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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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Enjoying Wagon Hill Farm late on a Saturday afternoon. Courtesy Todd Selig
Wagon Hill Farm was a place for meeting, greeting, and having fun for humans and pets alike this past weekend. Here, a resident (right) throws a tennis ball, pictured above the wagon, to dog "Picabo" who is under her owner's verbal command :-)
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COUNCIL TO TAKE UP RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF BASING THE NEW AIR FORCE TANKER KC-46A AT THE PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE LOCATED AT THE PEASE INTERNATIONAL TRADEPORT/AIRPORT, NEWINGTON, NH
The Pease Air National Guard Base, located at Pease International Tradeport/Airport in Newington, NH, has been selected as one of five National Guard finalists for basing of the new Air Force tanker, the KC-46A. Over the next several weeks a site survey team is going to spend a week at each location verifying the information that was submitted. In March, that team will make its recommendation to the Air Force. It is hoped than an announcement will be made this summer.
Basing of the KC-46A at Pease would mean long-term stability for the New Hampshire Air National Guard. It would also mean growth as the National Guard would expand from its current fleet of eight aircraft to a new fleet of twelve. This expansion would mean additional jobs, both full and part-time. The number of Active Duty Air Force personnel assigned to Pease would also increase, as potentially another seventy slots could be added.
The Air Force team believes that one of the strong selling points is that Pease is in a highly desirable location that will help the Air Force recruit and retain its people. They also want to emphasize their strong relationships with the local communities.
Based on data that the NH Air National Guard has seen, the KC-46A should be quieter than the KC-135Rs that the NH National Guard currently fly. The KC-135Rs have similar engines to those on Boeing 737s. The KC-46A is based on the Boeing 767, and it shares the same commercial engines that are on the 767-300 model (it will have only two engines instead of four).
The R-Model KC-135 is a relatively quiet aircraft, and the NH Air National Guard has voluntary "good neighbor" policies in place to minimize its noise in the local area (for example, they do not fly any practice approaches during the overnight hours, they remain at higher altitudes when flying over Durham, and they do not descend down to their lowest minimum altitudes on some practice approaches).
The NH Air National Guard does not anticipate a big change in the number of flights over Pease. They will be growing in size from eight aircraft to twelve, but it is anticipated that much of their training will be done in a new, state-of-the-art simulator (producing cost savings). Also, the KC-46A will have a cargo hauling capability that the KC-135 does not possess. It is possible that they will spend significantly more time away from home station, so there will likely be fewer takeoffs and landing at Pease.
The new KC-46A’s will also produce fewer emissions and are more fuel-efficient which is consistent with the Council’s goal of economic and environmental sustainability.
The Council will consider a resolution Monday evening expressing support for the selection of the NH Air National Guard Base at Pease for the new KC-46A’s.
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COUNCIL TO CONDUCT ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATOR SELIG IN PUBLIC SESSION
Pursuant to Section 17 of Administrator Selig’s Employment Agreement [which was specifically requested to be included in the Employment Agreement by Mr. Selig] with the Town: “Commencing in April of 2011, and each succeeding April thereafter, the Town Council and Selig shall mutually establish goals and objectives [these are the approved 2011-2012 Town Council goals] which they deem necessary and appropriate for the proper management of the Town during the succeeding twelve (12) months. Such goals and objectives shall be committed to writing and formally adopted by the Town Council. . . Commencing in January 2012, and for each January thereafter, the Town Council shall review/evaluate Selig’s performance in accord with the criteria provided to Selig by the Town the preceding April. The Town Council shall provide Selig with a written summary of this Annu al Performance Evaluation and shall provide Selig with an opportunity to discuss this evaluation with the Town Council.”
On January 7, 2013 the Council discussed the approach it would take to conduct Mr. Selig’s 2012 performance evaluation. Councilors decided to use the same process as in 2011 in which the Council utilized a one page evaluation form/matrix outlining key elements of importance and ranking the administrator’s performance (on a scale of 1 to 5) for each of these elements which included five categories: Ability to maintain or improve strong relationships, Financial oversight and Initiative, Leadership, Initiative, and Other. Rankings included: 5=Excellent, 4=Very Good, 3=Good, 2=Acceptable, 1=Unacceptable. The objective of this process is to develop a consensus of the Council regarding the performance of the Administrator over the course of the previous year and to offer collective guidance (one voice to the extent possible) for the upcoming year.
On January 8, 2013 Council members were provided the matrix via email in Microsoft Word format and were asked to return their responses electronically to Council Chair Jay Gooze by January 18th. Chair Gooze then compiled the responses and distributed them electronically to each Councilor in advance of the January 28th Council meeting at which time the Council and Mr. Selig are scheduled to discuss the results.
To review the consolidated matrix that incorporates the results submitted by Council members, as well as responses that were provided, click HERE.
Only Mr. Selig’s annual performance evaluation is required to be completed in 2013 as the Council approved a resolution in 2011 (Resolution #2011-05) approving his employment agreement for a period of three years extending from 1/1/11 to 12/31/13 and establishing his base annual salary. Per the contract terms, Mr. Selig has formally notified Council members that he would like to commence contract renewal discussions with the Town Council for the period commencing January 1, 2014 and this portion of the process is scheduled to occur between the Council and Mr. Selig in February.
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2012 EMPLOYEE SALARY INFORMATION
A 2012 report of annual Durham employee gross wages and taxable benefits is currently available on the Town web site. To view the 2012 report click HERE. Gross wages include: overtime, special detail pay, merit pay, holiday pay, sick leave bonus pay, longevity pay, insurance credit, and miscellaneous stipends. Taxable benefits include: short and long-term disability payments, car allowance, and matching retirement deductions.
While the Town is under no obligation to create a report that is not already on file, it is important to facilitate the release of this information in an easily understandable format for residents. Employee titles were added to make it easier for the lay person to understand. The report also includes elected officials who receive a stipend for service.
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A MESSAGE FOR PROSPECTIVE TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES
Citizens who may be considering running for the three Town Council seats in March are invited to contact any of the current Town Council members or the Town Administrator (868-5571) to obtain information about and discuss what serving as a Councilor involves. Click on the following link to access the telephone numbers for current Council members:
https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/towncouncil/current-council-members
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2013 MARCH TOWN ELECTION WARRANT AND OFFICE FILING PERIOD
The 2013 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the Oyster River High School. Polling hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Individuals interested in running for positions within Town government may do so during the filling period beginning Wednesday, January 23, 2012 and ending at 5:00 PM on Friday, February 1, 2013. For more information, please contact the Durham Town Clerk's Office at 868-5577.
The following positions will be available for citizens who might choose to become involved in Durham Town government:
Town Council 3 positions (3-year terms)
Library Board of Trustees 3 positions (3-year terms)
Trustees of the Trust Funds 1 position (3-year term)
The following is a list of citizens to date that have filed for the Durham elected offices:
Town Council: Jay Gooze, Wayne Burton, Carden Welsh
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In addition to the above, a $2,500,000 bond referendum question will also be on the ballot relative to the replacement of sludge dewatering equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The question, and an explanation for the equipment replacement, will appear on the ballot as follows:
ARTICLE II
"Are you in favor of authorizing the issuance of not more than $2,500,000 of bonds or notes, issued in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33), for the replacement of the sludge dewatering equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and to authorize the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon. 2/3 vote required."
Reason for Proposed Bond: Durham’s wastewater sludge dewatering facility, located at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, dewaters the slurry of liquid and solids, otherwise known as sludge, which is removed during the wastewater treatment process. The facility’s sludge dewatering equipment had an expected life span of twenty years. It is now in its twenty-sixth year of operation and has exceeded its useable life. This improvement is included as part of the plant’s Facility Master Plan. Funding will be shared 1/3 Durham - 2/3 UNH in accordance with the Water and Wastewater Systems Agreement dated November 2005 between the Town of Durham and the University of New Hampshire.
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OYSTER RIVER COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTED OFFICES
The Oyster River Cooperative School District has two "At-Large" School Board member positions and one Moderator position on its ballot for the March 13th Town/School Election.
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JANUARY 28TH TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA CHANGE
The Town Council will meet on Monday, January 28, 2013 beginning at 7PM in the Council chambers at Town Hall. Because of the amount of items on the agenda to be addressed, the "Councilor and Administrator Roundtable" and "Extended Councilor and Administrator Roundtable" items have been removed from the January 28th agenda. Therefore, the Public Comments portion of the agenda will begin NOT EARLIER THAN 7:15 PM for those attending the meeting who would like to speak at that time.
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TRANSFER STATION DEDICATION - JANUARY 28TH COUNCIL MEETING
At the January 28th Town Council Meeting the Transfer Station and Recycling Center will officially be dedicated to the late Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. The dedication will take place at the beginning of the meeting.
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DURHAM/UNH WATER SYSTEM DISCUSSION - January 28, 2013
On Monday evening, November 19th, the Town Council scheduled a discussion concerning the Durham/UNH public water system and a recent report written by Town Councilor David Howland for January 28, 2013 as part of the regular Council meeting that evening.
Building on his presentation to the Council on October 1, Town Councilor David Howland has authored a report that offers an analysis from his perspective and some recommendations concerning the water system – its sources, state environmental regulations, and emergency drought measures. To view the report, click HERE.
For additional information on the Spruce Hole well project, click HERE.
The October 1 presentations are also viewable on DCAT.
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DURHAM SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST - MEETINGS TO ACCEPT NEW VOTERS AND MAKE CORRECTIONS TO THE CHECKLIST
The Durham Supervisors of the Checklist will meet at the Town Hall on Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 10:30-11:30 AM to accept new voters and to make corrections to the checklist. Changes in party registration can also be made at this time. Prospective voters are required by law to show proof of identity, age (18 by the Election day), 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 in proofs are lacking.
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DURHAM GREAT BAY ROTARY CLUB OFFERS UPCOMING SPEAKER OPPORTUNITY
On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, the club will host Sharon Meeker who will talk about the Lamprey River Management and Protection program.
The Durham Great Bay Rotary Club meets weekly at the Three Chimneys Inn every Wednesday at 7:30 AM. The club welcomes visitors and encourages anyone interested in learning more about the organization to attend.
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2013 TRANSFER STATION PERMITS
Residents please remember to get your 2013 Transfer Station Permits if you have not done so already. They are available at the Public Works Office as well as the Town Clerk’s Office, Residents will need to provide their license plate numbers and registrations. If residents only need a bulky waste coupon or electronics sticker, they may get them and their 2013 permits at the Public Works Office only.
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ENERGY MASTER PLAN CHAPTER AT THE PLANNING BOARD FEBRUARY 13
Members of the Durham Energy Committee introduced a brand-new chapter of the Master Plan to the Planning Board on January 23. A public hearing on the draft is set for February 13. As a one-page highlights of the chapter notes, "This chapter of the Master Plan presents a vision to guide the Town’s decisions and policies around energy use. As we look to the challenges facing Durham and its neighboring communities in the next ten, twenty, and fifty years, one of our priorities must be to realize a vision of being a sustainable and resilient community. The Town Council has acknowledged this priority in its set of goals. Progress toward achieving this vision will determine Durham’s capacity to survive, adapt, or grow in the face of changes in energy supplies, environmental conditions, and the international economic landscape." To review and download documents prior to the public hearing, click HERE.
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DURHAM’S FRIDAY DEALS
Friday Deals are offered by Downtown merchants. Click HERE to see the deals on food, health, and services that are being offered. Shop locally and support area business. Money spent locally stays local.
If your business has a Friday deal to offer please send it to Ken Entz at sentz@comcast.net.
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Top of elevator shaft, awaiting tapered insulation and membrane. Courtesy Walter Rous
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
The high temperature at the library site this week was 27 degrees, the low was 6. Today, a bazillion BTU heater was delivered to provide temporary heat. Everyone was ecstatic.
Work on the exterior of the library included framing of the south and west facing porch roofs and installing a membrane roof on top of the elevator shaft. About 25 years ago, flat roofs stopped being the significant liability they had been with the introduction of the single membrane roof. When you can cover a roof with a seamless material, leaks are enormously minimized.
On the interior, work included extending sprinkler lines into the attic of the house, beginning construction of the stair from the basement, completing the window installation and framing the ceiling soffits. The soffits are drops in the ceiling meant to define different spaces and to conceal piping and ductwork. Another major interior work item was the initiation of the installation (called “hanging”) of the gypsum wall board (GWB), commonly known as Sheetrock or drywall. Prior to 1950, it took lathers and plasterers days to create a firm, flat foundation for wall finishes such as paint and wallpaper. Now, with these paper-wrapped gypsum panels, the same work can be done in a fraction of the time. Starting Tuesday of this week, the drywall sub-contractor began with the ceiling of the Children’s Craft Room and, by the end of the week, had comp leted most of the ceilings on the first and second floor.
The ceiling under the community room is hung on resilient channels for sound control. Courtesy Walter Rous
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PUBLIC 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.
Town Council - Monday, January 28, 2013. For agenda and other information, click HERE.
Rental Housing Commission (4:00 PM) - Wednesday, January 30, 2013. For agenda and other information, click HERE.
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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CHURCHILL RINK AT JACKSON'S LANDING WINTER PUBLIC SESSION SCHEDULE
Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing in Durham has announced its public session schedule for winter. The Winter 2013 Schedule features many hours of Public Skating, Pond Hockey, Open Stick & Puck, and Adult Drop-In Hockey between Wednesday January 2nd and Sunday February 24th. To view the entire schedule including definitions and fees, click HERE.
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PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Winter Carnival and 4th Annual Chili and Mac & Cheese Cook-off
Chilly weather means chili weather here in Durham. While New Hampshirites are a hardy bunch, after several months of freezing temperatures, it's nice to warm the soul with neighbors over what Will Rogers called “a bowl of blessedness,” some honest-to-goodness, mouth-watering chili or the ultimate comfort food – mac & cheese.
That's right, it's time to compete for braggin' rights by entering Durham Parks and Recreation's Fourth Annual Chili and Mac & Cheese Cook-off at Durham Parks and Recreations' Annual Winter Carnival! This year we'd love to feature YOUR entry!
This year's event will be held Saturday, February 9th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Churchill Rink. There will be entertainment, free skating, a bonfire, and more, but we need tasty samples of chili and mac & cheese to make our Annual Cook-Off really sizzle.
The Cook-Off is open to local churches, community and social organizations, area businesses, restaurants, and any individual or team that wants to throw their chef's hat into this fun and tasty competition.
What's required to be an entrant in the Fourth Annual Chili and Mac & Cheese Cook-off? Just make enough of your favorite mac & cheese or chili for the folks attending to try a small sample. While there are no quantity limits or minimums, business entries are recommended to bring two gallons and resident entries are recommended to bring five quarts of food. This is not a sanctioned chili Cook-Off, so your chili or mac & cheese can be made off-site and brought to the event that Saturday. And, better still for those creative cooks, there are no constraints on the type of dish that can be entered - vegetarian, green, spicy, beans only, white, or the ever popular meat-lover's, are some of the options and types of chili and mac & cheese we hope to taste at this event.
We are looking forward to featuring your favorite concoction at this year's Winter Carnival. While Cook-Offs may be filled with friendly rivalries, at the end of the day it's all about community, inspiring good times, and goodwill. Family-friendly activities and fabulous food -- that's what we call a recipe for community fun!
For more information regarding this event, please contact Parks & Recreation Director Stefanie Frazee at 603-817-4074, sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us.
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PLEASE NOTE: Tai Chi - Moving for Better Balance has changed times, and now takes place from 9-10am Tuesday and Thursday versus 11:30-12:30 AM. (please see website)
Snowshoe? Sign up now for a fun-filled guided tour of Wagon Hill Farm! During the tour, you will learn about local ecology, animal tracking, and much more! Join Mary Mazur (Coyote Club Instructor) on this fun adventure. All ages welcome. Dates: Saturday, Feb. 16th and 23rd from 10a-12p @ WHF
Price: $10, $15 with snowshoe rental. (Sign up by filling out a registration form at Durham Parks & Rec. or Durham Town Hall. Please make all checks payable to: Town of Durham).
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To view the schedule of classes for February, click HERE.
For more information regarding any of the classes or events offered by Parks and Recreation, visit the P&R web site at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_parksrec.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
UNH’s 23rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Spiritual Celebration, "Are You Making Your Mark?”, January 27 - February 5, 2013. This celebration features Rob Dixon, a UNH alum and nationally recognized youth advocate. All events are FREE and open to the public. For a list of scheduled events and more information, click HERE.
Museum of Art, UNH, two new exhibitions featuring the photography of Portsmouth, New Hampshire artist Carl Austin Hyatt as well as Californian impressionist landscapes from The Irvine Museum open to the public at the Museum of Art, University of New Hampshire (UNH), on January 26, 2013. A public reception for Sacred Landscapes of Peru: The Photographs of Carl Austin Hyatt and California Impressionism, Paintings from The Irvine Museum place on Friday, January 25, 2013 from 6-8 p.m.
Oyster River High School Host Site for Special Olympics Program.
Special Olympics New Hampshire is hosting a winter term of the Young Athletes™ Program (YAP) for the Oyster River community, a weekly sports play program for children with and without disabilities ages 2 through 7, designed to introduce them to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age 8. Practice sessions are one hour and will run during February and March. There is no cost to participate in this program. The host site is the Oyster River High School’s Multi-purpose room beginning Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 9-10:00 AM. For more information contact Jennifer Haigh, Practice Coach, at (603)369-3638 or jhaigh@orcsd.org.
One World Language School—Morning Classes for Preschool aged Children. Classes will be offered in French, German, and Spanish on Thursday mornings at the Lee Congregational y Church. Classes will be held on Thursday mornings. The 12-week session starts on Thursday, March 7th. For information on this program click HERE. For more general information on the One World Language School click HERE. To register, contact Julie Reece at ulie.reece@oneworldlanguageschool.org" style="color:#f738a8 !important;">julie.reece@oneworldlanguageschool.org or 603-866-0364.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Interested in EBooks? Please Take Our Survey! Please take a minute to complete a short survey on our website www.durhampubliclibrary.org to help us determine our patrons' interest in borrowing e-Readers from the library. We own a Kindle and a Nook that can be checked out just like books. Each reader is loaded with at least a dozen titles selected from bestseller lists. We also have free eBook downloads through our website to your device. Please answer a few short questions about your eBook use so that we can better serve you. Thank you.
Middle School Art Display at the Library – Come and see some ORMS 5th graders works of art. The theme is “Significant Places around Durham, Lee and Madbury”. Don’t miss these talented artist’s creations!
Preschool Storytimes, Tues. Jan. 29th and Thurs. Jan. 31st at 10:30 am – This week: Pirates and Groundhogs! Join us for stories, fingerplays, songs, feltboard and a craft. All are welcome.
Pajama Storytime, Tues. Jan. 29th, 6:30 p.m. – Join ORPP and the Durham Library for our monthly Pajama Storytime. This month: Pirates and Treasure! Come and hear Pirate stories, make a pirate craft and have a treasure hunt! Come wearing your pajamas. We read stories, do fingerplays, songs, feltboard and make a craft. ORPP supplies a snack.&nbs p; All are welcome.
Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade book group), Tues. Feb. 5th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. - Join us for our 2nd-4th grade book group. This month's books are "Toys Come Home" by Emily Jenkins and/or "Wild Wings" by Gil Lewis. Come discuss the book(s), authors, play some games, and make a craft. Copies of these books are available at the Circulation desk. All are welcome!
Young Adult Writing/Blog Group, Tues. Feb. 5th, 7:00-7:45 p.m. - Join us for this monthly writing group for Young Adults (10 yrs. & up). We do writing exercises, talk about your writing and post your writing to our blog "Write Away". We also talk about books, movies... All are welcome!
Libros Lovers, High School Book Group, Weds. Feb. 6th, 1:00-2:00 p.m. - Join us for this High School Book Group. This month's book is "Unwind" by Nea l Shusterman. Ruth Wharton MacDonald is the facilitator. All are welcome and pizza is served.
Reiki Healing with Diane Gallant, Weds. Feb. 13th at 6:30 p.m. – Join Diane Marie Gallant, Reiki Master and Teacher, for a discussion about Reiki. Reiki is a 90 year old Japanese modality that provides energy healing and balancing through touch, on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. Register for Tales for Tails! Have a young reader who could use some non-judgmental encouragement for reading aloud? A Delta Therapy dog is waiting for your child.
Registration for Seacoast Reads (UNH Reading tutors) has started for the second semester. Does your elementary school aged child need extra help reading? Come to the library to sign up for a Seacoast Reads Reading tutor. Your child will be paired with a student tutor and they will meet once a week at the library starting in February.&n bsp; Space is limited so sign-up soon!
Join the Patch Program, our reading incentive program for children aged 2-12 years. Children earn patches for minutes read or being read to as well as a Durham Library book bag. If new to the program, stop by and register. Thanks to the Friends of the Durham Public Library for their continued support of this program.
Check out the library's website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/durham/ for more information.
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FROM "DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE A HISTORY - 1900-1985"
"Farm Life in Durham: "Bordering the Mathes-Sandburg farm were Langley farms. The name Langley is synonymous not only with large-scale farming but with other gainful endeavors, all contributing to a better familiy livelihood." Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association.
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Have a nice weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, New Hampshire
T: 603-868-5571 F: 603-868-5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us http://www.ci.durham.nh.us
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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