Friday Updates - April 23, 2021

Friday, April 23, 2021

Ellie Lonske, a resident of Riverwoods and a member of the Planning Board, shared her wonderful watercolor painting of Smith Chapel above. Prior to moving to Durham, Ellie served on the Planning Board and Select Board in Hebron, New Hampshire, where she painted all of these images for the cover of the Hebron Master Plan.

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.

FRAUD FRIDAY! - THEFT AND RANSOM SCAMS 

The scam…

You receive an email/text/telephone call from someone stating they will not return the item that they alleged you misplaced, or a loved one is in jail and they will not release the person until they are paid a ransom 

The Remedy…

• Hang up immediately and do not engage the caller.
• Do not purchase the gift cards and provide them the gift card numbers. If this request locks down your computer, do not enter your credit card number.
• Contact your local police department immediately if you believe there is any validity to the call.

STRAFFORD COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ANNUAL PLANT SALE - SUNDAY, MAY 23RD, 9AM - 1PM, Durham Town Hall Parking Lot. RAIN OR SHINE

Locally grown annuals, herbs, perennials, trees. Free "ask a gardener" table for garden questions. Soil testing information. Proceeds benefit community gardens and education. 

WASTEWATER SEPTAGE RECEIVING STATION RETROFITS

In accordance with EPA compliance and operational needs the wastewater septage receiving station has been recently retrofitted. This work required cutting, moving, and connecting approximately fifty feet of four-inch ductile iron pipe inside the building. This also included relocation of the rock trap, which is where the septage haulers connect and is used to separate larger unwanted material. The receiving site remains proximate to the former area and provides improved access to septage haulers. 

DPW CREWS PARTICIPATE IN FLAGGER TRAINING COURSE

The Durham Public Works Department’s Operations Division participated in a virtual Flagger Training Course hosted by Primex. Controlling traffic through work zones is one of the most dangerous and important functions in road maintenance and construction. Crews learned standard flagging procedures and how to provide safe passage in and around work areas. 

Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer Audrey Cline saw a fox on McDaniel Street recently and here's one now on Stratford Avenue, She suspects it is the same fox and didn't think there was anything wrong with it, that it's just very comfortable being in an urban environment and is searching for food. It very likely has a den of kit someplace close.

DIG SAFE PROGRAM

Until recently the Town of Durham managed its excavation notification program through a separate Public Works excavation permitting process. This process presented challenges at times for contractors and customers unaware that Durham was not included within the well-known “DigSafe” program for locating underground utilities prior to qualified excavations on public and private property. This had the potential to expose personnel and infrastructure to avoidable risk and damage. Recently Durham has elected to participate in the “DigSafe” program and is now notified of requests for location of underground utilities which provides an additional measure of protection for our water and sewer infrastructure. 

DURHAM PD WELCOMES TWO NEW OFFICERS

Officer McKayla Fowler, of Kingston, NH, was sworn in as a Durham Police Officer on Monday, April 19, 2021. Officer Fowler is a 2021 graduate of Unity College, with a degree in Conservation Law Enforcement. She also completed the Federal Parks Service Law Enforcement Academy in 2019. She will now need to complete the New Hampshire Police Standers and Training Law Package. Officer Fowler will start her twelve week field training program on Monday, April 26, 2021. Officer Fowler will be an outstanding addition to our community. 

Officer Jared Malatak, of Hampton, NH, was sworn in as a Durham Police Officer on Monday, April 19, 2021. Officer Malatak is a graduate of the 179th New Hampshire Police Academy and started his law enforcement career in Rollinsford, NH in 2019. He graduated from Great Bay Community College in 2020, with an associated degree in Criminal Justice. Officer Malatak will start his twelve week field training program on Monday, April 26, 2021. We are very pleased to welcome Office Malatak to Durham.  

SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

The Oyster River School Board began its April 21 meeting by formally recognizing the leadership of Tom Newkirk as chair for the past 7 years, approving a proclamation of appreciation.

All Oyster River students now have the option of attending school full days, 5 days per week. All staff had the opportunity to receive their 2nd vaccinations on April 19. School district staff have once again reconfigured and replanned classrooms, shared spaces, and transportation throughout the district to accommodate all students.

As most Oyster River students return to full days at school, 5 days per week, the School Districts asks for continued vigilance around coronavirus precautions. There are active cases and recent exposure events that have affected specific programs and teams within Oyster River recently. Community cooperation is a critical piece to the success of in-person learning.

The federal program providing FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH to all Oyster River students has been extended through the rest of this school year and through the 2021-2022 school year. The district only receives funds for meals actually served to students. 

The Middle School will add a 4th school counselor beginning in 2021-2022 school year. The position will initially be grant-funded. This is reinstating a role that was eliminated several years ago.

The School Board and Administration are working to resolve the future of the Oyster River Chinese Mandarin Program because of the recent announcement that UNH is ending its relationship with the Confucius Institute as of July 31. The UNH/CI has hired and funded Mandarin teachers in Oyster River schools. This topic will be on the agenda for the May 5 regular school board meeting.

Spring break for Oyster River runs April 24-May 2. School resumes on May 3.

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.  

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

ROADWAY CRACK SEALING PROGRAM

Pavement Preservation Techniques play an integral role in Durham’s strategy to maintain its roadway and parking lot network. Preventing the infiltration of water into the roadway base and sub-base materials will minimize premature erosion which could potentially compromise the structural integrity of the aggregate materials beneath the roadway. Durham Public Works will be undertaking its crack sealing program beginning the week of April 26th. 

Please be advised that New Hampshire Blacktop Sealers, will be performing work along the following roadways during the week of April 26th:

• Mill Road
• Packers Falls Road
• Bennett Road
• Edgewood Road
• Garrison Avenue
• Bagdad Road (Emerson Road to Madbury Road)

Access to adjacent residences, businesses and institutions within the work area will be maintained at all times. Disruptions to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic are expected to be minimal, however we ask that the commuting public seek alternative routes and allow additional time to reach their destinations. We thank you for your patience.  For additional information please contact  Durham Public Works at (603) 868-5578.

MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK: May 2 – May 8, 2021

The Office of the Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local government, exists throughout the world and is the oldest among public servants. The Office of Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community and continually serves to improve the administration of the affairs of the Office of the Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops and the annual meetings of their state, county and professional organizations.

May 2 - 8, 2021 is Municipal Clerks Week and we therefore extend appreciation to our Municipal Clerks Lorrie Pitt, Rachel Deane, and Admin. Assistant Donna Hamel and to all Municipal Clerks and staff for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent.

SNOW FIGHTING EQUIPMENT STORED FOR OFF-SEASON

Last weeks’ late-season Nor’Easter marked the end of the 2020-2021 winter for the Durham Public Works Department. Crews faced numerous challenges this year, including coronavirus related staffing shortages, water main breaks, and multiple wind events. Winter storm related emergency responses began on December 5th and concluded on February 22nd. During that period, 17 events required the use of snow fighting equipment and de-icing materials. Nearly half of Durham’s 40” of snow fell during two prolonged Nor’Easters. In preparation for the off-season, Durham Public Works Highway Division crews lubricated and dismounted plows, hung material spreaders, undertook required repairs and remounted truck tailgates.

HOW THE LAW APPLIES TO THE DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS IN THE TOWN OF DURHAM

Chief Kelley would like to remind everyone about the law as it applies to the safe operation and discharge of firearms in the Town of Durham. RSA 644:13 (Unauthorized Use of Firearms) governs when or where a person may safely shoot their weapons. The law specifically states the following:

  I. A person is guilty of a violation if, within the compact part of a town or city, such person fires or discharges any cannon, gun, pistol, or other firearm, except by written permission of the chief of police or governing body.

  II. For the purposes of this section:

    (a) "Blank ammunition'' means a cartridge loaded with propellant and a wad, but no projectile.

    (b) "Compact part'' means the territory within a town or city comprised of the following:

     (1) Any nonresidential, commercial building, including, but not limited to, industrial, educational, or medical buildings, plus a perimeter 300 feet wide around all such buildings without permission of the owner.

     (2) Any park, playground, or other outdoor public gathering place designated by the legislative body of the city or town.

     (3) Any contiguous area containing 6 or more buildings which are used as either part-time or permanent dwellings and the spaces between them where each such building is within 300 feet of at least one of the others, plus a perimeter 300 feet wide around all the buildings in such area.

  III. Paragraph I shall not apply to the firing or discharge of a cannon, gun, pistol, or other firearm within the compact part of a town or city for the following events, provided that the person responsible for organizing the event notifies the police department and the fire department prior to the following events using blank ammunition:

    (a) The celebration of, or practice for the celebration of, military events, military funerals, national holidays, or other military or veterans commemorations, conducted by United States armed forces personnel; or

    (b) Military re-enactors registered with the secretary of state's office and who meet the requirements of the state fire code pursuant to RSA 153:5; or

    (c) Funerals or commemorative events conducted by law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services, or other public safety agencies, or official veterans organizations including but not limited to the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Volunteers from one of the two ORHS clinics that McGregor EMS helped with last week. It includes members of DFD, UNH Nursing, and the Seacoast Public Health network. Courtesy McGregor EMS

Pretty shed with red door and yellow flowers on Bagdad Road. Courtesy Todd Selig

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.

Durham strong painting in Town Hall lobby