Friday Updates - February 24, 2017

 
    

 

         

 

 

 

 

                    NEWS & HAPPENINGS...

Friday, February 24, 2017

 

Why did the chicken cross the road?  Wandering fowl safely in custody after crossing Rt. 108.  

Courtesy DPD

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The Durham police found a wandering chicken a little before 7 this morning in the area of the Holiday Inn Express. The fowl was captured and is currently being held at the DPD in lock up. Said fowl will be transported to a foster home after 3:30 today. If anyone is missing a chicken please call the Durham Police Department at 868-2324. 

 

Resident Richard Wollmar will attend a Durham Public Library event to Honor the "RICHARD WOLLMAR - DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION SPECIAL COLLECTION"  at 11 AM on Saturday at the Durham Library!  We hope any and all interested residents will attend attend this one hour event to honor both Richard and the Commission - Saturday morning, Feb. 25th, from 11 to 12 Noon.

 

 

 

Google Doodle image by ORMS 8th grader in the running for national context.  Courtesy Ailla Crossman

 

ORMS 8TH GRADER AILLA ELLIS NEEDS YOUR VOTE AS PART OF NATIONAL GOOGLE DOODLE COMPETITION

A hearty congratulations to ORMS 8th grader Ailla Crossman, daughter of Katie Ellis and Ti Crossman. She is the NH Winner of the "Doodle 4 Google" contest on this year's theme "What I see for the future…"!

 

Her spectacular doodle has earned her a shot at winning a $30,000 college scholarship and $50,000 for technology at ORMS! We need your help to get her there. Cast a vote ONCE A DAY from now until March 6th for Ailla’s doodle to be selected as the national winner. Her doodle is located under the grades 8/9 category and is called “Earthian’s Future.” You can vote HERE  To vote, select "Grades 8-9" and vote for Ailla's from NH - it's the top-right in the "Grades 8-9" category.

 

There are 53 state/territory winners. Voting to select the five National Finalists is open now until March 6, 2017 at 5:00 pm EST.

 

Ailla submitted a terrific statement with her drawing: "In the future, there will be amazing advances in technology, but preserving nature will still be a top priority. Transportation will be like science fiction, but human locomotion will still be a trusty way to go. We may live on other worlds... but Earth will still be our home."

 

 

NEW PRINCIPAL SELECTED AT MOHARIMET ELEMENTRY SCHOOL – Durham Resident David Goldsmith

Please welcome David Goldsmith as the next principal of the Moharimet Elementary School.  The ORCSD’s process was exhaustive and the choice was difficult.  There were two extraordinary candidates. 

 

Superintendent Jim Morse has extends a thank you to the parents and staff who worked to ensure the process had integrity and support. David will be an excellent successor to Dennis Harrington, the school’s founding and only principal up to the present time.  David will be in contact over the coming months to begin transitioning into his new role.

 

David is currently the Assistant Principal at Stratham Memorial School.  He has a CAGS in Educational Administration and Supervision and a Masters’ degree in Elementary Education.  Mr. Goldsmith has thirteen years of experience teaching second grade and fourth grade in addition to teaching STEM.  He has taught classes at Franklin Pierce University.  Mr. Goldsmith has two children at Moharimet, one in fourth grade and one in first grade.

 

WITH DURHAM’S SUPPORT, HOUSE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS GENDER IDENTITY PROTECTIONS FOR NH RESIDENTS

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation last year to expand protections against discrimination for transgender people in New Hampshire.

 

The bill adds "gender identity" to the state's anti-discrimination statutes. That would protect people who are transgender from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations.

 

The state Commission for Human Rights already bars discrimination based on age, gender, race, creed, color, marital and familial state, national origin, -exual orientation and physical or mental disability.

 

Three Republican senators are joining eight Democratic senators and representatives in co-sponsoring the bill.

 

On Wednesday of this week, the New Hampshire House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee overwhelming voted in favor of House Bill (HB) 478, which would add gender identity to the state’s non-discrimination law.

 

The 15-2 vote came after a marathon hearing with dozens of supporters testifying in favor of the vital legislation.  Durham Town Councilor/State Representative Wayne Burton testified in favor of the bill on behalf of the Town of Durham and introduced Town Council Resolution 2016-01, which urged passage of the legislation.

 

In 1998, New Hampshire became a leader in equality, adding -exual orientation to its Law of Discrimination, which also provides protections based on race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, disability, age and gender in the areas of public accommodations, housing and employment.

 

But it now lags behind all other New England states because it does not include protections for its transgender residents.

 

The strong show of support is a positive step toward making history in New Hampshire by updating its non-discrimination to protect the entire LGBTQ community.

 

At the hearing, the committee heard testimony from people across the state, including an ORMS student from Durham.

 

Transgender residents spoke about the importance of these protections and how not having them has deeply harmed them, their families, and communities. They testified along with business leaders, doctors, therapists, faith leaders and law enforcement officials. They called for this expansion of the law to protect some of New Hampshire's most vulnerable people.

 

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where a vote that is expected on or before March 9.

 

 

RESTORATION OF STATE RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS FOR TEACHERS, POLICE, AND FIREFIGHTERS UNDER DISCUSSION AT STATE HOUSE

Division I of the House Finance Committee will be holding a “work session” (not a public hearing) on HB 413, the bill that restores a state retirement contribution of 15 percent for teachers, police, and firefighters. The work session is on the calendar for Tuesday, February 28, at 11:15 a.m., in LOB Room 212, and is scheduled for all of … five minutes.

 

While HB 413 passed the House on February 15 by a very strong vote of 267-83, the House Finance Committee must now work on the financing end of the policy position established by HB 413. Ultimately, funding to restore a state contribution— at 15 percent or at any level—will need to be included in the state budget. 

 

Note, the state had previously contributed as much as 40% toward these costs but subsequently downshifted the expense to local communities, counties, and school districts when NH encountered fiscal challenges during past budget cycles.

 

The 15 percent state contribution provided by HB 413 will save local governments (municipalities, counties, and school districts) over $40 million per year.

 

When residents express concern about the rising cost of operation the Town of Durham, the ORCSD, or Strafford County during budget season, downshifting of NHRS costs by the state has been a significant driver of local cost increases over the last several years.

 

The Town and the ORCSD School Board have both expressed support for restoring funding on the part of the state for these retirement costs.

 

INITIAL DRAFT OF RESOLUTION AFFIRMING DURHAM AS A WELCOMING, DIVERSE, AND MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

As a follow up on the recent discussion held by the Town Council on February 6th, concerning whether Durham should become a “Sanctuary City,” the Council referred the matter to the Durham Human Rights Commission and asked it to craft a statement or resolution affirming Durham as a diverse, welcoming, and multicultural community for future action by the Council.

 

While a Human Rights Commission meeting has not been scheduled as yet, in part because of back to back snowstorms which disrupted local operations, Mr. Selig has crafted an initial draft for the commission to use as a starting point.  Suggestions for improvement may be sent to tselig@ci.durham.nh.us. 

 

DRAFT RESOLUTION

Affirming Durham as a Welcoming Community

2/24/17

 

Affirming the Town of Durham as a welcoming, diverse, and multicultural community that embraces all people and the inherent right of all peoples to enjoy the basic fundamental premise of our country of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness by ensuring equal access to all governmental and public systems.

 

        WHEREAS, the Town of Durham, as a premiere community within New Hampshire’s Seacoast, and host to the University of New Hampshire, has been fortunate to have its population grow and embrace various cultural and ethnic backgrounds from across the country and around the world; and

 

        WHEREAS, this Town Council values equity and diversity, and acknowledges and affirms that the Town’s  greatest strength is realized as a multicultural and inclusive community in which discrimination of any form is not tolerated; and

 

        WHEREAS, this Town Council acknowledges that while many legislation reforms such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 have been adopted banning discrimination because of a person's color, race, national origin, religion, or sex more needs to be accomplished on the local and interpersonal level to eliminate all vestiges of discrimination; and

 

        WHEREAS, the Town of Durham believes that it is essential that the Town denounce  all forms  of discrimination whether already prohibited by statute or not by adopting inclusive policies for all individuals in the employ of the Town; and

 

        WHEREAS, the Town Council established a Human Rights Commission in 2013, with the purpose to help address and eliminate discrimination of any type and in any form that might be exposed in our community; and

 

        WHEREAS, the Durham Town Council understands that the denial or deprivation of any aspect of the fundamental Right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness is detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Durham; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council reaffirms  affirms the community's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

 

 

LEADERSHIP SEACOAST PRESENTATION

Leadership Seacoast recently held its Economic Development Day at Newmarket Millspace.

 

The class observed the relationship of local decision making to economic development and discussed challenges that affect development with presentations by Brian Gottlob, principal of PolEcon Research, and Matt Assia of Chinburg Properties. Participants also discussed regional planning led by Laurel Bistany, executive director of the Regional Economic Development Corporation, and Lisa Keslar, owner of Keslar Insurance.

 

Administrator Todd Selig facilitated conversations that highlighted economic development and workforce skills development with Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast Executive Director Robin Comstock, George Regan of the N.H. Housing Finance Authority, Sean Clancy, director of the Business Training Center at Great Bay Community College, Dover Assistant City Manager Chris Parker, and Stratham Town Planner Tavis Austin.

 

For more about Leadership Seacoast, which is open to residents of Durham, visit www.leadershipseacoast.org, or email jwheeler@leadershipseacoast.org.

 

DURHAM TOWN ELECTION - TUESDAY MARCH 14, 2017
The town election will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at the Oyster River High School. Polling hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Voters will park in reserved spaces along the front of the school and use the Multipurpose Room entrance.

 

The following is a list of citizens that have filed for the Durham elected offices:

 

Town Council, 3 positions (3-year terms): 

Katherine (Kitty) Marple

Sally Tobias

Carden Welsh

Library Board of Trustees, 2 positions (3-year terms): 

Anne H. Knight

Susan Roman

Town Clerk-Tax Collector, 1 position (3-year term):

Lorrie Pitt
 

Treasurer, 1 position (3-year term): 

Karl VanAsselt
 

Trustees of the Trust Funds, 1 position (3-year term): 

William Cote

 

OYSTER RIVER COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION INFORMATION
The filing period for the ORCSD elected offices for the March 14, 2017 closed today at 5PM.

 

The following list of citizens filed for the School Board elected offices:

 

At Large School Board, 2 positions (3-year terms)

Denise Day – Durham

Michael Williams – Madbury

 

MEET YOUR TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES - Kitty Marple & Sally Tobias

This video features two of your Town Council Candidates.  Kitty Marple, our current Town Council Chair.  Kitty will tell you why she decided to get involved in public service. 

 

Meet our newest Town Council Candidate, Sally Tobias.  She'll describe what brought her back to NH from the other coast, and why she and her husband chose to live in Durham. 

 

Carden Welsh is also running for Town Council for the third of three seats.  Unfortunately, Carden’s mother passed away last week.  We wish the entire Welsh family our sincere condolences.

 

This video is available for viewing on DCAT 22 – Saturday & Sunday at 3:00 & 7:00 PM and anytime viewing On Demand.  To watch the video, click HERE.

 

 

2016 Town Report cover. Courtesy Jennie Berry.  Photo by Todd Selig.

 

PRINTED VERSION OF 2016 DURHAM ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE AT TOWN OFFICE
The printed version of the 2016 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 be available at the Durham Public Library.

 

The report has also been posted on the Town website for easy access to any and all and can be viewed HERE.

 

Congratulations to Admin. Asst. Jennie Berry for once again pulling together a very nice Annual Report.

 

FROM THE SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST

The Durham supervisors of the checklist will meet at the Durham town hall on Monday, March 6, 2017, from 7:00 – 7:30 pm, to make corrections to the checklist and to accept new voter registrations. Changes in party registration can be made at this time.
Prospective voters are required by law to show proof of identity, age (18 by the election day), domicile/residence in Durham, and U.S. citizenship. A driver’s license and a birth certificate or passport are useful. Affidavits of domicile and citizenship may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.

NEW BUSINESS DOWNTOWN - BAMEE-AZURE

A new eatery has opened downtown called Bamee-Azure, a fine-dining Asian restaurant where customers can find Thai street style food, noodle soup, a great cup of coffee, bubble tea, desserts, and more. They are located at 12 Jenkins Court. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

 

Sketch of proposed renovation/addition at Durham Police Department.  Courtesy Bill Schoonmaker, Schoonmaker Architects

 

DURHAM POLICE RENOVATIONS/ADDITION PROPOSAL - Additional information for residents in a new video from DCAT.
The second video pertaining to the proposed renovations/addition to the existing police facility is now available. Kudos to Craig Stevens of DCAT who developed this 2nd of 3 videos available on "Video on Demand" at the Durham website. While the first 13 minute video focused upon the three critical and immediate needs that challenge the agency, this video offers insight to the working areas of the department that the public rarely sees. Future information will focus upon the following items:

  • Breaking down the pricing cost centers for the $1,960,000 renovation/addition
  • Highlighting the positive energy efficiency that the renovations will accomplish
  • Define the useful 30-50 year life expediency of the project’s outcome
  • Discuss the existing attractive interest rates that would be financed over a number of years.

If there are any residents who would care to see their police facility first-hand, please contact Chief Dave Kurz and he will be happy to arrange for a tour.

 

 

DURHAM POLICE TO HOST OPEN HOUSE

On Saturday March 11th the Durham Police will host an open house for Durham residents to view the police facility before the March 14th Referendum. As many know the referendum will fund the proposed addition and renovations to the police facility. The open house is a family event and will include face-painting, snacks and other activities for children. For additional information please call 868-2324.

 

SURVEY FROM UNH CLASS ON PROPOSED RENOVATION/ADDITION OF DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT

This semester, a UNH class took on the task of providing a Cost-Benefit Analysis of the proposed renovation and addition of the Durham Police Department scheduled for referendum on March 14th.

“We are a group of four students in the Business School at the University, who wish to get feedback on what the people of Durham feel about certain subjects that pertain to the renovation of the Police Department. The information in this survey will give us an understanding of what topics we would need to emphasize in our analysis, in order to educate the public on this matter.”

 

HERE is the link to the survey.

 

CITIZEN GROUP ORGANIZING TO SUPPORT DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT ADDITION/RENOVATION

Kenny Rotner and several other Durham residents have gotten together to support the proposed addition/renovation at the Durham Police Department.  To learn more, contact Mr. Rotner at tlsinnh@aol.com. 

 

REFERENDUM QUESTION ON THE MARCH 14, 2017, TOWN ELECTION WARRANT - asking residents if they are in favor of raising and appropriating not more than $1,960,000 for the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police facility

At the January 9, 2017 Town Council meeting, the Council voted unanimously to place the following referendum question on the March 14, 2017 Town Election Warrant relating to bonding for the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police facility:

 

"Are you in favor of raising and appropriating the sum of $1,960,000 for the purpose of the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police Facility, with said sum to be in addition to any federal, state or private funds made available therefor, and of authorizing the issuance of not more than $1,960,000 of bonds or notes in accordance with the provision of the municipal finance act, RSA Chapter 33, and authorizing the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon. The Council unanimously recommends this appropriation. 2/3 ballot vote required."

 

Officer David Skelly's new baby boy.  Courtesy DPD

 

BABY BRAGGIN’ AT DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT

Officer David Skelly and his wife Chelsea welcomed their new son, Levi, to the family joining his brother David Jr.  Levi arrived Tuesday night at 9:00PM weighing in at 7 lbs. 15 oz.  Both mom and baby are doing well. 

 

Chief David Kurz at "The Shop"!  Courtesy DPD

 

DURHAM POLICE SUPPORT... "The Shop"

Last week’s Friday Updates offered a somewhat confusing explanation of an outstanding program that the Durham Police were supporting. 

 

Chief Kurz was approached by Brandon Thomas, an employee of UNH who assists UNH athletes assimilate and ensure they are meeting academic standards.  The Chief and Brandon have had a number of discussions about establishing a non-law enforcement opportunity for police to interact with students of color in the Durham/UNH community. 

 

An idea that surfaced was to overcome a challenge that he and other African Americans in the Durham/UNH community have, as they must travel long distances to have a haircut that is designed for persons of color.  Chief Kurz was only too happy to support this endeavor and the Durham Police provided seed funds in the amount of $250.00 that comes from the department’s community policing account. 

 

The initiative was held yesterday and was an outstanding success with over 273 people visiting and over 60 people actually getting a haircut.  It was a great opportunity for the police to socialize with young African-American students in a relaxed atmosphere.

 

FRIENDS OF OYSTER RIVER TRACK

When Friends of Oyster River Track started its fund-raising effort 19 years ago, it ran a 'Buy-a-Meter' program for members of the school district to 'purchase' a meter of the track, and promised to mount a sign recognizing major donors. A list of names has been compiled, and the Friends would like to offer those individuals the chance to check the accuracy of the spellings or other details of their listing.

 

The Friends of Oyster River Track have comprehensive records, but it has been a long time, and the group wants to be sure that the information is correct. If you sent in $100 (or more, as many did), you should be listed HERE. If you find an error, please email John Parsons at jparsons62752@gmail.com with a correction. And since it has been so many years, there are probably some donors who have moved away. If you happen to be in contact with anyone who has left the area, please forward to them.

 

LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE WINTER NEWSLETTER
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee has published its 2017 winter newsletter which is available for viewing HERE.

 

DCAT 22 WILL NOW BE BROADCASTING/RECORDING & LIVESTREAMING THE FOLLOWING DURHAM BOARDS:

In an effort to make the activities of our various boards and committees readily available to the public, we have added a number of meetings to our regular DCAT line up.

 

Energy Committee – Tuesday, March 7th @ 7:00 PM

Integrated Waste Management Committee: Thursday, March 9th @ 7:00 AM

Agricultural Committee: Monday, March 13 @ 7:00 PM

Parks & Recreation Committee: Thursday, March 16th @ 7:00 PM

Trustees of the Trust Funds & Cemetery Committee Annual Meeting: Monday, March 20th @ 8:00 AM

 

DCAT CHANGING HOSTED SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE

DCAT will be making the switch from our current On Demand to a new and improved On Demand service.  Our current DCAT On Demand service will be discontinued as of today, Friday, February 24th.

 

What this means to users?  Improved mobile browser capability, more features, security and a new modern look.

 

When clicking the On Demand button, or if you happen to type in the old address, no worries you will be automatically redirected to our new site. 

Please let us know what you think of the new site.  New site address:  dcat22.viebit.com  

 

If you have any comments/suggestions, please contact: dcat@ci.durham.nh.us

 

PANEL TO DISCUSS RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW AT LOEB SCHOOL 

The Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications and New England First Amendment Coalition will present a discussion next month on New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law to include Administrator Todd Selig as a member of a panel discussion.

 

“The Right-to-Know in New Hampshire, in Theory and Practice” will be held at The Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications at 749 E. Industrial Park Drive in Manchester on Monday, March 13, at 7 p.m.

 

The event is being held in recognition of Sunshine Week, a national initiative to promote open government.

 

To learn more about the event, click HERE.

 

THE RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW | Draft Meeting Minutes and Practical Considerations

We sometimes receive questions about draft minutes from our various boards/committees.  Here is some guidance to help Durham’s boards, committees, and commissions comply with the expectations as outlined in state law.

 

A meeting is held, and the Right to Know Law (RSA 91-A) requires “minutes” to be prepared and be made available to the public upon request within 5 business days after the meeting.

 

The board which met probably does not meet again to approve the minutes within this time frame, so the minutes will always be the output of the single staff person or board member tasked to create the document.

 

This version, whether approved or not, becomes a “governmental record” under RSA 91-A:1-a, III and must be made available upon request.

 

Minutes must be retained as a governmental record forever under RSA Chapter 33-A, so they must be reduced to a paper format and may not be kept solely as electronic records. RSA 33-A:5-a.

 

Thus, a permanent paper record will come into existence within 5 business days of the meeting and is subject to disclosure under the Right to Know Law, even if the board regards it as a draft document.

 

There is no requirement in the Right to Know Law that any board act to “approve” its minutes. However, it is a near universal practice for all boards to review the minutes that were created within the 5-day timeframe.

 

During this review, members often suggest additions, deletions, and corrections.

If a board wishes to amend the minutes, it may do so, but the discussion and vote must take place at a duly-noticed public meeting of a quorum of the board. This point is now made clear by the 2008 revisions to the statute (initiated in part by Durham involving Peter Smith as part of the then NH Right-to Know Law Commission!) prohibiting communications among a quorum of the members of a board outside of a properly held meeting.

 

Therefore, the actual discussion to amend and approve the minutes must be documented in the minutes of that subsequent meeting as an item of business the board considered.

 

If you have question about the NH Right-to-Know Law, check out some very useful information provided by the NH Municipal Association.

 

MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.

 

Historic District Commission - Thursday, March 2, 2017

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All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

 

DURHAM JOINS THE BEE CITY USA PROGRAM

It's official, Durham is the first community in the northeast to join the Bee City USA program, a national campaign to raise awareness about the critical role honey bees and other pollinating insects play in our food supply and native landscape and how we can create habitats to support bees.  Did you know 1 in 3 bites of food we eat is courtesy of insect pollinators?  Stay tuned as the Durham Agricultural Commission shares information in the months ahead about ways in which we can voluntarily make Durham a more bee friendly community.  In the meantime, visit http://www.beecityusa.org/ for information.

 

Durham residents Bill McGowan and Karen Bishop, owners of Linden Woods Farm. Courtesy Theresa Walker

 

DURHAM HOME TO A 2017 NEW HAMPSHIRE FARM OF DISTINCTION

Bill McGowan and Karen Bishop, owners of Linden Woods Farm on Packers Falls Road, were selected by the NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets and Food to receive the annual NH Farm of Distinction Award. Karen and Bill received the award on Saturday at the NH Farm and Forest Expo in Manchester. Linden Woods Farm is an equestrian boarding and training facility, http://www.lindenwoodsfarm.com.

 

DURHAM ZONING PLAN DIVIDES BUSINESS OWNERS, COUNCILORS, RESIDENTS

Town Councilors on Monday night heard public comments from several long time downtown commercial property owners opposed to new restrictions on student housing downtown.

 

The Planning Board is debating a Council-initiated measure that would prohibit new multi-unit housing in the Central Business District, which includes Main Street, Pettee Brook Lane, and immediate surroundings.

 

In a college community like Durham, multi-family housing almost always means students.

 

Currently, "multi-unit" housing is considered a "conditional use" in the Central Business District — meaning it is allowed but requires special Planning Board approval. Multi-unit housing also must have 600 square feet of habitable space per resident when students live there.

 

Within the last five years or so, developers have added roughly 2,000 beds off campus, and about 1,000 of those are downtown. Several of these new developments have commercial space on the first floor and housing above.

 

To read an article in Foster’s Daily Democrat covering Monday’s meeting, click HERE.

 

TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTS AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE FOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

On Monday, the Town Council adopted amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for accessory dwelling units (as part of a single-family house or in a separate structure on the same lot as a single-family house).  The amendments implement requirements of a new state statute and serve to improve several other provisions in the Town’s ordinance.  Here are some of the standards:  the minimum accessory unit size is 300 square feet and the maximum size is 850 square feet; there is a maximum of three unrelated total for the house and the accessory unit;  one parking space is required for the accessory unit;  there are no additional dimensional requirements to add an accessory dwelling unit beyond the requirements for a single-family house without one.  If you are interested in adding an accessory unit on your single-family property, please contact the Durham Building Department at (603) 868-8064.

 

Maryanna Hatch, formerly of Durham, was the Co-founder of Riverwoods in Exeter.  

Courtesy UNH Magazine

 

RIVERWOODS GEARS UP FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATION FOR A COMMUNITY CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY IN DURHAM ON STONE QUARRY DRIVE

Riverwoods, co-founded by Durham’s long time civic leader (and now Exeter resident) Maryanna Hatch, will be bringing forward a proposal for a Community Care Retirement Community to be located in Durham on Stone Quarry Drive, the roadway leading to our Public Works Department. 

 

The proposal will include approximately 140 independent apartment homes, and a 69 bed health center to include assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. 

 

The project will be situated in a previously approved, but not developed, subdivision located on Map 11/8, Lot 1-15.  (The vacant land on the right side of the roadway driving toward DPW.)

 

Riverwoods anticipates an opening year of 2020, and indicated in a meeting last week with Michael Behrendt, Mary Ellen Humphrey, and Mr. Selig that they would need permitting to be complete by October of this year in order to move forward. 

 

RECYCLING CHALLENGES IDENTIFIED IN OFF CAMPUS STUDENT HOUSING COMPLEXES

Part of the mission of the Town of Durham’s Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC) is to promote recycling in the community.  The IWMAC, chaired by Nell Neal, has started to work with the Town’s Planning Department to encourage more recycling in the private student housing developments located off campus. 

 

Alycia Wilson, a student at UNH, wrote a good article about recycling in off-campus developments for the February 13 issue of The New Hampshire.  

 

The Planning Board has included this standard requirement in the site plan approvals for all student housing projects since 2012:  “The waste management plan shall include single-stream recycling.”   The IWMAC is currently examining the level of recycling at three large projects built since 2012:  The Lodges, Madbury Commons, and Orion.

   

Town Planner Michael Behrendt has noted that this simple provision is not sufficient and much more detail is needed.  For future projects, he will ask the Planning Board to require that detailed recycling plans be submitted by the applicant.  Those plans would then be carefully reviewed and approved and the applicant would be required to follow them.  

 

Mr. Behrendt said the IWMAC and Planning Board can also examine whether the current language for recycling in the Durham Site Plan Regulations should be modified or strengthened.  The regulations, adopted in November 2015 after the recent large student housing projects were approved, state:

 

9.4.4 Recycling and Reuse ...

 

(a)   Recycling shall comply with Chapter 118. Solid Waste of the Town of Durham Code.

(b)   Site plans shall include provisions for collection of recyclable materials. These provisions shall include an appropriate, dedicated physical space for recycling receptacles sized to support the planned occupant load. The site waste management plan shall require the applicant to provide supervision to ensure that occupants know and comply with Town recycling standards.

(c)   The waste management plan shall provide for single-stream recycling.

 

Unfortunately, the site plan approvals for the other student housing projects developed prior to 2012 do not include requirements for recycling.  Thus, the Town and IWMAC would encourage those property owners to institute recycling programs, if they don’t already have effective programs, out of an enlightened self interest to satisfy resident demands for recycling and to help protect environmental resources.

 

In order to promote recycling, the Town of Durham provides free collection of curbside recycling for businesses and multi-unit developments.

 

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

Don’t miss the latest episode of “ In the Biz; Durham Business Spotlight”. This episode features Young’s Family Restaurant. Meet owner Ken Young and hear his strategy on how he keeps his restaurant on the cutting edge of the ever changing restaurant scene, he’ll also talk about how he brings his customers the freshest product available. There are a few surprises too. This video is available on DCAT 22 TV at 12:30 & 6:00 PM, DCAT on Demand, & our website

 

Total run time: 11 minutes

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Durham Police Facility Video. DCAT 22 Studios has created the first two videos in a series of three which are designed to inform residents of the needs of the police facility. These videos focus on critical and immediate needs that challenge the agency. While the department will be presenting and hosting opportunities to tour the facility, these series of short videos will offer some exposure to areas at the police department that the public rarely sees. The video airs on DCAT Cable Channel 22: Saturday & Sunday @ 7:30 PM. It’s also available On Demand.
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DCAT is Live Streaming. Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account. You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time. All you have to do is click and watch. Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device. Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.

 

 

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

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.

 

February Vacation Week Camp: STEM Fundamentals Using Lego - 12:30-4:30pm, Monday, February 27th-Friday, March 3rd at the Oyster River Middle School MPR. Ratchet up your imagination with tens of thousands of LEGO! Build engineer-designed projects such as Motorcycles, Castles, Airplanes, Boats, Snowmobiles, Catapults, Merry-Go-Rounds and Monorails. Then use special pieces to create your own unique design! New and experienced students can explore the endless creative possibilities of the LEGO building system with the guidance of experienced Play-Well instructors. For grades 1st-4th. $150/student. Register HERE by February 20th.

 

 

After School Indoor Rock Climbing Club: 3:00-5:00pm, Fridays 3/3, 3/10, 3/31 & 4/7 at the UNH Artificial Climbing Wall. Durham Parks & Recreation has once again teamed up with UNH Outdoor Education for the Youth Rock Climbing Club. Team members will work closely with UNH Outdoor Education students who are also AMGA certified instructors to learn belaying skills, knots, equipment, climbing technique, problem solving skills, and more—New and experienced climbers welcome.

DPR Staff will walk students from the middle school to New Hampshire Hall. Ages 10+, $55/student, all equipment is provided. Pre-registration is required by March 1st. Min of 10, Max of 24.

 

 

 

Summer Camps Registration
Registration for Summer Camps is now open! DPR is offering a variety of weekly camps beginning June 26th (pending the last day of school) through August 25th. Campers can look forward to Wicked Wacky Lab Week, Wicked Cool Vet School, Paddle-Pedal-Peak Camp, Field Trip Week and Rocket Science Camp! Additionally, Durham Parks & Recreation has once again partnered with the SAU to offer five weeks of R.E.A.C.H.. Students enrolled in a morning SAU camp have the option to make it a full day by joining DPR for the afternoon. We will have fun hitting up the UNH pool, adventures at Wagon Hill Farm, playing games, hiking, fishing, creating crafts, and the list of fun goes on! Five Friday field trips are also planned as part of R.E.A.C.H. to complete each week. Register HERE for summer fun!

 

Upcoming Events-Save The Date!!
Slush Cup Pond Hockey Tournament- Saturday, March 18th. 10am at Churchill Rink. Enjoy one last hoorah of the season before ice is out with this 3vs3 cross-ice double elimination tournament! Gather a team and enter into one of our age appropriate divisions. Great prizes and family fun! $30/team or $10/player (teams can have up to 4 players per team or register as a single and get placed on a team). Register your team by March 15th.

 

 

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Wildcat Fitness: $10 to Join in February and only $39.99 a month for the gym and all the classes you can take. (Save $90) Students $19.99 a month. More information HERE.

Three Chimneys Inn. Celebrate Valentine’s Day all month with Three Chimneys Inn.

Includes overnight accommodations, dinner voucher, champagne, strawberries, and a Valentine rose. Full Breakfast and extended check-out time. Packages applicable for stays February 1-28, 2017. To make a reservation or for more information call Guest Services, 603-868-7800.

Kindergarten and New Student Registration 2017-2018, Oyster River Cooperative School District, Mast Way Elementary School, Moharimet Elementary School, March March 6 - 10, 2017, Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9:30 AM-2:30 PM, Wednesday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, If your child turns five on or before September 30, 2017, he/she will be eligible for our Full Day Kindergarten program. More information HERE. Please call either Mast Way Elementary, 659-3001, or Moharimet Elementary, 742-2900, for further information.

New Hampshire Master Gardening Association Welcome Spring Symposium, Fresh Ideas – Gardening for 2017, Saturday, Mar 18, 2017, Southern New Hampshire University Campus/Hooksett, NH. For more information and to register, click HERE.

Growing Places - Registration for Camp Cowabunga and TimberNook Summer Camp is now open. View weekly themes and registration information HERE.

UNH Programs and Events - UNH is offering a number of programs and events throughout the month of February that are free and open to the public. View the schedule of activities and events HERE.

Emery Farm - Market & Café Winter Hours - Wednesday through Friday 7:30 AM – 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM – 5 PM. View a full menu HERE.

Main Street Makery - $5 Craft this week. It's a "Crazy Paper Bag Monster Puppet! Tap into your creative side! Hours: Tuesday thru Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm.
STEM program for students in grades 5-8, sponsored by the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at UNH. Tech Kid U is a new initiative in which Middle school students will have the opportunity to explore the world of science and engineering. Runs for three consecutive Saturdays: March 11, 18, & 25. Features hands-on projects and problem solving in various topics related to science and engineering. View more information HERE.

OR High School Weekly Athletic Schedule. View the schedule HERE.

UNH Museum of Art Upcoming Events. View schedule of events HERE.

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

 

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

Norman Ng, Magician performs! Joint Lee, Madbury and Durham Library Family School Vacation Program! Thursday, March 2nd 10:30 am upstairs in the Oyster River Room! - Join the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries for a fun joint school vacation family program.  Norman Ng, talented Magician will perform his amazing tricks for us all.  Come and be amazed.  This program is held upstairs in the Oyster River Room at the Durham Library.  All are welcome.

Make-It-Take-It Craft! When it rains it pours!  Sat. Feb. 25th through Fri. March 3rd all day in the storytime room - Join us all school vacation week for a fun drop-in craft.  This week "When it rains, it pours!"  Come and create a fun umbrella and rain craft.  What will you use for rain?  Buttons, jewels, pasta...  All are welcome.

Dr. Seuss' Birthday Family Program!! Stories, craft and more! Saturday, March 4th at 10:30 am with Special Girl Scout Guest, Camden Lee Tillinghast - Come celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday with stories, cake and a fun craft.  We will also have a special visitor, Camden Lee Tillinghast, who has been working on her gold star Girl Scout Project which is a picture book and literacy kit all about the Karner Blue Butterfly.  She will show you her picture book "Saving KB" and talk about the projects she has created.  All ages and all are welcome! 

McGregor EMS Babysitting Class – Sat. March 4th 10 am – 2 pm - This course is designed to certify kids ages 11 & up who are looking to, or already babysit.  All students will receive a Babysitting, CPR and First Aid certification.  The Community Babysitting Classes cost is $35 and payment is due upon registration.  To register, visit www.cprsafe.org or call 603-862-3674

YA Mondays: (Middle & High Schoolers) This week: Collages & Hairspray Movie! Monday March 6th 2:45 - 4 pm - Stop by the YA room to create some collages and watch the movie "Hairspray" (PG)  Run Time 117 minutes, if you are in Middle or High School.   Snacks provided and all are welcome.

Teen Advisory Board Mon. March 6th, 6:30 pm – PicWits, Board Games and Ice Cream!  The teen advisory board is open to kids in middle and high school. We want to hear from you! Tell the staff about books you would like added to the collection, activities you want to try, movies you want to watch or anything else you feel we should know.  This month:  Come and play some PicWits and Board Games and eat some Ice Cream! 

Storytimes - Tues. March 7th and Thurs. March 9th at 10:30 am - “Lions!” 

Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) Tues. March 7th, 6:00 pm - Join us for Raccoon Readers, our monthly 2nd-4th Grade Book Group.  This month's book is "The Double Cross and Other Skills I Learned as a Superspy" by Jackson Pearce.  We talk about books, authors, play some games and make a craft.

Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care giver) - Weds. March 8th at 10:30 am

Knitting and Craft Club for 3rd-5th graders - Weds. March 8th 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).

Join us for Lego Club (K-4th grade) - Thurs. March 9th at 3:30-4:30 pm!  We will have fun weekly challenges and of course free build.  This week:  “How Tall are You in Legos?”

Fun and Games Fridays - Fri. March 10th all day!  Come and create a drop-in craft and play some fun board games.  All ages.

Family Movie: Storks! Sat. March 18th at 10:30 am - Join us for this fun family movie:  Storks! This movie is shown upstairs in the Oyster River Room. Popcorn is served and all are welcome!

Jack & Annie Book Club (Grades K-2) Tuesday, March 21st at 4:00 – 5:00 PM - Join us for our new monthly book club made just for kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade! During our meeting we will talk about our book club book, play games, and make a craft. This month’s book is "Good Morning Gorillas" by Mary Pope Osborne. Books are available at the circulation desk. Registration is required. Please sign-up at the Children's desk!

Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group, Weds. March 29th 2:45-4:00 pm – Join us for this month’s book group.  This month’s book is “Fantastic Beasts” by J.K. Rowling.  Ruth Wharton McDonald is the facilitator.  Books are available at the circulation desk.  Pizza is served.

Join the Patch Program!  Come and join and collect your patches!  This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library.

 

Adult  Programs:

Dick Wollmar/Durham Agricultural Commission Special Collection Sat. Feb. 25, 11 am-12 pm - Come and see the treasures in the Dick Wollmar/Durham Agricultural Commission Special Collection at the Durham Public Library, at a program hosted by Professor John Carroll and Nancy Miner of the Durham Public Library. The contents of this interesting assortment cover a wide variety of agricultural and gardening topics, ranging from recent research to out-of-print books from the 19th century.  The entire collection of books will be available to see and most can be checked out.

Durham Garden Club:  Gorgeous Gourds from Vine to Design Tues. Feb. 28, 6:30-8:30 - Leah Reed from Epping will join us to share how she grows gourds, decorates and makes them into bowls, birdhouses, lamps, etc.

Ongoing - Naomi Kornhauser, February Artist of the Month - Paintings on view now through Feb. 25

Coming soon: March Artist-of-the-Month Artist Reception Tues. March 7, 6:30-7:30 pm -  Meet Durham painter Brad Pokorny and enjoy his colorful abstract works.  Brad's paintings will be hanging in the gallery for the entire month of March.

First Aid Class Monday March 6th, 6-8pm - McGregor Memorial EMS offers First Aid Class.  Contact Sean Madden 603-862-3674. For cost and registration information visit http://cprsafe.org

Oyster River Knitters Tues. March 7th 7-8 pm - Join in for a couple hours of knitting relaxation and conversation.  This is a great time to pick up that knitting project you’ve wanted to finish. There's no need to pre-register; just show up. New participants of all skill levels are welcome! 

Acoustic Open Mic with Mike Weds. March 8th 6:30-7:45 pm - All types of acoustic (non-amplified) music. First time performers and original music are particularly encouraged. Acoustic Open Mic with Mike is a welcoming supportive intimate gathering.  Light refreshments are provided, held in the Library Cafe. 

150 Years of UNH History Thurs. March 16th 6:30-7:30 pm - "From Plow to the Stars: 150 Years of UNH History" presented by Douglas Wheeler, Professor of History Emeritus, UNH.

Oyster River ASD Friends Tues. March 14th 6:30-8 pm - Join our group for parents of teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. Conversation, resource sharing, and speakers to address how we can best encourage and support independence.

Book Donation Week Feb. 27 through Mar. 4 - Accepting gently used books and DVDs.  Please drop off donations in bags or containers that do not need to be returned.  Thank you from the Friends of DPL!

 

The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology: computers, iPads & cell phones, eReaders (Nook, Kindle, etc.) Call to check on availability of the volunteers and set up an appointment. 868-6699 or email  durhampl@gmail.com

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

 

 

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Have a very nice weekend.  ORCSD February vacation is next week.  Mr. Selig will be taking the week off, and Business Manager Gail Jablonski will be serving as Acting Administrator.

 

 

Todd

 

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T: 603-868-5571 

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us  

Website: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/

 

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