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Durham's Town Pound located at the intersection of Newmarket Road and Durham Point Road. The original wooden enclosure built in 1709 was replaced in 1808 by a stone structure and restored in 1908. Courtesy Todd Selig
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Despite the hot and humid weather this week, Durham is experiencing the first signs of the season changing. A yellow or slightly red tipped leaf can be seen here and there. With the fall semester beginning and August drawing to a close, UNH is looking ahead to see how long the Outdoor Pool will stay open. Based on the current weather forecast and staff availability, the last day for the 2018 season will be Sunday, September 9th. View the pool schedule HERE.
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A reminder that all Town Offices will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 3, 2018. Offices will reopen for business on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.
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.
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WHO TO CALL IF YOU HAVE NOISE/TRASH CONCERNS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
If residents have concerns about noise issues coming from rental properties in their neighborhood, please do not hesitate to call the Durham Police Department day or night at (603) 868-2324.
Concerns about over occupancy or trash can be directed to Code Enforcement Officer Audrey Cline by calling (603) 868-8064 or emailing Administrative Assistant Karen Edwards at mailto:kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us
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PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CHECKLIST SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2018
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, on a proposed revision to the checklist that it uses in reviewing conditional use applications. The checklist is not a part of the ordinance but a tool that the board uses to ensure that the eight required criteria are met.
View the current checklist that is used and the proposed revised checklist HERE.
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DO YOU GENERALLY SUPPORT RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS BUT ARE ALSO CONCERNED WITH POSSIBLE VISUAL IMPACTS OF THIS TECHNOLOGY ON A NEIGHBORHOOD? Check out the revised draft of a Solar Energy Systems Ordinance for Durham.
A revised Solar Energy Systems ordinance will be presented for public hearing with the Planning Board on Wednesday, September 12, 2018.
Background on Development of the Ordinance: A small working group lead by former Energy Committee chair Charlie Forcey created a new draft ordinance for the Energy Committee. The Energy Committee made numerous changes to the draft and presented it to the Planning Board for a prospective amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. The board made a few changes to the draft and posted it for a public hearing on April 25. The public offered many comments on the draft both in writing and at the public hearing. The Planning Board then spent several months revising the draft based upon the public comments and other considerations.
View the revised draft and related documents HERE.
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Attorney Tom Irwin from the Conservation Law Foundation (at podium, left) questions members of the Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project construction team (right) before the NH Site Evaluation Committee (SEC) (center) on Thursday of this week in Concord. Courtesy Todd Selig
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ADJUDICATIVE HEARINGS FOR THE EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT BEGAN THIS WEEK
We had a full day of hearings on Wednesday and Thursday questioning first, Eversource CEO Bill Quinlan, then six members of the Eversource construction team on Jet Plowing across Little Bay, concrete mattresses, pole design, pole appearance, pole placement, pole height, underground at Main St., potential impacts on the existing Eversource right-or-way & access roads, etc., and finally Victoria Bunker, Eversource’s historical expert, relating to the identification and protection of historic resources along the proposed project route. Attorney Doug Patch, on behalf of Durham/UNH, the attorney for Newington, the Attorney for the Public from the NH Dept. of Justice, the Durham Historic Association (DHA), the Durham residents group, and other interveners and their attorneys had the opportunity to extensively question Eversource representatives for two full days. The hearings continue during the week of September 17th.
The hearing schedule is anticipated to continue into October.
As part of the SEC process, the DHA has expressed concern regarding the reality that there will be heavy logging activity and other project-related equipment along the existing 100' wide Eversource right-of-way easement because most trees will be cleared out to ensure the proposed new transmission lines/poles are not threatened by falling trees/branches in accordance with national standards for 115 kV lines; these trees have been allowed to grow to maturity by Eversource, with the result that much more damage could potentially be done when they are cleared during the project if approved by the SEC. Eversource will be hauling in tons of crushed gravel to build these engineered roads/access ways as needed. Unexpectedly, Eversource's historic expert upon questioning by an attorney for an intervenor group yesterday noted that bringing in such gravel material would actually serve to protect any historic resources that exist along the corridor. In addition, people might assume Eversource will be using the current access roads – just the cleared roads over unaltered ground, as has been adequate since 1900 – before this era of heavy equipment used to erect concrete foundations and 85' (on average) poles. However, access roads will need to be improved on a case by case basis to support the equipment associated with this project if approved by the SEC.
There will also be a lot of blasting, especially between Longmarsh Road and Durham Point Road, where the easement passes over some historic granite quarries.
The project will impact the 7+ mile existing 100' wide Eversource right-of way easement corridor if the proposal is approved by the SEC.
Here is a link to the original DHA testimony dated 7/31/2017 on the Town of Durham website for interested residents.
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CONSTRUCTION ON RT. 108/NEWMARKET RD. TO WRAP UP FOR THIS SEASON BY LATE-NOVEMBER - Horray! :)
NHDOT intends to have all of the work completed at the Durham end near the Durham Point Road intersection by the end of this construction season (November/early December). They would only leave final wearing course paving, which would be done in 2019.
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DURHAM CONSIDERING "POOPER SCOOPER" ORDINANCE
Recently the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) & UNH conducted a study in Dover using a DNA fingerprinting technique to match bacteria found in water samples to bacteria from specific sources, including humans and domestic animals. With this forensic science, NHDES found that dogs are a significant contributor of bacteria in surface waters including a small creek in Dover that flows into the Bellamy River.
Although there has not been a study in Durham, we are not immune from this challenge. It is interesting to note that rain or snow runoff can carry pet waste directly into waterways or storm drains, which usually empty without any treatment into a stream, river, or estuary. Untreated fecal matter can be a source of harmful bacteria and nutrients. Just as we don’t want human sewage in our water, it is important to prevent pet waste from being carried into our waterways. And it isn’t just water quality that can suffer. Leaving pet waste on the ground, especially in public areas like parks or playing fields may pose a risk to children, adults, and even pets. It's also disgusting and very inconsiderate of fellow citizens.
Did you know that pet waste carries disease causing organisms such as Giardia and Salmonella which can make water unsafe for drinking or swimming; to protect the public from illness, swimming beaches and shellfish beds can be shut down due to bacterial contamination, and pet waste can be a cause of that contamination. Pet waste left on playing fields or in parks can be unhealthy and messy. There are currently over 800 dogs registered in the Town of Durham and many others that enjoy Wagon Hill from outside of Durham. Scooping your dog’s poop isn’t just a courtesy for those walking behind you; it’s the healthy and environmentally sound thing to do.
Here are some easy steps for dealing with your pet’s waste:
- Always carry a plastic bag when you walk your dog. They are provided at Wagon Hill
- Re-using an old newspaper delivery bag or plastic grocery bag works well
- To avoid unpleasant surprises, check the bag for holes before your pet’s walk
- Use the bag as a glove to pick up the pet waste
- Turn the bag inside out around the waste, scoop it up, seal the bag, and dispose of it in a trashcan
- Don't place bagged or un-bagged pet waste in a storm drain or hose pet waste towards storm drains as they drain directly to a stream, river, lake or other water body
- If you have a large yard, bury un-bagged pet waste about 5 inches deep in the ground away from vegetable gardens and waterways; remember that compost piles may not get hot enough to kill disease-causing organisms
- Remove waste from areas where children play or you garden
- Wash your hands with warm, soapy water after dealing with pet waste
Police Chief Dave Kurz will be presenting an ordinance for discussion to the Durham Town Council later this Fall that would focus upon dog fecal debris being left on Town property including right of ways along roadways throughout Durham.
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An aerial view of the Mill Plaza within Durham's Central Business District (CBD) with Main Street and UNH/Mill Road in the distance. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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MILL PLAZA SITE PLAN REVIEW POSTPONED
At the request of Colonial Durham Associates, Mill Plaza property owner, the site plan review for the redevelopment of Mill Plaza originally scheduled for the Planning Board’s agenda for September 12, 2018, will be postponed to the board's October 10, 2018 meeting. We understand the Mill Plaza owner is currently in discussions with Hannaford endeavoring to work through concerns Hannaford has raised with the existing project plan.
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NATURE CONSERVANCY PROPOSED LAND CONSERVATION PROJECTS - Lord Tract and Walker Tract
Jan McClure, Land Protection Director at the Nature Conservancy in Concord, is pursuing grants to purchase and protect two properties in Durham, known as the Lord Tract and the Walker Tract. Jan McClure, Land Protection Director of the organization, presented the plans to the Durham Land Stewardship Committee and the Conservation Commission. The Commission enthusiastically endorsed the projects and voted to allocate $5,000 from the Town’s Conservation Fund toward the purchase of each of the lots (subject to action required by the Town Council).
The 10.5-acre Lord tract abuts The Nature Conservancy’s 233-acre Lamprey River Preserve and includes 1,660 feet of frontage on the Lamprey River. The 30-acre Walker tract abuts The Nature Conservancy’s 282-acre Lubberland Creek Preserve and is surrounded by other conservation land in the Crommet Creek Conservation Area.
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PLANNING BOARD TO DISCUSS SEVERAL TOWN COUNCIL-INITIATED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS REGARDING THE CBD AND RELATED MATTERS - Intended to allow more flexibility and encourage desirable investment/development in downtown Durham.
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 on several Zoning Ordinance amendments. View the proposed amendments and the Council Communication about the amendments HERE.
The Council Communication states: “In late 2016, the Council referred a proposed zoning amendment to the Planning Board that made Mixed Use with Residential a “Not Permitted” use in the Central Business District. The Planning Board recommended that the Town Council not adopt the proposed zoning changes, and the Town Council ultimately did not move to First Reading on the proposal. During the Planning Board review and Town Council discussions, many long term downtown property owners became engaged in the review and discussion. Although the proposal did not move forward, there was a consensus between the Town Council and property owners that Central Business District zoning should be reviewed during the following year with more community and property owner input.
“This past year, Councilors Tobias and Howland, Economic Development Director Humphrey and the Economic Development Committee have engaged in informal discussions with many Central Business District stakeholders. A working group comprised of Councilors Howland, Tobias and Lawson, Town Planner Behrendt and Economic Development Director Humphrey was established by Administrator Selig this spring to review the CBD zoning and make recommendations on zoning changes. The zoning changes presented in this Council Communication were developed by this working group.”
The proposed changes include the following...
- Allowing more flexibility in configuring office/retail and residential uses within a building by overall percentage of square footage rather than by designating uses by floor.
- Increasing the allowable density of dwelling units from a minimum of 1,200 square feet of land per unit to a minimum of 600 square feet of land per unit.
- Increasing the allowable density of occupants in an unrelated household in an apartment from a minimum of 600 habitable square feet to a minimum of 450 habitable square feet.
- Increasing the allowable density of occupants in an unrelated household in an apartment from a minimum of 600 habitable square feet to a minimum of 300 habitable square feet where two out of three floors are used for office/retail.
- Requiring Planning Board approval for a developer to pay the parking impact fee rather than building the minimum number of parking spaces.
- Changes in Definitions.
- Minor changes in architectural standards that are now covered by the Architectural Regulations.
- Other minor organizational changes
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Former Great Dam site, Exeter, NH. Courtesy Todd Selig
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A VISIT TO THE GREAT DAM SITE IN EXETER WAS VERY INFORMATIVE LAST THURSDAY
Our visit to the Great Dam site in Exeter on August 23, 2018 went very and I think proved quite valuable to all who participated. The Exeter Town Manager, Public Works Director, Town Engineer, and one of their Selectpersons spoke with a group of about 20 from Durham for roughly 90 minutes at the Exeter Town Office, followed by a walk to the former Great Dam site itself, followed by a visit to the Exeter Library (which overlooks the dam site) to see historical displays commemorating the history of the Great Dam.
Here are a few takeaways:
- Exeter had a letter of deficiency from the NH Dam Bureau for their dam and worked for roughly 15 years to address what to do.
- They initially spent roughly $230,000 on preliminary/feasibility engineering design to evaluate 3 strategies to repair the Great Dam, and eventually 1 additional strategy to remove it.
- The impetus to remove came from a petition by roughly 500+ signatures/residents after the Selectpersons were unable to decide upon a clear direction concerning what to do with the historic structure. By a split 3-2 vote, the board there apparently did not take action.
- The historic/cultural/environmental/financial considerations in Exeter were very similar to what Durham faces today with our own Mill Pond Dam (with an estimated $1-$5 million dollar estimated cost). One difference is that the Great Dam (and the associated impoundment) was also a part of the Exeter water supply (holding back 60 million gallons of water).
- Exeter then expended another $372,000 on design engineering and permitting for dam removal.
- The cost for removal was roughly $1.5 million.
- Exeter had to build a new groundwater plant to replace some of the storage capacity lost with the removal of the dam.
- Some of the mills in Exeter had water rights to the dam and these had to be addressed.
- There were ongoing flooding concerns to private businesses/properties associated with the presence of the Great Dam in Exeter.
- There were safety concerns with sending Exeter DPW staff to try to open the gates on the dam during dangerous flood conditions. Durham has this same situation.
- Exeter was unable to find grant funds for dam repair, but identified and eventually obtained roughly $750,000 in grant monies to offset the cost of removing the dam. The Exeter Town Engineer indicated that if Exeter had started down a dam removal path earlier in their process, they could have obtained significantly more grant money to offset the total project cost.
- An historical resource committee was created to commemorate a suitable remembrance for the historic dam structure. The NH Division of Historic Resources was part of the formal Section 106 process for dam removal of an historic resource. The same Section 106 process would apply to the Mill Pond Dam.
- Exeter involved citizens in detailed discussion throughout the process and stressed the importance of giving everyone an opportunity to ask their detailed questions and to offer their ideas.
- It was a very charged/emotional issue in town.
- Ultimately, a bond referendum for dam removal passed by more than 66% at Exeter’s Town Meeting.
- The projected design for the dam removal was accurate to the final product.
- During deconstruction, pieces of the old dam were available for residents to take home.
- Exeter officials indicated that many residents who were initially opposed to dam removal ultimately came to support the final outcome of the process and are now happy with the free flowing river.
- Craig Stevens filmed for DCAT. He is on vacation this week so we’ll have a production available to share with the community in about a week.
- The actual site today is absolutely beautiful.
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REMEMBER TO SUPPORT THE DURHAM FARMERS' MARKET EACH MONDAY AFTERNOON AT JACKSON'S LANDING -- Market closed for Labor Day
The Farmers Market organized by the Seacoast Growers Assn. occurs each Monday afternoon. Attendance has been off again this year. The farmers there have asked us to remind residents to stop by the market on Monday afternoons at Jackson's Landing.
There will be no Durham Farmers Market on Labor Day September 2. After that the markets will continue into October.
The fresh local produce at Market is bountiful and tastes terrific in this the heart of summer!
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Left to right: Administrative Assistant Jen Johnson, Captain Dave Holmstock, Officers CJ Young, Emily Festa, Katie Bolton, SRO Holly Malasky, Deputy Chief Rene Kelley, Detective Tom Kilroy, and Detective Sergeant Jack Dalton
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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 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 way!
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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BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS UNDER WAY FOR FY 2019
Over the course of the summer, Durham’s department heads as well as the Town’s various boards, committees, and commissions (as well as external organizations to which the Town makes payments for services such dispatch, ambulance, OYRA, social service agencies, etc.) have been preparing their proposed budgets and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) requests for FY 2019 for consideration by the Administrator as he works to prepare a formal FY 2019 budget proposal for the Town Council as part of the annual budget development process this fall.
Business Manager Gail Jablonski has organized budget meetings with each of the Town’s department heads to enable herself and Administrator Selig to meet with departments and better understand budget requests, as well as departmental Capital Improvement Program requests.
Members of the Town Council have been notified of each of these meetings and have been invited to attend if they have an interest in doing so.
One of the Town’s Council’s approved goals for FY 2018-2019 states: “Hold the municipal tax rate at the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 level of $8.48 (or the equivalent figure based on reassessments) or less. For the medium and long-term, the Town will make an effort to control its spending and explore innovative ways to reduce the municipal tax rate.”
There are numerous requests from departments that will be considered by the Administrator as part of the upcoming process in the weeks to follow.
Per Town Charter, the Administrator is charged with the development of the annual budget and CIP program. The proposed annual budget must be submitted to the Town Council by the last business day in October. The Town Council by Charter then has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget or the Administrator’s budget becomes the budget of the Town by default.
The requested CIP projects will be presented to and discussed with the Planning Board during its meeting on September 12, 2018. Interested members of the public should view that meeting to learn more about requested capitol projects from departments, boards, committees, and commissions.
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IF YOU SEE SOMETHING WRONG, ODD, OR NOT QUITE RIGHT, PLEASE CALL THE POLICE
With the beginning of the UNH academic year it is a great time to discuss that the very essence of community policing is that the community and the police work together to confront crime and the fear of crime. The vast majority of Durham residents understand that the police cannot be everywhere simultaneously to observe criminal or suspicious activity as it occurs and the department finds it difficult to patrol residential areas with the frequency residents, businesses and the police prefer. So Chief Kurz urges you to contact the police at 868-2324 or 911 if you see, hear or sense something is not quite right. An officer will respond quickly and resolve what may or may not be a criminal activity. When law enforcement works directly with residents and businesses we collectively are going a long way toward reducing crime, improving quality of life, and enhancing public safety.
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A Share the Road sign on Mill Pond Rd. in Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig
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WHAT ARE THOSE MARKINGS ON THE STREET ("SHARROWS")? Durham's Main Street joins Daniel Street, Portsmouth — and other communities across the country — in encouraging a sharing of the road by motorists and bicyclists. The "sharrow" marking (a combination of "share" and "arrow") indicates lanes used by both cars and bicycles. Drivers and cyclists alike have the right to use the FULL sharrow lane.
Sharrow markings are often used when there is not enough space to allow for separate bike and motor vehicle travel lanes. They alert both drivers and cyclists to take extra care.
In Durham, you can see sharrows on Garrison Avenue between Madbury Road and Main Street — and more recently on Main Street in a couple of "pinch" areas or areas in which a bicyclist may make a left-hand turn from the right-hand lane on Main Street onto Madbury Road (in front of Libby's).
NH law (RSA Section 265:143) states that bicyclists and motorists have the same rights and duties under the rules of the road (with a few exceptions). View the NH Department of Transportation's brochure HERE.
The Federal Highway Administration for the first time included information about this signage in its 2009 edition of the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices" (MUTCD), the national standard for traffic signs and road markings.
According to the MUTCD, the sharrow assists cyclists with lateral positioning in a shared lane with on-street parallel parking in order to reduce the chance of a bicyclist's hitting the open door of a parked vehicle. It also assists bicyclists with lateral positioning in lanes that are too narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side within the same traffic lane. The sharrow may be used in addition to or in place of the "Bikes May Use Full Lane" sign.
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Sharrow in Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig
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HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF WHO WILL BE LIVING IN THE NEW RIVERWOODS DURHAM PROJECT ON STONE QUARRY DRIVE...
Riverwoods received deposits for all 150 independent units remarkably quickly. This is a testimonial to the exceptional reputation of Riverwoods and the attractiveness of Durham. Justine Vogel, President of Riverwoods, shared these numbers with us. Individuals who made deposits are coming from these places (with some fluctuation in the numbers):
Durham: 29 (~20%)
Other seacoast NH towns: 54 (~35%)
The rest of NH: 33 (~20%)
Massachusetts: 7 ( ~5%)
All other states: 27 (~20%)
(from 12 states, the furthest being Arizona and Oregon)
There are 75 people on the waiting list.
In addition, Riverwoods Durham is considering returning to the Planning Board to propose extending the sidewalk along Dover Road from its present terminus at Old Piscataqua Rd. to Stone Quarry Drive, depending upon final project costs.
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IT'S ELECTION SEASON -- Where it's okay and not okay to place political signs
As election season nears we would like to remind Durham’s citizens and individuals supporting various political campaigns of the state and local regulations for placement of political advertising. NH State RSA 664:17 regulates signs placed on or affixed to any public property including highway rights-of-way.
In a nutshell, political advertising may be placed within state-owned rights-of-way as long as the advertising does not obstruct the safe flow of traffic and the advertising is placed with the consent of the owner of the land over which the right-of-way passes (such as a private dwelling that has frontage on a State road). The RSA may be read HERE.
Medians within the State rights-of-way are a “no-place” zone, and will be removed by the State. One such median is the triangle planted and maintained by the Town of Durham in front of the historic Courthouse on the corner of Newmarket Road and Dover Road. We ask that no advertising material be placed in this median to be consistent with State law. Also, no advertising may be placed on the Town’s property including the rights-of-way; any such advertising will be removed and taken to a central location at the Transfer Station where it may be picked up if desired.
Political advertising is allowed on private property with the caveat that it does not create a safety hazard to traffic, pedestrians or ingress/egress from the property. Durham’s ordinance 175-126 B regarding political signage on private property may be read HERE
We thank you , and happy voting!
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FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVERTISEMENT FOR ADMIN. ASST. YIELDS 140 APPLICANTS
We’ve had a tremendous response to our advertisement to fill the administrative assistant position at the DFD, around 140 in all, of which a team of reviewers narrowed the field to +/- 25 applicants. Chief Emanuel spent the day yesterday identifying the top 13 candidates. The review process continues.
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TWO UPCOMING EVENTS AT FIRE DEPARTMENT: SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF NEW/RETURNING STAFF & SEPTEMBER 11TH REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
We would like to invite you to two fire department events in the first weeks of September.
The first is the swearing in ceremony for Deputy John Powers and Probationary Firefighter Evan Crafts, which will be conducted at the Town Hall on Tuesday September 4, 2018 at 10:00 AM.
The second is the DFD’s annual September 11th memorial service, which will be conducted at the Fire Department flag pole and memorial markers on College Road on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 8:30 AM.
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CHIEF KURZ IN WASHINGTON DISCUSSING TECHNOLOGY NEEDS FOR THE FUTURE OF POLICING IN THE UNITED STATES
The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ), RAND and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) convened a select group of law enforcement executives to identify and prioritize future criminal justice technology and related needs. Chief Kurz initially thought there had been a mistake in the invitation as the fifteen police departments included Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, Dayton, Ohio, Seattle, and Florida State Police as an example. All of the agencies have larger staff in their technology departments than the entire Durham Police Department. As 87-91% of the police agencies in the United States have less than 20 police officers, Chief Kurz’s insight to smaller agency current and future needs was well received. From this meeting, which Chief Kurz’s travel expenses were fully paid by the Department of Justice; the Rand Corporation will be publishing a list of discussion topics for further consideration.
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ADMINISTRATOR SELIG TO ATTEND UPCOMING ICMA CONFERENCE IN BALTIMORE, MD
Mr. Selig will be attending the upcoming International City/County Management (ICMA) Association Annual Conference, this year being held in Baltimore, MD, from 9/21-9/26.
Each year, through its Annual Conference, ICMA continues its tradition of offering an abundance of educational, information-sharing, and networking tools to help City/Town Managers manage their community in today’s complex environment.
In addition to daily keynote sessions, educational and Solutions Track sessions, roundtable discussions, ICMA University workshops and forums, field demonstrations, and numerous demonstrations of technology applications, ICMA’s Annual Conference offers new opportunities to help fulfill a commitment to career-long learning.
Keynote speakers this year in Charm City include Daniel Pink, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Greg Bell, and Wes Moore.
It’s also an opportunity to speak informally with City/Town Managers from across the country concerning issues of common interest.
Learn more about ICMA HERE.
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A simulation created by Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) showing what the living shoreline at Wagon Hill Farm would look like upon completion. Courtesy SRPC
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WAGON HILL FARM LIVING SHORELINE PROJECT DESIGN IS PROGRESSING NICELY AND IS NEARLY FINALIZED
One of the efforts supported by the Strafford Regional Planning Commission’s Fiscal Year 2019 Coastal Program grant is Durham's Wagon Hill Living Shorelines project. SRPC began working with the town in 2016 to help visualize a future shoreline at Wagon Hill Farm. Durham decided to implement a “living shoreline,” which is a stabilization technique that uses a variety of structural and organic materials such as wetland plants, submerged aquatic vegetation, oyster reefs, coir fiber logs, sand fill, and stone.
In 2016, SPRC created the poster "What Could a Living Shoreline at Wagon Hill Farm Look Like? View the poster HERE.
The town still uses it for outreach purposes. Last week, Shayna Sylvia, communications and outreach specialist, finished updating the poster to reflect the most current design approach being discussed by the project team. That poster can be viewed HERE
Both posters will be displayed at the town's Durham Day event at Wagon Hill Farm on Saturday, Sept. 22.
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TOWN DEPARTMENTS AGAIN EXPRESS INTEREST IN MOVING FORWARD WITH A GIS INITIATIVE IN 2019
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a computer based mapping system that links elements or layers of a map to a database. Layers within a map may include parcel lines, roadways, water bodies, sidewalks, zoning boundaries, etc.
Users can create, retrieve, analyze, model, and present data. Data can be disseminated via the web, hand held devices, digitally through pdf or PowerPoint, or paper. The data within the system is referenced to the NH State Plane, feet coordinate system. The standardization of the data allows for it to be transferred to and from third parties more readily.
GIS in Durham could be utilized by many departments, boards, committees, and by citizens/developers for myriad purposes.
Perhaps the most recognizable use would be the assessor’s tax maps. Via an intranet webpage users could access the mapping database at the click of a button.
Information on parcels, streets, water bodies, prime wetlands, etc. could be available in this dataset. The Fire Department could utilize GIS data within their emergency response system and inspection software. Address locations might come loaded with assessing information on use codes, occupancy, and building structures. Other layers such as water lines and hydrants and signs could be displayed in the program.
The Planning/Zoning Department could make use of GIS for zoning, prime wetlands, and conservation mapping. GIS could also be used for flood mitigation, traffic management projects, locations of calls for service for public safety personnel.
Public Works could utilize GIS as part of their asset management software. Assets accounted for in the program might include hydrants, manholes, catch basins, pipes (water, sewer, and drain), and streets. The Engineering Division at the DPW would use GIS for day-to-day activities and project planning.
The functionality of GIS allows for a wide array of uses. Specific users may require intricate details but many departments may benefit from a single user’s efforts. Since mapping applications can be diverse, interdepartmental cooperation is a necessity in managing accurate and timely datasets.
The proposal was not funded in 2018 due to funding constraints. We will evaluate once again for FY 2019.
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FROM THE SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The Supervisors will hold a session at the Durham Town Hall on Tuesday, September 4 from 7:00 – 7:30 PM for the purpose of registering new voters. Proofs of domicile, citizenship and ID should be brought if available. Driver’s license, passport and/or birth certificate are helpful. Check the town website for more information as to what can be used for proofs.
THIS IS WILL BE THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER BEFORE THE SEPTEMBER 11 PRIMARY. ALL PERSONS DOMICILED IN THE TOWN OF DURHAM CAN REGISTER AT THE POLLS ON THE DAY OF THE PRIMARY.
CHANGE OF PARTY IS NOT ALLOWED AT THIS TIME (RSA 654:34). The last day to change party was June 5. Undeclared voters will be allowed to choose which ballot they wish to vote at the election and will then be given the opportunity to change back to Undeclared as soon as they have finished voting. Voters who have already declared a party can only vote in that party’s primary and cannot take another party’s ballot.To check your party or the status of an absentee ballot, check out https://app.sos.nh.gov. If you have registered to vote since early July you may not yet be entered until after September 4.
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SCHOOL BOARD ADOPTS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY FOR ORCSD AND DISCUSSES ELECTION LOCATION FOR DURHAM
At Wednesday night’s school board meeting, after discussion, the ORCSD approved designating the 2nd Monday in Oct. as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
In addition, Town Moderator Chris Regan, Supervisor of the Checklist Chair Ann Shump, Deputy Police Chief Rene Kelley, and Admin. Todd Selig spoke with the board and answered questions about the historical practice of using the ORHS for Durham’s election site for local/school, state, and national elections. Election officials assured the board that they would work with the police department and school administration to provide the level of officer support needed at the polling place/high school to ensure a safe environment.
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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY
It’s hard to believe the October is just around the corner, but unfortunately it is quickly approaching. The 2018 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only, between 8-11:30AM. To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. Remember - The MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS. See more details in the spring newsletter located on the DPW's web page HERE.
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DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION MUSEUM - Be sure to stop by and check out the impressive collection showcasing Durham's rich history!
The Durham Historic Association Museum doors are open to the public again this summer - every Saturday and Tuesday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Explore Durham's 400 year history in eight chronological periods, from the 17th century to the present, in air-conditioned comfort. Come see the latest exhibits and improvements to this historic space. The museum is located on the second floor of the old brick Town Hall/District Court building at the traffic light on the corner.
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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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Durham Day at Wagon Hill Farm - Saturday, September 22, 2018
Free community BBQ, boat tours, informational booths, family activities, live music & more! Participation is FREE. Please contact Durham Parks & Recreation to set up a table/booth at Durham Day.
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Every child who registered for the Summer Reading Program at the Durham Public Library received a FREE cheese pizza from Wildcat Pizza! Thank you Wildcat for your generosity!
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*Academic year commenced August 24th and will be measured through graduation at UNH in May.
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The matrix above marks the beginning of the UNH Academic year. Consequently it makes sense 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 comparisons 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!
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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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1825 - A listing of 50 sea-worthy vessels built in our ways since 1800 include 35 ships of 201 to 399 tons, 8 brigs from 98 to 281 tons, 7 schooners from 50 to 137 tons. Joseph Coe produced 18, Stephen Paul 11, Robert Lapish 6 and Andrew Simpson and William Hanscom 4 a piece, and others.
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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 3,200 active subscribers. It also doubles as an integral part of our emergency broadcast system.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T: 603-868-5571
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us
https://www.ci.durham.nh.us
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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