 |
Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter! Courtesy NBC News
|
______________________
Tuesday was cold and snowy across both the Durham and Philadelphia regions, and unfortunately Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t expect things to change for the next six weeks! The nation’s foremost marmot weather expert saw his shadow Tuesday morning after scurrying out of a burrow at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney. As the legend goes, that means the country can expect below-average temperatures for the next six weeks.
February is Black History month. The Black Heritage Trail in Portsmouth was originally a part of the Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation Diversity Committee. With the help of Valerie Cunningham and Mark Sammons of the Strawbery Banke Museum, the trail became a researched and self-guided walking tour and resource book that raises awareness about the state's black history. You can learn more by clicking HERE. Interested residents can also read a proclamation from President Biden concerning Black History month HERE.
|
INDIVIDUALS RUNNING FOR TOWN AND OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD VACANCIES
The Town and ORCSD elections will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at the Oyster River High School. Polling hours will be from 7AM to 7PM.
The following individuals have signed up for the TOWN elected positions indicated below.
Durham Town Council: Three (3) positions with 3-year terms [Nicholas B. Germain, James Lawson, Carden Welsh, Tyanne Sylvestre, Warren Smith, Charles Hotchkiss]
Library Board of Trustees: Two (2) positions with 3-year terms [Stanley Reczek, Susan C. Wagner]
Trustee of the Trust Funds: One (1) position with a 3-year term [Michael H. Everngam]
--------------------------------------------
The following individuals have signed up for the OYSTER RIVER COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT elected positions indicated below.
School Board representatives: Three (3) positions, 1 for each town, with 3-year terms: [Brian Cisneros, Debra Kavanagh, Nicolas S. Alcocer - Lee; Yusi Turell, Jeffery A. Fortin, Erik Mason - Durham; Dan Klein, Michelle Dunbar, Kevin Abbott - Madbury]
One (1) at-large seat with 1-year term: [Allan Howland, Jill Piparo, Matthew Durkee]
Moderator: One (1) position with 1-year term: [Richard Laughton]
|
ABSENTEE BALLOTS APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE TOWN ELECTION ON MARCH 9, 2021
Please download an absentee ballot application from the town’s website HERE or visit the clerk’s office to complete an absentee ballot application for the upcoming Town Election on March 9, 2021 You may return the completed application in-person to the clerk’s office, fax 603-868-1858, email mailto:lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us or mail to “Town Clerk, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824.” There are no deadlines for absentee ballot application requests. Only the absentee application is available. Ballots are not available at this time. Ballots will be mailed out as soon as the clerk’s office receives them. The clerk’s office will automatically send both the town and school ballot for each absentee ballot request application. Residents must now select the “disability” option to vote absentee because of COVID-19 concerns. If you have any questions, please call 603-868-5577 or mailto:lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us.
|
VOTER REGISTRATION
The Town of Durham/ORCSD School Election will be held at Oyster River High School on Tuesday March 9, 2021. The polls will be open from 7:00 AM – 7 PM. You may register to vote at the Clerk's Office located in the Durham Town Hall during their regular business hours, Mon-Fri, 8AM to 4:30 PM. The last day to register to vote at the Clerk's office before that election will be on Friday, February 26, 2021.
The Supervisor's of the Checklist will hold a voter registration day on Saturday February 27, 2021 from 4:00 – 4:30 PM at the Durham Town Hall (this is officially the very last day to register). After that date, you may register in person at the polls before then voting. If you cannot make it in person to register, please call the Town Clerk's Office at 603-868-5577 for information about absentee registration. If you choose this method, please read instructions very carefully.
In order to register to vote, either at the Town Hall or in person at the election, you will be asked to show proofs of Identity, Age (18 by the next Election Day – March 9), Domicile/Residence in Durham, and U.S. Citizenship. Affidavits of Domicile and Citizenship may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
|
REVIEW THE LATEST TOWN COUNCIL GOALS UPDATE - QUARTERLY REPORT AS OF JANUARY 31, 2021 - For people passionate about Durham, this is a must read (though perhaps not a real page turner)! :-)
Administrator Selig has provided the Town Council with a progress report on quarterly goals as of 1/31/2021. View the updated goals HERE.
|
ON OUR COVER: As part of the nature and adventure-based after school programs (held in partnership with Seven Rivers Paddling) paddle boarding was just one of many activities provided by Durham Parks & Recreation throughout the summer of COVID-19. Courtesy Peter Sawtell, Seven Rivers Paddling
|
PRINTED AND ONLINE VERSIONS OF 2020 DURHAM ANNUAL REPORT NOW AVAILABLE
The printed version of the 2020 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 is also available on the Town website HERE.
|
ANNUAL EVALUATION FOR ADMIN. SELIG PUBLICLY DISCUSSED BY COUNCIL MONDAY EVENING
The Town Council completed Administrator Selig’s Annual Evaluation on Monday evening, 2/1/2021, in public session. As has been Mr. Selig’s practice, the consolidated Council evaluation document, as well as individual Councilor evaluations and discussion, have been made public at his option and are currently posted on the Town web site HERE as well as Mr. Selig's Employment Contract which can be viewed HERE. Mr. Selig has made his annual evaluation public since he began working for the Town in 2001 as its manager.
On January 11, 2021, the Council began the process for conducting Administrator Selig’s annual performance evaluation. Councilors decided to continue with the same process used in recent years in which the Council utilizes a one-page evaluation form/matrix outlining key elements of importance and ranking the administrator’s performance (on a scale of 1 to 5) for each element, which includes five categories:
- Ability to maintain or improve strong relationships;
- Financial oversight;
- Leadership;
- Initiative; and
- Other.
Rankings included: 5=Excellent, 4=Very Good, 3=Good, 2=Acceptable, 1=Unacceptable.
Mr. Selig’s average consolidated scores over the past eleven years, with the addition of this year’s results for 2020 follow: 2010 - 4.3; 2011 - 4.4; 2012 - 4.5; 2013 - 4.0; 2014 - 4.3; 2015 - 4.4; 2016 - 4.5; 2017 - 4.8; 2018 - 4.6; 2019 - 4.65; 2020 - 4.8
Mr. Selig is currently under a 9-year employment contract with the Town of Durham through December 31, 2025.
|
DID YOU KNOW?
There are increasing amounts of non-recyclables sent to material recovery facilities, and every single one of them must be removed by hand by trained staff and/or mechanically sorted. Otherwise, they end up contaminating high value recyclables. Non-recyclable garbage placed into recycling containers increases the cost of the recycling process and will increase the cost of garbage and recycling collection services.
|
GLOBAL COVENANT OF MAYORS FOR CLIMATE & ENERGY | TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF WAGON HILL FARM LIVING SHORELINE PROJECT
The Town of Durham recently submitted a commitment letter to participate in the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) initiative, joining thousands of other local governments around the world currently engaged in climate leadership. This decision was made on behalf of the town with the affirmative recommendation of the Durham Energy Committee.
In the letter submitted to the GCoM, the town pledged to, "implement policies and undertake measures to: (i) reduce / avoid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, (ii) prepare for the impacts of climate change, (iii) increase access to sustainable energy, and (iv) track progress toward these objectives." The town also listed out objectives to complete over the course of the next three years. The letter of commitment can be viewed HERE.
Also in exciting news, Durham's Living Shoreline Project at Wagon Hill Farm was recently highlighted in a series of videos filmed last summer by the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GBNERR) and UNH. Steve Miller, former Coastal Training Program Coordinator with the GBNERR, should be recognized for his role in coming up with the idea, organizing the team, and for posting the videos.
Spectators can view the full "field trip" (about 22 mins), or view smaller segments, including the intro, site assessment, and design.
Stay tuned for a NHDES Coastal Program webinar this spring to showcase the field trip with a Q&A.
|
HAVING TROUBLE REGISTERING FOR COVID-19 VACCINE WITH STATE OF NH? The Durham Public Library Can Help!
Phase 1b vaccinations for NH residents age 65 and over and those with two or more qualifying health conditions are now underway.
Anyone age 65 or over may register for and schedule a COVID-19 vaccination via the State of NH website (http://vaccines.nh.gov/) or by calling the NH 211 Help Center (simply dial "211" on your phone). As of Sunday, anyone arriving for their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine will receive a card with their second dose appointment.
Library Director Sheryl Bass has reached out to let us know that the Durham Public Library has computers and staff who can help community members who don’t have computers or access to WiFi register for the COVID-19 vaccine! All residents have to do is call our terrific team at the library at (603) 868-6699 to make an appointment.
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR COVID-19 VACCINE SIGNUP WITH THE VACCINE ADMINISTRATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (VAMS) - Some tips from McGregor EMS and the Durham Public Library
McGregor EMS and the Durham Public library have worked to jointly address some of the most common points of confusion (of which there are unfortunately many) which are not currently answered by the official NH Frequently Asked Questions page at (http://vaccines.nh.gov/).
This is not meant to take the place of official New Hampshire information, especially because changes to the signup process are frequent and may not be reflected here.
It can be accessed via clicking HERE.
|
SNOW PLOWING AND MAILBOXES - A message to residents during the challenging winter plowing season.
Mailboxes are often damaged during the winter. Untreated wooden posts only have a life expectancy of 2 to 3 years and can rot at the ground becoming easily knocked over by heavy snow. Homeowners should check post conditions and mailboxes in the fall to avoid damage during the winter, ensuring that they are sturdy and back far enough away from the road so that snow banks will not damage them. Replacing a rotten post is the homeowner’s responsibility. Occasionally the snow plow may accidentally nick a mailbox. If your mailbox is hit during a storm, the Public Works Department will do its best to make temporary repairs after the storm ends. If it needs replacement, we will replace it with a standard mailbox when possible.
Additionally, If your fence is within the Town’s Right-of-Way (ROW), snow banks may damage it. Most roads have a 50-foot ROW, meaning anything closer than 25' to the center of the road is likely in the Town’s ROW. Any such fences, shrubs, landscaping, etc. are at risk of damage, particularly when snowfall is heavy. Items in the Town’s ROW should be moved back. Snow related damage to these items are the owner’s responsibility. Please call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 to discuss items that you may be concerned about.
In closing, unfortunately each year there are some mailboxes that end up being the victims of a winter event. We assure you this is not intentional and plow drivers do their best to avoid this. For example, the storm we experienced this week, besides being quite long and extending the regular work day overnight through the next afternoon, the snow throughout the night was coming down some 2” per hour making it very difficult to see. We appreciate your patience when this happens, please let us know and we will do our best to correct it ASAP. Call DPW at 603-868-5578 or email mailto:publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us.
|
LET'S CHAT ABOUT AGING IN DURHAM - Join Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) as they partner with the Town of Durham on a community Zoom forum to gather feedback on their Communities for Healthy Aging Transitions (CHAT) project.
This project seeks to identify strengths towards and opportunities for each regional community providing an inclusive, welcoming, supportive, and healthy environment for people of all ages.
To accomplish this SRPC wants to hear from the people that know Durham best, those who live and work in town. Using virtual public engagement tools like Zoom’s breakout rooms and live interactive polling, SRPC will lead a discussion to best understand what Durham residents value about their community, and opportunities for making it even better.
Please join this interactive opportunity for providing input on Thursday, Feb. 18 from 7-8:15 p.m. The best part – you don’t even have to leave your house-and you can still participate and share your thoughts!
SRPC looks forward to CHATting with you! Register online HERE and contact communications and outreach planner Shayna Sylvia at mailto:ssylvia@strafford.org with any questions.
|
4 PARAEDUCATOR OPENINGS AT ORCSD TO ASSIST WITH ON-SITE REMOTE SUPPORT
Oyster River High School currently has four openings for Paraeducators. These Paraeducators will work on-site in the classroom supporting and managing students, while the teacher instructs remotely.
Must possess the ability to work as a team member with regular and special education staff and students. Must have strong classroom management skills, comprehension of classroom technology, ability to lead individual and small group instruction and supervise the students when in the hallways, at lunch, recess and during other activities.
These are full-time, temporary positions that are expected to start immediately and continue until the end of the school year. A single medical benefit will be offered.
Interested individuals should complete the employment application HERE.
Oyster River Cooperative School District is an equal opportunity employer.
|
DURHAM IS A BEE CITY USA. Watch a video concerning how to protect pollinators HERE
As part of our official Bee City USA Designation, Durham receives information from the Xerces Society concerning pollinator conservation efforts. To that end, a new video introduces the importance of pollinators and major threats to their survival, and offers simple solutions for conservation that anyone can implement in their own communities. This short video is meant to be an educational tool for those wanting to spread the word on pollinator conservation to friends, neighbors, students, and local communities.
|
TOWN OF DURHAM HOLIDAY SCHEDULE - 2021
Please see below the refuse and recycling Holiday schedule. There is a typographical error below the Holiday box of the paper newsletters that was mailed to Durham residents. The Transfer Station is closed on 5/29/21, not 5/9/21, which is a Sunday.
|
CARDBOARD RECYCLING INFORMATION FROM IWMAC & DPW
Did you know that cardboard can be recycled as many as five times before its fibers are too short to be reused? Durham Public Works processes close to 100 tons of cardboard each year through the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center as well as its curbside recycling program. A friendly reminder that Styrofoam, waxed cardboard, plastic bags, packing peanuts, packing paper and inflated plastic cushions are not considered cardboard, so we kindly ask that these materials be removed from boxes before disposing of them. These types of contaminants are most commonly found within the boxes of televisions and other appliances. Recycled Cardboard is a recyclable commodity that the Town currently receives revenue for, however contaminated cardboard can lead to significant downgrading resulting in lost revenue and, sometimes even requiring the Town to pay disposal costs. Please help us to keep our cardboard contaminant free to maximize revenue and protect and preserve the environment! Thank you for your cooperation!
|
DURHAM SUBMITS TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP) GRANT APPLICATION - MADBURY ROAD PROJECT
The Town has submitted a transmittal letter to NH Bureau of Planning and Community Assistance expressing the Town of Durham’s interest in applying for a 2021 Round 4 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. This is the first step in securing alternative transportation funding for the Madbury Road project.
View the transmittal HERE.
|
DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT PROGRAM NOTICE - Citizen Assistance Request Program during Covid-19 Pandemic
Chief Kelley would like to remind our citizens that the Citizen Assist Request Program remains active during the duration of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The purpose of this program is to provide assistance to elderly members of the community and other members that may be in need obtaining food or medication due to illness, medical condition or other needs not readily identifiable. Due to the nature of the Covid-19 Pandemic, private citizens and Durham Police Officers will coordinate efforts to procure and deliver needed services to community members.
Citizen Requesting Services
- Call the Durham Police Department at 603-868-2324 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm.
- Provide your name, address and phone number, location of item to be picked up and indicate if it has already been paid for.
- Wait for a volunteer or Durham Police Department member to contact you. Officers have been instructed to wait no longer than 30 minutes to contact a volunteer before calling you back and providing you direct assistance.
|
MESSAGE FROM DURHAM PARKS & REC. DIRECTOR RACHEL GASOWSKI
We had a busy January packed with new sessions in our outdoor after school program, our four week ski/snowboard program with Gunstock Mtn. and the start of public sessions at Churchill Rink.
Our outdoor after school program is in partnership with Seven Rivers Paddling with classes taking place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Each class takes place outdoors, utilizing our local trails and recreation spaces. Our next session of outdoor after school programs is scheduled to start up on March 1st with Off The Beaten Path, Backcountry Adventures, Outdoors to Explore and a Backcountry Survival class. For more information on these classes and to register, please visit: durhamrec.recdesk.com
Durham Parks & Rec. just completed our four week Outreach Ski/Snowboard Program with Gunstock Mtn. This was DPR's first time offering the Outreach Program with Gunstock and we had an amazing turnout of 133 kids registered for the program! Over the past four weeks our group enjoyed a 50 minute lesson followed by "free ski/ride" time on the slopes with friends on Wednesdays in January. We had a total of 16 lesson groups between our skier and snowboard participants. Many thanks to everyone who participated, including our parent chaperones who helped to make this program a success each week. Big thanks to Gunstock for accommodating our group this season and for the great instruction on the slopes. We hope to offer the Outreach Program again to the community for next season.
Public Skating sessions have started at Churchill Rink! Participation is limited due to COVID, but we are so happy to have the rink open and see the community back skating and enjoying the rink this season! Pre-registration for all public sessions is required at durhamrec.recdesk.com. Skate rentals are not available this season, so please bring your own skates for public sessions this season.
|
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
|
A beautiful sunrise this morning on Main Street looking up toward Church Hill. Courtesy Beth Potier.
|
NEWS FROM THE OYSTER RIVER COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Oyster River School Board met on February 3 and hosted the annual Deliberative Session on February 4.
Oyster River Middle School started a 25% in-person hybrid model on January 26. So far feedback has been positive.
Oyster River High School will begin a 50% in-person hybrid model by March 8 which will provide students the opportunity to be in the building 2 full days per week. The time between now and March 8 will involve families indicating whether they plan for students to attend the 50% in-person or fully remote option, for teachers to plan for the change, high school administrators to ensure staff and space plans, and transportation to develop new bus routes.
The school board approved installation of a grandstand at the High School track/turf field. The contractor has committed to having the grandstands in place to be used for outdoor graduation ceremonies for the class of 2021. The grandstand will be dedicated to the Oyster River Classes of 2020 and 2021.
Dr. Morse recognized the work of the transportation department, led by Lisa Huppe, and an incredibly dedicated bus driver and support team. Because of the constantly changing school models and targeted learners in school buildings each day, virtually every day has a new and unique bus route! This team, along with many others, has demonstrated exceptional flexibility and commitment this school year.
Teacher workdays originally scheduled for March 19 and May 28, 2021, will be moved to the end of the school year. There will be school on March 19 and May 28.
Moderator Richard Laughton presided over the ORCSD Deliberative Session on February 4. The meeting had been postponed from February 2 due to snow.
The ORMS Go Vote Committee was recognized at the ORCSD Deliberative Session as the Oyster River School District's Volunteers of the Year. This group including Mike Anderson, Krista Butts, Brian Cisneros, Kathy Collins, Denise Day, Mark DeTurk, Paul Gasowski, Martie Gooze, Debbie Harmon, Erik Ickes, Katrin Kasper, Julie Kelley, Richard Kelley, Anita Mathur, Thomas Newkirk, John Parsons, Julie Reece, Robert Sullivan, and Fred Wolff worked tirelessly to educate and secure community support resulting in the approval of the new middle school project last year. A plaque recognizing this group will hang in the new middle school upon completion. Thank you to this group of terrific people and congratulations.
The Deliberative Session last evening approved each item on the school district warrant, which will now go before voters of Durham, Lee, and Madbury on March 9.
|
DPW STAFF RECEIVE TRAINING AS PART OF GREEN SNOWPRO PROGRAM
Did you know that the Town of Durham Public Works Department has undergone training in the Green SnowPro program and has certified operator’s responsible for the Town’s snow and ice control program. When an organization is Green SnowPro certified it means they have been trained to apply salt and deicing materials in a way that keeps roadways safe during the winter and also minimizes the negative effects of salt on the environment. Learn more about the Green SnowPro program HERE.
Please remember, If deicing materials such as Sodium Chloride are used inefficiently they could end up in our rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, estuaries, and groundwater, which has the potential to cause damage to the environment including local water resources.
Durham Public Works utilizes precisely calibrated spreaders, along with roadway temperature sensors and treated deicing materials. The Durham Public Works team determines the appropriate application rate during each storm event which is dependent on the specific conditions encountered during each storm. When applying salt to your driveways and walkways, it’s important to choose the right kind of salt and only apply the recommended amount.
|
GARDENING WEBINAR SERIES OPPORTUNITY FOR DURHAM COMMUNITY MEMBERS
The Durham Agricultural Commission is calling your attention to a Gardening Webinar Series being offered jointly by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. The series takes place Wednesdays at 6pm beginning January 27th until March 24th and includes 40 minute presentations followed by discussion.
The January 27th topic is “Optimizing Plant Growth with Indoor Lighting”, February 10th is “Science of Pruning”, February 24th is “Edible Landscaping”, March 10th is “Ornamental Garden Design”, and March 24th is “Protecting Fruit Trees from Insects and Diseases”. Registration is required with a $5 suggested donation (optional) for each webinar. Participants will receive the Zoom information after registering for a webinar. All sessions will be recorded and shared with participants following the event. If you are unable to attend the live session, please register HERE to receive a copy of the recording and a resource list. https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/webinar-series/
Additional information and resources on garden planning may be found at the Agricultural Commission page on the Town's website HERE.
|
DURHAM'S WINTER COMPOST CHALLENGE - FEBRUARY 15 - MARCH 26, 2021. Thought about composting? Want to get started? What’s the Impact of Removing Compostable Materials from Durham’s Solid Waste?
Durham collects compost at our Transfer Station to help keep organic material out of the Town’s Solid Waste Collection and the Turnkey Landfill. The anaerobic decomposition of the organic material in the landfill generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
The Winter Compost Challenge will be conducted by the Integrated Municipal Waste Advisory Committee (IWMAC) along with support from Parks and Rec and the DPW to provide data on what percentage of our community waste collection may be compost. Durham families are invited to sign up through Parks and Rec (To register online, visit: http://durhamrec.recdesk.com/). You will be provided with a compost bin and compostable bags, and we ask that you weigh your compost and household waste weekly, take your compost to the Transfer Station toters, and record and share your data. If you participated in the Fall Compost Challenge, you may join this challenge as well, and we will collect your data. Fall Challenge participants will not need to pay to participate again and will not receive another bin and bags.
|
Mill Pond Dam lit up at night. Courtesy Andrea Bodo
|
MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER FEASIBILITY STUDY - Town Council closes public hearing and will to continue its deliberations on Feb. 15th
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 is scheduled to meet 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.
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.
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.
|
Youngsters enjoying cross country skiing on the freshwater portion of the Oyster River above the Mill Pond. Courtesy Pele Harrison
|
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BY VHB AS PART OF FEASIBILITY STUDY TO ADDRESS THE DAM/IMPAIRED WATER QUALITY IN THE MILL POND IMPOUNDMENT ON THE OYSTER RIVER...
The VHB project team developed a set of five preliminary alternatives to address the known structural deficiencies of the Oyster River Dam. The review considered the 2018 NHDES Letter of Deficiency, but also incorporated new data and modeling generated during this feasibility study. Based on an initial analysis that considered cost, constructability, and compliance with regulatory requirements, two alternatives were determined to have merit and were therefore advanced for detailed study. A description of alternatives follows from the feasibility executive summary:
Alternative 3 – Dam Stabilization: This alternative would fill the interior spillway cells with reinforced concrete to create a mass concrete section. The concrete would be reinforced, and the dam would be anchored to the underlying bedrock. Additionally, repairs would be performed to address scour of the existing right training wall and undermining of the fish ladder downstream of the spillway. This alternative would retain the dam in essentially its current configuration, and therefore maintain the impoundment, with no measurable changes in water depths or surface area.
However, this alternative would not comply with NHDES Dam Safety regulations, and would there require the NHDES Dam Bureau to approve a waiver to regulate the dam as a “non-menace structure.” Initial analysis and coordination with NHDES found that approval of such a waiver request would be contingent on the abutting property owner recognizing that dam failure would have a detrimental impact on its property and accepting the consequences associated with such an occurrence. NHDES would require that any such agreement would run with the land such that future property owners would also be bound.
Dam Stabilization would retain Mill Pond, but would not directly address the decreased depth and poor water quality in the pond. To do this, the project team developed a conceptual plan to remove approximately 11,000 cubic yards of sediment from the pond, which would convert approximately 2.4 acres of wetland to deepwater habitat. Because the Oyster River will continue to transport and deposit sediments, this pond restoration dredge would be an ongoing maintenance task that would need to be repeated in the future as the dredged areas are re-filled with new sediment. Based on a review of sequential historical aerial imagery, field observations, and professional experience in similar settings throughout the region, the dredge areas would likely refill over a period of 5-20 years.
Additionally, it is critical to note that coordination with NHDES and the US Army Corps of Engineers, both of whom would need to approve the dredge, indicates that obtaining a permit for a freshwater dredge of this size would be extremely difficult and perhaps impossible.
Alternative 5 – Dam Removal: This alternative would consist of a four-part plan that includes the removal of the existing dam structure, abutment preservation, channel shaping, and upstream channel restoration. The main dam spillway and the adjacent fish ladder would be entirely removed, but the left and right abutments would be left in place to help stabilize the riverbank and mitigate historic impacts. The channel would be reshaped to have a roughly 42-foot bankfull width, incorporating a 12-foot wide low-flow channel, to provide fish passage under low flow conditions. The active restoration of the Oyster River channel upstream of the dam removal site is also recommended. This would involve channel shaping approximately 600 feet upstream of the location of the dam to stabilize the channel and remove approximately 3,000 cubic yards of sediment deposited in the center of the Mill Pond impoundment. This would minimize potential sediment impacts downstream, as well as improve the stability and ecological integrity of the upstream area following dam removal.
VHB also included initial financial estimates as outlined below (all of which, including a great deal of additional information) may be found in the Executive Summary of the Feasibility Study on the Town web site by clicking HERE):
|
ORANGE YOU READY FOR GRAPEFRUIT? WE'RE RASIN' FUNDS BY SELLING DATES.
Please consider supporting our local Durham - Great Bay Rotary Club in its 'citric' duty for the community by buying a little box of Florida sunshine for someone. All proceeds go to our charitable giving budget. We support many initiatives in the community. See the link below. Thank you for your support!
Durham Great Bay Rotary.
|
RESTAURANT BINGO WINNER - Bob Moynihan!
Congratulations to Bob Moynihan, this week’s winner of Restaurant Bingo. Bob is taking home a stainless steel water bottle and four gift cards to local restaurants. It’s not too late to start playing and a new winner is drawn every week. 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.
|
UPCOMING MEETINGS FOR PLANNING BOARD AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION
February 10 - the Downtown Zoning Amendments and the Gerrish Drive Subdivision; February 17 – a special meeting for the parking lot at 19-21 Main Street; and February 24 – Mill Plaza. You can see all of the documents, including emails and letters from residents, related to these items at the Town’s website under Inside Town Hall – Planning Board – Current Information and Applications (or just click HERE).
The Conservation Commission is holding a special meeting on February 11 to discuss the conditional use application for the Gerrish Drive Subdivision. The commission will not be accepting public input at the meeting but interested parties can still send any comments to the Planning Office.
|
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.
|
PAWSOME NEWS FROM THE TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE
The 2021 dog tags are now available and residents may obtain their licenses starting Monday, January 11, 2021. Please note that NH-State law requires that all Durham residents license their dogs no later than April 30, 2021. You may renew your dog license online HERE or by visiting the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. New dog licenses must be done in person or by mail. If you have any questions, please contact the Town-Clerk Tax Collector’s office at ph: 603-868-5577.
|
Town Clerk Tax Collector, Lorrie Pitt, and Deputy Town Clerk, Rachel Deane, hold the Top Dog basket that will go to this year's Top Dog raffle winner. Courtesy DCAT Studios
|
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.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Need help registering for the COVID-19 vaccine? If you’re currently part of the demographic eligible for the vaccine in NH, the library can assist with computers and tech help to get you registered. Call us at 603-868-6699 to set up a time!
Register now for this week's virtual events on our Upcoming Events page
Join us Thursday at 6:30 pm for African American Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire during the American Revolution with Glenn Knoblock, hosted by DPL and sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council! Get ready for the week on Sunday evenings with Jiong Jiong Hu’s Meditative Yoga. And don’t miss his Tips for a Successful Virtual Interview on February 16th with Gary Gekow! Need device help? DPL staff is available every Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm via phone, zoom or socially-distanced in person for all your questions!
What’s New in Youth Services?!
Register for the McAuliffe Shepard Zoom Space Program on Thurs. Feb. 25th at 10:30 am. This is a joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries. This is a joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries. Sign up for regularly-scheduled programming including Zoom Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, STEAM crafts to go, YA Zoom Activities, Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) book group, Patch club and more! Or download the complete February calendars!
Daily Operations at DPL
The Library is currently open for 20-minute visits to the Library for quick browsing, checkouts and the use of computers, the printer and copy machine. Notary services are available by appointment. Meeting rooms and the Cafe remain closed. At this time, we are limiting the number of patrons in the building to no more than 50% of our normal comfortable browsing capacity on the main floor. We request that anyone using the Library do so wearing a cloth mask or face covering and masks are available to patrons who request them. We ask that patrons not gather or congregate in the Library and for those uncomfortable coming in, our contactless “Library to-go” services continue! Please visit our website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/ for complete information! Still have questions? We can be reached at 603-868-6699 during open hours or at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com any time!
Give to the Annual Appeal!
The DPL Board of Trustees Annual Appeal is underway! Please consider giving this season by clicking HERE or visiting our website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/.
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
|
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."
________________________
1700 - Early families lacked the convenience of a town burial place, so established plots near their homes. The Durham Historic Association has plotted 71 graveyards, 8 being tombs. Many contain only rough unmarked headstones, while others progress to slate, marble and granite markers.
|
Have a very nice weekend. The Super Bowl is Sunday evening. Because the NE Patriots are not participating this year, Durham's first responders can enjoy the evening like everyone else -- watching the commercials of course!
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
---
|
|
|
|
|
|
