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Retired Navy Capt. Lee Alexander and retired Army Lt. Col. Andrew Corrow, lay a red, white, and blue flower wreath on the monument in Memorial Park during the Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 28, 2021. Courtesy Todd Selig
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Durham Farmers Market opens Monday, June 7 in the Store 24/ Sammy’s parking lot along Pettee Brook Road. From 2:15 - 5:30 PM every Monday through October 4th, you’ll find local seasonal offerings including vegetables, meat, goat cheese and other goat milk products, maple products, prepared foods and more.
In addition, UNH is offering youth program remote learning opportunities this summer. See more information HERE.
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Town Council Chairperson Kitty Marple welcomed those in attendance and offered remarks on the importance of Memorial Day. Courtesy Todd Selig
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MEMORIAL DAY HONORED IN DURHAM
Amidst heavy clouds and a light drizzle, the Town of Durham hosted its annual ceremony to honor and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country on Memorial Day. The ceremony, organized by the Parks & Recreation Department, began at 10 AM at Memorial Park located downtown on Main Street. Community members in attendance were asked to gather socially distanced wearing face coverings during the event. There was not a parade this year due to the pandemic. Approximately 75 people were present for the ceremony.
Oyster River High School Senior Madeline Blandini began the ceremony by singing the national anthem.
Town Council Chairperson Kitty Marple welcomed those in attendance and offered remarks on the importance of the day, thanking all those who came together to make the public remembrance possible. This was followed by Captain Lee Alexander, Retired, US Navy, who outlined the difference between Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May as the holiday set aside to pay tribute to those who died serving in the military, and Veterans Day, the holiday that falls in November and is designated as a day to honor all who have served in the military.
Wes Dillon, pastor at Four Rivers Christian Church, let those in attendance in a moment of silence and prayer.
Retired Navy Captain Lee Alexander and retired US Army Lt. Col. Andrew Corrow, laid a beautiful red, white, and blue flower wreath on the monument in Memorial Park.
The Durham Police and Fire combined color guard held flags representing the United States of America, the State of New Hampshire, the Durham Fire Department, and the Durham Police Department. The color guard also provided a rifle volley, a customary tradition in which three volleys of shots are fired in honor of a deceased veteran. The three volleys originate from a custom in which battle would temporarily stop for service members to clear their dead from the battlegrounds. When a side had successfully removed their dead, they fired three rifle volleys to signify the continuation of battle.
American flags were placed in the Durham cemetery this past week by the Scouts in Troop 154. Approximately 20 male and female Scouts along with 10 adults assisted in placing the 270 flags. Members of Troop 154 also assisted with today’s downtown ceremony on Main Street.
It was meaningful we could gather together in person in downtown Durham for Memorial Day following such a difficult year defined so pointedly by the pandemic. We enjoy many freedoms as Americans; we must not forget the people who have died in the service of our country to win them.
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Retired Navy Captain Lee Alexander explains the history, purpose, and significance of Memorial Day. Courtesy Todd Selig
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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
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1 ZBA MEMBER AND 3 ALTERNATE ZBA MEMBERS BADLY NEEDED!
The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) is down to only four members! One regular member and three alternate members are needed to fill out the board membership. But 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.
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YOUNG DRIVE - A good solution reached addressing a long-time challenge.
Sometimes we succeed in finding good resolutions for long-time challenges. Such is the case with Young Drive in Durham, located off Route 108/Dover Road adjacent to Beards Creek.
There are 15 lots along Young Drive (Lots 42-2 through 42-17) as shown in the image below, with duplexes on 9 of the lots. The other 6 lots are vacant but can potentially be built upon. When the project was originally developed in the late 1960s the intent was to provide housing for families. However, the site ended up being occupied pretty much exclusively by undergraduate college students. There were significant ongoing problems with noise, trash, trespassing onto neighboring properties, loud parties, fires, and generally unruly behavior that demanded much attention from the Durham Police, Fire, and Code Enforcement Departments. The site was especially bothersome to the residents of single family homes on Bayview Road. Fortunately, things have been much quieter on site recently, likely due in part to both vigorous enforcement along with new developments that attracted college student renters to other modern, professionally managed locations.
Years ago, in an effort to encourage more appropriate use of the property the Town changed the zoning for the district to prohibit duplex housing. A subsequent lawsuit between the owner and the Town about exactly what would be permitted on site resulted in a settlement agreement in 2015 between the two parties. The agreement allowed for additional student housing on the vacant lots (which we could not prevent since it was vested through the original approval) but imposed numerous new requirements on the owner intended to manage student behavior. A number of months ago the owner expressed an interest in building on the vacant lots but expressed concern about the difficulty with complying with some of the requirements under the settlement agreement.
The Town then recognized the potential for a mutually-beneficial arrangement. Planner Michael Behrendt, Code Officer Audrey Cline, and Admin. Selig, working through the respective attorneys and ultimately with approval from the Town Council, were able to negotiate a change in the agreement wherein the Town would remove the 2015 requirements and the owner would curtail student occupancy. A new deed restriction implemented by the property owner provides that no unit or property on the site may be occupied by an undergraduate college student unless that student’s parent or guardian occupies the same unit/property. The restriction applies to every part of the project except one condominium unit which had been sold to a third party prior to the restriction being in place.
Could this type of language, put in place by the property owner, be a new model for other development proposals when the owner purports that the project is not intended to be used as off campus UNH student housing?
The Strafford Superior Court approved the amended settlement agreement on May 21, 2021.
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THE AUTHORITY FOR LOCAL PUBLIC BOARDS/COMMITTEES TO MEET 100% VIRTUALLY LIKELY TO END ON JUNE 12TH
Since March of last year, public bodies have been authorized to conduct virtual meetings under the governor’s Emergency Order #12. This authority has been continued as the governor has renewed the state of emergency every three weeks.
As the state continues to reopen, the state of emergency will likely end soon, and with it the authority to meet without a physical location. The governor’s most recent order, issued on May 28, extended the state of emergency for only two weeks (versus three week extension in the past), until June 11, and it is uncertain whether it will be extended again. If it is not, the authority to hold entirely virtual meetings will expire on June 11.
There is pending legislation that would put the 100% virtual meeting option into statute, but its fate is uncertain, and even if it passes, it will not take effect until July or later. Therefore, Administrator Selig recommends that all Durham local public boards, committees, and commissions with meetings scheduled on or after June 12 should be held in person, with public access at the physical location of the meeting. If the state of emergency is not extended on June 11, any meeting held after that time without public access at a physical location would be in violation of the Right-to-Know Law.
Current state law does allow that, so long as a quorum (or in most cases a majority) of the board members are physically present, a minority of the board’s members may participate remotely. To this end, Durham will continue to offer a Zoom virtual option for members of the public or a minority of board members who may concerns about attendance at a physical meeting.
We will set up the Council chambers with chairs spaced 3’ apart and can stand up chairs in the Town Hall foyer as well if overflow capacity is needed on a given topic.
On Monday evening, Admin. Selig also plans to recommend that the Council rescind the emergency facial coverings ordinance, such that Durham would simply recommend that individuals follow the latest CDC guidance concerning facial coverings.
View the updated CDC guidelines HERE.
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DCAT IS PREPARING FOR YOU TO JOIN OUR MEETINGS IN PERSON ONCE AGAIN...
We've installed a new amplification sound system. If you're sitting in the gallery, you'll have a much-improved audio experience; all the ceiling speakers have been replaced with a speaker that has a voice friendly output. Our old single zone amplifier has been replaced with a two-zone amp, allowing the tech to control the volume output over the gallery and Council table separately.
In an effort to live up to our name of being a welcoming community, DCAT has installed a Williams Sound "WaveCast" assisted listening system. The WaveCast allows anyone with hearing difficulties to enjoy the meeting or program on your mobile device using your headphones. Just download Williams Sound WaveCast app, join our assisted listening Wi-Fi, and you're good to go.
DCAT also has four assisted listening devices for your use. Please contact DCAT Coordinator, Craig Stevens with any questions at 603-590-1383 or email cstevens@ci.durham.nh.us
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TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, The Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office opened the interior office doors to the public. The public may now enter the office to conduct business.
Masks will still be required to enter the office and social distancing practices will be observed. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, and 8:00am-6:00pm the first Monday of every month.
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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.
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IT DEPT. TO UPGRADE CREDIT CARD READERS IN TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE NEXT TUESDAY
The Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office has been utilizing what is now fairly old technology for its credit card reader system. That will change on Tuesday when IT Manager Luke Vincent and IT Volunteer Extraordinaire Jay Gooze work with the staff there to install new credit card reading scanners.
This technology upgrade may create some down time in the office during installation for credit card transaction on Tuesday, June 8th. Residents desiring to process credit card transactions are therefore asked to keep this in mind when choosing a day next week to stop into the office.
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MEMBERS OF TOWN COUNCIL VISITED WITH STAFF AT DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT THIS WEEK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND POLICING SITUATIONS/EXPERIENCES IN DURHAM
On Wednesday afternoon this week, members of the Town Council visited the DPD to talk with staff, tour the facility, learn, observe, and better understand what policing entails in Durham. The visit was publicly noticed but no members of the public attended.
Sergeant Craig Forest spoke about the different weapons used by the Durham Police and spoke about the DPD’s Use of Force policies.
Holly Malasky, the Durham Police Problem Oriented Policing Officer (Pop Officer), spoke about her job and described what happens anytime there is a noise complaint or disturbance at an off campus student rental. She spoke about our partnership with UNH and how the Dean and Assistant dean of Students frequently accompanied her when she visited the students who were hosting large parties or were violating the Town of Durham Noise Ordinance. As a result noise complaints have been significantly lower than in years past.
Detective Sergeant John Lavoie spoke about the Taser currently issued to all Durham Police Officers. He spoke at length about training and the documentation required each time a taser is either threatened or used to subdue a violently resisting suspect.
Chief Kelley, Deputy Chief Holmstock, and Captain Dalton provided a tour of the facility where Councilors were able to see the improvements made to the police station and had an opportunity to meet and speak with sworn and non-sworn members of the department as they were doing their work.
Council Chair Pro Tem Wayne Burton, who will be chairing Monday’s upcoming Council meeting, plans to provide an overview concerning the visit for the benefit of the public.
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Aerial view of 66 Main Street property. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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DURHAM HAS PURCHASED 66 MAIN STREET FROM UNH
On Friday, May 28th the Town of Durham signed the paperwork and is now the proud owner of the 1.18 vacant lot located at 66 Main Street (formerly owned by UNH). The purchase will enable the Town to offer additional public parking in the downtown. Part of the lot could also be used as a lay down area for future in-town construction projects lessening the impact on the downtown businesses and streetscape.
The immediate plan is to use the parcel for public parking with the long-term plan of maintaining a portion of the land for public parking and selling the rest to a developer to bring in additional quality commercial business to the downtown as well as housing that is geared toward uses other than UNH undergraduates. The lot is also adjacent to another Town-owned parcel which makes the parcel that much more inviting for future mixed-use development.
The agreed upon purchase price of $2,045,000 came from two independent appraisals and was discussed at length with town officials, Town Councilors, and staff. The cost will be partially offset by using the $700,000 in parking impact fees that were due to expire beginning in August of this year. The remaining debt will be paid using TIF funds and a TIF bond meaning there will be no impact to taxpayers.
Since the land has sat for a number of years, some basic work will need to be done to make it safe and accessible. In the coming weeks you will start to see Durham public works at the site doing some prep work to get the parcel ready for immediate use.
The acquisition is a big step forward in the continued redevelopment and vitality of the downtown.
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66 MAIN STREET PARKING LOT AND PASSIVE PARK CONSTRUCTION - Short term parking lot and pocket park planning under way.
With the Town’s recent acquisition of this important downtown parcel, all Town Departments and Durham Public Works are now coordinating the first phase of construction improvements planned for the near term. Design plans are being finalized to construct a gravel parking lot with storm water controls, reconstruct the main access road and create a pocket park while improving the overall streetscape. Construction activity is expected to get underway over the next week with removal of unsightly vegetation and tree pruning while more extensive construction can be expected to begin over the next 30-60 days.
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NEW OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL AT 57% COMPLETION - The project is proceeding smoothly.
The Oyster River Middle School project began its second year of construction last month with 57% of the project budget having been expended as of the end of May 2021. With an average of 90 workers on site every day, progress is being made on many fronts at the new school.
The first rooftop skylight, supplied and installed by Granite State Glass, is in place and allows a fantastic amount of natural light to be shared from the 4th all the way down to the 1st floors. Granite State is also installing curtain wall systems at the four stairwells along with aluminum storefront at various locations.
Weather barrier installation is 95% complete and will be followed by masonry and later metal tile and simulated stone panels beginning next week. Currently, masons are installing their wall ties and beginning to place rigid insulation in preparation for their brick and block installations. Siding will begin on the west (main entrance) side of the building and proceed in a counterclockwise direction with masonry going first and the metal tile and stone panel siding following afterward.
The mechanical and electrical subcontractors are doing a fabulous job keeping ahead of the drywallers with their rough-in work and this has allowed Metro Walls to turn the bulk of the fourth floor over to Allan Perkins Painting for application of first and second coats of paint. Colors in the different team areas are vivid and exciting for students and staff to see when they participate in their end of the year tours during the next few weeks. Kudos to the MEP team of Granite State Plumbing and Heating, Hampshire Fire Protection, and Daniels Electric for their excellent work to date! Perkins will be starting paint application on the third floor by the end of the week.
Drywall is being installed on the second floor and finished on the third floor by Metro Walls and they too are keeping excellent pace with the project’s schedule. Metro Walls is also responsible for the metal framing of walls, soffits, and misc. ceilings and have risen to the challenge of our tight construction schedule with a team of excellent installers.
Acoustical ceiling and panel work has commenced in a number of locations and is being done by the John C. Pratt Company out of Rochester. Ceiling grids are going in on the fourth floor and Tectum acoustical panels have been hung on the gymnasium ceiling.
The 1,000 kw generator is due to be delivered next week. The 30 yard 18” thick reinforced pad for the generator was poured a few weeks ago in anticipation of the delivery. This generator will allow the school to be fully functional during area power outages.
Site work will be restarting after the end of the school year with Coe Drive bus loop and sidewalk revisions being one of the first areas of emphasis. Information will be shared in the upcoming weeks about Coe Drive road closures and/or one-lane travel, similar to what was done last year.
Bauen Corporation continues to appreciate the excellent working relationship with public safety and code enforcement staff members as well as the students and staff at the Oyster River Middle School. Everyone’s help and cooperation is making all the work to be done be accomplished both safely and efficiently.
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OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE FOR JUNE 2, 2021
The Oyster River High School Class of 2021 Commencement ceremony will be held June 11 (weather permitting) at the ORHS track and field. Congratulations to all graduating seniors!
The ORHS Unified Volleyball team won the New Hampshire State Championship on June 2!
A free drive-through coronavirus vaccination clinic will be held on Sunday, June 6 from 10:00-4:00 at Oyster River High School. This event is targeted for students ages 12-15 who received their first vaccination on May 15. Vaccines will also be available for anybody age 12 or older who is not yet vaccinated.
The school board approved a framework for the opening of school for fall 2021. ORCSD is planning for all classes to be in-person full time. The administration and school board will review precautions again prior to the start of school and as pandemic conditions change. The full plan document is online HERE.
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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.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO BRENNAN DWYER, 2019 ORHS GRADUATE AND UNH STUDENT, ON BEING SELECTED RUNNER UP IN 2021 iOme CHALLENGE
The Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement is pleased to announce the iOme Challenge competition 2021 judging panel has awarded a runner-up prize to Brennan Dwyer of the University of New Hampshire.
The essay Bipartisan Proposal for Retirement Social Security and Retirement Contributions Plan aims to bridge partisan divides and provide practical solutions to shortcomings in Social Security financing personal savings and financial literacy.
Brennan Dwyer, a resident of Durham, is an undergraduate student at UNH, majoring in Analytical Economics. He has been active in the Innovation Society and the Socratic Society at UNH.
The faculty advisor for the submission was Professor Joseph Dwyer, UNH.
The link to the competition website that includes the press release is HERE.
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EMERGENCY PLAN AND RISK AND RESILIENCY ASSESSMENT FOR UNH/DURHAM WATER SYSTEM
Public Works staff met with consultants from Underwood Engineers and visited water system sites of the UNH/Durham Water System on June 2nd to develop an updated 2021 Water System Emergency Plan and Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) under America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWAI) as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES).
EPA and NHDES require that water systems of the Town’s and UNH’s size update these important plans every 6 years. These plans are developed to assess the risks to and resilience of its water supply, treatment, and distribution system from malicious acts and natural hazards.
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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
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ORHS student Madeline Biandini sang the National Anthem at the Memorial Day ceremony. Courtesy Todd Selig
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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.
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.
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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
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Volunteers have cleaned the Swap Shop and made it ready for its re-opening on Saturday, June 5th.
Left to Right: Sally Needell, Jerry Needell, Heather Grant, Karen Dyer, Joanna Wicklein, Cristina Dolcino, Julie Low, Naomi Kornhauser.
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DURHAM SWAP SHOP TO OPEN JUNE 5TH! - 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.
FACE MASKS REQUIRED: Face masks are required at the Swap Shop and its immediate surrounding. 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!
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JACKSON'S LANDING DOCK INSTALLED THIS PAST WEEK BY DPW
In preparation for the summer boating and recreation season, the Public Works Department recently installed the ramp and dock at the Jackson’s Landing boat launch facility.
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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.
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Courtesy Laura Harper Lake of ArtfulHarper Design
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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.
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ORCHARD DRIVE TRAIL NETWORK BEING INSTALLED BY DPW
The Durham Public Works Department’s Highway Division recently completed final improvements to the hiking trail that connects Orchard Drive to the Kenneth Rotner Pedestrian Bridge over the Oyster River. The multi-day project included a re-grading and establishing of the trail and adjacent drainage swale. Several inches of crushed gravel were added to further support the base materials and provide a safe walking surface.
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PROACTIVE AS EVER, DURHAM SUBMITS $16 MILLION IN STATE REVOLVING FUND PRE-APPLICATIONS FOR WATER, WASTEWATER, AND STORMWATER PROJECTS
Durham Public Works submitted 16 Pre-applications totaling approximately $16 Million dollars for funding through the Clean Water or Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. These pre-applications are completed in advance of any formal application for State Revolving Fund loans through the State of NH. Durham has used this funding mechanism for projects previously including the Dover Road Force Main wastewater project. This program provides the potential to include a principal forgiveness component depending on their ranking around environmental benefits and cost effectiveness. Guidance received has indicated that should there be any federal stimulus funding provided to Durham, these programs will be used to administer those funds and communities with projects filed through this pre-application process may be considered.
The pre-applications which were submitted include major culvert replacement projects, major water main replacement projects, and projects outlined in the Facilities Plan at the wastewater treatment plant.
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RECREATING THE TOWN SEAL PROJECT – Take 2
Last year you may remember that long-time resident Lee Alexander and Mr. Selig worked to try to recreate the image on the Town seal utilizing Lee’s beautiful green 1920’s era canoe with Gunter rig sail configuration (versus an actual Gundalow!).
The effort is undertaken at sunrise and the tide and sun position must align ideally with sunrise over the center of the Oyster River channel as viewed from the Old Landing pedestrian bridge. Last year’s effort resulted in some very nice images but by August 2020 when it was undertaken the sun was a little too far to the south. Yesterday morning’s early rise photo shoot (shown above) unfortunately proved too cloudy to see the sun! (You can view the actual Town seal featuring the Gundalow above as the header of the weekly "Friday Updates.")
We will try again later this month at high tide on a clear, bright morning.
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HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL TOOK PLACE IN SEVERAL DURHAM LOCATIONS THIS PAST WEEK, INCLUDING AT HISTORIC SCHOOLHOUSE LANE CEMETERY
The Durham Public Works Department’s tree contractor, Orion Tree Service removed several hazardous trees this week within Town lands and right-of-ways. The Public Works team, led by ISA certified arborist Rich Reine, performed an ISA Tree Risk Assessment of each tree which indicated that removal was the best course of action in order to preserve the safety and functionality of the roadway and the utilities in their vicinity. The most hazardous tree was in the Schoolhouse Lane Cemetery. Significant winds during a weather event on March 1st caused a three-foot diameter Norway Spruce to snap halfway up its trunk. Its canopy was held up in an adjacent tree, posing a significant threat to the gravestones and visitors below. Orion’s team performed exceptionally well, safely removing the tree without incident.
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CORRUGATED CARDBOARD RECYCLING MARKET IMPROVING WITH A BOOST TO OUR BOTTOM LINE
The Town of Durham continues to benefit from a recovering recycled paper commodity market resulting from elevated demand for paper products during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Durham Public Works Department recently sent 42 bales of cardboard to a processing facility in New York. The price for recycled paper products has risen significantly which allows Durham to receive increased revenues due to its revenue share agreement contained within its newly developed contract with Waste Management Incorporated. Durham Public Works and the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC) closely monitor these trends which allows for optimization of recycled products and revenues. Market reports indicate that favorable market conditions will continue in the near term.
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PUBLIC SHADE TREE PROGRAM PLANTING UNDER WAY THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN DURHAM
The Durham Public Work’s contractor for its public shade tree program, Cameron’s Landscaping, planted five public shade trees within the Downtown corridor this week. The planting of public shade trees provides a tremendous benefit in the Town’s sustainability and climate adaptation efforts by sequestering carbon, enhancing stormwater management and improving water quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, and improving air quality.
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DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS TRAFFIC/CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY – Roadway Milling and Paving
Please be advised that the Durham Public Works Department’s contractor for its Road Program, Continental Paving, will be performing milling and paving operations in the following areas over the next several days:
Monday, 06/07/21: Milling and Paving within the Woodridge/Meserve development
Tuesday, 06/08/21: Paving on Main Street West, from the railroad bridge to Mast Road
The roadways will be restricted to one lane in the work area with alternating traffic between 7:00am and 5:00pm. Access to adjacent residences, businesses and institutions within the work areas will be maintained at all times. Disruptions to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic are expected to be minimal however we ask that the commuting public seek alternative routes if possible and allow additional time to reach their destinations. We thank you for your patience.
This schedule is subject to change without notice due to weather, mechanical issues, and other conditions.
For additional information please contact Durham Public Works at (603) 868-5578.
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ROAD PROGRAM UPDATE - Main St. West to receive wearing course of pavement on Tuesday, June 8th
Projects are all proceeding on schedule and within established budgets. The Durham Public Works Department Roads Team and paving contractor, Continental Paving, remain hard at work on the 2021 Road Program. Over the last few weeks, a Cape Cod-style asphalt berm was installed along the edge of pavement on Sullivan Falls Road and sections of Foss Farm Road to minimize the possibility for stormwater ponding and to direct storm water to catch basins. DPW Highway Division crews installed loam to back-up the curbing and provide a smooth transition to adjacent lawns. Main Street West from the railroad bridge to Mast Road was milled this week in preparation for a fresh 1.5” wearing course of high-strength asphalt which is scheduled for application on Tuesday of next week. A video of Friday’s milling operation is shown below.
View a video HERE.
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Members of Durham Scout Troop 154. Courtesy Todd Selig
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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.
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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.
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Honor Guard at Memorial Day ceremony. Courtesy Todd Selig
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Please read the latest Durham Public Library Service Update from our Director HERE.
All summer reading programming will run this year from June 28th through July 30th! In the meantime, there's a lot of activity at the library! Now open for registration, try out Summer Sunday Meditative Yoga on Sundays at 7:30 PM. From May 30th-July 30th (sans July 4th), JiongJiong Hu will guide a 30 min. meditation session followed by an hour of integrated, mindfulness yoga. Stay for 1 or both sessions! On June 8th, DPL hosts a virtual book talk with author Charles Wheelan detailing his family's experiences in his brand-new book, We Came, We Saw, We Left: A Family Gap Year. At the end of June, we kick off our our Adult Summer Reading Program with an an Illustrative Landscapes Art Class facilitated by book artist and illustrator Corinne Roberts!
It's May in Youth Services which means details are coming soon for our 5-week Tales & Tails Summer Reading program! Summer reading this year runs from June 28th through July 30th and registration will be open beginning June 14th! Reading logs/Bingo boards, prizes, beading, crafts, fun programs and more. This year is an animal theme! Our Youth Desk Castle will be transformed and in June there will be a fun new Storywalk book. Young Adult Group, Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, Crafty Critters grab 'n go crafts will be a part of the fun. We will be using READsquared again and new to us is Page Turners!
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SALON FORMERLY HAIR EXCITEMENT IS UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP CALLED 903 SALON@DURHAM
903 Salon has multiple services to offer to its clients with a highly trained staff to keep up with the ever-changing industry. They indicate staff use nothing but the best products in the industry for all services provided including being an exclusive Goldwell color/highlighting salon. 903 Salon has a barber on staff for all men's fades and shaves! 3 levels of tanning is also a service offered. Bring the ad in for your first time guest appreciation discount of 20% off all services.
Salon staff look forward to meeting members of the Durham community.
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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."
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1740 - The Great Awakening came to town. Religious revivals, led by fanatical Nicholas Gilman, divided the town and temporarily destroyed the church. Revival antics included vision-seeing, jig-dancing, and all-night meetings. Unusual sectarian spirit continued after Gilman's death in 1748.
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Have a very nice weekend and stay cool as hazy, hot, and humid weather is expected! (At least it's not snow!)
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?
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