Friday Updates - December 11, 2020



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Friday, December 11, 2020



 





Sunset at Town Landing. Courtesy Matt Carrico



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Hanukkah, a Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire, began last evening. It is also known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days.



 



DON'T FORGET TO SHOP LOCAL AND SUPPORT DURHAM'S DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS & BUSINESSES...

Everyone complains about the lack of local shopping and restaurant opportunities, but we can only keep these businesses afloat with our participation!

The owners of our downtown Durham businesses have worked hard to come up with strategies to keep their stores open during the pandemic -- but they rely on our residential base in Durham, Lee, Madbury, and beyond to support them.


So before you reflexively hit “place order” with an e-commerce conglomerate, find out whether one of our local businesses offers the same item.

AND ... when you are tired of cooking at home and hanker for a change, consider one of our dedicated local Durham restaurants -- for "dine-in" or "take out."

Just a reminder!



 



DECEMBER 14, 2020 TOWN COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION CANCELLED

The Town Council Budget Work Session, scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2020, has been cancelled. The last meeting for the Town Council in 2020 will be December 21, 2020.

The first (and only) meeting of the Town Council in January will be held on Monday, January 11, 2021.



 



NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2020 & JANUARY 1, 2021

Due to the Christmas and New Year's holidays, there will be no "Friday Updates" publication on Friday, December 25th or Friday, January 1st.



 





THE VIRUS IS IN THE AIR COVID-19 CARRIERS EXHALE – This six-minute video and narration graphically demonstrates the false sense of security we have when wearing “any” mask, even if socially distanced by six feet. Mask fit is not everything, but more important than many of us have realized.

As winter approaches, the US is grappling with a significant surge in the number of novel coronavirus infections. More than 288,000 Americans have been killed by a virus that public health officials now say can be spread through airborne transmission.


The virus spreads most commonly through close contact, scientists say. Under certain conditions, people farther than six feet apart can become infected by exposure to tiny droplets and particles exhaled by an infected person, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in October. Those droplets and particles can linger in the air for minutes to hours.


To visually illustrate the risk of airborne transmission in real time, The Washington Post used a military-grade infrared camera capable of detecting exhaled breath. Numerous experts — epidemiologists, virologists and engineers — supported the notion of using exhalation as a conservative proxy to show potential transmission risk in various settings.


Interesting tidbit: The worst place to stand relative to someone wearing a mask is behind them, particularly if the mask is not well fitted, which may include the surgical masks some of us have relied upon.


For those interested in rushing to get America back to normal (work, school, legislative gatherings) without first instituting appropriate precautions/protections, view The Washington Post visual video footage HERE.



 



DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT NOT ACCEPTING FOOD DONATIONS DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC - Staff sequestered to help keep them safe so they are available to respond to local emergencies.

The Durham Fire Department has made the difficult decision not to accept any food donations or to receive visitors to the station during this holiday season. Fire Department members truly appreciate the kindness and generosity shown by the community in the past and did not make this decision lightly; however, given the recent increase in the COVID-19 infection rate, this decision is essential to keep everyone as safe as possible. Fire Department members encourage those wishing to donate food to do so through their local food pantry. Thank you for your understanding.  



 





NH HOUSE SPEAKER DICK HINCH DIES OF COVID-19 - And Thursday was a deadly coronavirus Day overall in NH: 14 Die; 13 Were In Long-Term Care

The state of New Hampshire announced Thursday that 14 residents had died due to or related to COVID-19.

Thirteen of the 14 deaths were connected to long-term care settings in the state. Of the 14 deaths, nine were 80 years of age or older, two were between 70 and 79, two were between 60 and 69, and one was between 30 and 39, according to the state's data dashboard.

The 30- to 39-year-old man lived in Belknap County and was the first fatality in that age category in New Hampshire. His death was also the first person under 40 to die in many months.

Their deaths bring the fatality count in NH to 584 or about 2 percent of all cases. The announcement is also one of the highest single day death counts since the pandemic started in March as the community spread of COVID-19 continues at high levels.

There are 248 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in the state, the highest such number to date.



A sober reminder to wear a mask around others, avoid close physical contact, monitor your health, wash hands/disinfect!





 



DID YOU KNOW?

Americans produce approximately 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Years Day. You can enjoy a more sustainable holiday season by practicing the following tips:

  1. Invest in sustainable food storage and cut down on plastic bags and plastic wrap.
  2. Shop local. Not only are you supporting businesses that count on your patronage, but  you’re cutting down on waste by eliminating the need for shipping and packaging.
  3. Use energy efficient LED lights or solar lights. Consider purchasing rechargeable batteries.
  4. Send more sustainable holiday cards.  Paperculture.com sells cards made from recycled paper and plants a tree with every order!
  5. Reuse bags and tissue paper.



 



HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE FOR TOWN DEPARTMENTS





 





Pippa Brooks, winner of the 2020 Top Dog contest.



2021 TOP DOG RAFFLE - Will your loyal companion be next year's "Top Dog"?

Entries accepted after January 1, 2021

The Town of Durham is proud to announce the 2021 Top Dog raffle. This raffle was created to motivate and remind dog owners to license their pets every year by April 30, as state law requires. Residents automatically register for the Top Dog raffle when they obtain a dog license before April 30, 2021. The winner of the Top Dog raffle will receive a gift basket donated by the clerk’s office.  


The clerk’s office will not seek donations from our local pet businesses this year. In lieu of the town seeking donations for the top dog raffle, residents are welcome make a donation to support a local business of their choice that may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please contact Deputy Town Clerk-Tax Collector Rachel Deane at mailto:rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us if you would like to make a donation. Local businesses that donated to the raffle last year included: 

  • The Yellow Dog Barn, 136 Old Concord Turnpike (RTE 4), Barrington, NH 03825 
  • Oyster River Veterinary Hospital, 157 Calef Highway, Lee, NH 03861 
  • Take Five DOGCARE, LLC, 122 Mast Road, Lee, NH 03861
  • Great Bay Kennel, 27 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824

Rules & Regulations

  • Contestants will automatically be entered into the raffle when they register their dog(s) before April 30 (only open to Durham residents).
  • Residents who DO NOT want to be included in the raffle may opt out by writing, calling, or emailing the clerk’s office.
  • Contestants must be 18 or older and be the owner of the dog on file with the clerk’s office. Town of Durham employees and elected officials are not eligible.
  • The contestant must have a 2021 Town of Durham dog license by April 30. A current rabies vaccination will be required to obtain the license.
  • The raffle winner may submit a digital photo and brief biography of their dog. Photos of the 2021 raffle winner’s dog will be included in the Durham Friday Update.
  • The winner will be drawn at random by clerk’s office at a Town Council meeting in May 2021.



 



WASTEWATER PLANT FLOWS ERRATIC DUE TO UNH MOVING TO VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION AT THANKSGIVING

As UNH has gone back to remote learning, Durham’s wastewater treatment plant and treatment processes are going through another phase of unpredictable wastewater flows. As these changes occur, the division staff are required to monitor the treatment process, continuously making adjustments each day to the system to ensure permit compliance and high-quality effluent is discharged to the Oyster River.  


Typically plants in the US have fairly stable flows of wastewater.  Durham’s flow can increase or decrease by upwards of 2/3 of the plant’s daily flow stemming from UNH – and in particular whether it is in or out of session.  



 





Ciao Italia decorated for the holidays. Courtesy Todd Selig



 



SEACOAST AREA FIREFIGHTER'S TOY DRIVE UNDER WAY - Drop off points at Library and Town Hall

As 2020 comes to a close, we recognize that this year has presented many of us with unique and unusual challenges. As the holidays fast approach, there are many families in need and requests for assistance have begun to come in. Seacoast Area Firefighters, including members of the Durham Professional Firefighters Association, are busily preparing for the collection of donations to be distributed to families in need.  


All donations are appreciated and the areas of greatest need are:  

  • New, unwrapped toys (for ages newborn to 14 years).
  • Gift certificates.
  • Monetary donations. Please make checks payable to the Durham Professional Firefighter’s Association and include “Toy Bank”, “Coat Fund” or “Hardship Fund” in the memo of your check. Checks may be mailed to the DPFFA at 51 College Road, Durham, NH 03824.  

A toy donation box has been set up at the Durham Public Library and will also be set up at the Town Hall for anyone wishing to drop off a toy. For our community partners who may wish to host a donation box or to submit a request for assistance, please contact the Durham Fire Department by email mailto:durham.fire@unh.edu or by phone (603) 868-5531 or (603) 862-1426.  


Please see https://www.facebook.com/SeacoastToyBank/ for further information. Donations from the local drive will be distributed to needy families in the Oyster River School District with any remaining donations being sent to other parts of the state to help those in need.  


Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.



 



DURHAM'S TRAILS - Check out Thompson Forest for a change of scenery!

Looking for a trail to explore? How about Thompson Forest? The beautiful 1.2 mile loop brings hikers along the Lamprey River. The Oyster River Forest offers a 1.75 mile trail from Packers Falls Road trailhead to the bridge across Oyster River in College Woods. There is a 0.6 mile accessible trail to the 1.0 mile Spruce Hole Bog as well. Both trails offer parking. 

These and other outdoor recreation sites can be found on our website and this user-friendly map, HERE.



 





SHARING THE LIGHT

Please join in sharing the light by donating $10.00 for a pack of 3 luminary bags (which you can share with neighbors, family and friends!) to show your support. You can order online and pick up them up at local stores (see website for details). And best of all? 100% of your donation will go to the NH Foster & Adoptive Association (NHFAPA) to support vulnerable children this holiday season.

 

On December 20th, friends and neighbors will defy the darkness outside by lighting up their luminaries from 5-7 p.m. The celebration will continue at 7, as the Freedom Cafe and Newmarket Rec host a virtual community concert featuring local musicians and artists! Even as we are physically apart, we look forward to coming together as a community this holiday season. 


Go to 2020sharethelight.com to learn more and to purchase your luminary bags!



 



DURHAM’S ROAD PROGRAM REACHES COMPLETION FOR 2020 JUST AS COLD WEATHER ARRIVES

The final step in the 2020 Road Program includes shoulder gravel back up, which was recently placed on Sandy Brook Drive and Riverview. This process helps to reduce water infiltration and deterioration of the roads and also creates a smooth transition if a vehicle leaves the roadway.



 



PACKAGE THEFT - A Message from Chief Rene Kelley...

With the holiday season right around the corner, and online shopping at a record high, Chief Kelley is recommending the following tips to make sure you get packages securely in the coming weeks.

  • If you can, and are not working from home, have your package delivered to your office or workplace.
  • Have your deliveries sent to a friend or relative who you know will be home.
  • Have packages held at the Post Office for pickup.
  • Install a camera or other security device to monitor the area where packages are dropped off.
  • Track deliveries and request carriers to leave packages in an obscure location on your property where someone driving by may not see it.
  • Bring packages inside as soon as possible. Leaving a stack of boxes by your front door is an invitation to those looking to steal what you have ordered! 

If you notice suspicious activity in your neighborhood, especially out of place vehicles or people without carrier uniforms going to houses and moving packages, please contact the Durham Police immediately.  



 





Firefighter Warren Kadden with the Fire Department's new PAPR respirators. Courtesy FD



DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT PURCHASES FIVE NEW DRAGER POWERED AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATORS

The Durham Fire Department recently purchased five (5) Drager Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) which are designed to offer protection from harmful gasses and particles such as Covid-19. The PAPR devices will be placed on the department’s front-line apparatus. 


The purchase of this additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will allow firefighters to provide the highest level of patient care while also helping to keep department members in service to support and care for the community.



 



LAND STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS for 2020

The Land Stewardship Coordinator works in consultation and collaboration with the Durham Land Stewardship Subcommittee to coordinate land stewardship activities, responsibilities and opportunities on town-owned lands, fulfill conservation easement obligations, and provide information through property signage, town website, Friday Updates, kiosks and other forums to inform and engage the public in caring for and enjoying town lands. This is a part-time contract position funded by the General Fund. Many volunteers, conservation partners, the Conservation Commission, and town staff at Town Hall and Department of Public Works (DPW) were key to the stewardship accomplishments. Funding for the various projects was from the Conservation Commission Fund, Durham Land Use Trust, Patron’s Trust (private donations), grants, and in-kind contributions. 


View the long and impressive list of accomplishments in 2020 HERE.



 





Town sign posted at Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy Todd Selig



PROBLEM: WAGON HILL FARM IS GOING TO THE DOGS - Revisiting the dogs off leash policy at this beloved Durham property.

Back in 2001, the Town enacted a leash law requiring that “all dogs in the Town of Durham shall be restrained by a leash not exceeding eight (8) feet in fixed length or a retractable leash with stop control.” The local ordinance does not require a leash when the animal is physically present in a structure or vehicle of, or on land owned by:

  1. the dog’s owner; or
  2. another person who has consented to the presence of the dog.

The ordinance also provided that the Town Administrator could, after receipt of a written request of any person, grant written consent, “under such conditions that the Administrator shall set forth by written directive, for a variance from the requirements of section 49-1 for a particular occasion or event that, in the judgment of the Administrator, justifies such variance.”  


This is exactly what happened back around 2001, when Mr. Selig was approached by the Durham dog lobby (meant in the most positive of terms!), whose numerous unknown members wanted to let their dogs really stretch their legs at Wagon Hill Farm. “Dogs have to have a place run!” was the argument at the time. And so, after a lot of consideration and discussion, Mr. Selig granted a variance to the ordinance at Wagon Hill Farm for dogs to be allowed off leash from dawn to 10 AM. Dogs had to be on leash at WHF from 10 AM – dusk.  


A few things have changed over the last almost twenty years since Mr. Selig granted the waiver…

  • Dog owners from across the Seacoast have begun visiting Wagon Hill Farm to enjoy the property so their dogs can run;
  • Dogs are seriously impacting and contributing to shoreline erosion at WHF, which the Town has now invested substantial funds to restore through our Living Shoreline Project;
  • Dog owners do not always restrict their dogs to being off leash only during the designated hours (in fact three dogs were spotted off leash by Mr. Selig this afternoon when the above photograph was taken);
  • We do receive periodic complaints from visitors to the property who are harassed by wayward dogs. Dogs on leash are also harassed periodically by dogs off leash out of control of their owners;  
  • Dogs off leash do their business out of sight of the owner making it nearly impossible to pick up after one’s pet as required … creating negative nitrogen impacts to the Bay;
  • During the pandemic, use at Wagon Hill Farm has skyrocketed such that parking issues are now commonplace, and dog owners from the region desiring to allow their pets to run free are a significant factor – to the detriment of the landscape and the enjoyment of Durham citizens.

Mr. Selig raised the problem with the Land Stewardship Subcommittee this week and floated the idea that he was considering rescinding the variance granted for dogs off leash at Wagon Hill Farm. The subcommittee was supportive of the change.  


Before taking further action, Mr. Selig is desirous of receiving feedback from the community about this potential course of action. The targeted implementation date would be January 1st. Please send emails to mailto:tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.  



 



BE READY FOR BEARS, EVEN IN THE WINTER

The Granite State’s black bears are slowly beginning their denning process which has been delayed this year due to mild temperatures and abundant natural foods. Despite the recent snowfall statewide, however, people who enjoy feeding the birds should be prepared to quickly remove their feeders at the first sign of any bear activity until temperatures become consistently colder and a complete lack of bear activity is evident. Because bears are likely to return in the spring to feeding sites that they discover in the fall, initiating bird feeding a few weeks later than the official December 1 start this year is recommended.

Read more on the NH Fish & Game's website HERE.



 



TOWN COUNCIL FINALIZES BUDGET FOR FY 2021 – Projected 2021 Tax Rate Increase of .9%

At the end of October, Mr. Selig presented to the Town Council for review and consideration the proposed Administrator's 2021 Budget, which includes the General Fund, Water Fund, Sewer Fund, Library Fund, Parking Fund, Depot Road Lot Fund, Churchill Rink Fund, and Downtown TIF Fund budgets, as well as the Administrator’s proposed 2021-2030 Capital Improvement Plan incorporating the FY 2021 Capital Fund budget utilizing a ten-year time horizon. 


The proposed 2021 General Fund budget totaled $16,966,000 -- a spending increase of $151,940 or .9% compared to FY 2020. Non-property tax revenues were expected to decrease in FY 2021 by approx. $150,000 or -1.94% to $7,347,600. In total, this year’s budgetary proposal was projected to increase the 2021 local municipal portion of the tax rate by 3.83% from $7.79 to $8.09, an increase of 30 cents. The tax rate had remained at $7.37 (formerly $8.48 but adjusted due to 2018 statistical revaluation update) for 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The proposed increase would cost the average Durham property taxpayer with a home valued at $350,000 an additional $105.00 in taxes for 2021. 


The proposed Sewer (Wastewater) Fund budget reflects a 0% increase in user fees in 2021 (a rate of $8.97 per hundred cubic feet), while the proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 5.4% increase in user fees (a rate of $7.74 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2021.  


The twelve-month August 2019 to August 2020 Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) numbers are: U.S. City Index – 1.3%, Northeast – 1.1%, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH – 0.6%.


Following extensive discussion and work over the last two months, the Town Council worked to finalize the budget this past Monday evening, arriving at a projected General Fund tax rate increase of .9%. The two tables below show highlights of changes made:





 



WASTEWATER PUMP STATION EMERGENCY GENERATORS

Wastewater Division staff completed the monthly testing and exercising of all emergency generators at the three sewage pumping stations. Upon testing it was determined that the batteries used to start the Dover Road pump station were in need of replacement, which was completed that day.

The backup generators are critical in ensuring the pump stations will operate smoothly during any unanticipated power interruptions. All other pump station generators performed satisfactorily with no additional maintenance required.



 



WINTER PARKING BAN - Now in effect

The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Sunday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2021. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But the Winter Parking ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00AM and 6:00AM. As the ordinance states,


“Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.”  


For the first few weeks, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur during this period, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed to allow for Durham Public Works to more effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham.  



 





New diesel fuel depot at DPW facility. Courtesy DPW.



DIESEL FUEL REMOTE DEPOT CONSTRUCTED AT DPW BUILDING ON STONE QUARRY DRIVE – DPW is located behind Riverwoods Durham.

The Durham Public Works Building and Grounds Division lead by Supervisor Sam Hewitt assisted by Chris Starkweather and Durham Public Works Highway Supervisor Shane Bickford completed the installation of the 500 Gallon remote diesel fueling depot at the Stone Quarry Drive Public Works campus. 


This remote fueling depot is fully compliant, with secondary containment and security, and will be used for fueling off-road equipment. This will substantially increase operational efficiencies.  

All required permitting which includes, environmental, building and fire were secured in advance of this installation. 



 





PURCHASE OF 66 MAIN STREET BY TOWN FROM UNH PART OF CIP PROGRAM FOR 2021 – Discussions between Durham and UNH have begun over a fair market value by virtue of two updated appraisals for parcel.  

For several years, the Town has been evaluating the need for additional public parking in the downtown and has been working with the University and a private developer (following a UNH-led public RFP process), Elliott Sidewalk Communities, to potentially include a structured parking facility in conjunction with the redevelopment of 66 Main Street. The pandemic has unfortunately delayed the project and the Town is exploring with the project partners utilizing funds from Durham’s Parking Impact Fund and the TIF, and depending upon appraisals bonded monies as well, to be used to purchase the 1.18 acre lot from the University. The property would be used as a surface parking lot for the immediate future by the Town. We believe the area could support around 50-80 spaces, +/-, which would be a tremendous benefit for downtown Durham in both the short and long-term.  


The details of the full development project are unknown at this early point in time. This is a preliminary estimate and is being placed in the CIP for planning purposes only.

$2.1 million was included in the Proposed CIP by Admin. Selig for 2021 to facilitate the project. 



 



MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER FEASIBILITY STUDY PUBLIC HEARING AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS 

The Durham Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 7:00 PM to receive input on the Oyster River Dam at Mill Pond Feasibility Study, which includes options for addressing water quality impairments and stabilizing or removing the Oyster River Dam at the Mill Pond located on the Oyster River along Route 108/Newmarket Road in Durham. The meeting will be held completely on-line using Zoom teleconferencing. 


The public is invited to provide written questions and/or comments on the Feasibility Study by Friday December 4, 2020. Comments can be emailed to Town Engineer April Talon at mailto:atalon@ci.durham.nh.us or via mail to Durham Public Works, 100 Stone Quarry Drive Durham NH 03824. 


Prior presentations on the Feasibility Study can be found here. The full report including appendices is posted at the link below on the Town’s website HERE.


Additionally, VHB and Town Engineer April Talon will present the Feasibility Study to the Conservation Commission at its meeting on December 28, 2020.


Your comments and feedback are welcome.


View a summary matrix of options and cost implications HERE.



 



GEARING UP FOR ODOR CONTROL SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS AT DURHAM’S WWTP SLUDGE GARAGE

On December 4th, Durham Public Works received qualifications packages from Environmental Partners Group and Wright Pierce for the Design of Odor Control Systems at the Durham Wastewater Treatment Plant. Interviews with each firm are scheduled for Friday January 8th. The interview team consists of Public Works Director Richard Reine, Town Engineer April Talon, Wastewater Superintendent Dan Peterson, and UNH members of the Water/Wastewater/Stormwater/Roads Committee Matt O’Keefe and Bill Janelle. 


We are eager to select a qualified consultant and begin scope and fee negotiations for design of this important project at the WWTP.



 





Durham police officers Emily Festa and Brett Pestana dropped off a new tree for the O'Brien family when they found out one had been stolen from the O'Brien's holiday display in their front yard overnight. Courtesy Foster's Daily Democrat



DURHAM FAMILY’S STOLEN CHRISTMAS TREE ON MADBURY ROAD INSPIRES KINDNESS

According to a very nice story this week in Foster’s Daily Democrat, Alyssa O’Brien was disappointed when she woke up last Saturday morning and realized someone had stolen one of the two decorative Christmas trees from a fence post outside the family’s home. But the theft turned into inspiration for the family’s 6-year-old son George, and that, combined with a donated tree from two police officers, has turned into a “really special story” for the Durham community.


To read the full story, check out Foster’s Daily Democrat HERE.



 



DURHAM POLICE CONDUCTING FIREARMS TRAINING

Durham residents in close proximity to the Durham Public Works facility on Stone Quarry Drive may hear periodic shooting on December 16th as the Durham Police finalize their annual qualifications with their firearms. The training should end prior to 6:30PM.  

 

If there are any concerns please feel free to contact the police department at 603-868-2324 or Chief Kelley at mailto:rkelley@ci.durham.nh.us



 



DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFERS CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS

Proper use of child safety seats can help keep our children safe but, do you know whether your child’s car seat has been properly installed?  According to the Safe Ride 4 Kids website, car crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14 in the United States.  Many deaths and injuries can be prevented by proper installation of age and size-appropriate car seats and booster seats.  


Firefighter Warren Kadden of the Durham Fire Department recently attended a certification-level course to become a certified car seat installer.  He joins Fire Marshal Brendan O’Sullivan at the Durham Fire Department who is also a certified car seat installer.  


The car seat inspection/installation service is offered to community members at no charge.  To schedule a car seat installation or car seat safety check with Warren or Brendan, please call the Fire Department at (603) 862-1426 or (603) 868-5531.



 



DURHAM'S STORMWATER MS4 OUTFALL TESTING TAKING PLACE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL PERMIT

This past week Environmental Partners Group (EPG) met with staff to complete a few remaining dry weather outfall testing locations within the community in order to detect illicit flow in otherwise dry weather conditions. Additionally, EPG began the mapping update part of their work allowing the Town to continue to update the stormwater GIS information layer including catch basin, culverts, and outfalls.  


Dry weather outfall testing within the MS4 is a year 3 requirement for July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021. 



 



"MUFFIN MONSTER" CHANNEL GRINDER SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE IN MID-DECEMBER

The new channel grinder for the Dover Road sewage pumping station has been procured and is scheduled to arrive in mid-December. Once onsite, the Wastewater Division staff will take the lead on installation. This new grinder will help to address the clogging and pump binding issues associated with “flushable wipes” and other debris. 

 A simulation of the grinding process and the Muffin Monster operation can be viewed HERE.



 





Main Street Durham by night. Courtesy Todd Selig



 



PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED PARKING LOT AT 19-21 MAIN STREET

The Planning Board is holding a public hearing this Wednesday, December 16, on a proposal for a large parking lot at 19-21 Main Street, located behind The Red Tower atop Church Hill. The plans would increase the number of existing spaces at the site to a total of 183 parking spaces. The front entrance would also be reconfigured. You can see all of the documents related to the project

HERE.


Please feel free to contact Town Planner Michael Behrendt with any questions or if you would like to send a comment to the planning board at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.



 



LEAD AND COPPER CORROSION CONTROL ANNUAL TESTING PROGRAM EXPLAINED

The Town of Durham has in place a Lead & Copper Corrosion Control Program in accordance with the Federal Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) and has met all compliance requirements. Our most recent sampling conducted in November 2020 includes 23 taps in the Town of Durham water system and 17 taps within the UNH water system. 


Sampling results show two locations with a measurable concentration of lead and 38 locations with no lead detected. There were no samples in which the action level for Copper was detected.  


The limit in the LCR is called an Action Level. It is a limit on the 90th percentile of the samples, not a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) that applies to all samples – it is only exceeded when more than 10 percent of samples exceed the level. The action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) and the action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L. 


The overall goal of the Lead & Copper Corrosion Control Program is to minimize the potential for water supplied by the Durham/UNH Water System to leach potentially harmful metals such as lead and copper from pipes, fixtures, and solder containing lead. The primary source of lead and copper in drinking water is plumbing systems in houses and other privately owned buildings. The Town and UNH water supply sources do not contain measurable quantities of lead on their own.



 





INNOVATIVE PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER TECHNOLOGY TO BE INSTALLED AT KATIE PAINE'S PROPERTY AT 51A DURHAM POINT ROAD

The Great Bay Estuary, which includes 21 square miles of tidal waters in southeastern New Hampshire, is impaired due to elevated levels of nitrogen. The Planning Board recently approved an application for an innovative technology which should help to mitigate this environmental threat.


Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for plants and animals but excess nitrogen causes overstimulation of growth of certain aquatic plants. This can reduce the amount of oxygen available to other species and block light to deeper water resulting in algae blooms, loss of eel grass, and fish kills. About half of the 325,000+ residents in the Great Bay watershed are served by private septic systems. Almost 30% of the non-point source of nitrogen into the estuary comes from these systems (municipal sewer systems can also generate nitrogen but at a significantly lower level).


One promising method for removing nitrogen is called a permeable reactive barrier (PRB). Wood chips, placed in a trench dug downgradient from the leach field, intercept nitrogen in the groundwater. The trench is then backfilled and planted so that it blends into the landscape. Research shows this simple approach to be effective in reducing nitrogen from 74 to 94% in the effluent from the leach field. It appears also to reduce levels of phosphorus. Monitoring wells are installed to measure the effluent before and after installation of the PRB.


Use of wood chips is ideal because they are inexpensive, readily available and an effective carbon source. Some research shows this approach to be effective for at least 30 years.  


The Town of Durham, Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC), Haley & Aldrich Inc., and the Strafford County Conservation District have been working with interested landowners to find a suitable site.  

The team selected property owned by Katharine Paine at 51A Durham Point Road for an installation. 


The project was subject to review by the Conservation Commission and Planning Board because the trench will be placed within the wetland overlay district. The proposal was approved on December 2 with both commission and board members expressing their enthusiastic support. The work will be completed this winter with post-construction monitoring to take place over the course of 2021. Another similar project was installed at 4 Griffiths Drive in Durham in 2015.  


The work was funded in part through a Watershed Assistance Grant with the Town of Durham providing an in-kind match with the Public Works Department assisting on installation. Findings from the research will be reported to the NH Department of Environmental Services which will look at possible wider use of this method in the future.


Many thanks to our partners Kyle Pimental at SRPC, consultant Danna Truslow, and Mark Kelley, hydrologist with Haley & Aldrich.



 



SWAP SHOP TO REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

DPW officials recently met with a subcommittee of the Integrated Solid Waste Committee and coordinators of the Swap Shop to evaluate the possibility or re-opening. The consensus was to continue to keep closed. A poll was taken of the volunteers to determine if there was any interest in opening and found that concerns over Covid including possible spikes in the fall and winter remained and people felt it was a better approach to keep closed until spring. We will keep updating the community as things change.   



 



2020 CURBSIDE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

The Holiday Season is approaching quickly. Below is the 2020 Curbside Holiday Schedule for your convenience.  





 



UNH EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM TO BE TESTED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

Regular testing of the University of New Hampshire’s outdoor notification system will occur Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The test will include the siren, a “canned” message and a recording signaling the end of the test. The entire exercise will take less than 10 minutes.  


In addition, the university will also simultaneously send test messages through its alert system to registered cell phones and e-mail accounts, and a directed communication to all UNH faculty, staff and students. 


The outdoor notification system is designed to not only alert the campus community when there is imminent danger but also follows up with voice instructions. This two-step approach, called Alert and Inform, helps reduce confusion and restore order. 


Sirens are located on the roof of the MUB, the roof of Morse Hall, A-Lot and the dirt parking lot near the equestrian facility. The system reaches a distance of nearly a mile in all directions.  


Contact UNH Police Chief Paul Dean at 862-1427 for more information or with any questions. 



 



ROADWAY PAVEMENT MARKING PROGRAM

Pavement markings were recently installed on Bagdad Road and a section of Old Piscataqua Road to complete the painting of the sections of roads that received pavement treatment this season. A portion of Main street was also painted along with a section adjacent to the UNH Main Street sidewalk project.



 







Holiday tree in downtown Durham and US flag flying half mast honoring the passing of NH State Speaker of the House, Dick Hinch on Wednesday this week. Courtesy Todd Selig



 





 



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.







 





This year's Gingerbread display, made by Trudy Brown, can been seen at the Durham Public Library



DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

Upcoming Virtual Events and Digital Resources at Durham Public Library! 

Take a look at some great virtual programs coming to DPL in January including, Not So Elementary, My Dear Watson: The Popularity of Sherlock Holmes with Ann McClellan along with brand new sessions of Unlimiting Access and Meditative Yoga! We will also be holding career services programming including recruiter and career coach Gary Gekow to talk about Changing Careers: Reinventing Oneself in Today's Job Market! Or try out our adult BookCraft for December! 


Sign up for Youth Services Programs!

See what’s new in Youth Services! Register for Virtual Cooking Classes with Misa’s Kitchen in December! Sign up for regularly-scheduled programming including Zoom Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, STEAM crafts to go, YA Zoom Activity Night, Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) book group, Patch club and more! Or download the complete December calendars!


Give to the Annual Appeal!

The DPL Board of Trustees Annual Appeal is underway! Please consider giving this season by clicking HERE or visiting our website at mailto:www.durhampubliclibrary.org. The Library is currently open for 20-minute visits to the Library for quick browsing, checkouts and the use of computers, the printer and copy machine. Notary services are available by appointment. Meeting rooms and the Cafe remain closed. At this time, we are limiting the number of patrons in the building to no more than 50% of our normal comfortable browsing capacity on the main floor. We request that anyone using the Library do so wearing a cloth mask or face covering and masks are available to patrons who request them. We ask that patrons not gather or congregate in the Library and for those uncomfortable coming in, our contactless “Library to-go” services continue!







 



WEEKLY ARREST REPORT





*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.



 



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."

________________________

1690 - Seven persons were slain and a lad taken at Lamperell River. Two days later occurred the Battle at Wheelwright Pond. In spite of the heat the men from Oyster River made all haste. James Smith, who lived by the Falls, "died of a surfeit which he got by running to assist Capt. Floyd."



 



Have a very nice weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA

t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us

He/him/his pronouns

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