 |
A beautiful historic cape at Durham's Old Landing almost a year ago to the day. Courtesy Todd Selig
|
_________________________
|
Town (and School) elections will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at the Oyster River High School Multipurpose Room. Polling hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
The Durham Town Council is required to post an Election Warrant for each election conducted at least fourteen (14) days prior to the election, not including the day of posting and the day of the election. One copy of the Warrant is to be posted at the election site and one copy is to be posted in one other public place.
On Monday evening, January 27, 2020, at 6:30 PM, the Council will hold a special meeting to approve the Election Warrant. The Warrant is the only item of business on the agenda. In addition to Article 1 relative to elected offices there are 15 other Article items to be voted on with respect to the Charter amendments that were originally presented to the Council for review and discussion on November 4, 2019 and which the Council held a Public Hearing on at its meeting of December 2, 2019.
The Warrant including all proposed amendments to the Town Charter, can be viewed HERE.
|
FILING PERIOD FOR ELECTIVE OFFICES COMING UP AT THE END OF JANUARY
The Town and ORCSD elections will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at the Oyster River High School. Polling hours will be from 7AM to 7PM.
The filing period for local elective offices in the Town of Durham is January 22, 2020 through January 31, 2020 at 5PM.
The following positions are open during this election cycle (the individuals listed in red have filed for the noted positions as of 5 PM on 1/24/2020):
Durham Town Council: Three (3) positions with 3-year terms - (Katherine Marple, Sally Tobias)
Library Board of Trustees: Two (2) positions with 3-year terms - (Anne Knight, Robin Glasser)
Moderator: One (1) position with 2-year term
Supervisor of the Checklist: One (1) position with 6-year term (Ann Shump) and one (1) position with 4-year term (Christian Kuhn)
Town Clerk-Tax Collector: One (1) position with 3-year term - (Lorrie Pitt)
Town Treasurer: One (1) position with 3-year term (Karl Van Asselt)
Trustee of the Trust Funds: One (1) position with 3-year term - (William C. Cote)
If you would like to learn more about any elective office, responsibilities, time commitments, etc. please give the Administrator's Office a call at (603) 858-5571 or write to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us
|
The General Sullivan house from January 2019. Courtesy Todd Selig
|
DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION PRESENTS: The Adams Family and Adams Point: "More Than Just Gundalows" - Family Life, Destination, and History.
On Saturday, January 25th at 1 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at Durham Town Hall (snow date, Sunday, January 26th), Durham native Michael Provost will present The Adams Family and Adams Point: “More Than Just Gundalows” - Family Life, Destination, and History. He will give us an up-close-and-personal account of the rise and fall of the Adams legacy, sharing information collected from local research. This event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.
|
TOWN COUNCIL GOALS UPDATE - QUARTERLY REPORT AS OF DEC. 31ST.
Administrator Selig has provided the Town Council with a progress report on quarterly goals as of 12/31/19. View the updated goals HERE.
|
TOWN COUNCIL TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING ON JANUARY 27TH
As noted above, the Durham Town Council will hold a special meeting on Monday, January 27, 2020 at 6:30 PM in the Council chambers for the sole purpose of approving and signing the March 10, 2020 Town Election Warrant.
The next regular meeting of the Town Council will be held on Monday, February 3, 2020.
|
INFORMATION FROM THE OYSTER RIVER COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT
The annual School District Deliberative Session is February 4 at 7:00 in the High School auditorium. This is an opportunity for all residents of Lee, Madbury, and Durham to learn about, discuss, and modify parts of the ballot before town and school elections on March 10. The main subjects will be the proposed middle school bond, the 2020-2021 operating budget, and a new 5 year contract between the school district and teachers' guild.
On February 4 before the Deliberative Session, the School Nutrition department will provide a FREE community dinner from 5:00-6:15, with a concert from 6:15-6:45. Child care will be provided during the deliberative session. If you plan to attend the supper or if you would like child care during the deliberative session, please sign up online HERE.
Kindergarten registration for Fall 2020 is February 3-11 at Mast Way School (603-659-3001) or Moharimet School (603-742-2900). Registering early helps the schools plan more effectively for next school year. Call either school office for more details.
|
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION ON FEBRUARY 11TH
We still need quite a few volunteers for election day (Feb. 11). If you are interested in helping, contact the Town Clerk’s office either via phone (868-5577) or email (lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us) and someone will get in touch with you. We especially need help with registering new voters and with checking voters in. These two jobs require some training. However, there are other jobs that do not require training. Please consider helping out!
|
MAKE SURE YOU REGISTER TO VOTE FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY BY FEBRUARY 4TH; OTHERWISE YOU’LL HAVE TO REGISTER SAME DAY AT THE POLLS
From the Supervisors of the Checklist: The Presidential Primary is only 2 ½ weeks away (February 11)! The Supervisors are very busy preparing the checklist so that it will be as complete as possible on election day.
If you are not registered yet, please do so before the deadline of February 4. If you wait any longer than that you will have to register at the polls where you may have to wait in a long line. You may register at the Durham Town Hall any time they are open, which is 8:00 – 4:30 every day.
Whether you register there or at the election, please bring proofs of identity (photo ID), age (must be 18 by election day), citizenship (passport/passcard, birth certificate, naturalization papers), and domicile (driver’s license, lease, car registration, mail, etc.). If you do not have one or more of these, affidavits are available to sign under oath.
Besides registering with the Town Clerk or at the polls on election day, the Supervisors will also be available at the following times:
- Wednesday January 29 from 11:00 – 1:30 at UNH at Holloway Commons;
- Tuesday February 4 from 6:30 – 7:00 in the auditorium at ORHS just prior to the school deliberative session.
|
PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS TO BE PLACED ON THE MARCH 10, 2020 TOWN ELECTION BALLOT
On Monday, December 2, 2019, the Durham Town Council held a public hearing at its regular meeting relative to various proposed amendments to the Durham Town Charter for placement on the March 10, 2020 Town Election ballot.
For the past several years, the Administrator’s Office has been accumulating various Charter amendments that have been identified as needing to be made. Amendments to the Town Charter were last made in March 2009. In addition, the town’s attorney, Laura Spector-Morgan, has also reviewed the Charter and has identified other areas within the Charter she felt could also be amended.
Below is a link to the draft language and format of amendments that are being recommended by unanimous vote of the Town Council for placement on the Town Election ballot for March 10, 2020. Explanations for each of the recommended changes are provided here for the Council’s information but cannot legally be placed on the election ballot itself.
The most significant change is an increase in the bond threshold requiring a referendum vote of the Town. The current bond threshold of $1,000,000.00 has been in existence since the adoption of the Charter in 1987. One recommended amendment would raise the cap to reflect the rate of inflation since that time, which in today’s dollars would be $2,288,768.96. (Rounded to $2,300,000.00). In essence, $1 million today does not buy what it once did almost 33 years ago.
View the recommended Charter changes HERE.
|
Sunrise through trees in the Merrick Wood conservation area off Bagdad Road. Courtesy Todd Selig
|
SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION OF COURT CASE BROUGHT AGAINST A LOCAL LANDLORD FOR VIOLATION OF DURHAM’S OCCUPANCY REGULATIONS ON COE DRIVE - Fines assessed totaling $6,500 plus other conditions.
The Code Enforcement Department is pleased to announce the successful resolution of a court case brought by the Town against a local landlord for violation of Durham’s zoning occupancy regulations.
In many zoning districts, Durham restricts occupancy of a dwelling unit to a maximum of three unrelated people. The purpose of this restriction is to discourage activity that is not consistent with the surrounding neighborhood, such as a high volume of traffic and associated parking issues, loud gatherings (particularly in the later hours), and an abundance of trash that must be properly managed by a household.
A local landlord who owns several rentals in Durham came under an enforcement action due to compelling evidence that more than three unrelated people were living at this landlord’s Coe Drive property. After lengthy negotiations, a Settlement Agreement was reached wherein the landlord has been assessed $6,500 in fines. Additionally, as long as the landlord owns the property, a copy of the leases and vehicle information for the tenants must be provided to the Town.
The Code Enforcement Department would be happy to speak with any Durham landlords or tenants if there are questions or concerns about the occupancy regulations. Code Officer Audrey Cline can be reached at 868-8064, or acline@ci.durham.nh.us
To view the Settlement Agreement outlining the particulars of the case, click HERE.
|
DURHAM’S NEW HOUSING COMMITTEE - A subcommittee of the EDC seeks members.
The Town of Durham’s Economic Development Committee has created a subcommittee to study housing affordability, diversity, and supply and ensure Durham’s future housing needs are met. As Durham is part of a greater region facing a housing crisis, the EDC wanted to explore and analyze Durham’s current housing stock and future housing needs. Durham’s new Housing Committee is modeled after Exeter’s Housing Advisory Committee (learn more about that here: www.exeternh.gov/bcc-hac). Like Exeter’s committee, the Durham committee will inform town leaders serving on Town Council, Planning Board, Zoning Board, and other town boards and committees, as a valuable resource. The new Housing Committee, which will function as a subcommittee of the Economic Development Committee. It will spend 2020 collecting data, drafting a report to town leaders, and crafting recommendations for steps forward.
If you're interested in joining the committee and being part of this process, please complete an application today by clicking HERE.
Link to the overview of the new Housing Subcommittee on the Celebrate Durham web site by clicking HERE.
View the charge of the new Housing Subcommittee by clicking HERE.
|
Sergeant Danny Brooks. Courtesy Durham PD
|
OFFICER LEAVES DURHAM POLICE TO TAKE POSITION AS DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF IN BARRINGTON, NH
Chief Kurz has mixed emotions about the resignation of Sergeant Danny Brooks as he accepts the Deputy Chief position at the Barrington Police Department. While excited for the opportunity this offers Danny in his professional career, Sgt. Brooks is largely responsible for the development of an outstanding firearms and use of force curriculum over the years and has guided the agency with the purchase and deployment of the Taser program as well as the ongoing updating/replacement program. As a patrol supervisor his mentoring and coaching for a number of younger staff is clearly noted and has had positive impacts at a variety of levels as he and his staff provides services to the Durham community. He will be missed.
The Town of Durham has had a great run of talented Durham officers taking leadership positions with other departments – a chief in Newington, a chief in North Hampton, and now the Deputy Chief in Barrington.
|
A MARRIAGE AT DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT
Detective Brett Pestana recently married Nicole Moore last summer. Brett’s new wife Nicole is a communications dispatch supervisor for the Dover Police. The couple was married in Jackson, New Hampshire with a number of Durham Officers attending. Congratulations to Brett and Nicole on their nuptials!
|
DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT - Assistant Clerk Vacancy-Regular Part -Time Position
The Durham, New Hampshire Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Regular Part -Time Assistant Clerk. The applicant selected to serve as Assistant Clerk will provide support services to this nationally accredited police department. Hours for this position will be Monday through Friday, 12 PM to 5 PM. This position pays $17.00/hour for 25 hours of work each week. The anticipated date of hire is FEBRUARY 17, 2020. Interviews will be scheduled for Thursday and Friday, January 30th and 31st. This position provides paid days off. There are no other benefits.
The part time Assistant Clerk duties will include receiving customers, typing, key boarding and data entry, record keeping, telephone, some radio communications and other duties as assigned. A qualified applicant must have demonstrable skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Candidates with an Associate’s Degree or equivalent credits earned are preferred. Candidates should have outstanding verbal and written skills, a strong attention to detail and be able to demonstrate a high level of organizational skill.
Applicants must be 18 years old by the anticipated date of appointment.
Visible piercings other than earrings are not allowed. Tattoos that cannot be covered up while wearing short sleeve shirts or short pants will disqualify a candidate.
Town of Durham Applications, Cover Letters, and Resumes must be received by
Captain David Holmstock by the close of business on Friday, January 24, 2020 at: Durham Police Department, 86 Dover Road, Durham, New Hampshire 03824
Applications may be obtained on the town website at:
https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/police/employment-information
The Durham Police Department is an equal opportunity employer.
|
DURHAM POLICE COMPLETE THEIR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PLAN
As part of the agency’s accredited status, the Durham Police must update their Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) plan annually. The EEO is a document that is designed to analyze the relevant labor market data for the Durham Police as well as their employment practices to identify possible barriers to the participation of women and minorities in all levels of the department. Its purpose is to ensure the opportunity for full and equal participation of men and women in the workplace, regardless of race, color, or national origin. Additionally, the plan enables the Durham Police to confidently state that they practice equal employment which means there is a greater advantage to attracting qualified and dedicated candidates. Secondly, the department decreases the chances of facing a discrimination or wrongful discharge or hiring lawsuit. Finally, it is an accepted premise that an organization that ensures equal employment for all increases the chances that it will have a diverse workforce. This results in many positive implications for organizational productivity, creativity and ultimately provides the best possible services to the Durham community. The annual report can be viewed HERE.
|
2019 INTERNAL AFFAIRS REVIEW AND STATISTICAL SUMMARY FOR DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW
As part of its national accreditation requirements through the Commission for Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), the Durham Police Department prepares numerous reports each year to track important issues. As they say in LEAN, if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!
This year the department conducted no Internal Affairs Investigations from January – December 2019. This is the fourth year in a row that the department has no investigations rise to the level needed for an internal investigation by the department.
The department did, however, have three informational complaints filed against Durham officers in 2019. Two of the complaints were determined to be “Minor” in nature and one was determined to be “Serious” in nature. You can review the complaints and actions taken by clicking HERE.
|
DURHAM ENERGY COMMITTEE MEETING - Special Architects Presentation of Middle School Plans February 5
The Durham Energy Committee is proud to announce a presentation of the plans for Durham's new middle school at its meeting on Feb 5, 2020 in the Council Chambers. Ron Lamarre, Principal Architect at Lavallee Brensinger and Todd Allen, ORCSD Assistant Superintendent, will give a presentation regarding energy-related details of the proposed “Net Zero” Oyster River Middle School. The half-hour presentation will open the 7:00 p.m. meeting, with a question-and-answer period to follow, and will focus on energy-related details of the building.
The public is warmly encouraged to attend this meeting. For those unable to be there in person, the meeting will be broadcast live on DCAT Cable Channel 22 and will be available afterward in the Energy Committee section of the DCAT website. Please join us for a great opportunity to learn about the building and to ask questions.
|
Recently many trees were painted with orange spray paint without permission on Town, UNH, and NH Fish and Game land. Courtesy Ellen Snyder
|
SPRAY-PAINTED TREES ALONG TRAIL ROUTE WITHOUT PERMISSION CREATES SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS FOR TOWN AND CONSERVATION PARTNERS
Recently someone used bright orange spray paint and sprayed round orange blobs on many trees on the Town’s Stevens Woods, UNH’s MacDonald Lot, and abutting NH Fish and Game land. Presumably this was done to mark the trails. However, this is a major violation of trail etiquette. Chiefly, this person has marked trees on these properties without permission. The markings are quite frequent along the route and impact many, many trees, creating an unsightly and damaging impact. The Town has been working cooperatively with UNH and NHFG to build sustainable and interesting trail networks, balancing trail users interests with protecting wildlife habitat, water quality, research and educational sites. By marking these trees, this person has jeopardized these good relations and it is more likely to lead to fewer trails not more. Vandalism such as this is not acceptable. If anyone has information about this tree painting, please contact the Town Administrator’s office at 868-5571.
|
WINTER TRAIL TROMP SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH, 10 AM – 1 PM
It's time to get outside and explore! On February 8th starting at 10:00 am head out on the trails around Durham to get your trail passportstamped. The goal of the Tromp is to go somewhere you haven't been close to home. There will be groups of volunteers at four different town conservation lands waiting to stamp your passport. Get all four sections of your passport stamped and head back into town to and check out the businesses that help put on the day. Each of the spots can be reached by foot, ski, fat bike, or snow shoe from parking areas near the trail heads.
The route is also designed so that it can be done in one continuous loop for those looking for a challenge.
Keep an eye out for more details about locations. Trail Tromp Passports and Maps can be picked up at Oyster River Cycle and Sport and other participating businesses starting on February 4th.
|
A view of the Great Bay Estuary. Courtesy PREP
|
UPCOMING 2020 COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT PLAN PUBLIC DISCUSSION INPUT SESSIONS FOR THE GREAT BAY ESTUARY HOSTED BY PREP
The Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) is updating the region’s Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan – a guiding document that addresses current and emerging issues impacting the water quality and environmental health of our estuaries – Great Bay and Hampton-Seabrook. PREP invites members of the public to join them for one of two open house sessions in February for discussions of how PREP is working to presere, protect, and enhance our estuaries. Interested in reviewing the document and providing comment? Please visit: prepestuaries.org/ccmp-public-comment-period-open-dec-23-mar-13
Sessions are free and light refreshments will be provided.
- Feb 10, 2020 5:00-7:00 PM, Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center 89 Depot Road, Greenland, NH
- Feb 13, 2020 6:00-8:00 PM, St. James Masonic Lodge 77 Tide Mill Road, Hampton, NH
|
INTERMITTENT TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION LINE PROBLEMS IN DURHAM FOR EMERGENCY ALARMS IN LOCAL BUSINESSES/HOMES
The Durham Fire Department has observed intermittent telephone line problems in Town and on Campus that have disrupted the ability for fire alarm systems to contact their communications centers which often results in an alarm system trouble signal being sent for missing a “check-in”. The fire department does follow up on such calls for non-emergency service. As the telephone problem appears to have increased in frequency, the fire department requests residents, property owners, and landlords/property managers to ask people to call 911 if their alarms are activated due to an emergency. A telephone call to E911 is a recommendation to increase resiliency in communications and to ensure timely notification to emergency services. The fire department is working with the telephone company to ensure that the problem is corrected and asks telephone customers to contact their provider directly if they experience telephone service interruptions.
|
HANDS-ON FRUIT PRUNING MENTORSHIP THROUGH THE DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION
Starting in February, Bryan Cassidy of the Durham Agricultural Commission will be pruning fruit trees in Durham and Lee and is welcoming anyone who wishes to join in to learn techniques, advice, and fun outside. Blueberry, Peach, Apple, Pear, Raspberry, and yes, restoring old apple trees as well. Bryan hopes by sharing and connecting with community members others may feel empowered to care for their own fruit trees, maybe their neighbors, or begin planting anew. Bryan will be pruning within the months of February and March. Please write in for more details, questions or interest to learn from Bryan at mailto:bryancassidy77@gmail.com
|
ALZHEIMER'S/DEMENTIA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP AVAILABLE
Please join Meghan Wentworth, Memory Care Manager, and Officer Holly Malasky, of the Durham Police Department, for an Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group. The group takes place every second Wednesday of the Month, from 6pm to 7:30pm, in the UNH Room at Brookdale Spruce Wood. Our caregiver support group creates a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. It gives a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. It also educates and informs participants about dementia and helps participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. This group encourages caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical, and emotional health as well as optimally care for the persons with dementia. For more information and to register please contact Meghan at mailto:meghan.wentworth@brookdale.com or by telephone at 603-841-6068.
|
RESIDENTIAL MAIL DELIVERY DURHAM WINTER MONTHS
Please be sure to shovel out around your mailbox as shown in the illustration above.
The US Postal Service asks residents to please shovel out access to their mailboxes, whether their mail delivery is curbside along the road or a pathway and up stairs to their house, so that letter carriers can deliver mail safely. In addition, mail carriers aWire out late after dark delivering packages so residents are asked to leave their porch lights on. I've attached the official postal form notice. Customers that don't clear out access to their mailboxes will not receive mail.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday January 30th, at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, ORHS Poetry Out Loud Contest!
All are welcome. Will be held in the community room.
Saturday, February 1st, at 10:30 am, Take Your Child to the Library Day!
The Mariposa Museum will be here for a special program "World Games Day"
Also, drop by to the Library between 11:30 and 2:00 for a scavenger hunt and craft, decorate a bookmark.
Tuesday, February 4th, at 6:00 pm, Local author talk,
The Sketches of Lee Collection: Volume Two"The Colored Folks Ain't Gonna Make It" A Black New Hampshire Experience with Michael Cameron Ward
Join DPL for a window into a local family's existence as the "Index of Integration" in rural New Hampshire from the late 50's until the present time. Ward's stories will make you reflect on the commonality of the human experience.This program may contain mature language. Open to all. No registration required. Books will be available to purchase.
Monday February 10th, 7:00-8:00 pm, Mindful Meditation with Jiong Jiong Hu,
This month's focus:When things fall apart
Each session invites you to tune inward, explore the secret power of self-care and healing through gentle inquiry, mindful breathing and reflection. This opportunity provides time and space for you to learn tools to calm and balance your body and mind in midst of life's challenges.No registration required! All are welcome!
|
|
|
|
|
|
*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."
________________________
1958 - A brick Federal building was dedicated to Dwight Eisenhower, the upper floor housing federal projects and the lower floor the most office. In 1975 our post office did $391,000 business, having 21 employees. In the lobby are historical murals, gift of the Woman's Club of Durham.
|
Code Officer Audrey Cline captured this photo after a buff colored blur crossed Durham Point Road in front of her vehicle just east of the transfer station on Thursday. She assumed she had seen a deer, but it was this handsome coyote! Courtesy Audrey Cline
|
Do consider attending the very interesting upcoming program sponsored by the Durham Historic Association tomorrow afternoon -- The Adams Family and Adams Point: "More Than Just Gundalows" - Family Life, Destination, and History -- on Saturday, January 25th at 1 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at Durham Town Hall!
The Durham Historic Association is the keep of Durham's history.
And ... we hope to have the 2019 year end gross wages for Town employees and officials paid by the municipality prepared for next week.
|
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?
---
|
|
|
|
|
|
