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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Three dimensional relief model presented to Planning Board as part of deliberations relative to Madbury Commons redevelopment project at 17-21 Madbury Road. Courtesy Todd Selig
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There was some positive news this week regarding a University of New Hampshire Student becoming productively involved in the Durham community. UNH Senior and pre-med student Ben Claxton volunteers upwards of 70 hours per month with McGregor Memorial EMS. Ben was featured in this week's UNH Today. To read the article Pre-Med with Feeling, click HERE.
In addition, Monday is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Day holiday.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CIVIL RIGHTS DAY HOLIDAY
A final reminder that Town offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2014 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Day.
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.
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FILING PERIOD FOR LOCAL ELECTIVE OFFICES
The filing period for local Durham elective offices opens on January 22, 2014 and closes on January 31, 2014 at 5 PM. Positions that are up for election in 2014 include:
3 Councilors (3 yr. term)
2 Durham Library Board of Trustees (3 yr. term)
1 Supervisor of the Checklist (6 yr. term)
1 Town Clerk-Tax Collector (3 yr. term)
1 Town Treasurer (3 yr. term)
1 Trustee of Trust Funds (3 yr. term)
Residents interested in learning more about any of these positions are invited contact the Administrator's Office at (603) 868-5571 or write to tselig@ci.durham.nh.us. The 2014 Town elections will take place on March 11, 2014.
The filing period for Oyster River School District elective positions is on this same cycle and ends at 4 PM on 1/31. Contact the SAU Office for more information at 868-5100.
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SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The Durham Supervisors of the Checklist will meet at the Town Hall twice in January to accept new voters and to make corrections to the checklist: Tuesday, January 21, 2014 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM and Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 10:30 - 11:30 AM. Changes in party registration can also be made at these times.
Prospective voters are required by law to show proof of identity, age (18 by the election day), and domicile/residence in Durham, and US citizenship. A driver's license and a birth certificate or passport are useful. Affidavits of domicile and citizenship may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
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9 MADBURY ROAD, LLC, et al V. TOWN OF DURHAM - Judge Dismisses Case, Upholds Town of Durham ZBA Decision
Attorney Christopher Mulligan from Bosen & Associates, PLLC, on behalf of his clients 9 Madbury Road, LLC, et al, had filed suit in November 2013 in Strafford County Superior Court in the matter of 9 Madbury Road, LLC, et al V. Town of Durham. The plaintiff appealed a decision of the Town of Durham Zoning Board of Adjustment in regard to the ZBA's approval of variance requests from Golden Goose Capital, LLC for a mixed use redevelopment project at 17 and 21 Madbury Road referred to locally as Madbury Commons.
In his 1/14/14 decision, Strafford County Superior Court Presiding Justice Kenneth C. Brown writes:
"With regard to the injury alleged, the NH Supreme Court has stated that increased competition with one's business alone is insufficient to entitle the plaintiff¹s standing to appeal the ZBA¹s decision. Petitioners' injury, by their own admission, is the increased competition that comes with the greater availability of local residential housing [in Durham] as a result of the variances [granted by the Durham Zoning Board of Adjustment]."
"The Court finds that the petitioners have not carried their burden of proving they are "aggrieved" persons under RSA 677:4. Therefore, the Court grants the Town's motion to dismiss."
To view the decision, click HERE.
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REGULAR MEMBER VACANCY ON PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE
The Parks & Recreation Committee is seeking interested residents who have the ability, desire, and time needed to fill a regular member vacancy on the Parks & Recreation Committee. Citizens interested in applying for this vacancy may complete an application and mail it to the Town Administrator’s Office at 15 Newmarket Road, or submit it via email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. To download a form for completion, click HERE.
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DURHAM COMPOSTING PILOT PROGRAM
The Town’s Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee, the Department of Public Works, and Mr. Fox Composting will conduct a composting pilot program beginning on February 1, 2014. This program seeks to remove organic waste from our land fill disposal stream and, through composting, convert this organic waste into usable soil. While the amount of organic waste generated by a household is quite variable, it is frequently estimated that 40% or more of the material disposed of in land fills is organic waste. Durham’s annual land fill disposal exceeds 1600 tons at a cost of more than $112,500. If we could remove just 20% of the annual disposal tonnage Durham could save more than $22,500 annually. And help extend the life of existing land fills, produce useful soil, and reduce the production of methane gas, one of the most destructive air pollutants produced by human activity.
How will the program work? Participants in the pilot program will receive organic waste disposal liners (bags) at the beginning of the program. These liners will be placed by participants in a waste disposal container (trash can) with a tight lid. Then, as organic waste is produced it will be collected in the liner, in the container. When it is time to empty the collected material (once a week?), participants will take the container to the transfer station and place it in a marked composting dumpster. Care should be exercised in handling the filled liners as they are made of compostable material and may soften when wet. It is best to tie off the liner and then dump it from your disposal container into the dumpster. Mr. Fox Composting will transport the waste to a composting site.
What do you mean by organic waste? Compostable materials are: food scraps from the table; eggshells; bread; seafood (not clam or oyster shells); fruits and vegetables (including pits and nuts); coffee grounds and filters; tea and tea bags; pizza boxes; wood stirrers; sugar packets; paper napkins, plates and towels; waxed paper linings; flowers and floral trimmings; corn based cups and utensils; and corks. Items not on this list are not currently compostable.
How do I participate? If you are interested in participating in the pilot program call Durham Public Works at 868-5578 and ask to be place on the pilot program list. You will be asked for your name, address and telephone number so we can contact you with updates and additional coordination. We are planning to conduct the pilot program with 50-100 residences. If the program proves successful, we hope to expand it to as many residences as possible.
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2014 ROAD PROGRAM
The 2014 Road Program Bid was mailed out to prospective bidders and advertised in the paper this week. Sealed bids are due Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 2PM.
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Work picked up this week at the Town Hall site made possible by the mild weather.
Courtesy Craig Stevens
TOWN HALL PROJECT
With the milder winter weather, significant progress was made this week at the new Town Hall site. Pictures highlight the installation of concrete footings and walls in the main lobby, elevator, stairway, public rest rooms, and basement storage areas. The smaller/shorter concrete box is part of the new elevator shaft. Concrete footings and walls for the new Council Chambers are scheduled to be installed next week.
Courtesy Craig Stevens
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ARREST DATA
On a number of occasions, Chief Police Chief David Kurz has explained that data focusing upon arrests in Durham is very unique and warrants a detailed explanation.
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 2013 arrest data:
Durham Police: 497– 47%
UNH Police: 522– 50%
State Agencies: 32- 3%
Total: 1,051–100%
Students: 617 - 59%
Non-Students: 434 - 41%
Total: 1,051-100%
In past years the New Hampshire State Police had assigned a trooper to the Durham area but the past economic realities eliminated that position and the arrest data reflects that loss of personnel. However, 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. Albeit significantly curtailed, these resources often allow the Durham Police to focus upon the impacts of the alcohol abuses in residential neighborhoods.
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 Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs determines student status. When compiled, UNH officials then schedule meetings between each UNH student arrested and their respective academic deans to reinforce the academic and social obligations of students as responsible residents of Durham. Letters are also sent home to all minors arrested in 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.
With the commencement of 2014, 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 2013. It is clear the most active months in terms of activity are April, September, and in October. When the weather turns cold, activity decreases.
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FLAG DONATED TO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Long-time Durham resident Dick Gsottschneider presented Chief Kurz with an American Flag that had flown over the United States Capital in Washington, DC. As a veteran, Dick discussed with Chief Kurz how proud he would be to have the flag fly at the Durham Police facility. The police are planning to do so for a short time and then have the flag boxed and preserved in the department’s meeting room.
Thanks Dick for this thoughtful and patriotic gesture!
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STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS
The State of the University Address will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2014. Doors open at 12:40 PM for the speech by UNH President Mark Huddleston in the Granite State Room of the MUB. The speech begins at 1 PM. The address is open to the entire Durham community.
The address can also we watched on line live at: http://www.unh.edu/president/state-university.
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HUNTING IN DURHAM – SHOOTING IS PROHIBITED ON TOWN PROPERTY
There have been a limited number of occasions where hikers encounter persons hunting in Durham. While the Durham Police have indicated this is a rarely reported event, it does occur on occasion, especially during deer season which was November 13th through December 8th last year or more recently, duck season along the Wagon Hill walking trails when the Coastal Zone waterfowl season is open on October 3rd and ran through October 14th and then reopened November 19th through January 5, 2014. Several people have inquired, after seeing duck hunters in boats off the shoreline of Wagon Hill, whether this is a legal activity. Under New Hampshire hunting regulations it is lawful as the “coastal hunting zone” includes the Great Bay as well as the various inlets including the Oyster River.
The only reference to hunting in Durham’s Town Ordinance is found in Article II section 63 entitled “Shooting” which states that “Shooting of any kind is prohibited at any time on town property, including the town dump and the town gravel pit.” The ordinance goes on to define shooting as, “The ejection, propelling or driving forth of any object, such as but not limited to a bullet or arrow, by any force whatsoever, including but not limited to a sudden release of tension, as in a bowstring, or an explosion or expanding gases, as in a rifle or other firearm, or by any other means.”
If residents walking or hiking encounter hunters, it certainly is advisable to inform them of your presence. As always, if anyone is concerned about the activity they see and desire clarification, the Durham Police can be contacted at 868-2324 or via 911.
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The Newmarket Mills - Courtesy Eric Gendron
COME LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROPOSED MILLS SCENIC BYWAY
Representatives from the Strafford Regional Planning Commission will hold a public hearing about the proposed Mills Scenic Byway on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 7 - 9PM, at the Durham Public Library, 49 Madbury Road. Members of the public and interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing and provide comments and constructive feedback relative to this proposed project. Upon completion of the public hearing, the State Byway Council will consider designation of the Byway at its next meeting, to be held on May 8, 2014.
The proposed Mills Scenic Byway is a 12.1 mile route that travels through the Towns of Newmarket, Durham, Madbury, and Rollinsford. This route offers a clear depiction of small, yet vital communities, located along the coastal shores of the Lamprey, Oyster, Bellamy, Salmon Falls, and Cocheco Rivers while retaining the character and appeal of historic mill towns. These charming scenes paint an illustration of New England river towns that possess a past that has seen a steady transformation from early sawmills to a thriving textile industry, which has in turn given way to dozens of smaller businesses and residential opportunities.
In the spring of 2012, all four participating communities endorsed the Mills Scenic Byway’s proposed designation by writing letters of support, which were signed by each governing body. The Byway was then given conditional approval by the NH Scenic and Cultural Byway Council on November 6, 2013. In order for the Council to officially designate the Mills Scenic Byway as a state byway a public hearing is required.
For more information, contact Kyle Pimental, SRPC Senior Regional Planner, 603-994-3500, kpimental@strafford.org.
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BARN AVAILABLE
As part of the Orion Development that is now being reviewed by the Planning Board, the barn on the property will be demolished or removed. Unfortunately, the developer was not able to incorporate the barn into their plans for the project. After many months of discussion, the Historic District Commission approved removal of the barn to accommodate the high-quality development plan. The barn would be available at no cost to any party interested in relocating it. Contact Michael Behrendt, Durham Director of Planning & Community Development, with any questions at 868-8064.
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CHURCHILL RINK AT JACKSON'S LANDING SKATE SCHEDULE
For details on the schedule, please go to https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/churchillrink or call the rink at 868-3907.
Public Skate Schedule:
Sundays: 12:00 - 1:45pm
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2:00 - 3:20pm
Tuesdays:12:00 - 4:20pm
Thursdays: 12:00 - 1:50pm
Saturday: 2:00 - 3:45pm
Open Stick & Puck (unstructured hockey)
Sunday thru Friday: 11:00 - 11:50am
Adult Drop In
Sundays: 9:30 - 10:50am
Monday & Wednesday: 12:00 - 1:20 pm
Fridays: 12:00 - 1:20pm AND 8:00 - 9:20pm
Family Pond Hockey (Helmet required)
Saturday nights, 7:00 - 8:30 pm (except for Dec 28th)
For more information, contact Gary at Rink Services Group, 603-868-3907, gary@rinkservicesgroup.com.
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THE LATEST PRODUCTIONS FROM DCAT STUDIOS
Durham Day 2013 - Sunday’s @ 1:30 & 7:00 PM - Total run time: 11:09
Join your friends from the Town of Durham at their annual picnic. Hop on a boat and learn a wee bit about local oysters. Hear music from Bliss as you take a tour of the festivities. Do the Town Councilors actually cook your burgers & hot dogs….maybe? This video from DCAT 22 Studios is also available on the Town’s On Demand site.
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The Architecture of Durham with Michael Behrendt - Sunday’s @ 4:00 PM & 8:30 PM
Join Durham Town Planner Michael Behrendt for “The Architecture of Durham, New Hampshire: Iconic structures, recent projects, and current proposals.” A special highlight will be photos of Dorothy and Murray Straus’ extraordinary organic-style house. Michael is the author of The Architectural Jewels of Rochester, New Hampshire: A History of the Built Environment.
This video from DCAT 22 Studios is also available on the Town’s On Demand site.
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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.
Economic Development Committee - Tuesday, January 21, 2014. To view agenda and other information, click HERE.
Planning Board - Wednesday, January 22, 2014. To view agenda and other information, click HERE. Note, the Orion project will have a blasting expert speak to the Planning Board during review of its project this coming Wednesday.
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://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, please click HERE.
DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.
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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.
The FIRST Technical Challenge Team does a test run in the Parks & Recreation building this past weekend. Courtesy Jennifer Vetter
ROBOTS ON THE LOOSE!
FIRST Technical Challenge (FTC) Team #7948 is gearing up for their first competition on February 8th. The team is sponsored by a grant from Girl Scouts and the Motorola Foundation.
Nine girls, all Oyster River Middle School students, are meeting weekly to build their robot, which will operate autonomously and by remote control during the competition . The team is coached by Jen Serrano and mentored by Ramon Serrano and Jennifer Vetter.
FTC is a program run by a nonprofit called FIRST, whose mission is to show students of every age that science, technology, and problem-solving are not only fun and rewarding, but are proven paths to successful careers and a bright future for us all. For more information visit http://www.usfirst.org/
DPR Climbing Club - Back by popular demand, and filling up fast! Find out more HERE.
Jumpstart Your Week with Yoga - Every Monday from 6-7AM starting Jan 20. Fill out a registration form HERE.
Senior Trips – NEW! - Are you interested in taking a trip to places like Boston, New York, Foxwoods, etc.? Email: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to put your name on the mailing list.
Yoga for Seniors - Find out more HERE.
Tai Chi – Beginners - Find out more HERE.
Fitness Close to Home - Pick a class that FITS your schedule HERE.
Volunteer With DPR - Do you like being outdoors? Do you have a group looking for ways to be more involved and give back to the community? Contact: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to learn about local volunteer opportunities. Find out more HERE.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Home Energy Workshop (FREE), Thursday, Jan 23, 2014, 6:30-8:00 PM, ORHS. To register: durhambuttonup.eventbrite.com or just show up. For more information call 603-536-5030.
Durham Garden Club Discusses "Best Practices in the Garden", Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014, beginning with supper at 5:30 PM, Durham Public Library. Potluck fare will include soups, salads, breads, and desserts. Meet is FREE to the public. Non-members welcome and invited to bring a dish to share.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
The Library will be closed, Monday January 20th in honor of Martin Luther King Day. We will re-open on Tuesday January 21st at 10:00 a.m.
Baby Lap-Sit! For infants to age 2 with their caregiver, Sat. Jan.18th at 10:30 a.m. - Join us for stories, fingerplays and songs. There will be a time after for you and your baby to play and socialize with other parents and babies. This program is geared to ages 2 and under with their parent/caregiver. All are welcome
Family Movie Afternoon, “Despicable Me 2”, Sat. Jan. 18th 2:00 p.m. – Join us upstairs for this month’s movie “Despicable Me 2”! Popcorn is served and all are welcome!
DHA Presents: New England's Colonial Meetinghouses and Their Impact on American Society - Tuesday, Jan. 21st at 6:30 p.m. - The Durham Historical Association presents "New England's Colonial Meetinghouses and Their Impact on American Society," an interactive discussion led by photographer Paul Wainwright. In colonial New England, there was little distinction between faith and community. Meetinghouses were built, usually but not always through taxation, and these were used for both worship and business. They were the central focus of the community. These buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into our history. Paul will present his study of these meetinghouses, which date back to the 1700s. He explores their emptiness, as well as their wonderful sense of space and light. This project is made possible through a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities Council.
Pre-school Storytimes: Tues. Jan. 21st and Thurs. Jan. 23rd at 10:30 a.m. – The theme is: The Wild West!
Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group! Weds. Jan 22nd, 2:45-4:00 p.m. - Join us for this middle school book group. Walk from the Middle School! That month's book is "Epic" by Connor Kostick. Ruth Wharton-MacDonald is the facilitator. Books are available at the library. Pizza is served and all are welcome!
Affordable Health Care Enrollment, Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. - Do you want to sign up for the Affordable Health Care program, or just want information about it? Strafford County Navigator, Marcy Curtis and Enrollment Specialist Mary Moynihan will be here to meet with anyone who would like help navigating the website or trying to decide what is best for them. Please call the library (603-868-6699) to register for a time slot. As always at DPL, this service is free and available to anyone.
XBOX Kinect Gaming Night (ages 10 & up),Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. - Come out and test your skills with our XBOX Kinect in the Young Adult Room! Pizza is served.
Lego Club, Thurs. Jan. 23rd at 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Join us Thursdays to make Lego creations. Lego Club is in need of Lego Donations! Have any Legos that you would like to donate to the library? They will be put to good use at our very popular Lego Club.
Homeschoolers Activity Hour, Friday Jan. 24th, 10:30 a.m. – This week: Build It! We will hear books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft. This group is geared to home-schoolers but all are welcome.
Crafternoon – Fri. Jan. 24th 3:00-4:30 p.m. – Stop by the Children’s craft room on Fridays for a fun craft.
Chess and Board Game Afternoon (ages 10 & up), Monday Jan. 27th 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Join us every Monday afternoon now in the Young Adult room for a game of chess (or other board games).
Pajama Storytime, Tues. Jan. 28th, 6:30 p.m. – Join ORPP (Oyster River Parents and Pre-schoolers) and the Durham Library for this fun storytime. Wear your pajamas! This month: Snowmen! We will hear stories about snowmen, make a fun snowman craft and make a special snowman treat. All are welcome and snacks are provided by ORPP.
Joint Library Teen Writing Program! At Madbury Library!, Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. - Are you a writer, or interested in the writing process? Then come for an exciting writing workshop with author and Creative Writing Professor E. Christopher Clark, who will work with you on your writing! This event will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Madbury Public Library Meeting room. The program is being put on by the Durham, Lee, and Madbury Public Libraries. Space is limited; sign up at any of these libraries!
Bicycling Through Europe: One Durham Family's Adventures, Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. - Think about it: imagine packing up your family, notifying teachers, renting your home, hugging your friends and family good-bye and setting off on a bicycle tour of Europe! One Durham family did just that. Last year, Chris and Wendy Brooks decided to bring their children on a sight-seeing adventure through Europe. They will tell you their story, share their pictures, and perhaps inspire you to take your own journey. Join us for this exciting program.
Affordable Health Care Act Questions? Questions about the Affordable Health Care Act? Sign up or see if you can get better coverage than you have now at www.healthcare.gov. The Durham Public Library has information available and can help you get online to access the site. Please note: There are no Assisters or Navigators at the Library; we are only here to help you find information that will aid you in making your own decision.
Tales for Tails and Seacoast Reads sign-ups happening now. Contact the Children’s desk to register.
Patch Club! Earn patches and a library bag for your reading time. Register at the children’s desk.
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
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WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May
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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
1734 - A Durham charter was granted. Common lands were divided among those 21 or over who had farmed the land. A whole share was 25 acres and the cost was 8 shillings. Whole shares were purchased by 122, portions by 75. The Rev. Hugh Adams drew lots in the Meetinghouse.
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