Friday Updates - December 13, 2024

Friday, December 13, 2024

The fire pit was a popular place for roasting marshmallows at Frost Fest last weekend. Pictured is Town Councilor Curtis Register with his son. Courtesy, Todd Selig

While the season does not officially change until December 21st, it's certainly starting to feel like winter! And Durham's snow fighters at public works are ready to respond...

There's just one response to this seasonal change in NH, particularly for ski, snowboard, and sledding enthusiasts ... Let It Snow!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful

But the fire is so delightful

And since we've no place to go

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Give Frank Sinatra a listen HERE.

FREE HOLIDAY PARKING IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES BEGINNING DEC. 18

The Town of Durham is pleased to announce free holiday parking for shoppers will be in effect for the entire UNH winter break this year.

From Wednesday, December 18, 2024, through Friday, January 17, 2025, the parking kiosks in the immediate downtown business area will allow free parking to encourage residents and others to shop the downtown during the winter break. The screen on the applicable kiosks will inform parkers of the free parking and will not accept any payment. 

No receipts on your dashboard will be required during the Holiday Parking period.

On Sunday, December 15th from 7 to 9 PM in the Council Chambers of Durham's Town Hall, attendees will explore together the part Durham's Major John Sullivan played on Day 2 of a pivotal raid on Fort William and Mary in Portsmouth. Come for the multi-media 'edutainment' and stay for the cake and cocoa.

There will be door prizes!

Sponsored by the Durham Historic District and Heritage Commissions. 

Last week on December 4th, UNH held a forum on its draft updated Master Plan to inform and provide an opportunity for feedback for both the Town of Durham and the UNH campus community. 

Residents who were unable to attend that forum can now watch the broadcast on replay HERE.  

This week members of the Durham Town Council held a site visit at Jackson’s Landing and the Churchill Rink to learn more about all of the various attributes of the site. The Parks & Recreation Committee is in the process of working with a group at UNH which is surveying the community on how it sees the playground there today and into the future. In addition, there is interest in one day potentially enclosing and expanding the rink to help transform it into a year-round recreation facility that could also double as a modest community center.

The Town is in the process of surveying the three separate Town-owned parcels that comprise Jackson’s Landing to establish clear boundaries so that the Town and abutters will know where boundaries exist. This will assist neighbors with knowing where they can dump their yard debris and where they cannot.  Dumping should not occur on Town land.

PLANNING BOARD BEGINS 2025 WITH FOUR PUBLIC HEARINGS ON IMPORTANT ITEMS

The Planning Board is holding four public hearings at its next meeting on January 8

• renovations to Mill Plaza
• a proposed Dunkin Donuts at the old Cumberland Farms site
• a conditional use on Riverview Court
• a proposed new student rental ordinance. 

You can download the preliminary agenda HERE. The final agenda will be posted online on January 3.

About 20 years ago, modeled on advertisements utilized in the London Underground, the Town installed several vertical billboard-type advertising panels intended at the time to combat recurring graffiti in this location. The effort was a great success, eliminating the graffiti problem entirely and allowing for several of the Town's then business establishments to advertise their wares, as well as for UNH to promote some of its offerings to travelers.

Two decades later, the panels were faded with many of the businesses no longer in operation. As such, over the course of more than a year, the Town and UNH worked together to redesign the panels, moving away from business advertising approach to instead focus on positive/interesting attributes of both Durham and UNH.

The new panels were just installed! We hope residents and visitors alike will enjoy them and find them of use. Cost for the effort was shared equally between Durham and UNH.

There was a public hearing on the 2025 budgets at the November 18, 2024 Town Council meeting. It included numerous public comments in support of the Wagon Hill Farm Bickford-Chesley House project. There was not feedback about other aspects of the proposed budget.

The twelve-month year-over-year, September to September change in Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) data follows for informational purposes:  

                                                                               2022   2023   2024

CPI-U Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH          8.2%   2.6%   3.4%

The budgetary proposal put forward by the Administrator was projected to increase the 2025 local municipal portion of the tax rate by 45 cents to $6.20 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation, an increase of 7.71%. As a result of the changes noted above, the Town Council will discuss on Monday evening the adoption a budget with a projected 3.4% tax rate increase.

The 2023 and 2024 tax rate was held level at $5.75 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The proposed budget would cost the average Durham property taxpayer with a home valued at $500,000 an additional $225.00 in taxes for 2025 on the municipal portion of the tax rate.  

The proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 2.9% increase in user fees (a rate of $10.92 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2025.  

The proposed Sewer (Wastewater) Fund budget reflects a 3.4% increase in user fees in FY 2025 (a rate of $10.66 per hundred cubic feet).  

Interested residents can watch the Council budget work session that took place on December 9th HERE.

Online links to budget documents can be found below:

Proposed 2025 Operating Budget HERE.

Proposed 2025 Budget Information Booklet HERE.

Proposed 2025-2034 CIP HERE.

Arthur Nutter Sr has been volunteering at the Durham Swap Shop for... well longer than anyone can actually remember… we think ~20 years. Here he is this past Saturday on his 96th birthday, braving the cold ("I don’t get cold, says Arthur, "Worked outside all my life.”) Although the Swap Shop closes this Saturday for the winter, Arthur will be sure to be back at his post in the spring. Be sure to say Hi when you see him!

SWAP SHOP CLOSING FOR THE SEASON DECEMBER 14

Durham Public Works and the Swap Shop Volunteers would like to remind residents that the Linda Hollister Swap Shop at the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center will be closing for the season on Saturday, December 14. Bulky items will not be accepted on December 16. The Swap Shop will reopen at a to-be-determined date in Spring 2025.

This wonderful poster is available to purchase, showcasing the many icons of Durham. Ellie Lonske, a resident of Riverwoods, created these 34 mixed-media images several years ago and compiled them into this poster. You can acquire the poster (in a rolled tube) for a $50 donation to the Durham Historical and Cultural Resources Trust, an account set up to support the rehabilitation and enhancement of significant Town properties, including the Wagon Hill Farmhouse, the Old Courthouse, and Smith Chapel among others.

Just stop into the Town Clerk’s office to order the poster. You can pay by cash or check made out to “DHCRT” (but not with a credit card). Our many thanks, again, to Ellie for her generosity in providing for all proceeds to benefit the trust and for her creating this fabulous artwork that Durham residents and other aficionados of our special community will appreciate for many years. See how many icons you recognize.

Some more Frost Fest attendees roasting marshmallows. Courtesy, Todd Selig

Did You Know?  Holiday Ideas

The fossil fuels, trees, and other natural resources that go into producing plastic toys, fast fashion, novelty gifts, and wrapping paper take a big toll on the environment, including wildlife and the habitat they need to survive.

Here are some easy ways to skip the plastics and reduce waste this holiday season. 

❄️Instead of purchasing colored tissue paper for gifting, stick to white or brown (without glitter, etc.). White and brown tissue paper (only) can be composted.

❄️Choose brown Kraft paper or reusable gift bags instead of wrapping paper. Wrapping paper cannot be recycled.

❄️Decide on reusable plates, cups and utensils for your gatherings instead of plastics. In most cases, these items are not recyclable. 

❄️Going out to dinner to celebrate the holidays? Bring a reusable container you can use for leftovers instead of using disposable plastic or Styrofoam containers from the restaurant.

❄️Instead of giving plastic toys, novelty gifts and fast fashion clothing, consider these sustainable gift ideas:

Lessons: art, cooking, dance, exercise, ice skating, martial arts, yoga, Pilates 

Memberships: museums, botanical gardens, music groups, galleries, theater season subscriptions

Green Business Gift certificates: refilleries, garden supplies, curbside compost service (Mr. Fox), Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) memberships, galleries that feature local artists, spas 

Special Personal Care: hair salon, massage, acupuncture, herbalists, pool membership

Sources: Dover Plastic Reduction Group, Earth 911

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: https://recyclesmartma.org/

THE SWITCH IS ON: When Will Rebates for Home Electrification and Appliances Be Available?

The Federal Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022 made available $4.275 billion in grants to states to reduce the upfront cost of efficiency electric technologies in single-family and multi-family homes. Many people have asked about when these rebates will be available. The following is quoted from the NH Department of Energy website:

Has NH DOE applied for the federal funds for this program?

YES. The Department filed an application with US DOE on March 26, 2024 for these funds. The US DOE approved the state’s application and released the first tranche of funding on August 30, 2024.

What happens next?

The Department has an open Request for Proposal (RFP) to find an implementer for this program. To conform with state and federal requirements, this will take some time before an implementer is on board. The implementer will be the entity that runs the program on behalf of the Department and will directly interact with customers, contractors, and retailers. The Department will continue to work with the USDOE to get this program live as soon as possible.

Does this mean I can get a rebate soon?

While NH DOE is working diligently to set up this program, there are still many steps that must be taken in order to get a program like this up and running, including contracting with an implementer. NH DOE anticipates that rebates will not be available until the spring/summer of 2025 at the earliest.

For more information about the program see the NH Department of Energy webpage HERE. To see the status of the rebate program in other states, see the map HERE.

Seacoast Area Firefighters, including members of the Durham Professional Firefighters Association (DPFFA), 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 and up).

~ Gift cards.

~ Monetary donations. Please make checks payable to the Durham Professional Firefighter’s Association and include “Toy Bank” in the memo of your check. Checks may be mailed to the DPFFA at 51 College Road, Durham, NH 03824. 

Drop off locations for toys can be found at M&T Bank on Main Street, Hannaford, Durham Town Hall, and the Durham Library. Donations may also be dropped off at the Durham Fire Station at 51 College Rd in Durham. For community partners who may wish to host a donation box or to submit a request for assistance (please follow this link HERE or contact Firefighter Robert Rosselli of the Durham Fire Department by email Robert.rosselli@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 under-resourced families in the Oyster River School District with any remaining donations being sent to other communities that need assistance. 

Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity!

WINTER PARKING BAN – A Reminder

Just a reminder that the Durham Winter Parking ban began on Sunday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2025. 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 PUBLIC WAY 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.  

Officer Alexander Scopa, of Wakefield, Massachusetts, and Officer Alexander Andruzzi, of Somersworth, New Hampshire, were both sworn in as Durham Police Officers on December 9, 2024.

Officer Scopa graduated from St. Anselm’s College in 2024, with a degree in politics and German studies. While at St. Anselm’s College, Officer Scopa had an ROTC affiliation at the University of New Hampshire and is now a commissioned second Lieutenant in the US Army Reserves. Officer Scopa’s father and brother are both law enforcement officers in Massachusetts.  

Officer Andruzzi graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver Canada in 2015, with a degree in Political Science. He went on to graduate from the University of Maine School of Law in 2020, with a Juris Doctor Degree. Prior to being sworn in as a full-time police officer, Officer Andruzzi was employed as an Assistant County Attorney for the Strafford County Attorney’s Office. He is also a part-time New Hampshire certified police officer, having served at both the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office and Loudon Police Department.

Please join us in welcoming Officer Scopa and Officer Andruzzi to the Durham community.

Recently several current and former Durham Police Department members got together at the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINA) Christmas Dinner to catch up and enjoy an evening out. Detective Sergeant John Lavoie is a future candidate to attend the FBINA. Although Durham PD was one of the smallest member agencies in attendance, it boasted the highest number of former graduates in attendance at the event. 

Captain Jason Best retired from the Durham Fire Department effective November 30, 2024.

Jason served the department and the community with distinction since he was hired by the Durham Fire Department on June 26, 1999.   

Jason was promoted to fire captain in 2011 and served on the Executive Boards of the Durham Professional Firefighters Association as well as the Durham Professional Municipal Managers Association. He also served as the department’s coordinator for small engines and rescue equipment. Jason’s dedication and commitment to service, combined with his knowledge, skills, and abilities, have been a tremendous asset to the fire department and to the Durham/UNH community. 

A retirement reception was held at the fire station on November 25, 2024, to thank Jason for his many years of dedicated service and to wish Jason and his family all the best in the years ahead.  

Please join the Town of Durham in welcoming Call Firefighter Grant Rinckey to the Durham Fire Department.

Grant Rinckey comes to Durham from Delmar, NY. He attended Bethlehem Central High School in Delmar, NY and is currently majoring in Environmental Conservation with a minor in Homeland Security at UNH. Grant is enrolled as a cadet in the Army ROTC program where he will be commissioned as an Army Officer. He has previous experience with Elsmere Fire Company in New York State, entering the department as an explorer and then became a volunteer firefighter. During his time with Elsmere Fire, Grant completed his New York State Firefighter I certification.

If you see Grant around town, please feel free to say hello and welcome him to the community.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

No School December 23, 2024, to January 1, 2025

All Oyster River schools and the SAU office will be closed during Winter Break. School will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2024.

Winter Concerts and Events Schedule

ORCSD's 2024-2025 concert schedule for all grade levels may be viewed HERE.

Fourteen ORHS Students Selected for State Music Festival

Fourteen Oyster River High School (ORHS) students were selected to perform at the New Hampshire Music Educators Association (NHMEA) All-State Festival in April. ORHS students prepared advanced music, scales and excerpts to perform for a panel of NHMEA judges on Nov. 23. Students competed against music students from across the state to be selected to perform at the NHMEA All-State Festival.  Additional information may be found HERE.

Moharimet's Fourth Grade Energy Project

On November 22, 2024, Moharimet School 4th grade students presented their energy projects in the school library. This event, attended by many family members and friends, was the culmination of a 6 week-long exploration and learning about renewable energy. Students also presented to the ORCSD School Board on Nov. 20. Additional information and photos may be found HERE.

December 4 Coding and Cocoa

On Dec. 4, Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD) students of all grade levels engaged in coding activities to celebrate the Hour of Code. Oyster River schools host Coding and Cocoa annually in the first week of December and during Computer Science Education Week. Additional information and photos can be found HERE.

Mast Way December 5 Winter Concert

Thank you to our music teacher, Mr. Milner, and the Mast Way staff and volunteers who supported the production of our winter concert. Photos are available HERE.

Free and Reduced Meals Applications

Free and reduced meals applications can be completed online HERE. Applications are also available at each school's front office and nurse's office upon request. Please be sure the application you complete has the current school year listed on it as we are, unfortunately, unable to accept previous years applications.

End 68 Hours of Hunger Groceries Assistance

End 68 Hours of Hunger was named after the 68 hours between a child’s last school meal on Friday and the next one the following Monday. This program's purpose is to fight childhood food insecurity by providing free groceries to ORCSD students every Friday. Each bag of food is valued at $15 and includes groceries for two breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners for a child. All End 68 Hours of Hunger requests are confidential, unrelated to ORCSD’s Free & Reduced Meals program, and there is no income requirement. Inquiries can be made to your school nurse or by contacting End 68 Hours of Hunger Program Coordinator Doris Demers at OysterRiver@End68HoursOfHunger.org.

Participants at Frost Fest last weekend. Courtesy, Todd Selig