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Friday, December 18, 2020
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Spruce Hole Bog. Courtesy Megan Carney
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Due to holidays and vacation schedules, this is the last issue of the "Friday Updates" for 2020 ... so we wish everyone a Merry Christmas, happy Kwanzaa, and generally a happy holiday season! And a happy and healthy New Year's to all!
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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!
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TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS
The last meeting for the Town Council in 2020 will be next Monday evening, December 21, 2020.
The only meeting of the Town Council in January will be held on Monday, January 11, 2021.
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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.
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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.
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Town sign posted at Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy Todd Selig
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THE GOAL: A HEALTHY, SAFE WAGON HILL FARM THAT OPERATES WITHIN ITS ENVIRONMENTAL CARRYING CAPACITY AND IS WELCOMING FOR ALL - 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:
- the dog’s owner; or
- 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 need 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;
- Wagon Hill Farm has become a beloved/cherished resource enabling people with dogs a wonderful and safe place to enjoy the outdoors together with others and with their pets;
- According to the UNH research team working at WHF on shoreline stabilization, over time both dogs and humans have negatively impacted and have contributed to shoreline erosion/degradation, which the Town has now invested substantial funds to restore through our Living Shoreline Project. Dogs traversing along the shoreline over time has been of particular concern;
- Dog owners do not always restrict their dogs to being off leash only during the designated hours. The Town has allocated very limited resources for the management of the property so there is rarely an official presence there – compliance has largely been based on an honor system, and perhaps the two-tier system regarding dogs on/off leash is confusing for users of the property;
- 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 the control of their owners;
- Some visitors at Wagon Hill Farm during the morning hours do not like to be approached by dogs off leash and have indicated as a result they no longer feel comfortable/safe visiting the property during those times;
- Generally speaking, most dog owners with dogs off and on leash are responsible people, though some are not;
- At many times of the week only very few dogs are at the property, while at other times (particularly on nice weekend days) many are present;
- While the majority of dog owners are responsible (as evidenced by the use of our dispensers for dog waste), dogs off leash sometimes 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. People have reported stepping in this waste;
- There is significant wear and tear on WHF trails/crossings caused by significant use by humans and dogs alike, though dogs off leash can access areas that humans usually do not -- this is particularly of concern along shoreline areas;
- During the pandemic, all forms of 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 some users.
As part of a broader conversation around the carrying capacity of the land at Wagon Hill Farm, Mr. Selig raised the dog off leash concern with the Land Stewardship Subcommittee last week and floated the idea that he was considering rescinding the variance described above. The subcommittee was generally supportive of the change.
Before taking further action, Mr. Selig was desirous of receiving feedback from the community. He had initially targeted an implementation date around January 1st, due to the anticipated influx of large numbers of sledders following the first snowfall placing even more pressure on the land – and more concentrated interaction between dogs off leash and small children at the property.
However, given the impact of the pandemic and the clear need of residents to have a safe place to visit close to home, and to encourage time for the exploration and consideration of additional solutions/ideas, Mr. Selig plans to hold on making any changes until at least April 1st. During the intervening time, a few things will take place:
- The Durham Police Department will have a greater presence at the WHF property with an educational focus working to ensure that dogs are on leash after 10 AM, that available parking functions as smoothly as possible (keeping people out of “no-parking” areas and off of busy Route 4!), and that dog owners are keeping their pets under their control even if off leash;
- We’ll take a look in the coming weeks at WHF signage to evaluate potential areas for enhancements/improvements;
- A group of dog walkers has asked to be able to provide feedback/ideas for consideration. This is a wonderful step and their ideas/suggestions are welcome;
- We’ll continue to consider other feedback that comes in. As of Wednesday of this week, around 70 people had written -- very thoughtfully outlining their experiences and preferences for the property. The feedback at that time was split about half in favor of retaining the status quo with respect for dogs off leash and half favoring changes. This is not a popularity contest, however.
One common question posed this past week has been whether the Town could restrict use of Wagon Hill Farm to only community members. Because Durham has accepted Federal funds for various improvements to the property over the years, the answer is no. Wagon Hill Farm must remain open to all, however, it would be possible to charge a reasonable fee for non-resident use. Such an idea had been discussed many years ago and brought forward by staff for consideration but was not ultimately implemented as a result of considerable negative public feedback. Is it worth reevaluating such an idea again?
There was an article in this week's Seacoast Online concerning the topic, which can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Suggestions/ideas can be sent to mailto:tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.
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CIAO ITALIA AND CLARK'S AMERICAN BISTRO - Be sure to support downtown Durham businesses and restaurants during the pandemic...
If you need a break from grocery shopping, cooking and all the clean-up, head downtown and take advantage of one of our excellent local eateries. Here’s an introduction to two of our newest dining establishments, Ciao Italia and Clark’s American Bistro:
Both restaurants are owned by Doug and Kim Clark who have a long and involved history in Durham. Doug became of resident of Durham at the age of 10 when his father joined the faculty in the history department at UNH. Kim met Doug in the 1980’s when he owned a local restaurant called Benjamin’s. Years later, seeing a need for additional dining options in town, they decided to open not one, but two restaurants just a few feet from each other on Main Street.
While the hours are exhausting the interaction with the students and the community is energizing. They enjoy talking to their patrons and especially love seeing folks enjoying their meals. While Covid has greatly impacted their initial vision (hellooo takeout!) and budget (filtration systems and constant cleaning), they are thankful for top notch staff and a supportive community.
And now a bit about Ciao and Clark’s-
Ciao Italia opened in June and offers regional Italian cuisine inspired and guided by PBS host Maryann Esposito. The tantalizing menu is complemented by a fantastic selection of wines. In addition to the regular menu, Ciao now offers a family meal option and a fixed-price Sunday supper menu. Everything on the menu is available for take-out too! http://www.ciaoitaliadurham.com/
Clark’s American Bistro opened in the former Young’s restaurant this past October and offers an array of comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s all about quality food in a comfortable atmosphere at Clark’s. Like to get a great meal and a deal? Then head over between 2-6 for daily happy hour specials. If you miss happy hour, you can enjoy Taco Tuesdays, 50% off your second entrée on Wednesdays and half price house wines on Thursdays. And of course, take-out is available. https://clarksamericanbistro.com/
Bon appetit!
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DID YOU KNOW?
Twenty-two Durham families participated in our Fall Compost Challenge 2020. Over a six week period, these families kept 1473 lbs of compostable products out of our landfill. On average, 63% of each family’s waste was compostable and only 37% went to the solid waste landfill.
Learn more about the town’s Compost Challenge below.
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DURHAM'S FALL COMPOST CHALLENGE REPORT
The Compost Challenge was conducted by the Integrated Municipal Waste Advisory Committee (IWMAC) along with support from Parks and Rec and the DPW to provide data on what percentage of our community waste collection may be compost. Families were invited to sign up through Parks and Rec and were provided with compost bins and compostable bags. Of the 26 families registered, 22 families participated on a regular basis. The challenge showed that the majority of the participant families (82%) composted more material than they added to the Municipal Solid Waste.
The total weight of compost collected by individual households ranged from 18 to 120 pounds. Families composted an average of approximately 10 pounds per household per week for the first 5 weeks and over 11 pounds per household when post-Halloween pumpkins were added to many household compost collections. A total of 1473 pounds of compost were collected along with 726 pounds of municipal waste. Overall, the waste collected in the households was 62% compost for the first 5 weeks and 67% after Halloween!
Comments from families were positive and included:
- This has been very eye-opening for me.
- We enjoyed being part of the challenge and are now motivated to continue bringing our compost to the transfer station.
- I have long wanted to compost, but didn’t know how to go about it, so thank you for making it possible.
- I was happy to participate in this! I hope more people will take up the cause and compost.
IWMAC is planning to conduct a Winter Compost Challenge! Watch for an announcement in the New Year!
HAPPY COMPOSTING!
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HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE FOR TOWN DEPARTMENTS
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HOLIDAY SCHEDULES IN ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE
Due to holiday vacation schedules in the Administrator's Office, the office will be closed the week of December 28, 2020 - January 1, 2021
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THANK YOU FROM NH SEACOAST AREA FIREFIGHTER'S TOY BANK
On behalf of the NH Seacoast Area Firefighter’s Toy Bank, Durham Fire Department Local 2253 extends appreciation to our community.
Through your generosity, we have distributed toys and gift cards throughout the seacoast area.
Another successful year is the result of partnerships with various local organizations.
We look forward to working with all of You next year!
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Officer Cameron Holdsworth being sworn in by Town Clerk-Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt this week. Courtesy Durham PD
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DURHAM PD WELCOMES A NEW OFFICER
Officer Cameron Holdsworth, of Pelham, NH, was sworn in as a Durham Police Officer on Monday, December 14, 2020. Officer Holdsworth is a 2020 graduate of Rivier University, with a degree in Criminal Justice. He also completed Basic Training with the Army National Guard in September of 2020. Officer Holdsworth will start his formal 16 week police training in January of 2021 as part of the 184th New Hampshire Police Academy class.
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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.
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Each year, during the holiday season, Durham PD employees donate to the Waysmeet Food Pantry in Durham. The entire Durham PD family hopes that this small gesture will brighten up the holidays for those who are in need.
Left to right above are Officers C.J. Young, Cameron Holdsworth and Michael Nicolosi.
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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.
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SHARING THE LIGHT
1 day left to purchase luminaries & support vulnerable children.
1 DAY left to buy your luminary bags and help light up your home, neighborhood and the town on Sunday Dec 20 at 5:00 pm! You don’t want to miss out on this great event! If your neighbors have not bought theirs yet, why not pay it forward and buy a bundle for them! 100% of proceeds go to support vulnerable children in Foster Care through the New Hampshire Foster Adoptive and Parent Association. Also, at 7:00 p.m tune in to the LIVE virtual concert emceed by The Freedom Cafe and Newmarket Rec. Enjoy bands like Rockingham Groove and River Sister while posting and enjoying pictures of your decorations on 2020 Share the Light Facebook group.
Website to purchase luminaries: https://www.2020sharethelight.com/
Register for 7 PM Community concert at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81851459915
It is the place to be this Sunday night - don’t miss out!
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MEMBERS OF DURHAM COMMUNITY INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN UPCOMING BOOK GROUP DISCUSSION WITH UNH PRESIDENT JIM DEAN
I usually relegate the books I have been reading to a link in the p.s. section of my monthly messages, but I wanted to let you know about an opportunity related to this topic. This month I have been reading Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book Leadership: In Turbulent Times. She draws lessons in leadership from the crises faced by Abraham Lincoln, Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson. I thought the book was timely since we will inaugurate a new president on January 20. I am inviting the community to join me for a discussion of this book on January 26, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Here is the Zoom link for the discussion. I will be joined by Paul College Dean Deborah Merrill-Sands to provide a leadership perspective and by UNH History Professor Jason Sokol to provide historical insights. I hope that many of you will join us for this discussion.
James W. Dean, Jr.
President
University of New Hampshire
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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.
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FIREFIGHTER EVEN CRAFTS COMPLETES FIRE INSTRUCTOR/CERTIFICATION COURSE
Firefighter Evan Crafts recently completed the Fire Instructor I Certification Program at the NH Fire Academy in Concord, NH.
This certification course is based on Fire Instructor I professional qualifications standards pursuant to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1041, 2012 edition. This program provides the aspiring fire and emergency services instructor with the basic knowledge to prepare and deliver modern training programs. Instruction was comprised of both in-class and online assignments and lectures. This intensive multi-week course requires a dedicated and substantial time commitment by those attending the course.
Congratulations to Evan on successfully completing this valuable certification course!
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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.
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Town Landing. Courtesy Erin Guyotte
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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:
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NEWS FROM THE OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Oyster River School Board held its last meeting of 2020 on December 16.
The school board endorsed the superintendent's decision for all Oyster River schools to operate fully remotely from December 21 through January 8 due to the impact of students and staff who have had to quarantine and anticipated holiday travel and gathering related spread.
Oyster River Middle School is preparing plans to begin in-person instruction 1 day per week for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. A remote option with equal teacher contact time is included in this model. Students who select the hybrid model would be in school one day, remote synchronous for 2 days, and remote asynchronous for 2 days. The school board will consider implementation timelines at its January 6 meeting.
5th grades, with smaller teaching teams, will continue in their current model.
High school principal Suzanne Filippone will present a proposed high school hybrid model to the school board on January 6.
Also, on January 6 the school nurses will provide recommendations for how to use community incidence and spread data to make decisions about expansion of in-person learning.
The Budget Hearing for the proposed 2021-2022 budget will be held (weather-permitting) on January 13 in the High School auditorium.
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Water Supervisor, Dwight Richard, plowing during Wednesday's heavy snowfall. Courtesy Todd Selig
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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.
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MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER FEASIBILITY STUDY PUBLIC HEARING
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.
Questions regarding this matter should be addressed to April Talon, Town Engineer, at 603-868-5578 or email atalon@ci.durham.nh.us. Written comments may be mailed to the Administrator’s Office at 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824 or sent by electronic mail to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.
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.
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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.
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A couple of snowmen playing in the snow! Courtesy Todd Selig
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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.
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FLAGS AT DURHAM CROSSWALK IN FRONT OF TOWN HALL DETERMINED TO BE A SUCCESS BY TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
This week the administrative Traffic Safety Committee discussed the installation last year of flags on either end of the crosswalk in front of the Town Hall on busy Route 108. This was a low cost solution to a problem, and the TSC this week believed that it had been well-received and was a success. We will consider a similar installation on Church Hill in front of the Community Church of Durham for the future, and potentially in other Durham areas.
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AMTRAK DOWNEASTER CELEBRATES 19 YEARS OF SERVICE TO DURHAM AND BEYOND!
Tuesday of this week, 12/15/20, marked the 19th Anniversary of Amtrak Downeaster service between Portland, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. Since December 15, 2001, more than 65,000 Downeaster trains have operated, transporting more than 7.62 million passengers the equivalent of nearly 658 million passenger miles. The Downeaster transports a diverse cross-section of riders who travel for a variety of purposes including commuter, college students, senior citizens, school kids on educational trips, sports fans, beach goers and tourists and more.
Amtrak Downeaster ridership increased nearly 90% in the fifteen years leading up to FY19 and continued into FY20 as ridership records were achieved in the first eight months of the year.
Many improvements have been made since service began including reduced travel time, increased frequency and expanded service to Freeport and Brunswick. There’s more on the horizon! Downeaster frequency will increase to serve Maine commuters. Efforts to reduce travel time by relocating the Portland station and to expand access by adding a station in West Falmouth are being explored. Amtrak is purchasing new train sets which will be used on the Downeaster route in the coming years.
This past year has had its challenges, but Amtrak Downeaster adapted and continues to operate with an enhanced focus on passenger safety and comfort.
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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.
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As part of the approval process by the Site Evaluation Committee for the Seacoast Reliability Project, Eversource was required to place the above display in the Town Hall. It can be viewed in the Town Hall lobby and provides a history of transmitting power in the seacoast Courtesy Todd Selig
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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.
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2020 CURBSIDE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The Holiday Season is approaching quickly. Below is the 2020 Curbside Holiday Schedule for your convenience.
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Resident Stephen Hardy said that he and his family have watched this albino (or possibly piebald) deer grow up.
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Upcoming Virtual Events and Digital Resources at Durham Public Library!
Thank you to all our generous patrons who donated to the Durham Firefighters Toy Drive! We emptied the bin three times! 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 Here for Music with Mr. Aaron Zoom Show on Sat. Jan. 16th at 10:30 am. This is a joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries! Sign up for regularly-scheduled programming including Zoom Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, STEAM crafts to go, YA Zoom Compassion Project, Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) book group, Patch club and more! Or download the complete January calendar!
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! Still, there are many great resources to be discovered on the DPL website on your own and at any time! Stream movies and music, check out ebooks and audiobooks, take professional development and language courses, get live device help each week, research with EBSCO and explore Novelist, Consumer Reports, Explora, and more! Questions? Contact us at 603-868-6699. We are happy to help! Also…Interlibrary Loan is now available! The State Library has been able to resume ILL delivery service and our patrons are once again able to make requests for personal or book group use, either through the ILL page on our website!
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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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."
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Have a very nice and safe holiday season and Happy New Year!
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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