Friday Updates - February 26, 2021

Friday, February 26, 2021

While out walking on one of the beautiful February days this week, Durham resident Jean McPeak took this photograph of the Community Church of Durham and the little library book swap in the shape of the Community Church beside it.

PART-TIME TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT

The Town of Durham is looking for a part time Transfer Station Attendant.  The position is part time, non-benefits.  Applicants must be comfortable dealing with public and have a Solid Waste Operators License, level 1 minimum or the ability to obtain license within 2 months of hire.  Duties include checking in residents, ensuring materials are disposed of in proper locations, ability to operate a loader and skid steer, maintenance and cleaning of facility.  Pay $14-$17/Hr based on experience.  Hours will be Saturday from 7am-3:30pm, potential for more hours.  Valid driver’s license, background check will be performed.  Applications accepted through Wednesday, March 31st.    

Applications are available at the Public Works Office, contact below:

Janice Richard

Assistant to the Director

100 Stone Quarry Drive

Durham, NH  03824

868-5578

LOCAL COVID-19 VACCINATION EFFORTS

Deputy Police Chief David Holmstock and Fire Chief Dave Emanuel worked with the Strafford County Public Health Network to identify residential communities in Durham that could benefit from a local point of dispersion COVID vaccination clinic. 

After several conference calls and coordinating efforts, on Monday February 15, 2021 at 11:00 am the Strafford County Public Health Network was requested by NHDHHS to receive 250 doses from the fixed site that would expire the next day and because of the impending storm and cancelled operations.  

Working collaboratively with Durham Police and Fire Department leadership, McGregor EMS and Stewart Property Management planned and executed mobile vaccination clinics in Churchill Apartments and Bagdad Wood Apartments.

A combination of Public Health Network staff, volunteers, and McGregor EMS delivered vaccines to the residents of these communities and the remainder of doses were taken to a similar property in Dover. 

It is a commitment of Strafford County Public Health Network that no doses are wasted. We appreciate the community effort provided by all to make sure all these vaccine doses were administered.  

Strafford County Public Health Network reminds everyone to remain socially distanced, wear a mask, and maintain routine handwashing.  

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.

If we hang together (physically distant of course) and follow public health guidelines, we can get through this pandemic! Courtesy Todd Selig

LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE WINTER 2021 NEWSLETTER

The Lamprey River Advisory Committee's Winter Newsletter is now available and can be viewed HERE.

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. 

WATER MAIN BREAK LEAK DETECTION

Durham Public Works crews utilized state-of-the-art leak detection technology during two recent water main breaks. Soda-can shaped data-logging devices were placed on isolation valves at either end of the water main in question to listen for changes in vibration. Using the recorded data, combined with the pipe size, composition and distance between isolation valves, a computer algorithm generated a report pinpointing the location of the leak. Water Department personnel have found this technology to be invaluable in pinpointing the break location within three feet of a break resulting in decreased water service outages.

COLLEGE ROAD / MAIN STREET INTERSECTION PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IMPROVEMENTS

The Durham Public Works Department’s traffic signal contractor recently upgraded 8 pedestrian crossing countdown devices at the College Road/Main Street intersection. These uniform appearance signals are fully compliant with specifications outlined by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, including color uniformity and L.E.D. displays for maximum visibility.

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.

TOWN OF DURHAM- PERMANENT PART-TIME MECHANIC POSITION

The Town of Durham is in seek of a permanent 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 up to 24 hours per week, flexible scheduling available. Position receives paid holidays and pro-rated vacation and sick leave accruals.  

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. Job will be posted until position is filled. Interested parties please send application/letter of interest/resume to:

Rich Reine, Director of Public Works

100 Stone Quarry Drive

Durham, NH  03824

CORRUGATED CARDBOARD RECYCLING

The Town of Durham continues to benefit from a recovering recycled paper commodity market resulting from elevated demand for paper products during the Covid-19 pandemic. The price for recycled paper products has risen significantly which allows Durham to receive increased revenues due to its revenue share agreement contained within its newly developed contract with Waste Management Incorporated.  Durham Public Works and the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC) closely monitor these trends which allows for optimization of recycled products and revenues. Market reports indicate that favorable market conditions will continue in the near term.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLAN OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE RESPONSES

Over this past week Durham Public Works Wastewater Division team members were busy responding to two plant  system failures including an internal recycle pump when the plant’s SCADA system reported a fault on temperature. A spare pump was on hand and used to replace the existing pump, however the fault persisted. Staff contacted Laviolette Controls whose technician provided assistance troubleshooting the issue. which was temporarily resolved through replacement of a faulty alarm wire .   

In addition, the new grit blower had faulted out due to a high discharge pressure alarm. Wastewater Division staff contacted the installers to trouble shoot this alarm since the mechanism is covered under warranty. A service technician has been scheduled to arrive on Thursday to make any required repairs.  

Congratulations to Colin Burke, this week’s winner of Restaurant Bingo. Colin is taking home four gift cards to local restaurants. It’s not too late to start playing. One more great prize is waiting to be given out to a lucky winner. 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.

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

Durham resident Roni Slavin Pekins submitted this photograph reporting there is a pair of coyotes in the Beard's Landing neighborhood! The photo is from a trail camera in the Pekins' backyard, and they believe there is a den behind their house across the street (it’s breeding season). Residents are encouraged to keep a close eye on their small pets when going outdoors.

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.

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.

FEDERAL STORMWATER PERMIT (MS4)

In accordance with the Year 3 requirements of the Town’s MS4 permit, consultant Environmental Partners (EP) conducted initial dry weather outfall screening over the course of two (2) days in November 2020 and then returned for one (1) day in December 2020 and one (1) additional day in January 2021 to locate outfalls previously unable to be located. This sampling is a key component to the Town’s Illicit Discharge, Detection and Elimination program (IDDE) which prohibits unauthorized connections to the Town’s stormwater system.  

During the time of outfall screenings, the weather was clear and there was 0.0 inches of precipitation within the previous 48 hours. A total of 70 outfalls were screened, of which six (6) were found to be flowing during dry weather. Since the current screening effort was completed, EP has identified nine (9) additional structures that may be MS4 Outfalls and required Public Works Department staff assistance with locating the structures or require an initial screening by EP.  Over this past week public works Highway Division staff were able to locate or eliminate the 9 additional outfalls which will now allow screening and dry weather testing along with additional investigations to be completed satisfying the Town’s permit requirements by June 30, 2021 deadline.    

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.   

MUFFIN MONSTER CHANNEL GRINDER

The new channel grinder for the Dover Road sewage pumping station is now online. The mounting frame was installed by Apex Construction Inc. which required temporary by-passing of the sewage. With the frame installed Yates electrical was contracted for wiring and power requirements and failure alarms for the unit were installed by Laviolette Controls. The unit has been operational for the past week and is performing extremely well. This grinder is now shredding any unwanted debris as well as “flushable wipes” that are a nuisance since they do not break down and plug up the conveying sewage pumps. With this new unit online, the staff expects much less wear and tear on the pumps as well as less manhours having to clean the pumps from unwanted debris.