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Friday, February 19, 2021
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Durham resident Doug Bencks will retire from the University of New Hampshire on June 11, 2021. Photo courtesy Tracey Bentley, UNH Communications and Public Affairs
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Durham Public Works is closely monitoring storm activity and its impact on the bottom line of the Town’s budget. As of Monday (prior to two additional storm systems that have since impacted Durham this week) DPW had compiled the totals over the last two weeks which included five emergency responses between February 1st and February 14th along with the purchase of six loads of salt to replenish our inventory. Approximately $103,215 (or around 35%) of the budgeted amount of $293,400 in our Snow & Ice Control budget had been expended, which is slightly ahead of our typical run rate.
In addition, we’ve expended approximately $8,605 in overtime on police details monitoring parking constraints and activity-related issues at Wagon Hill Farm during the December/January timeframe ($3,109 in December & $5,497 in January). Because of cars backing out onto busy Route 4, we believe a police officer, rather than a civilian, is necessary for safety purposes. Chief Rene Kelley and DPW Director Rich Reine will take a look this month at whether it would be possible to temporarily locate additional parking at the property during busy sledding season. Police will monitor the hill and associated parking for sledding activity during school vacation next week. On a positive note, dog activity has been very manageable with owners taking responsibility for the good behavior of their pets and adhering to posted off leash hours.
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UNH ARCHITECT & DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS PLANNING DOUGLAS (DOUG) BENCKS RETIRES AFTER 32 YEARS OF SERVICE
Durham resident Doug Bencks will soon be retiring after 32 years as the University of New Hampshire's Architect and Director of Campus Planning. A very nice article was published in the February 16, 2021 edition of UNH Today, which can be viewed HERE.
In addition to his accomplishments while serving with the University, Doug has also been of great service to the Town over the years, particularly with his involvement in and influence on the Town's new library building project. As Chair of the Library Board of Trustees at the time, Doug was instrumental in moving the building project forward and was involved in every aspect of it, from serving on committees, to working with the architect and builder on design and construction, to assisting in the capital campaign’s success. His knowledge, expertise, and dedication were critical to the eventual success of the project, constructed in 2013. In 2014, the Library Trustees presented Doug with a plaque, placed on the library's circulation desk, honoring his years of service and involvement with the new library building project.
Congratulations to Doug upon his retirement!
Michael Behrendt and Mr. Selig are busy thinking about all of the boards, committees, and commissions in which Doug's wonderful expertise can be put to good use in Durham following his retirement! :)
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TOWN AND OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTIONS - TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021
The Town and ORCSD elections will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at the Oyster River High School. Polling hours will be from 7AM to 7PM.
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2021 MARCH TOWN ELECTION CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING - Town Council, Library Trustees, and Trustee of Trust Funds
To view the questionnaires completed by the candidates running for Town elected offices at the March 9, 2021, click HERE.
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UPCOMING CANDIDATE FORUM FOR TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES - 6 people have filed for only 3 seats.
In addition, please join the Durham Business Association and Town Moderator Chris Regan on Thursday, February 25th 2021, beginning at 7:00 PM, for a Town Council Candidates’ Forum to be held via Zoom, Live Streamed and broadcast LIVE on Cable Channel 22. The forum will address a broad range of questions affecting the Durham Community. Please pre-register at the link below to attend.
Interested residents are encouraged to submit questions for candidates to durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com by Monday, February 22nd. Moderator Chris Regan will review submittals and determine the final list of questions.
The following is a list of citizens that have filed for the Durham Town Council seats.
Town Council, 3-year terms (3): Nicholas B. Germain, James Lawson, Carden Welsh, Tyanne Sylvestre, Warren Smith, Charles Hotchkiss
Zoom preregistration is required: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_dcatgovernance/zoom-town-council-candidates-forum-22521
Watch DCAT LiveStream: https://durham.vod.castus.tv/vod
The Right-To-Know Law provides that most e-mail communications to or from School District employees regarding the business of the School District are government records available to the public upon request. Therefore, this e-mail communication may be subject to public disclosure.
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OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT CANDIDATE NIGHT INFORMATION
Dear Oyster River High School Parents:
Below is information regarding the upcoming ORCSD School Board PTO Sponsored Candidate Nights.
**THESE ARE THE ONLY CANDIDATE NIGHTS BEING OFFERED DISTRICT WIDE. THE FEB 23 EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED**
View the outlines specific offerings and sources of information for these events on March 2 & 4, as well as about the election HERE. It shares a new comprehensive candidate website, Q & A from candidates, opportunities to submit direct questions to candidates and other information.
The School Board is THE governing body of our district and holds the power over district wide decisions. These elections are always very important and we ask that you read the attached and come for the kids!!
Fondly, The ORHS PTO Board
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Further information regarding these two upcoming sessions should be directed to the ORCSD Superintendent's Office at 603-868-5100.
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Mural section in alley between Durham Laundercenter and Clark’s American bistro earlier today. Courtesy Todd Selig
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ABSENTEE BALLOTS APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE TOWN/SCHOOL ELECTION ON MARCH 9, 2021
Please download an absentee ballot application from the town’s website HERE or visit the clerk’s office to complete an absentee ballot application for the upcoming Town Election on March 9, 2021 You may return the completed application in-person to the clerk’s office, fax 603-868-1858, email rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us or mail to: Town Clerk, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824.
There are no deadlines for absentee ballot application requests. Only the absentee application is available. Ballots are not available at this time. Ballots will be mailed out as soon as the clerk’s office receives them. The clerk’s office will automatically send both the town and school ballot for each absentee ballot request application. Residents must now select the “disability” option to vote absentee because of COVID-19 concerns. If you have any questions, please call 603-868-5577 or email rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us
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VOTER REGISTRATION
The Town of Durham/ORCSD School Election will be held at Oyster River High School on Tuesday March 9, 2021. The polls will be open from 7:00 AM – 7 PM. You may register to vote at the Clerk's Office located in the Durham Town Hall during their regular business hours, Mon-Fri, 8AM to 4:30 PM. The last day to register to vote at the Clerk's office before that election will be on Friday, February 26, 2021.
The Supervisor's of the Checklist will hold a voter registration day on Saturday February 27, 2021 from 4:00 – 4:30 PM at the Durham Town Hall (this is officially the very last day to register). After that date, you may register in person at the polls before then voting. If you cannot make it in person to register, please call the Town Clerk's Office at 603-868-5577 for information about absentee registration. If you choose this method, please read instructions very carefully.
In order to register to vote, either at the Town Hall or in person at the election, you will be asked to show proofs of Identity, Age (18 by the next Election Day – March 9), Domicile/Residence in Durham, and U.S. Citizenship. Affidavits of Domicile and Citizenship may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
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TESTING ACCUVOTE BALLOT COUNTING MACHINE AND PREPROCESSING & FINAL PROCESSING OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR THE 2021 TOWN ELECTION
- Public notice is hereby given that the Town Clerk-Tax Collector and Town Moderator will conduct a test of the Accuvote ballot counting machine on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 9:00AM-11:00AM. Testing will occur at the Durham Town Hall, located at 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824.
- Public notice is hereby given that election officials will start to final process all absentee ballots at 8:00AM on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at Oyster River High School in the Multipurpose Room, 55 Coe Drive, Durham, NH 03824.
- Public notice is hereby given that election officials will conduct a preprocessing of absentee ballots from 10:00AM to 2:00PM on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the Durham Town Hall, located at 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824.
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DID YOU KNOW?
We have heroes in our midst.
They are the people who collect our recycling in all kinds of weather, plow our roads and work in freezing weather to fix our water main breaks in the middle of the night, even if it takes all night. Thank you DPW team for all that you do for us and our town.
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BANNER AT MILL POND DAM ON THE OYSTER RIVER STOLEN AND THE EVENTS THAT FOLLOWED
In an effort to raise the importance of protecting Durham’s historic resources, Jeff Hiller, Andrea Bodo, and Carolyn Singer pitched in to purchase a 16 sq ft banner to place on the gates of the historic head of tide Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River. Jeff and Steve Burns installed the sign and put a flood light on it on Monday February 8. Many people stopped to see the sign, which read THIS PLACE MATTERS, slogan of the National Register of Historic Places.
On Sunday February 14, Valentine’s Day……the sign was missing. Andrea Bodo notified the Durham Police Dept. and Officer Emily Festa came right out to investigate. There were footprints along the Pond and on to the concrete abutment, having originated from Mill Pond Road. Officer Festa photographed the perfectly imprinted snow with the size 12 boot! She followed the footprints back on the Pond and found the 2 aluminum poles that the sign had been cut from. The banner had been cut out of this with a knife.
Andrea noted that Officer Festa was very nice and she and her husband, Steve Burns, were very impressed with Emily’s professionalism. This inconsiderate act was very upsetting. This is not what one expects in our beautiful town.
On Monday afternoon, Town Councilor Jim Lawson learned of the theft and contacted Andrea and said “order another sign, I’ll pay for it, install it, and put a wildlife camera on it”.
Andrea reports that she and Steve were heartened by this unexpected and most generous gesture. Andrea told several people what had happened and they too were pleasantly surprised that Jim would reach out to Andrea and Steve like this. (Though Andrea reports that, “those of us that know Jim were not all that surprised with his generosity!”)
This past Tuesday morning, Jim contacted Portsmouth Sign in Newington (where the sign was made) and ordered another sign. Portsmouth Sign said they would not charge for it and would make another sign. Jim was moved by their generosity and offered to contribute the amount to Andrea’s favorite charity. Andrea requested that the check be sent to the newly established HDC/HC "Durham Historic Buildings Restoration and Preservation Trust”. Andrea plans to give this banner to the Town to be used in future fundraising events for historic properties because Andrea sincerely believes that, “Durham’s historic resources REALLY DO MATTER.”
If you are moved by this story and would like to donate to protect historic buildings in Durham, please contact Andrew Corrow, chair of the HDC/HC at andrew_corrow@yahoo.com.
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DURHAM’S LEADERSHIP TEAM BRIEFED ON NH COASTAL FLOOD RISK SUMMARY GUIDANCE
Principal regional planner, Kyle Pimental, attended a meeting with the Durham Leadership Team on Tuesday, Feb. 16. The Leadership Team is made up of various department heads from the different municipal offices and departments.
The meeting was requested by the Town to gain a better understanding of the New Hampshire Coastal Flood Risk Summary Guidance. The guidance provides science-based and user-informed guiding principles and a step-by-step approach for incorporating the updated coastal flood risk projections into private, local, state, and federal projects, including planning, regulatory, and site-specific efforts. Nathalie Morison DiGeronimo, Resilience Project Manager at the NHDES Coastal Program, explained how the guidance can be used for planning purposes and provided a local example of how the guidance was used to inform design decisions for a small bridge replacement project at Wagon Hill.
Following Nathalie's presentation, Kyle updated the Leadership Team on the progress of the Climate Adaptation Chapter, which is being drafted by SRPC and colleagues at UNH Extension and NH Seagrant. This is a new chapter and is intended to be included into the town's master plan. Kyle addressed how the flood guidance will be linked and included as actions in the plan for the town to consider.
For more information on the Durham Climate Adaptation Chapter contact Kyle Pimental. For more information on the New Hampshire Coastal Flood Risk Summary Guidance contact Nathalie Morison DiGeronimo.
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PROFILE ON AG COMMISSION CHAIR THERESA WALKER
Town Planner Michael Behrendt recently had an interesting discussion with Agricultural Commission chair Theresa Walker about agriculture, the Agriculture Commission, and Ovis Aries.
Read the complete profile/interview HERE.
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DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
The Durham Agricultural Commission would like to call readers to several online workshops on raising livestock offered by UNH Cooperative Extension in March, April and May:
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FIREFIGHTER / AEMT VACANCY - (Salary range: $46,244 to $48,584)
The Town of Durham, NH is accepting applications fill an open vacancy and to create a hiring eligibility list for the position of Firefighter/AEMT. The hiring eligibility list may be active for up to eighteen months.
The full position posting and Town of Durham application may be found on the Town’s website HERE.
Submit application materials per the instructions by Friday February 26, 2021 at noon. Position(s) to remain open until filled.
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OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD NEWS - February 17, 2021
The Oyster River School Board met remotely on February 17.
Voting for 4 school board seats, the school budget for 2021-2022, and other school items will be March 9, 2021 along with town elections in Durham, Lee, and Madbury. All voters in Oyster River towns vote for all school board seats. The candidates for the town seats (one each for Durham, Lee, and Madbury) must reside in that town.
In addition to electing the moderator, 4 school board seats, and the 2021-2022 budget, the ballot also includes collective bargaining agreements with district Bus Drivers, Paraprofessionals, and Support Staff, granting the district the ability to save a larger emergency fund in future years, and a proposal to save up to $125,000 remaining at the end of the 2020-2021 school year in a Facilities trust fund.
The contents of the ballot were discussed at the Deliberative Session, which is also posted on the ORCSD Youtube channel HERE.
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DURHAM RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REMAIN VIGILANT IN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
The Town strongly encourages all members of the Durham community (non-students and students alike) to remain vigilant in helping to stem the spread of covid-19:
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of COVID-19.
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you.
- Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.
- Wash hands regularly.
- Monitor your health.
- Strongly consider getting vaccinated when it is your turn to do so.
Read more regarding the article in today's Foster's regarding the surge of active COVID-19 cases among UNH students HERE.
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UPDATE ON UNH COVID TESTING DATA AND OPERATIONAL RESTRICTIONS IN DURHAM - # of positive daily cases beginning to trend downward...
Working in close partnership with the UNH Administrative team, we want to update the Durham community that based on the University's testing program, positive COVID cases are trending in the right direction — going down. Yet UNH students and the entire Durham/UNH community must remain vigilant to continue to slow the spread.
For now, the Durham campus remains in orange mode. UNH will continue to evaluate the data daily and want to see the results of two complete student testing cycles. The next update will be Sunday evening. If the numbers continue to decline UNHs hope to announce on Sunday that it will remain in orange mode but will begin a transition back to in-person classes early next week. All other restrictions will remain in place until UNH transitions back to yellow mode of operation.
View the latest UNH Covid-19 Dashboard relative to its universal testing program HERE.
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LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE WINTER 2021 NEWSLETTER
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee's Winter Newsletter is now available and can be viewed HERE.
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ACTIVITIES AT THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY – Strategic planning for the Future and more…
- The Library is beginning to plan a 3-year Strategic Planning Process that will allow it to make sure that the DPW is effectively serving the community.
- It is beefing up its programming and database resources to reach out to community members who have been displaced from their jobs due to COVID or who are looking to change careers. The DPL recently added a very robust database called AtoZdatabases. It is a simple, user-friendly, web-based solution that provides details on businesses and households within the U.S. The Library plans to try to make it available in particular to job seekers, fundraisers, and business research professionals in the community.
- The Library has laptops and hotspots available for checkout and use by members of the community.
- DPL staff continue to assist patrons with registration for vaccinations and answering questions about the process.
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PLANNING BOARD UPDATES
The Planning Board has been busy as usual. It held a special meeting this past Wednesday to stay on top of its workload. The board has been reviewing three large and complex projects, for which there is a lot of public involvement: the Mill Plaza redevelopment, a parking lot expansion at 19 Main Street, and a 15-unit subdivision off Gerrish Drive.
Kyle Pimental, Principal Planner at Strafford Regional Planning Commission, gave an update to the board last week about the development of a Climate Action Master Plan for the Town. A draft will be ready this spring to be presented to the Planning Board, Agriculture Commission, Conservation Commission, Energy Committee, and the public. We expect the plan will be ready for adoption during the summer.
The board completed its review of proposed zoning amendments affecting the Central Business District and other issues. The Town Council initiated the amendments and the Planning Board made a number of recommended changes after holding several public hearings. The revised draft will be presented to the Town Council on March 1.
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Fire Captain Jim Brown. Photo courtesy FD
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FIRE CAPTAIN JAMES (JIM) BROWN CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SERVICE - Congratulations Jim!
Congratulations to Captain James (Jim) Brown on recently completing 20 years of dedicated and devoted service to the Town of Durham. Jim’s tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to faithfully serving the Durham Fire Department and our community has not gone unnoticed. Jim was hired as a firefighter for the Town of Durham on January 22, 2001 and later promoted to shift captain. In addition to his duties as shift captain, Jim also serves as the fleet maintenance coordinator for the Department. Jim’s knowledge, skills, and abilities are a tremendous asset to the Fire Department and our community. Thank you for your service, Jim!
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ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE SNOW FIGHTING STRATEGIES – “Blizzard Wizard”
Durham Public Works continues to refine the strategies it employs for the protection of the public and the environment during winter weather emergency responses.
Public Works has put in place a new deicing material known as “Blizzard Wizard,” which is a performance enhanced treated salt that contains a mixture of deicing rock salt and a liquid treatment containing magnesium chloride (MgCL2) and an organic based performance enhancer (OBPE) in the form of sugar cane molasses.
The material works effectively in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit requiring substantially less material than conventional road salt during extreme cold weather events.
The Blizzard Wizard also acts as an enhanced anti-caking agent and natural corrosion inhibitor. The liquid treatment reduces bounce and scatter during application, which translates into longer lasting targeted treatments as compared to untreated salt.
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SNOW REMOVAL, SAFETY, AND COURTESY GO HAND-IN-HAND
In New England, all of us experience the ritual of snow removal before work or after returning from work, and most of us are familiar with the perils that come with cleaning the end of the driveway. Chief Kelley wishes to remind the general public to drive safely and slow down at all times when passing your neighbors. The loose snow or possible icy conditions may cause a vehicle to lose traction at any moment, or excess snow may inadvertently spray a person as you drive by. By practicing safe and courteous driving, your neighbors will thank you, and one day you may be thanking your neighbors.
In addition to the above, a few people have reported that not all drivers are clearing the snow/ice off of their car rooftops. Please note that Jessica's Law in NH prohibits driving with snow/ice piled high on the roof of a vehicle. Jessica's Law is named after Jessica Smith, who was killed when ice from a tractor-trailer blew off, causing a second truck to collide with her car. The 2002 New Hampshire legislation requires drivers to clean their cars of snow and ice or face hefty fines!
View more information regarding RSA 265-79-b HERE.
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SNOW PLOWING AND MAILBOXES - A message to residents during the challenging winter plowing season.
Mailboxes are often damaged during the winter. Untreated wooden posts only have a life expectancy of 2 to 3 years and can rot at the ground becoming easily knocked over by heavy snow. Homeowners should check post conditions and mailboxes in the fall to avoid damage during the winter, ensuring that they are sturdy and back far enough away from the road so that snow banks will not damage them. Replacing a rotten post is the homeowner’s responsibility. Occasionally the snow plow may accidentally nick a mailbox. If your mailbox is hit during a storm, the Public Works Department will do its best to make temporary repairs after the storm ends. If it needs replacement, we will replace it with a standard mailbox when possible.
Additionally, If your fence is within the Town’s Right-of-Way (ROW), snow banks may damage it. Most roads have a 50-foot ROW, meaning anything closer than 25' to the center of the road is likely in the Town’s ROW. Any such fences, shrubs, landscaping, etc. are at risk of damage, particularly when snowfall is heavy. Items in the Town’s ROW should be moved back. Snow related damage to these items are the owner’s responsibility. Please call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 to discuss items that you may be concerned about.
In closing, unfortunately each year there are some mailboxes that end up being the victims of a winter event. We assure you this is not intentional and plow drivers do their best to avoid this. For example, the storm we experienced this week, besides being quite long and extending the regular work day overnight through the next afternoon, the snow throughout the night was coming down some 2” per hour making it very difficult to see. We appreciate your patience when this happens, please let us know and we will do our best to correct it ASAP. Call DPW at 603-868-5578 or email publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us.
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A sign of spring - Lambing season has begun at Liberty Hall Farm on Bennett Road. Tim Walker holds the first lamb of the year, a Romney ram lamb born on Valentine’s Day, aptly named Valentino. Photo courtesy Theresa Walker
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4 PARAEDUCATOR OPENINGS AT ORCSD TO ASSIST WITH ON-SITE REMOTE SUPPORT
Oyster River High School currently has four openings for Paraeducators. These Paraeducators will work on-site in the classroom supporting and managing students, while the teacher instructs remotely.
Must possess the ability to work as a team member with regular and special education staff and students. Must have strong classroom management skills, comprehension of classroom technology, ability to lead individual and small group instruction and supervise the students when in the hallways, at lunch, recess and during other activities.
These are full-time, temporary positions that are expected to start immediately and continue until the end of the school year. A single medical benefit will be offered.
Interested individuals should complete the employment application HERE.
Oyster River Cooperative School District is an equal opportunity employer.
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Congratulations to Paul Rasmussen, this week’s winner of Restaurant Bingo. Paul is taking home four gift cards to local restaurants. It’s not too late to start playing and a new winner is drawn every week through the end of February. Two more great prizes are waiting to be given out to a couple of lucky winners. Get your game board at any participating restaurant or the Town Hall. Completed cards can be turned in at Town Hall, the Freedom Café or the Three Chimney’s Inn. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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DURHAM IS A BEE CITY USA. Watch a video concerning how to protect pollinators HERE
As part of our official Bee City USA Designation, Durham receives information from the Xerces Society concerning pollinator conservation efforts. To that end, a new video introduces the importance of pollinators and major threats to their survival, and offers simple solutions for conservation that anyone can implement in their own communities. This short video is meant to be an educational tool for those wanting to spread the word on pollinator conservation to friends, neighbors, students, and local communities.
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TOWN OF DURHAM HOLIDAY SCHEDULE - 2021
Please see below the refuse and recycling Holiday schedule. There is a typographical error below the Holiday box of the paper newsletters that was mailed to Durham residents. The Transfer Station is closed on 5/29/21, not 5/9/21, which is a Sunday.
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CARDBOARD RECYCLING INFORMATION FROM IWMAC & DPW
Did you know that cardboard can be recycled as many as five times before its fibers are too short to be reused? Durham Public Works processes close to 100 tons of cardboard each year through the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center as well as its curbside recycling program. A friendly reminder that Styrofoam, waxed cardboard, plastic bags, packing peanuts, packing paper and inflated plastic cushions are not considered cardboard, so we kindly ask that these materials be removed from boxes before disposing of them. These types of contaminants are most commonly found within the boxes of televisions and other appliances. Recycled Cardboard is a recyclable commodity that the Town currently receives revenue for, however contaminated cardboard can lead to significant downgrading resulting in lost revenue and, sometimes even requiring the Town to pay disposal costs. Please help us to keep our cardboard contaminant free to maximize revenue and protect and preserve the environment! Thank you for your cooperation!
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TOWN OF DURHAM- PART-TIME MECHANIC POSITION VACANCY
The Town of Durham is seeking a part-time mechanic to assist in performing equipment maintenance on the Town's fleet. Requires knowledge of regular fleet vehicles and heavy equipment repair, diagnosis of malfunctions utilizing test equipment and technical repair manuals. Employee will work 24 hours per week, flexible scheduling available. High School Diploma or G.E.D. and one year of formal training in fleet vehicles and heavy equipment repair or equivalent experience. Possession of a Class B CDL Operator's License and Certification to perform NH Safety Vehicle Inspections highly sought after. Hourly wage starting at $20/hour, higher possible depending on experience. Interested parties please send application/letter of interest/resume no later than Friday, February 26th to:
Rich Reine, Director of Public Works
100 Stone Quarry Drive
Durham, NH 03824
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Mural section in alley between Durham Laundercenter and Clark’s American bistro earlier today. Courtesy Todd Selig
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GARDENING WEBINAR SERIES OPPORTUNITY FOR DURHAM COMMUNITY MEMBERS
The Durham Agricultural Commission is calling your attention to a Gardening Webinar Series being offered jointly by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. The series takes place Wednesdays at 6pm beginning January 27th until March 24th and includes 40 minute presentations followed by discussion.
The January 27th topic is “Optimizing Plant Growth with Indoor Lighting”, February 10th is “Science of Pruning”, February 24th is “Edible Landscaping”, March 10th is “Ornamental Garden Design”, and March 24th is “Protecting Fruit Trees from Insects and Diseases”. Registration is required with a $5 suggested donation (optional) for each webinar. Participants will receive the Zoom information after registering for a webinar. All sessions will be recorded and shared with participants following the event. If you are unable to attend the live session, please register HERE to receive a copy of the recording and a resource list. https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/webinar-series/
Additional information and resources on garden planning may be found at the Agricultural Commission page on the Town's website HERE.
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DURHAM'S WINTER COMPOST CHALLENGE - FEBRUARY 15 - MARCH 26, 2021. Thought about composting? Want to get started? What’s the Impact of Removing Compostable Materials from Durham’s Solid Waste?
Durham collects compost at our Transfer Station to help keep organic material out of the Town’s Solid Waste Collection and the Turnkey Landfill. The anaerobic decomposition of the organic material in the landfill generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
The Winter Compost Challenge will be 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. Durham families are invited to sign up through Parks and Rec (To register online, visit: http://durhamrec.recdesk.com/). You will be provided with a compost bin and compostable bags, and we ask that you weigh your compost and household waste weekly, take your compost to the Transfer Station toters, and record and share your data. If you participated in the Fall Compost Challenge, you may join this challenge as well, and we will collect your data. Fall Challenge participants will not need to pay to participate again and will not receive another bin and bags.
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The historic, head of tide, Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River. Courtesy Todd Selig
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MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER UPDATE - Town Council held an extensive discussion with VHB engineers and staff during its Feb. 15th meeting and will next discuss and potentially decide what to do concerning the dam at the upcoming March 1st Council meeting.
The Town Council held a public meeting on Monday January 11th to receive significant public input on the Oyster River Dam at Mill Pond Feasibility Study. The completed $300,000 feasibility study, which is a comprehensive and objective look at the issue and questions that have been raised over the years, includes options for addressing water quality impairments (the pond is an impaired water body) and stabilizing or removing the historic head of tide Oyster River Dam at the Mill Pond located on the Oyster River along Route 108/Newmarket Road in Durham.
The Town Council met with VHB Engineers, the engineering firm it hired to outline the options for the dam’s future as part of the feasibility study, at its meeting on February 15, 2021. Residents interested in topic are strongly encouraged to watch this 3-hour discussion on DCAT On Demand by clicking HERE. It is extremely informative and answers many questions concerning the dam on the Oyster River, the impaired pond, and more.
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 and will continue to be considered by members of the Town Council.
Prior presentations on the Feasibility Study and the full report, including appendices, are posted on the Town’s website, along with comments from the public that have been submitted to the town. All information can be viewed HERE.
Recommendations have been provided by the Conservation Commission, Historic District Commission, and the Durham Historic Association. The recommendations can be viewed HERE.
Learn about alternatives considered by VHB as part of the feasibility study to address the dam/impaired water quality in the Mill Pond impoundment in the next section below.
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VHB PROVIDES ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS POSED BY TOWN COUNCILORS CONCERNING MILL POND DAM
Members of the Council had posed a number of questions to VHB concerning the feasibility study relative to the Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River. VHB provided a document with responses this week, which has been added to the project website HERE.
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ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BY VHB AS PART OF FEASIBILITY STUDY TO ADDRESS THE DAM/IMPAIRED WATER QUALITY IN THE MILL POND IMPOUNDMENT ON THE OYSTER RIVER...
The VHB project team developed a set of five preliminary alternatives to address the known structural deficiencies of the Oyster River Dam. The review considered the 2018 NHDES Letter of Deficiency, but also incorporated new data and modeling generated during this feasibility study. Based on an initial analysis that considered cost, constructability, and compliance with regulatory requirements, two alternatives were determined to have merit and were therefore advanced for detailed study. A description of alternatives follows from the feasibility executive summary:
Alternative 3 – Dam Stabilization: This alternative would fill the interior spillway cells with reinforced concrete to create a mass concrete section. The concrete would be reinforced, and the dam would be anchored to the underlying bedrock. Additionally, repairs would be performed to address scour of the existing right training wall and undermining of the fish ladder downstream of the spillway. This alternative would retain the dam in essentially its current configuration, and therefore maintain the impoundment, with no measurable changes in water depths or surface area.
However, this alternative would not comply with NHDES Dam Safety regulations, and would there require the NHDES Dam Bureau to approve a waiver to regulate the dam as a “non-menace structure.” Initial analysis and coordination with NHDES found that approval of such a waiver request would be contingent on the abutting property owner recognizing that dam failure would have a detrimental impact on its property and accepting the consequences associated with such an occurrence. NHDES would require that any such agreement would run with the land such that future property owners would also be bound.
Dam Stabilization would retain Mill Pond, but would not directly address the decreased depth and poor water quality in the pond. To do this, the project team developed a conceptual plan to remove approximately 11,000 cubic yards of sediment from the pond, which would convert approximately 2.4 acres of wetland to deepwater habitat. Because the Oyster River will continue to transport and deposit sediments, this pond restoration dredge would be an ongoing maintenance task that would need to be repeated in the future as the dredged areas are re-filled with new sediment. Based on a review of sequential historical aerial imagery, field observations, and professional experience in similar settings throughout the region, the dredge areas would likely refill over a period of 5-20 years.
Additionally, it is critical to note that coordination with NHDES and the US Army Corps of Engineers, both of whom would need to approve the dredge, indicates that obtaining a permit for a freshwater dredge of this size would be extremely difficult and perhaps impossible.
Alternative 5 – Dam Removal: This alternative would consist of a four-part plan that includes the removal of the existing dam structure, abutment preservation, channel shaping, and upstream channel restoration. The main dam spillway and the adjacent fish ladder would be entirely removed, but the left and right abutments would be left in place to help stabilize the riverbank and mitigate historic impacts. The channel would be reshaped to have a roughly 42-foot bankfull width, incorporating a 12-foot wide low-flow channel, to provide fish passage under low flow conditions. The active restoration of the Oyster River channel upstream of the dam removal site is also recommended. This would involve channel shaping approximately 600 feet upstream of the location of the dam to stabilize the channel and remove approximately 3,000 cubic yards of sediment deposited in the center of the Mill Pond impoundment. This would minimize potential sediment impacts downstream, as well as improve the stability and ecological integrity of the upstream area following dam removal.
VHB also included initial financial estimates as outlined below (all of which, including a great deal of additional information) may be found in the Executive Summary of the Feasibility Study on the Town web site by clicking HERE):
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ORANGE YOU READY FOR GRAPEFRUIT? WE'RE RASIN' FUNDS BY SELLING DATES.
Please consider supporting our local Durham - Great Bay Rotary Club in its 'citric' duty for the community by buying a little box of Florida sunshine for someone. All proceeds go to our charitable giving budget. We support many initiatives in the community. See the link below. Thank you for your support!
Durham Great Bay Rotary.
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PLEASE SUPPORT THE DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
For the month of February 2021, the Durham Historic Association will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Hannaford store located at 7 Mill Road, Durham NH.
The Durham Historic Association's mission is:
- To preserve the memory of events connected with the history of the Town of Durham, or of individuals who may have resided there;
- To serve as guardian of the town's history;
- To preserve the artifacts of the town's history;
- To inform and educate the citizens of Durham and others of the history of the town and how contemporary Durham arises out of its past.
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PAWSOME NEWS FROM THE TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE
The 2021 dog tags are now available and residents may obtain their licenses starting Monday, January 11, 2021. Please note that NH-State law requires that all Durham residents license their dogs no later than April 30, 2021. You may renew your dog license online HERE or by visiting the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. New dog licenses must be done in person or by mail. If you have any questions, please contact the Town-Clerk Tax Collector’s office at ph: 603-868-5577.
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Town Clerk Tax Collector, Lorrie Pitt, and Deputy Town Clerk, Rachel Deane, hold the Top Dog basket that will go to this year's Top Dog raffle winner. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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OBTAIN A DOG LICENSE BY APRIL 30, 2021 AND AUTOMATICALLY ENTER THE 2021 TOP DOG RAFFLE
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 gift basket contains a fleece dog blanket, KONG-brand durable tennis balls, disposable dog waste bags, a high quality dog leash, and dog treats.
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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SWAP SHOP TO REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO PANDEMIC
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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Mural section in alley between Durham Laundercenter and Clark’s American bistro earlier today. Courtesy Todd Selig
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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
Need help registering for the COVID-19 vaccine? If you’re currently part of the demographic eligible for the vaccine in NH, the library can assist with computers and tech help to get you registered. Call us at 603-868-6699 to set up a time!
Register now for Upcoming Events
Job hunting? Don't miss Tips for a Successful Virtual Interview this Tuesday, February 16th, with Gary Gekow. Or sign up for our next NHHC program, Fierce Females, Women in Art with Jane Oneail on March 16th. And get ready for the week on Sunday evenings (now at 7:30!) with Jiong Jiong Hu’s Meditative Yoga beginning again on March 7th! Need device help? DPL staff is available every Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm via phone or zoom for all your questions! Need help registering for the COVID-19 vaccine? If you’re currently part of the demographic eligible for the vaccine in NH, the library can assist with computers and tech help to get you registered. Call us at 603-868-6699 to set up a time!
What’s New in Youth Services?!
Register for the McAuliffe Shepard Zoom Space Program on Thurs. Feb. 25th at 10:30 am. This is a joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries. 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 Activities, Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) book group, Patch club and more! Or download the complete February calendars!
Daily Operations at DPL
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! Please visit our website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/ for complete information! Still have questions? We can be reached at 603-868-6699 during open hours or at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com any time!
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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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1716 - The 2nd Meeting House was built at the present site of the Sullivan Monument. Ministers serving this church were the Revs. Hugh Adams, Nicholas Gilman, John Adams and Curtis Coe. In 1774, gunpowder taken from Fort William and Mary was hidden in this place.
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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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