Friday Updates - August 25, 2017

                    NEWS & HAPPENINGS...

Friday, August 25, 2017

Jay Mariacher, Mariacher Shearing Services of Lee, shears a sheep from the Liberty Hall Farm flock of Bennett Road as part of Durham's 5th Annual Farm Day held on Saturday, August 19th. Courtesy Theresa Walker

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TOWN COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER, 2017

Due to the Labor Day holiday, the Town Council meetings in September will be held on Monday, September 11th and Monday, September 18th.

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

All Town Offices will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2017 for the Labor Day holiday.

There will be NO CHANGE to the regularly scheduled refuse and recycling pick up next week. As always, please have all items out by 7AM. There will also be NO CHANGE to the Transfer Station hours. It will be open on Saturday and Tuesday from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

To view the 2017 recycling and holiday schedules, click HERE.

CURRENT USE VALUE RANGES FOR 2016-2017
Current Use Assessment provides a property tax incentive to all qualifying landowners who agree to maintain their land in an undeveloped condition. This assessment is based on the capacity of the land to produce income in its current use-whether it is managed farm or forest, or unmanaged open space. Current Use is the cornerstone of the state's land conservation efforts, with over half the land in New Hampshire is enrolled in this valuable program.

"It is hereby declared to be in the public interest to encourage preservation of open space, thus providing a healthful and attractive outdoor environment for work and recreation of the state's citizen's, maintaining the character of the state's landscape, and conserving the land, water, forest, agricultural and wildlife resources."

- NH Current Use law RSA 79-A
(enacted July 1, 1973)

For land to qualify for Current Use it must be a tract of land or a combination of contiguous tracts under identical ownership comprised of a minimum of ten (10) acres.
When land is disqualified from Current Use due to development of the land or because it no longer meets the minimum acreage requirement, it is subject to a land use change tax equal to 10% of the full and true value of the land at the time it is disqualified.

View more information regarding Current Use HERE.

Per RSA 79-A, the Current Use Board has revised the Current Use value ranges for 2016-2017.

Cub 304.07 Assessment Ranges for Forest Land Categories. The assessment ranges for forest land categories without documented stewardship shall be as follows:

a.    The category of white pine shall be $110 to $165 per acre;

b.    The category of hardwood shall be $47 to $71 per acre;

c.    The category of all other shall be $34 to $51 per acre.

Cub 304.08 Assessment Ranges for Forest Land Categories with Documented Stewardship. The assessment ranges for forest land categories with documented stewardship shall be as follows:

a.    The category of white pine shall be $66 to $99 per acre;
b.    The category of hardwood shall be $28 to $43 per acre;
c.    The category of all other shall be $20 to $30 per acre.Cub 304.13

Cub 304-13 Assessment Range for Unproductive Land. The assessment for unproductive land shall be $20 per acre.
 

Cub 304.14 Assessment Range for Wetland. The assessment for wetland shall be $20 per acre.

STUDENT HOUSING ISSUES
If residents have concerns about noise issues coming from rental properties in their neighborhood, please do not hesitate to call the Durham Police Department day or night at (603) 868-2324.

Concerns about over occupancy or trash can be directed to Code Enforcement Officer Audrey Cline by calling (603) 868-8064 or emailing Administrative Assistant Karen Edwards at kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us

INFORMATION FOR OWNERS OF RENTAL UNITS/PROPERTIES
There is a page on the Durham website devoted to State and Local regulations and information for owners of rental units and/or properties. If you are a landlord, please take a moment to review the information HERE.

FINAL INSPECTIONS FOR BUILDING PERMITS
Individuals who received a building permit this past year and have completed their project need to make sure they have had a final inspection and received a final Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Approval from the Building Inspector.

If you have not had a final inspection, please call Karen in the Building Inspector’s Office at 603-868-8064 to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES AT DURHAM PD
A lot of work at the police department occurred this week with the basement and “Sally Port” floors poured, smoothed, and sealed. Carpenters began laying the floor joists for the first floor this week. From his office window, Chief Kurz has a bird’s eye view and monitors the activity spurring on the crew to work faster! This week’s picture depicts the floor joists with the new sealed flooring below.

ANNUAL MUNICIPAL LAW LECTURE SERIES
Beginning in September, the New Hampshire Local Government Center will hold its Annual Municipal Law Lecture Series in the following two communities:

Medallion Opera House, Gorham, NH - Saturday, September 23, 2017 (9 AM - 4:30 PM)

NHMA Offices, Concord, NH - Saturday, October 14, 2017 (9 AM - 4:30 PM)

These lectures are intended for municipal officials with an interest in, or responsibility for, any aspect of municipal land use to include members of planning boards, zoning boards, conservation commissions, and councils/board of selectmen, as well as planners, building inspectors, and code officers. Lectures topics and descriptions are as follows:

Procedural Basics for Planning and Zoning Boards
You’ve been asked to run for or sit on your local planning board or zoning board of adjustment. You’ve said yes. Now what? Learn the composition, procedures, powers and responsibilities of each of the boards. Discover practical tips for reviewing complicated applications and making defendable decisions. This presentation will cover the basics of both the planning board and zoning board and will serve as both a starting point for those just joining the board and a refresher for those who have served for years.

Presented by: Laura Spector-Morgan, Esquire, Mitchell Municipal Group, P.A.
Steven Whitley, Esquire, Mitchell Municipal Group, P.A.

Wireless Facilities: Managing the Approval Process
Does state or federal law trump local zoning for cell towers? How can Planning Boards and ZBAs protect municipal interests and comply with state and federal law when permitting wireless facilities? With all the changes in state and federal law over the past 8 years, it is hard to keep up! And mistakes can be expensive. This presentation will present an overview of the evolving law on permitting wireless facilities, plus provide specific recommendations for procedures your land use boards, municipal staff and regional planners can implement to ensure this tricky process is done right.

Presented by: Katherine B. Miller, Esquire, Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, PLLC
Justin L. Pasay, Esquire, Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, PLLC

Water Quality, Water Protection, and Water Management
All recurrent buzzwords in today's land planning world. Municipal zoning and planning boards need a basic understanding of how the State of New Hampshire regulates shoreland construction, stormwater management and water-based activities, as well as an understanding of how municipal regulations are permitted to supplement such standards. This presentation will introduce the different State programs and permits, discuss the legal landscape for supplementary municipal codes, and explain the role of the planner or land use board member in evaluating and acting upon an applicant’s technical submissions.

Presented by: Ari B. Pollack, Esquire, Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.C.
Robert J. Dietel, Esquire, Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.C..

Registration Fee: $100. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Pre-registeration is required. For information on registration contact Ashley Monier at 603-230-3340 or email nhmaregistrations@nhmunicipal.org.

Carrington Cazeau's mother, Carline Bazane, pins a Durham Police badge on her son's lapel after he was sworn in this week as Durham's newest Police Officer

DURHAM'S NEWEST POLICE OFFICER BEGINS WORK

To replace the position vacated by Michael Bilodeau when he accepted employment as the Police Chief in Newington, Carrington Cazeau was chosen from a field of over 30 persons that applied for the vacancy. Carrington is a graduate of UNH with a BS degree in Psychology and Justice Studies. He has interned with the US Marshall’s service for a semester as well as the Durham Police where he spearheaded the latest Community Survey and presented the results to the Town Council with Professor Andy Smith. Carrington has begun his tenure with Durham Police on Monday August 14th for orientation and will be attending the New Hampshire Police Academy on August 28th with graduation in December! Chief Kurz wanted to publicly thank Durham residents Councilor Sally Tobias and Trustee Mike Everngam for their involvement in the oral board segment of the selection process. The police department is committed to involving residents in the process of identifying those persons ideally suited to work for the community of Durham. Readers can view a video of Carrington that was produced by UNH regarding a number of career minded students that graduated this May. http://cola.unh.edu/article/2017/05/career-minded

DURHAM LAND STEWARDSHIP SUBCOMMITTEE WEEKLY REPORT (By Ellen Snyder, Durham Land Stewardship Coordinator)

Sustainable and Accessible Trails
At the Oyster River Forest volunteers are working with trails professional Lew Shelley, Snowhawk LLC, to restore and improve the Oyster River Trail that connects to College Woods. The next volunteer work day is set for Saturday, September 9th where we will build four bridges, paint new trail blazes, brush and clear sections of trail. No experience is necessary and all tools and gloves provided. Come for the morning or stay the whole day. If interested, please sign up through The Stewardship Network: New England for either a 9:00 am - 3:30 pm or 9:00 am - 12:00 pm shift, by clicking HERE. For more information contact ellensnyder1@gmail.com.

This week Ellen Snyder attended a workshop on Creating Sustainable Recreational Trails for All, hosted by NH Division of Forests and Lands and Parks and Recreation, UNH Cooperative Extension, and The US Forest Service. We learned how to build hiking/walking trails that are well-designed, sustainable, low maintenance, and accessible to all. Considerations include trail surfaces that are firm and stable, using either the natural soil base or bringing in a mixture of small gravel and soil (1/2 inch hardpack). This surface allows ease of travel for walkers, skiers, strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, and mountain bikes. Although often free and lightweight, wood chips are the least desirable for a trail surface as they are unstable, hold moisture, and decompose. Drainage is key for all trails. The Appalachian Mountain Club built a sustainable and accessible trail at the Oyster River Forest that leads from the trailhead to Spruce Hole Bog. Many resources are available for trail design, construction, and funding. For more information please contact ellensnyder1@gmail.com.

MAIN STREET MAKERY FOR SALE

Main Street Makery is for Sale. Have you always wanted to do something creative and own your own business? Durham Main Street Makery is a unique craft and gift shop with a locally-made focus. Established in 2014, located at 42a Main Street in Durham. Inquiries at info@mainstreetmakery.com

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - Morning of Saturday September 30, 2017
The 2017 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only, between 8-11:30AM. To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. Remember - The MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS.

NO EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS, RADIOACTIVE WASTE, ASBESTOS,
SILVEX OR INFECTIOUS/BIOLOGICAL WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Consider reducing your purchase of products with hazardous ingredients; read labels thoroughly. Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully to prevent any accidents at home. Never store hazardous products in anything other than their original containers and never remove labels. Never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated HHW might become un-recyclable. Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels.

NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY- LATEX AND OIL BASED PAINTS, MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE. These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with your permit throughout the year. Latex paints must be dried out first, motor oil, anti-freeze and oil based paints can go up as is. Typically, hazardous waste is categorized as toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive or otherwise hazardous. Please check the manufacturer’s label.

EXAMPLE OF COMMON HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ITEMS

DURHAM FARMERS’ MARKET OPEN MONDAY AFTERNOONS AT JACKSON’S LANDING
The Seacoast Growers Association is operating the Durham Farmers’ Market on Mondays at Jackson’s Landing, 10 Old Piscataqua Road, from 2:15 – 6 PM. The season officially opened June 5th.