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In Memoriam
Dr. Kenneth Rotner
November 14, 1953 - August 24, 2020
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It is with heavy hearts we report that one of Durham's longtime citizens, Dr. Kenneth (Kenny) Rotner, died on August 24, 2020. Kenny was an active and devoted public servant, serving on the Town Council and many other Town boards and committees, as well as devoting many years on the Oyster River School Board. His obituary follows:
Dr. Kenneth Rotner passed away on Monday, August 24 at the age of 66 after a courageous battle with cancer. Kenny was an avid hiker, a ruthless prankster, a compassionate doctor, and a tie-dye loving Dead-Head, who lived in no particular way, but his own. He is survived by his wife Tracy, who was his summer love in the spring, fall, and winter, by his daughter Emma, who he taught to be the eyes of the world, his sister Shelley, and friends who became family along the way.
Kenny brought his compassion, empathy, and wisdom into every corner of his life, from his 30 years of work as a family doctor in the Durham community, to his service on the Durham Town Council and the Oyster River School Board. He made connections and left impressions on those who crossed his path whether it was swimming laps in the UNH pool, chatting in the grocery store, or simply out on a dog walk.
Kenny’s legacy will live on in the service he gave to his community, the care he provided as a doctor, the connections he made, and the love that he imparted on his family. His spirit will be found in the wildflower meadows of Colorado, in shell-covered beaches of Sanibel Island, in the poetic lyrics and sweet jams of a Grateful Dead song, and in the hearts of those who love him more than words can tell.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Kenny can be made to causes he felt strongly about.
The Oyster River Pedestrian Bridge Project, a project that was near to Kenny’s heart during his time on the Town Council: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/administration/donation-form-or-pedestrian-bridge-project
Or, a donation can be made in Kenny’s name to support the advancement of the nursing staff on Lunder 9 at the Mass General Cancer Center, as a way to thank the nurses who took such good care of Kenny during his illness. Checks may be sent to Massachusetts General Hospital c/o Lunder 9 Nursing Fund, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 or a donation can be made online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/
A celebration of life utilizing masks and social distancing given the pandemic is being planned for sometime in September at an outside location with details to follow in the future.
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UNH STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS - DOWNTOWN DURHAM IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS – View a very nice video from UNH Communications.
UNH Communications and Public Affairs has created a new video for students to emphasize the importance of protecting public health and safety in Durham. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWc-Xbz5SVY&feature=youtu.be
- A reminder, per the Town’s emergency ordinance, employees of all businesses shall wear a face covering when interacting with the public and whenever they are within six feet of a co-worker or a customer.
- Members of the public entering or queued to enter, remaining in, or exiting from any business, including without limitation any outdoor area where business of any sort is conducted, work site, or Town of Durham government building, including the designated polling place at the Oyster River High School while elections are being held, must wear a face covering.
- Members of the public entering or queued to enter a restaurant or establishment serving alcoholic beverages for the purpose of picking up food for takeout or any other purpose must wear a face covering. Members of the public dining indoors or outdoors at a restaurant may remove face covering while seated at their table. Members of the public must wear a face covering when entering, using, or leaving the restroom of a restaurant.
- Members of the public utilizing sidewalks and other public ways within the Central Business, Professional Office, Church Hill, and Courthouse zoning districts as defined by the Durham Zoning Ordinance must wear a face covering when coming into contact with others and social/physical distancing of at least six feet is not be possible.
To read the full ordinance, including exceptions, go to https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/administration/durham-mask-ordinance-map
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UNH RELEASES ON CAMPUS COVID-19 TESTING STATS FOR COMMUNITY
While still protecting employee and student confidentiality and privacy, UNH will be making its COVID-19 testing stats available to the broader Durham community. No personal identifiable data will be shared. All data will be presented in aggregate in a dashboard that will be updated on a regular basis. Testing results will be sorted by campus location (Durham, Manchester, Concord) and by population (faculty, staff, student and contractor). UNH will avoid combinations of variables that would make it possible to identify individuals in some instances.
There are a few important things to note about these numbers…
The total cumulative number of tests includes people—primarily faculty, staff and contractors—who have been tested numerous times.
UNH doesn’t yet have results for a majority of its students because they were instructed to be tested no earlier than 8 days before arriving to campus.
Results are for testing performed by ConvenientMD and do not include data from Quest Diagnostics or other providers outside of the UNH testing program.
All test results collected in New Hampshire by the UNH Testing Program are reported to the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services. N.H. DHHS maps test results according to the reported living address when the test is performed. However, everyone tested through the UNH program (required) will be included in the University’s data to ensure UNH has the information needed to make informed decisions.
UNH students are required to be tested 2x per week. Faculty/staff are tested weekly.
UNH’s dashboard data is available now on their website HERE.
In terms of state reporting, UNH staff members will be attributed to their town of residence, not Durham (unless they live in Durham). Residents may also view the NH Department of Public Health dashboard map for COVID-19 HERE.
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DESPITE GIVING OUT 256 WARNINGS AND PROVIDING NEARLY 100 FACEMASKS, DURHAM POLICE HAVE NOT AS YET HAD TO ISSUE A CITATION – The goal of the ordinance is education and compliance, not punitive measures.
Durham Police are pleased to report they haven’t had to issue any citations thus far under the new facial coverings emergency ordinance. As of Thursday evening this week, DPD had issued 256 warnings and nearly 100 facemasks have been handed out. The police haven’t received any refusals to comply thus far and the usual answer is that people simply forgot to bring a mask with them or forgot to put one on. Once it is brought to a person’s attention they put on a mask and thank DPD for bringing it to their attention. Sergeant Pestana reported that last night nearly everyone Durham police encountered downtown, including the bar crowd, were wearing masks.
The emergency ordinance reads that anyone who violates this ordinance AND refuses to comply with local, county, or state law enforcement officers to meet the requirements outlined shall be subject to a fine. As was made very clear during the adoption process of this emergency measure, the goal of the ordinance is education and compliance. To date, no one has refused to comply with the ordinance and as such, no fines have been warranted.
What are the requirements contained within the Town’s Emergency Facial Coverings ordinance?
- Employees of all businesses shall wear a face covering over their mouth and nose when interacting with the public and whenever they are within six feet of a co-worker or a customer.
- Members of the public entering or queued to enter, remaining in, or exiting from any business, including without limitation any outdoor area where business of any sort is conducted, work site, or Town of Durham government building, including the designated polling place at the Oyster River High School while elections are being held, must wear a face covering. The Oyster River Cooperative School District, University of New Hampshire, and State and Federal authorities may have different regulations for their facilities.
- Members of the public entering or queued to enter a restaurant or establishment serving alcoholic beverages for the purpose of picking up food for takeout or any other purpose must wear a face covering. Members of the public dining indoors or outdoors at a restaurant may remove face covering while seated at their table. Members of the public must wear a face covering when entering, using, or leaving the restroom of a restaurant.
- Members of the public utilizing sidewalks and other public ways within the Central Business, Professional Office, Church Hill, and Courthouse zoning districts as defined by the Durham Zoning Ordinance Chapter 175 of the Town Code, must wear a face covering when coming into contact with others and social/physical distancing of at least six feet is not be possible. [For informational purposes only, these zoning districts generally encompass the following roads: Main St. from Garrison Ave. to Rt. 108 intersection; Dover Rd./Rt. 108 from Young Dr. to Newmarket Rd./Rt. 108; Newmarket Rd./Rt. 108 from Mill Pond Rd. to Dover Rd./Rt. 108; Schoolhouse Ln., Mill Rd. from Mill Plaza entrance to Main St.; Madbury Rd. from Main St. to Bagdad Rd.; Bagdad Rd. from Madbury Rd. to Dennison Rd.; Garrison Ave.; Strafford Ave. from Garrison Rd. to curve by Adams Tower; Woodman Rd. from Madbury Rd. to Dennison Rd.; Dennison Rd.; Pettee Brook Ln., Mathes Terr.; Rosemary Ln. Cowell Dr. from Madbury Rd. to Sauer Terr.]
- Members of the public utilizing public recreational lands are strongly encouraged but not required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth to the fullest extent practicable and especially where there is a high likelihood of coming into contact with others and social/physical distancing of at least six feet may not be possible.
- Residents, visitors, and members of the public entering or present at a residential complex of greater than two (2) units, whether inside or outside, are strongly encouraged but not required to wear a face covering in common areas and communal spaces to the fullest extent practicable and especially when there is a high likelihood of coming into contact with others and social/physical distancing of at least six feet may not be possible.
- As used herein “face covering” means a covering made of cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material, including surgical masks, without holes, that covers only the nose, mouth, and surrounding areas of the lower face. A face covering may be factory made or homemade and improvised from ordinary household material.
- Notwithstanding the above this order does not require children under 10 years of age to wear face covering (parents should make their own judgment). Face covering is not recommended for children less than 2 years of age.
- A face covering is also not required to be worn by any person if said person can show a medical professional has advised that wearing a face covering may pose a risk to said person for health-related reasons.
- A person may temporarily remove a face covering when in a business if obtaining a service or product that requires verification of the person’s identity or age.
View the Town’s Emergency Facial Covering’s Ordinance HERE.
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UNH DEVELOPS “HOT LINE” TO REPORT CONCERNS AROUND PANDEMIC – Available for use by community members as well.
The University is very concerned about student behavior that may affect the health, safety and welfare of the UNH and Durham Community, specifically as it relates to COVID-19. An on-line reporting form is where UNH students, staff, and faculty, as well as members of the Durham community, can report the following concerns:
- Students not wearing masks.
- Students not properly social distancing.
- Parties or large gatherings where students are not wearing masks and/or social distancing.
- Students who refuse to put on mask or properly social distance after being asked.
This form is not for reporting emergencies or reporting incidents to the police. If there is an emergency or you want to report an incident/issue to the police, please call 911 or Durham Police at 603-868-2324.
https://unh.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortalX/5A581337/18/684/Community-COVID_19_Incident_Re
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UNH WARNS STUDENTS AFTER “RECKLESS” PARTY BREAKS VIRUS RULES OFF CAMPUS
University of New Hampshire officials have issued a stern warning to students about off-campus partying two days after Durham police indicate 50 or so people ignored university coronavirus safety guidelines during an incident in a Main Street apartment. The town of Durham recently enacted a strict mask ordinance for public spaces that has resulted in police issuing more than 250 warnings and nearly 100 masks to violators to date.
An excerpt from an email to the UNH community from Kenneth Holmes, Senior Vice Provost for Student Life: "However, it saddens me to inform you that on Aug. 24, there were three UNH students arrested for unlawful possession and underage drinking at an off-campus party. The police report stated there were UNH students in attendance at the party, many not in compliance with university COVID-19 policies. It is reckless behavior such as this that will necessitate UNH pivoting back to remote learning only. I know we can count on each of you to reinforce the importance of compliance with COVID-19 health and safety protocols and guidelines with our students."
View an article in Seacoast Online HERE.
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A GATHERING OF MORE THAN 100 STUDENTS ON CAMPUS? - Some additional information fo the Durham community.
As first-year students begin to move into UNH residence halls, University staff held a planned ice cream social with acceptable physically distanced small groups broken down by residence hall floors. As the event dispersed the smaller groups unexpectedly came together resulting in photos depicting an inappropriate sized gathering.
While the vast majority of students were wearing masks, UNH will work to ensure the planning and execution of future social events meet its COVID standards from beginning to end. UNH notes the rapid response of its residential life staff and the cooperation of students.
An article in Seacoast Online concerning this issue may be viewed by clicking HERE.
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DID YOU KNOW? - The cost to dispose of discarded food waste in Durham's solid waste stream per month is around $3,500.00.
Food waste that decomposes in landfills releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is at least 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In addition, food that has been thrown in the garbage makes up between 30-40% of solid landfill waste. Durham’s fee to get rid of our garbage (solid waste) in July 2020 was $11,537.33 . Using a conservative estimate of 30% of that figure coming from food waste, our town paid $3,461.20 to dispose of our food waste in one month alone!
Learn more about easy ways to compost and bring down our costs next week!
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INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE and PARKS & REC. CREATE A COMPOST CHALLENGE - Seeking about 20 families to participate in a 6-week program...
The Durham Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee has been looking at ways to improve the town's solid waste program. Dramatic changes in the value of recyclable materials and concerns with future landfill space have challenged us to look for new solutions that are both environmentally and economically sustainable.
Removing organic material from the solid waste stream through a composting program appears to be a promising idea. The committee is looking to run a pilot program to determine the ratio of household composable to non-compostable waste.
We are looking for at least 20 families to participate in a 6-week program that will provide us with data to help us develop a community composting program.
View more information HERE.
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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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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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DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT STATISTICS FOR FIRST AND SECOND QUARTERS 2020
Both general and Housing Standards inspections have decreased due to changes in the department’s staffing level and the restrictions placed on inspection visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In regards to COVID-19 impact on the requests for service, the department has prepared a comparison of the most frequent responses by the department over the past three years.
Because of Covid-19 concerns about entering private apartments for inspections along with staffing vacancies in the Fire Prevention Bureau at the DFD, we are evaluating the temporary suspension of inspections associated with the Housing Standards Ordinance. More to follow in the near future.
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WHAT'S THAT SUSPICIOUS LOOKING MATERIAL FLOATING IN THE LAMPREY RIVER AT THE WISWALL DAM?
The DPW Department recently received a resident's concern about significant amounts of floating material in the Lamprey River at the Town's impoundment at the Wiswall Dam.
The material looked to the resident a lot like fecal matter, and numerous kids were right there jumping from the Wiswall Bridge into the river -- and into this material!
Although the kids did not seem to mind, with clumps of it in their hair (!), DPW was concerned and undertook testing to determine what it was.
The final conclusion was that due to the hot weather and the low flow conditions, that material was being released from the river floor causing it to float to the surface and collect at the dam.
So it's good to know the kids from Oyster River were not swimming on a hot day in... poop!
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Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project map. Courtesy Eversource
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EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY LITTLE BAY CROSSING PROJECT WINS AWARD FROM ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS COUNCIL OF NE
The EBC Nicholas Humber Award for Outstanding Collaboration is awarded to the Eversource SRP Little Bay Submarine Cable Crossing, a technically challenging project involving the installation of approx. one mile of buried submarine cable utilizing jet plow technology across Little Bay, an environmentally sensitive estuary located in Durham and Newington, NH. The cable crossing is part of Eversource Energy’s Seacoast Reliability Project, a new, 13-mile 115-kV transmission line that enhances reliability for current and growing energy needs in the Seacoast Region. Rigorous environmental surveys and studies developed in coordination with State and Federal agencies, and the development and implementation of numerous monitoring plans, including an unprecedentedly comprehensive water quality monitoring plan, required intensive coordination and collaboration by the utility, environmental consultants, engineers, laboratories, and the cable installer to ensure negligible water quality or ecological impacts.
The Little Bay Submarine Cable Crossing project team will be celebrated at the EBC Annual EBEE Awards on September 17, 2020.
Each year, the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) recognizes companies, organizations and individuals for outstanding accomplishment in environmental management, energy resources and management, and climate change through the EBEE Awards. These awards were established by the EBC to encourage companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and environmental professionals to serve as models for others to emulate and, in doing so, further the mission and objectives of the EBC.
The EBC, a nonprofit organization, was established in 1990 by environmental and energy company executives who began meeting on a regular basis to exchange ideas and share experiences.
It’s important to note that as a result of the Town of Durham’s significant efforts as part of the regulatory process before the NH Site Evaluation Committee, many of the environmental safeguards ultimately put in place for this project were evaluated and enhanced, resulting in an overall very successful project by Eversource.
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Durham's Supervisors of the Checklist and UNH teamed up on Friday to plan a voter registration table at the Town Hall for incoming University students as part of orientation activities. Courtesy Todd Selig
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL VOTING GUIDE FOR THE NH STATE PRIMARIES - An article from this week's The New Hampshire.
UNH students return to classes on Monday, just a week before New Hampshire’s Republican and Democratic State primaries on Tuesday, September 8. With the coronavirus (COVID-19) at hand, Durham’s town administration prefers that students take more time in advance when preparing to vote this fall.
The Town of Durham is encouraging students to register ahead of time and vote absentee to ensure everyone’s safety with the upcoming elections taking place in the midst of COVID-19.
Registration to vote takes place at the Durham Town Clerk’s office, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. The last day to register for the NH State Primary is Monday, August 31st and October 25th for the general election. Those who wish to register must bring proof of identity, residency, age and citizenship.
To read a more detailed article in The New Hampshire, click HERE.
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VOTER REGISTRATION – Monday August 31 is the last day to register to vote before the September 8 State Primary.
Town hall will be open from 8 AM – 4:30 PM on Monday and then again from 7:00 – 9:00 PM Monday evening. After that, if you want to vote in the Primary, you will have to register IN PERSON at the polls (Oyster River High School gymnasium). It is almost too late to register absentee in time for the primary. Any absentee registrations received between Monday and September 8 will be considered same-day registrations (see below for absentee registration details).
Voter registration for the November 3 General Election will continue until October 25 (and then again on election day).
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.
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.
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.
Requesting an Absentee Ballot
If you need to request an absentee ballot for the State Primary, you should download the request form, from the Town’s website or the Secretary of State’s website https://sos.nh.gov/. Please fill out drop it off at the Town Office in the drop box, or at the Town Clerk’s Office. If you bring it in person, we can give you your ballot immediately. You can also fax 603-868-1858, or scan the form and email it to Lorrie Pitt, Town Clerk at, mailto:lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us. The ballot needs to be returned in person by September 7, 2020, this is Labor Day, but the Clerk’s Office will be open from 3:00 to 5:00 PM to accept absentee ballots in person. The ballot can also be accepted by mail up until 5:00pm on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Election Day.
Due to Covid-19 anyone, that would like to vote by Absentee, can request an absentee ballot, for both the State Primary and the General Elections in 2020.
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A suspicious looking cloud formation looming over downtown Durham during the strong storm system that moved across the state last Saturday. Courtesy Maeve Amarosa
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RETURN OF UNH TO SESSION CREATES INTERESTING CHALLENGES FOR WASTEWATER PLANT OPERTATIONS – All wastewater flow on campus and off comes to the Durham facility.
Wastewater Division staff have completed maintenance on treatment equipment in advance of the return of UNH students. One of two primary clarifiers have now been brought online with approximately half of the flow routed to primary treatment to remove heavier loadings before reaching the secondary clarification treatment phase.
With the implementation of remote learning and changes in student and staff census, historic wastewater flows and loadings can no longer be relied upon, and the skill, experience and knowledge of treatment operators will be critical in adjusting treatment to account for increased flow volumes while maintaining permit compliance. Treatment plant operators will continue to operate ½ the treatment tankage, until flow and loadings dictate increased additional treatment.
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PROPOSED ZONING CHANGES RELATED TO AGRICULTURE BEFORE PLANNING BOARD AT PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPT. 9
The Planning Board is holding a public hearing on September 9 on extensive amendments to the Durham Zoning Ordinance related to Agriculture. You can see the pertinent documents at this link:
https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_planning/zoning-amendment-agriculture. The first item is a memo from Town Planner Michael Behrendt explaining various documents related to the amendments. Please feel free to contact Michael mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us if you have any questions or if you would like to send written comments about the amendments to the planning board.
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On Wednesday this week, the State House held a 100-year celebration of women being allowed to vote. Representative Janet Wall brought in the sign and flowers from the celebration, which are on display in the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's office. Courtesy Lorrie Pitt
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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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DOVER ROAD FORCE MAIN PROJECT UPDATE
Sargent Construction is working towards final completion. They will be submitting pay requisitions – with only retainage remaining for the one-year warranty period.
A purchase order was completed for Continental Paving to grade and repave Old Piscataqua Road. After evaluation of unit costs for paving within the Sargent construction contract it was determined that removal of paving from the Sargent contract was in the Town’s best interest and would save the Town over $100,000. This work is scheduled to begin in early September at which time the roadway will be paved to binder coarse pavement this season. Final coarse paving is scheduled for spring 2021 allowing the roadway to experience a freeze/thaw cycle and any settlement to occur.
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MORE SCAM TELEPHONE CALLS - If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, it's not actually from the Social Security Administration!
The Durham Police have received numerous calls this week from residents who received a voice recording telephone call purporting to be from the US Social Security Administration.
The voice recorded message says that there is a warrant for the recipient’s arrest and instructs them to “Press 1 to keep from being sent to the courthouse”. Once sent to the “Courthouse” the recipient is told that they owe back taxes and need to buy pre-paid money cards and to call back a certain number for further instructions.
Chief Kelley wants everyone to know that the Social Security Administration never calls people’s home or cell phones. If you receive such a call hang up immediately. Do not press one and do not engage in conversation.
Admin. Selig received the call from the Social Security Administration this week on his answering machine at home in Durham and felt particularly satisfied hitting "Delete" on the answering machine!
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(l-r): Steve Fournier, Newmarket Town Administrator; Todd Selig, Durham Town Administrator; Michael Joyal, Dover City Manager. Courtesy Gabi Selig
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DOVER CLEANS UP AFTER CENSUS CHALLENGE – Durham and Newmarket managers wash Dover fire truck.
At about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dover City Manager Michael Joyal sat contentedly in a director’s chair while the leaders of Durham and Newmarket polished a city fire truck with toothbrushes. “I think it’s only fair that I join in and participate,” Joyal said as he watched Newmarket and Durham Town Managers Steve Fournier and Todd Selig polish the truck’s hubcaps. “As a manager I’m going to supervise. Go ahead gentleman, it’s all yours.”
Dover finished first in a three-community 2020 Census Challenge with Durham and Newmarket.
As of the May 15 deadline for the competition, Dover finished first with 67.7% participation in the Census, Newmarket finished second with 66.4% and Durham was third with 54.9%. UNH students living in Durham were sent home due to the pandemic shortly after the friendly competition began, giving Durham a distinct disadvantage.
Newmarket won the 2010 challenge.
When the 2020 challenge began in March, the plan called for the losers to have to wash one of the other community’s fire trucks. But the drought in southern New Hampshire forced Dover to mandate community water restrictions last week, including prohibiting washing of city vehicles. As a result, the losing managers polished and shined the fire truck’s wheel wells.
Also, FYI...as of 8/20 data - the highest self-response census tract in Strafford County was in Durham at 80.1%!
Read the full article on line in Foster’s Daily Democrat HERE.
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A TRIBUTE TO THE DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT - By resident John Mince
Last week, we ran a tribute submitted by Durham resident John Mince for his Faculty Road neighbors that provided their support during his wife's illness. This week, Mr. Mince has asked that the following tribute also be published for the Durham Fire Department. It is a wall plaque that will be presented to the department at a future date.
To the Durham New Hampshire Fire Department
The Most Caring Fire Department on Earth
Your kind, strong, and expert care of my wife,
many times each day in her final months of life,
will remain with me for rest of mine.
I thank each and every one of you
with all my heart.
John Mince
Durham Resident
2020
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WATER DEPARTMENT SENSE METER UPGRADES AND OTHER WATER DEPT. ISSUES
The Water Division Chief Operator met with a representative from EJ Prescott to update Sensus meter reading system and installed software to re-program the meter heads to allow for readouts in one cubic foot increments. Other Water Division operations included:
- The water connection to the residence located at 30 Old PiscataquRoad and meter pit installation has been completed.
- Next week scheduled operations include the abandonment of the old water main on Old Piscataqua Road and removal of now obsolete fire hydrant and system wide metering reading operations which begin this Monday.
- Coordination with plumbing contractor at 1 Main Street to shut off service to replace valve.
- Rebuilding of Chemical Feed Pump at the Lee well to ensure dependable delivery of Chlorine disinfectant.
- Attendance at meetings with Durham residents to investigate high water usages ranging from running hoses to excessive use of outdoor irrigation.
- Water quality sampling within the water system
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Courtesy Krittenbrink Architecture
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ALPHA TAU OMEGA - Revised redevelopment plan presented to Planning Board.
In May 2020, the Planning Board approved a site plan and conditional uses for Alpha Tau Omega to establish a new home for the fraternity at 18 Garrison Avenue. Recognizing the significance of the Elizabeth DeMeritt House on the former UNH property, ATO planned to rehabilitate the structure and incorporate a large addition. Unfortunately, the bids for the project came in much higher than expected, due to the costs for renovating the 1930s building and meshing it with the addition, and the fraternity had to revise their approach. The Planning Board is holding a public hearing on September 9 on an amendment to the approved plans to demolish the existing structure, erect a new building, and make minor changes to the site layout. Here is a rendering of the new building which has been designed pursuant to the Town’s architectural regulations. View all of the documents related to the application HERE.
The University sold the Garrison Avenue property to the fraternity in 2014. ATO has a non-house chapter on campus now and looks forward to building a permanent home for 34-40 members. Elizabeth DeMeritt was the Dean of Women at UNH from 1919 to 1932. She was awarded an honorary Master of Arts degree in 1924 for her contributions in guiding young women. The building, designed by eminent UNH architect Eric Huddleston (no relation to the recent president) later housed the Upward Bound program which assisted students from low-income families in making the transition to college. Sarah Layton, who is overseeing the project on behalf of the landowner, Richmond Property Group of Indianapolis, said the owner is willing to explore ways of potentially commemorating both the building and Elizabeth DeMeritt as part of the new development.
It is useful to know that the initial architectural design for the structure as part of this application process was nothing like what is shown above. Dir. of Planning Michael Behrendt worked closely with the applicant, as he does with every application submitted, to suggest ways to improve upon/hone the design. The image above speaks to the results of this very productive process afforded to applicants by our capable planner (who is also a long-time Durham resident)!
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DURHAM'S ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION EVENTS MOVE ONLINE
The Active Retirement Association based in Durham will go virtual for its Fall 2020 programs for the first time in its 38-year history.
“We want to help ensure the safety of our members and do our small part in preventing spread of COVID-19 to the community,” said Ed Perkins, director of public relations. “There will be no indoor programming, at least for the fall.”
Online programs also extend services beyond the New Hampshire-Maine-Massachusetts area already served, Perkins said.
At the same time, membership cost for the 2020-21 year has been cut in half to $25. Following an academic calendar, ARA membership runs from July through June. Some outdoor activities like hiking and cycling may be available for area ARA members, following all CDC and state guidelines, whenever it is safe to do so.
View more information HERE.
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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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SCENIC ROAD TREE REMOVAL TOOK PLACE THIS WEEK – DURHAM POINT ROAD
This week DPW crews assisted Eversource in the removal of hazard trees located on Durham Point Road as approved by the Planning Board and recommended by the Tree Warden. The project involves all team members of the Highway Division and will take 3 days to complete. The crew is providing traffic control and removal of felled trees.
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DPW ASSISTS WITH UNH STUDENT ARRIVAL COORDINATION EFFORTS
Several members of the DPW team have been preparing for the UNH student arrivals with the installation of new signage and painting stencils in the downtown areas now completed in an effort to remind students, residents, and visitors of the new facial covering ordinance and taking proper safety measures to ensure the health of all.
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Fire Inspector Jessica Plante recently resigned from the Durham Fire Department to accept a position for another seacoast department. Jessica has been with the Durham Fire Department since 11/23/2015 and has been a tremendous asset to the department. Although we are sad to see her go, we wish her all the very best in her career and future endeavors.
Pictured are (l-r): Assistant Fire Chief Randall Trull, Jessica Plante, and Fire Chief David Emanuel
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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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CLOSED LANDFILL AT THE DOVER ROAD TRANSFER STATION – Public Works crews plan to perform maintenance trimming on overgrown areas of the landfill cap, tentatively scheduled for Sept 8th.
In September 2019 NHDES indicated that based on slightly elevated PFAS compounds in a few of the monitoring wells, further delineation is necessary to potentially establish limits. Stantec suggested that two additional well pairs be installed at locations further downstream of the movement of the PFAS (on the western side of Horsehide Brook). Estimates for the installation of these new wells including PFAS monitoring was $16,000. This work will be in addition to the yearly monitoring costs of $17,000. This is tentatively being proposed in 2021 budget within the contracted services line item for the transfer station which increases this line item substantially. Recognizing this significant budget impact, we intend to revisit this issue with NHDES to determine if other options may be equally effective in managing this increase.
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ODOR CONTROL SYSTEM AT THE WWTP SLUDGE GARAGE UPDATE
Public Works will begin to develop a Request for Qualifications document to select a water resources engineering consultant to design the odor control system for the sludge garage at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This project will be funded using existing wastewater capital funding.
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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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DPW PROVIDING ELECTION LOGISTICAL SUPPORT FOR SEPT. AND NOV.
DPW staff is working with town election officials and ORHS administration to prepare for the local and federal elections that are scheduled for September and November. Both elections will take place at the high school and there will be many changes and protocols associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.
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DRAINAGE/EASEMENT STUDY AT 10 & 12 BAGDAD ROAD
A public works crew member will meet with Alex Ross (who was hired to investigate the drainage/easement issue at this residence) tentatively on September 4th at 1pm so that DPW can remove the catch basin grates in Bagdad Road which will allow Ross to complete survey and obtain catch basin condition, invert depth and pipe condition.
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WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SCADA COMPUTER REPLACEMENT
This SCADA upgrade project, estimated to cost approximately $35,000, is out to bid with bids due on September 4th. The project scope includes replacing four outdated computers and software for the SCADA system at the WWTP which includes process software, data collection and alarm software. The project will be funded from existing wastewater capital account.
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Durham resident Bill Brown has grown his giant sunflowers again this year. Even though they are not as tall and the flowers are not quite as large this year due to the lack of rain, they still remain quite impressive. Courtesy John Pacheco
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DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS – Cutts Rd. and Ffrost Dr.
DPW is fortunate to have in-house expertise within the Highway Division, which allowed for the completion of two small drainage projects on Cutts Road and FFrost Drive involving the construction of drainage swales with check dams to address roadside erosion.
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DOVER ROAD PUMP STATION IMPROVEMENT IS NOT AS SCARY AS IT SOUNDS – Lear about the “Muffin Monster”!
The “Muffin Monster” channel grinder for the Dover Road pump station estimated to cost $100,000 and part of the wastewater capital plan is out to bid. The grinder is specifically designed to grind up flushable wipes and rags so that they do not bind impellers on main pumps at the station. Bids are due Sept 4th.
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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. Find our Library Director's most recent update HERE.
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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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Youth Services Fall Virtual Programs!
Programs begin Tuesday, September 8th. Register starting Tuesday, September 1st.
Youth Services September Calendar
Youth Services October Calendar
Programs include Zoom Storytimes, Baby Lap-sit, STEAM crafts to go, Young Adult Compassion Project, Crafts, Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) book group, Patch club and more. Don't miss our Joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries, "Creatures of the Night" an on-line visit from Squam Lake Science Center on Saturday, October 17th at 10:30 am.
Check out our Storywalk book, Waking Dragons by Jane Yolen in the rain garden behind the library. There will be a new, Fall Storywalk book starting the week of Sept. 21st.
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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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1642 - The first ascent of Mt. Washington was made by Darby Field, a settler of earlire than 1639, with a band of Indians as guides. The summit was reached alone as the Indians feared the wrath of the Great Spirit if they invaded his high place.
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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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