Friday Updates - February 14th, 2020

Friday, February 14, 2020

Town Council Chair Katherine (Kitty) Marple with Secretary of State William Gardner at the Durham polls on Tuesday of this week. Courtesy Todd Selig

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Durham native (and now UNH student) Anna-Kate Munsey penned a nice article in yesterday’s The New Hampshire about Tuesday’s Presidential primary. “It’s no secret that New Hampshire takes its role as the first-in-the-nation primary very seriously. Durham is no exception . . . 5,583 Durham residents came out to vote yesterday, which is the second most in recent history, second only to 2016, the last presidential primary.”  You may want to take a minute and read Anna-Kate’s TNH article to get the full scoop at https://tnhdigital.com/2020/02/13/how-durham-voted/

As stated Tuesday night, we sincerely appreciate all of the volunteer turnout and efforts of our local election officials, without whom the polls in Durham simply would not be able to operate. Processing around 6,000 votes at our polling place is a significant undertaking, and our team, which includes the Supervisors of the Checklist, the Town Clerk’s Office, the Moderator, and an army of volunteers, does so with diligence, efficiency, and grace. Thank you!

Several photos are included in this week’s “Friday Updates” to attempt to convey the scene at the polls.

2020 MARCH TOWN ELECTION - CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING

To view the questionnaires completed by the candidates running for Town elected offices at the March 10, 2020 Elections, click HERE.

ZERO PEDESTRIAN INJURIES IN DURHAM 2019 – Only one reported bike-car accident

For the first time in a number of years, the Durham Police Department and UNH Police report zero ped-car crashes during the last calendar year. Safer streets, awareness campaigns on campus and off, lower travel speeds-all, hopefully, are contributing factors to this news. The UNH Planning Student Organization will assist town and UNH efforts on pedestrian and cyclist education campaigns this spring.  

DURHAM'S DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MICHAEL (MIKE) LYNCH, TO RETIRE ON JUNE 26, 2020

On June 26, 2020, Michael (Mike) Lynch will retire as Durham's Director of Public Works after serving forty-three years with the Town of Durham

Mike began his career for the Town of Durham when he was hired as a summer/temporary employee in May 1977. Shortly thereafter, in November 1977, Mike was hired full-time at the Public Works Department, where he held three positions as the Traffic Control Coordinator, Dog Officer, and Water Department Operator. In 1986, Mike was promoted to Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, and in 1999, he took on the additional responsibility of supervising the Highway Department. Later in 1999, Mike was appointed as Interim Public Works Director after the retirement of long-time Director, Skip Grady. In April 2001, Mike was appointed to his current position as the town’s Public Works Director.

During his 43 years at the Public Works Department, Mike has seen many advancements and changes in the department. Throughout his long tenure with Durham, Mike provided professional and quality service to Durham’s citizens. In addition to the duties mentioned above, Mike also served as Tree Warden. In this capacity, he earned many awards and distinctions for the town. Most noteworthy of these is Tree City USA, a national award that Durham has received for 42 years; the longest running recipient in the State of New Hampshire. Other awards include: the Millennium Arbor Day award, presented by the White House; the Gold Leaf award, presented by the International Society of Arboriculture; and four Community Beautification awards, presented by the New Hampshire Arborist Association. Mike’s favorite project was the cleanup and capping of the old Craig Supply site on Depot Road. This project involved the mitigation of a contaminated Brownsfield site and returning the site to a revenue-generating 169-car parking lot which yields approximately $135,000 per year for the town. Mike’s proudest accomplishment was planning and coordinating the construction of the new Public Works facility on Stone Quarry Drive.

Mike and his wife, Dawn, have been residents of Dover, NH for 42 years. They have one child, a daughter, Kasey, and son-in-law Jeff. Mike spends his off-duty hours with his family enjoying such activities as skiing, golfing, basketball, camping and landscaping.

On behalf of the community, thank you Mike for the dedication, hard work, and devotion you have given to the Town of Durham over the past 43 years. The efforts you have placed into the town’s award-winning beautification program enhances the quality of life for all Durham residents and is a testimonial to the professionalism and pride with which you have served the community. 

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR VACANCY

The Town of Durham, NH (Census Pop. 16,439) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Public Works Director. Durham encompasses 25.5 square miles (124 local lane miles) in New Hampshire's seacoast region, one of the most beautiful and desired locations in the state, and is home to the University of New Hampshire with an enrollment of 16,000 students. Durham is located just one hour north of Boston, MA and one hour south of Portland, ME.

The Durham Public Works Department is a highly trained, cutting edge professional

organization made up of twenty-three full time, two part-time, and six seasonal employees. It is comprised of twenty-six individual operational budgets and at present nineteen Capital Improvements Projects. The DPW budget also supports the operational needs of all other Town departments. Operating under a Town Charter with a Council/Manager form of government, the DPW Director reports directly to the Town Administrator.

View the complete job description with information on how to apply and deadline, along with the DPW Recruitment Profile HERE.

Approximately 1456 same day registrations were processed throughout the day at Tuesday's Presidential Primary. Courtesy Todd Selig

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WORKSHOPS

The Small Business Administration(SBA) regularly offers online and in-person workshops around the State. Through the SBA, and their umbrella organizations which include: SCORE, the Center for Women and Enterprise and the Small Business Development Center, the Federal organization provides education and support to small and emerging businesses across the country. Many of their programs are free or low cost. This month they are offering workshops covering everything from marketing, Opportunity Zones and crafting your "elevator pitch" for investors. 

View the SBA's upcoming opportunities HERE.

MICROMOBILITY – Council passes new ordinance working to be proactive in light of emerging trends

Following 2019 discussions and a UNH spring community forum, UNH staff, student, and administration leadership met with Town and UNH Traffic Safety Committees to discuss opportunities and concerns. On February 3rd, the Town Council passed Ordinance 2020-04 governing the use of motorized devices/electric scooters within the Town of Durham.  

View the final approved document HERE.

WATER MAIN BREAK EARLY THIS MORNING AT EDGEWOOD RD./STRAFFORD AVE. REPAIRED

A call came in around 6am on Friday, February 14, 2020, for a water main break at the Edgewood Road and Strafford Avenue intersection.  Only the former New England Center and one home were impacted by the temporary shut down of water by DPW. Police, Fire, and UNH were all notified. By 1:16 PM, the water main break was repaired and service restored. It was a cold morning for DPW staff to be digging to address a water main break.  

Cover of the 2019 Annual Town Report, "The Durham Town Landing". Photo courtesy Bernie Casey

PRINTED AND ONLINE VERSIONS OF 2019 DURHAM ANNUAL REPORT NOW AVAILABLE

The printed version of the 2018 Town of Durham Annual Report is ready to be picked up by interested residents/taxpayers at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office. Copies will also available at the Durham Public Library.

The report is also available on the Town website HERE.

DISCOVER DURHAM TRAILS IN 2020

Durham Conservation Commission, Land Stewardship and Parks & Recreation, and Oyster River Cycle & Sport are offering once-a-month outings for community members to get outside and learn about and experience the trails and recreation spaces in Durham. Events include bird and nature walks, bike rides, astronomy night, and more. Participation is free. All ages welcome. You can find the event flyer HERE.

HELP BUILD A NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ON THE MERRICK EASEMENT: $1,000 RAISED SO FAR!

Tom and Mary Merrick conveyed a conservation easement on their 23-acre property to the Town of Durham in 2006. The Merrick family continues to own and manage their property, while the easement protects their land in perpetuity from further development. A network of public trails connects the entrance off Bagdad Road, near the Oyster River High School, with an entrance and small parking area off Canney Road, close to the new Riverwoods complex. The trail entrance off Bagdad Road runs through a wet section of the property and despite several attempts to cross this wet section with wood bridges or stepping stones in the past, they have not lasted. Our plan is to build a solid, decked bridge that would allow water to flow underneath and cross the wet, muddy stretch of trail. Our goal is to raise $2,500 for the cost of materials by May 1, 2020 so that we can complete the project with volunteers by September 1st. You can read more about the project HERE and find a pledge form HERE.

RAIL STATION ENHANCEMENTS - $974,000 for platform, site, and structure improvements.

UNH hopes to release a design & engineering RFP in late fall 2020 following FTA award execution.  Construction of enhancements tentatively anticipated to begin spring 2021 with completion goal of winter 2021 – the 111th birthday of the relocation and construction of the station at this site.  Durham and UNH have been in communications regarding this initiative for many years. 

A family heads out on the Thompson Forest trail as part of the first Durham Winter Trail Tromp. Courtesy Ellen Snyder

FIRST WINTER TRAIL TROMP A SWEET SUCCESS

Many young families, dogwalkers, and students on mountain bikes took part in the first Durham Winter Trail Tromp last Saturday. Despite a cold winter day, participants visited up to four local conservation areas, some for the first time. Volunteers stationed at Thompson Forest, Doe Farm, Oyster River Forest/Spruce Hole, and Stevens Woods stamped “passports,” which participants took back to downtown participating businesses for special deals. Thanks to the volunteers and to Brian Keegan, Oyster River Cycle & Sport for creating and organizing the trail tromp with participation from Durham Parks & Recreation and Land Stewardship. And thanks to the other participating businesses: Young’s Restaurant, The Big Bean, Hayden Sports, Freedom Café, Town & Campus UNH, Hannaford, SolSistar, and to Sweetened Memories, which provided a sweet cupcake to each trail tromper. 

DURHAM’S NEW HOUSING COMMITTEE - A subcommittee of the EDC seeks members.

The Town of Durham’s Economic Development Committee has created a subcommittee to study housing affordability, diversity, and supply and ensure Durham’s future housing needs are met. As Durham is part of a greater region facing a housing crisis, the EDC wanted to explore and analyze Durham’s current housing stock and future housing needs. Durham’s new Housing Committee is modeled after Exeter’s Housing Advisory Committee (learn more about that HERE. Like Exeter’s committee, the Durham committee will inform town leaders serving on Town Council, Planning Board, Zoning Board, and other town boards and committees, as a valuable resource. The new Housing Committee, which will function as a subcommittee of the Economic Development Committee. It will spend 2020 collecting data, drafting a report to town leaders, and crafting recommendations for steps forward.

If you're interested in joining the committee and being part of this process, please complete an application today by clicking HERE.

Link to the overview of the new Housing Subcommittee on the Celebrate Durham web site by clicking HERE.

View the charge of the new Housing Subcommittee by clicking HERE.

PLANNING BOARD RECEIVES PRELIMINARY APPLICATION TO CONVERT THE VACANT ELIZABETH DEMERITT HOUSE

The Planning Board has received a preliminary application to convert the vacant Elizabeth DeMeritt House for use by the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. UNH sold the Garrison Avenue property in 2014 in a deal related to the university’s acquisition of 66 Main Street (ATO’s former site, which UNH hopes to see developed as a private mixed use project). ATO plans to retain the existing building, add a 2-1/2 story addition on the right side, and create a parking lot at the side and rear with 30 spaces. The fraternity has a non-house chapter on campus and would like to build a permanent home at this location for occupancy by 34-40 members. The Planning Board is holding a public hearing on the proposal on March 11. You can see the preliminary plans and related documents HERE.

Elizabeth DeMeritt was the Dean of Women at UNH from 1919 (the year the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote, was passed) to 1932. A 2018 article in The New Hampshire said, “The building holds a substantial amount of history dating back to the time of its construction in the 1930s…In 1924, DeMeritt was awarded an honorary Master of Arts for her years of service and her gifted capability of guiding young women. After her passing in 1932, the building was renamed [in her honor]. More recently, the Elizabeth DeMeritt House was used as the main office for the Upward Bound program, a nationwide program which assists high school students from low income families and potential first-generation college students in achieving their goal of attending college [now located in Nesmith Hall].”  

Election day is a great opportunity to catch up with neighbors and friends. Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM'S NEW PARKING SYSTEM FULLY IMPLEMENTED

The Durham Police have been working on implementing a modern computerized record management system to enhance the parking program which was all paper driven. The department focused upon Cardinal Software which provides significant flexibility while meeting Durham’s unique environment. The system manages permits, past ticket information and integrations an online payment system that also manages appeals and business permit registrations. Each parking enforcement person will have a handheld computer that has printing capacity while entering data into our portal in real-time.

This week the Durham Police Department implemented the “online” credit card payments for Parking Tickets issued within the Town of Durham, NH. Those wishing to make an online payment or appeal a parking ticket online may do so through these two links that can be followed by clicking on the Welcome to the Durham Parking Information page.



Those paying in person at the Durham Police Department are able to accept cash, check or money order as forms of payment. Unfortunately the department is unable to accept credit or debit cards for in-person payments.

ZIPCAR - A new pod coming to Lot B

A new ZipCar pod is coming to Lot B on the UNH campus this spring. Student, faculty, staff, and Durham resident plan memberships start at $15/yr and cars at $7.50/hr. Monthly options also available. UNH has extended the ZipCar contract through July 2020.  

STRAFFORD COUNTY FARM BUREAU 7TH ANNUAL BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER - Sunday, March 15, 2020

This event, co-sponsored by the Lee and Durham Agricultural Commissions, will be held from 7:30AM to 12:00 noon at the Jeremiah Smith Grange Hall, 1 Lee Hook Rd Lee NH. Proceeds benefit agricultural outreach and youth grant programs. Tickets $10/adult, $7/children 14 and under. Purchase tickets at the door. Call Matt Scruton, 941-4956, or Laura Gund, 659-2044, or Erick Sawtelle, 659-8106, for more information.

LEE TRAFFIC CIRCLE WATER LINE STATUS UPDATE – A project that will extend the Durham/UNH water system to the Lee Traffic Circle to bring potable water to MBTE contaminated properties.

A brief update on the Lee Traffic Circle Waterline project since it has been a while since we have communicated on the progress of the work. The final design phase began in December 2019. Below is a summary of work completed to date and a list of key milestones going forward:

Work Completed to Date – Final Design Phase:6

• Permanent Easements Secured, 3 Permanent Easements pending final review
• NHDES Wetland Permit Application (DRAFT) and Coordination Meeting
• NHDOT District 6 Design Review – Submitted 1/29/20

Schedule Milestones:

• NHDOT Approvals – Spring 2020
• NHDES Wetlands Summer 2020
• Final Design and Bid Documents – Fall 2020
• Bidding –  December 2020C4
• Construction Notice to Proceed – Spring 2021
• Construction Substantial Completion – September 2021

For reference, a copy of the NHDOT submittal is provided in the following link: http://gofile.me/2RfIJ/AgoSGcR0q.  Note that only the Route 4 alignment has changed since the preliminary design submission in May 2019.

Residents Lucille Gorham and Robin Mower (top left), along with Ann Marie Jones and Stephen Hardy (top right) were just some of the many volunteers who assisted with Tuesday's Presidential Primary at the polls. Eve Kornhauser (below) assists a voter with same day registration. Courtesy Todd Selig

LAND STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR ELLEN SNYDER WORKS WITH SRPC AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO DEVELOP STANDARDIZED TRAIL MAPS FOR DURHAM’S CONSERVATION AREAS

The Town is finalizing an agreement between Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) and the Town whereby SRPC will provide professional mapping and planning services to create standardized trail maps for the Town’s conservation areas for the Durham Conservation Commission utilizing funds in the Town’s Conservation Fund. The general scope of services is as follows:

Task 1: Create Geodatabase and Map Layout ($540.00)

• Set up geodatabase to include Town of Durham’s GIS data (trail locations and other points of interest),
• Develop base map, map layout/template, symbology, unique icons, labeling, etc.

Task 2: Produce Eight Individual Maps ($480.00)

• Re-center the base map template to the extent of each trail, which will include: the Oyster River Forest/Spruce Hole Bog; Doe Farm; Thompson Forest; Wagon Hill Farm; Jackson Landing; Stevens Woods (formerly Orchard Woods, which Durham recently purchased from the ORCSD utilizing privately raised donations); Longmarsh Preserve; and Oyster River Greenway: Town Landing, Mill Pond Park, Milne Nature Sanctuary, and the Meadows.

Task 3: Project Administration, Meetings, Revisions, and Final Maps ($980.00)

• Kickoff meeting with Land Stewardship Coordinator and Durham Conservation Commission
• Incorporate any feedback and suggested revisions.
• Produce two final map sets; the first will be 8.5 x 11, and the second with be 36 x 36. Both map sets will be converted to PDFs so they can be sent electronically and uploaded to the Town’s website. The large-scale maps can be printed upon request.

WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS AT DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Kurz is sad to announce that School Resource Officer Thomas Kilroy is leaving the employ of the department. He has accepted employment with the United States Department of Probation and Parole at the New Haven, CT Field Office. Tommy came to Durham as a patrol officer in August of 2010 after graduation from Marist College. He served as a Detective and most recently as the SRO for the Oyster River Middle and High Schools. 

Tom, Erica and new daughter Elowen will be living nearer to some happy grandparents! Congratulations Tom Kilroy and thanks for your contributions to the community of Durham!

2020 AGE OF CHAMPIONS HEALTH FAIR OPEN TO DURHAM COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Members of the Durham community can head over to UNH and take in the Age of Champions Health and Wellness Fair from 10 AM to 1 PM on April 26, 2020, in the Lundholm Gymnasium at UNH.  This free community event celebrates healthy aging across the lifespan. Their motto is “It’s never too soon to age well!” Come and enjoy a day of fun and facts about how to get and stay well as we grow older. There will be free demonstrations, a pickle ball tournament, Car Fit (get seated safely in your vehicle), a cycling clinic led by Northeast Passage, and multiple vendor tables where participants can engage with knowledgeable experts in a host of areas including mental well-being, physical well-being and creative well-being. There is something for all ages at the Fair. Bring the whole family out for a day of healthy living.

Age of Champions is an annual FREE health fair hosted by the Center on Aging and Community Living that endeavors to raise awareness of and promote healthy aging from a holistic perspective. This is an interactive event with assessments, raffles, demonstrations, and movement exercises. There are several information and resource tables from local and state organizations at the health fair for people to visit.

For more information, contact Bridget Drake at mailto:Bridget.Drake@unh.edu or visit the Center on Aging and Community Living website HERE.

AMTRAK DOWNEASTER RIDERSHIP BREAKS NEW RECORDS

The Downeaster broke ridership records in 2019. It carried over 570,000 passengers – up 8% from the prior year. There are a few discounts on the Downeaster that may be of interest to residents:

• Train #685 nortbound weekdays departs Durham 6:22 PM - $5 to any destination (no code required);
• Kids (under 12) ride free on Sundays with a full fare adult – (Code V581);
• Six Trip Tix (6 trips/12 months/$86/no reservations required) available for UNH students (only)

Last Thursday, when school was called off because of the wintry storm, the youngsters on Valentine Hill Road enjoyed the day off and took advantage of the snow building snow people, snow pets, and snow jumps. Courtesy John Pacheco

Resident John Parsons took the opportunity on Tuesday to promote the proposed new Middle School, which will be a ballot question at the March 10, 2020 Town/School elections. Courtesy Todd Selig

TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS

Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?

Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

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.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY UPCOMING EVENTS

The Library will be closed Monday, February 17th for a staff training and development day

New to DPL 

Check Out Universal Class! Free with your library card

Looking for business, education, computer, crafting, accounting or even dog training courses? Universal Class offers 500 online. These courses are not tutorials;they are accredited courses and include lessons, exams, assignments, discussion boards and assessments of your progress. Earn a certificate documenting your CEUs, contact hours, and course completion. All courses are self-paced. You do not need to be online at a specific date or time and each patron can take up to 5 courses at once. Click on the Universal Class icon on our website to browse courses and get started!

Above, John Lester and Susan Wagner checking off names of voters as they enter the polls. Below, Faith Northrop (l) and Susan Stehle are waiting to do the same! Courtesy Todd Selig

*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."

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1961 - The selectmen offered the vacant Town Hall to the Durham Historic Association for a museum. Durham artifacts now crowd the room and it attracts visitors from far and near when open in July and August. The Hall also serves as a meeting place for the DHA and other groups.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Have a very nice weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

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

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

He/him/his pronouns

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

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