|
|
|
 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
|
|
|
|
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
|
This lovely skyline photograph is a view from Turning Point Farm on Wednesday Hill Road. Courtesy Michelle Whisnant
__________________________________
Did you know that we had over 38,450 vehicle visits to the Raymond A. Laroche Transfer Station & Recycling Center located on Durham Point Road in 2014??? WOW!
Durham recycled over 600 gallons of used motor oil in 2014 as well.
For more 2014 recycling facts, see the Town Report that is expected to come out mid- February.
And ... don’t forget to update your Transfer Station Permits- 2015 permits are available at Public Works and the Town Clerk’s office- details on the Transfer Station are in the DPW annual newsletter which is also accessible on the Town’s site.
|
|
2014/15 TOWN COUNCIL GOALS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON MAY 19, 2014
A resident recently asked Administrator Selig, "What is the vision for Durham?" That is an excellent question.
Each year after the Town Election has occurred and new Council members have been sworn into office, the Town Council with the assistance of the Administrator begin the process of developing the Town Council's goals for the upcoming year.
Listed below are the goals established for 2014/15 and adopted by the Council on May 19, 2014:
Standards of Performance
-
Embrace openness in the conduct of public business.
-
Encourage all town boards, committees, and commissions to align their efforts with the Council goals, and to collaborate and communicate more frequently with each other and with the community at large.
Overall Strategy
-
Pursue long-term economic and environmental sustainability and resiliency, anticipating the community’s and the region’s future needs through a framework that formally integrates the consideration of multiple elements including society, ecology, economics, transportation, agriculture, recreation, food and drinking water, climate, and energy resources.
-
Continue to explore collaborative efforts with UNH to enhance mutual intellectual, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits, as well as community-building opportunities.
-
Revitalize Durham’s commercial core to expand the tax base and enhance the sense of community while maintaining our small town character and cultural history and by weaving natural processes into the built environment for their environmental, social, and aesthetic benefits. Emphasis should be placed on “Smart Growth”, increasing commercial opportunities and consumer choices, and enhancing the town’s taxable base through economic development projects that fit with the character and goals of the community.
Key Objectives
-
Regain the integrity of Durham’s traditional family neighborhoods.
-
Identify definitive sites and develop a plan for key public facilities to meet the present and future needs of the community.
-
Complete measurable progress as part of the rolling update of the 2000 Master Plan by mid-2015. Encourage public workshops and joint sessions as necessary between key boards and committees to better integrate their efforts and create a unified document.
-
Strengthen the community by supporting an array of recreational, artistic, and educational opportunities, and by celebrating and sustaining Durham’s history and natural setting and initiatives that promote public transportation options, including safe walking and biking.
-
Develop operating budgets that limit growth in the Town's portion of property taxes by the rate of inflation plus new additions to the Town's taxable base. This goal is for both the near and longer term.
-
Identify, support the preservation of, and promote structures of historic significance.
|
|
2014/15 COUNCIL GOALS STATUS UPDATE FROM ADMINISTRATOR SELIG
After the Town Council goals are adopted each year, the Administrator provides Council members with ongoing status updates to report on the progress of each goal.
To view the 2014/15 Council goals status update prepared by Administrator Selig, click HERE.
|
|
YEAR END WRAP UP FROM ADMINISTRATOR SELIG - 2014 IN REVIEW
The Town of Durham continues to be economically and prudently operated. We function as a purveyor of public services, and staff is working to implement business practices to control costs and maintain the municipality’s fiscal position despite many competing pressures ranging from intense development activity to moving ahead with long-deferred capital needs. From preserving the quality of life within our traditional residential neighborhoods to taking steps to address the potential impacts of climate change, we have worked diligently on behalf of the community.
The Town’s weekly “Friday Updates” serves to keep the Town Council and members of the community informed of news and happenings in Durham. Over 3,000 people subscribe to this weekly broadcast. Durham has also bolstered its Twitter and Facebook presence this year in order to meet the demands of residents’ changing preferences for information distribution. For example, over 425 individuals have signed up for our Twitter feed. The goal is to keep residents informed of local affairs so they may become involved when issues are of interest to them.
Durham’s last Master Plan was written in 2000. The Town commenced an update in 2011 with a citizen engagement process that included a public forum and community survey. A Master Plan Advisory Committee was formed at that time to assist the Planning Board in overseeing the process. Significant headway was made in 2014 with the following ten chapters nearing the point in early 2015 when they will be able to be adopted by the Planning Board: Agricultural Resources, Downtown and Commercial Core, Energy, Historical Resources, Natural Resources, Recreation, Community Character, Housing and Demographics, and Land Use (Existing).
In the area of land conservation, the Town has been working with The Nature Conservancy relative to securing a conservation easement on the 40 +/- acre Hills/Emery Farm property located along Route 4 directly across from the Emery Farm farm stand. In addition, the Town has worked with the Southeast Land Trust as part of an effort to conserve the 40 +/- acre Thompson parcel located along Wednesday Hill Road abutting the Durham-UNH Water System pump station on the Lamprey River. Durham, working in concert with our regional land stewardship partners, has applied for grant funding to help offset the cost of these projects. I anticipate discussions regarding these two properties will continue well into 2015.
Over the last year, the Town has continued to pursue Long-Term Economic as well as Environmental Sustainability, which are inextricably linked. Without economic sustainability, the Town will not have the financial resources available over the long-term to stabilize the tax rate, pursue desired projects/infrastructure, preserve open space, etc. Without a healthy natural environment, we will not sustain the Durham in which citizens hope and desire to live. The 2011 Master Plan survey was very clear in pointing out that residents of the community seek balance.
In addition to recently completed conservation projects such as Amber Acres and the Oyster River Forest, Durham has experienced significant development activity between 2012 and 2016, which will serve to provide increased tax base moving forward. We project an additional $21.5 million in new taxable valuation will come on line in 2015 alone.
After many years of discussion, Durham brought on board a part-time economic development director in FY 2014. Mary Ellen Humphrey from Rochester has settled in nicely and is working to ensure thoughtful economic development continues to move forward that is consistent with the community’s values and goals. One area of focus is to assist in filling some of the newly created commercial space that has been built over the last few years in the downtown core.
In September 2012, the Council adopted a new Downtown Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district under the auspices of RSA 162-K:5 to fund improvements such as street lighting, roadway improvements, automated parking kiosks, and structured parking to enhance the economic vitality of the downtown area. With the new development anticipated in 2015 and 2016 within the downtown core, we will see a reserve of funds begin to amass for future use within the district. The Town’s other TIF district on Stone Quarry Drive, remains completely inactive.
The approved FY 2014 General Fund budget left the 2013 tax rate of $8.34 unchanged for 2014, providing much needed financial stability for many residents of Durham. For FY 2015, the Council established as a goal to ensure any increase to the municipal portion of the tax rate not exceed the rate of inflation which equaled 1.7%. The Administrator and Town Council were ultimately able to achieve this 2015 budgetary goal with a projected 2015 tax rate of $8.48. To this end, the FY 2015 budget was adopted by a vote of 8-0 by the Council on December 15, 2014.
In late-2013, the Council approved the acceptance of $125,000 from the US Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), for the purpose of hiring a 20th police officer who is focused on “problem oriented policing.” This additional resource enabled the Police Department to address some of the impacts of poorly managed non-owner occupied college student housing within Durham’s traditional residential neighborhoods surrounding the downtown core in 2014.
Durham’s new 12,187 sq. ft. state of the art Town Hall at 8 Newmarket Road officially opened for business on October 23, 2014. The architect of record was Durham resident Art Guadano of AG Architects, Dover, NH. Hutter Construction was the General Contractor. Durham Public Works handled all site and demolition work. The project took approximately twelve months to complete. Kudos are extended to Public Works Director Mike Lynch for dedicating significant additional time these last twelve months overseeing the project.
The Town entered into a $1.7 million Purchase & Sale Agreement (P&S) with Scott Mitchell for the redevelopment of the former Town Office site at 15 Newmarket Road as a pharmacy in March 2013, subject to approval by Durham’s local land use boards. The developer ultimately determined in his opinion in 2014 that he could not redevelop the site without the demolition of the former Town Office building so the P&S was not renewed. The Town subsequently developed and issued a new Request for Proposal (RFP) for the adaptive redevelopment of the site making clear the old building would need to remain as part of any new development. The RFP is due in January 2015.
The year saw significant disagreement between the Town and UNH with respect to the future of the UNH Outdoor Pool. After months of acrimonious discussions, the Town Council ultimately endorsed a University proposal to construct a new 14,000 – 16,000 sq. ft. modern pool facility with bathhouse in the location of the historic outdoor pool costing approximately $4.6 million. UNH will pay for the full capital and ongoing operational cost of the facility. Due to unexpected soil compaction issues with the site, the new pool is scheduled to open for the 2016 swimming season. Construction on the new facility began in November 2014.
The Town and University, through the administrative joint Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Committee, continue to address a multitude of joint Town/Gown items to include bringing on line the Spruce Hole Well in 2015, focusing tremendous attention in 2013 and 2014 on water quality deficiencies within the Great Bay Estuary such as nitrogen as identified by the NHDES and the EPA, meeting EPA wastewater and stormwater MS-4 mandates, implementing a required NHDES backflow prevention program, water tank refurbishing/painting, and more.
Significant energy has been dedicated in 2014 toward working with the University of New Hampshire as part of a collaborative public/public/private development project in downtown Durham to include numerous potential elements such as the UNH bookstore (in lieu of the present Memorial Union Building location), professional office space, small hotel, retail and restaurant space, and possible affordable faculty housing within the downtown core in the vicinity of 66 Main Street, the former ATO fraternity site. A draft Memorandum of Understanding between Durham and UNH was brought forward for initial Council discussion in December. Look forward to additional discussions around this partnership in 2015.
Durham’s vision for our Parks & Recreation Department is that it will offer a wide variety of opportunities and concentrations for any resident of any age wishing to participate in accessible, affordable activities. As part of a new initiative for 2014, Parks & Recreation Director Stefanie Frazee worked collaboratively with Oyster River Cooperative School District faculty/staff to offer a new summer camp experience for 4th-8th grade children. It was a real success. The program offered a full day of enrichment and recreational activities, including S.T.E.M. and the arts.
In response to the goal of becoming a more pedestrian and bicycle friendly community, the Town endeavored to move forward a Main Street “Complete Streets” pilot initiative this summer that entailed the narrowing of Main Street from two lanes to one, the creation of head in parking along the north side of the roadway, and the addition of a dedicated bicycle lane. The pilot program was rolled out during the summer months and continued until UNH came back into session in the fall. Public sentiment was ultimately very negative regarding the effort so the roadway was restored in large part to the preexisting two-lane configuration but with the addition of a shared lane (or “sharrows”) for bicycles, and improved bicycle-focused intersection configurations for Main Street at Pettee Brook Lane and at Madbury Road.
I worked to remain in communication with Oyster River School District Superintendent of Schools James Morse concerning issues of mutual interest/concern. It is helpful to note that Town Councilor Wayne Burton serves as a representative to the district’s Budget Advisory Committee, in this way ensuring there is some level of communication between Durham and the ORCSD relative to budget issues.
A great deal of work has been devoted to addressing human resource issues in Durham in 2014. Collective bargaining contract negotiations took place and were ultimately resolved following 30 months of discussions with the Durham Professional Firefighters Association representing the Town’s firefighters. In addition, a tentative agreement was reached in late-2014 with the Durham Municipal Manager’s Association representing a number of the Town’s administrative assistants, division supervisors, as well as several professional salaried staff positions. A common theme in these discussions revolved around increasing employee contributions toward health insurance and gaining the ability to better utilize existing staffing to cut down on recurring overtime costs.
I am pleased to report that in addition to the many tangible efforts noted in this report, Durham received numerous accolades in the last year that include:
-
The No. 1 town in N.H. for young families by NerdWallet.com, a personal finance website.
-
The fifth most exciting place in the state by Movoto, a real estate brokerage based in California.
-
The No. 1 town in the state for population and job growth from 2010 to 2012 by Nerdwallet.com
-
The second safest community in the state by Safe Choice Security, a national provider of security systems.
-
The No. 2 place to live for “20-somethings” in the country by CNNMoney.
-
The top community for equal treatment for the LGBT community by the Human Rights Campaign.
-
Oyster River High School ranked in the top 1 percent of more than 14,000 schools evaluated by Newsweek.
-
A great place for the young at heart by the Boston Globe.
I do not believe it is an accident that Durham is so highly regarded. The residents who live here are smart, entrepreneurial, always taking the long-term perspective, focused on the environment, community oriented, and committed to quality education. The Town is blessed with amazing natural resources as well: the Great Bay, the Oyster River, the Lamprey River, the Spruce Hole Bog, Wagon Hill Farm, numerous natural gateways leading into and out of the community, and more. But it is not only that we have these natural treasures. Durham has had the foresight to protect them through local decision-making, good planning, prudent management, and a lot of hard work.
The University of New Hampshire also provides social, cultural, and athletic opportunities for the community, not to mention it's an economic driver for the entire region. And our Town employees — public works, police, fire, planning, zoning, and more — they are good people, working hard with limited resources to meet the needs of citizens who have high expectations for exceptional service delivery at the local level. While taxes are undeniably high in Durham, for all of these reasons, home sales are strong, commercial investment is active, the tax base is growing, the school district is nationally regarded, and the positive sense of community is pervasive.
|
|
ELECTED OFFICES FILING PERIOD FOR MARCH 10, 2015 TOWN ELECTION
The filing period for Town offices for the March Town Election is Wednesday, January 21, 2015 through 5:00 PM Friday, January 30, 2015.
Citizens who might choose to become involved in Durham Town government may file for one of the positions below at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office during the filing period noted above.
Town Council, 3 positions (3-year terms)
Library Board of Trustees, 2 positions (3-year terms)
Moderator, 1 position (2-year term)
Trustees of the Trust Funds, 1 position (3-year term)
Trustees of the Trust Funds, 1 position (2-year term)
|
|
NEW RESIDENT ALERTING SYSTEM NOTIFICATION/REVERSE 9-1-1 SIGN UP AVAILABLE TO DURHAM RESIDENTS FROM STATE OF NH
NH Alerts on ReadyNH.gov
The State of New Hampshire encourages NH residents to visit http://www.readynh.gov/ to sign up for NH Alerts with their contact information to receive emergency notifications.
This system is designed to be used in an emergency to notify NH residents and provide instruction and direction as necessary at either the state or local level. The contact information entered on this site can be used in an emergency to get information to individuals as soon as possible. Impending storm or weather information, missing child alerts, evacuation notices, etc. can be initiated through this system by public safety agencies and sent directly to home phones, cell phones, and/or email addresses in both voice and/or text formats.
Once signed up, alerts would be sent to keep residents informed of time sensitive information. Please note that alerts may be issued to the entire state, municipality, or specific targeted areas, but alerts will only be sent in the event of an emergency. Such alerts include: evacuation notices, missing child alerts, and boil water notifications. Based on personal preference, alerts will be delivered via phone call, text message, email, or a combination of all three.
With a Reverse 9-1-1 feature, certain areas or sections of a given Town affected by a specific event or needing special instructions can be sent out in the same way schools send out closure or delay broadcast notifications. This site is free to Town residents, and the type and amount of information input is left up to each person’s individual discretion and comfort level.
|
|
PUBLIC HEARING ON DRAFT MOU BETWEEN DURHAM AND UNH REGARDING THE PROPOSED 66 MAIN STREET (ET AL) REDEVELOPMENT - MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2015
Since the spring of this year, Administrator Selig, Councilor Carden Welsh, former Councilor Jim Lawson, EDC Chair Ute Luxem, Planner Michael Behrendt, and most recently Director of Economic Development Mary Ellen Humphrey, have been meeting with representatives from the University of New Hampshire to discuss and develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relative to the 66 Main Street redevelopment project, et al.
The “et al” refers to the fact that the Development transcends 66 Main Street (the former ATO site) and includes: the Town-owned North and South Parking Lots on either side of Pettee Brook Lane immediately behind 66 Main Street, Hetzel and Alexander Halls, C-Lot, Barnes and Noble, and 66 Main Street properties. Whether or not the redevelopment will ultimately involves all parcels remains to be seen and will depend upon proposals received in the early part of 2015 from the private development community.
The MOU outlines the expectations, contributions, terms and conditions between Durham and UNH with respect to the potential development of the aforementioned area of downtown, as well as each party’s potential contributions and requirements and limitations with respect to the Development.
The latest draft of the Memorandum of Understanding and Request for Qualifications/Proposal as of January 9, 2015 can be found on the Town’s home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us, under "What's New."
To view a detailed discussion regarding the draft MOU at Monday's Town Council meeting, visit DCAT On Demand by clicking HERE.
A public hearing has been scheduled for the Town Council meeting on Monday, January 12, 2015 to receive input from interested members of the community relative to this proposed project.
|
|
|
|
MILL PLAZA DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL UPDATES - Administrator Selig has asked the Town Attorney to Defend Town Planner's Administrative Decisions Regarding Applicabilty of Recent Zoning Changes at January 13th ZBA Appeal Hearing
Those residents who attended the October 8, 2014 Planning Board meeting held at the Durham Public Library may recall many concerned citizens regarding the proposal to build multi-unit apartments with office/retail on the first level and possibly on an upper floor in the parking lot of the Mill Plaza.
Many residents stated that they did not want to see student apartments in the Mill Plaza and that Durham in general and downtown Durham in particular had maxed out on new student beds for the time being from their perspective.
The 600 sq. ft. per unrelated occupant amendment had, at that time, been submitted in part so that new construction would be more amendable to housing types catering to a broader segment of the population than simply student beds.
During the same Public Hearing, Plaza representatives said they were taking careful notes as residents spoke and would come back with a plan in January 2015 which better met the wishes of the community.
The Plaza's attorney subsequently submitted a letter to Town Planner Michael Behrendt informing him that the Plaza owners had modified their original plan and would replace the multiunit apartment concept with dormitory-type dwellings.
Mr. Behrendt informed Plaza representatives that "dormitory" was not a permitted use in the Central Business District. (The only reason there are dorms in the CBD is that they are on UNH property and UNH does not have to abide by our local regulations--and many of those older dorms were grandfathered in before regulations likely existed). This administrative decision is being challenged by the Plaza owners and will be before the ZBA on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. This will be a Public Hearing.
In addition, the ZBA will hear the appeal of Mr. Behrendt's administrative determination that the Mill Plaza's application is subject to the 600 sq. ft. per unrelated occupant zoning change that is now in effect.
Administrator Selig has asked Town Attorney Laura Spector to appear before the ZBA on January 13th along with Mr. Behrendt to defend Mr. Behrendt's administrative decisions on behalf of the Town.
|
|
PEAK/MAST ROAD GATEWAY RESTORATION PROJECT
Following numerous meetings between representatives of the Town (Public Works Director Mike Lynch, Planner Michael Behrendt, Resident Beth Olshansky, Resident John Parry, and Administrator/Resident Todd Selig) and Peak Campus Development, a final revised landscaping plan has been agreed upon between the two parties.
The goal of the plan is to screen, as much as possible, the development from both the Moore Fields side of the development as well as along the front of the property.
The revised landscaping plan involves planting approximately 101 new trees, transplanting 20 existing trees, and planting 60 assorted bushes and vines--all placed in key locations.
While it will be a number of years before the project is actually significantly screened, at least this plan offers the promise of restoring much of our pastoral gateway eventually.
In addition, Administrator Selig has asked Town Councilors Carden Welsh and Robin Mower, as well as former Councilor Jim Lawson, to try to develop an agreement with Peak regarding the number of additional beds they should reasonably request to cover the cost of purchasing, planting, and guaranteeing the new landscaping. Administrator Selig will then make a recommendation regarding these discussions for the Planning Board's consideration as part of its formal process.
The new landscaping plan will be submitted to the Planning Board on January 14 with a Public Hearing likely set for January 28.
|
|
DURHAM BUSINESS PARK
On December 23, Eric Chinburg, the owner of the Durham Business Park, submitted a plan to the Town to build an Eldercare Facility at the Durham Business Park that includes 116 units.
Within that total number of units are 3 large multiunit buildings for a total of 102 units (36, 36, & 30) plus 14 "detached units" (i.e., single-family homes).
While neither single-family homes nor single-family elderly housing are permitted in the DBP, there is language within the definition of Eldercare Facility in the Town's Zoning Ordinance that includes "independent care units" as part of a continuing care facility.
Permitted density for this proposed development will have to be reviewed carefully as will whether or not the layout of buildings meets the Durham Business Park Design Guidelines which have been written into the deed.
A Durham Business Park design guideline committee consisting of one member of the Planning Board, one member of the Town Council, the Town Planner, and the Administrator serves as the arbiter of whether or not a development proposal at the Business Park meets the established design guidelines.
Mr. Chinburg purchased the Durham Business Park from the Town several years ago at a price of $350,000.
To view the proposed concept, click HERE.
|
|
UNH TO EXPAND HOLLOWAY COMMONS
UNH will come before the Planning Board, likely sometime in February, to share their plans to expand Holloway Commons. This is a courtesy presentation as the Town has no jurisdiction over what is built on State-owned land. In a letter dated January 5, 2015 Doug Bencks assures the Town that "the appearance of the building from anywhere along Main Street will be the same as it is today. The only views that will change are looking down Quad Way and at the MUB circle."
|
|
PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 14 (PRELIMINARY AGENDA)
There will be five public hearings at the Planning Board on January 14 in the following order:
-
Edgewood Road and Emerson Subdivision--4 lots and a boundary line adjustment
-
50 Newmarket Road--3 lot subdivision of Mill Pond Center Property includes removing all permissions previously granted to allow for use of the Mill Pond Center property for anything but a residence.
-
257 Newmarket Road--2 new multi-unit apartment buildings each with three 2-bedroom units. They have been granted a variance for a maximum of 24 additional occupants in the two new buildings.
-
Automobile Service Facility, 4 Dover Rd (old Cumberland Farms) for a 4-bay garage, an office, and 12 parking spaces.
|
|
ARREST DATA
As Chief Kurz has explained on a number of occasions, arrest data in Durham is a very unique issue and warrants a more detailed explanation than just providing statistics. In years past, inquiries from Town Councils about the demographical information of those arrested in Durham, i.e., are they UNH students or not, caused the Durham Police to assimilate data in three separate categories. In the first instance, arrest statistics are accomplished by weekly activity, second by the UNH academic year and finally, by the calendar year mirroring the Town’s financial budget. Each category allows for a better understanding of the demands facing the department during these periods. The information below is reflective of all 2014 arrest data:
The New Hampshire State Police have been extremely supportive of fluctuating issues such as Homecoming, Halloween and other events and have sent a number of Troopers to Durham supporting the Durham Police. Additionally, the New Hampshire Liquor Enforcement has continued to monitor alcohol sales, misrepresentations and other specialty violations in Durham therefore augmenting Durham Police staff during peak weekend periods especially in the Fall at the beginning of the academic year.
The Durham Police continue to focus their resources upon those engaged in criminal activity and their status as a UNH student or not is irrelevant as to whether an arrest is made. Each week, Durham Police provides the UNH administration with the names of ALL persons arrested and the Vice President’s Office determines student status. When compiled, UNH officials schedule meetings with the students arrested and reinforce their obligations as students and responsible residents of Durham. While police activity in Durham is clearly challenged at the opening of the academic year, this strategy has demonstrated success especially in the area of recidivism which is virtually non-existent.
While arrest data is up almost 10% from 2013 data and 12% from the average of the years 2005 through 2013 there is no indication that this fact is anything more than a year where the weather was very good throughout the Fall. Additionally, for the first time in a number of years staff at the police department is at full complement thereby placing more officers on patrol able to respond or proactively address offenses they may observe. These factors may be responsible for the increase of arrests and will be closely monitored throughout 2015 to detect any emerging trends.
With the commencement of 2015, the arrest statistics for calendar year begin anew. The chart below represents all arrests within the jurisdictional boundaries of Durham to include those occurring on the UNH campus during the calendar year 2014.
|
|
DURHAM POLICE MEET WITH OWNERS OF MADBURY COMMONS
One of the important attributes of professionally managed student rental property is their desire to have a comprehensive security plan in place. At the request of Golden Goose Capital, the owner of Madbury Commons, Chief Kurz and his staff met with Ken Rubin and his staff to review their security plans for the complex opening next Fall. Chief Kurz was pleased to note that Golden Goose is investing in state-of-the-art access security and video surveillance systems. This will provide a new level of monitoring and reporting and hopefully serve as a deterrent to inappropriate activity and as evidence for criminal prosecution if required. Moreover, the Police Department is consulting with Golden Goose on coordinating the activities of their onsite security staff and the development of strict policies and procedures. This level of joint planning is new and refreshing in Durham and will be very helpful in assuring the safety and security of both the students and the community at-large. Chief Kurz and Mr. Rubin have committed to continue this collaboration throughout the construction phase and after the opening of the property.
|
|
MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.
Town Council - Monday January 9, 2015.
Agricultural Commission - Monday, January 9, 2015 (Durham PD Community Rm, 7PM)
All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.
VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.
Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule.
DCAT Programming Schedule.
|
|
DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22
Smith Chapel Open House
Replay times for viewing on DCAT 22: Saturday & Sunday @ 1:30 & 8:30 PM. Join Reverend Michael Bradley of St. George's Episcopal Church as he delivers the original 1892 Prayer Service in the Smith Chapel.
The above video is also available on the Town’s On Demand site.
DCAT is Live Streaming
Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account. You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time. All you have to do is click and watch. Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device. Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.
|
|
"Still Life" by Arthur DiMambro
CELEBRATE THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY - 2015 ART AUCTION
The Durham Public Library is holding an online Art Auction. Online bidding begins at 10AM on January 12, 2015 and runs until 3PM on January 23, 2015 for two paintings by Durham artist Arthur DiMambro.
Just go to the Durham Public Library website and click on the Art Auction button for details.
The paintings will be on display at the library from January 9 until the end of the auction. This fundraiser is a joint effort of the Friends of the Durham Public Library and the Board of Trustees.
"Lamprey River" by Arthur DiMambro
|
|
PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
For the latest information about programs and events, visit: Durham Parks & Recreation Online
View weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE. Drop in to most of our fitness classes for only $10!
Churchill Rink - Find out more by visiting http://www.churchillrink.org/.
For the latest information about programs and events, find us on FACEBOOK
|
|
UNH's Dr. Cathy Neal will join the Durham Garden Club to discuss invasive plants on Tuesday, January 20th.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Newcomers Unlimited Meeting, Friday, Jan 16, 2015, Durham Community Church. Guest speaker Marcia Schmidt Blaine will present: “A Woman That Keeps Good Orders: Women, Tavern Keeping, and Public Approval”. Public welcome to join in for coffee at 9AM. Program begins at 10:15AM. Please park in the lower lot.
Durham Garden Club Presents Dr. Cathy Neal on "Invasive Plants and Alternatives for Your Garden and Landscape" Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015, 5:30PM with potluck supper, Durham Public Library. Public welcome. More information, contact Contact: Sheila McCurdy, 603-659-5623, russheila@comcast.net
UNH Celebrity Series welcomes the Dorian Wind Quintet, Tuesday, Feb 10, 2015, 7PM, Paul Creative Arts Center’s Johnson Theatre in Durham. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.unharts.com.
|
|
Trudy Higgins Brown. Courtesy DPL
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
FOOD EVENT - GINGERBREAD Presented by TRUDY HIGGINS BROWN Wed. Jan. 14th 6:30PM - Trudy Higgins Brown owner of OCG Obsessive Compulsive Gingerbread. She has a passion and talent for creating stunning and simply amazing gingerbread masterpieces! Get a look at the behind the scenes preparation. Sample tasty gingerbread cookies, win prizes, everyone receives a free raffle ticket. Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Family Storytime, Sat. Jan. 10th at 10:30 a.m. This week: Penguins! Join us for stories, songs fingerplays, feltboard and a craft! Sat. Jan. 17th, Family Storytime will be about “Snowmen”!
Crafternoon – Sat. Jan. 10th, from 12:00-4:00 p.m. – Join us in the storytime for a fun craft!
Affordable Health Care Sign-ups through February 2015 - Sign up help available through February 2015, Wednesdays 5-8PM, other days & times available upon request. A facilitator for Affordable Health Care will be at the library to help anyone wishing to sign up. Call the library to reserve a time slot, 603-868-6699 Contact Nancy Miner at nminer@ci.durham.nh.us
Game Afternoon: ages 10 & up, Mon., Jan. 12th at 2:45 p.m. - This week’s game is: "Castle Panic”.
Oyster River High School Poetry Out Loud Competition! National Recitation Contest Tues. Jan. 13th 6:30PM. - All are invited to attend. Come hear some great poetry. (Snow date is Thurs. Jan. 15th 6:30PM)
Acoustic Open Mic, Wed. Jan. 14th 6:30-8PM - The hootmeisters are Peg Chaffee and Cheryl Sager, of "Nice and Naughty" fame. Food and drink and live music. Come to listen, come to perform. Held in the Cafe. Contact Nancy Miner 868-6699 nminer@ci.durham.nh.us
Get To Know More About Sustainability in our Community, Thurs. Jan. 15th 11:30-12:30 PM - Durham, Lee & Madbury residents. You're invited to an informational drop-in to learn what ORCSD has been doing to support sustainable practices. Stop by to meet a Sustainability Committee member, help spread "Green Awareness". Coffee/tea/snacks provided. Contact Cristina Dolcino 603-340-0045 cdolcino@orcsd.org
Borrowing eBooks Class Sat. Jan. 17th 10:30-12:00PM - Learn how to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from the library website and other sources. Bring your own device to practice during this class. Contact Nancy Miner, call to register 868-6699 or email the library durhampl@gmail.com
New for 3rd-5th graders! A knitting club starting Weds. Jan.14th from 4-5 p.m. Come and learn to knit for 6 weeks. Space is limited. Sign-up at the Children’s desk.
McGregor Memorial EMS First Aid Course, Tues. Jan. 13th 6-8PM - Visit cprsafe.org for information and to register. Fee is $20.00
Storytimes, Tues. Jan. 13th and Thurs. Jan. 15th at 10:30 a.m. They will be about “Birds”! We read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard and a craft.
Lego Club begins again on Thurs. Jan. 22nd at 3:45 p.m. and the theme will be “Snowmen and Winter”!
Homeschooler’s Activity Hour begins again on Fri., Jan. 16th at 10:30 a.m. and we will talk about “Birds and Animal Tracks”!
Family Movie, Sat. Jan. 17th at 2:00 p.m. This month: Mr. Peabody & Sherman! Join us in the community room for this month’s fun movie. Popcorn is served.
In The Gallery...Neville Caulfield Photography Exhibit. Exhibit will continue to be on display for your viewing pleasure! Great photos from Caulfield, a Junior at ORHS.
Seacoast Reads for 1st-3rd Graders sign-ups for the second semester have begun. UNH tutors from Seacoast Reads will work with your child once a week after school starting in Feb.-May. Space is limited. Sign-up at the Children’s Desk after Jan. 1st.
Patch Club: reading incentive program for ages 2-12 years. Sign-up at the Children’s Desk!
Tales for Tails: Read to a trained therapy dog K-4th grade - sign-up at the Children’s Desk now for a 4 week session starting the week of Jan 26th. We have a new dog, Ozzie! This is a great way for your child to gain confidence in reading!
Join the Durham Public Library Birthday Book Club. Celebrate a child’s birthday in a unique way with a gift of a book to the library. Talk to the Children’s Librarian at the children’s desk for more details.
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
|
|
WEEKLY ARREST REPORT
*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
|
|
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
1912 - For 19 years a Durham Co-operative Company existed which allowed its members to beat the high cost of living by buying in quantity at wholesale prices. Items purchased were groceries, coal, auto accessories, clothing, magazines, snowshoes, ovens and electrical items.
1912 - Theodore Roosevelt was campaigning for the presidency. President Gibbs planned to meet him on the train, but Gorham Sawyer, a distinguished looking butcher, leaped into the private car and shook hands with Roosevelt. "Glad to meet you President Gibbs." Gibbs was not at all pleased!
1912 - "Voted to pay the Rev. Evertt Stockpole $700 to write a history of Durham." Assisted by Winthrop Meserve and Lucien Thompson, it was published in 1913 in 2 volumes and sold for $5. Reprinted with the approval of the Durham Historic Association in 1973 in one volume for $25.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
