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Friday, February 15, 2019
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UNH's Thompson Hall on a snowy afternoon. Courtesy Todd Selig
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Dogs from around the world converged on Madison Square Garden this week for the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. King, the beautiful Fox Terrier, ultimately took home the Best in Show award. While we might ogle at these handsome show dogs, wise people know the best dog is the one we have at home!
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OFFICE HOURS TO CHANGE IN TOWN CLERK/TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE BEGINNING MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2019
After much consideration and many comments from the citizens of Durham, the Town Clerk/Collector’s Office has decided to change the hours in the office from 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday.
Due to the decrease in hours for the public to come into the office it will stay open until 6:00pm the first Monday of the month. The new hours will start on Monday, March 4, 2019.
Thank you for supporting the department in this decision.
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2019 MARCH TOWN ELECTION - CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING
To view the questionnaires completed by the candidates listed above running for Town elected offices, click HERE.
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DURHAM RECEIVES OPEN LETTER FROM EVERSOURCE PRESIDENT REGARDING THE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT | COUNCIL TO MEET WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ON MERITS OF POSSIBLE APPEAL
This week, the Town received an open letter from Eversource President of NH Operations William J. Quinlan relative to the NH Site Evaluation Committee's issuance of its order affirming its unanimous approval of the Seacoast Reliability Project. In the letter, Mr. Quinlan states that Eversource remains committed to working closely with the Town and other key stakeholders during and after construction.
View the letter and other Seacoast Reliability documents HERE.
In addition, on Monday evening the Town Council will be briefed by legal counsel regarding the merits of a possible appeal of the SEC's unanimous approval of the project late last year.
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PARKING REPORT AVAILABLE
Chief Kurz and Councilor Jim Lawson have presented the 2018 annual report regarding parking in Durham. The data includes various parking areas, their use and funds collected as well as the annual expenses associated with the highly technical Wi-Fi capable kiosks that govern the “pay and display” system.
View the full report click HERE.
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ICE SAFETY OF LOCAL RIVERS AND PONDS - Residents are Encouraged to Exercise Caution!
This time of year Durham families and UNH students can frequently be found recreating on frozen water along the Oyster River, Lamprey River, the Mill Pond, or elsewhere in NH. Walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, and playing sports are dangerous pastimes on any frozen body of water when you don't know how to tell if ice is thick enough to withstand weight.
There are ways to assist in gauging the potential safety of ice, such as observing its color, testing its thickness and being aware of external factors such as temperature, local conditions and local knowledge. However, no sport undertaken on ice over water bodies is ever without risk. Therefore, residents are cautioned that If in doubt as to the condition of the ice, do not go onto the ice; moreover, it never pays to be too early or too late in the season.
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A reminder from Admin. Selig that PAPER/CARDBOARD recycling will be collected by DPW during the week of February 18th!
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CHANGES TO CURBSIDE RECYCLING HAVE BEGUN! -- Curbside glass/plastics v. cardboard/paper collection to return to alternating weeks
Due to a significant change in the global marketing of recyclables, the Integrated Waste Management Committee (IWMAC) and Town Administration have decided to return to a dual recycling collection as we did prior to 2015. This decision was made with both environmental and fiscal responsibilities in mind. Recycling used to generate revenues to offset costs of operating, however the current market conditions have not only tonnage costs but escalating ones. A link to the recycling collection calendar is provided below, as well as in the DPW newsletter, to assist residents in knowing what to put out each week. Below is the definition of each category:
CO-MINGLED RECYCLABLES
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DPW does its best to find ways to bring in revenue to offset escalating costs. With the price of cardboard remaining stable in this uncertain recycling market, DPW encourages residents to bring cardboard to the Transfer Station when possible. Aluminum cans also do generate some revenue at this point. If residents are able to bring up cans and cardboard separately at the Transfer Station, this will help to offset costs. Thank you!
View the 2019 Recycling Collection Calendar HERE.
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CURBSIDE COLLECTION REMINDER DURING SNOWSTORMS - Please don't put trash out the night before the storm.
Please do not put your trash out the night before your trash day if we are expected to get snow fall. This week many residents had their barrels out the night before the storm and they were covered with the 6-8 inches of snow that fell, as well as the snow pushed off the roadway from the plow. The sanitation workers are not responsible for digging out the curbside collection containers for each home. If a storm is expected, put your items out in the morning, by 7am per ordinance as always.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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COUNCIL TO CONSIDER RATIFICATION OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF DURHAM AND THE DURHAM PROFESSIONAL MID-MANAGERS ASSOCIATION (DPMMA) FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2019 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2019
The town began the contract negotiation process in fall 2018 with the Durham Professional Municipal Managers Association (DPMMA) representing the nine employees covered by the DPMMA contract. The existing contract extended from January 1, 2015-December 31, 2018. Since that time the town’s bargaining team has kept the Council informed regarding the progress of the negotiations leading up to the tentative agreement. The bargaining team consisted of Town Attorney Joseph McKittrick, Business Manager Gail Jablonski, Public Works Director Mike Lynch, Fire Chief David Emanuel, Police Chief David Kurz, and Administrator Selig.
Both parties mutually agreed that the contract would be one year in duration as opposed to the usual three years. A 6:00 PM consultation with legal counsel has been scheduled prior to the Council’s regular meeting Monday evening, Feb. 18th, in which Attorney McKittrick will provide further background information regarding the reason for the one-year contract, as well as to answer any other questions Councilors may have concerning its ratification.
Administrator Selig recommends passage of the DPMMA Collective Bargaining Agreement as presented.
Aside from very minor changes within the contract itself, such as changing the name of the Columbus Day Holiday to Indigenous Peoples' Day, the significant modification is an increase of 2% for wages for the year covered by the agreement.
Cost impact for the wage increases and associated benefits is $26,214.
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MISC. INFORMATION FROM DEPARTMENTS…
Chief Kurz reports that the DPD is busy with end of year reporting as part of CALEA (Commission for Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) accreditation. "Friday Updates" readers have been able to review many of these each week.
Code Officer Audrey Cline and Planner Michael Behrendt are working on developing a new parking ordinance for consideration by the Planning Board.
Part-time Code Officer Scott Adkins was in court last week pursuing trash citation fines against a landowner in Durham where issues have arisen. He has spent the last 8 months pursuing this particular issue.
Engine 1 at the DFD has been out of service for warranty work in Hartford for the last week or so. It’s now back in service.
Public works Director Mike Lynch reports that the Snow & Ice Control accounts are under budget at this time, which is not something we can typically report! Paving bids for 2019 have come in high, which may require some adjustments to our intended road program for the coming year.
Library Director Rose Bebris has been working on completing the Durham Public Library’s annual reporting to the state.
IT Manager Luke Vincent reports that volunteer extraordinaire Jay Gooze sends regards from afar where he is on vacation in warmer parts. In addition, the department has been tracking FirstNet deployment in NH. FirstNet, an independent authority within the department of Commerce, was established in 2012 with the sole responsibility of creating and operating a broadband network that supports first responder groups across the country. We hope to utilize FirstNet to strengthen our public safety communication capabilities.
Durham’s emergency radio communication’s team met with officials from Stratham County this week at the Strafford County Complex to talk through logistics regarding Durham's planned construction in 2019 of a new 150 foot +/- municipal radio communications tower atop Beech Hill next to our water tank. This critical communications link from Durham to Strafford County Dispatch will enhance numerous issues with the current network configuration.
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COUNCIL TO DISCUSS AMENDED LANGUAGE WITHIN THE SPECIAL EVENTS/USE OF TOWN PROPERTY PERMIT AND POLICY TO ADDRESS/CLARIFY THE RELIGIOUS USE OF TOWN LAND
The annual Tree Lighting event/celebration put on by the Town of Durham in early December has become an annual tradition that is welcomed and enjoyed by many as a special community event that brings people together as we enter the darker and colder times of winter. This became very apparent with the public response that was generated by the Human Rights Commission's recommendation that perhaps this event should be discontinued based on the idea that the tradition could be looked upon as having a religious connotation and therefore might lead some community members to feel excluded.
This issue came to the forefront with the request by a local rabbi to put up a menorah next to the adorned tree. The rabbi was asked to complete the town’s Special Event/Use of Town Property application, which has been the town’s policy for many years. Upon careful consideration of the request, the Administrator subsequently denied the request to erect a menorah in the park beside the holiday tree as the practice had been not to allow the long-term display of religious symbols on town property. The rabbi, however, was granted a permit to hold a finite Menorah lighting ceremony on Town property at Ballard Park. The Administrator’s decision regarding the rabbi’s request spawned subsequent discussions around whether religious entities should be allowed to use town land for religious ceremonies and the display of religious symbols.
Administrator Selig has reviewed the town’s use of town property permit and policy further and with the guidance of legal counsel has created additional language within the policy to address and clarify the matter of religious use of town land.
Durham Town Charter, Article IV, Section 4.5 A(e) states that the Administrator shall be responsible for “Managing the rental and use of all town facilities under his control.”
The following language is recommended to be added to the existing policy to add clarity around the religious use of municipal property.
"Town buildings and grounds, or portions thereof, may be used by religious entities or organizations for organized, temporary events that are discrete, one-time events, including but not limited to sunrise service, interfaith vigils, menorah lightings, or similar events. Religious symbols may be used and displayed only during an event approved by the town and only within the timeframe approved for the event in question; no display of religious symbols shall occur for longer than five (5) hours."
The Council will discuss Monday evening, Feb. 18th.
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UPDATE ON TOWN HALL EMERGENCY GENERATOR INSTALLATION
DPW will be doing the electrical changeover at the Town Hall on Saturday March 2nd. The Town Hall will be without power for about 8 hours. Temporary power will be supplied to the server room to maintain that operation and all appropriate agencies have been notified. The building alarm will also be inoperable during this time and DPW will have staff on hand during this shut down. DPW has also been working with the natural gas supplier to finish that connection as well. Once all has been completed the generator company will come in for a unit start up and test. DPW is hoping to have this done by the second week of March, weather and other foreseen circumstances not interfering. As a side note, the electrical current on the poles along Mill Pond Road are much higher than a typical single phase application and so an enlarged transfer box was needed to step down the power from the pole to the building. There was insufficient room in the building itself within the utility room so a large green cabinet was needed alongside the generator to effectuate the switch over.
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ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORTS FROM DURHAM POLICE
As many residents are aware, the Durham Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency through CALEA. The purpose of CALEA’s Accreditation Program is to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by maintaining a body of standards and then demonstrating the department’s adherence to these best practices. To demonstrate that adherence, Chief Kurz and his staff complete a host of annual reviews of activities throughout the previous year. While many are managerial oversight reviews, others may be of interest to the Durham community as the department delivers these services in a transparent manner.
This week Chief Kurz is offering links to four of these reports including a Vehicle Pursuit Analysis, which discusses one of the more highly risky police behaviors. The “Early Warning System” is a program that is used in concert with the Performance Evaluation System for each individual officer and is designed to identify those employees who may need some level of departmental intervention before potential problems arise. Each year an analysis of the system is accomplished to ensure that identification will occur if necessary. Finally the 2019 Annual Review of Goals by Chief Kurz which is provided to the Administrator.
As the Durham Police accomplish these reports, they are demonstrating a best practice approach to providing law enforcement services that also attempts to manage risk associated with the police authority that the Town Code bestows upon the agency. Because the department is nationally accredited, the Town’s liability insurance provider, Primex, reduces the annual cost of that insurance by 10% for the Durham Police.
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The beautiful former grange building on Main Street owned by Peter Murphy. Courtesy Todd Selig
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SWAP SHOP VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED -- WHY NOT?
The Swap Shop at the Durham Transfer Center has been busy this winter despite the cold weather! Many boxes of items have been dropped off and then taken to “new” homes which is exactly what the Swap Shop is all about! Save some money and keep useful items out of the landfill!
With spring teasing us a little with warmer temperatures, why not consider volunteering? You not only get to meet other people in town, but you also have a chance to find things you never thought you needed! And things you are really looking for! What other volunteering endeavor is as much fun or helpful?
So, even if you are only a little curious please send an email to find out more. The shifts are only 3 hours and you and signing up is easy. You can volunteer as little or as much as you would like. Thank you and let’s all help keep the Swap Shop open and vibrant!
Please mailto:foggdrive@yahoo.com or talk to the volunteer the next time you “shop!”
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RESIDENTS ASKED TO ASSIST THEIR LETTER CARRIERS BY CLEARING SNOW FROM AROUND THEIR MAILBOXES AND PROVIDE SALT AND/OR SAND TO AREAS THAT MAY BE SLIPPERY WITH ICE
Residents are asked to:
- Clear enough snow from curbside boxes to allow mail trucks to approach the box, deliver the mail, and to drive away from the box without danger or the need for backing;
- Clear walkways of snow and ice and allow enough traction to avoid slips, trips or falls;
- Keep steps clear of ice and snow and in good repair so as not to cause injury to the letter carriers or others who visit the customer’s home; and
- Make sure overhangs are clear and free of snow and ice to avoid injury.
Whether mail arrives on foot or by postal vehicle, the letter carrier needs access to the mailbox to deposit your mail. Please make sure the mailbox itself is visible and free of snow and ice, and make sure it is safely accessible for your letter carrier.
Letter carriers are instructed to hold mail to addresses where ice and snow are not cleared but they often risk injury trying to provide the best service they can to the customers they serve. Please show them your appreciation by ensuring they are safe when delivering your mail.
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COUNCIL CONSIDERS ADOPTING THE PROVISIONS OF RSA 80:52-A AUTHORIZING THE PREPAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES ONE (1) YEAR IN ADVANCE OF THE DUE DATE OF THE TAXES
With recent changes in federal tax laws, property owners in Durham and throughout New Hampshire inquired about prepaying their 2018 property taxes back in 2017.
RSA 80:52-a “Prepayment” states that: “Any town by vote . . . of the town council and any city by vote of its governing board may authorize the prepayment of taxes and authorize the collector of taxes to accept payments in prepayment of taxes.”
Since the Town of Durham has not adopted RSA 80:52-a, taxpayers cannot currently make prepayments on their property taxes. As a result, the Town Clerk-Tax Collector, Assessor, and Mr. Selig are recommending the Council consider the adoption of RSA 80:52-a for the convenience of Durham taxpayers.
There is no dollar limit on a property tax prepayment , however, RSA 80:52-a provides that no taxpayer can prepay more than 2 years in advance of the due date of taxes. Since property taxes generally become past due for interest accrual purposes on or after December 1 in any tax year, in tax year 2019 property taxes could be prepaid for the year of levy 2019 and the year of levy 2020.
For administration ease, the Town Clerk-Tax Collector and Assessor are recommending prepayment of taxes only one (1) year in advance of the due date of the taxes.
Any amount paid before actual notice of assessed taxes is credited against the taxes that are eventually assessed against the subject property. Once the tax bill is issued by the municipality, the prepayment is then applied to the tax bill. If the prepayment does not cover the tax bill, the taxpayer must pay the difference.
The taxpayer does not accrue interest on the prepayment amount.
When the municipality receives a property tax prepayment under RSA 80:52-a, the taxpayer must indicate what future tax year that prepayment will apply to.
Prepaid property taxes are not refundable. Any overage will be applied to future property tax bills.
For accounting purposes, prepayment of property taxes must be booked as deferred revenue.
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POLICY FOR USE OF LARGE FIRE APPARATUS AT TWO NON-STANDARD DURHAM BRIDGE CROSSINGS – Crommet Creek Bridge and Bennett Road RR Bridge
After discussion amongst Durham officials and Primex, the Town’s insurance carrier, the following guidance has been established for use of the Crommet Creek bridge and the Bennett Road railroad bridge by the Durham Fire Department.
The Crommet Creek bridge may be crossed routinely and for emergencies by small vehicles such as staff cars, Utility 1, Medic 1, and Forestry 1. The bridge should only be used by Engines and the Rescue for emergency response. Heavy large apparatus such as Tank 4 and Truck 3 should not cross the bridge and use an alternate route for the response. Critical house numbers on each side of the bridge are up to 367 Durham Point Road and Adams Point Road (on the Durham side of the bridge) and 375 Durham Point Road and higher and all Bay Road addresses (on the Newmarket side of the bridge). DFD will be working to set up automatic mutual aid for the Newmarket Fire Department to respond automatically to the address range of 375 Durham Point Road and higher and all Bay Road addresses.
The Bennett Road railroad bridge may be crossed routinely and for emergencies by small vehicles such as staff cars, Utility 1, Medic 1, and Forestry 1. The bridge should not be crossed by larger apparatus. Large apparatus should use an appropriate route to respond to each side of the bridge. Critical house numbers on each side of the bridge are 44 Bennett Road (on the Newmarket Road side of bridge) and 54 Bennett Road (on the Packers Falls Road side of the bridge).
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An image of the Oyster River/Mill Pond Dam, likely taken prior to its replacement with the current Ambursen style dam constructed in 1913. Image from the two-volume History of Durham, New Hampshire, originally printed in 1913 by the Rumford Press of Concord, NH, by vote of the Town of Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig
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TOWN COUNCIL TO RECEIVE UPDATE FROM TOWN ENGINEER ON MILL POND DAM BACKGROUND, FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR POSSIBLE REMOVAL, AND DISCUSSION ON RECENT RECLASSIFICATION REQUEST
The iconic Mill Pond Dam dates back more than 100 years. But structural damage and potential repair costs estimated in the $1 million to $5 million range have raised concerns about its future.
Town councilors allocated $300,000 as part of the 2019 capital budget to study feasibility for removing the dam. Initially, the money was included by Administrator Selig to explore repairing the dam but its purpose was changed by the Town Council during budget deliberations last month following a discussion by councilors.
The current dam is an Ambursen style dam, which consists of concrete cellular hollow bays and was originally constructed in 1913 and gifted to the Town of Durham. Repairs to the spillway were made in 1974. At the right abutment, the training wall was a part of the previous Jenkins Mill. Remnants of foundations and hydraulic structures exist there. A Denil fish ladder occupies the left abutment. It is operated by NH Fish and Game.
While both beautiful and historic, the dam causes significant impacts to coastal habitat and dependent species as well as creates a flood hazard. The following describe the habitat issues limiting the recovery of species targeted for restoration:
- The Dam is a head of tide dam located at the mouth of the Oyster River and the tidal waters of Great Bay;
- The Dam interrupts sediment transport-negatively affecting downstream spawning (for blueback herring, alewives, and rainbow smelt) as well as tidal habitats and dependent flora and fauna;
- The Dam contributes to water quality impairments of the Oyster River caused by high E.coli, high Chlorophyl a;
- The Dam is currently considered Low Hazard by the NH DES Dam Bureau due to the potential impacts that could result from potential dam failure from inadequate spillway capacity and the associated potential impacts to immediately adjacent, permanently inhabited residences (the Burns/Bodo property);
- The Dam exacerbates flooding by increasing water surface elevation upstream during the 100 year event. Any removal of the Dam would have to include removing impounded river sediment, restoring a channel through project reach, and vegetatively stabilizing impounded sediment.
The dam issue moved to the forefront in early 2018 after state Dam Bureau inspectors found cracks, concrete degradation, and other flaws in the Town-owned structure during a December 2017 review. The bureau released these findings in a Feb. 12, 2017, letter to the town that included deadlines for bringing the dam into compliance. Although the state found no imminent risks to the dam, the bureau’s concern lies with its ability to handle high water during major rain events. The dam has overtopped twice in the last decade or so, with damage to the East abutment and private property there.
The state wants Durham to upgrade the dam to remove the high-water threat. It could achieve the same result by removing the dam. Durham hired engineers who determined the upgrades would cost up to $5 million and significantly alter the dam’s appearance. The town would likely have to cover the entire cost. Another option would be to endeavor to reclassify the dam as a non-menace dam. This would also require engineering analysis to determine feasibility, easements with private property owners, but would not negate the need for Durham to invest in the structure to keep it safe and to operate the gates to lower the impoundment as necessary, estimated in the $1 +- million range.
Such a reclassification would do nothing to address the impaired water body created by the Dam’s presence, the Mill Pond, which is transitioning to a marsh environment.
Town Engineer April Talon has been invited to attend Monday night’s Council meeting (Feb. 18th) to provide background information, address the feasibility study for possible removal, and discuss the recent dam reclassification request from the Durham Historic Association.
Review documents/reports about the Oyster River/Mill Pond Dam on the Town web site HERE.
Do you have thoughts about the future of the dam to share with the Council? If so, please send these to mailto:council@ci.durham.nh.us.
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WOULD THE REMOVAL OF THE MILL POND DAM HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON FIRE PROTECTION FOR SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS?
In order to correct some misinformation that was conveyed over the past week, the removal of the Mill Pond Dam, if that were every to occur, would not have an adverse impact on fire protection for the surrounding neighborhoods.
The fire department relies on the public water system where the Town has pressurized fire hydrants. The faculty neighborhood, Main Street, and Newmarket Roads all have pressurized fire hydrants in place. The department is not confident that it could draft water from the pond effectively due to the physical distance from a paved surface and/or draft elevation limitations for DFD apparatus. If the department was going to benefit from the water impoundment, the Town would need to install a “dry hydrant” from which it could draft. This would require an engineering study, design, and construction to verify and ensure appropriate pond depths, pipe distances, and elevations to the fire apparatus to ensure the location was feasible.
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Cover of the 2018 Annual Town Report, "Salt Marsh at Sunset on Adams Point". Photo courtesy Todd Selig
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PRINTED AND ONLINE VERSIONS OF 2018 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 may also be viewed on the town website HERE.
Kudos are extended to Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry for her outstanding work in pulling this important historical document together for the community.
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UNH DESIGNATED TOP TIER “R1” RESEARCH UNIVERSITY BY CARNEGIE CLASSIFICATION
UNH has risen to the top echelon of research universities in the country as designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which released the 2018 update to its classifications of the nation’s higher education institutions last month. UNH is now among the 130 doctoral-granting universities in the “very high research activity,” or R1, category.
Designation as an R1 university will boost UNH efforts to attract talented undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, faculty, and staff. It also indicates to federal and state agencies, private foundations and philanthropists, and business and industry that UNH has the capacity to conduct high-quality research and education.
View more information HERE.
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PFAS CONCENTRATIONS DETECTED, ALTHOUGH BELOW APPLICABLE AMBIENT GROUNDWATER QUALITY STANDARDS, IN SEVERAL MONITORING WELLS AROUND DURHAM’S CAPPED LANDFILL ON DURHAM POINT ROAD AT THE TRANSFER STATION AND RECYCLING CENTER
As a requirement of our Groundwater Management Permit Number GWP-199006011-D-005 for the Durham Closed Landfill, and in consultation with our hydrogeologist consultant Stantec and the NH Department of Environmental Services, we felt it appropriate to be proactive and so Durham chose to pursue groundwater testing for PFAS in April 2017, more than a year before we were required to do so, and again in November 2018. DPW has recently had an opportunity to review the 2018 test results.
Unfortunately, PFAS were detected at the landfill but at levels below New Hampshire AGQS (Ambient Groundwater Quality Standard). Two of the three monitoring wells showed increase levels of PFAS in November 2018 versus April 2017 levels. The next sampling round is scheduled for April 2019. Town Engineer April Talon is speaking with Stantec and NHDES to talk through the testing cycle (given the increased concentration reading), what these results may mean in light of conversations around PFAS in New Hampshire and nationally, and what precautions residents with private wells in the vicinity of our landfill may want to take, if any.
This is not desirable news be we want to be open about it with the community as we gather and learn more information.
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals. PFAS have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the globe, including in the United States since the 1940s. PFOA and PFOS have been the most extensively produced and studied of these chemicals. Both chemicals are very persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don’t break down and they can accumulate over time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects.
PFAS can be found in:
- Food packaged in PFAS-containing materials, processed with equipment that used PFAS, or grown in PFAS-contaminated soil or water.
- Commercial household products, including stain- and water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products (e.g., Teflon), polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products, and fire-fighting foams (a major source of groundwater contamination at airports and military bases where firefighting training occurs).
- Workplace, including production facilities or industries (e.g., chrome plating, electronics manufacturing or oil recovery) that use PFAS.
- Drinking water, typically localized and associated with a specific facility (e.g., manufacturer, landfill, wastewater treatment plant, firefighter training facility).
- Living organisms, including fish, animals and humans, where PFAS have the ability to build up and persist over time.
Learn more about PFAS in New Hampshire HERE.
View pertinent documents regarding testing at the landfill HERE.
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In Sammy's lot and on north side of Main Street, residents displaying Durham permit sticker receive an additional free hour of parking for a total of 2 hours. Courtesy Todd Selig
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RESIDENT/TAXPAYER STICKERS AFFORD DURHAM RESIDENTS AN ADDITIONAL HOUR OF FREE PARKING IN DESIGNATED LOCATIONS
A reminder that Town residents who display their green resident/taxpayer sticker receive an additional hour of free parking in designated locations — the Sammy’s Store 24 Lot and on the N. side of Main St. (the Town and Campus side) from Madbury Rd. to Pettee Brook Ln. The sticker also allows access to the Transfer Station and Recycling Center. Resident/taxpayer stickers are available at the Town Clerks office or at the department of public works on Stone Quarry Drive.
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FREE WINTER SAND/SALT MIX AVAILABLE TO DURHAM HOUSEHOLDS
The Department of Public Works has winter sand/salt mix available for RESIDENTIAL USE ONLY at the Public Works department located just outside the gate near the mailbox. As many may recall, this used to be in the old Town Hall parking lot until the property was sold and the Town Hall moved.
Residents may fill a few pails as needed for their homes throughout the winter. This is NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE.
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PARKING AREA AT 18 MAIN STREET OWNED BY PETER MURPHY APPROVED BY PLANNING BOARD WEDNESDAY - HDC had previously denied the application, yet it will be appealed by applicant to ZBA.
The Planning Board meeting for February 27 is cancelled. The next meeting will be March 13.
At its meeting this past Thursday, the Planning Board unanimously approved the site plan and conditional use application from Pete Murphy to expand an existing parking lot behind 18 Main Street from 17 spaces to 43 spaces. Neighbors and other residents expressed concerns about the size of the proposed lot, a new entrance driveway on Main Street, removal of a portion of the stone wall in front of the house, impact on existing trees, lighting, visibility of the lot from adjoining properties, and other matters. Mr. Murphy; Mike Sievert, his engineer; and Robbi Woodburn, his landscape architect, made numerous revisions to the plans in response to the concerns – reducing the size of the lot, eliminating pole lighting, adding landscaping and fencing, adding tree protection measures, and including other improvements (such as screening the dumpster, adding a recycling program, and adding bicycle racks) - and after substantial deliberation, the Planning Board determined that the pertinent issues were adequately addressed. The conditional use was required because the parking lot will serve people off site (making it a principal use) rather than just those who live on site (an accessory use). Some argued that it was inappropriate for a “commercial parking lot” to be located on Church Hill and in the Historic District. They emphasized that we should not provide more parking in this area, which may be used largely by students (though the board and Mr. Murphy spoke of providing parking for downtown businesses), when we also discourage them from bringing cars to school. Others stressed that the parking lot will be located behind the building and will be minimally visible from Main Street, there are many comparable parking lots throughout Church Hill, and the town needs more parking in the core area, regardless of whether we wish to see more cars here.
The Historic District Commission (by a vote of 3 to 2) previously denied the application on February 7. Approval of both the site plan/conditional use and Historic District application is needed for the project to move forward. Mr. Murphy said he will appeal the HDC decision to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. If he proceeds with the appeal a public hearing with the ZBA will likely be held on March 12.
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Durham Police Officer Rob Keith
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DURHAM'S NEWEST PATROL OFFICER
Before a Durham Police Officer is allowed to patrol by Durham by solo there is host of training including sixteen (16) weeks at the New Hampshire Police Academy. Upon graduation the officer returns to Durham and is assigned to Field Training where they are accompanied by a senior officer who is certified to provide guidance in all of the distinctive attributes of the Durham community. The roadway system, where business are located, radio procedures, the department’s record management system and a host of other nuances about providing policing services to the Durham community are addressed. The officers are supported and critiqued via daily observation logs as well as monthly evaluations. At the conclusion of the eight to twelve week Field Training, there is a written test which must be successfully passed.
Chief Kurz is pleased to announce that Rob Keith has completed all phases of his training and is now actively patrolling Durham. Rob grew up in Medford, MA and is a 2017 graduate of Umass Amherst with a BS in Sociology. We are proud of Rob as he graduated #2 in his Police Academy class of 66 cadets! Be sure to say hello to Rob when you see him patrolling your neighborhood!
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HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR YOUR SOLAR EXEMPTION YET?
If you own property in Durham and recently installed a “solar energy system” that utilizes solar energy to heat or cool the interior of your building; heat water or to provide electricity, you may qualify for a solar exemption. If you are already receiving a solar exemption, you do not need to reapply.
The Town of Durham has adopted the Exemption for Solar Systems per RSA 72:62 where you may qualify for a solar exemption from your property tax assessment.
To qualify for this exemption, you must submit a PA-29 exemption application by April 15, 2019. Applications are located on the Town’s website or you may pick one up at the Assessor’s Office. Your application must also include the total installation cost and a detailed list of what equipment was installed on your property.
If approved, this exemption will be applied to your 2019 assessment.
If you have any questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 603-868-8064.
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FARM STYLE BREAKFAST FUND-RAISER - Sunday, March 17, 2019
Delicious breakfast! - The 6th Annual Strafford County Farm Bureau Farm Style Fund-raiser Breakfast will be held Sunday, March 17th from 7:30am-12:00pm At the Jeremiah Smith Grange Hall, 1 Lee Hook Rd Lee NH. Co-sponsored by Lee & Durham Agricultural Commissions. 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.
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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 Parks & Recreation has a full week of drop in programs scheduled for February vacation.
Join us for open gym, family swim times, a moonlight hike, and a night of laser tag! All programs, with the exception of laser tag are free to participate. Please visit http://durhamrec.recdesk.com. for more information on our vacation week programs.
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Gundalows like this used to operate regularly along the Oyster River.
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JOIN THE DURHAM LIBRARY THIS WEEK FOR:
Tues., February 19th, 6:00-7:30 pm - Writing, Illustrating & Self-Publishing a Children's Book
Join DPL to welcome New Castle artist Phyllis L. Stibler and author Martha Kruse of Laconia, who will be presenting their most recent book “Whispers on the Seacoast” with insights on their self-publication process and the world of illustration development. For a sneak preview of this presentation, check out their display upstairs in the gallery.
No registration required. Open to all!
AND . . .
Sat. Feb. 16th at 10:30 am - Saturday STEAM Family Program. This week: Scupt with Playdough!
Join us for STEAM (Sceince, Technology, Engineering,
Art and Math) Saturday. This week come and create and sculpt with playdough and clay. All are welcome!
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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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1899 - Water rights on the Lamprey River were sold to James Burnham, who established the Newmarket Light, Heat, & Power Company. The first electric lights were at homes of the Griffiths brothers, James Burnham, and Sarah Woodman. The concrete dam and head gates were built in 1912.
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If you know of others who would find the weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass them along. Folks can sign up on the Town's web site HERE on the left side of the page. Click on "Friday Updates" then enter your email address and first and last name.
The weather outlook for the next week predicts some modest snow Monday into Tuesday, and again Thursday into Friday. Time will tell what Mother Nature has in store for Durham.
Have a very nice weekend.
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