 |
Durham residents Mary Caulfield and Robin Cross pointed out this beautiful snapping turtle, digging in the mud and probably laying eggs, along Bagdad Road near the new Little Hale Creek culvert system.
Courtesy Todd Selig
Code Enforcement Officer Audrey Cline also caught a snapping turtle on the move. View the video she took HERE.
|
___________________________
On Monday, June 7, 2021, the Durham Town Council voted unanimously rescind Emergency Ordinance #2020-11 requiring the wearing of face coverings under certain conditions within the Town of Durham. This decision was made based on a number of reasons, one of which is that coronavirus pandemic cases have dropped considerably in New Hampshire and in Durham. Read an article published in the Foster's Daily Democrat HERE.
***************
On June 1st, Administrator Todd Selig celebrated 20 years of employment with the Town. Read the Foster's Daily Democrat article about his experiences in Durham HERE.
***************
Get ready for Summer Thunder! Motorcycle Week begins this weekend and culminates on Father’s Day. Often mentioned in the same breath as events in Daytona, Florida and Sturgis, South Dakota, these are three of the most popular motorcycle rallies in the country, drawing in over a million riders and motorcycle enthusiasts, combined, every year. It's a big economic boon for the entire state. Often referred to as the Oldest National Motorcycle Rally, Motorcycle Week’s roots reach back to the summer of 1916, when a Gypsy Tour gathered for several days at Weirs Beach on the southern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. So if you happen to be out and about, be on the lookout for packs of bikers heading to and from the Lakes Region.
***************
UNH is offering youth program remote learning opportunities this summer. See more information HERE.
|
PANDEMIC STATE OF EMERGENCY IN NH TO END AT MIDNIGHT TONIGHT
The Governor announced Thursday afternoon that the Executive Order issuing a State of Emergency in New Hampshire will expire tonight at midnight, 6/11/21. We knew it was coming so now it is here.
Governor Sununu has indicated that going forward, health officials will still have the flexibility they need to work with health providers because a public health incident will remain in effect.
In announcing the end to the state of emergency, the governor said the past six months have gone well, with a large number of Granite Staters getting vaccinated and COVID-19 cases continuing to decline. But he and state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan noted that the pandemic isn’t over. For New Hampshire to truly be protected, the virus is going to have to be brought into check worldwide, and there’s no sign of that happening yet.
With mitigation practices no longer mandated, for the most part (businesses can still require masks, and schools and libraries are making their own policies), vaccination is increasingly the key to preventing a new surge and keeping people out of hospitals. But while New Hampshire and parts of the United States are doing well on this metric, as long as the virus continues to spread, new variants can arise more easily that challenge the effectiveness of our current vaccines.
State officials announced Wednesday night that 11 cases of the delta variant have been detected in New Hampshire. That variant, which has been the predominant virus in the ongoing surge in India and has been linked to the recent increase in cases in England. The good news is that fully vaccinated people still seem to be well protected against the delta variant, with Pfizer showing about 88% effectiveness. But it spreads much easier among unvaccinated populations and has been seen mostly in younger people — who tend to not be as vaccinated.
The hope is that any new surge in cases driven by variants is much milder, with fewer hospitalizations and deaths. Governor Sununu has indicated New Hampshire won’t need a state of emergency to help manage the new relief funds coming from the federal government. So if things go well, there won’t be a need for another state of emergency related to this pandemic. Fingers crossed.
|
WITH THE EXPIRATION OF THE GOVERNOR’S EMERGENCY ORDERS, NO MORE VIRTUAL MEETINGS
The current state of emergency in NH, first declared on March 13, 2020, and extended every three weeks since then, expires tonight at midnight, and the governor announced yesterday that he will not extend it. This means that Emergency Order #12, which has authorized public bodies to meet without a physical location for the last 15 months, also expires at midnight tonight (June 11th)!
Thus, any public body that is meeting tomorrow or later must meet in person and allow the public to attend at the location of the meeting. The requirements of RSA 91-A:2, III, regarding remote participation will apply:
- The public body may allow one or more members to participate remotely if in-person attendance is not reasonably practical.
- HOWEVER, a quorum must be physically present at the meeting location, except in an emergency (as defined in the statute).
- Each part of the meeting must be audible “or otherwise discernible” to the public at the location of the meeting.
- Any member participating remotely must identify the persons present in the location from which the member is participating.
- When there is remote board member attendance, roll votes shall be taken by roll call.
There is no prohibition in the statute on allowing the public to access the meeting by means other than physical attendance, so long as physical attendance is permitted. In other words, the body may, in addition to allowing for in-person attendance, broadcast the meeting via cable access television or an online format such as Zoom (as we will continue to do in Durham), or allow members of the public to call in and listen to the meeting. Any such additional means of accessing the meeting should be included in the meeting notice.
In addition, if the public body chooses to allow a public comment period, it should clearly inform the public if a format that the public may use to participate in the public meeting (e.g. Zoom) will be broadcast only. For example, “the public may view the meeting but will not be able to participate in the public comment period via the following link.” In addition, if the public body chooses to allow a public comment period for both those who attend remotely and those who attend in person, both groups should be treated equally. For example, if members of the public are allowed to speak for 3 minutes, both those attending remotely and those in-person should be permitted to speak for 3 minutes.
|
GIVEN THE ABOVE, HOW WILL DURHAM PUBLIC MEETINGS PROCEED BEGINNING ON JUNE 12TH?
As of tomorrow, all public meetings must have a quorum physically present in Council Chambers or wherever the meeting is being held. Board/commission/committee members do not need to wear a mask but are encouraged to do so if they have not been vaccinated. But this is up to the individual. While we would encourage board members to stay 3 feet apart it may be difficult to do so especially when there are many members at the table (such as with the Planning Board that has a dozen members). These meetings will no longer be referred to as “Zoom meetings” or “hybrid meetings” but people can still participate via Zoom (board/commission members subject to certain requirements in 91:A, below).
If in-person attendance is not reasonably practical, board members can still participate remotely via Zoom so long as a quorum (majority) of board members are physically present in the meeting space -- but we encourage them to attend in person. Again, we must have a quorum so if anybody cannot attend in person they should let the chair and/or staff know. Again, see the current statute below which allows for remote participation by board/commission members with a few particular rules. If a board/commission member cannot attend in person they must state why it is not reasonably practical to do so. Administrator Selig believes concern about contracting Covid-19, injury, illness, medical conditions, or travel would be reasonably practical reasons.
Members of the public are now welcome and encouraged to attend in person but chairs in Council Chambers will be spaced 3 feet apart. Members of the public can still participate via Zoom if they wish and we will continue to provide the Zoom registration information.
RSA 91:A-2. III. A public body may, but is not required to, allow one or more members of the body to participate in a meeting by electronic or other means of communication for the benefit of the public and the governing body, subject to the provisions of this paragraph.
(a) A member of the public body may participate in a meeting other than by attendance in person at the location of the meeting only when such attendance is not reasonably practical. Any reason that such attendance is not reasonably practical shall be stated in the minutes of the meeting.
(b) Except in an emergency, a quorum of the public body shall be physically present at the location specified in the meeting notice as the location of the meeting. For purposes of this subparagraph, an "emergency" means that immediate action is imperative and the physical presence of a quorum is not reasonably practical within the period of time requiring action. The determination that an emergency exists shall be made by the chairman or presiding officer of the public body, and the facts upon which that determination is based shall be included in the minutes of the meeting.
(c) Each part of a meeting required to be open to the public shall be audible or otherwise discernible to the public at the location specified in the meeting notice as the location of the meeting. Each member participating electronically or otherwise must be able to simultaneously hear each other and speak to each other during the meeting, and shall be audible or otherwise discern able to the public in attendance at the meeting's location. Any member participating in such fashion shall identify the persons present in the location from which the member is participating. No meeting shall be conducted by electronic mail or any other form of communication that does not permit the public to hear, read, or otherwise discern meeting discussion contemporaneously at the meeting location specified in the meeting notice.
(d) Any meeting held pursuant to the terms of this paragraph shall comply with all of the requirements of this chapter relating to public meetings, and shall not circumvent the spirit and purpose of this chapter as expressed in RSA 91-A:1.
(e) A member participating in a meeting by the means described in this paragraph is deemed to be present at the meeting for purposes of voting. All votes taken during such a meeting shall be by roll call vote.
|
DID THE LEGISLATURE ULTIMATELY APPROVE DURHAM’S REQUEST TO ALLOW VIRTUAL MEETINGS GOING FORWARD AFTER THE PANDEMIC?
Not yet! At Durham’s request Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (NH Senate District 21 representing Durham, Portsmouth, Lee, Madbury, Newfields, Newington, and Newmarket) co-sponsored a piece of omnibus legislation, SB 95, with Senator Gary Daniels. SB 95, as it passed the Senate, would have allowed public bodies to meet remotely if they chose. There were provisions to ensure that public access would be preserved, including rules on public noticing and telephone access as a minimum standard.
Unfortunately, SB 95 was amended by the House and replaced with a study committee to “review authorizing governing bodies of municipalities to hold virtual meetings and to study remote access to meetings under RSA 91-A.” The NH Senate acted swiftly and added the language of SB 95 as it passed the Senate to HB 108. HB 108, with the SB 95 amendment, passed the Senate on a voice vote. Although HB 108 is now likely headed to a Committee of Conference to iron out the differences between the House and the Senate, Senator Perkins Kwoko is hopeful that the remote access provisions will make their way to the Governor’s desk.
As currently written, the remote access provisions of HB 108 will take effect upon its passage, which would hopefully be sometime over this summer. There is a sunset clause in the bill, so that the remote access provisions will repeal and revert back to their current language on July 1, 2022. This sunset will allow everyone to get more experience with remote access and then allow the next legislature to decide if remote access should continue, be tweaked, or come to an end.
|
WATER MAIN BREAK ON GARRISON AVE. THURSDAY EVENING
DPW Director Rich Reine reports there was a water main break on Garrison Avenue on the section of water main owned by UNH. None of Durham’s water customers experienced a service outage. Most of the UNH buildings could be back fed. The situation was fluid (sorry for the pun, I could not resist!) and UNH effectuated the repair. Director Reine indicates the road sustained some damage and will require a large patch.
|
DID YOU KNOW? - Swap Shop Opens June 5 & Used books...
There are now several options to pass on your used books. The Durham Swap Shop is open as of June 5 and will take used books to share with our residents (with the exception of textbooks, dictionaries, reference books and damaged books).
Discover Books now has a collection bin at the Transfer Station next to the Ecosmith and Salvation Army bins. Discover Books sells used books and has donated $27,000,000 to libraries and non-profits. In addition,12,000,000 books have been redistributed to local literary causes, and millions of books have been repurposed and recycled. They will accept textbooks, dictionaries, reference books and damaged books.
In addition, the Durham Public Library will start taking books again beginning June 21st.
Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee
|
INCREASED PROBLEMATIC ACTIVITY, NOISE AT WISWALL BRIDGE CAUSING CHALLENGES FOR NEIGHBORHOOD – Town officials to meet to evaluate options in near future...
Dating back to the 1960’s and earlier, although the Wiswall bridge has been used by swimmers, there were rarely more than a handful at a time. Frequently little families came, especially before the bridge was reconfigured.
Many years later, the Lamprey River Local Advisory Committee provided funds for the John Hatch Park to be built, and with the expanded parking area, most of the use was by grateful anglers, with a steady increase in swimmers.
Unfortunately, the area has become not only a place to swim, but also a hang-out, with people on the bridge at night, swimming, and engaging in other less than desirable activities.
Neighbors report that this past week there were 22 young people hanging out on the bridge, blocking traffic, bellowing and screaming, playing loud music, and leaving behind quantities of trash. Their friends burned rubber as they tried to impress each other speeding over the bridge. (The police identified one of the young men burning rubber and this individual was issued a citation and will lose his license for some time.) The young people on the bridge have unfortunately developed an “anything goes” attitude that at least one neighbor describes as becoming out of control.
Over the years, the number of youth hanging out on the bridge has increased annually. The noise is described as “intolerable” by abutters.
One home in the general area indicates they can’t have lunch on their deck. They can’t have company for drinks in their garden. They can’t relax outside to read a book. And this year, they can only work remotely by shutting all their windows and running fans to drown out the noise.
Abutters have been rudely told by bridge users that it’s the abutters’ own fault for having a house near the “Town’s only swimming hole.”
Except when the noise at night keeps abutters awake, they have been very tolerant and tried not to call the police as often as they might otherwise like to. The police do address issues at the site when the bridge is being blocked for traffic or when complaints are received or problems observed.
The police concur that the situation has only worsened and has become an ongoing nuisance and a drain on limited police resources. Any solution must be one that the police can feasibly administer with available resources.
Note as well that people jumping from a bridge into murky moving waters with invisible rocks and potential snagged debris below and a dam just downstream is not an activity the Town condones – hence the danger warning signs that have been installed. There was a drowning death at the site many years ago, but not a result of jumping from the bridge.
In the next couple of weeks, Police Chief Rene Kelley, Chair Kitty Marple, Chair Pro-tem Wayne Burton, and Mr. Selig will get together to discuss the situation and possible steps to address it.
|
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE - Friendly reminders to all our Durham residents that Tax Bills are due July 1, 2021.
The Town of Durham collects property taxes bi-annually. The first property tax bill is an estimated half for the whole year. The first bill for 2021 was mailed on May 25, 2021 and it is due by July 1, 2021.
Water/Sewer Bills: Due June 11, 2021.The Town of Durham sends bills for water and sewer on quarterly basis. The second installment for 2021 was mailed on May 11, 2021 and it is due by June 11, 2021.
Dog Licenses: Past Due. Dog licenses must be renewed each year by April 30. Please note that late fees began accruing on June 1, 2021. If this is your first time licensing your dog in Durham, please provide the clerk’s office with a copy of your rabies certificate.
New Operating Procedures: Effective June 1, 2021. The Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office opened the interior office doors to the public on June 1, 2021. The walk-up window in the Town Hall lobby is no longer necessary and has been closed. At this time, masks will still be required to enter the office and social distancing practices will be observed (limited to 3 customers in the office at one time). Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, and 8:00am-6:00pm the first Monday of every month.
Questions may be directed to the Town-Clerk-Tax Collector’s office at 603-868-5577.
|
ZBA MEMBERS BADLY NEEDED!
The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) is down to only four members! What exactly is the ZBA?
Zoning boards of adjustment have played a vital, but little-noticed, role in the development of NH communities. Sometimes praised, sometimes criticized, they have continued to perform their principal role – reviewing applications for zoning variances, special exceptions, equitable waivers of dimensional requirements, and hearing appeals from the decisions made by administrative officials – all without much fanfare!
To a large extent, the success or failure of zoning administration rests on the proper exercise of judgment by members of the ZBA, and the job is not an easy one.
The first rudimentary land use controls date back at least several thousand years, but the modern concept of zoning began early in the twentieth century. As our nation and its cities grew in size and complexity, it became apparent that haphazard growth and mixing of industry, commerce, and housing were resulting in a loss of land values and quality of life. Several major cities began experimenting with ordinances that restricted the use of land by districts or zones; other communities were quick to follow. More recently, smaller cities and towns have enacted zoning ordinances and maps, recognizing that their health, safety and welfare depend on protection against ill-considered and indiscriminate use of land.
When New York City enacted the first comprehensive zoning ordinance and map in 1916, unusual features of the topography, odd shaped lots, and drainage conditions required that some flexibility be provided to ensure proper use and enjoyment of the property and to avoid charges of confiscation that could result from strict application of the ordinance. As states passed enabling legislation granting communities authority to zone, they also required that the local ordinance provide for a board of adjustment (a ZBA) with defined powers and duties to provide relief under strict standards largely defined by state law.
While zoning ordinances can and should be tailored to the particular community, there is one thing they all require – the creation of a ZBA. It has been said that the only reason zoning, as a comprehensive land use planning technique, has been upheld as constitutional in the courts is due to the existence of the ZBA as a “constitutional safety valve.” The ZBA provides the necessary flexibility to ensure that the ordinance is applied equitably to all property.
Interested citizens are welcome to submit an application for consideration, available on the Town web site HERE.
|
TOWN EFFORTS AT 66 MAIN STREET UNDER WAY TO TIDY UP SITE, CREATE TEMPORARY GRAVEL PARKING AREA TO SUPPORT DOWNTOWN, AND A PLEASANT (BUT SIMPLE) TEMPORARY GRASSY PARK-LIKE SETTING ALONG MAIN STREET
Now under Durham ownership, Admin. Selig has instructed DPW to mobilize swiftly to address the site. The property has been overgrown and unusable for several years.
We will be able to reuse what were 35-40 parking spaces for the old ATO fraternity plus the footprint of the fraternity building itself for a municipal gravel parking area in a cost effective manner utilizing recycled asphalt millings from the Main Street-West repaving project just completed. UNH and Durham both in fact plan to reuse the millings for several projects.
The plan is to make the property presentable and value added for our beautiful downtown.
In the next few weeks, Town Councilor Jim Lawson, Parking Office Sandra Hebert, Police Chief Rene Kelley, DPW Director Rich Reine, and Mr. Selig will meet to discuss how/whether to modify parking strategies for the downtown core given short-term opportunities associated with 66 Main St.
|
PLANNING KICKS OFF FOR LONG-TERM REDEVELOPMENT OF 66 MAIN STREET SITE - What's generally envisioned for the parcel's future?
Administrator Selig and Economic Development Director Christine Soutter met via Zoom this week with representatives from Elliott Sidewalk Communities (ESC) to begin conversations about planning for the redevelopment of the parcel. Piggybacking off of a previous UNH RFQ process (reported on several times in past years in the weekly “Friday Updates”) Durham today is committed to working with ESC through December 31, 2021. If fruitful conversations between Durham, ESC, and UNH progress, that relationship could be extended. The plan would be to bring a redevelopment proposal to the planning board in late-2021/early-2022 with construction commencing, if approved, in 2023. ESC is interested in ultimately purchasing the front portion of 66 Main St. from Durham (to create a mixed-use development including (ideally) college bookstore (18,000 sf), graduate/faculty housing above (total structure height would be 4 or 5 stories - TBD), and retail (10,000-12,000 sf)) leaving the rear portion of the lot to be aggregated by the Town with our triangular parcel along Pettee Brook Lane, which together could be transformed into municipal structured parking (with TBD # of spaces) supporting both the public-public-private redevelopment project and the downtown as a whole.
Basically, now that Durham has taken ownership of the parcel, planning for the future of the site can commence. Please know that nothing about the future redevelopment of the site is certain at this point and it is in fact quite unusual to be so open concerning project planning at such an early stage. It’s an important parcel in our downtown, however, and Mr. Selig wants to let community members know about ideas for the future here.
|
FIREFIGHTER/AEMT (Salary Range: $46,244 to $48,584)
The Town of Durham, NH is accepting applications fill an open vacancy and to create a hiring eligibility list for the position of Firefighter/AEMT. The hiring eligibility list may be active for up to eighteen months.
The full position posting and Town of Durham application may be found on the Town’s website HERE.
Applications will be reviewed on Friday, June 18, 2021. Position to remain open until filled.
|
UPDATE ON THIS WEEK'S PLANNING BOARD DELIBERATIONS
On Wednesday the Planning Board approved a revised plan for the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity for its new building at 18 Garrison Avenue. The Elizabeth DeMeritt house on the property, formerly owned by UNH, will be demolished and a new two-story building will be erected to accommodate 41 fraternity brothers. The board approved a conditional use for Tom and Erin Daly for various accessory structures to be built along with their new single-family house on a lot where the Oyster River meets Little Bay at 190 Piscataqua Road. The Planning Board continued its review of the proposed 15-unit Gerrish Drive subdivision submitted by Marti and Michael Mulhern. The Mill Plaza redevelopment and the parking lot at 19 Main Street are on the board’s agenda for June 23.
|
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT TODD ALLEN RETIRING FROM ORCSD - June 14th community send off planned...
The Oyster River Cooperative School District invites the community in wishing a happy retirement to Todd Allen on Monday, June 14th (rain date: June 15th) from 3:30 to 5:00 PM at the ORHS Track and Field.
Many residents have had Todd as a teacher or a teacher of your children, many have known him as a coach, ORMS Assistant Principal, ORHS Principal, and Assistant Superintendent.
Come and celebrate his 36 years of service.
|
PART-TIME TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT VACANCY
The Town of Durham is looking for a part time Transfer Station Attendant. The position is part time, non-benefits. Applicants must be comfortable dealing with public and have a Solid Waste Operators License, level 1 minimum or the ability to obtain license within 2 months of hire. Duties include checking in residents, ensuring materials are disposed of in proper locations, ability to operate a loader and skid steer, maintenance and cleaning of facility. Pay $14-$17/Hr based on experience. Hours will be Saturday from 7am-3:30pm, potential for more hours. Valid driver’s license, background check will be performed. Applications accepted until the position is filled.
Applications are available at the Public Works Office, contact below:
Janice Richard
Assistant to the Director
100 Stone Quarry Drive
Durham, NH 03824
603-868-5578
|
SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST UPDATE - Letters sent to anyone on checklist who has not voted in last 4 years.
The Supervisors of the Checklist have just mailed out letters to anyone on our checklist who has not voted in 4 years (since April 1, 2017). This process has been explained in previous Friday Updates, but in case you missed it, this is in accordance with RSA 654:39 that requires us to verify the voter Checklist every 10 years. If you receive one of these letters, still live in Durham, and would like to remain on the checklist, you may either come before us on one of the dates and times below, or simply go to the Durham Town Hall during regular business hours, to re-register. You may also call the Town Hall at 868-5577 with questions.
If your household should receive one of these letters and the person no longer lives there, or if you receive the letter and no longer live in Durham, simply toss the letter. Unfortunately, people who registered last fall but then did not vote or whose absentee ballot arrived late, will also receive a letter and will need to re-register at some point. Please keep in mind you can always register to vote at any election. The Supervisors will meet on the following dates for anyone who has received a letter and cannot make it to the Durham Town Hall during regular business hours to re-register.
Thursday, July 22 and Monday, August 9, 2021 - 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Both at Durham Town Hall
The Supervisors will also be accepting applications for new voter registration, requests for the correction of the checklist, and/or change of political party affiliation at these times. Voters may check party affiliation online HERE.
Applicants for registration or re-registration, whether at the Clerk’s office or with the Supervisors, should bring with them proofs of identity, age (18 by the next election), citizenship, and domicile. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
|
Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy Jean McPeak
|
PART-TIME MECHANIC POSITION VACANCY
The Town of Durham is in seek of a permanent part-time mechanic to assist in performing equipment maintenance on the Town's fleet. Requires knowledge of regular fleet vehicles and heavy equipment repair, diagnosis of malfunctions utilizing test equipment and technical repair manuals. Employee will work up to 24 hours per week, flexible scheduling available. Position receives paid holidays and pro-rated vacation and sick leave accruals.
High School Diploma or G.E.D. and one year of formal training in fleet vehicles and heavy equipment repair or equivalent experience. Possession of a Class B CDL Operator's License and Certification to perform NH Safety Vehicle Inspections highly sought after.
Hourly wage starting at $20/hour, higher possible depending on experience. Job will be posted until position is filled. If you have any questions or to request an application, call 603-868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. Send application/letter of interest/resume via e-mail or to:
Janice Richard
100 Stone Quarry Drive
Durham, NH 03824
|
ANIMALS IN VEHICLES DURING HOT WEATHER
With the arrival of summer - like weather, Durham Police Chief Rene Kelley wants to remind all pet owners to please leave their pets at home instead of bringing them with you and leaving them alone locked in a vehicle. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise quickly to levels that are dangerous to our furry friends.
Please view information HERE from the Humane Society of the United States for helpful information and their warning of the dangers of leaving a pet unattended in a parked car.
|
DURHAM SWAP SHOP IS NOW OPEN! - Additional volunteers needed!
Well, it’s really happening! The Durham Swap Shop at the Transfer Center will be open (with COVID guidelines) on Saturday, June 5th from 9:00am - 2:30pm! It will be an exciting day for Durham citizens given that so many people have asked about its opening and volunteering opportunities.
PLEASE LIMIT YOUR DONATIONS IN JUNE TO ONE RECYCLING SIZED BIN AND ONE LARGE ITEM PER WEEK. The Swap Shop Committee of volunteers anticipate a significant number of items will be dropped off during the first month of being open. We are sorry to say this, but a car filled to the brim with items will not be accepted at this time due to our space limitations. Items also need to be functional, clean, and something you would consider having in your home if you needed it. Asking yourself, “Would I take this item home if I needed it?” may help you decide if an item is acceptable for the Swap Shop or would be better off elsewhere. Volunteers will be providing support to review items brought to the Swap Shop.
New parking guidelines will also be in effect. Bulky waste or electronics require that a sticker be purchased (no cash allowed) even if brought to the Swap Shop. A 2021 Town of Durham Resident Permit is also needed to enter the Transfer Station. It is free from the Department of Public Works.
THE SWAP SHOP NEEDS RESIDENTS TO VOLUNTEER TO STAY OPEN. Don’t miss out on the fun! Select your days and times so you can do it with others! Learn more about volunteering or how to sign-up as a returning volunteer HERE! or email foggdrive@yahoo.com
Swap Shop volunteers look forward to seeing you!
|
Courtesy Laura Harper Lake of ArtfulHarper Design
|
DURHAM FARM DAY IS BACK!
Read on for exciting news about Annual Durham Farm Day, Saturday, August 21st from 10am – 4pm, rain or shine!
- NEW! Farm Day contests taking place at LaRoche Farm include homegrown food competitions – longest green bean, heaviest zucchini, and funniest looking tomato! One entry per household. Keep your eyes on your garden in the weeks ahead for contestants and bring them to LaRoche Farm on August 21st to enter the contests!
- NEW! Did you tap your maple trees and make syrup this spring? If so, consider bringing some syrup for people to sample at Farm Day! Did you tap birch or other trees to make syrup? Bring it along!
- NEW! Hay bale tossing and stacking competitions, scything demonstrations, sheet mulching for your garden demonstrations, and arts and craft activities for kids!
- Returning activities at LaRoche Farm include information on bees and other pollinators, local honey sampling, hay rides, sugar shack tours, antique tractor display, visiting with farm animals, sheep shearing demonstrations, spinning and weaving demonstrations, the list goes on! There will be also be a tour of UNH Fairchild Dairy and UNH Woodman Farm with a strict pre-registration policy and a limit on the number of participants. Details about these tours will follow at a later date.
The Agricultural Commission is looking for volunteers to help with activities taking place at LaRoche Farm on Farm Day. Help is needed with shucking and steaming local corn for the BYO picnic lunch, accepting and judging entries in the homegrown food contests, staffing the Durham maple syrup tasting table, overseeing the hay bale tossing and stacking contests, and much more. Please contact Theresa Walker if you are able to help, theresawalker@comcast.net, 603-659-7226.
|
VACANCY - DPW BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS FOREMAN JOB OPPORTUNITY
Durham Public Works, located in the beautiful seacoast region of New Hampshire, is a recognized leader in the Public Works field. The Department is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Buildings and Grounds Foreman. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Director of Public Works.
The Buildings and Grounds Foreman supervises the work of the Buildings and Grounds Department, which includes two (2) full-time personnel and a seasonal summer grounds maintenance crew. The Foreman performs skilled and trade level work in the maintenance, construction and operation of Town owned buildings, parks, public lands, and related equipment to ensure the proper upkeep and operation of the Town’s municipal services. The Foreman is also required to assist the Water Department Chief Operator in the maintenance of the Town’s public drinking water conveyance systems and treatment facilities and must be available for 24/7 emergency operations including snow removal and water system failures.
This position requires a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in Buildings and Grounds construction and maintenance, one (1) year of which shall be in a supervisory capacity. The successful candidate will also possess the ability to operate a variety of complex pieces of machinery. Applicants must possess a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent as well as a NHDES Grade 1 Distribution and Treatment Water Works Operator license or have the ability to obtain OIT designation within one (1) year of employment.
This position offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement, paid time off, dental, vision, and other supplemental benefits. Starting salary is based on experience and ranges from $23.91 - $29.60/hr with opportunities for overtime.
Durham Public Works is an equal opportunity employer.
Please submit letter of interest and resumé to:
Samuel Hewitt
Assistant Director of Public Works
Durham Public Works
100 Stone Quarry Drive
Durham, NH 03824
shewitt@ci.durham.nh.us
|
4TH ANNUAL "DANDELIONS ARE BEE-UTIFUL" CONTEST RESULTS
The results are in for the 4th Annual contest for the Durham lawn(s) with the most dandelions, and other sites having dandelions. Conducted by the Durham Agricultural Commission, this year there were 25 participants – five more than in 2020. Like last year, Durham was challenged to a “Two-Town Contest” by Kingston, NH. But with just four (4) participants, Kingston came in second place -- again.
In addition to photos of dandelions happily growing in residential lawns and garden areas, other interesting photos of dandelions growing at other locations and settings were submitted as well. As such, there were a total of ten (10) contest categories – and winner for each category. Each winner will receive a 12 oz bottle of “Lee’s Bees” honey.
|
Click HERE to view the full report on the 2021 Durham Dandelion Contest (including photos and brief write-up about each winning submission)
__________________________
Bee-Friendly Program
Durham Agricultural Commission
|
BECOME A VOLUNTEER WATER QUALITY SAMPLER THIS SUMMER -- It’s fun and helps our environment.
Annika, a Girl Scout with Troop 10435 and a volunteer water quality sampler for The Lamprey River Watershed Association (LRWA), has been sampling and testing water for three years now, since 2018. The Lamprey River runs through the towns of Barrington, Brentwood, Candia, Deerfield, Durham, Epping, Exeter, Fremont, Lee, Newfields, Newmarket, Northwood, Nottingham, and Raymond. The full watershed includes the Lamprey, Little North, North Brook, Pawtuckaway, and Piscassic Rivers.
Annika is interested in involving more kids/teens/young adults in water quality sampling. It's important work. The science can be fun AND you get to explore some beautiful parts of the Watershed. For those who are interested in the environment but aren’t sure about the commitment there is a new, easy way they can be involved. There is an app called ISeeChange that is sponsored by NASA and NOAA and is easy to use. Through this app you can quickly post pictures of cool things you notice on the Lamprey and changes you see in the environment and nature, track the weather in your area, and interact with other people’s nature posts. Make sure you tag your subject matter and mark your location as Lamprey so we can call see each other’s incredible finds. Your posts can also be used by scientists around the country as part of the Citizen Scientist movement.
If you have the time to volunteer and would like to learn how to use the scientific equipment for water sampling, you can get in touch with carl.spang@lrwa-nh.org
A little more background information: The Lamprey River Watershed Association was founded in the 1980s to promote clean water and a healthy environment in the watershed. The Lamprey is also considered a Class B river-you can fish, swim, or use kayaks and other non-motorized boats! One of reasons we monitor the river (pH, turbidity etc.) is because in the Winter/Fall the water quality is high (good) but, in the summer there can be excessive algae growth and the water gets slow and makes pond-like still places in the river and the water quality suffers. This is why testing is done specifically in the summer.
To learn more about the seasonal changes, check out the LRWA website and the Lamprey River Advisory Committee website.
|
TOWN OF DURHAM HIRING GIS PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
Durham Public Works, located in the beautiful Seacoast region of New Hampshire, is a recognized leader in the Public Works field. We are seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of public works professionals to serve in the role of GIS Program Administrator. In this exciting role you will report to the Director of Public Works and IT Manager and develop, update, and manage the Town of Durham’s GIS database and associated applications.
Durham Public Works is a fully integrated and progressive Department with modern equipment and facilities. The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in GIS, Cartography, or related field plus three to five years of technical support experience and basic management skills. Years of related work experience may be substituted for the formal education required. The successful candidate must have knowledge of CAD and its use in GIS layer development and demonstrated proficiency in GIS related software, scripting and related applications i.e. ESRI, Python, asset management, database management, etc.
Salary range for this position is from $65,000 to $81,200 depending upon qualifications. This position includes a generous benefit package: NH State Retirement System, Health, Dental and Paid Time off. A copy of the job description is located on the Town of Durham’s website HERE.
Send resume and letter of interest to Town of Durham, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to mailto:JRichard@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on June 18, 2021.
|
Watercolor of Crommett Creek. Courtesy Ellen Lonske
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
|
Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
|
DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
DPL's 'Tales & Tails' Summer Reading Registration begins June 14th!
All summer reading programming will run this year from June 28th through July 30th! Get an early start on our Adult Summer Reading Challenge by downloading a challenge card HERE or pick one up at the library! Prize drawings will take place on each Friday during summer reading! Adult programs kick off with an Illustrative Landscapes Art Class facilitated by book artist and illustrator Corinne Roberts on June 28th! In July, join us for Sustainability: An American Literary History with Abby Goode on July 12th! On July 14th, we welcome storyteller Sebastian Lockwood's interpretation of the epic tale Homer's Odysseus and on July 19th, Ann McClellan returns to DPL with a look at the development of electronic literature with Storytelling in the Digital Age!
On Monday in Youth Services , registration opens for Summer Reading 2021! Summer reading this year runs from June 28th through July 30th! Join us for our Joint Library Kick-off Zoom Program with Jungle Jim on Thursday, July 1st at 10:30 am! This is a joint zoom program with the Lee and Madbury libraries! Our second Joint Library program will be a Wildlife Encounters Zoom Program on Thursday, July 8th at 10:30 am! Register for a new joint program each week of summer reading! Join us this summer for reading logs/Bingo boards, prizes, beading, crafts, Young Adult Group, Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, Crafty Critters grab 'n go crafts and much more! We will be using READsquared again and new to us is Page Turners! The full youth June and July calendars are also available to download anytime!
|
|
|
|
|
|
HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
________________________
1743 - "Mr. Hugh Adams shall have 20 pounds yearly provided he set down satiesfied and Preach no more but if he preach this vote to be voide." Dismissed in 1739, having been hired in 1717 for 100 pounds, this is believed to be the only historical instance when a minister was paid to stop preaching.
|
Have a very nice weekend. Cooler temperatures and less humidity is predicted.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
---
|
|
|
|
|
|
