 |
_________________________
|
According to the data, the University of New Hampshire-Main Campus in Durham is the safest college campus in the state of New Hampshire. For the fourth year in a row, security experts at YourLocalSecurity released the “Safest college campuses in America.” The analysts calculated several factors to determine campus safety, including hate crime, property crime, violent crime, and violence against women. Learn more HERE.
|
SPRING CLEANUP POSTPONED
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Spring Cleanup has been postponed until further notice.
|
UPDATED COVID-19 CASE INFORMATION FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE (As of 4/23/20, 9AM)
Number of Persons with COVID‐19: 1,670
Recovered: 551 (35%)
Deaths attributed to COVID-19: 51 (3%)
Total Current COVID-19 Cases: 1,068
Persons who have been hospitalized for COVID-19: 218 (13%)
Current hospitalizations: 92
Persons Tested Negative at Selected Laboratories: 15,139
Persons with Specimens Submitted to NH PHL: 7,532
Persons with Test Pending at NH PHL: 424
Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time): 2,450
|
PLANNING, ZONING, AND ASSESSING OFFICES - All transactions should be done electronically or by phone, the office is closed to walk-ins.
The Planning, Zoning and Assessing Office has begun to experience numerous people walking in (without masks) to apply for permits, etc. We ask again that anyone needing to apply for a permit or to the Zoning or Planning Board, PLEASE CALL AHEAD as all these types of applications can be nearly all be done through email and regular mail.
Please call for inspection requests and you will be given the latest updates.
Staff will still be in the office to handle requests for information from building files and will be able to email you the information.
Planning, Zoning, & Assessing Office 603-868-8064
mailto:kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us
|
TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE - Open in person only for urgent transactions, all others should be undertaken electronically or via mail.
The Office is open for urgent transactions, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. If you are unsure if your transaction is urgent call 868-5577 or email mailto:lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us so we can assist you. Please continue to use online services at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ mail to 8 Newmarket Road, and you can also use the drop box in the front of the Town Hall.
Due to Covid-19, we would like to reassure citizens, that the upcoming elections, State Primary in September and Presidential Election in November, will still take place at this time with extra measures to try to keep everyone as safe as possible.
If you are unable to go to the polls, due to the Covid-19, you are able to request an absentee ballot. If you have questions concerning an absentee ballot please contact us at the Clerk’s Office 603-868-5577.
|
ABSENTEE VOTING IN 2020 ELECTIONS - The latest information...
A Memorandum regarding absentee voting has been issued by the attorney general and the secretary of state for NH. To get right to the conclusion, the memorandum states that all voters may request absentee ballots at upcoming municipal elections, and “[a]ny voter may request an absentee ballot for the September 2020 Primary and November 2020 General Elections based on concerns regarding COVID-19.”
The NH Municipal Association, on behalf of cities and towns, had requested that the governor issue an emergency order authorizing all voters to request absentee ballots at upcoming municipal elections. This memorandum resolves that issue, and takes care of the fall elections as well. There are, however, a number of remaining election concerns, including poll worker safety, whether registration by mail will be permitted, and how to deal with the significant increase in absentee ballots. The memorandum from the attorney general and the secretary of state indicates that further guidance on the last issue will be forthcoming. Clearly, there will be plenty of legal and logistical issues to work out in coming weeks and months.
|
ESSENTIAL DURHAM BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS/GROCERY STORES LIST
View a list with information about essential businesses in Durham , as well as a list with Durham restaurants hours provided by the Durham Business Association HERE.
|
SAMMY'S MARKET HOSTS DAILY FOOD DRIVE
To support Durham's local food pantries, Sammy's Market is hosting a daily food drive. Bins available for dry and canned food items drop off.
5 Madbury Road
Open: Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm / Sunday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Delivery available
603.785.0279
|
LOOKING FOR A WAY TO HELP YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY? Local food banks are seeking donations...
Our area food banks are experiencing an increase in demand and would greatly appreciate donations of food or money so they can purchase needed items for families in need. Please consider using your resources to assist one of our local non-profit organizations serving the Durham/Oyster River community. View the list of food pantries HERE.
|
OYSTER RIVER WOMENADE PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES IN NEED – Seeks donations from Oyster River Community to assist those in need
Oyster River Womenade provides financial assistance to all residents and families in Durham, Lee, Madbury, and Newmarket in times of hardship. During the COVID-19 pandemic the organization is continuing its mission to assist with rent/mortgage payments, medical supplies, and other needs. To learn more about the Oyster River Womenade organization and to support its mission, please go to http://www.orwomenade.org/.
|
WINNER OF DURHAM'S "TOP DOG" CONTEST TO BE SELECTED AT MAY 4TH TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
In January of this year the Town of Durham announced its first annual "Top Dog" contest. This contest was created to motivate and remind dog owners to license their pets every year by April 30, as state law requires. Residents were automatically registered for the Top Dog contest if they obtained a dog license from the Town Clerk’s office before April 30, 2020.
The winner of Durham’s first annual Top Dog contest will be announced at the Town Council meeting on Monday, May 4. Durham’s new “Top Dog” will receive a gift basket that contains over $225 of donated gifts and gift cards from the Yellow Dog Barn, Oyster River Veterinary Hospital, Take Five Dogcare, and Great Bay Kennel. In addition, the winning dog will have their photo and biography appear in the Friday Update. The Town Clerk-Tax Collector is especially grateful to all the businesses that contributed to the gift basket.
It’s not too late to license your dog and at the same time, enter the contest!
All entries must be received by April 30. Please click HERE to renew your dog license online. If you are cannot renew online or if this is your first time registering your dog, please make a check payable to the “Town of Durham” and mail it to the Town Clerk-Tax Collector at 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824. Spayed and neutered dogs are $7.50 and non-altered dogs are $10.00. Your dog’s rabies vaccination must be current in order to receive a license.
Please note that the Town Clerk’s Office is closed to the public at this time, but you may complete your dog license registration online, by mail or through the Town Hall’s drop box. If you are not renewing online or if this is your first time registering your dog in Durham, please make a check payable to the “Town of Durham” and mail it to the Town Clerk at 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824. Spayed and neutered dogs are $7.50 each and non-altered dogs are $10.00 each. Your dog’s rabies vaccination must be current in order to receive a license.
|
SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT ANTICIPATED CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE (Schedule is subject to change and will be updated periodically)
|
A bet on Census participation has been made between, from left, Newmarket Town Manager Steve Fournier, Dover City Manager Mike Joyal, and Administrator Selig. Courtesy Seacoastonline/Deb Cram
|
2020 CENSUS CHALLENGE UPDATE - If you have not completed your Census questionnaire, it's still not too late so Mr. Selig does not have to wash a fire truck!
Durham Residents, the most recent (4/22) rates are: Dover (57.9%), Newmarket (57.3%), and Durham (50.2%). Yikes! :)
We need your help to boost our rates and reach a much higher percentage.
Fists won’t fly, but community pride and an afternoon of fire truck cleaning are on the line in a battle between Dover, Durham and Newmarket! The communities’ top appointed officials have agreed to a high stakes challenge to see whose residents do the best job of filling out the 2020 Census before May 15.
That means either Dover City Manager Mike Joyal, Newmarket Town Manager Steve Fournier or Durham Administrator Todd Selig will get to kick back and watch while the other two clean one of the winning commuinity’s fire trucks.
All three administrators had initially predicted victory for their communities during a press conference back in March at the Whittemore Center Arena at the University of New Hampshire. But with the onset of Covid-19, the majority of UNH students are no longer in Durham and connecting with them to complete the self-response forms is exceedingly difficult.
Please follow the link and respond today! https://2020census.gov/
|
McGregor volunteers Hunter Grieve & Chloe Schmir prepare to practice a mock COVID-19 drill on mannequin patient "Ares". Courtesy McGregor EMS
|
MCGREGOR'S HIGH FIDELITY MANNEQUIN (ARES) "CATCHES" COVID-19 - An example of the type of planning/practicing all emergency responders are undertaking in Durham.
In mid-March, McGregor took receipt of a high fidelity training mannequin, Ares, which was purchased thanks to a generous donation.
Unfortunately for Ares, she was shipped from Florida (a COVID-19 hotspot) and almost immediately “contracted” the disease. This has served as a valuable training tool for crews as they get used to performing modified state protocols while wearing extensive personal protective equipment.
The goal of this training is to provide crews with ample experience caring for potential COVID-19 patients prior to facing real world situations.
All of our emergency responders in Durham - McGregor, Durham Fire, Durham, Police, and UNH Police - are busy honing their skills in dealing with potential Covid-19 patients and how to keep everyone involved safe.
|
A THANK YOU FROM MCGREGOR EMS
McGregor has had much to be thankful for over these past few months and wanted to publicly acknowledge and say a big THANK YOU to those who have offered to support the organization and its members. While it is not possible to recognize all of the individuals who have offered support, McGregor wants to recognize a few groups:
- Its Volunteers. McGregor has a dedicated mix of community and student volunteers and both groups are incredibly committed in their service to the community. McGregor volunteers have averaged 700+ hours of weekly volunteer time since March and the majority have agreed to give even more of their time should call volume increase or members need to be quarantined. McGregor is extremely proud of their dedication on the front lines of this pandemic.
- The University of New Hampshire. UNH has been an invaluable partner providing housing and meals for ambulance crews who would normally be traveling from farther away, thus increasing the resilience of our volunteer staffing. They have also provided additional space for duty crews to operate from since the cramped nature of our current station made social distancing impossible. McGregor's ability to provide a safe place to volunteer and work would not have been possible without the University.
- Community Members & Local Businesses. McGregor wants to thank the many members and businesses in the local community who have stepped forward to support McGregor & our responders. This includes businesses such as Belknap Dental, Aroma Joes, Flag Hill Winery, Rite-Aid, The Makery, and Citizens Bank. McGregor is also grateful for the numerous residents who have donated handmade and industrial style masks. McGregor is truly fortunate to serve in a community with so many generous individuals and businesses. Thank you!
- Its Financial Donors. McGregor crews are benefiting from specialized helmets known as CAPRs, which provide N95 level protection without using up disposable masks. These devices also provide enhanced protection against respiratory droplets thought to be the primary vector of COVID-19 transmission. The majority of these CAPRs were purchased in 2017 with donated funds and have become integral to McGregor's effort to maintain the ‘gold’ standard of protective equipment for its crews. A big thank you to everyone who contributes to our annual fund drive for their part in providing this level of protection to McGregor volunteers and staff.
Anyone who would like more information about McGregor or what we are doing to be prepared should contact the organization directly at 862-3674 or mailto:info@mcgregorems.org
|
NEIGHBORHOOD LIGHTS - The DFD will visit Durham neighborhoods Saturday nights in a parade-like fashion to lift spirits as outlined below.
The Town of Durham’s available emergency services units will be conducting rolling community visits through Durham neighborhoods on Saturday evenings between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for the next several weeks. Residents are encouraged to exercise appropriate social distancing with their neighbors if they come outside during the parade.
The apparatus parade will train through the following streets twice during their visits:
Saturday, 04/25/2020: Woodridge Road, Moharinet Way, Bartlett Road, Meserve Road, Fogg Drive, Mill Road, Worthen Road, Edendale Lane, Britton Lane, Carriage Way, Surrey Lane, and Griffith Drive.
Saturday, 05/02/2020: Davis Avenue, Fairchild Drive, Rocky Lane, Adams Circle, Edgewood Road, Meadow Road, Maple Street, Madbury Road, Wood Road, Lundy Lane, Hampshire Avenue, Scotland Road, Tom Hall Road, and Emerson Road.
Saturday, 05/09/2020: Durham Point Road, Deer Meadow Road, Fox Hill Road, Mathes Cove Road, Colony Cove Road, Edgerly–Garrison Road.
Saturday, 05/16/2020: Stone Quarry Drive, Briggs Way, Riverview Road,
Shearwater Street, Cormorant Circle, Morgan Way, Williams Way, Tirrell Place, and Cedar Point Road.
The intent of this visit is to spread cheer by giving the kids and families something to look forward to as well as to let the community know that their emergency responders are still here and available to respond. Different neighborhoods will be visited each week.
This event subject to change due to emergency or service responses.
|
A SAD FAREWELL TO MAIN ST. DURHAM’S CANDY BAR & CREAMERY | CIAO ITALIA RISTORANTE ON MAIN ST. NEARING OPENING
For Chris Guerrette, Durham resident and owner of The Candy Bar and Creamery on Main Street in Durham, there was no way to make the math work given the pandemic. He ultimately decided to close permanently.
In a recent article from Foster’s Daily Democrat, Mr. Guerrette indicated the business would have had to survive several months of just being closed. With the UNH population not coming back until September, he would have had to pay six months’ rent and throw out all the inventory.
Guerrette is now focusing on Lickee’s and Chewy’s Candies and Creamery in Dover, a separate business he owns in the Cocheco Mill, just across from the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. While Lickee’s and Chewy’s remains open, he has had to rethink his entire way of doing business.
For Ciao Italia Ristorante, a business that hasn’t even opened yet, it means retooling on the fly just as the plastic wrap was about to come off its shiny new booths.
Owner Doug Clark has indicated work continues at 58 Main St. His plan calls for a variety of dining and bar spaces and an authentic Italian market. He said he hopes to open the market in the next few weeks. According to Foster’s, Clark said it is both a challenge and an opportunity to be this close to opening as he can adapt to the new reality created by the pandemic.
Read more about how businesses struggle to adapt to a new reality in this week’s Foster’s Daily Democrat, HERE.
|
Photos courtesy John Pacheco
|
2020/21 TOWN COUNCIL GOALS / RULES OF MEETING ETIQUETTE
At the Durham Town Council meeting this past Monday, April 20th, the Town Council adopted its annual goals for 2020/21. View the goals HERE.
In addition, the Council adopted a resolution (Resolution #2020-05) establishing Rules of Etiquette at Town Council meetings. View the rules HERE.
|
DURHAM’S LEADERSHIP TEAM MET VIRTUALLY ON APRIL 21ST TO ADDRESS DEPARTMENT MATTERS AND TO PROVIDE ROUNDTABLE UPDATES – Here’s what was learned…
Fire. The department has advertised for the vacant deputy chief for prevention position. One of the two fire inspector positions will be left vacant for the time being.
Assessing. Vision, the software provider that manages Durham’s assessment database, is changing over their software next month. Seacoast Reliability construction is winding down. There was discussion concerning the upcoming issuance of June tax bills (payable in July) and the implications of the current pandemic on that process for the overall community.
Town Clerk. The tax bills will be sent out around May 28 +/-. The Leadership Team has been discussing the appropriateness of whether to make any changes to the policy regarding interest on late payments in light of coronavirus. The water-sewer warrant was approve by the Town Council this past Monday night so the office will get the bills out soon, tentatively by April 30 with a due date of May 30.
Planning. Minor zoning amendment for the Durham Business Park, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, Doug Clark’s new building at 74 Main Street, Mill Plaza continuing review, phase II of the Gerrish Drive subdivision, and the agriculture amendments all discussed.
Economic Development. Part-time ED Director Christine Soutter said the Federal government had ran out of PPP money. The City of Concord can meet with Durham representatives to discuss their experience with the RSA 79-E program. She also provided an update about the 66 Main Street project.
Building Dept. Karen Edwards ran the numbers for building permits. We have more permits and for larger value for this year than for the same time last year. Many people have been doing home renovations in Durham. This does not include the permit for the new Oyster River Middle School. Things are not slower than typical. Code Officer Audrey Cline wrapped up an enforcement action with a property owner on 14 Edgewood Road. She received affidavits and leases from tenants. A court date of May 20 was set.
Recreation. Recreation is working on some virtual events, including one with Celebrate Durham and one with the Freedom Café. They are sending weekly updates about different resources, programs, and camps. The Memorial Day Parade will be a virtual event this year.
Public Works. Eversource is working to complete the Seacoast Reliability project. A few sections remain. They are on track. Council ratified the AFSCME collective bargaining contract Monday evening. One request was to allow wearing shorts for DPW staff in the summertime. Road paving will be crazy busy this year. There are about 10 roads to do; five projects are for UNH, paid for by UNH but undertaken under Durham’s bid to obtain better pricing – just one of many examples of how Durham and UNH work closely together as a team for our mutual benefit. The state will be doing much of Route 4, all of Route 155, and all of Route 155A this season. So there will be a lot of paving this summer! Just be patient. Sit back, and find a good station on the radio to listen to while in your car.
DPW is moving forward in dealing with the double utility poles. The pole gets left behind when the new pole is installed. Sometimes the old poles can remain for 2-3 years. This is a safety as well as an aesthetic problem. Durham is joining with a few other Seacoast towns in going to the NH Public Utilities Commission with a formal complaint. The PUC seems to be receptive to our concerns.
Durham and the ORCSD are in discussions concerning adding on street parking on Coe Drive during construction for the new Middle School. Councilor Kenny Rotner at Monday’s Council meeting raised a good question of safety. Kids going on bicycles or skateboards downhill fast on Coe Drive and potentially running into opening car doors heading down the hill would be a concern. This concern would be mitigated if cars are parked on the uphill side. DPW Director Mike Lynch said they will do a test run for parking on either side. This will put bicyclists onto the street but in that case, Coe Drive would simply be striped sharrows as is presently the case on the entire ORHS end of the roadway. Director Lynch thinks they can make this work. There should be room for 20-22 cars. ORMS contractors will quickly run out of room once they start excavation. The topic will be discussed at an upcoming Traffic Safety Committee meeting.
Admin. Selig reported the Town had a strong candidate for the upcoming vacancy in the Public Works Director position upon the retirement of Director Lynch in June. The selection committee interviewed four semi-finalists. There was a unanimous consensus to follow up on reference and background checking on one person. This individual has been the long-time DPW Director in a MA community. The goal is to hire somebody in time for there to be an overlap with Mike Lynch for an orientation and the sharing of voluminous amounts of information and institutional knowledge.
DPW has made good progress this spring on trimming/ditching work on Dame Road to address drainage issues and roadway condition. This work is being completed in advance of the Blanding’s turtle migration schedule in mid-May, by which time such work must be complete. With conservation lands in high demand for walking/hiking off Dame Road, the gravel roadway has generated significantly more traffic, which has impacted longevity of grading applications over time – creating bumpy driving conditions for residents. By allowing water to drain away from the road more easily, grading applications will last longer.
Police. Chief Kurz reported they are dealing with more students coming on weekends and leaving during the week, although off campus apartments are 30%-50% occupied. There is a new officer who just started. Chief Kurz is working on a COPS grant for approx.. $570,000 to enhance some safety features in the new middle school design. The grant might cover an additional staircase to provide additional egress, more secure windows, more secure doors, an upgraded security system, etc.
Information Technology. IT is putting in a “smart board” at the police station for video conferencing, presentations, etc. It cost $6,000. That will be the first one installed for the Town. The window to order smart boards due to limited availability is closing soon. IT Manager Luke Vincent is working with Code Officer Audrey Cline, Fire Chief Dave Emanuel, and Asst. Fire Chief Randall Trull on acquiring a permitting system in PeopleGIS in order to better align their efforts and to enable virtual coordination. The dept. will probably go forward with this budgeted purchase soon. They are putting out the second round of bidding for the Beech Hill LMR (Land Mobile Radio) site as well. The first set of bids came in well beyond budget so specifications have been revisited.
Other issues. Admin. Selig said the Town received a letter from a resident asking if Durham has discussed ways to reduce the property tax burden on residents now in light of the coronavirus and with UNH being closed. The resident indicated that hospitals and other organizations are reducing their hours now. This resident asked what the Town can do now to reduce expenses. There was extensive discussion, as there has been over the last 5+ weeks, concerning the topic. See below for additional information.
|
DURHAM TAKES STEPS TO ADDRESS POTENTIAL FINANCIAL IMPACTS OF PANDEMINC ON TOWN OPERATION & BUDGET/REVENUES
Town staff has been monitoring the situation closely for some time. Business Manager Gail Jablonski provided a quarterly financial report to the Town Council this past Monday evening on April 20th. Interested residents/taxpayers may want to view on DCAT On Demand. Click on Agenda item #10A to skip right to the presentation and discussion, which did touch upon this topic.
In some areas Durham has kept, or will keep, vacancies unfilled. Numerous other modifications/changes are being considered or have been implemented. Yet staff remains to be very busy with demands for services. By way of just one tangible example, although the Library is currently closed to the public, it is continuing to provide and maintain Library resources through its website. Additionally, the Library staff are working to provide new digital services and new content via the website and social media platforms at the request of patrons. Looking forward, the Library staff and Trustees are also working hard to devise a strategy to restore public services and programming that protects the health and safety of both patrons and staff. The Library Director, for example, is also participating in meetings of a state-wide task force that addresses the challenges of re-opening libraries to the public.
The Town Clerk’s office continues to be busy, processing business electronically, and we still are offering in-person service, with additional health precautions, at the Town Hall.
Off campus student apartments remain 30%-50% occupied and students have been migrating back to Durham on the weekends to visit friends and gather for parties, keeping the Police Department quite active.
DFD is responding to emergency calls as needed with nationally recognized bare minimal staffing levels. DPW is active with projects across the community. DPD will have two officers vacancies this year that likely will remain unfilled. Other departments have fixed full-time staffing with part-time or contract workers who are ramped up or down as needed due to activity levels allowing for maximum flexibility for the community. With less work in some of those areas, we will simply not need to ramp up, but basic staffing remains needed to cover office continuity of operations. Durham has never been robustly staffed, which translates to increased efficiency in both boom and bare times.
|
UNH PRESIDENT AND PROVOST PROVIDE PODCATS INTERVIEW – What’s in store for the future at UNH in an age of Pandemic?
UNH President James Dean and Provost Wayne Jones recently provided a PodCats interview on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on UNH operations, financial impacts, and the future may bring in terms of classes for the upcoming fall semester. Listen HERE
|
THE NEW YORK TIMES - Experts Offer Several Benchmarks for When we Might Begin to Reopen the Nation
Some highlights from the NY Times article:
- Hospitals in the state must be able to safely treat all patients requiring hospitalization, without resorting to crisis standards of care.
- A state needs to be able to at least test everyone who has symptoms.
- The state is able to conduct monitoring of confirmed cases and contacts.
- There must be a sustained reduction in cases for at least 14 days.
View the article HERE.
View another article with some suggestions from the Urban Land Institute for property owners to work with their tenants, both commercial and residential HERE.
|
Courtesy Bergmeyer Architects
|
PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON PRELIMINARY PLANS FOR NEW BUILDING AT 74 MAIN STREET
The Planning Board is holding a public hearing Wednesday on preliminary plans for a new building at 74 Main Street (at the intersection with Pettee Brook Lane). Doug Clark, who is also currently building out space at 56 Main Street for Ciao Italia Ristorante, hopes to erect an iconic mixed-use structure at this gateway location. The anchor tenant on the main floor would be his own Clark’s American Bistro. The nonprofit Foundation for Civic Leadership would open Democracy House on the second floor including meeting spaces and a cafe. Mr. Clark would like to accommodate a diverse residential mix in the upper floor dwelling units including “young professionals, older singles, empty nesters and active retirees.” A 13-car garage is planned for the basement.
The building by Bergmeyer Architects would have a strong presence with its traditional main block and a glass corner tower. There would be a partial fifth floor and zoning permits only four stories so a variance or zoning amendment would be needed for the project as now configured. Some have expressed concern about the scale of the building given the low heights and extent of asphalt in this section of the Central Business District west of Jenkins Court. Mr. Clark points to neighboring multistory UNH buildings – the MUB and the Peter T Paul College – and the Town’s B. Dennis Plan written in 2009 after a multiday charrette which calls for a taller structure at this location. The project is subject to the Town’s architectural regulations. Mr. Clark proposes that the pocket park at the corner be redesigned as part of the project, eliminating the off street parking.
You can see the documents related to the development including the building design HERE. Mr. Clark will submit a fully-engineered formal application later.
|
OYSTER RIVER GIVES BACK COMMUNITY CONCERT - April 29th (Virtual)
On Wednesday, April 29th, the community has the opportunity to come together virtually and say thank you to all the teachers & staff of the Oyster River district who've done an amazing job in this season to care for the students & community.
Join the group from 7-8:30 for a virtual open mic concert with local performers and some UNH students and say "THANK YOU" by donating to the local non-profits helping those impacted by the rolling effects of the Covid-19 quarantine.
Here's how we can all pitch in to this event:
1) BOOK YOUR TICKET: Get your virtual ticket by registering HERE.
2) GIVE: Be part of giving $8,000.00 to local non-profits in the name of a teacher or staff that you appreciate. $2,000.00 has already been given towards the goal. Give HERE.
|
UPCOMING PLANNING BOARD MEETING & ACTIVITY/PROJECTS OUTLINED
The Planning Board has a busy agenda for its meeting this coming Wednesday, April 29, 2020. There are five public hearings including the proposed ATO fraternity on Garrison Avenue, a preliminary design for a new building at the corner of Main Street and Pettee Brook Lane, and Mill Plaza focusing on the fiscal impact study. You can see all of the documents related to each agenda item by clicking on the green highlighted sections of the agenda. The board is holding hybrid meetings with the chair and several board members physically present in Council Chambers (in order to better manage the meeting) and the rest participating live via Zoom teleconference. The public is encouraged to watch the meeting either live on DCAT livestream or via the DCAT recording on line. If you wish to offer comments you can participate via Zoom. Go to the Town’s website and see the instructions under “Latest News”. Please feel free to contact Michael Behrendt, Town Planner, with any questions or comments at mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us
|
UPCOMING CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING - Monday, April 27, 2020
The Conservation Commission is reviewing three projects this coming Monday (all of which are also on the Planning Board’s agenda this Wednesday). View the agenda HERE.
You can see all of the documents related to each project by clicking on the green highlighted sections of the agenda. The commission is holding a hybrid meeting with the chair and several board members physically present in Council Chambers (in order to better manage the meeting) and the rest of the members participating live via Zoom teleconference. The public is encouraged to watch the meeting either live on DCAT livestream or via the DCAT recording on line. If you wish to offer comments you can participate via Zoom: go to the Town’s website and see the instructions under “Latest News”. Please feel free to contact Michael Behrendt, Town Planner, with any questions or comments at mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.
|
BRING IN YOUR BIRD FEEDERS! Bears are out and about...
It’s that time of year again and the bears are on the move and it is important to understand how we can limit our interactions so the bears and humans remain safe and peaceful neighbors.
According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game website, black bears are generally shy and usually avoid humans. They are opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when natural foods are not available. Maintaining a sustainable bear population in New Hampshire depends on minimizing human-bear conflicts.
It is illegal to intentionally feed bears in New Hampshire. Intentional feeding can create problems within residential areas and can result in fines. It also may threaten the life of the bear, if it becomes a nuisance animal as a result of this feeding.
New Hampshire Fish and Game understands the importance of educating the public and provide very good tips for helping to avoid conflicts with bears. You can find some tips on living with bears in New Hampshire HERE.
|
SUPPORT LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS
Locally produced food is a critical resource and local farms are critical infrastructure and the Durham Agricultural Commission encourages residents to support local food producers. Seacoast Eat Local has established an online search tool that enables users to type in the produce/meat/food product they are looking for and farms in our area that carry the item popup, https://seacoastharvest.org/ . Contactless food pick and delivery are available from many local farms.
Residents interested in backyard gardening can find useful and inspiring information compiled by the Agricultural Commission HERE.
Thank you for your help. – Theresa, 603-534-3913
|
WALK, RUN, BIKE TO DISCOVER DURHAM’S TRAILS ... BUT PLEASE -- Maintain safe social distancing and reduce congestion at trailhead parking areas for everyone's safety
The Town of Durham’s open spaces offer places for maintaining mental and physical health for individuals and families, during these stressful times. The trails are open for exploration—due to the COVID-19 threat, visitors must maintain appropriate social distancing, which generally means keeping 6 feet apart. This is especially important on weekends, when visitation is high. If sites are congested, please seek alternate locations. It is mud season, please treat trails gently.
|
DOGS RUNNING AT LARGE - Durham does have a Leash Law
There have been several reports of dogs off leash recently.
Town ordinances require that a dog be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times when off the private property of the owner. If the dog bolts from the owner’s property to harass or frighten people this is a violation of the Town Ordinance.
We all love our pets but there are some who may be frightened of a dog they are not familiar with and it is ultimately the owner’s responsibility to ensure that their animal is restrained when off their property limits.
Read Durham's ordinance concerning the regulation of dogs HERE.
|
Photos courtesy John Pacheco
|
NEW HAMPSHIRE ATTORNEY WARNS AGAINST COVID-19 RELATED SCAMS
Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald urges all of New Hampshire’s aging adults to be aware of and to take steps to protect themselves from scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, all people are encouraged to assist aging adults in protecting themselves from scams to the fullest and safest extent possible.
In recent weeks, scammers have used the uncertainty and isolation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic to attempt to obtain personal identifying information and assets of aging adults across the country.
View the list of some of the scams currently aimed at aging adults, as well as recommendations on what to do if you encounter them HERE.
|
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - Deputy Fire Chief - Prevention
Salary range: $80,000 - $96,000 contingent on qualifications and experience
The Town of Durham, NH is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Fire Chief -Prevention.
The full position posting and Town of Durham application may be found on the Town’s website HERE.
Submit materials per the instructions by May 15, 2020 at noon. Position to remain open until filled.
|
Durham resident Walter Rous measures and maps the historic Wiggin cellar hole at the Oyster River Forest. Courtesy of Ellen Snyder
|
LAND STEWARDSHIP UPDATE – THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS AND DONORS
Despite the cool, wet spring and COVID-19, the land stewardship program has been making great strides. This week we reached our $2,500 fundraising goal for a new bridge on the Merrick conservation easement. If conditions allow, volunteers will build the bridge this summer. Thanks to the many private donors who contributed to this project. Individuals and small family groups have been able to safely accomplish volunteer projects. We thank the following: John Nachilly for improvements to the Beaudette Trail; Walter Rous for measuring, photographing, and drawing the three historic cellar holes on town conservation land; Rob Sullivan and ORMS for offering salvaged materials for town trails; Will and Orion Carey for improving the kiosk at Longmarsh Preserve; Dennis Meadows for spearheading the Oyster River bridge project linking Downtown to Stevens Woods and beyond; Dick and Eleanor Lily for providing a Merrick trail re-route through their yard during mud season and bridge re-build. And our new Volunteer Trail Steward Program has a crew of volunteers helping out at select properties: Wayne Burton (Wagon Hill Farm), Gale Carey (Oyster River Forest/Spruce Hole), Malin & Will Clyde (Stevens Woods), Vin Dell’Ova (Stolworthy Wildlife Sanctuary), Brian Keegan (Doe Farm), John Nachilly (Thompson Forest), Jean Olson (Milne Nature Sanctuary), and Chris Wilson (Doe Farm).
|
TICKS ARE NO JOKE AND SMALL TICKS ARE NOW ACTIVE – Take precautions to protect yourself and your family!
Just when you thought it was warm enough to venture outdoors again, health officials are warning that the number of Americans infected by mosquito, tick, and flea bites has more than tripled in recent years.
Tick-borne diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever have been increasing in the Northeast, Upper Midwest and California, and mosquitoes may be carrying West Nile virus and, in some parts of the United States, Zika.
The only flea-borne disease is the plague, but it, thankfully, is extremely rare!
There’s no magic pill or vaccine to prevent disease infections, but you can take steps to protect yourself and your family from bites — and it all starts with awareness according to Roni Caryn Rabin for the NY Times:
Cover up, even when it’s hot out
If you’re going hiking in Durham, wear long pants, long sleeves, shoes and socks, and tuck your pants into your socks to avoid any exposed skin around the ankles. Wear a hat. Treat clothes with insect repellant.
Use insect repellent on exposed skin
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency recommend using mosquito repellents that have as their active ingredient either DEET; picaridin; IR3535; oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD); or 2-undecanone. Only DEET, picaridin and IR3535 are effective agents against ticks
Check yourself for ticks after a walk in nature
Take a shower after your hike and check yourself for ticks. Make sure to feel your scalp under your hair, and check folds of skin, your private parts, behind your ears and behind your knees. Parents should check their children, and adults should have someone else check their backs. And look in your clothes for ticks.
TickSmart™ Tip #1: Dry clothes first, then wash.
Most ticks are VERY sensitive to dryness. The very first action to take after working in the yard is to strip clothing off and throw it in the dryer. Deer ticks are most susceptible, while American dog ticks, Lone Star ticks and other Amblyomma species are more robust. To be sure that each species achieves fatal crispiness, leave clothes in the dryer on high for 15 minutes.
Minimize exposure in your home and yard
Mosquitoes breed in fresh water and can reproduce in as little as a bottle cap full of water, so rid your yard and deck of empty flower pots, bird baths or bowls where water can accumulate. (If you keep a dog’s water bowl outside, empty and refresh it frequently). Make sure your window screens are intact — It doesn’t take a very big hole to let mosquitoes in.
Another surprisingly easy low-tech way to protect yourself from mosquitoes is to set up an electric fan on a table near your seating area. The breeze it creates disperses the human scents that draw female mosquitoes, and mosquitoes have a hard time flying into the wind.
|
DANDELIONS ARE BEE-UTIFUL - 3rd Annual Contest for the Durham Lawn(s) with the Most Dandelions
As part of Durham’s Bee Friendly Program, the Agricultural Commission is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Contest 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 their residential lawn where dandelions are either allowed -- or encouraged! -- to grow. In 2019 there were 12 participants. This year we hope to double or triple this number. *
Send a photo(s) via e-mail to: Lee Alexander
e-mail: mailto: leelaine-alex@comcast.net
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.
Based on a fair (but somewhat subjective) site evaluation, the lawn judged to have the highest density of dandelions will receive a large (16 oz.) squeeze bottle of honey.
* This year Durham has been challenged to a “Two-Town Contest” with Kingston, NH. The winner will be the town with the most participants. Show your pride and “Bee-a-Contestant”!
_____________________
Update. The first few dandelions have started to bloom! To encourage a positive outlook and contest participation, following truisms are offered:
Dandelions are not weeds -- but beautiful spring wildflowers.
A lawn never has too many dandelions – only too little time in which they bloom.
Not mowing your lawn is a type of “purposeful inaction” that yields positive results.
The urge to mow your lawn in May is an irrational state-of-mind that can be overcome.
Avoiding herbicides mean more wildflowers, beneficial pollinators, and beautiful songbirds.
Feeding honeybees in early spring contributes to sweet results the rest of the summer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
New to DPL! Enjoy complimentary access to The New York Times Digital edition courtesy of Durham Public Library! The New York Times Digital edition is available to all patrons of the Durham Public Library. This service includes unlimited article access on library computers, as well as promotional codes for remote access on your home computer or mobile device. For the full features included, visit the Research and Databases page on our website! Questions? Email us at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com!
|
Need help downloading books or accessing our resources on your device? Durham Public Library continues to offer device help on Thursdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm to all of all patrons. Email us at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com for the zoom link to speak to someone live during these hours!
|
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."
________________________
1974 - Enrollment at the University grew from 2,400 in 1923 to 10,000 in 1974. Other state institutions of higher education at Keene, Plymouth and Merrimack Valley enrolled an additional 4,500 students. These and other units were incorporated into a single University System of New Hampshire.
|
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
|
Have a very nice weekend and stay safe and well.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator/Emergency Management Director
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?
---
|
|
|
|
|
|
