit letter of interest and resumé to:
Samuel Hewitt
Assistant Director of Public Works
Durham Public Works
100 Stone Quarry Drive
Durham, NH 03824
shewitt@ci.durham.nh.us
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Amtrak Downeaster in Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig
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AMTRAK DOWNEASTER NEW SCHEDULE MEANS INCREASE IN SERVICE TO DURHAM/UNH STOP
The Amtrak Downeaster will increase service and implement a new schedule on Monday, May 3, 2021. The expanded schedule includes a new southbound train which will depart Brunswick mid-morning (10:20am), as well a new northbound train which will depart Boston mid-afternoon (3pm). In addition, seasonal service will resume to Old Orchard Beach, and the last northbound train out of Boston each night will operate on a flexible schedule to better serve evening sports and events. The new travel times combined with added frequency will provide more options for the traveling public.
View the schedule HERE.
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EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING PARKING LOT BEHIND 19 AND 21 MAIN STREET - An update on where things stand given this week's ZBA decision.
The Planning Board has been reviewing a site plan and conditional use application for expansion of the existing parking lot behind 19 and 21 Main Street (behind the Red Tower) for a number of months. The project, submitted by Pete Murphy and Tim Murphy (no relation), would expand the site from 40 to 180 spaces. Attorney Mark Puffer, representing a group of abutters opposed to the project, sent a letter to the Planning Board arguing that the proposed facility is structured parking rather than surface parking because there will be a large retaining wall supporting substantial fill to bring the site up to the grade of the front of the property. Surface parking as a principal use is allowed in the Church Hill zoning district (by conditional use) whereas structured parking is not allowed in the zone.
The Town's Dir. of Planning, Michael Behrendt, in his professional opinion after consulting with staff and the Town's legal counsel, asserted in response to Attorney Puffer’s letter that the proposal was for surface parking (taking a position on this finite zoning issue but not on the project itself). The Planning Board concurred with Mr. Behrendt's assessment. Josh Meyrowitz and Peter and Martha Andersen, who live below the site on Chesley Drive, appealed the Planning Board’s position to the Durham Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Town's legal counsel represented the position of the Planning Board before the Zoning Board so the ZBA would have the benefit of how/why the determination had been made. After thoughtful deliberation, the ZBA ultimately agreed with Attorney Puffer and the appellants, finding (by a vote of 3-2) that the parking facility as proposed should be classified as structured parking. Therefore, the project is not allowed as now designed.
The applicant informed the Town Planner that they still wish to proceed. If so, they have several options:
- Request a rehearing before the ZBA;
- Apply for a variance to allow structured parking at this site;
- If they do not succeed with a rehearing, they could apply to court; or
- Modify the application/design pursuant to the ZBA’s decision.
The project is continued on the Planning Board’s agenda for May 12. You can see the documents related to the site plan application HERE. And those related to the appeal HERE.
The Planning Board is now examining revising the definitions to provide additional clarity to this complex matter concerning what constitutes surface v. structured parking. Any proposed changes would represent an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance and would need to be brought through the formal zoning change process involving both the Planning Board and the Town Council, as well as public hearings before each board.
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VOLUNTEERS PITCH IN TO HELP CLEAN UP THE CHESLEY GRAVESITE
Three members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and their families performed a spring grounds clean-up of the Chesley family gravesite located off Stone Quarry Drive this week, including leaf raking and branch/stick removal. We sincerely appreciate their efforts and look forward to having them back for future community service projects!
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ATTENTION ALL DURHAM BEEKEEPERS - NH Beekeepers 2020-21 Winter Hive Survey
The NH Beekeepers Association (NHBA) is collecting data on 2020-2021 winter beehive survival and comparing it to data collected from the previous 3 years of the survey. This data is being used to understand why our NH winter hive loss has been higher than the national average and what management practices have been helping improve survival.
The survey, which takes 5-10 minutes to complete, is available online until 4/30/2021 HERE.
The survey is open to all NH beekeepers. You do not have to be an NHBA member. Survey analysis and results will be available in mid-June. Results from previous surveys can be found HERE.
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FRAUD PREVENTION FRIDAY ... IRS FRAUD - Information Courtesy the Durham PD
The IRS never calls to request money, nor do they threaten to arrest you over the phone.
- If someone calls claiming to be the IRS, hang up immediately. The IRS will never contact you via phone.
- If the caller, or email, states they will send local law enforcement to arrest you, if you do not send money, hang up or delete the email. They will NEVER request you send them (the IRS) money or else local law enforcement will arrest you.
How does the IRS contact you?
The IRS initiates most contacts with taxpayers through regular mail.
Under special circumstances, the IRS could call or come to a home or business, such as, when a tax payer is overdue on a tax bill or to secure a delinquent tax return, however you would already be notified by mail of this.
What the IRS does not do.
Demand that people use a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer; they will not ask for credit or debit cards over the phone. All IRS payments are made by mail or online.
Demand immediate tax payment for taxes that are due or overdue.
Threaten that you will be arrested by local law enforcement.
For additional questions, you can access the IRS website HERE.
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HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL - DPW tree contractor removed two trees along Foss Farm Road this past week.
The Durham Public Works Department’s tree contractor removed two red oak trees this week along Foss Farm Road. The Public Works team, led by ISA certified arborist Rich Reine, performed an ISA Tree Risk Assessment of the oaks. The assessment indicated that removal was the best course of action in order to preserve the safety and functionality of the roadway and the utilities in their vicinity.
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Piebald deer. Courtesy Ava Pitt
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ROAD GRADING
The Durham Public Works’ Highway Division began spring maintenance work on the Town’s gravel roadways this week. A road grader was used to scratch the surface of the gravel, carrying some aggregate along its blade to smooth imperfections and re-establish the crown at the center of the roadway.
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LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPRING 2021 NEWSLETTER
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee's Spring Newsletter is now available and can be viewed HERE.
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DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
The Durham Agricultural Commission would like to call readers to several online workshops on raising livestock offered by UNH Cooperative Extension in March, April and May:
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DOG LICENSES AVAILABLE AT THE TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE
The 2021 dog tags are now available and residents may obtain their licenses at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's office. Please note that NH-State law requires that all Durham residents license their dogs no later than April 30, 2021. You may renew your dog license online HERE or by visiting the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. New dog licenses must be done in person or by mail. If you have any questions, please contact the Town-Clerk Tax Collector’s office at ph: 603-868-5577.
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OBTAIN A DOG LICENSE BY APRIL 30, 2021 AND AUTOMATICALLY ENTER THE 2021 TOP DOG RAFFLE
The Town of Durham is proud to announce the 2021 Top Dog raffle. This raffle was created to motivate and remind dog owners to license their pets every year by April 30, as state law requires. Residents automatically register for the Top Dog raffle when they obtain a dog license before April 30, 2021. The winner of the Top Dog raffle will receive a gift basket donated by the clerk’s office. The gift basket contains a fleece dog blanket, KONG-brand durable tennis balls, disposable dog waste bags, a high quality dog leash, and dog treats.
Rules & Regulations
- Contestants will automatically be entered into the raffle when they register their dog(s) before April 30 (only open to Durham residents).
- Residents who DO NOT want to be included in the raffle may opt out by writing, calling, or emailing the clerk’s office.
- Contestants must be 18 or older and be the owner of the dog on file with the clerk’s office. Town of Durham employees and elected officials are not eligible.
- The contestant must have a 2021 Town of Durham dog license by April 30. A current rabies vaccination will be required to obtain the license.
- The raffle winner may submit a digital photo and brief biography of their dog. Photos of the 2021 raffle winner’s dog will be included in the Durham Friday Update.
- The winner will be drawn at random by clerk’s office at a Town Council meeting in May 2021.
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Mill Pond turtles. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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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.
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1732 - Following numerous petitions by "sundry aggrieved inhabitants of Oyster River", the House of Representatives of the Province of New Hampshire decreed the formation of the Town of Durham on May 15th. The name of Durham was suggested by the Reverent Hugh Adams.
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Have a very nice weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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