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Water Lilly at Old Reservoir. Courtesy Frank Birch
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For motorcycle enthusiasts, Laconia Motorcycle Week begins tomorrow, Saturday, August 22nd, kicking off a week filled with “summer thunder” as motorcyclists flock to the Granite State. The event, centering around Loudon and the Lakes Region, wraps up on Sunday, August 30th.
Traditionally, Motorcycle Week starts in June and ends on Father's Day. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, the event was moved to this coming week.
Often referred to as the Oldest National Motorcycle Rally, Motorcycle Week’s roots reach back to the summer of 1916, when a Gypsy Tour gathered for several days at Weirs Beach on the southern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.
So if you happen to be out and about, be on the lookout for packs of bikers heading to and from the Lakes Region. And be cautious about all of the out of state visitors descending upon the Granite State during the pandemic.
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TOWN COUNCILOR KENNY ROTNER STEPS DOWN FROM COUNCIL DUE TO HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
We are very sorry to report that Town Councilor and Chair Pro Tem Kenny Rotner has submitted his resignation from the Town Council due to serious health issues.
Per Town Charter, when there is a vacancy on the Council, the remaining Councilors appoint a replacement who serves until the next regular election, at which time someone may run for the remaining years left on the term.
Former Town Councilor Carden Welsh has graciously offered to step forward to fill the vacancy until the next election. The Council will have to discuss how it desires to proceed to fill the vacancy at its next meeting on September 14th. If there are other residents who might be interested in being considered for this vacancy, please write to mailto:council@ci.durham.nh.us.
We send good wishes to Dr. Rotner and his family.
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FACIAL COVERING ORDINANCE UPDATE FOR THE DURHAM/UNH COMMUNITY
The Durham Police Department take the face covering/mask ordinance very seriously and have made a concerted effort to make sure that people are complying. Thus far the department has issued over sixty warnings and provided masks to those who didn’t have a facial covering in their possession. What the police officers have found in speaking with those who were not wearing a mask is that they either didn’t know about the ordinance or they simply forgot to bring a mask with them.
As for off campus housing, the ordinance applies to public spaces within the downtown area (Central Business Zoning District, Professional Office District, Courthouse District, and Church Hill District) where six foot physical distancing is not possible, and for all businesses, their employees, their customers, restaurants (except while patrons are actually seated), Town buildings, and the polling place (at ORHS) during election days.
If police are called to a private residence and people are not practicing social distancing and/or are not wearing a protective mask, that is not a violation of the ordinance. The ordinance only applies to public places and spaces as outlined in the ordinance.
What the department can do for those UNH students who live off campus and are not practicing social distancing responsibly and not wearing masks is to report problematic instances to the University of New Hampshire. Such situations are complicated in that very often several students live off campus together forming a pod, similar to a residential household family pod.
Police Chief Rene Kelley, Town Council Chairperson Kitty Marple, Fire Chief Dave Emanuel, and Mr. Selig have been meeting regularly with UNH President James Dean and his senior staff all summer long planning for the fall UNH opening. UNH has committed to the Town that they will impose sanctions on those students living off campus who are not following social distancing and/or not wearing masks in crowded private places. The first time this happens the UNH student will be brought before the Dean of Students and warned that the next violation will result in more severe disciplinary action.
The fact of the matter is that Durham police can’t be everyplace all the time; we simply do not have those kind of resources. And the primary goal of the facial coverings ordinance is education and compliance to help keep UNH students and the ENTIRE collective community safe during the pandemic. Residents may always contact Durham police at (603) 868-2324 if they have concerns about noise, excessive gatherings, or mask/facial covering concerns.
In the near future, we’ll be providing a UNH Covid-19 hot line contact point for residents/students visitors to call/contact if they witness areas of concern related to pandemic safety precautions. Of course, this would be separate and distinct from the need for individuals to call 911 if they require the police/fire/ambulance as part of an emergency situation.
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UPDATE ON ANNUAL SPRING BULKY WASTE PICKUP – Looking ahead to 2021
DPW received over 100 comments regarding the cancelling of the annual spring bulky collection. The curbside collection was cancelled due to the coronavirus and residents were allowed to bring material to the transfer station over 6 days. The material collected totaled over 130 tons. The average collection of material in previous years was about 50 tons. Several factors contributed to this including many people staying home finding things to do, home building projects and general home cleaning. The responses were about even between cancelling the curbside program and going to a drop off only or continue with the spring curbside collection. Some residents liked the ability to not have material sitting in their neighborhood and people coming by to rummage through the material. Others liked the idea of having people go through the material and take it out of the waste stream. Elderly residents were concerned with not having the ability to transport the material and other residents also expressed this concern.
No decision has been made regarding the 2021 curbside bulky collection at this time. DPW staff will be meeting with the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee, Town councilors, and the Town Administrator regarding the future of the program. All emails previously sent in will be a part of the conversations moving forward and any other resident concerns or comments can be sent to mailto:dbullen@ci.durham.nh.us.
Mr. Bullen would like to thank all the residents that sent in their comments as the input is vital to the decisions we make for the community.
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A REMINDER TO THE DURHAM COMMUNITY THAT ONLY UNH STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF WHO ARE PART OF THE UNH COVID TESTING PROTOCOLS WILL BE ALLOWED WITHIN CAMPUS FACILITIES THIS FALL
A note to community members that UNH will be endeavoring to limit access to University buildings to just faculty, staff and students that are part of the Covid-19 campus testing protocol. Durham police and fire staff have been included as part of the campus testing protocol as well.
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Newly installed temporary stencil on downtown Durham Main Street sidewalk. Courtesy Todd Selig
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UNH STUDENT ARRIVAL PRECAUTIONS WITH PANDEMIC
New signs and message boards have been set up to inform the public, students, and faculty of the new Covid-19 protocols within the Town of Durham. DPW Asst. Dir. for Operations Doug Bullen met with Problem Oriented Police (POP) Officer Holly Malaski from the Durham police department to map out locations of sidewalk social distancing stenciling. Stenciling (it is temporary and will eventually wear off) on sidewalks downtown is underway today, Friday.
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DURHAM FARMERS' MARKET - Each Monday Afternoon in the Sammy's Downtown Lot off Pettee Brook Lane
The Durham Farmers' Market is now open again this season on Monday afternoons through Monday, October 5, 2020 from 2:15- 5:30, closing 1/2 hour earlier than previous years. Vendors will adhere to predetermined sanitation and Covid 19 prevention standards.
Customers are requested to wear masks, maintain 6’ distance from others, and send only one person per household to shop if possible.
The market has several new vendors participating this year and they are pleased to have prepared food, maple products (including ice cream!), garden plants, and assorted vegetables available.
One positive aspect is that folks can walk downtown to access the market and while they are there, shop/eat in other downtown establishments.
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BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION DRIVE-THRU
On Sunday, August 23, 2020 at 10:30 AM, a drive-through backpack & school supply distribution will occur at the Seacoast Chabad Jewish Center at 72 - 1 Main Street in Durham. Please keep a window open so that a volunteer can place a backpack with supplies in your vehicle.
Backpacks and supplies will be available on a first come-first serve basis.
Want to donate or help? Contact http://JewishSeacoast.com/School or call (603) 205-6598.
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DID YOU KNOW? - When are bulky waste permits needed in Durham?
Any bulky waste item not made of metal must have a bulky waste permit for disposal. Examples of bulky or demolition waste are: mattresses, box springs, painted or stained wood, a piece of furniture or other stuffed good, etc., any large, non-recyclable item.
The cost of a single bulky waste item is $15 and you can purchase permits at the Durham Public Works office (cash or check only).
For more information about costs for larger bulky waste loads as well as details on contractor and landscaper waste and stickers for disposal of electronic appliances, please click HERE.
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MAIN STREET SOUTH SIDEWALK (NHDOT 41369) PROJECT HAS BEGUN - Located out beyond the Field House on Main St.
Approved in 2017, this UNH-managed project will install sidewalk, fencing, lighting and trees with enhancements to the eastbound bus pullout on the south side of Main Street from the roundabout to Field House. The project uses funds from the USDOT Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) with programmatic oversight by NHDOT.
A Town-University working group has participated in the design development over the past three years under the NHDOT Local Public Agency (LPA) program. The University is providing the local match for the 80% federally funded project. Design and construction oversight services are provided by CMA Engineers, Inc. and construction by G.W. Brooks and Son, Inc.
The project will continue for approximately two months. During weekday active construction which will commence on or about August 24, the following detours will be in place on Main Street between the roundabout and the Field House during active weekday construction to assure smooth traffic flow:
- westbound: vehicular traffic will detour via Sage Way and North Drive; bikes should use the Main Street north-side multi-use path or Sage Way detour.
- eastbound: The bike lane and shoulder will be closed during active construction. Cyclists may use South Drive posted detour to Library Way, the multi-use path on the north side of Main Street or share the eastbound lane.
- Campus Connector bus stops at the Field House (east and westbound) will be relocated to temporary locations on Sage Way (westbound) and further east on Main Street (eastbound).
- The multi-use path on the north side of Main St and roundabout crosswalks will remain open.
- There will be intermittent impacts to the Field House West lot entrance
- In-road work will be paused on Friday, August 28 during peak UNH move-in
Project updates will be posted on the UNH Facilities Website: https://www.unh.edu/facilities/fpm_projects
For general inquiries about this project contact:
Stephen Pesci, UNH Campus Planning, mailto:spesci@unh.edu
For Information on the NHDOT LPA Program: https://www.nh.gov/dot/org/projectdevelopment/planning/lpa.htm
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DROUGHT UPDATE FOR DURHAM – Due to ongoing strategic Durham/UNH investments and long-range resiliency planning, our community is in a very strong position relative to the drought.
On August 18th the U.S. Drought Monitor elevated drought conditions in southeastern New Hampshire to Severe Drought (D2) (chart above). The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has advised community water suppliers that it has implemented the Drought Management Plan in an effort to conserve limited water resources within the region.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects August through October temperatures to be above normal with equal chances of above normal to below normal precipitation during this time period. This projection, compounded by below normal precipitation thus far this season, has led to surface water and ground water elevations to decline. (see USGS Lamprey River discharge chart below).
Fortunately, as a direct result of Durham and UNH’s collaborative efforts and investments in our local water supply/water sources to be resilient in the face of climate change, our Durham/UNH source water supplies are adequate at this time to satisfy current and projected demand, however, Durham residents, businesses, and institutions are asked to practice wise water use and effective conservation measures to conserve and maintain sufficient reserves of the public water supply.
Residents on private wells in particular are also urged to implement conservation measures to protect your as well as neighboring private wells.
Thank you for your water conservation efforts!
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ABSENTEE VOTING IN DURHAM - Available to All in the Fall
Election officials are encouraging all Durham voters to vote absentee for the upcoming fall elections for the safety of our community - our voters, our poll workers, all of us. Thank you to all of our voters who have heeded the call and submitted your absentee ballot request form.
Around 1,600 absentee ballot requests have been received to date.
If you haven't yet requested your absentee ballot(s), please do so NOW by downloading the absentee ballot request form HERE and returning it as instructed on page #2; or by calling our office at 603-868-5577 to have a form mailed to you.
And if you have already registered to vote by absentee ballot, the absentee ballots are now available.
THERE ARE NO WARDS IN DURHAM. THE OR HIGH SCHOOL IS THE ONLY VOTING LOCATION.
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REGISTERING TO VOTE/REQUESTING ABSENTEE BALLOTS - Frequently Asked Questions
The New Hampshire Primary Election is on September 8, 2020. If you haven’t registered to vote and would like to participate in the Primary Election you can register at the Town Clerk’s Office. We are open 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday- Friday. Additionally we will be open Monday, August 3, 2020 until 6:00pm. The last day to register before the Primary is August 31, 2020.
If you are unable to come in, or are not comfortable coming into the office, contact us for an Absentee Registration Packet.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What do I need to bring to register to vote?
A. You will need to bring proof of identity, age, residency and citizenship.
Examples: a driver/non-driver ID for identity and age, a bill, bank statement,
or lease for residency and a birth certificate or passport for citizenship.
Q. What if I don’t have all the proofs necessary?
A. It is always best to bring actual documentation but Affidavit Forms are available for you to sign.
Q. What is my ward number?
A. Durham does not have wards, you may leave this blank or mark it with “X”.
Q. I received a letter with information on absentee voting and registration. It
stated I should check “Physical Disability” as the reason for requesting an
absentee ballot if I had concerns about Covid-19. Is that correct?
A. Initially yes. On the original absentee request forms that would be correct.
The absentee request form was updated after the letters were printed. The
new form added the reason “Due to Covid-19”. That form was included with
the letter.
Q. I already sent in an old form do I need to fill out a new form?
A. No, both forms are acceptable.
Q. Only one absentee request form was included with my letter, where can I
get more for the rest of my family?
A. You may make as many copies of the absentee request form as you need.
Q. Where do I get the absentee request form if I did not receive a letter?
A. They are available at the Town Clerk’s Office or on our website
ci.durham.nh.us under Town Clerk/elections.
Q. Is there a deadline to request an absentee ballot?
A. There is no set deadline to request an absentee ballot; however, you need
to allow enough time for our staff to receive the request, for us to send the
ballot to you and for you to get it back to us to be processed.
Q. When do you have to receive my ballot back?
A. If you are returning your ballot in person, the last time we can receive it is
between 3:00pm-5:00pm on September 7th, the day before the election. If
returned by mail we must receive it by 5:00pm, Election Day, September 8th.
Q. If I was undeclared before requesting my ballot, how do I change back to
undeclared?
A. If you were undeclared, a change of party form will be included with your
ballot. Complete the form and return it with your ballot.
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VOTER REGISTRATION - If you have not yet registered to vote and are eligible to do so in Durham, please consider doing this as soon as possible. We also suggest you vote by absentee ballot.
We don’t know where we will stand with COVID-19 in the fall, but we would like all who are entitled to vote here to be able to do so safely.
Voter registration can be done in person at the town hall (while social distancing and wearing a mask, of course) any time the clerk’s office is open, or absentee. Supervisors of the Checklist will have official voter registration sessions at the Town Hall on
Friday, August 28, 2020 1:00 – 4:00 PM
This will be in conjunction with a Scavenger Hunt UNH is doing with the Freshmen. All are welcome.
Monday, August 31, 2020 7:00 – 8:00 PM
August 31 will be the last date you will be allowed to register until the September 8 State Primary.
If you register in person you will be asked to show Proof of Identification, Age (18 by the September 8 election), Citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and Domicile within Durham. Affidavits may be signed in the absence of proofs.
To register absentee, please call the town clerk’s office (868-5577) and ask for the absentee registration packet. Once you receive it, read the instructions carefully. Make sure all forms in the packet are completed and signed (some need to be witnessed, but not by a notary) before returning the necessary forms along with required proofs. Instructions are in the packet.
June 2 was the last day to change party in New Hampshire before the State Primary. If you wish to check your standing, you may do so at https://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/Partyinfo.aspx. If this does not reflect what you think it should, please call the town clerk’s office. They will direct you to a supervisor. You can also check your absentee ballot status at this website.
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Rainbow over Bedard farm in-between the two NHFG Lubberland properties on 108 toward Newmarket. Courtesy Jake Kritzer
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A CALL FOR HELP WITH THE LAST PHASE OF THE OYSTER RIVER BRIDGE PROJECT - A project, which if fully funded, that would span the Oyster River between Thompson Lane and Orchard Drive.
Durham recently acquired Stevens Woods, a 25 acre parcel of undeveloped land at the end of Orchard Drive just south of the Oyster River and across from Thompson Lane. On the land the town will soon construct a small parking area and install a trail-head kiosk. This will complete a trail network extending across more than 2000 acres of undeveloped land south to the recreational facilities at Doe Farm. Please join us in the fund-raising effort required to build a new bridge from Thompson Lane across the Oyster River to the land. This link will greatly improve the public’s trail access from the center of Durham. It will also permit much easier and safer walking among Durham neighborhoods.
The NH Recreational Trails Program will provide $80,000 to help this effort, if we can raise the remainder of the funds by September 17. The total will permit us to construct the bridge and abutments, assemble and install the bridge. All required permits, studies, and engineering designs have been completed and paid for. Every gift will therefore be used solely to finance the construction work. Several Durham residents have offered to match all donations 1:1 up to a total of $60,000. Thus your gift will be effectively doubled! You can donate by check or by credit card. We plan to complete the bridge before the end of this winter.
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A HEARTFELT TRIBUTE TO OUR FACULTY ROAD NEIGHBORS - By resident John Mince
This is a story about you, my neighbors, in particular 12 of you, including my daughter and her husband. As a group you are so special, that I keep searching for other loftier names. Names that sound like movie titles: The Dazzling Dozen? The Angels at Our Door? The Miracle Workers of Faculty Road? None of you would encourage such titles, yet I cannot think of you in lesser terms. Please allow me to tell your story to others who may find hope, inspiration, and joy in it.
This is a story about our neighbors, our friends on Faculty Road. A story of the grace, care, and strength they displayed during a most important life phase, the end of life.
Read the full tribute by Mr. Mince HERE.
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BUDGET AND CIP DEVELOPMENT PROCESS UNDER WAY FOR FY 2021 - Departments/Committees in the process of preparing/submitting requests to Business Office
Over the course of the summer, Durham’s department heads, as well as the Town’s various boards, committees, and commissions (as well as external organizations to which the Town makes payments for services such dispatch, ambulance, social service agencies, etc.) have been preparing their proposed budgets and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) requests for FY 2021 for consideration by the Administrator as Mr. Selig works to prepare a formal FY 2021 budget proposal for the Town Council as part of the annual budget development process.
This month Business Manager Gail Jablonski will begun to organize budget meetings with each of the Town’s department heads to enable herself and Administrator Selig to meet with departments and better understand budget requests, as well as departmental CIP requests. Members of the Town Council will also be invited to each of these meetings if they have an interest in doing so.
One of the Town’s Council’s approved goals for FY 2020-2021 states: “Task the administrator with meeting the following budget goals for 2021: Hold the municipal tax rate at the 2020 level or less. For the medium and long-term, the Town will continue to make an effort to control its spending and explore innovative ways to reduce the municipal tax rate."
Per Town Charter, the Administrator is charged with the development of the annual budget and CIP program. The proposed annual budget must be submitted to the Town Council by the last business day in October. The Town Council by Charter then has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget or the Administrator’s budget becomes the budget of the Town by default.
The requested CIP projects will be presented to and discussed with the Planning Board in September.
It goes without saying that the financial impacts of the pandemic will weigh heavily upon the budget season this summer/fall.
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WASTEWATER TREATEMENT PLANT FACILITIES PLAN/PLANNING
A kickoff meeting took place with Wright Pierce Engineers as a first step in updating Durham’s Wastewater Facility Plan. The existing plan was completed in 2012 and identifies and prioritizes all wastewater related infrastructure and equipment to allow for future fiscal and operational planning of necessary upgrades of equipment based on factors such as age, regulatory compliance, efficiency, and costs.
Initial preliminary cost estimates indicate that current available funding allows for the development of the Sludge Garage Odor Control System, in which we will likely do an RFQ to begin design in 2020. 2021- 2024 CIP priorities include Primary Clarifiers, Secondary Clarifiers followed by Aeration Tanks. Items identified in a recent WW Energy Audit will be worked into the short-term projects (such as the odor control system) and completed individually with Purchase Orders.
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DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS JOB OPENING: MAINTENANCE WORKER III
The Town of Durham Public Works Department is looking for a team player to work in our Buildings and Grounds Division. Eligible applicants must have a Commercial Driver’s License, class B or better, and a high school degree or GED equivalent. Landscaping experience a must, experience operating heavy equipment including snow plow equipment also necessary. General construction and building maintenance skills are needed for this versatile position. Must be able to lift 50lbs, work independently, willing to perform in various working conditions and be on call for 24-hour emergency operations such as snow plowing. Hourly wages $20.32/HR, plus overtime.
This position offers excellent medical, dental, life and disability coverage, eleven paid holidays per year, State retirement, plus a sick leave incentive program.
Applications are available at the Public Works office or online at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs. Qualified applicants must submit resume and application to the Public Works Department at below address no later than September 8, 2020.
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Boat on the Oyster River. Courtesy Mike Houle
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2020 ROAD PROGRAM UPDATE
The paving of several UNH roads was completed this week including Spinney Lane, Waterworks Road and McDaniel Road. Town roads remaining to be completed include Strout Lane (which received a shim coarse), Cedar Point Road, Old Piscataqua Road, Old Bagdad Road and a section of Bagdad Road near the Littlehale culvert.
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ROADSIDE MOWING UPDATE
This project is ongoing with the focus now shifted to roadways in residential developments along with side road sightlines, intersections and clearing vegetation overgrowth at sign locations, all in an effort to maintain or improve traffic safety.
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DOVER ROAD SEWER FORCE MAIN PROJECT ENTER FINAL STAGES OF COMPLETION
The new wastewater sewer force main project (primarily along Old Piscataqua Road) has reached substantial completion. Over the previous two weeks project contractor, Sargent Corp. has been involved in general cleanup including loaming, seeding, and demobilizing to restore all areas impacted by the project. A final walk through of the project took place and all parties connected with this project indicated their satisfaction thus far with Sargent’s performance.
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DURHAM POINT ROAD-SCENIC ROAD TREE REMOVAL
The Public Works Director acting in the capacity of Durham’s Tree Warden presented the application for removal of five trees on Durham Point Road, a locally designated scenic road, at the Planning Board meeting on August 12, 2020. The application included removal of two white oaks and three white pines. Four of these trees were assessed as high risk with the remaining white pine was assessed as moderate to high risk. The Planning Board approved the application and now the removals will be scheduled and performed by Eversource within the next few weeks.
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An integrated pest management approach on 60 acres at Oyster River Forest has greatly reduced the extent of invasive plants, while restoring a native plant community of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. Courtesy of Ellen Snyder
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DURHAM’S INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO INVASIVE AND NOXIOUS PLANTS
For the past several years the Land Stewardship Subcommittee, Conservation Commission, Trustees of Trust Funds, DPW and other Town staff, volunteers, and conservation partners have been implementing many stewardship projects on Durham-owned conservation areas and parks. The outcomes are improved, more sustainable and interconnected trails, healthier forests and wildlife habitats, more interpretive signage, trail maps and other guidance for trail users, fewer invasive plants, and other benefits to the community.
Invasive plants are a particular focus on Town lands as well as along roads as they impact the health of native habitats and can block roadway visibility. On Town conservation areas, the Land Stewardship program has ongoing invasive plant control initiatives at Oyster River Forest, Doe Farm, Thompson Forest, Milne Nature Sanctuary, and Mill Pond Park. These efforts involve a variety of techniques that include mechanical (pulling, digging, cutting, smothering, uprooting, shredding), cultural (education, early detection and rapid response), and targeted herbicide applications by certified pesticide applicators, when other options are not feasible or effective. Funding comes from a variety of sources: Conservation Fund, Land Use Trust Fund, private donors, conservation partners, grants, and in-kind volunteer and staff time.
The NH Department of Agriculture, Food, & Markets maintains a list (currently 35) of prohibited invasive plants species. NH Agriculture rule 3800, states: “No person shall collect, transport, import, export, move, buy, sell, distribute, propagate or transplant any living and viable portion of any plant species” on this list. The goal is to protect the health of native species, the environment, commercial agriculture, forest crop production, and human health. Other species, such a poison ivy are considered “noxious weeds,” because, although native, they can cause severe rashes in some people. As many of us have noted in our own neighborhoods, poison ivy is expanding along roadsides, sidewalks, trails, and in parks.
Invasive plants are pervasive throughout New Hampshire, including in the Town of Durham. It is not to possible to eradicate these plants, but we can reduce their impacts and their spread by using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. This involves several strategies:
- Identify land/property management goals and how invasive plants affect these goals
- Use prevention, early detection, and rapid response to help prevent invasive plants from becoming a problem
- Survey, map, and monitor current and potential invasive plants
- Select control methods (cultural, mechanical, chemical) based on science and current technology to have best effect with least environmental impacts
- Conduct education, including workshops, and outreach efforts that increase invasive plant awareness among the public, volunteers, and Town staff
- Continue to improve and adapt our response to invasive plant management
Invasive (and noxious) plant management takes time, patience, perseverance, collaboration, flexibility, humility, as well as funding. Given the prevalence of these plants in our community, it will take time and a variety of tools. Land Stewardship Coordinator, Ellen Snyder, oversees several invasive plant control efforts on Town conservation areas using IPM. Anyone interested in volunteering to help pull invasive plants is welcome to contact Ellen at mailto:ellensnyder1@gmail.com. This is a great way to learn your plants, help restore native plant communities, and reduce the need for herbicide. DPW is exploring the benefits of having a Certified Pesticide Applicator on staff. This would provide greater flexibility in our IPM approach, by having knowledgeable and skilled practitioners in the community.
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OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD UPDATES
School Board Member Kenny Rotner has announced his resignation from the school board. Dr. Rotner has been deeply involved in many school district initiatives, including prior to his service as a board member. The school board sends Kenny and his family our support and appreciation.
The School Board expects to appoint a new member at its September 16 meeting to fill Dr. Rotner's at-large seat until the next election in March 2021. All interested individuals who are adult residents of Durham, Lee, or Madbury should send a letter of interest and resume explaining their background and interest in joining the school board to the by September 9. Please contact any member of the school board or the superintendent if you'd like more information on school board service.
High School and Middle School fall sports will be offered this year, as authorized by the school board on August 19. Several precautionary measures and modifications will be in place for student-athletes, families, and spectators to reduce risk of transmission. The school board appreciates the level of community engagement, and in particular student engagement, around this decision.
Students re-registered for school between August 10 and 17. Thank you to families for supporting this initiative with over 90% of students re-registered. About 2/3 of elementary students have enrolled in hybrid in-person learning (4 half days in-person school each week, remainder of week at-home learning), and about 63% of those students have requested bus transportation. Any families who have not yet registered or have concerns about their registrations should contact their school's office as soon as possible. Administrators are now working with this enrollment data to form classes and bus routes.
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AFTER SIGNIFICANT REVIEW AND DELIBERATION, OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES REOPENING PLANS FOR SCHOOLS THIS FALL - Elementary on one path, ORMS/ORHS on another.
The Oyster River School Board met August 5 to select a framework for the start of the school year. The board and administration appreciate the 90+ emails and phone calls, as well as over 1700 parent survey responses that provided significant community input into these decisions.
The first day of classes for students is being delayed until September 2, to allow teachers and staff additional time to plan for the start of the year.
Mast Way and Moharimet will start the year with students attending for half days, four days per week. A fully-remote option will also be offered for elementary students.
Middle and High School students will begin the school year with remote classes, though the school buildings will be open and students with specific needs may have some school work in the buildings. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may include students who are new to their school buildings, or for whom additional in-person contact is needed for academic or social-emotional learning.
The school district will ask each family to re-enroll for the fall to ensure accurate numbers of students for classes and bus transportation.
The school board and administration will monitor and re-evaluate the selected model as the school year gets started, with the possibility of changes 6-9 weeks into the school year (or sooner if circumstances change abruptly).
The NHIAA has delayed the start of any fall sports practices until after Labor Day, and the school board will consider fall athletics options at its next meeting on August 19.
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PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON COUNCIL-INITIATED ZONING CHANGES
The Planning Board is holding a public hearing on August 26, 2020 on a set of proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance initiated by the Town Council. The amendments would:
- Allow an additional story in the Central Business District by conditional use;
- Change the configuration of uses in a mixed-use building in the Central Business District;
- Change the method for determining building height; and
- Change provisions for drive-through facilities
View the proposed amendments and related documents HERE.
Town Administrator Todd Selig convened an informal working group to explore possible amendments to the Durham Zoning Ordinance to facilitate the creation of high quality development projects in the Central Business District. Several related changes that affect other zoning districts are also included. Members of the working group included Town Council members Al Howland, Jim Lawson, Ken Rotner, and Sally Tobias. Staff members included Town Planner Michael Behrendt, Code Administrator Audrey Cline, Town Assessor Jim Rice, Economic Development Director Christine Soutter, and Mr. Selig. The group met numerous times and developed the proposed amendments which were then initiated by the Town Council.
Please feel free to speak at the public hearing and/or email comments for the Planning Board to Michael Behrendt, Durham Town Planner, at mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us or send comments to the Planning Department. Feel free to contact him with any questions as well.
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MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER FEASIBILITY STUDY ONGOING BY VHB ENGINEERS
Town Engineer April Talon and VHB held a discussion on 8/3 with NHDES Coastal Restoration and Dam Bureau about sediment quality data and options for sediment management under the dam removal alternative. The team also attended HDC meeting on 8/6 to begin to discuss potential mitigation measures for the various alternatives under consideration for the dam in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
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3rd CYCLE POLICE CALEA COMPLIANCE REVIEW UNDER WAY AS PART OF NATIONAL ACCREDITATION PROCESS
The Durham Police Department is a Nationally Accredited Police Department under the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Every four years, assessors from CALEA will come to the Durham Police Department and ensure the department is in compliance with over 400 National Standards. The standards are reflected in the department’s policies and procedures, and the department is required to provide proof of every standard for all four years of the cycle.
During years one, two and three of the four year cycle, the department undergoes a remote review conducted by a CALEA Compliance Service Member (CSM). CSM’s are not actual assessors; rather they are trained to review a selected portion of the standards to ensure the department is on track to meet all fourth year requirements.
Starting Friday, August 21st and ending August 29th, the Durham Police Department will start the third year review conducted by (Ret) Chief and current CSM Brian Childress from Gainesville, VA. CSM Childress will be reviewing 109 of the almost 480 standards the department currently complies with.
CSM Childress will provide Chief Kelley with a report of his findings upon completion. In 2021, the department will be up for re-accreditation for their 8th Award.
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WISWALL DAM ON LAMPREY RIVER ROCK ANCHOR REVIEW UPDATE
Dam Structural Engineers, Pare Corporation, was contacted to regroup around outstanding dam stability questions at the Wiswall Dam. A report is forthcoming and will likely require cores be taken to verify adhesion numbers that were assumed in previous studies. We now expect that the full “fix” may require 16-17 shear pins be placed into the dam to anchor it to the bedrock below in lieu of rock anchors that were originally planned. The shear pins would be significantly less disturbance and cost. Additional information will be provided on this following receipt of final report.
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SWAP SHOP CLOSURE REVIEW – Where do things stand with reopening? Can we reopen during Covid?
The Public works Director and Assistant Director for Operations met with Swap Shop volunteers to discuss the timing of reopening the Swap Shop. There was extensive discussion around the pros and cons of opening the facility including what options exist or steps must be in taken to do this safely. It was agreed that more information was needed regarding safety measures and an understanding around the willingness of volunteers to staff the facility during the pandemic.
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Oyster River estuary off Old Landing Road. Courtesy John Pacheco
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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DPL’s CURRENT LIBRARY SERVICES
The Library is open for 20-minute visits to the Library for quick browsing and checkouts and the use of computers, printer, and copy machine. Notary services are available by appointment only. Meeting rooms and the Cafe will remain closed until further notice.
During this phase of reopening, we are limiting the number of patrons in the building to no more than 50% of our normal comfortable browsing capacity on the main floor. We also request that anyone using the Library do so wearing a cloth mask or face covering. Masks will be available to patrons who request them. Currently, we ask that patrons not gather or congregate in the Library. Our contactless “Library to-go” services continue. Please check the website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/ for more information including exclusive hours for high-risk patrons.
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Adult Programs Registration Has Begun For Fall!
Registration has begun for some of our adult programs. Visit the Upcoming Events page on our website for fall virtual programming and registration information for guitar lessons, NH Legends & Ghosts, Thanksgiving cooking course, and using your library resources! And through August, continue to vote for our final Poetry Contest winner on our website at http://durhampubliclibrary.org/! The winner will be announced on September 1st!
There are many great resources to be discovered on the DPL website this summer! Stream movies and music, check out ebooks and audiobooks, take professional development and language courses, get live device help each week, attend guided meditation, research with EBSCO and explore Novelist, Consumer Reports, Explora, and more! Questions? Contact us at 603-868-6699. We are happy to help!
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Congratulations Summer Readers!
We read over 100,000 minutes together on ReadSquared! Great job! A big thank-you to a state-wide READsquared subscription for New Hampshire public libraries, which is funded by the FY20 IMLS CARES Act grant, through the New Hampshire State Library. Thanks also to Wildcat Pizza, Big Bean, Hop + Grind and Durham Dunkin Donuts for their Summer Reading Prizes. Thanks to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for their continued support.
Throughout August you can pick up your prize books at the library (one per child and pick what you touch please). Raffle winners need to come to the Youth Services Desk or request lobby pick-up to obtain their prize.
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Youth Services August Fun and Fall Calendars Coming Soon!
Download our August Literacy Calendar on our website and READsquared. Download "Flat Gnome" on our website and READsquared to color and decorate and take on your travels in August. Fall virtual programs will include storytime, baby lap-sit, YA compassion program, STEAM craft to go, book groups and more. Patch Club will start again on 9/1/20 and run through 5/31/20. This will be online on READsquared starting on 9/1/20. All youth programs will start after Labor Day.
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1626 - As a shelter was built for the family and land was cleared, the business of farming developed. The soil was rich in this unspoiled virgin land. Farming combined well with fishing, lumbering and trapping, but grew in importance as grants became available inland.
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If you know of others who might find Durham's weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass them along. It's possible to sign up for them HERE.
Have a very nice weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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