Friday Updates - June 5, 2015

Friday, June 5, 2015

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An aerial view of the Madbury Commons development currently under construction looking from above the Pettee Brook.  At the present time, a portion of the Pettee Brook Lot is blocked off to enable the new pedestrian bridge to be installed.  Courtesy Golden Goose

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On Monday of this week, June 1st, Administrator Todd Selig entered his fifteenth year of service with the Town of Durham.  

MADBURY COMMONS BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION AT THE PETTEE BROOK PARKING LOT UNDERWAY

Work began this week on constructing the Madbury Commons bridge which connects the Pettee Brook Parking Lot to the Madbury Commons Development. Half of the Pettee Brook Parking Lot will be closed and fenced off. The one way traffic flow within the lot will also be reversed. Please pay close attention to postage signage.

Construction of the bridge is expected to take 3-4 weeks. This will be followed up with work done by DPW to add a pedestrian walkway through the parking lot connecting to Pettee Brook Lane.

Please call Durham Public Works at 603-868-5578, with any questions.

 

A panoramic shot of the shorline at Wagon Hill Farm at low tide this week from the Oyster River.  Malin Clyde shown in foreground.  Courtesy Todd Selig

LAND STEWARDSHIP FOLLOW UP WALK AT WAGON HILL FARM

This week, a group from the Land Stewardship Subcommittee walked sections of Wagon Hill Farm to look at butterfly habitat, shoreline erosion, and mowing schedules.  Present were Ann Welsh from the Conservation Commission, Mike Sievert from the Parks & Recreation Committee, Malin Clyde from the Stewardship Subcommittee, Administrator Selig, and Nell Neal who has in interest in butterfly habitat at the property.  Mike Sievert’s huge black Newfoundland dog, Sadie, accompanied the group as well.

Public Works Director Mike Lynch had been scheduled to attend as well but it was to rainy for him that morning!  :)

Consensus was reached on the following items: 

1.     We plan to talk with Mike Lynch about moving to an every other year mowing schedule for Wagon Hill Farm open areas in which each fall approximately one-half of the property would be mowed.  The routine trail mowing would continue on a regular base over the course of the season.

2.     At the waterfront, move the wooden fence farther back from the water as suggested in the Stewardship Plan for the property by approximately 25 feet.  Plant shrubs/native plants that would provide more resilience along the shoreline to help mitigate erosion.

3.     Investigate hiring a knowledgeable group such as the AMC to develop a trail maintenance plan for the Town to execute over the long-term at the property.

Representatives from Durham and UNH met with Eversource staff this week in Council Chambers regarding Seacoast Reliability Project.  An image of a secion of the proposed project in Durham is shown on the TV in the background.  Courtesy Todd Selig

UPDATE ON DISCUSSIONS WITH EVERSOURCE ABOUT SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT – At Durham’s Request, Eversource Provides Additional Information and Agrees to Schedule Follow Up Public Forum for Residents on Project

Representatives from Durham/UNH had a follow up meeting with Eversource on Wednesday of this week from 3:00-5:30 PM a the Town Hall.  

From Durham were: Public Works Director Mike Lynch, Councilor Carden Welsh, Council Chair Jay Gooze, Planner Michael Behrendt, and Admin. Todd Selig.  From UNH were: UNH Assoc. VP for Facilities Paul Chamberlain, Director of Facilities Matt O’Keefe, UNH Lands Coordinator Stephen Eisenhaure, and Dick Weyrick from the UNH Natural Resources Department.   A large contingent of engineers from Eversource were present.  This is the third such meeting that has taken place since the forum held this spring at the High School.

The discussion focused upon:  an alternate (lower height) solution for the crossing of Main Street at the train station, potential underground solutions at Main Street (via either A-Lot or Depot Road Lot or some combination — still under development), maintenance access to the proposed power lines from Mill Road at the edge of College Woods (for which Durham/UNH both have concerns), the underground transition location at the bay (about which Durham has concerns -- this issue involves Eversource, abutting landowners, and conservation land), visual simulations for various neighborhoods of specific locations requested by Durham/UNH (Main St., Ffrost, Cutts, Rt. 108, Bennett Road, Rt. 4, etc.), an open letter from Eversource to the community dated 6/3/15 which we received at the meeting, the timing of the SEC filing (Eversource indicates it is targeting mid-July), and Durham’s desire to have a follow up public forum for the community at 7 PM on June 22, 2015.

Eversource has provided correspondence to Administrator Selig this week regarding the project dated 6/3/15.  Read the letter HERE.  

Eversource has provided an open letter to the community dated 6/3/15 with additional information about the project in a Question/Answer format.  View that letter/information HERE. 

FOLLOW UP FORUM ON SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT SCHEDULED IN DURHAM TO BE HELD ON JUNE 22

At the Town’s request, Eversource representatives will return to Durham to answer questions from members of the public concerning the Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project.  The session will be held Monday, June 22, 2015 at 7 PM in the Town Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall.   The session will be televised live.   Eversource will provide an overview of the project followed by Q&A.

The Council table in the new building can be reconfigured and we will do so on June 22 to create additional seating capacity in the room.  In addition, we will set up overflow seating for the foyer if needed.

Durham and UNH are exploring the possibility of jointly engaging legal counsel to represent our collective Town/Gown interests as part of the NH SEC process.  

Over the last six weeks, Eversource has been working to address a number of our collective concerns.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CHANGES TO DURHAM'S CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM!

INTRODUCING NO-SORT CURBSIDE RECYCLING

Beginning on July 20, 2015, residential curbside collection will become no-sort, meaning you no longer have to separate paper and cardboard from cans, plastic, and glass. Every week recyclables will be the same. Besides making recycling even easier on each resident, this method will be less expensive and much better for the environment since it will encourage even more recycling! Basically, if it’s easy, more people will participate.

The more you recycle, the less it costs the Town and its residents.

Please find below a quick summery of information about single stream recycling:

• The driver here is sustainability, making it very easy for everyone to recycle
• Elimination of “is this a paper or cans/bottles week”?
• DPW helped the ORHS/ORMS conduct a single stream pilot program which produced a reduction of 50% of their trash collection. They now practice single stream recycling in all the ORCSD facilities
• 2014 tipping fee for trash collection was $70.34/ton x 1,501tons for a total expense of $105,580
• DPW estimates a 25% reduction in trash per year which equals 375 tons or $26,377
• That 375 tons when collected as single stream recycling will now cost $15.00/ton or $5,625 for an annual savings of $20,752
• Single stream recycling with the new truck will eliminate 3/4 additional daily trips back and forth to the Transfer Station which will save $4,160/year in fuel cost

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR JULY 4TH

An early reminder, the Transfer Station will be closed on Saturday, July 4th.  There will be no commercial collection on Friday, July 3rd as well.  Attached is the holiday schedule for the year, which was also mailed out to all residents in December and is posted on the site.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY

Saturday September 26, 2015.  The 2015 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive.  As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only.  To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us.  Remember- The MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS 5 GALLONS!

Consider reducing your purchase of products with hazardous ingredients; read labels thoroughly. Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully to prevent any accidents at home. Never store hazardous products in anything other than their original containers and never remove labels. Never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated HHW might become un-recyclable. Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels.

 
LATEX AND OIL BASED PAINTS , MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY!  These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with your permit throughout the year.  Latex paints must be dried out first, motor oil, anti-freeze and oil based paints can go up as is.  Typically, hazardous waste is categorized as toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive or otherwise hazardous. Please check the manufacturer’s label.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR SELECTION PROCESS UPDATE

In total, we received 74 applications for the Parks & Recreation Director position.  Some applicants were from the Durham area, some were from elsewhere in NH, while others were from out of state.  There were applicants from as far away as North Carolina and California.  Many applicants had some degree of Parks & Recreation experience while others had very little.  

The selection committee (former Parks & Rec. Committee Chairperson Nate Trauntvein, Parks & Rec. Committee member Jayson Seaman, Town Councilor Kenny Rotner, Stefanie Frazee, and Mr. Selig) has had an opportunity to carefully review and discuss the applications received. The panel narrowed the list and conducted an initial in-person interview for the top 6 applicants.  

Subsequently, the panel narrowed that initial in-person interview grouping down to three individuals.  That smaller group will meet with the Parks & Recreation Committee this coming week.

Next Thursday, June 11th, the full Parks & Recreation Committee will meet in nonpublic session at 6:30 PM in the upstairs conference room at the Town Hall to assist Administrator Selig with interviewing the three candidates.  

Each of the three finalists has been asked to prepare a new program proposal pitch based on their understanding of Durham for the committee’s consideration both orally and in writing.  Each candidate will have about an hour with the committee.   Ultimately, Administrator Selig will need to appoint one candidate which is subject to the advice and consent of the Town Council.

TOWN COUNCIL ESTABLISHES PROCESS FOR REAPPOINTMENTS OF BOARD/COMMITTEE MEMBERS

This past Monday evening, the Town Council agreed that when a member of a board or committee is up for reappointment, it would like the committee chairperson to provide feedback to the Council relative to the following items:

1.     Has attendance been adequate?

2.     Is the person a contributing member?

3.     Does the person recuse him/herself when an overarching conflict of interest arises?

4.     Does the person continue to meet residency requirements (as applicable) for the board/committee?

ANNUAL BOARD OFFICER TRAINING SESSION WITH ADMINISTRATOR SELIG SCHEDULED 

Each year, Todd Selig invites the chair/vice chair of Durham’s boards/committees to meet with him as an orientation to the chair/vice chair position, issues regarding the right to know law, an orientation concerning Council goals, and many other matters.  All members of board/committees are welcome to attend, as is the public.  The session this year will be held at 7 PM on June 23rd in the Town Council chambers.  It will be televised on DCAT beginning at 7 PM.

WHO ARE THE PROSPECTIVE NEW OWNERS OF THE FORMER TOWN OFFICE SITE – Bill and Carrie Salas, Owners of Applied GEoSolutions | View the Draft Purchase & Sale Agreement 

Last October, the Town issued an RFP for the redevelopment of the former Town Office site at 15 Newmarket Road and three responses were received.  After careful evaluation, the Town Council chose the proposal submitted by William and Carrie Salas from Applied GeoSolutions. The Salases are Durham residents.

Staff and the Town Council have been negotiating with the Salases to work out the details of the sale and we now have a draft Purchase and Sales Agreement the Council plans to act upon at its next meeting.  A copy of this document is posted on the town website, and it will be finalized for the June 15 Town Council meeting.

The Salases plan to renovate the former Town Office building into a new headquarters for their company, Applied GeoSolutions.  The business is now located in Newmarket and will relocate to Durham.  This is a potentially exciting outcome for the Town of Durham. 

Those residents who felt that the former Town Office should be preserved as a contributing building in the town’s historic district will see it renovated and preserved.  The buyers are employing historic architects and experts to assist them with this significant undertaking. 

Additionally, the town puts this site back on the property tax rolls along with adding the selling price of $650,000 to the town General Fund to offset the cost of the new Town Hall. 

As a bonus, the Town also becomes home to an emerging company that currently employs just under 20 people, with expansion plans that will increase that to as much as 35 over the next few years.   

The potential new owners have close ties to the University.  Bill Salas is a former University professor turned entrepreneur.  Part of their expansion includes plans for student internships providing a strong opportunity for students to gain real world experience and positive connections to the Durham community. 

Applied GeoSolutions will also bring global customers to town, and their guests will patronize local businesses.

Residents may be curious about who and what is Applied GeoSolutions? 

The company’s mission statement:  “Applied GeoSolutions (AGS) uses cutting-edge geospatial tools and Earth system models to answer the most pressing questions of agriculture, climate change, public health, and resource management. We create customized tools using biogeochemical modeling, remote sensing, and GIS mapping, collecting and synthesizing crucial information to help our clients make effective, informed decisions.”

The company’s scope of activity covers Agriculture, Climate Change, Food Security, Water Quality, Wetlands, Invasive Species, Epidemiology and Public Health, Agricultural Mapping, Carbon Change in Ecosystems, Forest Structure and Dynamics, Land Use, and Rangelands, and more.

To view a copy of the draft Purchase & Sale Agreement on the Town’s web site, click HERE.  

Residents are welcome to provide feedback to the Town Council concerning the draft Purchase & Sale Agreement by emailing jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. 

The Town Council plans to review the draft Purchase & Sale Agreement at its next meeting on June 15, 2015.  If it looks satisfactory to the board at that time, the Council plans to approve it with the closing on the parcel scheduled for 60 days thereafter. 

OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC DISCUSSION BETWEEN TOWN ATTORNEY AND PLANNING BOARD ON VARIOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST FOR RESIDENTS FROM MAY 27, 2015

On Wednesday evening, May 27, 2015, the Durham Planning Board met with Town Attorney Laura Spector to discuss a number of planning issues and members of the public were allowed to ask questions as well.  

What follows are highlights of that public discussion:   

Site plan review and regulations are what needs to be followed. The application either meets the criteria, or must obtain a waiver.

An application must meet all criteria, and if it does, then the Planning Board must approve it.

Reasons NOT allowable for the Planning Board to deny a project:

• Because a room full of residents are against it;
• Because an individual board member personally does not agree or ‘like’ the project;
• Because of language in the Master Plan. The Master Plan is simply an advisory document; it is not a legal standard upon which a Planning Board decision can rely.

If an individual Board member votes against a project, s/he should state why.

Question: What is most effective way for a member of the public to appear before the board?

Answer: Resident questions, concerns, comments should be sent to the board prior to the meeting so board members are prepared to respond. If members of the public or the applicant come to a meeting with information that has not yet been seen or considered by the board, the board should feel free to delay further action on the application until such time as the board members have had a chance to review the new material. 

Question: What types of conversations can board members have outside of a meeting regarding matters before the board?

Answer: None, either with a member of the public or an applicant. If a board member gets an email from someone, it should be sent to the Planning Dept. for distribution to all board members and should not be replied to other than to indicate that it has been shared with staff to provide to the full board at the next regular meeting.

Question: What about issues of health, safety, and welfare within an application?

Answer: It has to be an issue that would cause a hazard to the general public. (Examples given were water & sewer issues.)

Question: What about cumulative impact concerns such as too much student housing?

Answer: There is case law in zoning requirements related to variances, but it is more difficult to apply those to Planning Board projects. A Town has to let the market decide at what point the Town is saturated.

Negotiating with an Applicant.  A Planning Board can request an applicant to negotiate details of a plan, but the applicant is not always required to negotiate such matters with the board.

Master plan.  A Master Plan is a forward looking planning document that is used to guide the development of future zoning regulations, and to help with the planning of other elements of the Town.  The Master Plan is not an ordinance and has no regulatory authority.  

Master Plan: The Master Plan has no legal standing. Not every zoning change has to be tied to the Master Plan. In fact, a zoning change can be contrary to the Master Plan.  It is the zoning ordinance that moves the vision contained in the Master Plan into an enforceable document that regulates development. There can also be chapters within the Master Plan that do not align.

Question: Can a Planning Board use the reputation of a developer as criteria to deny a project?

Answer: No.

Question: Can the experience of other communities or the “track record” of a developer be used in making a decision to approve or deny a project?

Answer: No.  

A Planning Board should be sure that everything that is represented or promised by a developer becomes a formal written condition of approval.  

Question: How can Durham maintain a balance between the interaction of students and the community?

Answer: The Planning Board does not manage that. Every community has to bear a certain amount of different types of housing. The Board should seek legal advice before enacting any zoning change the potentially discriminates (i.e., against students, or the elderly, etc.). Zoning and planning does not address the balance of discrimination.

Question: What leverage does the Planning Board have to make changes to a project?

Answer:  If the project complies with all conditions, the Planning Board cannot require the developer to make any changes. But there can be negotiation if the developer is willing. The Planning Board can negotiate, but cannot force a change unless the application does not meet the requirements of our local regulations, in which case it should be denied.

Question: What is the best way to oversee the process of what to do if Master Plan chapters conflict?

Answer: By statute, it is the Planning Board that adopts a Master Plan as a planning document.  The Planning Board ultimately decides which points of view best reflect the goals of Durham through the overall vision of the Board.

Information on the appeal of Planning Board decisions to Superior Court: When an appeal of a Planning Board decision is made to Superior Court, the Town's lawyer gathers information from the Planning Dept. and submits all materials to the court. The hearing itself is usually 30 minutes long, with each side allowed 15 minutes to argue whether the Planning Board decision was right or wrong. The arguments must be based only on the materials of record that were presented to the court. There are not juries, witnesses, testimony, etc.

Conditional Use Permit: If an applicant meets all of the conditions of a Conditional Use Permit request as outlined by our local zoning, then the permit must be granted by the Planning Board.

The full session can be viewed on DCAT ON DEMAND.

UPDATE ON UNH OUTDOOR POOL FROM CAMPUS ARCHITECT AND PLANNER (AND DURHAM RESIDENT) DOUG BENCKS

A view of the barn and dance studio at the former Mill Pond Center property located off Newmarket Road.  Courtesy Sylvia Foster

MILLS POND COMMONS GROUP TO MEET NEXT JUNE 18TH - An Overview of the June 1st Citizen Group Meeting that Took Place at the Library

Twenty-five residents, both long-term and new, met June 1, 2015 to discuss prospects on the acquisition of the former Mill Pond Center property. The meeting was organized by resident Sylvia Foster.  While concerns were voiced about the expense of renovations of the buildings on the property, the consensus of those assembled was that developing the “Mill Pond Commons” for the residents of Durham was a critical and worthwhile endeavor, and that time is of the essence.

People in attendance spoke of the value of a community center on this varied-use property:

• Teaching/learning opportunities for Durham youth
• Arts and cultural development; theater classes
• Nature walks on topics such as native plants
• Seasonal community events such as Apple Fests and Maypole Dances
• Opportunities for Community Gardening or a small CSA (Community Supported Agricultural program: boxes of fresh produce provided for families through a financial agreement a farmer)
• The landscape’s gift of the feeling of being in nature while still
  being in town
• The counterbalance of greenways for our in-town walkers
• The importance of preserving the property and creating a center of Durham that is both historic, yet also meets contemporary needs
• Developing a place for residents to work, learn, play and connect as a community.

People in attendance spoke of the general value in consideration of the property:

• Dennis Meadows emphasized that the land itself is the key value and that we will never have this offering to our town again.
• Many participants expressed the feeling that the Town should not allow worries about the buildings to prevent us from considering the project. We could make use of the land immediately as we have with Wagon Hill.
• Those in attendance could see this prospect result in a rise in property values surrounding the Mill Pond “Commons” land development area, (particularly with a new bridge and pathway access to town and to town amenities) could lead to more taxable value to the town and offset the town's investment in the Mill Pond Center parcel.

Resources suggested at the meeting that might be available to Durham to improve the buildings:

• Historic Preservation funding and other grants
• Private fundraising, as happened with the Library
• Individual contributions of skill and expertise
• Consultation with people involved in the Kittery Community Center project
• Involvement of Parks and Recreation and Public Works in assisting with creating and promoting a safe and productive space
• Personal involvements in recognition of the Mill Pond Commons as a quasi-center of town (for two decades of its private ownership), leading those present onward toward interest in and expectations of a permanent acquisition (in addition to the conservation easement which already involves the town).
• Several people in attendance at the June 1 meeting said they would be honored to have a modest increase in their taxes for the acquisition of the Mill Pond Center in order to  1.) re-generate Durham's sense of community, 2.) celebrate Durham's heritage, 3.) develop our town identity.

Next Steps

Meeting, June 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Council chambers to discuss financials that meet the group's vision. This will include a completed Property Inspection and an assessment by a Renovation Specialist.  All interested residents are welcome.  

The group is interested in arranging a meeting with individuals from Kittery who worked on the Kittery Community Center to learn from their experience

NEW HAMPSHIRE'S HANDS FREE LAW WILL TAKE EFFECT JULY 1, 2015

What does this mean?

• No use of hand held electronic devices capable of providing voice or data communication while driving or
• temporarily halted in traffic for a stop sign or traffic signal or other momentary delays
• This includes cell phones, GPS, tablets, iPods, iPads or other devices that require data entry
• Emergency calls to 911 or other public safety agencies will be allowed
• Bluetooth or other hands-free electronic devices will be allowed
• One hand non-cellular 2-way radio use will be allowed
• Teen drivers under the age of 18 will not be allowed to use any electronic devices except to report an
• emergency
• If your vehicle is not equipped with Bluetooth functionality, auto service centers can install after-market systems or over the ear devices can be purchased at retailers such as Staples, Best Buy or your cell phone carrier.

Why is this law important?

• During the past 4 years, 116 fatal crashes in New Hampshire were caused by distraction
• The increasing use of electronic devices is fast becoming the primary distraction
• While texting a driver is 23 times more likely to crash
• Sending or receiving a text, distracts the driver for almost 5 seconds
• At 50 miles per hour, we travel longer than the length of a football field during that 5 seconds

To view House Bill 1360, click HERE.

TOUR OF BAYOU NEW HAMPSHIRE BEAVER PONDS

From 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 6th, until nightfall, visitors are welcome to tour the beaver ponds, wetlands, and spring-fed swimming holes at 246 Packers Falls Road in Durham.


The owner, Julian Smith, will be available to give guided tours and explain the evolution of his project to restore a pre-Colonial era beaver habitat. A map with a description of the ponds for a self-guided tour will be available on a table next to the garage.


The beaver dams can be crossed on level crushed stone trails accessed by mown paths across a bobolink meadow. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome, and visitors who bring their own life-jackets are welcome to use the owner's canoe on the largest of the beaver ponds.


At five o'clock, the owner will show kids how to remove a small beaver dam on top of a waterfall, and visitors are welcome to return at dusk to watch beavers replace their dam.


Wear comfortable shoes and bring cameras--the irises and water-forget-me-nots are in bloom and ready for their close-ups.


For more information, contact Smith at whalerock@smith-family.com

SUMMER HOT DEALS!

The "Summer Hot Deals" listed below will begin on June 15th and will run through August 15th. Please contact the businesses directly with any questions.

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3 Bridges Yoga, 37 Main St., 603-590-0010, http://3bridgesyoga.com/

$30 5 class card, limit one time use per customer. Classes cannot be shared or transferred. All sales final.

Amy's Frame Shop, 44 Main St., 603-868-2511, http://www.amysframeshop.com/

20% off a single custom framing order of $200 or more when you mention "Summer Hot Deals". Discount applied to materials only. One discount per customer. Valid for one item/art being framed & must include a custom frame. Order must be placed between Jun 15 - Jul 15, not to be used on past orders.

Domino's, 7 Mill Road, 603-868-6230, http://www.dominos.com/

Spend $10 and get free breadsticks or cinnastix. Spend $20 and get a free small 1 topping as well as free breadsticks or cinnastix.

Durham Bike & Sports, 72 Main St., Unit 1 in Aroma Joe's Bldg, 603-397-5140, https://www.facebook.com/durhambike

40% off all 2015 bikes - 20% off all helmets - 50% off all mens' and womens' swimsuits & swim gear.

SolSistar, 9 Madbury Road, 603-397-5229, http://www.solsistar.com/

Take 25% off of one item every Friday this summer when you mention "Summer Hot Deals". Offer not valid on previous purchases and sale items.

The Candy Bar, 44 Main St., 603-397-5154, http://www.thecandybarnh.com/#!

20% off collectible candy tins, giant gummy bears/giant gummy worms, and black licorice when you mention this ad.

Town & Campus, 60 Main St., 603-868-9661, http://townandcampusunh.com/

Father's Day and Graduation greet cards 25% off

UNH Dining Services, 75 Main St., 603-862-483, http://www.unh.edu/dining/

UNH Dairy Bar, 3 Depot Road. Conquer the 2015 ice cream trail and pick up a NH guide map. Get passport stickers from all the NH ice cream locations listed for a free sweatshirt. You will also be entered in a drawing with a chance to win a basket of NH Made goodies, sweatshirt, and one year membership to your local Planet Fitness.

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL PICNIC - SUNDAY, JUNE 14TH

This year the annual family picnic of the Durham Historic Association will be held

on Sunday, June 14th, starting at 5:00 PM at The Thompson Inn (formerly Highland House) guest house located at 90 Bennett Rd. in Durham, rain or shine.

Pack your picnic hamper, grab a folding chair and come sit on the long veranda overlooking the Lamprey River while you learn about this historic farmhouse and cider mill that became a favorite destination for a century of summer guests. Meet the owners, Steve & Lori Lamb, who are remodeling it into a B&B and wedding site.There is drop-off and some limited handicap and short-walk parking available onsite and added walk-in parking at the foot of the driveway along the edge of the field on Bennett Rd. The veranda is wheelchair accessible.

From Durham center, take Rt.l08 south toward Newmarket for 1.5 miles and turn

right onto Bennett Rd. Highland House is on your right 1.5 miles from the Rt.l08

intersection.

MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.

Agricultural Commission - Monday, June 8, 2015

Zoning Board of Adjustment - Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Planning Board - Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Conservation Commission - Thursday, June 11, 2015

Parks & Recreation Committee - Thursday, June 11, 2015 (Nonpublic session on Parks & Recreation Director selection process.  2nd Floor conference room in Town Hall.)

All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.

Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule.

DCAT Programming Schedule.

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

David Williams Interviews Economic Development Director Mary Ellen Humphrey

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Bunker Creek project Public Hearing. The public hearing held on Thursday, May 28th on the NHDOT proposed reconstruction of US Route 4 over Bunker Creek was recorded by DCAT available on our On Demand site and also will replay in the regular schedule on Monday @ 9:30 AM & Friday @ 4:00 PM.

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Eversource Public Information Forum on Seacoast Reliability Project - Run time:  1:30

The front end of this video contains roughly 23 minutes of Q & A between Eversource Contractors and Durham Town Council Members, James Lawson and Carden Welsh.

Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 AM

Tuesday: 7:00 PM

Wednesday & Thursday: 5:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 PM

This video is also available on our On Demand site.

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Join DCAT 22 Studios on a time lapse video tour of our New Town Hall.  Watch from a bird’s eye view as the Town Hall starts as the old bank and quickly transforms into our new space.   This video is only available on our On Demand site.

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DCAT is Live Streaming

Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account.  You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time.  All you have to do is click and watch.  Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device.  Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.

Camp R.E.A.C.H. 2015 – Space Available - Haven't signed up yet? Don't wait!  Click HERE to explore everything from chemistry, rockets and kayaking to legos and vet school!  Registration is on a first come, first served basis.  Sign up for both morning and afternoon sessions during the same week, and save $50!

View weekly calendar and class descriptions HERE.

Why join a Durham Parks & Recreation fitness class?

• Convenient location - Drop in to most classes for only $10!
• Fits your schedule - Classes available Monday through Saturday!
• Quality - Classes instructed by certified, local, and passionate instructors!

Camp REACH participants work together to solve “helium stick”.  Courtesy Stefanie Frazee

Bootcamp: An hour of POWER! Total body cardio and strength workout to start your day off right. 
Tai Ji Quan - Moving For Better Balance:  This world-renowned balance training program combines Tai Ji Quan movements with therapy and function exercises to keep you on your feet and moving.  
Pilates:  Improve your flexibility, gain core strength, and overall body tone. All in one hour!  
Zumba:  A dynamic, easy to follow, cardio dance fitness class.  We do hip-hop, salsa, flamenco, bollywood, and so much more!  You don't need experience, just jump in and join the party!
Yoga:  Allow your mind, body, and spirit to connect through meditation and movement.  
Strength & Stretch: Improve your bone density and balance with a total body strengthening session, followed by stretching to improve flexibility.  
Yoga for Active Adults (55+): Quiet your mind, reduce stress, and learn relaxation techniques.  Designed for every ability level.  
Tai Chi Advanced:  Combination of Tai Ji Quan movements and therapeutic exercise to keep your body active.  Designed for participants with Tai Chi experience.  

Save the Date:
Camp REACH Registration: April 17th – May 31st
Music By The Bay Summer Concert Series @ WHF 6 – 8PM (FREE):

     Studio Two – Beatles Tribute: June 25 (26th rain date)

     Marcy Drive Band - Classic Rock Cover Band: July 16 (17th rain date)

     Granite Planet - Dance, Pop, Rock, 60’s to Today: August 20 (21st rain date)

 

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Free Barre Class Every Monday in June at 6:15PM

Durham Bike and Sports Mountain Bike Ride, every Sunday leaving from the shop at 10AM.  Everyone welcome! Will ride local trails for 1-2 hours or check Facebook page for upcoming ride information or call 603-397-5140.
Garden Plots at St. George's Episcopal Church. St. George's Episcopal Church has three 4'x8' garden plots and one 4'x4' garden plot open to renting this growing season. Please contact our garden steward, Laura Williford, at stgeorgesgardens@comcast.net or call 603-833-3740 for more information.
Durham Farmers' Market Opens for the Season, every Monday from 2:15 - 6PM, beginning Monday, June 1st. Now located at Jackson's Landing. For more information, click HERE.

The Lamprey River? We Like It! Sunday, Jun 7, 2015, 10AM to 12Noon, Mary Blair Park, Rt 27, West Epping. Join the Lamprey River Advisory Committee and explore nature and people's activities along the shores of the Lamprey River. Questions or more information, call Sharon Meeker, 603-659-5441, s-meeker@comcast.net.

Night of the Herps, Wednesday, Jun 10,2015, 7 - 9:30 PM, Great Bay Office at Lubberland Creek Preserve, 112 Bay Road, Newmarket.Come and join Dr. David Patrick for a fun and family-friendly exploration of amphibian diversity at our Lubberland Creek Preserve. For more information, click HERE.

7th Annual Bobcat Bolt 5K and Kids Fun Run, Saturday Jun 20, 2015, ORHS. hosted by the Oyster River Alumni Association. 5K Run/Walk starts 9AM. Kids Kids Fun Run starts 10:15AM (offering a 50 yard dash, 1/4 miler, 1/2 miler, & relay). Proceeds benefit the Josh Hardy Scholarship, Nate Hardy Award, and other local youth scholarships and initiatives supported by ORAA. Register for the 5K and Fun Run HERE. The Bobcat Bolt is hosted by the Oyster River Alumni Association. Proceeds benefit the Josh Hardy Scholarship, Nate Hardy Award, and other local youth scholarships and initiatives supported by ORAA. More HERE.

Public Open House Workshop, Wednesday, Jun 24, 2015, 4-7PM, Durham Public Library. The New Hampshire Floodplain Management Program at the Office of Energy and Planning and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will jointly host a public open house workshop regarding the new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that will become effective on September 30, 2015 for a portion of Strafford County, which includes the communities of Dover, Durham, Madbury, and Rollinsford. RSVP to Kellie Walsh, 603-271-2155, ekllie.walsh@nh.gov. More information HERE.

Great Bay Yacht Club Notice of Race - Saturday, Jul 18, 2015 (rain date Sunday, Jul 19), Hilton Sate Park, Dover, 9:30AM Registration, Races to follow. To pre-register, click HERE.

Durham Bike and Sports – Biking Adventure Overnight Camps. Two-day overnight trip to a NH state park to challenge participants on some of the best mountain biking trails in NH. Focus on developing safe riding techniques, trail riding skills, basic repairs and maintenance, increasing fitness and exploring local and NH trail systems. Emphasis on FUN! Includes tenting overnight. Opportunities for swimming, fishing, and learning outdoor skills: basic first aid, outdoor cooking and safe and efficient camping skills. List of required and suggested equipment will be provided. Limited to 10 participants. Ages 12-15.  $195.  July 23-24 & Aug 6-7.

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Acoustic Open Mic, Wednesday June 10 6:30 pm - Last one before the summer break!! Come to listen, come to perform. The hootmeisters are Peg Chaffee and Cheryl Sager of "Nice and Naughty" fame. Food, drink and live music. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library.  Join us for "Music on the Lawn" starting Wednesdays in July!

The Joys of Fly Fishing, Tuesday June 23rd 6:30 pm - The Joys of Fly Fishing The sport has become closely linked to conservation efforts, find out why.  Secret locations where the sport is enjoyed both locally and distant. Presented by Mitch Kalter, Trout Unlimited.  Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us

CPR & AED Class McGregor Memorial EMS, Tuesday June 16th 6:00 pm        - Offered by McGregor Memorial EMS: CPR & AED (defibrillator) for adult, child and infant.  The AHA, American Heart Association Heartsaver AED Course. Visit cprsafe.org for information and to register. Fee is $20.00.    Contact Sean Madden smadden@mcgregorems.org or 862-3674.

Writers Response Meet Up, Thursday June 18th 6:00-8:00 pm - Writers Response Meet Up- Some published, some in the middle of writing, others just starting out. Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays, monthly. 6-8 pm. Contact Mary Ellen Humphrey mary.ellen.humphrey@gmail.com

Register for our fun 5 week summer reading program starting June 15th.  The theme this year is “Every Hero Has a Story!”  Our program runs from June 29th through July 31st.  When you register you will receive a packet including your reading logs, calendars, some gifts and a fun bag!  Keep track of your reading minutes and have them checked once a week to earn a prize of the week.  You will receive a new book, and prizes at the end, as well as a reading certificate!  Also add to our visual display in the library.  Some of the fun events planned:

Summer Reading Kick-Off Celebration with “Children’s Author/Performer David Hyde Costello”  “Little Pig Joins the Band”, Wednesday, July 1st at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room.  Join us and have fun with music and this talented author!  All are welcome.

Summer Reading runs June 29th through July 31st

Mondays:

4:00pm - Young Adult Writing Group (ages 10 & up)

6:00 p.m. – Family Movie Nights

Tuesdays:

10:30 a.m. – Storytimes

6:30 pm – 9-12 year old group,

Wednesdays:

4:00 p.m. - Make-It! (ages 8 & up)

6:30 p.m. - Family Music Nights, “Music on the Durham Library Lawn”

 Thursdays:

10:30 a.m. – Drop-in Special Programs for all ages. Wildlife Encounters at Madbury Town Hall 7/16

3:00 p.m. – 6-8 year old program

6:00 p.m. – Teen Superhero Movie Night and Jetpack Comic visit on 7/9

Friday July 31, 10:30 a.m. at the Durham Library – All ages Finale Celebration with talented performer and giant balloonist, Jungle Jim and his Superhero Training! 

Also, Trivia Question of the Week, Guessing Jar, Hero Wall and Superhero Training!

“Escape the Ordinary” the National theme for the Durham Public Library’s 2015 Adult Summer Reading Program.  Adult patrons are invited to try something new this summer – exploring heroes, superheroes, and other extraordinary people, places and events.  This program runs June 29th through July 31st (the same as the kid’s summer reading program).  Stop by the library to solve weekly hero puzzles and win weekly prizes!  No registration required.  Enjoy the fun!

Beach Reads   - By request, the Friends of the Library are offering pocketbook "Beach Reads" for sale in the Library cafe.

Book Sale - Saturday June 20th 10-4 - Friends of the Library annouce: THE VERY BIG ONE DAY BOOK SALE!

Friends of the Library Adult Summer Read - Spend the summer reading at a suitably leisurely pace (about 250 pages a month) our September Book Discussion choice, to be facilitated by Jennifer Lee.  The 2015 book is Middlemarch by George Eliot. Copies to borrow for the summer are available at the library. Enrich your reading if you like by signing up with your name and email at thelibrary, and you will receive: A brief historical and biographical background, along with suggestions for enjoyable reading, sent in early June. Periodic encouragements and provocative quotes. The opportunity to ask questions before September. Signup is optional; you can request to be put on the list at the circulation desk, over the telephone (868-6699), or by email (durhampl@gmail.com).

Photography Contest - The Durham Public Library is hosting a photography contest, sponsored by a Durham resident, to capture the beauty, character, and identity of Durham as it exists throughout the course of one year beginning July 4, 2015. Durham has so much to offer, so much visual splendor, and yet we tend to overlook what attracts us to the town as we bustle through our busy lives. We would like contestants to remind us why they live here by chronicling a year in the town in a series of seven photographs that express Durham’s character. The contest winner, as determined by a panel of judges, will be awarded a cash prize of $300 thoughtfully donated by the contest sponsor. The winner will also have their work displayed for a month on the library’s art display wall including a kickoff reception for the exhibit. Anyone interested in participating in the contest should visit the library website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for contest rules and an application.

Preserve and share local history - Do you have Oyster River High School yearbooks gathering dust in your attic? Donate them to the Durham Public Library to make those photos of your family and friends available to future generations. Play an essential role in helping us preserve and share our local history. Contact Nancy Miner nminer@ci.durham.nh.us

 Technology Help - The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology, such as computers, iPads and phones. Call us to check on the availability of our volunteers at 868-6699 or email us at durhampl@gmail.com.

Join the Durham Public Library Birthday Book Club.  Celebrate a child’s birthday in a unique way with a gift of a book to the library.  Talk to the Children’s Librarian at the children’s desk for more details.

Check out the Durham Public Library website durhampubliclibrary.org for more info

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FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association
1957 - All Durham churches held their Fair Day simultaneously, the first Thursday of December.  The plan proved so successful for each church that it has continued.  National magazines featured this unique cooperation.  As new churches have been established they join in Fair Day also.

Have a very nice weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us    http://www.ci.durham.nh.us

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