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Durham is one of three communities in New Hampshire that is served by the Amtrak Downeaster.
Courtesy Todd Selig
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The Bennett Road RR Bridge has a small hole/gap in the wooden decking so town staff are in the process of closing the bridge until NHDOT can investigate. This is a NHDOT bridge. Yikes!
A reminder that all Town Offices will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 2, 2019. Offices will reopen for business on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Please NOTE that although offices will be closed on Labor Day, there will be NO CHANGES TO THE REFUSE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION. Please have all items out by 7AM as per ordinance.
A reminder that there will be NO FARMERS' MARKET on Monday due to the Labor Day holiday.
Check out an article on the value of Durham’s trail systems by long time resident John Carroll on the Celebrate Durham website HERE.
Both UNH and ORCSD schools opened this week. It was a smooth start up on all counts!
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PLANNING BOARD VOTED WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO REMOVE 2007 RESTRICTION THAT PROHIBITED SAE FRATERNITY FROM SERVING ALCOHOL IN COMMON AREAS BASED ON PAST CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS - Fraternity celebrates with out of control party requiring police response Thursday night.
Despite the request of both Administrator Selig and the University of New Hampshire to leave a ban in place, on Wednesday night, 8/28/19, the Planning Board unanimously approved removing a longstanding restriction presenting alcohol in common areas at Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity located at 28 Madbury Road.
The Planning Board members wrestled with this issue since it was first presented to them on August 14 by SAE. It appeared the board approved the change for several reasons: this is the only fraternity with the restriction, members seemed to think it unfair to penalize current members for problems in the past before they arrived (although a January 2019 incident required police intervention), including the problems that lead to the restriction in 2007, and failure on the part of the fraternity to implement the restriction at the time and afterward, the fraternity brothers presented their case in a mature manner, and board members questioned whether this kind of restriction should be imposed through zoning.
So the restriction is now removed.
Last night, Thursday, 8/29/19, SAE had a party requiring police response and alcohol was present! It appears that the majority of the guests were women so it is quite easy to acknowledge that they were not “brothers”! Ironically UNH advises that NONE of the fraternities or sororities are able to host social events until the weekend of the 26th of September. Additionally no assembly permit was given to them through UNH according to Chief Kurz. UNH will be conducting an investigation.
Durham has lost an explicit control on bad behavior in one property through conditional use that might have been expanded over time to other greek houses.
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DURHAM SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST NOTICE
The Durham Supervisors of the Checklist will meet at the Durham Town Hall on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, from 5:30 -6:30 PM, to make corrections to the Checklist and to accept new voter registrations. Changes in party registration can also be made at that time.
Prospective voters will be asked to show proof of identity, age (18 by the next election day), domicile/residence in Durham, and U.S. citizenship.A driver's license and a birth certificate or passport are useful. Affidavits of domicile and citizenship may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
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MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES - ENCEPHALITIS (EEE) AND WEST NILE VIRUS
The Town of Durham has been monitoring the activity of both encephalitis and West Nile Virus outbreaks within the area and would like to remind residents that these are serious health concerns and to please take the following precautions in order to prevent the occurrence of EEE and West Nile:
Eliminate standing water and other mosquito breeding locations.
In warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than 4 days!
- Remove old tires from your property.
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or other containers.
- Don't overlook containers that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside.
- Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered and keep covers free of standing water.
- Aerate garden ponds or stock them with fish.
- Turn over wheelbarrows and change water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
- Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
- Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
Be aware of where mosquitoes live and breed and keep them from entering your home.
- Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor home for the adult Culex pipiens mosquito (the common northern house mosquito), which is most commonly associated with West Nile virus.
- Mosquitoes can enter homes through unscreened windows or doors, or broken screens. Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes.
- Resting mosquitoes can often be flushed from indoor resting sites by using sweeping motions under beds, behind bedside tables etc. and once in flight, exterminated prior to sleeping at night.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites
- If outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite. Children and adults should wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.
- Consider the use of an effective insect repellent, such as one containing DEET. Repellent containing 30% or less DEET (N,N-diethyl-methyl-meta-toluamide) are recommended for use by children and adults. Use DEET according to the manufacturer's directions. Children should not apply DEET to themselves. Repellents that contain Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus have also been determined to be effective.
- Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense, and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.
View more information regarding EEE and West Nile at the State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services' website HERE.
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SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING IN DURHAM - 2019 AND BEYOND - If you care about how we recycle in Durham, you should attend this forum on September 10.
Please join representatives of the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee, Durham Public Works Department, Durham Town Council, and Alex Fried of Post Landfill (and an Oyster River graduate) on September 10, 2019 at 7:00 PM in the Durham Public Library community room, 49 Madbury Road, for a conversation about Durham’s solid waste program and how and what we recycle. It will be an opportunity for our Durham community to take the first steps together envisioning what will be needed to meet today’s waste and recycling challenges.
This will be the 2nd of 3 community conversations the IWMAC is holding in order to have a holistic conversation with interested community members regarding trash and recycling locally. The first gathering was held in Council chambers in the spring. This 2nd session will be a repeat of the first in an effort to give residents who were unable to attend the first meeting an opportunity to discuss how we might manage our landfill waste and our recyclables. Pay As You Throw (PAYT) and composting will be part of the conversation. As we share information and ideas we will also keep in mind the 2019/2020 sustainability goals adopted by the the Town Council as they pertain to waste management.
Be part of the conversation and join us on September 10 at the Durham Public Library at 7:00 PM.
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DURHAM IS WORKING TO BE RESILIENT IN THE FACE OF BOTH ENVIRONMENTAL AND POTENTIAL FUTURE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
Efforts to build community resilience often focus on growing the capacity to bounce back from disruptions, like those caused by climate change. Over the summer, we devoted time and attention via the weekly “Friday Updates” to the numerous initiatives Durham has under way, many of which are in conjunction with UNH, to be resilient in the context of a changing climate. But climate change is not the only crisis communities potentially face.
Robust community resilience must do more. It must engage and benefit the broadest swath of community members possible, and consider all the challenges the community faces—from rising sea level to a lack of workforce housing, from understanding potential future enrollment headwinds faced by our community’s largest employer (UNH) to taking steps needed to encourage the ongoing public and private investment needed to keep our downtown vibrant, varied, bicycle/pedestrian friendly ... and quintessentially Durham! We want to encourage the active use and sustainable management of open space, active recreational programming, local sustainable agriculture, a welcoming and engaged community, a green future … and at the center of it all in many respects lies the need for Durham to remain on a solid financial footing as we have for nearly 20 years now.
The Great Recession occurred from approx. December 2007 to June 2009. June 2019 signals the 10 year anniversary, giving us a chance to look back in reflection. For local governments across the USA, the timeline of the downturn proved prolonged for employees and postponed for their governments. Employees first felt the impact at home – literally—as many experienced dramatic losses in home values and in personal investments. Then, over the next two years the plummeting of property values – in some instances as much as 70 percent nationally—translated into the loss of their employer’s primary source of revenue (property taxes) necessitating cuts and adjustments creating a double jeopardy of sorts. Private sector employees were hit even harder, many of whom lost jobs, were reduced in hours, lost benefits, lost equity in their homes, or worse. Remembering the Great Recession’s specific impacts to and responses by local government across the country can help us to better prepare Durham to ride out future downturns, just as we did twelve years ago.
Below are some “lessons learned” suggested in part by Cathy Swanson-Rivenbark, the former City Manager of Coral Gables, Florida, which she recently submitted for the June 2019 edition of City Manager (CM) Magazine published by the International City County Management Association (ICMA).
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Practice Optimistic Realism. Prepare realistic, not optimistic, revenue and expenditure estimates. Durham attempts to painstakingly do so as part of each budget cycle Our FY 2020 budget development process kicks off in September.
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Develop and implement a reserves policy and a responsible debt policy. Durham’s reserve policy establishes a "Minimum Target Unassigned Fund Balance” of at least 5% to 8% of the general fund’s annual budget, including Town, School and County appropriations. 2018 Total appropriations were $31,787,709. (5% = $1,589,385; 8% = $2,543,017) Our General Fund, Fund Balance as of 12/31/18 = $3,505,939 or 11%. In terms of debt, by state law communities must not incur net indebtedness exceeding 3% of their valuation. Durham’s debt limit is therefore $35,672,7767. Durham’s current outstanding General Fund debt is $11,090,568 or 31.1% of available debt capacity. So on both counts Durham is in very good shape.
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Manage and prioritize. During great financial stress, staff reductions and hiring freezes are often instituted to reduce operating expenses. Durham runs on bare bones staffing at all times so residents/taxpayers should feel confident that there is not excess to cut, unless we stop undertaking specific services, which few residents tend to support – Durham residents continuously express interest in increased levels of service and possess very high service level aspirations.
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Closely monitor changes in the local, state, and national economies for potential revenue impact. By state law, Durham’s investments, managed by the elected Trustees of the Trust Funds and the Town Treasurer, with support from the Durham Business Office, are only in very clearly defined and collateralized investment vehicles, as dictated by NH law. Durham is NOT investing in Junk Bonds. If the economy crashes, our cash reserves and investments will be secure.
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Create a “Stop Doing” List. Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, challenges leaders to create a “Stop Doing list” rather than a “to do” list for themselves and their organizations. Local governments can easily succumb to mission creep or adopt heart-felt practices that detract from core services. This is often a challenge in Durham. Difficult financial times might actually give us permission to revisit and reset the work programs and priorities we undertake. What expenses do we incur that are "nice to haves" rather than "must haves"? The recent discussion concerning granite versus asphalt curbing on Faculty Road is an excellent example.
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Have an Employee Assistance Program in place to provide support Town staff. Our Town employees can’t help citizens if they are worried about providing for themselves and their families. Durham has a good EAP program in place.
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Keep the Council and the community fully appraised of the Town’s economic position, challenges, opportunities. Durham has a strong history in doing just this -- what you are reading now is a case in point.
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Maintain critical infrastructure. As tempting as it is to postpone maintenance when dollars are depleted, critical infrastructure must be maintained. In fact, a financial downturn is often the best time to make investments because labor costs are less expensive and often Federal grant programs can be leveraged for progressive communities like Durham. In fact, Durham was able to complete a wide array of capital public works projects during the Great Recession utilizing ARRA funding. We did so because we had already planned ahead and could be "Johnny on the spot" when the opportunities arose. We want to be in that position once again.
Here are some additional positives Durham has going for it...
- Employment – many are local – university – less chance of layoffs;
- High percentage of property taxes paid, even during the Great Recessio;.
- Durham is constantly looking at ways to reduce costs and increase service – Kaizen!
- Our infrastructure is fairly stable and we have been consistently reinvesting;
- Because of its diverse economy, NH is typically impacted less during recessions versus the rest of the country. Assessed value of properties in NH tends to be less inflated than the rest of the country during economic upturns, and it falls less during economic downturns. The Seacoast is impacted less than NH. Durham was impacted less than much of the Seacoast. And the Seacoast is one of the strongest economic regions in the state at the present time -- and I predict into the future as well.
On the down side, we continue to see fairly little economic investment in Durham in terms of new development, which means there are not new tax dollars coming on line to offset public sector (town/school/county) costs. For example, we had estimated that our assessed valuation would increase by about $9 million in 2019. Assessor Jim Rice let me know the actual increase he has just calculated for tax rate setting purposes is only $6 million. The upshot moving forward is that we need more local investment through development to maintain or mitigate current tax rate levels in Durham.
This item will be a topic of discussion at the September 9th Town Council meeting.
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Wildcat statute on UNH campus. Courtesy Todd Selig
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EVERSOURCE RELEASES SCHEDULE FOR CROSSING OF LITTLE BAY FOR SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT – NH Supreme Court denies petition from CLF and Durham resident intervenors to stay project.
The NH Supreme Court last week denied a request from the Conservation Law Foundation and Durham citizen intervenors to issue a stay (or cease and desist) of the NH Site Evaluation Committee’s permit for Eversource to proceed with the Seacoast Reliability Project crossing of Little Bay. The US Army Corps has also issued all necessary permits after its review of the Eversource application. The Conservation Law Foundation has subsequently appealed the US Army Corps permit to the Federal courts. Meanwhile, Eversource is moving forward with the burial of the cable under Little Bay this fall.
Cable installation will include the following three methods of burial…
Jet Plow: The majority of the cable burial will be performed with a jet plow. The plow works by guiding the cable into the sea floor to bury it. It uses water jets to create a temporary path in the sediment. The volume of the water jets is controlled to minimize sediment disturbance. The sediment will resettle around the buried cable.
Hand Jet: Due to water depth, the jet plow cannot bury the cable close to shore. In these areas, the cable will be buried with diver-held hand jets that pump sea water through a hose to a hand-held nozzle.
Trench: An excavator will be used to bury the cables in the intertidal zone as they come ashore. The excavated trenches will provide 3.5 feet of cover for the cables. The trenches will join the hand-jet segment to the land portion of the transmission line.
A trial run of the jet plow will be conducted on a 1,000- ft. section of the cable route. The jet plow trial is required by NHDES and includes environmental monitoring for the same physical and chemical constituents required during the complete cable lays. The results will be provided for NHDES’s review and approval prior to conducting the actual jet-plow operation.
Existing Cable Removal: About 2,600 ft. of obsolete cable will be removed from the path of the cable corridor in the bay. A cable removal plan has been approved by the NHDES and includes disposing of the pieces of cable by either recycling or appropriate disposal on shore.
Visit http://Eversource.com, call 888-926-5334, or mailto:NHProjectsInfo@eversource.com to learn more.
Concrete Mattresses: Concrete mattresses are mats of interconnected, precast-concrete forms that conform to the bottom of the seafloor. The mattresses are low in profile, approximately 9 inches high. The purpose of the concrete mattresses is to protect the cables from anchors, recreational activities and weather, when/if the full burial depth of 3.5 feet cannot be reached. Natural vegetation and aquatic organisms will help camouflage the mattresses.
Silt Curtains: Bottom-sealed turbidity barriers will be used in shallow areas to control suspended sediments during cable burial.
Environmental/Construction Monitoring: NHDES is requiring extensive monitoring to measure environmental effects, and modification to cable burial practices, if needed, to control effects. During cable burial in Little Bay, Eversource will employ Best Management Practices, as required/approved by NHDES, designed to protect the environmental resources in Little Bay. NHDES will require detailed monitoring to assess the effects of the cable installation on water quality, salt marshes, shellfish, eelgrass, and other aquatic organisms. Monitoring plans for these environmentally sensitive areas are being reviewed and approved by NHDES. Monitoring will be conducted during and after the construction, and the results will be submitted to NHDES.
Post-Construction Monitoring: When the project is completed, monitoring of the bay floor and aquatic organisms will continue. The environmental monitor will assess the condition of these resources in the year following completion of the cable installation. The restored salt marshes on both sides of Little Bay will be monitored for a minimum of five years to ensure full recovery.
Estimated Little Bay Crossing Schedule: The cable crossing will take place in the fall 2019 to minimize impacts to organisms in Little Bay and summer recreation.
- Jet-Plow Trial: Early September 2019
- Existing Cable Removal: Early – mid-September 2019
- Trench Excavation: Mid-September – early October 2019
- Jet-Plow Cable Burial: October 2019
- Hand-Jetting: October – November 2019
- Concrete Mattress Installations: Late November 2019
This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
View more detailed information HERE
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e-scooter courtesy WWW Getty Images
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MICRO MOBILITY CONCERNS – The thought of hundreds of e-scooters potentially zooming along on sidewalks, crisscrossing lanes within downtown traffic, and being left helter-skelter, pell-mell along sidewalks and private property is causing real anxiety for TSC members.
Some of the discussion at this week’s Traffic Safety Committee concerning e-scooters (electric scooters) potentially coming to Durham also involved earlier agenda items related to parking in the downtown and the applicability of corrals for these devices. This topic is very concerning to the TSC as the Town is not prepared for the arrival via a contractual arrangement between the vendors and the University of New Hampshire and/or any other private entity (think large student housing complexes) located with the jurisdictional boundaries of Durham. In fact, there was discussion about the Town’s ability to even create an ordinance and the potential of seeking enabling legislation though Concord. That discussion lead to the idea of suggesting to the Town Council that it enable a moratorium on allowing e-scooters in Durham until staff has time to research, plan, implement and then evaluate potential ordinances related to all aspects of having e-scooters within Durham. Conclusions: Chief Kurz is to engage with the Town’s legal counsel to develop proposal for Town Council consideration establishing a moratorium and then begin reviewing necessary elements for the creation of a comprehensive ordinance on e-scooters. We will potentially schedule a “First Reading” for an ordinance creating a moratorium to be presented to the Council by the October 7, 2019, assuming the Town has the legal ability to do so under NH law. Meanwhile, the UNH Student Senate is very interested in bringing such devices to Durham and UNH.
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BICYCLES TURNING ONTO DURHAM POINT ROAD FROM ROUTE 108 - Aggressive traffic raises concerns for bicyclists.
This is an item that has been discussed several times at the Traffic Safety Committee regarding whether it is appropriate to request from the state the installation of a bicycle lane for turning actions from Route 108 onto Durham Point Road. Part of the discussion reminded the TSC about the restrictions due to the historic designation of the area. NH DOT worked within tight confines to ensure that there was space for the travel lanes while maintaining historic stone walls and other items preserving the historic character of the location within the Town’s historic district. Ultimately the TSC concluded that it was not endorsing the addition of designated bicycle lanes, as this would only encourage faster passing traffic, determining that bicyclist should use existing lanes to turn or if they feel uncomfortable doing so, walk their bicycle across Route 108 when able. Conclusions: No bicycle turning lanes recommended. The Town has had conversations with NHDOT about installing sharrows/bikes may use full lane signage in this location and this concept will be explored further.
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COULD WE REVISIT THE LAYOUT OF THE SAMMY’S LOT TO INCREASE PARKING CAPACITY?
Administrator Selig organized a meeting with Public Works Director Mike Lynch, Town Engineer April Talon, Town Councilors Jim Lawson, Sally Tobias, and Al Howland, Economic Development Director Christine Soutter, Police Chief Kurz, and Parking Enforcement Officer Sandra Hebert recently to talk about potential locations for structured parking (Campus Crossing potentially as part of a hotel project, 66 Main Street as part of a future redevelopment, Depot Road Lot, Pettee Brook metered Lot, Sammy’s Lot, etc.). All have pro’s and con’s, the biggest con being the cost, which is in the range of $25,000 - $35,000 per SPACE. During the discussion, the group also gave consideration to whether we might be able to enhance our existing parking layouts in Durham to add surface spaces – at a much more economical cost. One location that was discussed and which offers some real potential was the Sammy’s Lot (behind the Durham Laundercenter/Hayden’s Sports/Young’s). Public Works Director Mike Lynch is looking at different configurations, one of which could potentially add an additional 12 spaces. Kaizen! The idea needs more review, which will follow in the coming weeks.
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A REQUEST TO REDUCE THE SPEED LIMIT WITHIN THE WOODRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD TO 25 MPH
Speed limits within the Woodridge Neighborhood was raised by residents and discussed this week by the Traffic Safety Committee. Public Works Director Mike Lynch reviewed Mill Road prior to the meeting and found that the posted speed limits on Mill Road, leading to the Woodridge neighborhood, are appropriately posted. While the speed limit from Main Street is 25MPH, it changes to 35MPH heading out of Town. Mr. Lynch noted that there are several yellow “cautionary” signs that have a curve warning with a “suggested” speed of 25MPH posted on them. This is not an enforceable speed limit but purely a caution to an approaching curve.
The speeds in the Woodridge neighborhood are 30MPH the TSC would be happy to recommend adjusting this speed if that was the consensus of the neighborhood. However, the TSC would want a petition outlining this request as it involves rewriting Town Ordinance, presenting to the Town Council for First Reading, and then holding a Public Hearing on the amendment to the Town Code. All this is very possible but we have learned over time that sometimes neighborhoods are not speaking with one voice so a petition expressing the desire to reduce the speeds THROUGHOUT Woodridge would be most welcomed.
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SHOULD PACKERS FALLS ROAD SPEED BE REDUCED FROM 35 TO 30 MPH?
The neighbors of a shared driveway on Packers Falls Road expressed concern to the Traffic Safety Committee about a curve that exists on this roadway. A motorcycle fatality occurred in the location earlier this summer. One resident explained how there is a cautious procedure that they must use as they exit the common drive with very limited visibility. Upon pulling up to Packers Falls she rolls down the window to listen for approaching vehicles to ensure that she has the ability to enter the road due to the severity of the curve with a lack of sight-distance. Several improvements were discussed including an enhanced curve warning sign, blind driveway sign with a flashing warning light as a last resort. A speed digital speed readout showing current speed was suggested as a possibility by the resident. The residents are asking for a speed reduction from 35 to 30 acknowledging that anything would help! Conclusions: The TSC discussed clearing foliage but that land is not within the Town’s right-of-way and may not be effective in any event. Jim Lawson will set-up the StealthStat in this area to gather speed data which he will formulate and have for the next meeting. Additionally, Durham PD will continue to conduct directed patrols at this specific location in an attempt to create a slower environment.
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DURHAM FARMERS' MARKET - Each Monday afternoon in the Sammy's downtown lot off Pettee Brook Lane
Be sure to stop by the Durham Farmers' Market being held on Monday afternoons at the Sammy's/Store 24 Parking Lot. A variety of locally produced farm products, prepared foods, and fine crafts will be available Mondays 2:15 - 6:00 PM.
There will be no Farmers' Market on Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd.
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Bike rack in downtown Durham Friday afternoon. Courtesy Todd Selig
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BICYCLE PARKING IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM – Doing more to encourage bicycle usage through safe/convenient storage options.
This week, the administrative Traffic Safety Committee talked about an initiative suggested by Planning Board Chair Paul Rasmussen based on his observations and concerns pertaining to the lack of bicycle parking areas in the downtown. Although there are a number of singular bike racks in the downtown area, he believes the Town should consider the installation of additional designated bicycle parking areas (similar to the bicycle “sleds” utilized by UNH on campus where 6 to 10 bicycles could be stored simultaneously) in areas adjacent to where people want to shop and/or dine, but safely away from cars. UNH is embracing this concept with classroom specific corrals to encourage bicycles to be parked in a singular area rather than having bicycles attached to building walkway railings, etc. Further discussions were favorable to the approach with concern about removing scarce vehicular parking spaces but wide-ranging including using small park traffic islands, although concern was expressed about using Memorial Park in this manner. The potential future redevelopment of 66 Main Street complete with public/park space might present real opportunities moving forward. Conclusions: Public Works Director Mike Lynch will review the downtown with a focus upon identifying potential spaces. Additionally, urge the Planning Board that they should consider making recommendations for future developments, especially in the downtown area, that bicycle corrals may be an appropriate requirements.
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NEW PARKING FEES TO BE IMPLEMENTED
Parking in Durham is a highly complicated issue that falls under the Durham Police to manage. With downtown customers, businesses owners, employees, and numerous persons with business at the University of New Hampshire all competing for limited parking spaces that they desire to be in close proximity to where they want to visit, challenging is often an understatement. The costs to manage the parking program as well as the oversight of the technological systems involving sophisticated computerized kiosks each with WiFi connections that authorize credit and debit payments, are significant. The personnel costs associated with the management of the program are also substantial even with the strategy of using UNH work-study students to assist during the busy academic school year reducing expenses. Another challenge is the cost associated with the use of credit cards, the most prominent payment option used in Durham. This is considerable for the Town as each transaction costs an average of $1.00. While these transaction fees are not a significant issue if the person pays for multiple hours of parking, those only seeking an hour of parking ultimately costs the Town of Durham more than is being realized via the parking fee.
While the Durham parking system was never intended to be a revenue stream for the Town it is critically important that the fees charged cover the expenses associated with operating the program. In meetings this summer to develop a strategy that would offset these expenses while not negatively impacting the downtown businesses parking costs, Chief Kurz gathered a number of stakeholders to discuss the program and establish a reasonable fee structure. The focus was to develop a balance that did not materially raise the downtown parking fees while simultaneously providing longer parking time allocations for people with business in Durham or at UNH and charge for that benefit accordingly. Additionally, the University of New Hampshire had adjusted their parking fee schedule over the summer and these were significantly higher than Durham’s. This fact would undoubtedly entice those who might normally park at UNH to pay a lesser fee at Durham’s parking spaces. All of these considerations were compiled and a proposed fee structure was presented to the Town Administrator for his consideration and implementation. This week, the parking kiosks were adjusted to reflect these new offsetting fees. The matrix below provides an understanding of the new fees for individual areas governed by Durham’s parking ordinances.
View parking information HERE.
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ROADSIDE TRIMMING IN DURHAM SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE SECOND WEEK OF SEPTEMBER
The growth of saplings, branches, and weeds along Durham roadsides is a real concern obstructing signage, sight distances, and in some cases forcing vehicles and people out of their lane.
Public Works is aware of the concern in numerous areas around town. Resources have been stretched thin at DPW across many competing priorities this summer, including some illness, position vacancies, and summer vacation schedules.
Brush cutting on sidewalks in the vicinity of the schools is being addressed this week (should be wrapping up by today).
A crew will begin general roadside cutting during the second week of September. Roadside trimming is not the most attractive process but it is necessary to keep foliage from growing into the roadways/sidewalks and over time keeps saplings from growing into trees below utility lines, which ultimately becomes an issue as they get taller.
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SERVICE CREDIT UNION VICTORY CLUB RAFFLE TO SUPPORT THE DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
2 SCU Victory Club Tickets, Home Opener September 21st, UNH vs. Rhode Island
1 raffle ticket for $5.00. 5 raffle tickets for $20.00. Value of tickets is $200.
Club members receive...
- Seat ownership of the best seats in the house.
- Exclusive access to the luxurious climate-controlled Service Credit Union Victory Club.
- All-you-can eat upscale buffet with carving stations.
- Access to a Club Level outdoor patio area featuring game day fare.
- Premium parking located near entrance.
- Spacious 22-inch wide fixed seat with back, arm rests and beverage holders.
- VIP seating outside, in front of the SCU Victory Club
Raffle Ticket Sales
If interested in purchasing a raffle ticket(s) please contact the DBA at mailto:durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com
Winner to be drawn on Friday, September 13, 2019 at the SCU Victory Club.
Winner does not need to be present to win.
Thank you for supporting the Durham Business Association.
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SPEED TABLE ON EDGEWOOD ROAD HAS BEEN RESTORED FOLLOWING REPAVING PROJECT
DPW was able to successfully accomplish reinstalling the speed table on Edgewood Road as planned this week.
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Former Durham District Courthouse and old Town Hall building on corner of Route 108 and Main Street. Courtesy Todd Selig
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MADBURY ROAD/ROUTE 4 INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT UPDATE
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is starting to plan for improvements to the Madbury Road – Route 4 intersection.
The project area will extend 1,000 feet in each of the four directions from the intersection. NHDOT has asked the Town for information about natural, cultural, and community resources located within or close to the project area. See the link below which includes a letter from Melilotus Dube, Environmental Manager at NHDOT, and a map of the project area. Please send any comments to Michael Behrendt, Town Planner, at mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us. He will convey to NHDOT in the early fall a list of concerns which will be considered as NHDOT moves to the design phase. We expect that NHDOT will hold a public information meeting some time later.
View a letter from Melilotus Dube, Environmental Manager at NHDOT, and a map of the project area HERE.
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UNH TRAFFIC PLANNING UPDATES – From Wayfinding signage to the Nancy Page burial site, a lot is happening...
UNH Special Transportation Projects Manager Steve Pesci discussed the following items from UNH this week with Town staff…
- Striping on repaved Main Street has been completed after a walking “punch list” was created.
- The sidewalk that is to be constructed on the south side of Main Street from the Field House to the round-about is back on track after significant archeological research of the discovered grave site of Nancy Page was concluded. There is now a clear path forward, no pun intended, as there is an accepted mitigation plan. Construction will commence next Spring.
- A bus shelter and enhanced pedestrian signals are being completed at a crosswalk between Mast Road and the round-about.
- Wayfinder signs and banners are almost complete around the campus and in the downtown area. These signs look very good!
- More roadway was added to South Drive and while emergency vehicles and special events may open the gate recently installed, there is about $1.5 to $2 million in additional work before this is a completed project, and that would be addressed at some point in the future when/if funding allows.
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REMINDER! HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - Morning of Saturday, October 26, 2019
The 2019 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 - 11:30 AM. To register, you must call DPW at 603-868-5571 or mailto: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.
NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - LATEX AND OLD-BASED PAINTS, MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE. These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with a 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.
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l-r: Sgt Jack Dalton, his daughter Carli, Chief Dave Kurz, Officer CJ Young, Captain Dave Holmstock, Detective Katie Bolton, Officer Brett Pestana, Officer Michael Nicolosi, SRO Tom Kilroy, Sgt. Jonathan Lavoie and his daughter Maddie, Officer Chloe Robidas, Administrative Assistant Jen Johnson and Police Volunteer Kim Ward.
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OYSTER RIVER FRESHMAN ORIENTATION
Each year Oyster River High School has a half-day orientation for the incoming freshman class. While the students navigate through the high school for the first time, Durham police officers take this opportunity to say hello by serving the new Freshmen class lunch. For the past twenty (20) years, the Durham Police have interacted with the kids at this exciting time in a very non-law enforcement manner! What better way than to provide them with food! Working with the Durham House of Pizza, police officers don serving gloves and provide a variety of pizza with bottled water as they end their orientation events and begin their high school career. Thanks to the officers who volunteered their time and the Durham House of Pizza for their outstanding assistance!
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CHANGES TO THE STATE FIRE CODE ESCAPE WINDOW REQUIREMENT INTERPRETATION - Rules have been relaxed.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) recently released ‘Informational Bulletin 2019-01’, a document that supersedes a previous document from 2009 and provides clarification on the office’s interpretation of the State Fire Code’s requirements for escape windows.
Owners of properties that contain rented dwelling units may be familiar with the previous document, as it is often discussed during housing standards inspections. In short, the SFMO’s new interpretation of the escape window requirements is more relaxed in most cases. For example, the previous interpretation suggested that existing windows of less than 4.5 square feet clear opening in a double hung-style window was an imminent danger. The new interpretation indicates that existing windows that are a minimum of 20 inches by 24 inches, and providing a minimum of 3.3 square feet clear opening when opened normally, would be an acceptable secondary means of escape.
Owners of rental dwelling units that have been previously cited as having an escape windows that do not meet the previous interpretation, and have not replaced their windows yet, should measure their current windows to determine if they may meet the provisions described in the new bulletin.
If they do, or if the owner is unsure, they are urged to contact the fire department at (603) 862-1426 to schedule a time to discuss their situation.
The fire department will be reviewing its records in the coming weeks to identify properties with rental dwelling units that have outstanding escape window violations, and plan to reach out to the owners to discuss this further.
View the full bulletin HERE.
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TOWN COUNCIL-INITIATED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REGARDING AIR B&B ESTABLISHMENTS
The Town Council initiated an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to address the advent of the Air Bed and Breakfast-type of establishment and sent it to the Planning Board for review. The board is holding a public hearing on September 11 on the proposal, which can be viewed HERE.
A bed and breakfast operation provides homeowners with some extra income but it can also have significant adverse impacts upon a neighborhood in terms of traffic, parking, trash, noise, unruly guests, and partying, if it is not carefully managed. Feel free to email comments to the Town Planner at mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.
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THE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY CENTER AT UNH – A nice resource that is available to Durham residents.
Did you know that UNH operates an on-campus therapy center for local families, couples, and individuals? Day and evening appointments are available and fees are based on a sliding scale. If you are interested in setting up an appointment or would like to learn more, call 603.862.2134.
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Whittemore Center Arena on the UNH campus. Courtesy Todd Selig
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DURHAM ENERGY COMMITTEE - Oyster River Middle School Back-to-School Update
Vacation season is slowly winding down- if you’ve been on adventures, welcome back! While you were on the beach, many energy--and environmental--related happenings occurred. Here are a few noteworthy examples:
July 2019 was one hot month: July is on track to be the hottest month in recorded history, climate scientists say, after heat waves blanketed North America and the Arctic saw warmer than usual temperatures. It’s the latest sign that the planet’s overall climate is warming, and that human activities are causing extreme events such as heat waves to become more likely and more intense.
EPA rolls back climate regulations aimed at coal plants: The US Environmental Protection Agency relaxed regulations for coal-fired power plant operation. Under the EPA’s new rules, power companies would not be forced to switch from coal.
The good news is that the availability of cheaper natural gas, solar and wind energy has already prompted many power companies to close coal plants, with or without the federal government telling them to do so.
EPA rolls back automobile pollution control standards: The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed to ease fuel efficiency standards for US vehicle emissions. The standard made with automakers in 2012 requires cars and light trucks to achieve at least 46 mpg by 2026. Removing that standard would keep standards at the 2020 level of only 32 mpg.
The good news is that California, as well as 12 other states and Washington DC, have higher emission standards than the national standards under the Clean Air Act, and are fighting to keep these standards.
Climate change is a national concern: Combatting climate change ranks at the top of the concerns of the American public. Democratic presidential candidate Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington was passionate enough about this issue that he centered his candidacy around tackling climate change.
Why are we discussing these issues? With every new headline, we are increasingly conscious of the importance of our environment and climate, and of minimizing our impact on the planet, for our children’s sake and our own well-being. Two of the four pillars of the design vision of the proposed middle school are directly related to environmental/climate issues;
Sustainability: To design a facility which impacts the environment to an absolute minimum in its construction and operation.
Health: To design a healthy school environment.
Designing and constructing a zero-net middle school reflects our commitment to strong environmental stewardship. In the coming months, articles on the proposed middle school project published in the "Friday Updates" will discuss innovative design considerations on this project. This will be an exciting year!
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Map of Aquaculture Applications in Oyster River just off Wagon Hill Farm shoreline. Courtesy NHF&G
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AQUACULTURE APPLICATIONS PENDING BEFORE NHF&G - Presentation to Town Council on September 9, 2019 followed by Public Input
On Tuesday, August 20, 2019, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department held a public hearing on three proposed marine aquaculture license applications at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Region 3 Office, 225 Main St., Durham. The applications are as follows:
Gallagher application
Rankin application
Virgin Oyster application
Generally speaking, the sites would be located south of Wagon Hill Farm near the confluence with Little Bay. Various kinds of shellfish would be raised including oysters, clams, and quahogs. The methods include trays that would be submerged at all times and others that would float on top of the water.
Durham resident Malcolm Sandberg attended the hearing and reported to the Administrator that the hearing was very well attended and concluded around 1PM. He said that no one there appeared to be opposed to oysters or oyster restoration in the river or estuary. All but one or two speakers from the standing room only crowd opposed commercial operations. The public hearing on the application was closed; however, the public comment period was continued to November 2, 2019 to allow additional research by impacted parties, including the Town of Durham, abutting Durham property owners, UNH Crew, Great Bay Rowing, and the general public.
Robert Atwood, Biologist for the NH Fish & Game Department, has been invited to attend the Town Council meeting on Monday, September 9, 2019 to provide an overview for three proposed marine aquaculture license applications to be placed at mouth of the Oyster River located off Wagon Hill Farm shoreline. Mr. Atwood gave a presentation to the Durham Conservation Commission at its meeting on Monday, August 26, 2019. View Mr. Atwood's PowerPoint presentation to the DCC, along with notes from the public hearing conducted by the NH Fish & Game Department HERE.
At the conclusion of Mr. Atwood’s presentation on September 9th, the Town Council will open the floor to receive input from the public in regards to the three applications pending before the NH Fish and Game. Comments/concerns obtained from the public will be taken into consideration when, at its October 7, 2019 meeting, the Council will discuss and develop its recommendations to be submitted to Fish and Game prior to November 2, 2019 for its consideration regarding this matter.
This is not a formal Public Hearing of the Town Council.
Members of the public desiring to provide input will be allowed between 3 to 5 minutes each to speak, depending upon the number of speakers.
Submit feedback to NHF&G at mailto:Robert.Atwood@wildlife.nh.gov.
Submit feedback to the Town Council at mailto:council@ci.durham.nh.us.
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CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP VOLUNTEER NEEDED
Brookdale Spruce Wood at 25 Worthen Drive in Durham is seeking a volunteer in the Durham community to facilitate an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group. A day long training with the Alzheimer’s Association is required, and then once a month for an hour and a half the volunteer would join Meghan Wentworth, Clare Bridge Program Manager at Brookdale and facilitate the group with her. This would place Brookdale on the map for the Alzheimer’s Association and others in the area would know about the meeting and would be able to attend and get the support they need.
Questions regarding this matter can be addressed to Meghan Wentworth, 603-659-1100, mailto:meghan.wentworth@brookdale.com
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AmeriCorps volunteers at the Milne Sanctuary. Courtesy Ellen Snyder
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AMERICORPS NCCC SPENDS A DAY AT THE MILNE NATURE SANCTUARY - These young people are just terrific!
National Civilian Community Corps, or AmeriCorps NCCC is an AmeriCorps program that engages 18- to 24-year-olds in team-based national and community service in the United States. The Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GBNERR) in Greenland engaged a group of AmeriCorps for a two-week stint. The Corps team was so effective and efficient at completing the projects that the GBNERR asked some of its partners if we could benefit from their help. For sure! So, on Tuesday this week, ten AmeriCorps members arrived with two GBNERR staffers and spent the day assisting Land Stewardship Coordinator Ellen Snyder with many projects at the Milne Nature Sanctuary. We got a ton of work done, including:
- Moved the memorial granite bench closer to the Milne Memorial.
- Rebuilt the stone wall from the bridge toward Mill Pond Road, digging out many big rocks.
- Dug and pulled a lot of invasive plants.raked smooth the areas where Orion Tree Service did stump grinding of the invasive Norway maples.
- Spread remaining wood chips on pathways.picked up trash and did some weed trimming and mowing.
Thanks to the GBNERR for loaning their AmeriCorps team to Durham for a day. After their stint in New Hampshire, the team heads to Ohio for several weeks to assist with quail habitat restoration, part of their 10-month service. Good luck and thanks for your help AmeriCorps NCCC.
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VOLUNTEERS ARE KEY! (A few shout outs!)
Volunteers continue to be an integral part of making Durham’s trails and conservation areas more accessible and sustainable. John Nachilly has helped with many trail projects. On two Saturday mornings, Stephanie and Erith Pitts helped Ellen Snyder pull invasive glossy buckthorn at the Thompson Forest. Jean Olson, Suzanne MacDonald, Eve Kornhauser, and Scout Deems Brant assisted with ongoing stewardship at the Milne Nature Sanctuary. Gale Carey helped build the new kiosk at Doe Farm. Thanks to all.
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OVERVIEW OF UPDATED PERMIT PROCESS FOR PERMISSIBLE CONSUMER FIREWORKS IN DURHAM
The Fire Department has implemented a new permit for permissible consumer fireworks. The permit has been created to address the need for permitting for non-commercial fireworks displays on private property in Durham.
In order to receive a permit, the permittee must be at least 21 years of age, own the property or have written permission from the owner of the property where the display will take place, and purchase the fireworks from a licensed retail store in New Hampshire.
They must also read the State Fire Marshal’s brochure titled “Safety Information for the Use of Permissible Consumer Fireworks”.
If residents are interested in obtaining a consumer fireworks permit, the permit can be found on the Fire Department’s website to be printed and brought to the Fire Department with the $25 fee. See the Fire Department’s website for more information or call the station to speak to a member of the Fire Prevention Team.
Access the Fire Permit at the permits page of the fire department HERE.
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Durham FD Remembrance Ceremony 2018.
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DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT HOSTS SEPTEMBER 11TH REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
Members of the Durham Fire Department will host their annual September 11th Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at the Durham Fire Department, 51 College Road, Durham, NH. All are invited to attend.
Please plan to arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 8:25 a.m. as College Road will be closed beginning at 8:30 a.m. Opening remarks will begin at 8:45 a.m. Light refreshments will follow the ceremony.
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2019 DURHAM HISTORIC TREASURE HUNT
The 2019 Durham Historic Treasure Hunt is open to Durham residents ages 8-17, and will run through the end of August.
View more details HERE.
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COME VISIT THE DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION MUSUEM - There are incredibly interesting historic artifacts to view from Durham's rich history.
The Durham Historic Association Museum doors are open to the public every Tuesday and Saturday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. through Labor Day weekend.
Explore Durham's 400-year history in eight chronological periods, from the Abenaki settlement on the Oyster River to the present, in air-conditioned comfort.
BE OUR GUEST!
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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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Active Retirement Association Hosts Info Picnic, Monday, Sep 9, 2019, 11:30 AM at Stratham Hill Park pavilion, 270 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham, NH. Learn more by viewing Community Programs & Events below.
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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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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY UPCOMING EVENTS
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FALL PROGRAMMING BEGINS THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 3RD
Tuesday, September 3rd and Thursday, September 5th, 10:30 am
Pre-school Storytime"Back to School"
Tuesday, September 3rd, Registration is open for Lego Club and Crafternoon.Register online.
Save the Date! Tuesday, September 17th, 6:00 pm
The Real Eastern Coyote, with Project Coyote's Chris Schadler
Learn the true story of the eastern coyote – how and when it arrived in New England, how it lives among us but is rarely seen and how it contributes to keep our forests and fields healthy. Learn why it is a creature of our own making! It is smart, beneficial and by its presence, gives “wild” back to our wild lands.
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*Academic year commenced August 24th and will be measured through graduation at UNH in May.
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
The above matrix marks the beginning of the UNH Academic year. Consequently, it may be appropriate to discuss how the Durham Police measure arrest data that is displayed on this table. It is accomplished via three specific categories, weekly activity, academic year and calendar year. Each category is designed to assist in the planning process of allocating police personnel at appropriate times and in the appropriate places. The arrest data for the first week of the academic year began anew on Friday which is why the week statistics and start of the academic year are low. As UNH often begins the academic year on different weeks each year, the statistics from this exact week in several years data would appear out of context and/or skew comparisions to those of previous years. Consequently the above matrix does not include data for some years as the academic year would have started another week. In any event, the weekly arrest data will begin anew with this report! If there are any persons who you believe should be receiving the weekly arrest report, please let me know so that I might add their email address. Here’s to a quiet, prosperous and safe year!
Unfortunately the thirty-five (35) arrests for the first weekend are almost double those of last year which were the lowest number of arrests Durham has experienced since the information began being collected.
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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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1930 - For many years the annual freshmen-sophomore rope pulls across the mouth of Beards Creek just below the highway bridge were the steller events of the fall. When the freshmen won, there was no hazing that year. They never won. The pulls were especially spectacular when the tide was out.
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Durham resident, Warren Smith practicing bagpipe at the Mill Pond for a competition in Albany, NY. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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Have a safe and very nice Labor Day weekend.
... And if you find the weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass along to a friend/neighbor and encourage them to subscribe. While the weekly publication is long (sorry!), the reality is that there is a LOT happening in this wonderful community and we work hard to let people know about it so they can become involved. Currently we have around 3,300 active subscribers. It also doubles as an integral part of our emergency broadcast system.
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