Friday Updates - August 4, 2017

                    NEWS & HAPPENINGS...

Friday, August 4, 2017

The O'Brien and Lizer families' sons team participated in the Kraaken challenge on Thursday evening this week which was hosted by the Candy Bar on Main Street. Courtesy Keith O'Brien

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Durham Parks & Rec. hosted Music on Main Street last evening with tremendous participation from both local businesses and members of the community.  One of the activities there was the Kraaken challenge put on by the Candy Bar in which participants raced to see which team could most quickly polish off a Kraaken Sundae consisting of 8 scoops of ice cream, 8 toppings, and 1/2 a can of whip cream!  Keith O’Brien shared the picture above of his and Eva Lizer’s son’s four-kid team of elementary school students from Mast Way and Moharimet who won their division.  When asked whether the kids had upset stomachs afterward, Mr. O’Brien responded, "Ohhhh, they absolutely had upset stomachs. But they were the winners of the elementary division! So the victory made them feel better."

2017 HOUSEHOLD ENERGY SURVEY

The Durham Energy Committee requests your participation in a short online survey. Due to a lower than expected response rate, we are sending the link around again, so if you participated earlier this summer, THANK YOU! If you didn't, we would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to provide feedback about how your household renewable energy use and opinion on state and regional questions of energy policy and practice.

This survey helps the Durham Energy Committee to meet its commitment to survey resident needs and guide future Town activities regarding our collective energy use. If you have any questions about the survey or are interested in serving on the Energy Committee, please contact us at dec@ci.durham.nh.us

Take the 2017 Household Energy Survey HERE.

You may have seen signs in Durham and surrounding towns promoting Energize 360 (http://energize360.org/), which is an effort undertaken by the Durham Energy Committee in collaboration with other towns' energy committees to promote a comprehensive approach to conserving energy.

Residents are guided through the process of apply energy efficiency technologies as well as generating electricity at their homes through the use of rooftop or ground mounted solar panels. We encourage you to check it out after you complete the survey. If you have any questions about either the survey or Energize 360, please contact the Energy Committee at dec@ci.durham.nh.us.

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER, 2017

The Durham Town Council will hold only one meeting in August, which will be on Monday, August 7, 2017.

The Town Council meeting dates for September will be Monday, September 11 and Monday, September 18, 2017.

ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE CLOSED WEEK OF AUGUST 14, 2017
Due to vacation scheduling, the Administrator's Office will be closed the week of August 14-18, 2017. The office will reopen on Monday, August 21, 2017.

Durham Firefighter Ryan McFadden. Courtesy DCAT Studios

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S NEW HIRES

The Durham Fire Department is pleased to welcome Ryan McFadden and the Promotion of Quinn Duffy to the Durham Fire Department. Ryan comes to us from the full time service with the Pease Air National Guard Fire Department and part time service with the Newington Fire Department. He has served both departments since 2014 and resides in Epping, NH. He holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science from the Lakes Region Community College in Laconia, NH.

Firefighter Duffy has spent the last several months with the Lee Fire Department filling a part time position. Quinn also was promoted to the full time position of Firefighter from our Call Department and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UNH in May this year.

Firefighter Quinn Duffy. Courtesy DCAT Studios

RIVER FLOW DECLINES IN LAMPREY – Water System Prepares to Switch over to Spruce Hole Well
The Durham-UNH Water System has received notification from the NH Department of Environmental Services that low flow conditions are approaching in the Lamprey River watershed that may affect water use at the UNH Arthur Rollins Water Treatment Plant.

The D-UNH Water System is an affected water user in the Lamprey River watershed. When stream flow falls below the instream flow protection criteria, affected water systems have management actions under their Lamprey Instream Flow Water Management Plan.

Yesterday’s average daily stream flow was 18.6 cubic feet per second and is currently 17.2 cfs: This flow is still above the 16 cfs protected instream flow criteria within the Lamprey River. Current conditions indicate the flow may fall be below 16 cfs today or this weekend, which may trigger management actions under our water management plan.

The D-UNH Water System will likely switch over to the Spruce Hole well source when the 16 cfs mark takes place.

DURHAM POLICE CONDUCTING FIREARMS TRAINING

Durham residents in close proximity to the Durham Public Works facility on Stone Quarry Drive may hear periodic shooting next week specifically on August 8th, 9th and 10th as the Durham Police conduct their annual qualifications with their firearms. While there are significant portions of the annual training that involves practicums without the discharge of a weapon, there will be periods of active shooting.

Residents may recall that the Durham Police are working with Strafford County officials to construct a county-wide firearms range. Unfortunately that range has not fared very well on the County budget and has been pushed off yet another year. Letters have been sent to abutters, or those who may be in earshot of the actual training, advising that the training is scheduled. Chief Kurz hopes that much of the noise will be diminished by the leaves on the trees, the buffering of the area by a large berm, warmer weather and the day-time hours. If there are any concerns please feel free to contact the police department at 868-2324 or Chief Kurz at dkurz@ci.durham.nh.us.

REMOVAL OF SUGAR MAPLE TREES ON MAIN STREET ON CHURCH HILL

Two large sugar maple trees on Main Street, on Church Hill, will be removed next week – one in front of 8 Main Street that is in the Town’s right of way (shown above)  and one in front of St. George’s Church on the church property. Unfortunately, the large canopy on the tree in front of St. George’s (on the left side of the property) is deceiving.  There are significant cavities inside the trunk which threaten its stability (shown below). Both Mike Lynch, Durham Tree Warden, and John Parry, Forester, inspected the tree and determined that it poses a significant hazard and should be removed.  The Town appreciates St. George’s being proactive in addressing the situation.

PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS - AUGUST 9, 2017

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on extensive proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance on August 9, 2017. Feel free to contact Michel Behrendt, Town Planner at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions or concerns or if you would like for him to forward any comments to the Planning Board in advance of the public hearing.

The Planning Board has been working on these amendments for a number of years now. Note that they do not include any changes to the Zoning Map nor to the allowed uses in the Table of Uses. We expect after the adoption of the Future Land Use Chapter of the Master Plan at the end of 2017 to propose additional amendments in 2018, including changes to the Zoning Map and allowed uses in the Table of Uses.

View the proposed amendments HERE.

RIVERWOODS SITE PLAN APPLICATION

Riverwoods has submitted its formal site plan application to develop a continuing care retirement community.  The application will be presented to the Planning Board this Wednesday, August 9.  The board will likely then schedule a public hearing. 

View the application materials HERE.

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES AT DURHAM PD

Work at the police department this week was focused upon adding a retaining wall to the Dover side of the facility that is designed to address the new landscape deviation in the rear driveway that allows an egress by the department vehicles onto the shared driveway with Yates Electric. Additionally installation of the plumbing for a bathroom in the new booking area as well as a floor drain are being installed and will be under the cement flooring which will be added next week.

(l-r):  Police Chief David Kurz, Captain David Holmstock, Administrator Tod Selig, Admin. Assistant Jennifer Johnson, Sergeant Jack Dalton, Admin. Assistant Dawn Mitchell. Pictured in background is citizen volunteer Kim Ward.

DURHAM POLICE MAINTAIN ACCREDITED STATUS

The Durham Police Department has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) since 1999. Every third-year CALEA inspectors visit the police department to ensure that the department has remained in compliance by reviewing agency documents, observing officers on patrol and essentially ensuring that the Durham Police is adhering to established policies. The inspectors write a report of their findings and that report and the department are then queried by Commissioners at one of three meetings held annually across the nation. That inquiry occurred this past Saturday in Providence, Rhode Island where Chief Kurz joined by Captain David Holmstock, Town Administrator Todd Selig, Administrative Assistant Jennifer Johnson, Sergeant Jack Dalton, Administrative Assistant Dawn Mitchell, and citizen volunteer Kim Ward, sat before the Commission and discussed the positive findings of the inspectors. After the hearing, the Commission unanimously concurred in awarding the 7th accreditation to the Durham Police which remains valid through 2021.

COLONIAL DURHAM ASSOCIATES VARIANCE APPLICATIONS FOR PROPOSED MILL PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT

Colonial Durham Associates submitted applications for two variances for the proposed Mill Plaza redevelopment:  1) for a drive through facility for a pharmacy and 2) to allow for three 4-story buildings, each with only one floor of nonresidential space.  The applications will be on the agenda of the Zoning Board of Adjustment on Tuesday, August 8.  View the applications HERE.

CITIZENS PETITION REGARDING DURHAM HANNAFORD STORE

A group of Durham residents recently circulated a petition encouraging Durham's local Hannaford store to move to a new location in the Mill Plaza as part of the plaza redevelopment effort. Signatures were collected from over 360 adult residents and the petition was mailed to several Hannaford executives last week (recipients are noted on the cover page of the petition). This Thursday, August 3 at 1pm, a small group of residents hand-delivered the petition to the local Hannaford manager.

View the petition HERE.

View the article published in Foster's HERE.

MELANSON HEATH & COMPANY - AUDITORS FOR THE TOWN OF DURHAM
At the Town Council meeting on Monday evening, August 7, 2017, members of the Council will receive a presentation from the Town's auditing firm, Melanson Heath & Company, Nashua, NH, for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2016.

Representatives from Melanson Heath will provide a brief presentation and to answer any questions Councilors may have relative to the audit report.

To view the 2016 Audit documents, click HERE.

Sweet pepperbush in bloom along the Lamprey River at Durham’s Doe Farm conservation area Courtesy Ellen Snyder

SWEET PEPPERBUSH AND OTHER WILDFLOWERS ARE BLOOMING
The trail on Durham's Doe Farm Conservation Area off Bennett Road leads down to and along the Lamprey River. It is a lovely walk, especially now when sweet pepperbush is in bloom. This native shrub, also called summersweet or Clethra alnifolia, grows in dense clumps along the river terrace. In July and August the white flowers resemble a bottlebush and permeate the air with their "sweet" fragrance. Later, the seeds bear a slight resemblance to peppercorns. The flowers are usually teaming with bees and other pollinators. Given the appearance and pollinator-friendly features, sweet pepperbush is also a favorite for gardeners. August is a great time to visit other conservation areas such as the Oyster River Forest and Wagon Hill Farm that host large expanses of fields full of wildflowers and teaming with life. Goldenrods, asters, milkweed, and other flowering plants are host to myriad insects and butterflies, while songbird families are catching food or beginning their southward migration. Hope you have can get out for walkabout on one of Durham's many conservation areas and parks and smell the sweet air.

MCGREGOR MEMBERS ENTERING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS

Since it’s inception almost 50 years ago, McGregor Memorial EMS (formerly Durham Ambulance Corps) has served the communities of Durham, Lee, Madbury and UNH. Over the years, thousands of volunteers from all walks of life have served patients with the utmost of skill, compassion, altruism, and dedication.

As a healthcare provider, McGregor is inextricably intertwined with both Durham and UNH and that has fostered an academic connection through both UNH’s and McGregor’s offerings of EMT training. UNH students – many of them bound for careers as physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and dentists – join McGregor to gain incredibly valuable experience in patient care, record writing, communications and leadership. They are remarkable students with excellent GPA’s and idle time at the station typically finds them studying, working on EMS skills or preparing for the rigorous MCAT and other entrance exams.

McGregor congratulates the following members who, over this past year, are furthering their healthcare careers:

Susan Campbell -- UVM Medical School
Caelie Kern --  University of Pittsburgh Medical School
Brian Van Dam --  Drexel Medical School
Amanda St. Martin --  Boston University Medical School
Melissa Jeghers  --  Northeastern University School of Pharmacy
Jaclyn Johnston  --  Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services Physician Assistant Program
Alexandra George  --  Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
Allison Titterington --  Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences   Physician Assistant Program
Elizabeth Izzo  --  Albany Medical College Physician Assistant Program
Sumer Panaser  --  University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Allison Harb  --  Nova Southeastern University Physician Assistant Program

Many of McGregor's older Alumni are now physicians, PA’s, and nurse practitioners around the country. They all began their careers by enrolling in Emergency Medical Technician training.

The McGregor Institute of EMS offers both EMT and Advanced EMT training and UNH offers EMT training through the Kinesiology Department. Anyone interested in EMT training may view course offerings on McGregor's website. You can also learn CPR and First Aid!

LOOK FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF AN OPEN HOUSE IN SEPTEMBER SHOWCASING A NEW AMBULANCE!

DESPITE EVERSOURCE ASSURANCES, CONCERNS REMAIN RELATIVE TO SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT - Durham has expended $90,000 to date on independent, third-party Analysis to protect the health of the Great Bay Estuary
The $70 million transmission line would run 13 miles from Madbury to Portsmouth, a portion of which would be constructed in the Town of Durham, including through the campus of the University of New Hampshire, and under Little Bay through Newington.

The project is intended to bolster transmission infrastructure in a region with rising power demand. Many Durham residents have objected to the project, particularly its impact on historical resources and the method of burying cables under Little Bay, arguing it will disturb sediment that could harm water quality.

The Durham Historic Association submitted very thorough pre-filed testimony relative to the Eversource SRP application and the numerous impacts the proposal could have upon Durham’s historic resources. View the submission HERE.

In addition, on Friday, July 28, 2017, Admin. Selig submitted a listing of concerns as part of pre-filed testimony that Durham has with regard to the proposed Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project, currently being reviewed by the NH Site Evaluation Committee (SEC).

At this point in time, Durham has recommended that the SEC look carefully at all options that would have less impact and be less disruptive from an environmental and public interest perspective. Specifically, Durham prefers in declining order of preference the following options:

1. To support what Durham understands to be the Town of Newington’s position that the Gosling Road Autotransformer Solution would be a far less impactful alternative to this Project;
2. If the Transformer Alternative is not possible, then Eversource should use horizontal directional drilling (“HDD”) underneath Little Bay as a means of avoiding what could be significant impacts on Little Bay that would result from jet plowing and associated activities;
3. If HDD is proven to be infeasible, then at a minimum the SEC should require Eversource to revise its plans, as per Durham’s experts’ testimony, to adequately demonstrate that cable laying will occur under impact controls that will ensure adequate protection of the Little Bay ecosystem, and thus assure the residents of Durham and the Seacoast region that there will be no unreasonable adverse effects on water quality and the natural environment of Little Bay or that the impact on natural resources will be manageably limited in the Little Bay.

The Town believes that absent consideration of these alternatives, this Project will have an unreasonable adverse effect on water quality and the natural environment, will unduly interfere with the orderly development of the region, and will not serve the public interest.

View Mr. Selig’s pre-filed testimony with the SEC HERE.

SWAP SHOP CORNER:  GOING, GOING, GONE!

Durham’s fantastic volunteers have tidied and freshened up the Swap Shop just for you. This Saturday, pick up something fun as a gift or addition to your own decor. The display shelf located near the front of the shop holds treasures even we didn’t know existed. Last time we looked, there was a ceramic bank in the shape of a castle; a candle holder with a bumblebee image; a picture frame perfect for your camp or cabin; an adorable ceramic baby carriage that could be used for any number of things; a lava lamp; a lamp with feet (!) -- but they may already have flown out the door.

Durham’s Swap Shop, located at the transfer station, is a favorite spot to meet other community members and give used items a new life. Dedicated volunteers make it work (and have fun at the same time), but they could really use both cooperation from Swap Shop patrons (Make sure your donation items are clean and functional! Abide by our hours of operation!) and more help.

Volunteers for specific projects, for regular scheduling, and for occasional pitching in are all welcome, as are graphic artists, writers, experts in hardware or electronics. (What IS that mystery item?) If you want to join the fun, please speak to a volunteer at the Swap Shop on Saturdays anytime before 2:30pm or email Cristina at foggdrive@yahoo.com.

GENERAL SULLIVAN HOUSE OPEN TO PUBLIC - SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

The General Sullivan house, 21 Newmarket Road, will be open to the public on Saturday, August 12, 2017 from 1 - 4PM to celebrate its 300th birthday. It was purchased in August of 1717 by Parson Hugh Adams. "(It) was then a new house." History of Strafford County, John Scales 1914

DHA SUMMER SATURDAYS AT THE MUSEUM

The Durham Historic Association is hosting “Summer Saturdays at the Museum,"  where every Saturday afternoon 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. throughout the summer visitors may explore Durham’s history in eight chronological periods from the 17th century to the present in air-conditioned comfort.  The museum is located on the second floor of the old brick Town Hall/District Court building at the traffic light on the corner.

5TH ANNUAL DURHAM FARM DAY - Saturday, August 19th, 10am - 4pm 

The 5th Annual Durham Farm Day is Saturday, August 19th, rain or shine! Sponsored by the Durham Agricultural Commission, this is a day-long celebration of Durham's working landscape of farms and gardens, including tours of UNH agricultural research facilities, a walking tour of downtown gardens, and much, much more. The full schedule of events is available on the Town's website.

Courtesy Barbara Dill

FUTURE LAND USE SUBCOMMITTEE CONTINUES TO SEEK FEEDBACK

The Durham Land Use Committee is seeking more input from town residents to help in the development of the Future Land Use Master Plan. Please click on this email – durhamnhforum@gmail.com - and answer these two questions about your vision for Durham ten years from now:

• What do you hope will stay the same?
• What should be different?

Please also give your first name and your age.

Alternatively, you can note your responses to these questions on posters placed around town at Town Hall, the Durham Public Library, Young’s Restaurant, the Durham Community Church, St. George’s Church, and St. Thomas More Church. Thank you!

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

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

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

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

EXAMPLE OF COMMON HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ITEMS

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

LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUMMER NEWSLETTER
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee has published its 2017 summer newsletter which is available for viewing HERE.