Friday Updates - December 13th, 2019

Friday, December 13, 2019

Frost Fest in downtown Durham last Saturday evening, December 7th. Courtesy Todd Selig

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As we move into December, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are coming right up.

For those who may not be familiar with the holiday, Kwanzaa is a week-long annual celebration held in the United States and other nations of the African diaspora in the Americas to honor African heritage in African-American culture. It is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in gift-giving and a feast. 

Christmas is December 25th. Hanukkah begins December 22nd for 8 nights.

If there are other religious or cultural holidays of significance coming up that are important to Durham community members, please let us know so we can recognize those as well. Write to tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.

A REPORT ON SATURDAY’S FROST FEST CELEBRATION

Durham's Frost Fest celebration took place last Saturday, December 7th, for community members to spend time with friends, family, and neighbors in advance of the holiday season.

Wreaths sparkled on lampposts, the spruce tree at Memorial park was festooned with colored lights, and Santa was present under a tent in front of Young’s Restaurant. There was popcorn, s’mores, hot chocolate, crafts, music, and cookies. A DPW front end loader was available for children to climb in and to have their picture taken on. There was also a photo booth in a Volkswagen van!

At Monday evening’s Town Council meeting, members of the board were pleased that the event was ultimately well attended and a success. Councilors and members of the Winter Celebration Committee appointed by the Council (Kitty Marple, Larry Brickner-Wood, Jessica Starkey, Deborah Hirsch Mayer, Leslie Schwartz, and Dave Hamilton (P&R Director Rachel Gasowski attended meetings to answer questions and provide information as needed)) plan to take into consideration feedback received in the weeks leading up to the event, as well as feedback concerning the event itself from those who attended, as the community looks ahead to planning a 2020 celebration.

When Durham began promoting the Frost Fest event in November, it generated national media coverage and controversy. It sparked a robust conversation in town as well by community members who didn’t approve of scaling back some traditions associated with Christmas. For example, while Santa was present, he did not arrive on a fire truck as in the past (though years ago he used to walk into downtown prior to riding on the fire truck -- but Santa got a bit older and ride was eventually appreciated). While the evergreen tree in Memorial Park was illuminated the entire time, there was not a countdown to the lighting. And the name of the event was changed from “The Annual Tree Lighting” to “Frost Fest.” Wreaths were ultimately also hung on lampposts along Main Street as in the past. 

The Winter Celebration Committee and ultimately the Town Council was trying to make the annual event less Christmas focused and more focused on celebrating the holiday season. 

The majority of people who wrote/called/emailed to express views felt like it was taking away from Christmas traditions. Other residents, though fewer in numbers, have said they appreciated the changes to make the event welcoming for more people. Some believed that instead of the changes that were made, new events/activities should have been added and in that way making it more inclusive. Other residents expressed that they had no opinion.  

In the end, Parks & Recreation Director Rachel Gasowski reported Saturday evening she believed the event saw the largest attendance ever. 

One resident wrote: “I wanted to follow up on my previous note and say that our family very much enjoyed the Frost Fest event last night. Our 10-year old’s favorite activity was the free-form snowball fight around the lighted tree. The hot chocolate, popcorn, and chance to climb up into the big construction vehicle were also appreciated!” 

Whether people who attended the gathering supported the changes, had no opinion about the changes, or had concerns with the changes, the Town would like to thank all of those who came out on a chilly December evening and supported this happy community gathering.  

On the Frost Fest budget front, the Town Council this past Monday evening voted to remove the $6,000 in the proposed budget for a NH Listens Project community listening session concerning the annual celebration that had been requested by the Winter Celebration Committee. More thought will be given to how the Town itself will evaluate possible enhancements to the event for next year.

In addition, the Council was comfortable with Administrator Selig’s decision to retain the wreaths this year and therefore $2,500 was budgeted for 2020 not to replace them, but rather over time to purchase additional downtown festive decorations to utilize along Pettee Brook Lane, and potentially to intersperse amongst the wreaths along Main Street as they reach the end of their useful life in several years.  

Finally, one resident suggested this week to Mr. Selig that the wreaths, which truly do add light and emotional warmth do the downtown in an otherwise dark time of year, be allowed to remain in place and illuminated through February or March. Because the wreaths are strung with low power LED lighting, Mr. Selig liked the idea a great deal and has spoken with DPW about making it so.  

The Council and the committee will be pleased to consider additional thoughts regarding Frost Fest, particularly from those who participated and have firsthand observations, to see how it can be improved upon looking ahead to December 2020.  Feedback can be emailed to mailto:council@ci.durham.nh.us.  

Santa arrives at Durham's Frost Fest on Saturday evening, Dec. 7, 2019. Courtesy Todd Selig

TOWN COUNCIL FINALIZES FY 2020 BUDGET DURING DECEMBER 9TH BUDGET WORKSESSION – Scheduled to adopt formal resolution approving budget this Monday night. View the proposed FY 2020 budget on line HERE

The Town Council held a public hearing on the Administrator’s proposed FY 2020 Operating, Capital, and Special Fund Budgets on Monday, November 18, 2019 at 7:00 PM. No members of the public provided input during the public hearing.   

Copies of the proposed FY 2020 Budget, as well as the proposed 2020-2029 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), have been available for viewing on line, in the lobby on the first floor of the Durham Town Hall located at 8 Newmarket Road, and at the Durham Public Library located at 49 Madbury Road. 

Admin. Selig had proposed 2020 General Fund budget totaling $16,635,510 -- a spending increase of $514,200 or 3.2% compared to FY 2019. Increases were due to required wages and benefits as a result of collective bargaining contracts, a 2% COLA for non-union personnel, insurance increases, debt service costs, and other miscellaneous requests that will be discussed as part of the upcoming process. Non-property tax revenues were projected (with the best data available a few months ago) to decrease in FY 2020 by approx. $66,000 or (.09%) to $7,159,875.  

The budget as proposed was projected to increase the 2020 local municipal portion of the tax rate by 4.19% from $ 7.60 to $7.92, an increase of 32 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 was projected to cost the average Durham property taxpayer with a home valued at $350,000 an additional $112.00 in taxes for 2020. 

After deliberations, the Council on Monday evening, December 9th, made a number of minor changes to the proposal. In sum, the tax rate increase under the Council’s revised budget will be 2.54%, versus the 4.19% originally proposed.  

The Council’s budget would approve an Operating Fund totaling $16,814,660, an increase of 4.3%. However, the Council increased total non-property tax revenues with amendments to $7,492,825, an increase of 3.7% (versus the decline in revenue of almost 1% by the Admin.).

The proposed Sewer (Wastewater) Fund budget reflects a 2.92% increase in user fees in 2020 (a rate of $8.97 per hundred cubic feet), while the proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 3.8% increase in user fees (a rate of $7.35 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2020.  

View a list of changes made by the Council HERE.

Residents young and old enjoying themselves at this year's Frost Fest. Courtesy Todd Selig

DOVER ROAD FORCE MAIN PROJECT - Blasting to continue into next week.

Blasting operations began Monday 12-09-19 and will continue through next week. Blasting will start on the portion of the proposed alignment nearest the Wastewater Treatment Plant property. When blasting operations approach Route 4 it will require that traffic be stopped on Route 4 in both directions to protect the traveling public.

Communications will be made with job site supervisors and local officials as required to ensure the safest possible operation. Additionally, coordination between this project and the NHDOT Bunker Creek project will be made to ensure that traffic is cleared as efficiently as possible. Appropriate signage, traffic control and police details will be utilized. The blasting contractor has secured a blasting permit from the Durham Fire Department. All work is weather dependent. 

Blasting times will generally be in the afternoon and not within rush hour morning or afternoon commutes. Each blast will be preceded by a security check of the affected area and then a series of warning whistles. The warning whistles will follow the following sequence:

3 Audible Signal Pulses – 5 Minutes to Blast

2 Audible Signal Pulses – 1 Minute to Blast

1 Audible Signal Pulses – All Clear

More details will be shared next week via the Town’s Facebook Page and website. We appreciate your patience as we work towards completing this critical infrastructure project. 

All questions and comments should be directed to Town Engineer, April Talon at 603-868-5578 or via email at mailto:atalon@ci.durham.nh.us

2019 MEDIAN RATIO ANALYSIS SHOWS PROPERTY VALUES ON AVERAGE CONTINUE TO RISE IN DURHAM

The Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) recently conducted a sales-assessment ratio study using properties that sold in Durham between October 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019. The purpose of the study is to compare the assessments of those properties sold to their selling price.  

Based on the survey, the DRA has determined that the median ratio for vacant land and improved properties in Durham for tax year 2019 is 93.8%. Basically, this means that on average, the assessments of properties in Durham were approximately 6.2% below market value as of April 1, 2019. When compared to the 2018 median ratio of 97.8%, it reveals that on average, property values continue to increase in Durham.

According to the statistical guidelines established by the Assessing Standards Board, the median ratio must fall between 0.90 and 1.10. When the ratio falls outside of these parameters, a revaluation or statistical update must be conducted to bring the all assessed values in the municipality to 100% market value. A town-wide revaluation is planned for 2023.     

Keeping warm and enjoying s'mores at this year's Frost Fest. Courtesy Todd Selig

LETTER FROM ORCSD SUPERINTENDENT JAMES MORSE - Citizen Committee formed to promote the proposed new middle school in advance of annual school meeting in March

To all interested parties,



I've been asked to inform you that a Citizen's Committee has been formed to promote the passage of the proposed new middle school: "ORMS--Go Vote."

This committee has been established to advocate and raise money to promote the passage of the proposed middle school bond, something that the school district cannot do.

In March 2020, The Oyster River Cooperative School District will be proposing Warrant Article #3 for a $49,842,732 million dollar bond for a new middle school. As many know the current middle school opened in 1936, has served the district well, and is beyond repair.

ORMS - - Go Vote is independent of the school district and can be reached at

mailto:fwolff@comcast.net (Treasurer) mailto:juliesreece@gmail.com (Chair).

Thank you.

Dr. James C. Morse, Sr.

Superintendent

This morning the foundation walls of the new kitchen space at 56 Main Street were poured with a pump truck in order to reach the furthest corners of the foundation forms. The Ciao Italia Kitchen will be completely built from scratch within this new footprint space. Courtesy Audrey Cline  

ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE CLOSED WEEK OF DECEMBER 23

Due to vacation schedules, the Administrator's Office will be closed the week of December 23, 2019. Business Manager Gail Jablonski will serve as Acting Administrator during that time.

NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

Due to vacation schedules in the Administrator's Office, there will be no "Friday Updates" publication on Friday, December 27th.

DURHAM TOWN OFFICES HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE

Below is the Holiday closing schedule for the Durham Town Offices for the remainder of 2019 and beginning of 2020.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Tuesday, December 24, 2019 - CLOSING AT 3PM

Wednesday, December 25, 2019 - CLOSED

Thursday, December 26, 2019 - CLOSED

NEW YEAR'S EVE

Tuesday, December 31, 2019 - CLOSING AT 3PM

NEW YEAR'S DAY

Wednesday, January 1, 2020 - CLOSED

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING IN JANUARY

There is currently only one (1) regular meeting of the Town Council scheduled in January for January 13, 2020.

2020 CENSUS - Census Takers sought for upcoming Census.

The United States Census Bureau is seeking to employee Census Takers for the upcoming 2020 Census.

The pay rate for Enumerators (Census Taker) is now $17.50 per hour and

mileage will be reimbursed at the rate of $0.58 per mile. We are looking for

people to work between 20 to 40 hours a week. Enumerators have a potential to earn $350 to $700 per week.

The State of NH has deemed "wages earned from the US Census Bureau are TEMPORARILY EXCLUDED from countable income through September 30, 2019 for SNAP, FANF, and NH Child Care Scholarship AND are PERMANENTLY EXCLUDED from countable income for non-MAGI categories and medical assistance."

The Census Bureau is especially looking for multi-lingual applicants.

Questions may be addressed to the Concord Census Bureau Recruiting Department at 603-369-5605.

Apply online HERE.

Not all were in favor of the changes made at this year's Frost Fest. This window display at The Candy Bar & Creamery illustrates differing points of view that existed in the community. Courtesy Todd Selig

MILL ROAD CROSSWALK AT ENTRANCE TO MILL PLAZA - Visibility concerns expressed by local resident.   

Resident Nancy Lambert alerted the Town’s Traffic Safety Committee concerning her observations of the existing vulnerability of pedestrians as they cross the entrance to Mill Plaza while on the easterly side of Mill Road. There is significant traffic movement in this area complicated by the number of pedestrians crossing, both within and outside of crosswalks in this area. It was established that there are five (5) street lights in the immediate area. Police Chief Kurz will write memo to Planning Board regarding observations and to highlight the successful pedestrian walkway through the Town’s Pettee Brook lot, which may be very appropriate for the Mill Plaza as Planning Board review of the this complex proposal take place.

A NEW BUS STOP DISCUSSED FOR RIVERWOODS DURHAM              

RiverWoods Durham has asked UNH Transportation to establish a bus stop in the immediate vicinity of their complex along Dover Road/Route 108 for their residents to use. A meeting with UNH’s Dirk Timmons, Mike Lynch and Chief Kurz occurred to review the situation. While the sight distance for vehicles traveling southerly on Route 108 could be problematic, a location for a stop was identified between the intersection southerly to the 30MPH sign. Additionally all agreed that a stop located north of the intersection between Canney Road would most likely work. As there already exists a bus stop at the Canney Road intersection, moving that location/sign southerly should be an effective solution and location.

Given this is a State roadway, permissions may be sought for movement of the signs but may not be necessary for such a matter of minor detail. As far as creating a crosswalk at the intersection of Stone Quarry Drive, the Town would be opposed to such a plan as there are currently no sidewalks in the area and placing crosswalks that do not begin or end at a crosswalk is counterproductive to our traffic philosophy. Consequently this would be a non-starter for the state to consider. While bus shelters were only mentioned in passing, the Town would not financially support such an initiative, which the NH DOT, in all probability, would not be inclined to allow within their right of way on such a main corridor even were RiverWoods to consider compensating construction costs. The Town plans to move the signs and establish bus stops where indicated.

Ice sculpting was one of the features at Frost Fest 2019. Courtesy Todd Selig

USE COMMON SENSE - THE BEARS ARE BACK IN TOWN

And we don’t mean the Maine Black Bears. Over the past month the Durham Police have received several calls regarding a Black Bear roaming in the area of Bucks Hill and Emerson Road. On Thursday evening around 5PM there was a bear lying on the porch of a Bucks Hill residence feasting on seed from two bird feeders he had pulled to the ground. While the officer was able to scare the bear off, and he removed the bird feeders for the homeowner, Durham police understand that on nearby Emerson Road, several chickens were killed by a bear. As the bears contemplate hibernation, they are actively seeking any and all food sources. Residents are reminded to remain clear of the bears and notify Durham Police at 868-2324 if there are any concerns.

Ruby and her rescuers, accompanied by her new calf, McGregor. Courtesy Jeremy Gasowski

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF RUBY THE COW'S RESCUE

To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the rescue of Ruby the cow, members of the Durham Fire Department, Madbury Fire Department, and McGregor Memorial EMS made a special visit to the UNH Fairchild Dairy Barn on December 11, 2019 to visit Ruby and her new calf, McGregor. On December 4, 2018, Ruby, who weighs approximately 1200 pounds, had fallen approximately eight feet into a manure trench in her barn. After an intensive technical rescue effort by firefighters over a three-hour period, she was out of harm’s way. During the recent visit, Ruby’s rescuers were happy to see Ruby accompanied by her new calf, McGregor, named honorarily for the first responders who assisted in her rescue, born just two days before the anniversary of her fall. 

After the initial incident, new safety measures were put in place to protect the cows from any further incidents like Ruby’s. 



Thank you to all those who made this happy occasion possible. 

Congratulations, Ruby!

View the WMUR report on the celebration HERE.

View the Union Leader article regarding the celebration HERE.

NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT OPENS POSSIBILITY FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY AND PARKING ENHANCEMENTS AROUND ORMS SITE

Collaborative discussion between Durham and the ORCSD has taken place for the last several months focusing upon the proposed new Middle School that will be decided by the Oyster River District voters early next year. If the project successfully passes for bonding, there would be an excellent opportunity to reconfigure roadways and other ancillary items to enhance pedestrian, parent traffic, bicycle safety, teacher and visitor parking as well as bus drop off and retrieval in the immediate area of the school. We see this as a tremendous opportunity for all involved.  

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PLANS TO PARTIALLY LOWER MILL POND - by 6 inches +/- on or around Dec. 16th

The Department of Public Works plans to partially lower the Mill Pond by approximately 6 inches during the third week of December (on or around December 16, 2019) to perform a dam inspection and subsurface geotechnical work with a floating barge in the pond as part of the Feasibility Study being completed by the Town’s consultant. 

On Tuesday, November 26, 2019, a public informational meeting was held in the Council chambers at Town Hall relative to the Oyster River Dam/Mill Pond partial drawdown.

The first public informational meeting for the Dam Feasibility Study will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2020 in Town Council chambers at 7pm. The goal of the meeting will be to introduce the members of the project team, present the scope and projected timeline of the study, and to take questions and comments. 

Questions and comments should be directed to Town Engineer April Talon at (603) 868-5578, or mailto:atalon@ci.durham.nh.us

THIS LOOKS LIKE A SCAM TO CHIEF KURZ - Beware of body armor solicitations

One of Durham’s senior residents came to see Chief Kurz about buying body armor for the Durham Police. While a wonderful gesture, each Durham Police Officer has body armor that they wear at all times when they are on duty! The practical use period of the body armor is approximately five (5) years and the Police Department has a structured replacement/updating program which the resident was pleased to hear about.

What prompted this inquiry was a letter the resident had received with the headline “Durham, New Hampshire Area Drive for America’s Police and Sheriffs Emergency Equipment Shortage” that was soliciting donations. The recipient of these donations are the United States Deputy Sheriffs Association which according to a Google search has a 21% out 100% rating and is referred to as a “scam” in multiple locations. 

The Durham Police have never benefitted from this group and urge all residents NOT to provide any funds to any group portraying themselves to support the Durham Police as this is not the manner in which the department functions.

Chief Kurz wants to assure residents that Town has been very supportive of the equipment needs of the Durham Police and will always make a public presentation to the Durham Town Council if anything were to be required via Town funds.   

Kids crafting at this year's Frost Fest on Main Street in Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig

CONGRESSMAN CHRIS PAPPAS HOLDS OPEN OFFICE HOURS AT DURHAM TOWN HALL

On Wednesday, December 18, 2019 from 2:30 - 3:30 in the Durham Town Hall lobby one of Congressman Pappas' Constituent Service Representatives, Christian Seasholtz, will be available to assist constituents with issues they may be facing with a federal agency. Examples may include:

• Veterans benefits
• Social security
• Medicare
• Passports and visa

 Christian will be able to answer questions and/or open an inquiry with a federal agency. 

Contact: Christian Seasholtz at (603) 918-1033 or mailto:christian.seasholtz@mail.house.gov

THE DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION URGES YOU TO EAT FRESH ALL YEAR LONG!

Winter farmers' markets are underway at UNH and in surrounding towns, with local farms and food producers offering fresh food every weekend. There will be indoor markets held at Wentworth Greenhouse in Rollinsford and Rolling Green Nursery in Greenland tomorrow. Check the Seacoast Eat Local website for a list of markets. Winter farmers' markets will be held in the Granite State Room at the UNH MUB on five Thursdays in 2020 - February 13, February 27, March 12, March 26, and April 9, all from 11am to 3pm. So much good food is produced in the Seacoast, mark your calendars!

The children really got into a snowball exchange next to the lighted evergreen in Memorial Park at Frost Fest. Courtesy Todd Selig

PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS TO BE PLACED ON THE MARCH 10, 2020 TOWN ELECTION BALLOT

On Monday, December 2, 2019, the Durham Town Council held a public hearing at its regular meeting relative to various proposed amendments to the Durham Town Charter for placement on the March 10, 2020 Town Election ballot.

For the past several years, the Administrator’s Office has been accumulating various Charter amendments that have been identified as needing to be made. Amendments to the Town Charter were last made in March 2009. In addition, the town’s attorney, Laura Spector-Morgan, has also reviewed the Charter and has identified other areas within the Charter she felt could also be amended. 

Below is a link to the draft language and format of amendments that are being recommended by unanimous vote of the Town Council for placement on the Town Election ballot for March 10, 2020. Explanations for each of the recommended changes are provided here for the Council’s information but cannot legally be placed on the election ballot itself. 

The most significant change is an increase in the bond threshold requiring a referendum vote of the Town. The current cap of $1,000,000.00 has been in existence since the adoption of the Charter in 1987. One recommended amendment would raise the cap to reflect the rate of inflation since that time, which in today’s dollars would be $2,288,768.96. (Rounded to $2,300,000.00). In essence, $1 million today does not buy what it once did almost 33 years ago.

View the recommended Charter changes HERE.

Jazz. Courtesy Rachel Deane

2020 TOP DOG CONTEST - Entries accepted after January 1, 2020

The Town of Durham is proud to announce its first annual Top Dog contest. This contest was created to motivate and remind dog owners to license their pets every year by April 30, as state law requires. You will automatically be registered for the Top Dog contest if you obtain a dog license from the Town Clerk’s office before April 30, 2020.  

Rules and Regulations

• Contestants will automatically be entered into the contest when they register their dog(s) before April 30 (only open to Durham residents).
• Residents who DO NOT want to be included in the contest may opt out by writing, calling, or emailing the Durham Town Clerks office.
• Contestants must be 18 or older and be the owner of the dog on file with Town Clerk's Office.
• Durham employees are not eligible.
• The contestant must have a 2020 Town of Durham dog license by April 30.
• A current rabies vaccination will be required to obtain the license.
• The Top Dog winner may submit a digital photo and brief biography of their dog to the Town Clerk’s Office (OPTIONAL). 
• Photos of the Top Dog winner may be displayed in the Town Hall, Town of Durham’s webpage, and the Durham Friday Updates.
• The winner will be drawn at random by the Town Council in May 2020.
• The winner of the Top Dog contest will receive a certificate and a gift basket of donated goods and services from local businesses.

ORCSD SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

On December 4 the Board held an abbreviated meeting devoted to a report from Lisa Allison, the Chair of the Long-Range Planning Committee, which makes projections on school enrollments. The Committee predicts that enrollment will decline gradually over the next 10 years, from the current figure of 2173 to 1915 in 2029-30. Ms. Allison affirmed that the proposed new middle school would not exceed the 700 students it is planned for, even in the top range of the prediction. 

The full report is available on the district website HERE.

The rest of the meeting was devoted to a workshop in which the board explored various options that would moderate tax rate increases, should the middle school bond pass. 

Oyster River Cycle and Sport was on hand at Frost Fest to let people take the fat wheel bikes out for a test drive! Courtesy Todd Selig

ALZHEIMER'S/DEMENTIA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP IN DURHAM

Staff at the Brookdale Spruce Wood, located at 25 Worthen Road, and Police Officer Holly Malasky who volunteered to facilitate, recently finished all that was required to have Brookdale Sprucewood's Alzheimer’s/dementia Caregiver Support Group be affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association. This means that the facility is now able to open it up to the public and they would love for those living in the town of Durham to be able to use this service.

Brookdale Sprucewood's caregiver support group creates a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. It gives a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. It also educates and informs participants about dementia and helps participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. This group encourages caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical and emotional health as well as optimally care for the persons with dementia.

The group takes place every second Wednesday of the Month from 6 - 7:30 PM in the UNH room at Brookdale Spruce Wood. Questions may be directed to Meghan Wentworth, Clare Bridge Program Manager, at 603-659-1100.

DURHAM BUSINESS PARKING PERMITS TO GO ON SALE AT POLICE DEPARTMENT DECEMBER 23rd

Downtown businesses have the ability to purchase parking permits that allow them to park in locations that are peripheral to the core downtown. Each year a new color coded hanging permit is offered for sale. The 2020 Business Parking Permits will be going on sale Monday December 23rd and will be effective January 1st, 2020! All downtown businesses will be receiving a hand-delivered notice about next year’s regulations and procedures within the next few weeks.  

FREE HOLIDAY PARKING IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM

The parking kiosks in the immediate downtown business area will allow free parking to encourage residents and others to shop the downtown during the holidays. 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! The grace period that allows for free parking for shoppers will commence Wednesday December 18th and run through Saturday January 4th!  Merry Christmas . . .

SNOW FORTS AND CHILD SAFETY - Keep kids out of forts made in snow banks for their safety.

The safety of children is the top priority of snow plow drivers while clearing streets. Please educate children on the dangers of snow removal and make sure they play safely.

Please remind them to:

• Never build tunnels or snow forts in the snow banks near the street. The force and weight of the snow coming off the plows can collapse the tunnels or forts and harm the child. 
• Keep sleds and toys out of the street and away from the edge of the road. Snow banks make it difficult for plow drivers to see children playing in these areas.
• Children should never play near the edge of the road. 
• Stay away from the plow. If a plow is on your street, children should stay back at least 20 feet or more from the road. It is best to have children play near the house as the snowplow approaches and stay there until the plow has passed.

PARKING CONCERNS FOR FATHER LAWLESS FIELD BEING DISCUSSED

DPW Director Mike Lynch wanted to garner the opinions of the Town’s Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) regarding a concern expressed by the lone abutter to the Father Lawless playing fields that often parking was problematic during the baseball season. The Oyster River Youth Association (ORYA) often uses the field for baseball and other activities drawing many parents and their vehicles. Often both sides of the roadway are used for parking making the traverse of the clogged street very difficult. The same lone resident on this section of Fogg Drive is in favor of a review that considers one-way traffic, diagonal parking, or other solutions to this issue. The TSC discussed a number of suggestions and heard from Mike Lynch of the composition of the soils challenging off-street parking. The TSC has requested that Mike Lynch review options enabling the TSC to discuss more fully at the next meeting, a satisfactory remedy for parking at the Father Lawless fields.

DUE TO ONE BAD APPLE, PATRON PARKING ONLY-LIBRARY RESTRICTIONS NEEDED 

While not a daily occurrence, the Durham Library staff has noted that UNH students park their vehicles in the lot while they attend classes. This scheme consumes limited available parking for visitors/users of the library and while not in crisis mode, there is a desire not to have this become a daily and widespread strategy.  Staff believes that an ordinance limiting parking to patrons of the library should be enacted. Dave Kurz to develop and present to the Town Council an ordinance amendment that would address this issue.

TOWN COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY ASKS INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO CONTINUE TO EVALUATE PAYT TO ADDRESS TRASH/RECYCLING AND BRING FORWARD A PROPOSAL FOR POSSIBLE IMPLEMENTATION FOR FUTURE ACTION BY THE COUNCIL

The Council held continued discussion regarding Pay-As-You-Throw at Monday's Council meeting and by a vote of 7-0 (two members were absent) asked the IWMAC to continue to evaluate a PAYT program for Durham and bring forward a proposal for for Council consideration/action.  

Councilor Al Howland, who is the Council's representative to the IWMAC, has prepared a great deal of financial information about a possible PAYT program for Durham. This can be viewed on the Celebrate Durham website HERE.

The IWMAC met this week to continue their discussion regarding this topic.

Courtesy Ellen Karelitz

DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WINTER EMAIL GARDENING COURSE

The Durham Agricultural Commission encourages residents to participate in home food production and small scale farming.  This winter  our Food Friendly Yard program is offering an 8 week email course aimed at helping people to get started with gardening, edible landscaping, backyard livestock, and a variety of related topics.  To participate, residents should send an email expressing interest to mailto:foodfriendlyyards@gmail.com. Email addresses will be collected and each week during the months of January and February  members of this group will receive an email which includes a brief introductory paragraph introducing the topic of the week and links to 3-4 videos demonstrating techniques for site selection, building raised beds, beekeeping, backyard chickens etc. Links to articles will also be included.  In March a meeting will be held at the Durham Public Library so participants can meet to discuss ideas and get questions answered.  Spend the winter learning how to make your yard Food Friendly!

EVERSOURCE TO UTILIZE HELICOPTER FOR INSTALLATION OF SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT TRANSMISSION CABLE IN DURHSM

As you know, the SRP is a 13-mile, 115-kilovolt transmission line connecting existing substations in Portsmouth and Madbury. Vegetation removal in the power line corridor is complete, distribution lines are being modified, and new transmission structures are being installed. Once the new transmission structures are set, the new wires for the transmission line will be installed via helicopter to make the installation move along as fast and efficiently as possible. The utility can complete the required work in the air, using limited equipment and vehicles on the ground in the power line corridor, resulting in fewer impacts to residents and environmentally sensitive areas. The helicopter may also be used to transport workers, tools, and materials used during the wire-stringing process. In some locations where helicopters cannot fly, Eversource may need to use alternate methods to install wire. 

Wire installation will begin in January 2020 and is anticipated to be complete by March 2020. The schedule may change due to weather and other unexpected circumstances.
Although the power line construction in your area is anticipated to be complete by March 2020, Eversource expects to continue working on final restoration of disturbed areas through summer 2020.

SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT SUBMARINE CABLE INSTALLATION IN LITTLE BAY NEARING COMPLETION – Only diver burial and concrete mattress work remains

With jet plowing work complete and carefully monitored on an ongoing bases under the oversight of the NH Department of Environmental Services, diver burial (also known as hand-jetting) is also now complete on the western (Durham) shore, and concrete mattress installation was scheduled to begin this week. It is anticipated that this phase of the project will take approximately two to three days to complete the work. Diver burial and concrete mattress installation is tidally dependent and the exact schedule may change due to weather, or other unexpected circumstances.  As with all phases of the project within the Little Bay, work is heavily monitored by state regulators.   

Quite a few students from UNH came down to Frost Fest. Here, two pose with Santa in front of Young's on Main Street. Courtesy Todd Selig

MAIN STREET SOUTH SIDEWALK PROJECT UPDATE - Field House to the Roundabout

UNH attended the Durham Heritage Commission/Historic District Committee on November 7th and presented a proposal for relocation of the Nancy Page headstone as part of the sidewalk design project. The plan, designed by A Town-UNH working group, was well received and unanimously supported.  Later that week, UNH received final environmental approval and CMA Engineers delivered the preliminary final designs to NHDOT for review.  UNH expects to meet with NHDOT in the next several weeks to gather any final minor plan changes before receiving approval to put the project out to bid.  If pricing comes back as estimated UNH expects to begin construction after Commencement next May.

MICROMOBILITY DEMONSTRATION FOR UNH & TOWN STAFF AND UNH STUDENTS POSTPONED UNTIL SPRING

UNH actively solicited vendor participants for a planned November Micromobility Day at the Whittemore Center this fall/winter. Unfortunately, only one firm confirmed with RSVP … so the event will be postponed until spring.  

UNH WINTER BREAK HAS ARRIVED!

UNH students are now in the midst of exams and presenting their research papers as classes ended on Monday December 9th with exams through Tuesday the 17th. Throughout this time span, students will begin gradually leaving Durham as they complete their tests and turn in their papers. The first day of the 2020 Spring semester is Tuesday January 21st. Enjoy . . .

Q: WHAT HAS DURHAM’S LAND STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR BEEN BUSY WITH IN 2019? Answer: A great deal of things...

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. Many volunteers, conservation partners, the Conservation Commission, and town staff at Town Hall and Department of Public Works (DPW) are key to the stewardship accomplishments. This is a contract position for 500 to 600 hours per year.

View the extensive list of projects undertaken these past 12 months HERE.

MAIN STREET TOWN CROSSWALK REPAIRS PLANNED BY UNH FOR 2020 THROUGH CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS

UNH Facilities is planning continued crosswalk repair and replacement work next summer.  Current priorities include the Main/Depot Street and Main @ Lot A/Field House crossings.

UNH WAYFINDING SIGNAGE WRAPS UP THIRD YEAR OF PHASED INSTALLATION - It's looking good so far.

UNH is wrapping up its third year of wayfinding signage installations.  This year brought completion of vehicular wayfinding signage upgrades on the Main Street corridor and southern end of Edgewood Road. Signs are all coordinated between UNH and Durham. Town staff are very pleased with the work undertaken to date.  

CMAQ  WILDCAT TRANSIT OBTAINS NEW CNG BUSSES

UNH has received its latest new Wildcat Transit buses – 2017 CMAQ funded Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses which are distinctively shrink wrapped and on the road – making our transit fleet now majority CNG powered..   UNH has been favorably ranked for 2019 funding for three more buses (2 CNG and what will likely be UNH’s last B20 diesel bus).  The University’s future efforts are looking at all-electric buses as it transitions away from internal combustion engines within the transit fleet.  

Did you know that the largest mass transit system in NH actually operates right here in Durham – Wildcat Transit!  These busses are open to use by Town residents.

RESIDENTIAL MAIL DELIVERY DURHAM WINTER MONTHS - Please be sure to shovel out around your mailbox as shown in the illustration above...

The US Postal Service asks residents to please shovel out access to their mailboxes, whether their mail delivery is curbside along the road or a pathway and up stairs to their house, so that letter carriers can deliver mail safely. In addition, mail carriers aWire out late after dark delivering packages so residents are asked to leave their porch lights on. I've attached the official postal form notice. Customers that don't clear out access to their mailboxes will not receive mail.

REMEMBER, MILL PLAZA IS A PRIVATE PARKING LOT!

The Mill Plaza parking lot is not a public parking lot and if you are not shopping, dining or visiting one of the businesses in the Mill Plaza, your vehicle can be “booted” by employees of Colonial Durham, the management company that oversees Mill Plaza. The Durham Police have been advised by Colonial Durham management that parking lot attendants will be using a mechanical boot on cars that are parked illegally. As this is private property, the use of the mechanical boot is allowed under New Hampshire law, as is the towing of a vehicle from this privately owned lot. New signs have been placed prominently throughout the parking area advising persons of the booting and towing for those not legitimately using the parking lot to conduct business within the plaza. While the Durham Police have had several complaints from persons having their vehicle booted, it is uniquely a civil matter and cannot involve the Durham Police who do not intervene in this private/civil matter.  

DURHAM ARREST NUMBERS ARE LOWEST EXPERIENCED IN THE LAST 14 YEARS! 

Barring any event that would result in some 70 plus arrests over the next several weeks, the final number of the calendar year of 2019 should be the lowest experienced in Durham in the last 14 years. Nice news for all us that have never viewed the need to make an arrest as the definition of success!  Last day of classes is occurring and exams and those pesky papers are all due as we gradually notice that parking spaces become more available as students begin to migrate home for the holidays.  

At the end of the night, a tired and relieved Parks & Recreation Director Rachel Gasowski, who worked hard amid much controversy to organize the community Frost Fest event she was asked to manage, and who did so with style, grace, and good cheer. Courtesy Todd Selig

UPDATE ON MILL POND PARTIAL DRAWDOWN AND GEOTECHNICAL WORK

DPW has been informed that the drilling contractor is delayed completing other projects and in addition to the upcoming Christmas holiday, will not be able to mobilize to complete this scope of work until early January. DPW still plans to complete this partial drawdown as planned so that our consultant team can inspect the dam beginning Monday December 16th.

Once we have been informed of a future date for the drilling contractor to mobilize we will share that information. We do not expect that a second small lowering of the pond in January will have any negative impact on winter recreation activities. The schedule is weather dependent.

The first public informational meeting for the Dam Feasibility Study will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2020 in Town Council chambers at 7pm. The goal of the meeting will be to introduce the members of the project team, present the scope and projected timeline of the study and to take questions and comments.

Questions and comments should be directed to Town Engineer April Talon at (603) 868-5578, or mailto:atalon@ci.durham.nh.us

UNH 10 YEAR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING UNDER WAY

The University continues to monitor its Ten Year Plan planning process on behalf of both University and Town interests, with active involvement from Durham. And in terms of overall UNH campus master planning efforts, Durham also enjoys active participation, as does UNH as part of the Town’s own master planning efforts.

YICK, WHAT’S THAT SMELL? – Malfunction being addressed at WWTP

A blower malfunction at the Wastewater Treatment Plant has occurred resulting in more pungent than usual smells.  The blower has been ordered, however, it will be 4-6 weeks for delivery. DPW tried to move it along more quickly by not having to do 3 quotes but unfortunately the item is around $13,000 and staff had to stick to the purchasing policy so that held up the requisition process. When the air is still and foggy, it makes it worse. Hopefully it will take less time than anticipated!

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.

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.

On December 3rd, the Durham Public Library unveiled the 2019 gingerbread house made by Trudy Higgins Brown. It will be on display through the holidays. For those who can't make it to the library, a video tour (with music) can be viewed on YouTube HERE.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, December 14th, from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm

STEAM Saturday: Santa's Parachute

Drop-in

Join us for fun family Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) programming. All are welcome.

Wednesday, December 18th, at 4:00 pm

Classic Holiday Film Series | It's a Wonderful Life

All are welcome. Popcorn served.

It's Library Fine Amnesty Time! until December 18th

Drop off a new, unwrapped toy for the firefighters,Toy Drive.

Let a staff member know you donated and to waive your fines!

Does not apply to lost items

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."

________________________

1948 - The Durham Trust Company was organized with a capital of $50,000 and a working surplus of $15,000. Now in a modern building, it has assets of $11,000,000. Founders were Messrs. P. Fitts, E. Huddleston, H. Iddles, G. McGregor, B. McIntire, C. Rice, A. Stewart and G. Barrett.

Administrator Selig will be out of the office through December 29th. During his absence, Business Manager Gail Jablonski will serve as Acting Administrator.  

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

Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?

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