Friday Updates - January 5, 2024

Friday, January 5, 2024

Decades old dynamite was unexpectedly found on the grounds of the Durham WWTP during the holiday weekend! Image Courtesy WWW

Over the last week DPW made a concerted effort to clean up the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) grounds where years of material and debris had accumulated creating an unsightly condition. While beginning to clean the wooded area behind the concrete bins, Supt. Dan Peterson and Team located a large (3’x3’) heavily armored cabinet that had “EXPLOSIVES” spray painted on the side. Dan believes the cabinet dates back to the 70’s when portions of the site were constructed. 

The Durham Fire Department, Durham Police, and NH State Police Bomb Unit cut the locks on the cabinet and located 16 sticks of dynamite in what they classified as “extremely poor condition and highly susceptible to explosion.” 

The dynamite sticks were neutralized in oil and incinerated on site and the situation was safely resolved. Everyone was pleased the New Year did not begin with a bang.

YEAR END WRAP UP FOR 2023 – A glimpse into the life and times of Durham over the last twelve months.

2023 was a solid year for the Town of Durham. Town staff, elected, and appointed officials worked hard to address the community’s needs and maintain transparency, integrity, respect for one another, a welcoming atmosphere, a high quality of life for residents, outstanding service delivery, and improvement in sustainable practices across the organization. Despite competing pressures, we also managed to maintain the municipality’s fiscal position and ensure long-term resilience for the community. 

To view an extensive overview of activities and initiatives undertaken by the Town prepared by Admin. Selig, click HERE.

According to the National Weather Service, over the past few days a consistent signal has emerged for an active storm track directed towards New England starting this weekend and persisting into the weekend of January 20th. For those who need to drive kids back to college, this is not great news! There will be enough cold air in the pattern that there could be multiple low-pressure systems that bring accumulating snow to the area. Ultimately, the precipitation types will be dependent on the tracks of these systems, which are less clear at this time range. During this pattern, low pressure systems could impact the area every 3-4 days. Odds are favored for above normal precipitation along the East Coast.

The first of these systems will come tomorrow! Snow is anticipated to begin in southern zones Saturday evening, spreading northward overnight and breaking out across the entire forecast area by daybreak Sunday. The storm is expected to be moving quickly and be out of the area by Sunday evening.

A Winter Storm Watch for amounts greater than 6 inches has been expanded farther north to now include Sullivan and Merrimack counties. Accumulation rates could exceed 1” per hour at times in the watch area. 

A large fungus finds life in a dead tree at Foss Farm Courtesy, Carol Birch

A CALL FOR ELECTION VOLUNTEERS!

The Town of Durham is currently seeking volunteers to work at the 2024 NH Presidential Primary on January 23, 2024. 

Please contact Town Clerk-Tax Collector, Rachel Deane at rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us or by phone at 603-868-5577 if you are interested in working at the polls.

Volunteers are needed to assist with registering new voters and to help count write-in votes after the polls close at 7pm.

All volunteers must be registered voters in the Town of Durham. Training will be provided.

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY VOTING INFORMATION

The final date for voter registration for the Presidential Primary will be Tuesday January 16. New registrations will be accepted in the Town Clerk’s office any time up until closing on that day. Then the Supervisors will meet that evening from 7:00 – 7:30 PM for any final registrations.

Applicants for registration should bring with them proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile (in Durham). Driver’s license and passport are very helpful. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking. However, a photo ID is essential. 

You may register at the polls on Election Day. However, there will likely be a long line, especially if you come in the afternoon. 

Party changes can no longer be made until AFTER the Presidential Primary on January 23, 2024.  Those of you who have registered as Undeclared for the first time need to know the following:

• At the Primary, you will choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot.
• You will be considered a member of that party until you officially change.
• You may stop at the Return to Undeclared table on your way out of the polls IF YOU ENTERED AS UNDECLARED. 
• You will find a book there that should have your name in it (this book has ONLY people who are registered Undeclared before the Primary)
• Find your name, circle the party you voted, then sign your name.
• This gives us (Supervisors of the Checklist) permission to change you back to Undeclared.
• If you wish to stay in the party you voted, do not stop at this table.
• If you wish to belong to a party different from the one you voted, do not stop at this table. However, you do need to go to the Durham Town Hall to fill out a Change form. This can be done whenever the Town Hall is open, at any Supervisor session, or at the Town Election in March. 
• There will be a State Primary in September. You cannot change party within about 90 days of a primary, which means you need to make any changes by June (exact date to be announced later).

2024 Dog licenses are available in the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office. Durham offers dog licensing online HERE. All dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination to obtain a license, which may be uploaded online or emailed to rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us. Residents may also come into Town Hall to get a dog license during the clerk’s hours on Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

New Hampshire law requires all dogs aged 3 months and older be licensed every year. You must show proof that the dog has a valid rabies vaccination at the time of registration.  License fees are as follows:

• Unaltered Male or Female $10.00
• Spayed or Neutered Dog $7.50
• Senior Citizen Owner (65+) – 1st Dog $2.00

TOP DOG RAFFLE

The Town of Durham is excited to announce the return of the Top Dog Raffle. This raffle was created to motivate and remind dog owners to license their pets every year by April 30. Residents automatically register for the Top Dog raffle when they obtain a dog license before April 30. The winner of the Top Dog raffle will receive a gift basket donated by the clerk’s office and their dog’s biography will be featured in the Durham Friday Update. Last year’s winner was Gracie Anderson (photo above). Your dog could be the next Top Dog! 

RULES & REGULATIONS

• Contestants will automatically be entered into the raffle when they register their dog(s) before April 30 (only open to Durham residents).
• Residents who DO NOT want to be included in the raffle may opt out by writing, calling, or emailing the clerk’s office.
• Contestants must be 18 or older and be the owner of the dog on file with the clerk’s office. Town of Durham employees and elected officials are not eligible.
• The contestant must have a 2024 Town of Durham dog license by April 30. A current rabies vaccination will be required to obtain the license.
• The raffle winner may submit a digital photo and brief biography of their dog. Photos of the 2024 raffle winner’s dog will be included in the Durham Friday Update.

The winner will be drawn at random by clerk’s office in May 2024.

POSITIONS OPEN FOR MARCH 12, 2024, TOWN AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS - Filing period begins Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

The 2024 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the Oyster River High School, Multipurpose Room, Coe Drive, Durham, N.H. The polling hours are 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. 

The following open Town offices are:

• Three positions for Town Councilor (3-year term)
• One position for Town Councilor (1-year term to finish retiring member’s term)
• Two positions for Durham Public Library Board of Trustees (3-year term)
• One position for Durham Public Library Board of Trustees (1-year term)
• One position for Town Moderator (2-year term)
• One position for Supervisor of the Checklist (6-year term)
• One position for Trustee of the Trust Funds (3-year term)
• One position for Trustee of the Trust Funds (1-year term)

Candidates interested in running for Town office should file their declaration at the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office starting on Wednesday, January 24, 2023, at 8:00 am, through Friday, February 2, 2024 until 5:00 pm. If you would like to learn more about any Town elective office, responsibilities, time commitments, etc. please give the Administrator's Office a call at (603) 858-5571 or write to kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us.

The following open Oyster River School Board offices are:

• One position for Moderator (1-year term)
• Three School Board Positions (3-year terms) - one position from Durham, Lee and Madbury each

The filing period starts on Wednesday, January 24, 2023, at 8:00 am, and ends on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 5:00pm. Individuals interested in a School Board position should contact School District Clerk Susan Caswell at 603-498-7054 to set up a time to file, or Wendy DiFruscio at the SAU 603-389-3286 to make an appointment. 

ORCSD BUDGET PROCESS - Upcoming Important Dates to Remember

January 10, 2024, 7:00 p.m. - Public Hearing on the proposed 2024-2025 school budget at the Oyster River Middle School Concert Hall.

February 6, 2024, 7:00 p.m. - Deliberative Session on the proposed 2024-25 school budget at the Oyster River Middle School Concert Hall (Snow date: February 8)

March 12, 2024 - Voting Day on the proposed 2024-25 school budget at

• Oyster River High School - 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Lee Safety Complex - 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Madbury Town Hall - 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The Town is preparing to launch its community power program, joining other communities in helping residents and businesses save money on electricity bills.

Durham is a founding member of the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire and is now converting to its billing. Eversource will continue to deliver power to residents in town. Dover, Portsmouth, and Exeter are among the other Seacoast communities that are part of the coalition.

Durham residents can find information HERE, where there is details and links to the opt-in, opt-out, customer service, and frequently asked questions. The site is still being organized but will be ready for action at the time of launch on Feb. 1.

The new electricity rates are available for Feb. 1-July 31. CPCNH rates are the lowest in the state for the third consecutive rate period, and Durham customers will see a rate that is 2% below the Eversource rate.

The savings are smaller than usual because Eversource’s rates are artificially low due to a refund of 1.5 cents/kWh the utility is making due to over collection during past billing cycles.

Durham will hold a public information session at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 in council chambers at Town Hall.

Durham residents and businesses will be able to “opt-up” to a higher level of green energy – 33%, 50%, or 100% at a higher cost if they choose.

After three years of careful study and development by our Energy Committee, it’s exciting to be moving to launch Durham Community Power for the benefit of residents and businesses. In this cycle we will provide a savings over Eversource standard rates. In future cycles, we are hopeful to be able to also provide a higher percentages of green renewable energy mix as a default over Eversource, yet that will be price dependent.

According to Maine Public Radio, the Downeaster passenger trains set some ridership records in 2023. It was the first time that has happened since the pandemic struck in 2020.

Northern NE Passenger Rail Authority Executive Director Patricia Quinn Quinn indicates some ridership patterns have changed. Business travel returned slowly, but leisure travel was strong in 2023, as was the college student market.

Looking ahead, she says federal assistance from the infrastructure act will be a "game changer." One grant will largely pay to replace wood ties along the Downeaster route from Brunswick to the Massachusetts state line. She says future grants could help pay for a new Portland Station and other projects.

More enhancements to the service are in the works. Among them is the implementation of a new safety system called "positive train control." It will have multiple benefits.

Work should resume this spring on a six-mile rail siding in Wells. That, and a second platform, will allow for the start of a daily commuter service between Wells station and Brunswick.

Durham residents can take the Downeaster south to Boston or North to Portland and beyond!

DPW WINTER NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE – Christmas Tree Collection Begins January 8

The Durham Public Works annual Winter Newsletter is now available HERE. The 2024 recycling calendar and holiday collection schedule is contained within the newsletter and is also available in separate files within the hyperlink. Durham Public Works is slated to undertake numerous high value projects in 2024. Narratives for several of these projects can be found within the Newsletter, in addition to information regarding the Department’s policies and procedures on snow and ice control and municipal solid waste collection. The Christmas Tree Residential Curbside Collection Program begins on January 8th at 7:00 AM. Please place trees curbside no earlier than January 6th. The Winter Newsletter is available in hard copy version at Durham Public Works, Durham Police Department, Durham Town Hall, and the Durham Public Library.

The Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC) is looking to collect information about local businesses and artisans who offer services to repair or repurpose everyday items. If you’ve had a good experience with a business or artisan who could be added to a list of resources, please reach out. If you do your own repairs or are a maker doing your own repurposing or reusing, IWMAC would like to learn about those skills as well.

The repair/repurposing service can be for anything, including clothing, shoes, small appliances, etc. In addition to straightforward repairs, IWMAC is also interested in creative imaginative solutions to keeping items out of the landfill. IWMAC hopes to build a list of ideas and resources that Durham residents can put to good use. Thank you so much for helping with this project! Vendors can be located in the seacoast area or through the mail. They do not have to be limited to Durham.

Please email IWMAC at durhamrecycles603@gmail.com with the following information:

• Name of business or individual 
• Service(s) provided or creative solution(s)
• Location 
• Email or contact information  

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at durhamrecycles603@gmail.com

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Click HERE.

Learn about the amazing Durham Swap Shop and the service it provides to divert clean, reusable items from the landfill.  Click HERE.

UNH has started the process of updating its master plan. Durham will have significant opportunities for input into the plan. Dir. of Planning Michael Behrendt and Admin. Selig recently conversed about and noted the excellent town-gown relationship that we enjoy in Durham and reflected on the countless interests and undertakings shared by the town and the university.

Fire – Durham’s Fire Department covers both the Town and the University. It is housed in a UNH building and is funded 50/50 between the two entities. There is a pad at UNH reserved for a potential future Fire/UNH Police (and possibly Emergency Services) public safety complex on Waterworks Road.

Police – Durham and UNH police work together seamlessly. UNH police operate under Durham’s police authority through a Memorandum of Agreement developed many years ago. 

Utilities – We coordinate closely on interconnected systems for water, wastewater, stormwater management, and roads. A combined Durham/UNH administrative committee meets monthly to address and coordinate efforts.

Library services - Residents have access to Dimond Library and students have access to (and use in large numbers) the Durham Public Library. It’s a great relationship bringing value to all involved. 

UNH Crew – Located at Jacksons Landing, the UNH boat house is on Town land and Durham/UNH participate in installing and removing different portions of the dock system annually.

Attraction of Durham - Our being a safe host community (ranked as one of the safest college towns in America!) and maintaining a vibrant downtown are important marketing points for UNH in drawing students and faculty. Many students use the Town as a learning laboratory with internships, job shadowing, and special class projects.

Attraction of UNH – Having the state’s flagship public university in Durham brings endless value to the community through arts, sports, and lecture programs, ability to audit classes, use of facilities like the pool, and the appeal for new residents to relocate here, as well as having a beautiful site for people to walk. Virtually the entire campus has been deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Students, faculty, and staff at UNH also support Durham’s many downtown businesses. 

Future Performing Arts Center – We hope that in time a new UNH facility will be built in close proximity to Durham’s downtown. The location identified as part of the 2012 UNH Master Plan was a site along Quad Way.

Housing – We coordinate closely with UNH about housing issues on and off campus affecting undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff.

Transportation – We stress the importance of maintaining a complete streets, multi-modal approach to getting around, both on and off campus. The Town has representatives on UNH’s Transportation Policy Committee and UNH has a representative on the Town’s administrative Traffic Safety Committee. 

Economic Development – The Town would like to see new taxable private research-based development on the UNH campus, with the major focus at this time on the conceptually proposed Edge at West End. UNH supports the downtown by renting (taxable) office space and private development including two nationally-regarded institutions – the Interoperability Laboratory at Madbury Commons and the Olsen Center at 121 Technology Drive.

Sustainability – We plan together to address climate change and a broad range of environmental challenges. UNH researchers are actively working with DPW on creating a sustainable living shoreline at Wagon Hill Farm. The Town works closely with the UNH Sustainability Institute as part of its Sustainability Fellows Program. 

Communications – We communicate on issues of mutual interest involving the Administrator and departments of Planning, Building, Public Works, and Geographic Information Systems as well as Town boards including the Planning Board, Historic District Commission, Agricultural Commission, Energy Committee, Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee, and others.

UPDATE FROM PLANNER MICHAEL BEHRENDT

There are no major projects now before the Planning Board now. The board is focused on its multi-year rewrite of the Zoning Ordinance. It will finish its review of the Definitions section – which has a bigger impact than one might think because how a term is defined may affect whether a proposed use or activity is allowed - and present it for a public hearing soon. 

The Conservation Commission appointed a committee months ago to examine the Wetland Conservation Overlay District and the Shoreland Protection Overlay Districts in the Zoning Ordinance. The committee has been meeting regularly for this project and hopes to have a new draft for the commission to review in the next few months. 

The Historic District/Heritage Commission is hosting three roundtable discussions about the Oyster River Massacre Marker and related issues on the third Thursdays in January, February, and March. 

The Housing Task Force completed outreach interviews with various employers and workers in town and is now working on a detailed questionnaire about housing which will be sent to the entire community in the coming months.

DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS OPENINGS FOR THREE POLICE OFFICERS

The Durham, New Hampshire Police Department is seeking three Police Officer candidates. The applicants selected will provide law enforcement and community-oriented services to this diverse Seacoast/University community. The Durham Police Department is a Meritorious CALEA Accredited agency.

Patrol Officers work a 4-day-on 3-day-off schedule. 

Special assignments include:

• Problem Oriented Police (POP)
• Detective Division 
• Special Response Team (SRT)
• Evidence Collection Team
• Mountain Bike Patrol
• School Resource Officer (SRO)
• Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC)
• Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team (TAR)

Starting salary is between $59,441.11 and $75,510.34, depending on experience. This salary does not include holiday pay, educational incentive pay, dawning doffing pay, and if you choose, a generous insurance buyback option. Our 2023 community survey rated the Durham Police with a 97% approval rating, which is way above the national average.

Applicants must be 21 years old by the anticipated date of appointment and must be a high school graduate or hold a GED. A police exam is not a prerequisite to apply.

Females and Minorities are encouraged to apply. The Durham Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The job posting will remain open until the positions are filled. For more information, please click HERE.

Please send your cover letter and resume to Captain Jack Dalton at: jdalton@ci.durham.nh.us

DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES NEW STRATEGIC PLAN

Fire Chief David Emanual has expressed his gratitude to the had working members of the DFD staff for their work in 2023, especially for their patience, efforts, and feedback related to completing the department’s strategic plan. 

It is the department’s first strategic plan revision since 2001, that had been overseen by then Fire Chief Ron O’Keefe. 

The plan was published on December 28, 2023 and has been posted on the DFD website HERE.

The Durham Fire Department is hiring for the position of Firefighter/AEMT. The full position posting may be found on the Town’s website HERE or by clicking on the QR code above.

Resumes will be reviewed as submitted. Position to remain open until filled.  

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 would like to introduce Smokey the Fire Dog. Smokey will give short tips on Fire Safety, weekly so Parents and guardians can generate conversation with their children about Fire Safety. Keep an eye out in the weekly updates These small questions and tips are a great way for you as a Parent to teach your kids about Fire Safety, the more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #1

DIAL 911 FOR AN EMERGENCY!!!!

Calling 911 for any emergency will bring people (Fire, EMS, Police) that will help you and your family. Some simple answers to questions you be asked by 911 are:

• What is your emergency?
• What is your address, street, and town?
• What is your phone number?
• What is your name?

ORCSD will be hosting a free Internet and Digital Safety event for adults from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 at Oyster River Middle School Concert Hall, (1 Coe Dr., Durham, NH 03824). Presented by two experts from the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), this program will include important information about how predators use social media, how to better protect children when using personal devices and gaming systems, as well as a demonstration featuring Niko, the state's first electronic storage detection K-9. This event is for adults only and not suitable for children.

Additional information may be found on the district website HERE.