Friday Updates - April 9, 2021

Friday, April 9, 2021

One of many youngsters racing to collect the over 2,500 stuffed eggs at the ORHS turf field on Saturday, April 3, 2021. Courtesy Todd Selig

FY 2020 ANNUAL FINANCIAL AUDIT UNDER WAY FOR DURHAM

This week a team from Melanson Heath, the Town’s external auditing firm, were at the Town Hall undertaking the pre-audit for all municipal financial operations. They’ll be back the coming months for the full audit. Staff in the Business Office have been working diligently to provide the external audit team with the information/reporting necessary for this process.

Eggs ready for the hunt at the ORHS Turf Field! Courtesy Todd Selig

UPDATES FROM DEPARTMENTS

Fire Chief David Emanuel reports that long-time Durham firefighter Brendan O’Sullivan was formally promoted to Fire Marshall last week (read more below). In addition, Chief Emanuel is working on updating the fireworks ordinance as a follow up to discussions with the Town Council last year that would in effect ban any personal fireworks use other than for professional displays in town. Once ready, the proposal will be brought back for the Council for additional discussion. Pandemic impacts on operations delayed working through this issue last summer.

At the Police Department, Chief Kelley reports the Town took delivery of our two new Hybrid Ford Explorer police vehicles. Unfortunately, on the way to the paint shop to be fitted out with our police colors and equipment, the vehicle engine cut out and would not restart (right on 155)! DPW contacted the dealer, which came to collect the defective vehicle. We also have some good candidates in the pipeline to fill two of our three officer vacancies.  

Michael Behrendt from the Planning Office noted that staff met with Doug Clark and a representative from the Foundation for Civic Leadership concerning the proposed new development at 74 Main Street.  This application is moving to the Planning Board.

DPW Director Rich Reine and Chief Kelley worked with the Fire Department to see whether the ladder truck could successfully navigate the cul-de-sac at the top of the drive at WHF if vehicles were parked head-in along the circumference of the area in the vicinity of the farmhouse/barn/gate/parking areas. The answer was no. We had hoped that if possible, additional parking spaces could have been marked out in these locations. That would be unsafe, however, and would preclude fire apparatus access.  

Assessor Jim Rice noted that he is working to evaluate abatement applications received for disputed property valuations from 2020. Despite the pandemic, there were not many abatements filed, which is good news. In fact, we’re seeing homes listed in Durham selling for premium prices at the present time.  Some of the strongest real estate prices we've seen. A modestly sized (yet recently refurbished) residence in the Faculty Neighborhood sold for around $800,000 this spring.

P&R Director Rachel Gasowski reports the Egg Hunt on Saturday went very well. P&R summer programming sold out within minutes and a wait list has been established. We’re evaluating whether it will be possible to expand offerings/sessions safely with the pandemic. Contingency monies may have to be directed to P&R to help them ramp up to accommodate parent childcare needs during the summer. We want to be able to pivot to meet the demands of community members.

UNH is in the process of evaluating whether or not to open the Outdoor Pool this summer. We have no further news at present. UNH summer camp offerings have been canceled due to the pandemic.

Post-season use of the Churchill Rink is taking place with groups such as ORYA using it for early spring sporting practices.  

Library Director Sheryl Bass indicated that this is National Library Week.

Business Manager Gail Jablonski notes that the Business Office has been quite active this week preparing for the pre-audit for FY 2020.

COVID UPDATE FROM DURHAM & NH

As NH sees a rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations (and Durham monitors a consistent level of active cases in the 90's - see chart above), state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan is warning citizens not to ease up on precautions. Chan released a statement yesterday noting that the virus is spreading in all age groups under the age of 60 in New Hampshire. The spread is most pronounced in Hillsborough, Rockingham and Strafford counties, but Chan said other counties are also seeing a rise in cases. New infections are up about 60% since the beginning of March, and the test positivity rate has been increasing and is just below 5%. 

He said the increased community spread is likely being caused by people relaxing restrictions too quickly. New variants that spread more easily, notably the B.1.1.7 variant, known as the UK variant, may also be increasing the current spread of the virus. 

The message from Dr. Chan is the same as it’s always been. Until the pandemic is over, people should wear masks, practice social distancing, avoid crowds and large group gatherings, and get vaccinated as soon as possible. While cases have been trending up for a few weeks now, a recent rise in hospitalizations may be particularly concerning. While older NH residents, particularly those in long-term care facilities, are increasingly protected by vaccines, the more the virus spreads, the more likely vulnerable people will be to get infected and become seriously ill.

UNH hosted Point of Distribution vaccination clinics over the course of the day on Thursday and Friday this week for “in-state” students at the Whittemore Center. Out-of-state UNH students were still excluded from obtaining a Covid-19 vaccination in NH per the Governor’s order. At the request of Durham and other college communities, as well as the UNH student body, the Governor announced yesterday that as of April 19th, out-of-state college students will also be eligible for vaccination in NH. Learn more HERE.

NH Vaccine Statistics...

• New Hampshire 1st Dose vaccinations to date: 496,000. 
• New Hampshire 2nd Dose vaccinations to date: 276,000. 
• New Hampshire Total Vaccinations to date: 754,000.
• New Hampshire Population % with 1st dose: 36%
• New Hampshire Population % with 2nd dose: 20%
• Vaccinations received this week in Granite State: 89,000.
• There are now around 100 different sites in NH where people can get vaccinated.

State of NH to Host Third Mass Vaccination Site This Weekend

The State of New Hampshire will host a by-appointment only mass vaccination site this Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11 at the NH Motor Speedway in Loudon. This mass vaccination site is not open to walk-in appointments. Governor Sununu has indicated that he will receive his vaccination this weekend at the Loudon event. Appointments remain available for eligible individuals to schedule in VINI.

BRENDAN O'SULLIVAN SWORN IN AS DURHAM FIRE MARSHAL

Brendan J. O’Sullivan was sworn in as Fire Marshal by Durham Town Clerk Lorrie Pitt in a small ceremony held at the Durham Fire Department on Friday, April 2, 2021.  Brendan was pinned during the ceremony by his wife, Gail, and son, Kiegan.  

The ceremony began with an invocation led by Reverend Larry Brickner-Wood and featured remarks by Durham Fire Chief David Emanuel, Durham Town Administrator Todd Selig, UNH Police Chief Paul Dean, and Durham Fire Captain Nathan Katz.  

Brendan began his employment with the Town of Durham on March 15, 2004 and during his tenure, he has served in the roles of Firefighter and Fire Inspector.  With his strong dedication and commitment to service, Brendan’s knowledge, skills, and abilities will be a tremendous asset as Fire Marshal in the Prevention Bureau.  Brendan enjoys meeting and talking with people and his ability to build relationships within our community will be significant in leading the Prevention Bureau forward.  

Congratulations Brendan!  

WHY IS PET WASTE A PROBLEM? - Do Your Part, Scoop the Poop!

Stormwater Protection

Rain or snow runoff can carry pet waste directly into waterways or storm drains, which usually empty without any treatment into a stream, river, or estuary. Untreated fecal matter can be a source of harmful bacteria and nutrients. Just as we don’t want human sewage in our water, it is important to prevent pet waste from being carried into our waterways.

It isn’t just water quality that can suffer. Leaving pet waste on the ground, especially in public areas like parks or playing fields, may pose a risk to children, adults, and even pets.

Consider This …

Pet waste carries disease causing organisms such as Giardia and Salmonella which can make water unsafe for drinking or swimming; to protect the public from illness, swimming beaches and shellfish beds can be shut down due to bacterial contamination, and pet waste can be a cause of that contamination. Pet waste left on playing fields or in parks can be unhealthy and messy. 

Let’s work together to keep pet waste out of our water resources and recreational areas.

Do Your Part: Scoop the Poop!

Scooping your pooch’s poop isn’t just a courtesy for those walking behind you; it’s the healthy and environmentally sound thing to do. Picking up after your dog is not only easy, in Durham it’s the law!

ORCSD TO REOPEN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING 5 DAYS PER WEEK ON APRIL 22 

Superintendent Morse has reported that the ORCSD is about to open all schools to every child whose family wishes them to attend school … and they are looking forward to seeing students return!

The ORCSD School Board voted to open school for all on Thursday, April 22, 2021. The district recognizes the Governor announced last week that all schools in NH would open April 19 but given ORCSD’s unique circumstances the district is not able to do so. Supt. Morse has communicated with the Commissioner’s Office of our situation.

April 19th is scheduled for ORCSD faculty and staff, as well as the Barrington School system, to be given their 2nd dose of the Moderna vaccine at ORHS. The first dose was a tremendous success with over 750 vaccinations given.  The district has been told by Strafford County Public Health to expect approximately 20% of those given the 2nd vaccination will have a significant reaction that could carry over for several days. Anticipating that high absentee rate would prevent ORCSD from opening school.

Therefore, as planned, Monday, April 19 is a teacher workshop day. Tuesday, April 20 and Wednesday, April 21 will be asynchronous days. Thursday, April 22 will be the first day for all students whose parents wish them to attend. A remote option is available for parents who are not ready for their child(ren) to attend school.

The ORCSD busing system will not be able to maintain 3’ social distancing, however, the district will not be filling the buses. Masks will continue to be required and windows will remain slightly open for fresh air. If parents are able to drop-off and pick-up their child(ren) this will help keep bus numbers down. Since all routes will be new, there will likely be delays for the first week. The district asks for everyone’s patience.

ORCSD schools will require face masks, will continue cleaning the buildings and buses thoroughly, and maintain 3’ distancing between students, except at lunch time when 6’ distancing will be maintained.

All children are able to have breakfast and lunch at no cost but parents/guardians must let the School Nutrition department know in advance if they wish to have their child(ren) eat at school so the food service staff can prepare enough food.  

This is an exciting time for the district. Teachers, staff, principals, administrators have missed ORCSD students and look forward to seeing them arrive in mass on Thursday, April 22, 2021.

TWO DURHAM POLICE OFFICERS ATTEND "TRAIN THE TRAINER" DE-ESCALATION COURSE IN TENNESSEE

Durham Police Chief Rene Kelley is pleased to announce that two Durham Police Officers have attended a “Train the Trainer” course on “DESCALATION TECHNIQUES”. Chief Kelley will have every member of the department attend the 8 hour training course before the end of this summer. Please read below for further information.

Sergeant Craig Forrest and Officer Rob Keith attended a three-day training course called Applied De-escalation Tactics: Train the Trainer in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The training was put on by the Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC) at the University of Tennessee. The cost of the training and associated travel was paid for by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). 

Sergeant Forrest and Officer Keith are two out of fifteen officers in the United States to attend this first of its kind training. Upon their return to Durham, they will be able to teach de-escalation techniques to the rest of the Durham Police Department as well as officers from surrounding agencies. 

The Durham Police Department strives to provide the highest quality of service to the community of Durham. This training provides additional resources and information to minimize use of force incidents. 

NO CURBSIDE SPRING BULKY WASTE COLLECTION THIS YEAR; DURHAM WILL AGAIN OFFER A BULKY WASTE TRANSFER STATION DROP OFF OPTION INSTEAD – Rationale behind the decision.

Following discussion and consultation with the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC), Durham Public Works announced last week that due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual bulky waste collection this year would be managed as a no charge, drop-off option at the Raymond A. Laroche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center, in lieu of providing curbside collection. This is similar to the spring of last year where the no charge drop-off of bulky waste items at the Transfer Station was provided.

We are pleased to offer additional clarification around this decision in light of recent inquires.   

Durham Public Works personnel have been diligently operating during this COVID-19 pandemic maintaining the Town’s infrastructure, providing water and wastewater services, collecting solid waste, and providing emergency response without interruption. We greatly appreciate the support, flexibility, and patience extended to our Town’s Public Works team from the community during these challenging times. Managing the bulky waste collection as a drop-off option, rather than a curbside collection, was a decision not taken lightly and is necessitated for several reasons related to the pandemic in an effort to minimize risks wherever possible and due to ongoing staffing challenges, due in part to the pandemic.

A question was raised around the difference in COVID-19 risk presented between the curbside collection of bulky waste in comparison to the curbside collection of weekly household trash. The Town is fortunate to have in place single operator, semi-automated collection which, in many instances, greatly reduces worker exposure and contact with materials when automated container systems and systems on the vehicles themselves are used for weekly trash collection.  This is not the case with bulky waste collection, which requires four Public Works team members for a period of three+ weeks handling each item individually. We recognize that COVID-19 transmission has been shown to occur in many cases through respiratory droplets; however, where contact exposure risks can be minimized or eliminated, it is prudent to do so to ensure staff are available for ongoing public works priorities and emergency response. Additionally, due to the inherent nature of household trash, which is comprised of materials that decompose and can attract rodents, birds, and other pests requiring timely collection to avoid a public health hazard, Public Works has minimal discretion as it relates to deferring or modifying the curbside trash collection program. Even with an elevated risk of contact exposure to COVID-19, it is clear that weekly trash collection must continue as currently provided. Bulky waste collection does not meet this same criteria and therefore the resident, no charge drop-off option at the Town’s Transfer Station located on Durham Point Road was continued for this year.  

A second question was raised regarding the environmental impact of the drop-off option with the majority of materials being disposed in the landfill. This landfill disposal occurs since there is no opportunity presented for those individuals who are interested in going street-to-street or house-to-house searching through other residents’ items for possible re-use.  This “unofficial” practice, which some residents embrace while others do not (expressing concern regarding strangers potentially casing the neighborhood), also has the potential to increase the risk of COVID-19 contact with residents and collection personnel due to the multiple individuals now sifting through and making close personal and hands on contact with discarded materials. To promote reuse and recycling of bulky waste items, Public Works and the IWMAC will be providing alternative reuse options both on the Town website and in the soon to be delivered Durham Public Works newsletter for residents interested in recycling their items in on-line yard sales and similar outlets. Alternatively, residents can hold their materials for a future bulky waste collection or delivery to the swap shop, for acceptable items in working order, when swap shop operations resume, planned in the near future. 

Finally, as referenced above, Durham Public Works has experienced significant staffing shortages due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These impacts to Public Works resources continue today. Notwithstanding, the Department responded exceptionally well to an above average number of winter storm emergencies, several water main breaks, wind events involving downed trees and utility poles, road closures, and downed power lines across the community. Our DPW team is now endeavoring to gear up for spring operations. The bulky waste curbside collection operation involves a commitment of substantial Public Works resources for a period of three+ weeks where, as previously highlighted, collection personnel individually handle and load every bulky waste item collected. With ongoing staffing impacts related to the pandemic along with the Department’s other priority programs and the community’s expectations, the Department is quite simply over extended and is unable to provide the curbside bulky waste collection service this season. 

We recognize that some may disagree with this decision and it may result in a burden and inconvenience for some individuals. We respectfully ask for and appreciate your continued understanding and flexibility as the Town navigates through the impacts of the pandemic. Thank you!

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.  

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

Mom assists her sons with opening eggs and finding out what prizes are inside. Courtesy Todd Selig

FROM SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST   

The Durham Supervisors will be meeting for the purpose of accepting new voter registrations and making changes and corrections to the checklist:

Monday April 12, 2021

2:00 – 3:00 PM

Durham Town Hall

Please wear a mask and bring your own pen.

Prospective voters will be asked to show proofs of Identity, Age (18 by the next election day), Domicile/Residence in Durham, and U.S Citizenship.  A Driver’s License and a Birth Certificate or Passport are useful.  Affidavits of Domicile and Citizenship may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.

Party changes will also be accepted at this time.

The Supervisors will also be discussing the upcoming Verification of the Checklist.

SCRAP METAL RECYCLING

The Durham Public Works Department’s scrap metal contractor recently hauled 51 tons of assorted metal from the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center. Unlike other commodities, metal can be recycled repeatedly without altering its properties. At the recycling facility, magnets and sensors are used to separate the various metals, some of which can be sorted by material color and weight. Each metal is then melted in a large furnace, cooled, and solidified. During this phase, each material is specifically shaped (i.e. bars or logs) before being shipped to a factory for re-use in new items.

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.

Sidewalk on Mill Pond Road. Courtesy DCAT Studios