Friday Updates - April 4, 2025

Friday, April 4, 2025

Moharimet Elementary students learn about maple sugaring. Courtesy, Todd Selig (April 2024)

This week longtime resident and Town Treasurer Karl Van Asselt sent over a fun email. Karl wrote, “I love Smart News. However, today it gave a report that “Durham” is scheduled to have a new rooftop restaurant, “The Lenny.” It will have a view of the downtown and the Durham Bulls stadium. The description sounded great, until I realized it was Durham, NC. I guess that is why it is called “Smart News.””  

Spring runoff started 2-4 weeks earlier than normal this year. It’s anticipated to be a rainier spring than normal. This will be beneficial to water tables and local wells. 

TOPICS ON UPCOMING TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA – April 7, 2025

The Town Council meeting scheduled for Monday evening will include several items, among others, for discussion and action:

1. Act upon the application to schedule this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony for Monday, May 26, 2025.
2. Act upon the second 2025 Warrant for Water and Sewer billing.
3. Act upon unsealing non-public minutes dating back to 2011 and 2013.
4. Hold a public hearing on proposed Ordinance #2025-04 regarding minimum front setbacks in the Office-Research (OR) 108 District on minor streets and collector roads.
5. Review a quarterly progress report on annual Council goals.
6. Begin working on Town Council goals for FY2025/26.

THE STATE IS DEALING WITH BUDGET CHALLENGES LARGELY OF ITS OWN MAKING – Yet current cuts proposed by the House Finance Committee will be felt across NH, particularly by UNH/USNH, cities & towns, and the poorest within society.

NH is currently facing a significant fiscal challenge due to declining business tax revenues. Over the past decade, the state reduced its Business Profits Tax (BPT) and Business Enterprise Tax (BET) rates, resulting in an estimated $795 million to $1.17 billion in forgone revenue since 2015. These reductions were intended to stimulate economic growth but have failed to deliver the anticipated benefits. From 2015 to 2023, New Hampshire’s business tax revenue growth was 124%, lagging behind Maine (167%) and Vermont (166%), as well as the national average.

As of January 2025:

• Business tax collections are 17.2% below last year’s levels.
• Revenues are 18.2% below budget estimates, creating a significant fiscal gap.

This self-inflicted shortfall has created a structural deficit that's now compounded by the expiration/claw back of around $80 million in federal pandemic aid. 

The consequences of NH tax policies are becoming increasingly evident as state lawmakers grapple with difficult trade-offs in the current budget cycle:

• UNH/USNH Budget: In her budget, Gov. Ayotte had proposed a 4% annual cut in USNH aid, dropping it from $199 million in the current budget to $182 million for the next two-year cycle that begins on June 30. House Finance voted to set aid to USNH at $132 million — an annual cut of 17%. Make no mistake, this would have a significant and negative impact on UNH and in Durham.
• Local Aid to towns/cities: Reductions to municipal revenue sharing by around $15 million and elimination of the NH Board of Tax and Land Appeals will downshift costs to towns/cities and cause local property tax hikes—a regressive burden on homeowners.
• Healthcare: A $42 million cut to Medicaid providers will strain hospitals already grappling with staffing shortages.
• Social Services: Eliminating the Office of Child Advocate and slashing $31.4 million from developmental disability programs shifts costs to families and nonprofits. 

The Town of Durham’s Top Dog raffle encourages dog owners to license their pets by the deadline of April 30th every year. Residents who license their dogs by this date are automatically entered. The winner receives a gift basket from the clerk’s office and their dog’s biography featured in the Durham Friday Update. Winners are selected randomly via a computer-generated app. Please contact Town Clerk, Rachel Deane with questions at rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us.

Rules & Regulations:

• Automatic entry for residents who license their dog(s) by April 30 (Durham residents only).
• Opt-out by contacting the clerk’s office.
• Contestants must be 18 or older and the registered dog owner.
• Town employees and elected officials are ineligible.
• A current dog license and rabies vaccination are required.
• Winner can submit a photo and bio for the Durham Friday Update and website.

CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING ON DUNKIN DONUTS APPLICATION

The Planning Board is holding a public hearing for a proposed Dunkin Donuts at 3 Dover Road this Wednesday, April 9 (continued from two weeks ago). Circle K will be taking over the space now occupied by Dunkin Donuts at the Irving Gas Station site across the street and owners of the Irving site, Scott and Jim Mitchell of Tropic Star Development, are coordinating with Dunkin Donuts for the restaurant to relocate to 3 Dover Road, next to the Holiday Inn Express. 

A key issue that the Planning Board has been discussing regards left turns for the project, both turns into the site and out of the site, given the large amount of traffic here. Route 108/Dover Road is a state road so the New Hampshire Department of Transportation has jurisdiction in approving the access and setting any conditions, but approval from the Durham Planning Board is also needed for every aspect of the site development. We expect the applicant to report on their ongoing discussions with NHDOT at the meeting. You can see the documents related to the project HERE, including the traffic study prepared by the applicant’s engineer and comments from NHDOT.

PUBLIC HEARING ON BAGDAD ROAD SUBDIVISION

The Planning Board is holding a public hearing on a proposed 4-lot resubdivision of a site at the corner of Bagdad Road and Old Bagdad Road this Wednesday, April 9. The lot lines among three existing lots would be reconfigured and a new lot would be created with frontage on Old Bagdad Road, a dead-end road located off Bagdad Road near Route 4. 

This spur once extended to the east until Route 4 was built, at which time Bagdad Road was re-aligned and extended across the new highway. The property owners, who purchased the site in August, have worked carefully with the Town and the Historic District Commission to protect one of the oldest buildings in Durham, the 1713 grambrel-style cape house at 53 Bagdad Road. You can see a photograph of the house at the end of the Town Planner’s review HERE.

UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN INITIATIVES

Six months ago, Administrator Selig asked the Planning Board and Housing Task Force to explore strategies to strengthen the downtown in light of the handful of vacancies we have seen. The Housing Task Force appointed a Downtown Zoning Subcommittee which prepared four proposals that were presented by the task force to the Town Council on March 3 for discussion. The Town Council then voted to initiate three zoning changes on March 17 which have been forwarded to the Planning Board for consideration (and will be returned to the Town Council for public hearings and possible action). 

The fourth proposal regarding RSA 79E, a program that allows the Town to freeze the property assessment for a project at the pre-existing value in order to encourage development, will be presented again to the Town Council on April 21. You can see detailed information about the four items in the Town Council packet that was prepared for the March 3 meeting HERE (See pages 48 through 62)

A phoebe spotted in Oyster River Forest. Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

LAND STERWARDSHIP COORDINATOR UPDATES

The "Taking Action for Wildlife" webinars have recently concluded, and Land Stewardship Coordinator reports there is now an opportunity to apply for technical support from UNH Cooperative Extension to organize a bioblitz this fall. The application deadline for this support is May 1.

The trail stewardship program continues to make progress:

• New trail stewards are undergoing one-on-one training; returning volunteers are being re-engaged.
• Partnerships have been established with Riverwoods, Middle School, ROTC, and Great Bay Services:
• Great Bay Services will begin trash patrols on trails starting in May.
• Recruitment efforts for additional volunteers are ongoing through posters and outreach.

A public presentation on conservation lands and trails is scheduled for May 20 at 6:30 PM at the Public Library. This event will be held jointly with Parks & Rec. Dir. Rachel Gasowski providing an opportunity to engage residents on trail use and stewardship.

Efforts to manage invasive species are progressing through collaboration with UNH freshmen students who are conducting fieldwork at Stolworthy and Milne properties while developing outreach materials for Mill Pond Dam abutters. A site walk at Doe Farm is planned later this month with forester Charlie Moreno to develop an invasive species management plan.

Wildlife habitat projects remain a priority:

• NH Fish & Game biologists assessed Thompson Forest and Wagon Hill North for potential cottontail rabbit reintroduction in 2026.
• Recommendations include:
• Allowing meadow regeneration at Oyster River Initiative (ORI) for several more years.
• Exploring habitat expansion at Wagon Hill North through selective tree cutting.

Discussions regarding e-bike policies remain at a standstill while awaiting input from neighboring towns; however, Madbury has already banned e-bikes on its lands. At its last meeting, the Land Stewardship Subcommittee had a great conversation about bikes v. e-bikes and we learned that for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, there are few differences in weight, size, etc. compared to traditional bicycles. Class 3 e-bikes are a horse of a different color.  

E-bikes are classified into three classes based on their speed and motor assistance: Class 1 (pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph), Class 2 (pedal-assist and throttle, up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph). 

The consensus of the committee was that the threshold question should be whether bikes will cause damage to certain Town trails, in which case neither they nor e-bikes should be permitted. If they will not cause damage, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes would be allowed.

The idea of developing a trail observation guide/scavenger hunt is being developed/considered as an engagement tool for visitors, with plans for both online access and kiosk distribution via QR codes.

Work continues on two trail bridge projects:

• Wetland permitting coordination is ongoing for the ORL bridge project.
• Background research is underway for another bridge project at Beaudette.

Tuesday April 22, 2025, will mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. Durham has a long legacy of conserving historic sites, scenic landscapes, farms, forests, recreational areas, wildlife habitats, wetlands and shorelines, and drinking water supplies. This tradition dates back over 100 years, beginning when Olinthus Doe left his farm on Bennett Road to the Town in his 1909 will.

During Earth Month and throughout the year, we encourage residents to visit and enjoy our Town Conservation Lands and help care for them by volunteering for Stewardship projects. Even a few hours of your time can make a big difference! Let's all be part of protecting our planet!" If you'd like to participate in this effort, please email the Town's Land Stewardship Coordinator at vludington@ci.durham.nh.us

Did You Know?  Plastics & Human Health

Plastic is everywhere. Most of us think of plastic contamination as being harmful to our environment, and rightly so. According to the EPA, less than 9% of plastic in the United States is recycled every year. 

The problem continues to expand, however, into the area of human health. Recent studies show bottled beverages can contain micro plastics (small pieces of plastic debris less than five millimeters in size) and may leach harmful chemicals. Experts say this can be harmful to our health. 

What are better options?

Consider using reusable water bottles made from materials like glass or stainless steel.

Sources:

Forbes.com

CBC.ca

Clean Water Action

Consumer Reports

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: https://recyclesmartma.org/

ENERGY COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP CHANGE

There’s been a transition within the Durham Energy Committee. Matthias Dean Carpentier has completed his term as Chairperson and has asked others to step into the Chair position. A thank you is extended to Matthias for his contributions over the past year. Moving forward Michael Klein has been elected Chair for the coming year. Charles Forcey will serve as Vice Chair. A thank you to Ti Crossman and Jack Lannamann, both of whom will be transitioning off of the committee.

For the entire month of April, when you purchase a $2.50 Hannaford Community Bag at the Hannaford located in Durham, $1 is donated to Growing Places! The goal is to sell 100 bags, equivalent to $100 raised.

The Hannaford Community Bags are located on displays around the store and at the checkout. For more information about the program, please visit hannaford.2givelocal.com. 

Growing Places offers childcare, early education and youth recreation in Durham, Lee and Madbury. To learn more about Growing Places, click HERE.

Last week, the Durham Police Department had the pleasure of hosting Cub Scout Pack 154, which includes children from across the Oyster River community. During their visit, the Cub Scouts were introduced to policing in Durham and had the opportunity to ask a range of insightful questions.

Following the discussion, the scouts were given a tour of the police department, including a visit to the booking room—an area that captured everyone’s attention. One particularly energetic scout humorously found himself in handcuffs while in the booking room.

The scouts also had the opportunity to explore one of our cruisers. One scout shared with the pack leader that it was the most enjoyable experience he has had as a Cub Scout. We are grateful for the chance to engage with the community in this meaningful way and appreciate Cub Scout Pack 154 for spending an evening with us at the Durham Police Department.

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES - If applicants don't have all required certifications, DPW may be able to work with them to ensure they obtain such within a reasonable time frame.

Highway Division – Heavy Equipment Operator

This position requires the undertaking of rewarding and challenging work, at times using independent judgment, to execute work involving the maintenance and construction of roads, sidewalks, right of ways, open spaces, Town properties, and drainage conveyance systems to ensure the safety and functionality of the Town’s infrastructure and multi-modal transportation network. The position performs laboring tasks when not assigned to equipment operation and assists in other maintenance-related functions within Durham Public Works when needed. 

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in the safe operation of equipment used in road and utility construction and maintenance in addition to heavy equipment operation and maintenance procedures. Preference will given to applicants with excavator experience. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 3:30 PM on April 11th, 2025.    

Buildings and Grounds Division – Maintenance Laborer

This position involves using independent judgment, to execute work involving the maintenance, construction, and operations of Town-owned buildings, parks, public lands, and related equipment to ensure the proper upkeep and functionality of the Town’s municipal services. The position performs laboring tasks and assists in other maintenance-related functions within Durham Public Works when needed. The position works under both the general and direct supervision of the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor and Operations Manager in this versatile and exciting role.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in the maintenance of grounds and building systems. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement and possess a Category B Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License or have the ability to obtain it within 1 year of hire. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 3:30 PM on April 25th, 2025.    

Part-Time Seasonal Laborers

These positions require the assisting of the Operations Manager and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor in completing routine public works projects such as landscaping, park and facility maintenance, and road maintenance. 

The successful candidates must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or may be 16 or 17 years of age with signed parental permission. Experience with small engine operation, including lawnmowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers is desired.

Please submit applications to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on April 15th, 2025.    

Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Oyster River Students learn about measurement. Courtesy Todd Selig (April 2024)

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Planned April School Closures

April 28 - May 2 - All Oyster River schools will be closed for April Break.

May 6 & 27 Strategic Planning Sessions

Superintendent Shaps invites the Oyster River community to join him at Oyster River Middle School on May 6 and May 27, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., for two Strategic Planning Sessions. This is an opportunity for Oyster River community members to contribute to ORCSD’s next 5-year strategic plan. During these two identical sessions, Dr. Shaps will guide participants through the World Café protocol, a collaborative and interactive approach to group discussions designed to share ideas and generate collective insights. Please let us know if you plan to attend by completing this form HERE so we can accommodate everyone.

ORCSD is Hiring Bus Drivers

8 open positions. Join our Transportation team and support student success! We offer great pay at $26.74 per hour, a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, term life and long-term disability, and 403 (b) with annuity. ORCSD drivers get 11 paid holidays, 15 days of paid sick time, and up to a $1,000 annual perfect attendance bonus. Guaranteed work week with a choice of weekly hours from 20, 25 or 30, and summer hours (for those interested). Apply HERE today.

April 1-14 E-waste Collection

ORCSD schools will be collecting electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) between April 1-14. All donated items will be sent to UpCycle LLC for recycling. The Sustainability Committee will also collect e-waste at the April 15 Community Dinner in the Oyster River Middle School Learning Commons. Additional information about drop-off locations is available HERE.

April 10 Coffee House

6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Multipurpose Room at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Coffee House celebrates the quarterly launch of award-winning student publication Mouth of the River (MOR). The $5 admission can be purchased at the door and is one of MOR's primary fundraising sources. Food and drink are included with admission.

April 11 Moharimet 4^th Grade Musical 

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). THE LION KING for KIDS, based on the movie and theater production with music by Sir Elton John. Snow date: April 14. 

April 15 Community Dinner

Kindly register HERE by April 10 so we can accommodate everyone. 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at Oyster River Middle School's cafeteria. The Oyster River Sustainability Committee invites you to enjoy a delicious, locally and sustainably sourced Mediterranean chicken and grilled pork loin dinner. Each meal includes side salad options (couscous, garden and Caesar salad), primavera pasta, roasted vegetables, a beverage and dessert. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will be available. $15 per adult or $40 per family (a family includes up to 2 adults and children living within the same household). Additional information is available HERE. 

April 22 ORMS Band Concert

6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

April 23-24 Mast Way Musical

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., both performances of Seussical Jr. by 3rd and 4th grade students are in the Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

CELEBRATE UNH THEATRE & DANCE 101st ANNIVERSARY ON APRIL 26!

For over a century, the University of New Hampshire’s Theatre & Dance Department has educated and graduated generations of artists. This year, on our 101st Anniversary, we are celebrating the incredible students, alumni, artists, and educators that have sustained Theatre & Dance as a pillar of excellence at UNH.

Enjoy a spectacular evening of performances and celebration honoring the history of UNH Theatre & Dance. Alumni spanning nearly six decades are invited to take part in this milestone anniversary.

5 pm: Pre-Reception with refreshments, UNH Museum of Art 

7 pm: Live Performance, Johnson Theater  

Pre-Reception & Performance Ticket: $50.00 (limited capacity)

Performance Only: $25.00

Can't make it to the show? Livestream from your home: $10.00

To register your attendance and for more information, click HERE.

The 101st UNH Theatre & Dance Anniversary Celebration is underwritten in fond memory of Gary Russell O’Neal ’73 by his loving sister.