Friday Updates - February 1st, 2019

Friday, February 1, 2019

The pine grove at Merrick Woods. Courtesy Todd Selig

The New England Patriots will be playing in the Super Bowl on Sunday evening. The Town of Durham wishes them good luck as they face off against the Los Angeles Rams!

But the bigger question may actually be whether Punxsutawney Phil will call for an early spring or six more weeks of winter this Saturday??? The weather on Groundhog Day can influence if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not.

Groundhog Day occurs on Feb. 2 each year, which is roughly the halfway point of astronomical winter.

According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow, then there will be six more weeks of winter. But if he doesn't, then an early spring and above-average temperatures are on the way.

Isn't going to be around 50 degrees on Monday?

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT IMPORTANT BUDGET AND SCHOOL MEETING DATES TO REMEMBER

Town Meetings for School District Budget Overview

February 4th - Madbury Selectmen Meeting - 7PM - Madbury Town Hall

February 5th - Annual Meeting Session I - Deliberative - ORHS Auditorium - 7PM - Snow Date: February 7th

February 12th - Candidates' Night - ORHS Room C-120 - 7PM - Snow Date: February 13th

March 12th - Annual Meeting Session II - Voting Day - Vote in Town of residence:

Durham - ORHS - 7AM - 7PM

Lee - Lee Safety Complex - 7AM - 7PM

Madbury- Madbury Town Hall - 11AM - 7:30 PM

Report of the District February 2019 Edition - Available the end of February at: SAU Office, Town Halls, Libraries, Schools, and posted on the ORCSD website.

If unable to pick up a report, please contact Wendy at 603-389-3286 or via email mailto:wdifruscio@orcsd.org

BUDGET INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: 

http://www.orcsd.org/ QUICK LINKS/BUDGET FY 19-20

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.

DPW staff busy cleaning up after this past Tuesday night's snowstorm. Sam Hewitt is in the sidewalk plow in the foreground and Ray LaRoche, Jr. is operating the plow in the background. Courtesy DCAT Studios

YEAR END GROSS WAGES (2018) FOR TOWN OF DURHAM EMPLOYEES AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC VIEWING ON DURHAM WEB SITE

Annually the Town compiles a list of year end gross wages for Durham employees and makes it available for public viewing.

Gross wages include: overtime, special detail pay, merit pay, holiday pay, sick leave bonus pay, longevity pay, insurance credit, and miscellaneous stipends. Taxable benefits include: short and long-term disability payments, car allowance, and matching retirement deductions.

While the Town is under no obligation to create a report that is not already on file, it is important to facilitate the release of this information in an easily understandable format for residents. Employee titles were added to make it easier for the lay person to understand.

The report also includes elected officials who receive a stipend for service.

To view the 2018 list as of 12/31/18, click HERE.

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.  

CHANGES TO CURBSIDE RECYCLING STARTING NEXT WEEK! -- Curbside glass/plastics v. cardboard/paper collection to return to alternating weeks Feb. 1st

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

FIBER RECYCLABLES

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.

SELIG'S 2018 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

On Monday evening, February 4, 2019, the Town Council will finalize Administrator Todd Selig's 2018 annual performance evaluation.

While the annual evaluation process for public employees is exempt from public disclosure by state law, Mr. Selig has opted to publicly release his annual performance review since he began service with the Town of Durham in 2001.

View the Administrator's 2018 cumulative performance evaluation and separate narratives from individual Council members HERE.

DURHAM’S UNUSUAL FORM OF TOWN GOVERNMENT – Town Council/Town Manager

There are two basic forms of town government under New Hampshire law: (1) traditional, board of selectperson/town meeting form; and (2) town council/town manager form described in RSA Chapter 49-D. Each form has several variations.

The board of selectperson/town meeting is the traditional, "pure democracy" form of town government, where the voters themselves, acting at town meeting, are the legislative body of a community. Budgetary, legislative, and other questions are put before the voters in the form of warrant articles, the merits of which are debated, and then voted on at the meeting held on or around the 2nd Tuesday in March.

The selectboard acts as the governing body and carries out the decisions of the town meeting and manages the prudential affairs of the town over the course of the year including town property and municipal staff. The board of selectpersons sometimes create “administrative assistant" or “town administrator” positions, which have only those powers specifically delegated to them by the Selectboard, which can change from year to year as the selectboard changes. Madbury and Lee have an administrative assistant and town administrator, respectively, which fall into these categories.

Alternatively, a town at the annual town meeting may adopt the provisions of RSA 37, establishing a statutory town manager position. The town manager is selected with special reference to education, training, and experience to perform the duties of the office, and without reference to political belief. When a town manager position is created, the management of town property and the hiring and firing of municipal staff is transferred from the selectpersons to the town manager. The selectboard, therefore, assumes more of a policy focus with the town manager carrying out the day-to-day responsibilities of managing the municipality.

The town council/town manager is the second form of town government (with a few possible variations) allowing a town to adopt a charter establishing a representative body - the town council - which has powers similar to those of a city council. The charter must provide for the appointment of a town manager by the council, who shall have all the powers of town managers as set out in RSA Chapter 37 (however the Town Manager may be referred to by a similar name - in Durham it is the “administrator”). The council may have as many as 15 members (!), and must have an odd number unless the vote of the chair is reserved for breaking ties. Durham’s Town Council, approved in 1988 at Town Meeting and put into effect in 1989, has 9 members.

The adoption of a town council-town manager charter abolishes the traditional board of selectperson/town meeting form of government.

The town council functions as both the governing body and legislative body, as do city councils in cities. Where the town council is both the governing body and the legislative body, it generally has all the powers and duties of selectmen, city councils and boards of aldermen, and may address all matters that general law requires to be done at town meetings, all as provided by RSA 49-D:3, l(a).

Durham's town council may both make local laws (called ordinances) and adopt a budget without further action of the town. The "administrator" proposes an annual budget to the Town Council. Only bond questions on a single issue with proposed debt in excess of $1 million must be approved by referendum (i.e., the police station bond referendum last year).

The Town of Newmarket operates under a slight variation of the town council-town manager format. In Newmarket, the town council may adopt ordinances, but the budget still requires adoption by the community at a special annual budgetary town meeting.

The only other town in NH that operates exactly like Durham is Derry, NH. Durham and Derry are in essence towns that have the governmental structure of cities with a council/manager structure.

View the Town of Durham's Charter HERE.

Left: Riverwoods project January 2018...... Right: Riverwoods project January 2019. Both taken from the Merrick Woods Courtesy Todd Selig

RIVERWOODS DURHAM - Construction progresses smoothly

The Riverwoods term project is coming along very smoothly on Stone Quarry Drive. Passersby over the last couple of months will have noticed the structure rising from the earth almost on a floor by floor basis. Progress has proceeded quickly because many of the component parts are fabricated off site and then put together in final form here in Durham, which allows for faster progress. Code Officer Audrey Cline reports very smooth construction thus far and the site contractor, Severino, is top notch.

View the latest drone video of Riverwoods under construction HERE.

YEAR END FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FY2018 

In compliance with section 5.6 of the Durham Town Charter, Business Manager Gail Jablonski will be present at Monday's Council meeting to provide the board with the unaudited year-end financial report for 2018. 

The auditors will be here for their preliminary work on February 12th. The full audit is scheduled for the week of March 26th. 

REVENUES...

The Town’s revenue as of December 31, 2018 is estimated at $15,202,302 or approximately 97.7% of the estimated revenue.

PROPERTY TAXES – As of December 31st the Town had collected 97% of all taxes owed.

PERMIT FEES – Motor vehicle permit fees were less than estimated.

UNH INCOME – The income received from UNH was lower than expected for two reasons. First there were no students living at Forest Park and attending the ORCSD in the fall of 2018 so we did not collect any revenue. The second was the Fire Department came in under budget and per the Town/UNH agreement they are to be refunded their proportionate share of the contribution made towards the operating budget.

DEPARTMENTAL INCOME – Revenues from Planning Board fees exceeded our estimates. The Town also received $15,000 from the State of NH for a construction and drainage easement on Route 4 in the vicinity of Morgan Way. 

FIRE AND POLICE SPECIAL DETAILS – Police Department Special Details revenue was higher than anticipated (see note under Expenses – Police Department Special Details). 

EXPENDITURES...

The Town’s expenditures as of December 31, 2018 show a total expenditure of $14,936,542 or 95.9% of the total approved General Fund budget amount of $15,580,100. 

TOWN COUNCIL – The Town Council contingency of $100,000 was expended in the amount of $90,737.73 as follows:

• TurfPro Landscape Maintenance – Treatment and cutting of 
• invasive and exotic plants in the Doe Farm.
• GeoInsight, Inc. – Eversource Reliability Project
• 2-Way Communications – Equipment relating to move of 
• radio tower
• Yates Electric Service – Work relating to move of radio tower
• JTC, Inc – Work related to move of radio tower

ASSESSING – Assessing was over budget due to payments to George Sansoucy, LLC for his work on the utility appeals.

LEGAL SERVICES – Legal fees were exceeded by 67% on matters which included the Eversource Reliability Project, Utility appeals, Code Enforcement issues, personnel matters and general matters.

BUILDING INSPECTION – We did not need to use any special inspection services for the Riverwoods project, nor did we need to use the part-time plumbing and electrical inspectors as frequently as we had estimated.

OTHER GENERAL GOVERNMENT – The cost for the solar array at the Lee gravel pit was again under our estimated amount.

POLICE DEPARTMENT SPECIAL DETAILS – This overage is due to more outside details being worked than estimated and is offset with revenue which includes a 25% administration fee.

PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT MAINTENACE – This division had a staff vacancy which was not filled until May of 2018. In addition, savings were achieved in the fuel/oil line.

PUBLICE WORKS SNOW REMOVAL – Although we were concerned when we received our first big storm in mid-November the weather calmed down and we didn’t have any other major events through the end of the year.

SANITATION – The cost of disposal of trash and recycling materials exceeded our expectations and we ended up with a negative balance in the sanitation division.

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT – This department shows savings in the wage lines due to the fact that we spent many months without a part-time assistant to the director. The contracted services and field trip lines were also underspent as many of the trips we had planned had to be cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen events.

TRANSFER TO LIBRARY – The Library expenses did not reach the appropriated amount in 2018, therefore, we will only be transferring the amount necessary to cover their expenses.

TRANSFER TO FIRE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND – Per the 2016 Fire Protection Service Agreement between the Town of Durham and University System of New Hampshire any of the Fire Department operating budget funds remaining unexpended and unencumbered at the end of the Town’s fiscal year shall be placed in the Capital Reserve Fund, except that the amount placed into the Fund in any one year shall not exceed two and one half percent (2.5%) of that year’s annual operating budget. For 2018 we estimate transferring $100,794 in addition to the annual contribution of $20,000 to the Fire Department Equipment Capital Reserve Fund.

TWO OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT PARCELS ON ORCHARD DRIVE - And and initiative in Durham to preserve them for conservation.

The ORCSD owns two parcels totaling 25 acres located at the end of Orchard Drive. These parcels were donated to the School District in 1971 and 1976, respectively. The ORCSD retained this land with the possibility of building a school there, but recently opted for a different location for the school. In 2014, the ORSD commissioned an appraisal of the property, which determined a value of $290,000 with the potential for four house lots. An offer of $150,000 from a developer was rejected by the ORSD, although the District maintained a desire to sell the property.

A group of citizens, including some in the Orchard Drive neighborhood, submitted a letter to the ORSD School Board, recommending that the District consider conservation as an outcome for the property as it is an important connector to UNH and other open lands, particularly for recreational access for the community.

In December 2018, ORSD Superintendent James Morse appointed an Orchard Drive Lands Committee to study how to achieve a conservation outcome for this land. The Committee members include: Susan Caswell (ORSD), Kenny Rotner and Al Howland (Town Council and School Board), Malin Clyde and Dennis Meadows (Durham residents), John Nachilly (Conservation Commission), and Ellen Snyder (Land Stewardship Coordinator).

In January 2019, Administrator Selig contacted ORCSD Superintendent Morse to request that this lands committee also provide advice to him and the town concerning the two parcels. Superintendent Morse was comfortable with this approach.

The Orchard Drive Lands Committee has met twice, with the following decisions/recommendations:

• The Committee recommended that an offer of $150,000 for the Orchard Drive property (25 acres) be made to the School Board, with the understanding that the source of funds would be from private fundraising and grants and not from Town funds.
• This was presented to the ORCSD at its January 16, 2019 meeting by member Al Howland. The following motion was made and approved: Al Howland moved if the committee raises $150K the school system will sell the property to the town of Durham, provided that the land will be protected in its natural state in perpetuity, 2nd by Tom Newkirk. Motion passed 7-0 with the Student Representative voting in the affirmative.
• The Committee recommends that a new fund be established by the Town to receive private donations and public and private grants for the Orchard Drive acquisition and once the fundraising goal is met that the Town transfer the funds to the ORSD and accept the property. The fundraising will be coordinated by the Committee and other volunteers, spearheaded by Dennis Meadows.
• Committee members John Nachilly, Malin Clyde, and Ellen Snyder are working on a public access and trails plan for the Orchard Drive parcels, including coordination with UNH and NH Fish and Game on the potential for trail connectivity from Orchard Drive to Bennett Road. 
• Dennis Meadows has proposed, and others have supported the idea, that a pedestrian bridge be constructed from Thompson Lane across the Oyster River to the Orchard Drive property, thereby providing significant community connectivity to these lands. Further study is needed to determine feasibility, cost, permitting, and neighborhood support for a bridge connection.

On February 4th, the Town Council will discuss this initiative to gauge Durham interest in the effort.

DHA member Nancy Sandberg (left) speaks to Mast Way Elementary 4th graders during their recent visit to the museum. Courtesy Janet Mackie

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION HOSTS MAST WAY 4TH GRADERS AT DHA MUSEUM

The Durham Historic Association recently hosted Mast Way Elementary School 4th graders at the DHA museum. 

Ms. George, Ms. Buswell, and Ms. Gerard brought their students to the museum to learn about Durham's colonial history, view important artifacts, and complete activities related to the following time periods: The Abenaki and Settlement of the Oyster River (1630-1679); Conflict of Cultures: The Indian Wars (1680-1731); Durham Town Charter and the Return of Prosperity (1732-1773); and Independence and American Commerce (1774-1840). 

The DHA would like to thank Mast Way, its faculty, students, and chaperones, for a wonderful experience of learning and excitement.

THANK YOU FROM DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION

The Durham Historic Association thanks everyone who attended Dr. Meghan Howey's program "Unearthing the Clues at the Burnham Garrison" this past Saturday at the Town Hall. What a great turnout - we appreciate your continued support!  Those who missed it (or want to re-live it), may view the program on the Town's DCAT 22 On Demand.

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING - FEBRUARY 7, 2019

The agenda includes: a) a presentation by Mike Lynch for a proposed design for a handicap ramp at Wagon Hill Farm; b) a public hearing for a 40-space parking lot behind the building at 18 Main Street; c)a discussion about RSA 79D – Discretionary Preservation Easements, which would allow the Town to grant property tax relief to owners of barns and other old farm building subject to various conditions; and d) a discussion about the HDC’s review process.

More information about the work the Historic District/Heritage Commission has been doing can be viewed HERE.

If you would like to be added to the email list about commission meetings please send a note to the town planner at mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us

IT'S SUPER BOWL LII SUNDAY!

The Durham Police have been working diligently to prepare for any eventuality this Sunday as the New England Patriots participate in their third straight Super Bowl. 

The game will start Sunday evening and Durham Police in partnership with UNH Police, a contingent of New Hampshire State Police as well as Strafford County Sheriffs will join Durham Fire, McGregor Ambulance, and UNH administrative staff in the downtown area so that we will be highly visible on Main Street. 

Chief Kurz and his staff have developed an operational plan that will enable responsible celebration to occur while deterring illegal and destructive venting. 

Everyone remains optimistic that there will be a very positive celebration on the heels of another Patriots victory!

CONSERVATION COMMISSION VOTES TO CONTRIBUTE FUNDS TOWARD ACQUISITION OF TWO CONSERVATION TRACTS OF LAND BY THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

Following the public hearing at its meeting this past Monday, the Conservation Commission voted to contribute toward the acquisition by the Nature Conservancy of two conservation tracts in Durham. The commission is contributing $15,000 for the 10.5 acre Lord Tract and $5,000 for the 30-acre Walker Tract. 

The Lord tract can be viewed HERE.

The Walker tract can be viewed HERE.

Originally, the Nature Conservancy had requested $5,000 for each tract but requested an additional $10,000 toward the Lord tract after receiving a lower commitment than expected from other funders. After some deliberation – recognizing that the Town’s contribution will leverage substantial money from other sources - the commission agreed to increase the donation.

The funds are coming from the Town’s Conservation Fund which currently has a balance of $73,788.  

One hundred percent of the revenue the Town receives from the Land Use Change Tax (LUTC) is directed to the Conservation Fund. The LUTC is paid by the landowner at the time the land no longer qualifies for current use. The land use change tax is 10% of the market value of the land at the time of the change in use.

PODCASTS OF DURHAM PUBLIC MEETINGS?

For die-hard Durhamites who desire to listen to podcasts of the latest local public meeting while out for a run (forget the Rocky 1 theme song) or driving to Portsmouth for errands, the capability is something our IT/DCAT staff are now exploring. If this becomes something we can effectuate, we’ll put out an announcement in the coming weeks. 

Police Officers Emily Festa and Michael Nicolosi

DURHAM'S NEWEST OFFICERS ON PATROL - Welcome Emily Festa and Michael Nicolosi...

Before a Durham Police Officer is allowed to patrol by Durham by themselves, 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 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 both Emily Festa and Michael Nicolosi have completed all phases of their training and are now actively patrolling Durham. Emily grew up in Deerfield, NH and is a 2017 graduate of UNH with a BA degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Michael grew up in Haverhill, MA and a 2011 graduate of Springfield College with a BS degree in Psychology. Be sure to say hello to Emily and Michael when you see them!

DURHAM POLICE COMPLETES ITS EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PLAN/REVIEW

As part of the agency’s accredited status, the Durham Police must update their Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) plan annually. The EEO is a document that is designed to analyze the relevant labor market data for the Durham Police as well as their employment practices to identify possible barriers to the participation of women and minorities in all levels of the department. Its purpose is to ensure the opportunity for full and equal participation of men and women in the workplace, regardless of race, color, or national origin. 

Additionally, the plan enables the Durham Police to confidently state that they practice equal employment which means there is a greater advantage to attracting qualified and dedicated candidates. Secondly, the department decreases the chances of facing a discrimination or wrongful discharge or hiring lawsuit.

Finally, it is an accepted premise that an organization that ensures equal employment for all increases the chances that it will have a diverse workforce. This results in many positive implications for organizational productivity, creativity and ultimately provides the best possible services to the Durham community. 

The annual report can be viewed HERE.

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.

A grouping of leaves left over from fall this past weekend at the Merrick Woods. Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM YOUTH WILL RAMSEY UNDERTAKES JIMMY FUND, FUND RAISER IN MEMORY OF MILES GOLDBERG – Seeks support from interested community members

Durham resident Will Ramsey just turned 13 years old and has taken on a Bar Mitzvah project that will raise money for the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of his close friend, Miles Steven Goldberg.

Will writes: "Like I am now, Miles was only 13 years old when he passed away in 2017. For my Bar Mitzvah project, I want to honor Miles’ life and our memories of him and let his family know how much they mean to me and my family - especially his brother Louis who is both a best friend and like a brother to me. My goal is to raise $1000 for each of Miles’ 13 years and for each mile I plan to run (13.1) in The Covered Bridges Half Marathon on June 2, 2019, in Pomfret, Vermont (https://cbhm.com/).”

The Jimmy Fund solely supports Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, raising funds for adult and pediatric cancer care and research to improve the chances of survival for cancer patients around the world.

If you would like to support Will’s effort, learn more HERE.

PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLIST ACCIDENT REPORTS

Pedestrian Accidents

Chief Kurz has been tracking pedestrian accidents in Durham since 1996 and has provided Town Administrator Selig with the updated report that includes the additional six accidents that occurred in 2018. Over that period there have been 90 accidents in Durham with a surprising 74% occurring when the pedestrian was within a crosswalk. 

View the complete report HERE.

Bicyclist Accidents

Along with pedestrians, Chief Kurz has been tracking bicycle accidents in Durham since 2002 and has provided Town Administrator Selig with the updated report that includes the additional three accidents that occurred in 2018. Over that period there have been 51 accidents involving bicyclists in Durham. 

View the complete report HERE.

AN UPDATE FROM LAND STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR ELLEN SNYDER ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS - Doe Farm, Oyster River River Forest, Invasives Control Efforts, Milne Sanctuary Improvements, Orchard Drive Parcels...

The cold weather has shifted much of the stewardship work indoors. Doe Farm continues to be a focus for trail improvements and management in 2019. Currently we are making plans for new trail bridges across wetlands and small streams. Once spring arrives, we will be looking for volunteers to help build a few bridges and brush back more trails. We are evaluating ways to improve the Doe Farm entrance and parking area, designing materials for a kiosk, prepping for another season of invasive plant control, and planning for better management around the historic cemetery and foundation. Thanks to many generous donors we have raised $18,985 to fund many of these projects.

A $9,050 grant from the State Conservation Committee Conservation License Plate program will fund another year of invasive plant control in the 30-acre meadow at the north end of the Oyster River Forest. The Milne Nature Sanctuary committee continues to discuss best options for removing invasives and restoring a healthy plant community to this one-acre parcel on the edge of Mill Pond. A small committee has embarked on an effort to acquire a 25-acre property at the end of Orchard Drive that is owned by the Oyster River Cooperative School District. The $150,000 offer to the School District will be funded through private fundraising. This property has frontage on the Oyster River and connects to the UNH MacDonald Lot and East Foss Farm and offers potential trail connectivity for the community.

Minor vandalism to the wagon at Wagon Hill Farm. Public Works staff will work on removing the prints right after DPD runs them. What is it they say about not wanting to be caught red handed? Courtesy Rachel Gasowski

ORCSD KINDERGARTEN AND NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION 2019-2020 - MAST WAY AND MOHARIMET ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Kindergarten & New Student Registration Week is scheduled for February 4th through 8th, 2019

Monday from 10:00 a .m. until 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

If your child will be age 5 on or before September 30, 2019, he/she will be eligible for our Full Day Kindergarten Program

Materials needed at the time of registration:

• Proof of Residency in the Mast Way Elementary School or Moharimet Elementary School catchment of the Oyster River School District by providing a current, dated utility bill or lease, mortgage, or deed with the parent's or guardian's names and address. Please note that residency is required for all incoming Kindergarten students, including those with siblings already enrolled in our elementary schools.
• A copy of your Child's Birth Certificate

For further information, please call:

Mast Way Elementary School

Mrs. Seaman

603-659-3001

Moharimet Elementary School

Mrs. Ficker

603-7 42-2900

WINTER FARMERS MARKET AT UNH AVAILABLE TO DURHAM

Slow Food UNH will again be offering its MUB Market Winter Farmers’ Market, a biweekly farmers’ market from 12 to 4 PM Thursdays beginning February 7th.

Slow Food's mission is to provide the UNH and Durham community with fresh products from local farmers and vendors in a season when it is typically hard to find them. You can expect to find many fresh goods such as veggies, bread, soups, syrups, honey, soaps, salsa, even fresh oysters and hand-made reusable goods.

Live music from Durham-local Dave Gerard will be playing from 12-3 PM. The markets will be Thursdays, February 7th, February 21st, March 7th, March 21st, and April 4th from 12 to 4 PM. They will take place in the Granite State Room on the second floor of the Memorial Union Building (MUB) on campus at 83 Main Street.

Suggested parking is in Campus Crossings Lot on Mill Road across from Hannaford Plaza. Bring your reusable bags, spread the word, and we hope to see you there! For more information and a full list of vendors check out Slow Food UNH on Facebook and Instagram, or email them at mailto:unhfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

An image from Merrick Woods. Courtesy Todd Selig

OYSTER RIVER KING TIDE

Enjoy a three minute tour of the Oyster River at King Tide on Tuesday, January 22nd. The video can be viewed on DCAT on Demand.

TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS

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

Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.

DANGER AWARENESS WORKSHOP FOR FAMILIES - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019, 2 - 4 PM

Instructed by Steve DeMasco's Shaolin Studios with over 25 years of experience in martial arts and self-defense. In this 2 hour workshop, participants will focus on self defense skills and danger awareness. This workshop will take place at the Oyster River Middle School- MPR. 

View more information HERE.

Pre-registration required at: http://durhamrec.recdesk.com.

JOIN THE DURHAM LIBRARY THIS WEEK FOR:

Lindsay and Her Puppet Pals! Sat. Feb. 2nd at 10:30 am

Year round, Lindsay brings her larger than life Puppet Pals to child and family audiences across New England. Filled with silliness, active audience engagement, and unique, memorable characters, this series of charming short stories will delight the young and the young at heart! Ideal for ages 3-8.

AND . . .

Broadband Connectivity & New Hampshire Infrastructure, Tues., February 5th at 6:00 pm

DPL welcomes Scott Valcourt, UNH Director of Strategic Technology, for a presentation that highlights the factors and projects designed to build the cyber infrastructure needed in New Hampshire and what citizens can do to participate and support the future of technology.

No registration required. All are welcome!

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.

Cross country ski tracks through one of the trails in the Merrick Woods. Courtesy Todd Selig

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."

________________________

1896 - John Sullivan was honored by the erection of a monument in Durham and an obelisk in Elmira, N.Y. Bearing his name are also a town and county in N.H. counties in Pennsylvania and New York, a bridge across the Piscataqua, a fort in Eastport, Maine and a 1929 2 cent stamp.

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.

Have a very nice weekend. GO PATS!!

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

T: 603-868-5571 

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us  

https://www.ci.durham.nh.us

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