|
|
|
 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
|
|
|
|
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
|
View from the waterfront at Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy Loren Selig
____________________________
|
|
TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CIVIL RIGHTS DAY HOLIDAY
Town offices will be closed for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Day holiday on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Although the Town offices are closed, there will be NO CHANGE to the regularly scheduled refuse and recycling routes. As always, residents are asked to please have all items out by 7AM on their respective collection days.
|
|
DRAFT MOU BETWEEN DURHAM AND UNH RELATIVE TO REDEVELOPMENT OF 66 MAIN STREET ET AL
Since the spring of last year, Administrator Selig, Councilor Carden Welsh, former Councilor Jim Lawson, EDC Chair Ute Luxem, Planner Michael Behrendt, and most recently Director of Economic Development Mary Ellen Humphrey, have been meeting with representatives from the University of New Hampshire to discuss and develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relative to the 66 Main Street redevelopment project, et al.
The “et al” refers to the fact that the Development transcends 66 Main Street (the former ATO site) and includes: the Town-owned North and South Parking Lots on either side of Pettee Brook Lane immediately behind 66 Main Street, Hetzel and Alexander Halls, C-Lot, and 66 Main Street properties. Whether or not the redevelopment will ultimately involves all parcels remains to be seen and will depend upon proposals received in the early part of 2015 from the private development community.
The MOU outlines the expectations, contributions, terms and conditions between Durham and UNH with respect to the potential development of the aforementioned area of downtown, as well as each party’s potential contributions and requirements and limitations with respect to the Development.
The Council held a public hearing to obtain feedback from members of the community on Monday night, January 12, 2015. Following the close of the public hearing, the Council and Mr. Selig discussed the topic in some length and attempted to answer questions that had been raised by the public. Administrator Selig offered a list of recommended modifications to the MOU in response to concerns raised. The Council deferred action on the modified MOU until its next meeting on February 2nd. While the public hearing is closed, the public can still submit written material or provide in person feedback during the public comments section of the February 2nd Council meeting. Emails can be sent to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.
Residents who are interested in this issue should watch the meeting on DCAT ON DEMAND
Some basic questions and answers that might be helpful for those trying to understand the MOU:
Has RSA 97-E already been granted for a project by the Town Council? No. While it is possible the Council could grant such tax relief if requested and deemed appropriate in accordance with Council policy, no such action has been taken, nor is granting RSA 79-E tax relief required by the terms of the draft MOU.
Has the Council already bonded $1 million to support private development as part of a downtown project? No. While the Council could bond funds that would be offset through incremental taxes created as a result of new development within the Downtown TIF District, this could only be utilized to support public infrastructure. In addition, separate public hearings would be required for the Council to issue debt.
Is there a guarantee that the land developed under the MOU at 66 Main Street would be taxable? The draft MOU states: "The land, buildings and improvements located at 66 Main Street shall become taxable or subject to a payment in lieu of taxes equal to the ad valorem taxes which would otherwise be assessed on such land, buildings and improvements.”
Is UNH land exempt from taxation? Yes. RSA 187-A:25, Tax Exemption, states that the property of the University System of New Hampshire and each of its constituent institutions and divisions is exempt from taxation as provided in RSA 72:23. However, RSA 72:23(d) provides that all leases and other agreements entered into or renewed by the USNH on or after April 1, 2006, the terms of which provide for the use or occupation by others of real or personal property owned by the USNH or the community college system of New Hampshire, shall provide for the payment of properly assessed real and personal property taxes by the party using or occupying said property no later than the due date. This later provision was inserted into state law at the request of the Town of Durham in 2006, at which time Administrator Selig and Durham business owners provided detailed testimony before the state legislature.
Is UNH property subject to Durham land use regulations under state law? No. UNH property is considered state property and is exempt from local land use regulations so long as it is utilized for governmental uses as defined by state law, RSA 674:54. However, any use, construction, or development of land occurring on governmentally-owned or occupied land, but which is not a governmental use as defined in the statue, shall be fully subject to local land use regulations.
Will the Town’s north and south parking lots on either side of Pettee Brook Lane be developed or altered under this MOU? They could be if the Council believed that it was in the Town’s best interest to do so, however, the MOU does not require the Council to dedicate these properties to the redevelopment. In addition, any spaces lost would need to be replaced on a 1 to 1 basis to support existing downtown uses.
Could UNH develop its property without any involvement by the Town of Durham through an MOU? Yes. The University is under no obligation to work with Durham in developing properties it owns beyond undertaking an advisory consultation with the Planning Board pursuant to RSA 674:54.
Does the envisioned project include a Hotel? Yes. The draft MOU states that the development shall contain a branded or boutique hotel containing approximately 80 to 100 guest rooms. UNH and the Town prefer the hotel has a presence on Main Street. UNH will cooperate in providing conference room space on its campus for users and guests of the hotel.
What might happen to Hetzel and Alexander Halls? According to the draft MOU, Hetzel Hall may be repurposed and/or refurbished. Alexander Hall may be repurposed and/or refurbished, or demolished in whole or in part. If a developer proposes to use Hetzel Hall, Alexander Hall, and/or Lot C, the developer must demonstrate to the satisfaction of UNH, how and why such buildings and/or lands should be included in the development, and how their respective use enhances the development.
What about the UNH C-Lot? Lot C may be used to provide parking for the development through the construction of structured parking, provided, however, that UNH shall at all times retain the following: (i) its rights to the existing number of parking spaces in Lot C, (ii) service access to Mills Hall as well as other facilities and utilities in the vicinity, and (iii) use of Lot C for UNH visitor parking. If structured parking were developed at Lot C along Mill Road, it could be utilized to support a future Center for the Arts toward the rear of Lot C as envisioned in the UNH Master Plan.
What about Barnes and Nobel? The Barnes and Nobel bookstore that is currently located on the UNH campus in the Memorial Union Building could be relocated to the development in some way. Barnes and Nobel has expressed an interest in being part of a new development on Main Street. If relocated to Main Street, the store would likely provide offerings that would be of interest both to students and community members but no plan has been developed to date. The existing Barnes and Nobel operation in the MUB is tax exempt. Whether a new downtown Barnes and Nobel would be taxable or tax exempt would depend on many factors as outlined in state law as described above.
Has any one private developer already been chosen to build a project? No. The purpose of the MOU is to provide direction in crafting an RFP that would be issued to the general development community. A half dozen independent developers have already expressed an interest in submitting a proposal for the consideration of Durham and UNH.
Is there a market for another hotel in Durham? UNH has conducted independent market research which indicates there is a demand for an additional 80-100 room hotel on Main Street.
Are properties within the Downtown Tax Increment Finance District exempt from taxation? No. Properties within the downtown TIF do still pay property taxes on new value that is created. The taxes from the new value, however, are held within a special account for use within the TIF to accomplish the public objectives that have been laid out in the Downtown TIF Development & Financing Plan. The only exception would be if the Council has granted tax relief for a period of generally up to 5 years under RSA 79-E. However, the existence of the Downtown TIF District creates an inherent disincentive for the Council to grant RSA 79-E tax relief.
Who ultimately approves a proposal under the draft MOU? Any proposal which the parties wish to accept pursuant to the RFP must be approved by Durham’s Town Council and the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees.
Who reviews the design for the development? As outlined in the draft MOU, the appearance and design of the development are critically important elements to both Durham and UNH. The Town and UNH retain the right to reject any aspect of a development design and require a re-design prior to submittal of the final proposed plan to local land use boards for approvals. If the plans undergo material changes in the course of such approvals, as determined by the Town and/or UNH, such plans must be re-approved by the Town and/or UNH prior to commencing construction of the development.
What Development Preferences have the Town and UNH established in the draft MOU to date? The following attributes/features (not in any preferential order) are desired for the project:
-
Upscale restaurants and other retail/commercial uses on the ground floors;
-
Research and development space;
-
Uses complementary to UNH’s Interoperability Lab (the IOL is located in taxable property in the new Madbury Commons development on Madbury Road);
-
Professional offices;
-
Support of UNH’s executive education programming (which would potentially be brought back to Durham from Portsmouth);
-
Visiting faculty apartments;
-
Other uses on upper floors which would have need to use the hotel;
-
Inclusion of UNH’s hospitality management program as part of the management of the hotel;
-
As few variances, waivers and other forms of required zoning or planning relief for the development as is reasonably practicable;
-
Continuation/extension of walkable corridor concept from the Interoperability Lab building within the Madbury Commons project through the development to Main Street – in essence fulfilling the vision created several years ago during the B. Dennis Downtown Plan;
-
Generally enhanced walkability and biking;
-
In addition to new parking r
-
Other than replacing student housing lost to UNH through the redevelopment of Hetzel Hall and/or Alexander Hall, student housing in the development is discouraged;
-
Required for the development, parking to replace any spaces lost if the Town-owned North Parking Lot and/or South Parking Lot are redeveloped, as well as an additional potential 100+ parking spaces to support visitors and guests coming to the downtown area;
-
Structured parking, particularly in the rear of 66 Main Street and on the South Parking Lot will be favored; and
-
The creation of public parks and green space.
Can the draft MOU be terminated by the parties after execution? Yes. Should Durham and UNH fail to move forward with the project envisioned under this draft MOU within 18 months from the mutual execution thereof, either party shall have the right to terminate the MOU upon at least 90 days’ written notice to the other party.
Again, written comments may be submitted to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.
|
|
ELECTED OFFICES FILING PERIOD FOR MARCH 10, 2015 TOWN ELECTION
The filing period for Town offices for the March Town Election is Wednesday, January 21, 2015 through 5:00 PM Friday, January 30, 2015.
Citizens who might choose to become involved in Durham Town government may file for one of the positions below at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office during the filing period noted above.
Town Council, 3 positions (3-year terms)
Library Board of Trustees, 2 positions (3-year terms)
Moderator, 1 position (2-year term)
Supervisor of the Checklist, 1 position (1-year term)
Trustees of the Trust Funds, 1 position (3-year term)
Trustees of the Trust Funds, 1 position (2-year term)
|
|
STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS
On Tuesday, February 17, 2015, President Mark W. Huddleston will give his State of the University address reflecting on the challenges, accomplishments, and milestones of the past year, and looking ahead to 2015.
The address will be held in the Memorial Union Building, Granite State Room, UNH.
Doors open at 12:40PM. Address begins at 1PM.
Parking for off campus guests will be available in Lot C, free of charge, with the use of coupon code 0217. Lot C (J:17)
The event will be live-streamed. Please view the UNH event website for details.
|
|
2014/15 TOWN COUNCIL GOALS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON MAY 19, 2014
A resident recently asked Administrator Selig, "What is the vision for Durham?" That is an excellent question.
Each year after the Town Election has occurred and new Council members have been sworn into office, the Town Council with the assistance of the Administrator begin the process of developing the Town Council's goals for the upcoming year.
Listed below are the goals established for 2014/15 and adopted by the Council on May 19, 2014:
Standards of Performance
-
Embrace openness in the conduct of public business.
-
Encourage all town boards, committees, and commissions to align their efforts with the Council goals, and to collaborate and communicate more frequently with each other and with the community at large.
Overall Strategy
-
Pursue long-term economic and environmental sustainability and resiliency, anticipating the community’s and the region’s future needs through a framework that formally integrates the consideration of multiple elements including society, ecology, economics, transportation, agriculture, recreation, food and drinking water, climate, and energy resources.
-
Continue to explore collaborative efforts with UNH to enhance mutual intellectual, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits, as well as community-building opportunities.
-
Revitalize Durham’s commercial core to expand the tax base and enhance the sense of community while maintaining our small town character and cultural history and by weaving natural processes into the built environment for their environmental, social, and aesthetic benefits. Emphasis should be placed on “Smart Growth”, increasing commercial opportunities and consumer choices, and enhancing the town’s taxable base through economic development projects that fit with the character and goals of the community.
Key Objectives
-
Regain the integrity of Durham’s traditional family neighborhoods.
-
Identify definitive sites and develop a plan for key public facilities to meet the present and future needs of the community.
-
Complete measurable progress as part of the rolling update of the 2000 Master Plan by mid-2015. Encourage public workshops and joint sessions as necessary between key boards and committees to better integrate their efforts and create a unified document.
-
Strengthen the community by supporting an array of recreational, artistic, and educational opportunities, and by celebrating and sustaining Durham’s history and natural setting and initiatives that promote public transportation options, including safe walking and biking.
-
Develop operating budgets that limit growth in the Town's portion of property taxes by the rate of inflation plus new additions to the Town's taxable base. This goal is for both the near and longer term.
-
Identify, support the preservation of, and promote structures of historic significance.
|
|
2014/15 COUNCIL GOALS STATUS UPDATE FROM ADMINISTRATOR SELIG
After the Town Council goals are adopted each year, the Administrator provides Council members with ongoing status updates to report on the progress of each goal.
To view the 2014/15 Council goals status update prepared by Administrator Selig, click HERE.
|
|
YEAR END WRAP UP FROM ADMINISTRATOR SELIG - 2014 IN REVIEW
The Town of Durham continues to be economically and prudently operated. We function as a purveyor of public services, and staff is working to implement business practices to control costs and maintain the municipality’s fiscal position despite many competing pressures ranging from intense development activity to moving ahead with long-deferred capital needs. From preserving the quality of life within our traditional residential neighborhoods to taking steps to address the potential impacts of climate change, we have worked diligently on behalf of the community.
The Town’s weekly “Friday Updates” serves to keep the Town Council and members of the community informed of news and happenings in Durham. Over 3,000 people subscribe to this weekly broadcast. Durham has also bolstered its Twitter and Facebook presence this year in order to meet the demands of residents’ changing preferences for information distribution. For example, over 425 individuals have signed up for our Twitter feed. The goal is to keep residents informed of local affairs so they may become involved when issues are of interest to them.
Durham’s last Master Plan was written in 2000. The Town commenced an update in 2011 with a citizen engagement process that included a public forum and community survey. A Master Plan Advisory Committee was formed at that time to assist the Planning Board in overseeing the process. Significant headway was made in 2014 with the following ten chapters nearing the point in early 2015 when they will be able to be adopted by the Planning Board: Agricultural Resources, Downtown and Commercial Core, Energy, Historical Resources, Natural Resources, Recreation, Community Character, Housing and Demographics, and Land Use (Existing).
In the area of land conservation, the Town has been working with The Nature Conservancy relative to securing a conservation easement on the 40 +/- acre Hills/Emery Farm property located along Route 4 directly across from the Emery Farm farm stand. In addition, the Town has worked with the Southeast Land Trust as part of an effort to conserve the 40 +/- acre Thompson parcel located along Wednesday Hill Road abutting the Durham-UNH Water System pump station on the Lamprey River. Durham, working in concert with our regional land stewardship partners, has applied for grant funding to help offset the cost of these projects. I anticipate discussions regarding these two properties will continue well into 2015.
Over the last year, the Town has continued to pursue Long-Term Economic as well as Environmental Sustainability, which are inextricably linked. Without economic sustainability, the Town will not have the financial resources available over the long-term to stabilize the tax rate, pursue desired projects/infrastructure, preserve open space, etc. Without a healthy natural environment, we will not sustain the Durham in which citizens hope and desire to live. The 2011 Master Plan survey was very clear in pointing out that residents of the community seek balance.
In addition to recently completed conservation projects such as Amber Acres and the Oyster River Forest, Durham has experienced significant development activity between 2012 and 2016, which will serve to provide increased tax base moving forward. We project an additional $21.5 million in new taxable valuation will come on line in 2015 alone.
After many years of discussion, Durham brought on board a part-time economic development director in FY 2014. Mary Ellen Humphrey from Rochester has settled in nicely and is working to ensure thoughtful economic development continues to move forward that is consistent with the community’s values and goals. One area of focus is to assist in filling some of the newly created commercial space that has been built over the last few years in the downtown core.
In September 2012, the Council adopted a new Downtown Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district under the auspices of RSA 162-K:5 to fund improvements such as street lighting, roadway improvements, automated parking kiosks, and structured parking to enhance the economic vitality of the downtown area. With the new development anticipated in 2015 and 2016 within the downtown core, we will see a reserve of funds begin to amass for future use within the district. The Town’s other TIF district on Stone Quarry Drive, remains completely inactive.
The approved FY 2014 General Fund budget left the 2013 tax rate of $8.34 unchanged for 2014, providing much needed financial stability for many residents of Durham. For FY 2015, the Council established as a goal to ensure any increase to the municipal portion of the tax rate not exceed the rate of inflation which equaled 1.7%. The Administrator and Town Council were ultimately able to achieve this 2015 budgetary goal with a projected 2015 tax rate of $8.48. To this end, the FY 2015 budget was adopted by a vote of 8-0 by the Council on December 15, 2014.
In late-2013, the Council approved the acceptance of $125,000 from the US Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), for the purpose of hiring a 20th police officer who is focused on “problem oriented policing.” This additional resource enabled the Police Department to address some of the impacts of poorly managed non-owner occupied college student housing within Durham’s traditional residential neighborhoods surrounding the downtown core in 2014.
Durham’s new 12,187 sq. ft. state of the art Town Hall at 8 Newmarket Road officially opened for business on October 23, 2014. The architect of record was Durham resident Art Guadano of AG Architects, Dover, NH. Hutter Construction was the General Contractor. Durham Public Works handled all site and demolition work. The project took approximately twelve months to complete. Kudos are extended to Public Works Director Mike Lynch for dedicating significant additional time these last twelve months overseeing the project.
The Town entered into a $1.7 million Purchase & Sale Agreement (P&S) with Scott Mitchell for the redevelopment of the former Town Office site at 15 Newmarket Road as a pharmacy in March 2013, subject to approval by Durham’s local land use boards. The developer ultimately determined in his opinion in 2014 that he could not redevelop the site without the demolition of the former Town Office building so the P&S was not renewed. The Town subsequently developed and issued a new Request for Proposal (RFP) for the adaptive redevelopment of the site making clear the old building would need to remain as part of any new development. The RFP is due in January 2015.
The year saw significant disagreement between the Town and UNH with respect to the future of the UNH Outdoor Pool. After months of acrimonious discussions, the Town Council ultimately endorsed a University proposal to construct a new 14,000 – 16,000 sq. ft. modern pool facility with bathhouse in the location of the historic outdoor pool costing approximately $4.6 million. UNH will pay for the full capital and ongoing operational cost of the facility. Due to unexpected soil compaction issues with the site, the new pool is scheduled to open for the 2016 swimming season. Construction on the new facility began in November 2014.
The Town and University, through the administrative joint Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Committee, continue to address a multitude of joint Town/Gown items to include bringing on line the Spruce Hole Well in 2015, focusing tremendous attention in 2013 and 2014 on water quality deficiencies within the Great Bay Estuary such as nitrogen as identified by the NHDES and the EPA, meeting EPA wastewater and stormwater MS-4 mandates, implementing a required NHDES backflow prevention program, water tank refurbishing/painting, and more.
Significant energy has been dedicated in 2014 toward working with the University of New Hampshire as part of a collaborative public/public/private development project in downtown Durham to include numerous potential elements such as the UNH bookstore (in lieu of the present Memorial Union Building location), professional office space, small hotel, retail and restaurant space, and possible affordable faculty housing within the downtown core in the vicinity of 66 Main Street, the former ATO fraternity site. A draft Memorandum of Understanding between Durham and UNH was brought forward for initial Council discussion in December. Look forward to additional discussions around this partnership in 2015.
Durham’s vision for our Parks & Recreation Department is that it will offer a wide variety of opportunities and concentrations for any resident of any age wishing to participate in accessible, affordable activities. As part of a new initiative for 2014, Parks & Recreation Director Stefanie Frazee worked collaboratively with Oyster River Cooperative School District faculty/staff to offer a new summer camp experience for 4th-8th grade children. It was a real success. The program offered a full day of enrichment and recreational activities, including S.T.E.M. and the arts.
In response to the goal of becoming a more pedestrian and bicycle friendly community, the Town endeavored to move forward a Main Street “Complete Streets” pilot initiative this summer that entailed the narrowing of Main Street from two lanes to one, the creation of head in parking along the north side of the roadway, and the addition of a dedicated bicycle lane. The pilot program was rolled out during the summer months and continued until UNH came back into session in the fall. Public sentiment was ultimately very negative regarding the effort so the roadway was restored in large part to the preexisting two-lane configuration but with the addition of a shared lane (or “sharrows”) for bicycles, and improved bicycle-focused intersection configurations for Main Street at Pettee Brook Lane and at Madbury Road.
I worked to remain in communication with Oyster River School District Superintendent of Schools James Morse concerning issues of mutual interest/concern. It is helpful to note that Town Councilor Wayne Burton serves as a representative to the district’s Budget Advisory Committee, in this way ensuring there is some level of communication between Durham and the ORCSD relative to budget issues.
A great deal of work has been devoted to addressing human resource issues in Durham in 2014. Collective bargaining contract negotiations took place and were ultimately resolved following 30 months of discussions with the Durham Professional Firefighters Association representing the Town’s firefighters. In addition, a tentative agreement was reached in late-2014 with the Durham Municipal Manager’s Association representing a number of the Town’s administrative assistants, division supervisors, as well as several professional salaried staff positions. A common theme in these discussions revolved around increasing employee contributions toward health insurance and gaining the ability to better utilize existing staffing to cut down on recurring overtime costs.
I am pleased to report that in addition to the many tangible efforts noted in this report, Durham received numerous accolades in the last year that include:
-
The No. 1 town in N.H. for young families by NerdWallet.com, a personal finance website.
-
The fifth most exciting place in the state by Movoto, a real estate brokerage based in California.
-
The No. 1 town in the state for population and job growth from 2010 to 2012 by Nerdwallet.com
-
The second safest community in the state by Safe Choice Security, a national provider of security systems.
-
The No. 2 place to live for “20-somethings” in the country by CNNMoney.
-
The top community for equal treatment for the LGBT community by the Human Rights Campaign.
-
Oyster River High School ranked in the top 1 percent of more than 14,000 schools evaluated by Newsweek.
-
A great place for the young at heart by the Boston Globe.
I do not believe it is an accident that Durham is so highly regarded. The residents who live here are smart, entrepreneurial, always taking the long-term perspective, focused on the environment, community oriented, and committed to quality education. The Town is blessed with amazing natural resources as well: the Great Bay, the Oyster River, the Lamprey River, the Spruce Hole Bog, Wagon Hill Farm, numerous natural gateways leading into and out of the community, and more. But it is not only that we have these natural treasures. Durham has had the foresight to protect them through local decision-making, good planning, prudent management, and a lot of hard work.
The University of New Hampshire also provides social, cultural, and athletic opportunities for the community, not to mention it's an economic driver for the entire region. And our Town employees — public works, police, fire, planning, zoning, and more — they are good people, working hard with limited resources to meet the needs of citizens who have high expectations for exceptional service delivery at the local level. While taxes are undeniably high in Durham, for all of these reasons, home sales are strong, commercial investment is active, the tax base is growing, the school district is nationally regarded, and the positive sense of community is pervasive.
|
|
|
|
ARREST DATA
As Chief Kurz has explained on a number of occasions, arrest data in Durham is a very unique issue and warrants a more detailed explanation than just providing statistics. In years past, inquiries from Town Councils about the demographical information of those arrested in Durham, i.e., are they UNH students or not, caused the Durham Police to assimilate data in three separate categories. In the first instance, arrest statistics are accomplished by weekly activity, second by the UNH academic year and finally, by the calendar year mirroring the Town’s financial budget. Each category allows for a better understanding of the demands facing the department during these periods. The information below is reflective of all 2014 arrest data:
The New Hampshire State Police have been extremely supportive of fluctuating issues such as Homecoming, Halloween and other events and have sent a number of Troopers to Durham supporting the Durham Police. Additionally, the New Hampshire Liquor Enforcement has continued to monitor alcohol sales, misrepresentations and other specialty violations in Durham therefore augmenting Durham Police staff during peak weekend periods especially in the Fall at the beginning of the academic year.
The Durham Police continue to focus their resources upon those engaged in criminal activity and their status as a UNH student or not is irrelevant as to whether an arrest is made. Each week, Durham Police provides the UNH administration with the names of ALL persons arrested and the Vice President’s Office determines student status. When compiled, UNH officials schedule meetings with the students arrested and reinforce their obligations as students and responsible residents of Durham. While police activity in Durham is clearly challenged at the opening of the academic year, this strategy has demonstrated success especially in the area of recidivism which is virtually non-existent.
While arrest data is up almost 10% from 2013 data and 12% from the average of the years 2005 through 2013 there is no indication that this fact is anything more than a year where the weather was very good throughout the Fall. Additionally, for the first time in a number of years staff at the police department is at full complement thereby placing more officers on patrol able to respond or proactively address offenses they may observe. These factors may be responsible for the increase of arrests and will be closely monitored throughout 2015 to detect any emerging trends.
With the commencement of 2015, the arrest statistics for calendar year begin anew. The chart below represents all arrests within the jurisdictional boundaries of Durham to include those occurring on the UNH campus during the calendar year 2014.
|
|
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
Durham Energy Committee - Tuesday, January 20, 2015 (7PM, 2nd Floor Conference Rm, Town Hall)
Economic Development Committee - Tuesday, January 20, 2015
All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.
VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.
Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule.
DCAT Programming Schedule.
|
|
DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
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.
|
|
DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION JANUARY PROGRAM
The Durham Historic Association will host its winter program “A Case of Curiosities” on Tuesday January 27th at 7PM at the Durham Public Library Oyster River Room. Several unusual items from the Museum Collection will be featured in an interactive dialog with the audience revealing little known aspects of Durham’s history. One item remains a mystery, but with help from the audience it is hoped the mystery may be solved. Refreshments will be served. The public is welcome. Snow date is Thursday January 29th.
|
|
"Still Life" by Arthur DiMambro
CELEBRATE THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY - 2015 ART AUCTION
The Durham Public Library is holding an online Art Auction. Online bidding began at 10AM on January 12, 2015 and runs until 3PM on January 23, 2015 for two paintings by Durham artist Arthur DiMambro.
Just go to the Durham Public Library website and click on the Art Auction button for details.
The paintings will be on display at the library from January 9 until the end of the auction. This fundraiser is a joint effort of the Friends of the Durham Public Library and the Board of Trustees.
"Lamprey River" by Arthur DiMambro
|
|
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.
No skates? No problem! Rent a pair for just $3! Courtesy Parker Murphy
For the latest information about programs and events, visit: Durham Parks & Recreation Online
View weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE. Drop in to most of our fitness classes for only $10!
Churchill Rink - Join us during our special MLK Day schedule: Stick & Puck from 12:00 to 1:50, followed by an extended Public Skate from 2:00 to 4:20.
Come out and enjoy your community Ice Rink at Jackson's Landing!
Find out more by visiting http://www.churchillrink.org/.
Churchill Rink Facebook
|
|
UNH's Dr. Cathy Neal will join the Durham Garden Club to discuss invasive plants on Tuesday, January 20th.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Garden Club Presents Dr. Cathy Neal on "Invasive Plants and Alternatives for Your Garden and Landscape" Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015, 5:30PM with potluck supper, Durham Public Library. Public welcome. More information, contact Contact: Sheila McCurdy, 603-659-5623, russheila@comcast.net
UNH Celebrity Series welcomes the Dorian Wind Quintet, Tuesday, Feb 10, 2015, 7PM, Paul Creative Arts Center’s Johnson Theatre in Durham. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.unharts.com.
|
|
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Family Storytime, Sat. Jan. 17th at 10:30 a.m. This week: Snowmen! Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays, feltboard and a craft! Sat. Jan. 24th, Family Storytime will be about “Mo Willem’s” books, “Elephant & Piggie”!
Borrowing eBooks Class Sat. Jan. 17th 10:30-12:00PM - Learn how to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from the library website and other sources. Bring your own device to practice during this class. Contact Nancy Miner, call to register 868-6699 or email the library durhampl@gmail.com
Family Movie, Sat. Jan. 17th at 2:00 p.m. This month: Mr. Peabody & Sherman! Join us in the community room for this month’s fun movie. Popcorn is served.
The library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Day.
Affordable Health Care Sign-ups through February 2015 - Sign up help available through February 2015, Wednesdays 5-8PM, other days & times available upon request. A facilitator for Affordable Health Care will be at the library to help anyone wishing to sign up. Call the library to reserve a time slot, 603-868-6699 Contact Nancy Miner at nminer@ci.durham.nh.us
Storytimes, Tues. Jan. 20th and Thurs. Jan. 22nd at 10:30 a.m. They will be about “Mice”! We read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard and a craft.
Durham Garden Club, Tues. Jan. 20th 5:30-8:30 PM - What are YOU Doing Here? Invasive Plants in the Landscape. Potluck dinner followed by presentation from UNH Professor Cathy Neal to learn about invasive plants in our area and alternatives for gardens and landscapes. All welcome. Snow date Feb. 24. Contact Mary Caulfield 8685-2220.
McGregor Memorial EMS CPR Course Tues. Jan. 20th 6-8 PM - Visit cprsafe.org for information and to register. Fee is $20.00
Knitting Club for 3rd-5th graders! Weds. Jan. 21st from 4-5 p.m. Come and learn to knit for 6 weeks. Space is limited. Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
Lego Club begins again on Thurs. Jan. 22nd at 3:45 p.m. and the theme will be “Snowmen and Winter”!
Get to Know More About Sustainability in our community, Thurs., Jan 22, 6:30-7:30PM - Durham, Lee & Madbury residents. You're invited to an informational drop-in to learn what ORCSD has been doing to support sustainable practices. Stop by to meet a Sustainability Committee member, help spread "Green Awareness". Coffee/tea/snacks provided. Contact Cristina Dolcino 603-340-0045 cdolcino@orcsd.org
Homeschooler’s Activity Hour, Fri., Jan. 23rd at 10:30 a.m. and we will talk about “Inventions”!
Crafternoon – Sat. Jan. 24th, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. – Join us in the storytime for a fun craft!
Game Afternoon: ages 10 & up, Mon., Jan. 26th at 2:45 p.m. - This week’s game is: "Cranium”.
Seacoast Reads for 1st-3rd Graders sign-ups for the second semester have begun. UNH tutors from Seacoast Reads will work with your child once a week after school starting in Feb.-May. Space is limited. Sign-up at the Children’s Desk after Jan. 1st.
Patch Club: reading incentive program for ages 2-12 years. Sign-up at the Children’s Desk!
Tales for Tails: Read to a trained therapy dog K-4th grade - sign-up at the Children’s Desk now for a 4 week session starting the week of Jan 26th. We have a new dog, Ozzie! This is a great way for your child to gain confidence in reading!
Join the Durham Public Library Birthday Book Club. Celebrate a child’s birthday in a unique way with a gift of a book to the library. Talk to the Children’s Librarian at the children’s desk for more details.
Youth Book Groups:
Raccoon Readers 2nd-4th grade. Monthly book group. Tues. Feb. 3rd 6-7PM. This month's book is "Pie" by Sarah Weeks. We talk about books, do puzzles, play some games and make a craft.
Bookeaters Middle School Book Group. Meets Wed. Feb. 11th 2:45-4PM This month's book is "The Giver" by Louis Lowry. Walk from the Middle School. Ruth Wharton-McDonald is the facilitator. All are welcome and pizza is served. Books are available at the library.
Libros Lovers, Monthly High School book group. Meets Wed. 2:45-4:00PM. Jan. 28th This month’s book is “The Safe-Keeper's Secret” by Sharon Shinn
Upcoming:
1/27 Durham Historic Assoc. Mtg. 7 PM
1/31 Special Family Storytime with local author/illustrator of “Lighting the Earth” 10:30 AM
2/2 Young Adult Writing Group, 6:30 PM
2/3 Oyster River Knitters 7 PM
2/4 Friends of DPL
2/4 Chocolate “The Perfect Drug” & Lindt 6:30 PM
2/4 DPL Trustees Mtg. 6:45 PM
2/5 Writer’s Response Mtg. 6 PM
2/6 World Language School Visits Home-schooling group, Spanish 10:30 AM
2/7 Take Your Child to the Library Day, all day, storytime, games, hunts,craft
2/7 McGregor EMS Babysitting class 10:30 AM
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
|
|
FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association
1914 - On the 3rd floor of Thompson Hall Ex-President Taft lectured, in the then girls' gymnasium, on his life in the White House. Being very large he got off the train backwards. The Boston 5:18 Express stopped for him. Taft's forgotten umbrella was sent to him the next day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
