Friday Updates - March 28, 2025

Friday, March 28, 2025

An early sign of spring. Courtesy, Todd Selig

SOME QUICK UPDATES FROM ADMINISTRATOR SELIG

Updates from Zoning/Code Office

The code/zoning office is operating with part-time staff during Audrey Cline's planned month-long hiatus as she transitions from full-time to part-time service. We're relying on part-time code assistant Andrea Seledee and the Newmarket code officer for day-to-day operations/inspections.

Town Council Chair and Chair Pro-tem

Councilor Joe Friedman has been selected by the Town Council as the new Council Chair, and Councilor Eric Lund has been selected as the new Chair Pro-tem. Outgoing Chair Sally Needell let the Council know she did not wish to remain as Chair for the coming year. 

361 Durham Point Road Agricultural Pond - WCOD Zoning Determination

Admin. Selig recently addressed a zoning determination due to the code officer's absence in regard to the status of the man-made agricultural pond on the property. You can view the decision HERE.

FY 2024 Audit Under Way

The FY 2024 audit process is underway, with Plodzik auditors working closely with our business office staff this past week.

Solar Panel Repairs at Churchill Rink

We've completed repairs on the 99 kW solar panels at the rink after an extended period of reduced production. The inverter component from Solectra was replaced today. This experience has reinforced the challenges of the Town being a solar owner/operator.

College Brook Restoration

Planning continues for the College Brook restoration project, led by Durham resident and UNH faculty member Wil Wollheim. UNH is awaiting final approval from Great Bay 2030 for the planning phase. The project aims to daylight upper College Brook and create a floodplain wetland to manage floodwater and remove nitrogen. Funding is being sought through a Congressionally Directed Spending request and the NH ARM program. Durham will be the lead on the submission of the CDS request on UNH's behalf.

New Roundabout Project

Durham and the University plan to enter into an agreement in which the Town will oversee construction of a new roundabout at Mast Road/Old Concord Road (Main St.). This is a grant-funded program on a Town roadway.

IRS Regulation Changes

Changes to IRS 457(b) programs effective 1/1/26 will impact certain Town employees. Employees earning over $145,000 in 2025 who want to put earnings into savings for retirement must contribute catch-up funds to a Roth IRA instead of their 457(b) account. We will evaluate the impact on staff and establish necessary Roth IRA accounts with our retirement partners.

Tariff Impacts

Federal tariff policies are causing price increases from suppliers and vendors, with some reporting increases of 10% or more on various components/products. This trend may impact our bottom line heading into 2026. Dell computers was the latest vendor to inform us of likely price increases.

State Budget Implications

Recent NH House budget decisions have resulted in a reduction of about $11 million in state revenue sharing for cities and towns from the rooms and meals tax.

HealthTrust Health Insurance Concerns

HealthTrust, the entity that provides health insurance for 3 of 5 of the Town’s employee groups and the NH Secretary of State's Office are at odds over new legislation, which HealthTrust claims could force them to close. The Secretary of State’s Office argues the legislation is necessary to ensure such entities have sufficient reserves. We're monitoring the situation closely and are learning more.

NH Public Deposit Investment Pool

HB 469, regarding the NH Public Deposit Investment Pool board composition, has progressed to the NH Senate and is headed to the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee for a hearing. Limited Town funds are invested in with this entity. Admin. Selig has been active concerning the issue.

Epping Wastewater Treatment Plant Update

Epping has approved the start of the design process for their wastewater treatment plant with a 62% majority. This decision will benefit the Lamprey River and our local water supply. Epping is seeking engineering services for facility upgrades to achieve potential total nitrogen limits of 3.0 mg/L and address other stringent permit requirements.

Be Mindful of Ticks

Ticks are emerging earlier this year due to the warmer winter. Residents are reporting tick encounters on pets and themselves. Dr. Benjamin Chan, state epidemiologist, warns of potential early Lyme disease infections. Please be vigilant when outdoors and check for ticks regularly.

Bring in the Bird feeders to Discourage Bear Activity around Homes

As a reminder, bird feeders should be removed by April 1 to avoid attracting bears. Bears are becoming active throughout the state, and it's crucial to secure potential food sources, including garbage cans and outdoor grills.

Construction activities began this week on the Phase 3 Roadway, Drainage, and Streetscape Project. Test pitting via vacuum excavation was conducted in select areas to assess the elevation and location of buried utilities that could potentially interfere with the new construction. Tree trimming along the Edgewood Road to Garrison Avenue corridor will occur next week to remove low-hanging obstructions.

Beginning Monday, April 7, traffic on Madbury Road will be restricted to northbound only between Garrison Avenue and Edgewood Road, with southbound traffic detoured. The initial weeks of the project will focus on closed drainage construction, beginning at Garrison Avenue.

The Phase 2 Watermain Utility Replacement Project will begin on Monday, April 14. J.P. Cardillo and Son will start work at Maple Street and progress North. Upon reaching Edgewood Road, an alternating lane traffic pattern will be in place between Edgewood Road and US Route 4 for the remainder of the project.

Maura Slavin officially stepped into the role of the Assistant Town Clerk-Tax Collector on March 24, 2025, following the departure of Cheryl Hildreth in July 2024, who was recently elected as the new Town Clerk for Hampton. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Cheryl on her new role!

Maura brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our community. Many of you may recognize her from her previous position as an Administrative Assistant at St. Thomas More Church, where she was responsible for maintaining records, scheduling volunteers, editing the weekly bulletin, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and other administrative tasks as needed. In addition to her church work, Maura is the co-founder, president, and treasurer of Marina's Miles, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises scholarship funds in memory of her late daughter, Marina Slavin. This nonprofit work reflects Maura’s deep commitment to serving others and her passion for making a positive impact in our community.

Maura’s professional background also includes her time as a programmer at IBM, where she designed and implemented application enhancements and supported financial planning operations with customized software solutions. Her technical expertise and diverse experience make her a perfect fit for our office. Outside of work, Maura is an outdoor enthusiast, often cycling and jogging with family and friends. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to the positive contributions she will undoubtedly make to our team and the Durham community.

Wednesday March 19th was the day for the Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing Park's season-end celebration of Oyster River Ice Sports. The event was open to all participants who utilize the facility, including the Oyster River Portsmouth Clippercats, shown here with Pete Lenes aka Swaggy P.

Swaggy P. is a world-famous stick handling sensation who was lined up by Rink Manager Bill Page to put on an exhibition for this year's attendees. Having Swaggy P. At the event was kept a secret until he actually appeared on the ice and performed some impressive moves scoring at-will on rink employee and rookie goaltender Keegan Horne. The event was a perfect ending to another fine season at the rink. The rink will re-open for ice sports in mid October. 

The combined effects of snow melt, still frozen ground and seasonal rain creates muddy and soft conditions on trails. Bikes can damage trails through soil compaction, erosion and trail widening when conditions are muddy, leading to erosion and vegetation damage.

To preserve the sensitive wildlife habitats and trails on the Town's Conservation Lands, bicycle use is not recommended at this time. This community effort will help protect sensitive vegetation and ensure trails are in good shape for the upcoming summer season. 

The Land Stewardship Committee, with the support of volunteers, spends time year around to ensure trails on Conservation Lands are maintained for the enjoyment of all. If you'd like to participate in this effort, please email the Town's Land Stewardship Coordinator at vludington@ci.durham.nh.us

Did You Know?  Cardboard Shed Update

Have you noticed that the Cardboard Shed at the Durham Transfer Station is not currently open for corrugated cardboard drop-offs? 

Due to staffing shortages, the Department of Public Works is asking for all corrugated cardboard to temporarily be put in the mixed paper bin at the transfer station, or in your mixed paper curbside recycle bin. 

All corrugated cardboard will continue to be recycled along with mixed paper. 

Once staffing levels are back to normal, the Cardboard Shed will be available again for corrugated cardboard drop-off.

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: https://recyclesmartma.org/

THE LINDA H. HOLLISTER SWAP SHOP OPENS ON SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2025 - Horray!

Swap Shop hours are 9:00 A.M. -2:30 P.M. on TUESDAYS and SATURDAYS.

For details go to: https://swapshopdurham.wordpress.com/

●    The Swap Shop closes 30 minutes before the Transfer Station so that volunteers may put all items away and leave by 3:00, when the Transfer Station closes. 

●    Often the Swap Shop opens before 9:00. If the doors are open, the Swap Shop is open. If the doors are not open, please check in with a Transfer Station Attendant before dropping off items.

●    Be sure to stop and check-in with the Transfer Station Attendant to review the items you wish to donate.

●    You do not have to swap! You may bring or take any items for free.

●    CHECK the Swap Shop before making new purchases!

The Swap Shop accepts items that are CLEAN, in WORKING CONDITION, and have ALL of their PARTS.

●    Please NO DIRTY and BROKEN items, especially small appliances and kitchen items.

●    BAG ITEMS WITH MULTIPLE PARTS. Items with multiple parts should be bagged, taped or tied together so that the parts do not get separated. Clear plastic bags allow everyone to see what’s inside.  Items without all of their parts, including children’s toys (tracks without the trains or cars, young children’s ball runs without the balls) and board games rarely find new homes.

●    Cords should be attached or taped on.

●    SAVE ALL HOLIDAY DECORATIONS/ITEMS until two months before their corresponding holiday.

FURNITURE

●    Only metal and wooden furniture. Furniture is left outside in the rain.

●    If furniture has been taken apart, be sure to attach the hardware in a sealed bag.

●    Upholstered Furniture and large rugs require Bulky Waste Coupons. These items are not protected from rain and snow. If ruined before anyone wants them, they go to Bulky Waste. Be sure to check in with the Transfer Station Attendant.

●    When possible, bring furniture early on a sunny and dry day.

APPLIANCES and ELECTRONICS

●    We can take working refrigerators or freezers, dehumidifiers, laptops and computer monitors (anything with a screen), and dehumidifiers ONLY if you have purchased an Electronics/ Appliance sticker FIRST and it is displayed on the item.

●    Make sure that cords are attached or taped on!

UNIQUE ITEMS - Please label items whose use is not easily identified. ALSO, please drop off used eyeglasses, cell phones, crutches, tents, and sleeping bags in good condition. They will be made available to those in need.

BECOME a VOLUNTEER. Join our Swap Shop Volunteer Community. It’s easy! Check https://swapshopdurham.wordpress.com/ 

As many residents know, the Durham Police Department is an “Advanced” level accredited law enforcement agency through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

CALEA is a non-profit organization that exists to improve the delivery of public safety services. It does so by maintaining a credible and best-in-class body of standards, developed by a highly regarded group of public safety organizations; establishing and administering an accreditation process; and recognizing professional excellence through a highly coveted, comprehensive awards program.

Part of that process, which is designed to validate that the Durham Police Department’s professional standards and processes for decision-making are being followed, is accomplished by independent, unbiased (out-of-state), CALEA-trained assessors who inspect the department.

This year’s assessor was Mark Brooks. Mr. Brooks served as a sworn officer in North Carolina for 30 years, primarily in Shelby, NC, and finished his active sworn service as the Chief of Police in Marion, NC. He now serves as the Accreditation Manager for the West Valley City, Utah Police Department.

On Thursday of this week, Mr. Brooks finished his review of the department and will complete a comprehensive report for review by the Commission at their August meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Based on discussions with Mr. Brooks, it is our belief the department successfully demonstrated its compliance for all standards of accreditation. 

Sunrise over Oyster River Courtesy, Mary Ann Esposito

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES - If applicants don't have all required certifications, DPW may be able to work with them to ensure they obtain such within a reasonable timeframe.

Highway Division – Heavy Equipment Operator

This position requires the undertaking of rewarding and challenging work, at times using independent judgment, to execute work involving the maintenance and construction of roads, sidewalks, right of ways, open spaces, Town properties, and drainage conveyance systems to ensure the safety and functionality of the Town’s infrastructure and multi-modal transportation network. The position performs laboring tasks when not assigned to equipment operation and assists in other maintenance-related functions within Durham Public Works when needed. 

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in the safe operation of equipment used in road and utility construction and maintenance in addition to heavy equipment operation and maintenance procedures. Preference will given to applicants with excavator experience. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 3:30 PM on April 11th, 2025.    

Solid Waste Division Supervisor

This position requires the undertaking of meaningful and challenging work involving the management of the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center and the Town’s Curbside Collection Program to achieve the Town’s sustainability goals while protecting public health. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Public Works Director.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of (2) years of experience in municipal solid waste operations and in the operation of commercial vehicles and related equipment. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent. The successful candidate will also possess an NHDES Solid Waste Operator License This position requires strenuous physical work, emergency response on a 24/7 basis for winter storm events, and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on April 2nd, 2025.    

Buildings and Grounds Division – Maintenance Laborer

This position involves using independent judgment, to execute work involving the maintenance, construction, and operations of Town-owned buildings, parks, public lands, and related equipment to ensure the proper upkeep and functionality of the Town’s municipal services. The position performs laboring tasks and assists in other maintenance-related functions within Durham Public Works when needed. The position works under both the general and direct supervision of the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor and Operations Manager in this versatile and exciting role.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in the maintenance of grounds and building systems. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement and possess a Category B Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License or have the ability to obtain it within 1 year of hire. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 3:30 PM on April 25th, 2025.    

Part-Time Seasonal Laborers

These positions require the assisting of the Operations Manager and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor in completing routine public works projects such as landscaping, park and facility maintenance, and road maintenance. 

The successful candidates must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or may be 16 or 17 years of age with signed parental permission. Experience with small engine operation, including lawnmowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers is desired.

Please submit applications to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on April 15th, 2025.    

Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

LOCAL MUSICIANS WANTED FOR DURHAM'S FARMERS' MARKET THIS SUMMER!

Seacoast Eat Local is looking for new local musicians to play at the Durham Farmers' Market this summer! 

Markets happen on Monday afternoons from 2:30-6pm. Musicians and groups are currently paid $100 per market date. You could play alone, as a pair or with a group! All genres and instruments are welcome to apply and the best candidates for the market will be chosen.

If you are interested, you can click HERE, learn more and apply via the inquiry form! If you have any questions, you can reach out to the marketmanager@seacoasteatlocal.org. If you inquire through the form, we will be in touch. 

We are so excited to grow our local community with new local musicians! Thank you for supporting your local farmers and makers.

A neighborhood turkey Courtesy, Carol Birch

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

ORCSD Building Committee: Call for Applications

The ORCSD District and School Board are looking for community members to serve on the District’s Building Committee, which helps review and plan for the District’s capital needs. The committee is expected to launch in late April/early May and meet periodically over the next twelve months. If you are interested in becoming a candidate, please submit a letter of interest and qualifications by Friday, April 4, 2025, to Ms. Wendy DiFruscio, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools at wdifruscio@orcsd.org. Additional information may be found HERE.

May 6 & 27 Strategic Planning Sessions

Superintendent Shaps invites the Oyster River community to join him at Oyster River Middle School on May 6 and May 27, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., for two Strategic Planning Sessions. This is an opportunity for Oyster River community members to contribute to ORCSD’s next 5-year strategic plan. During these two identical sessions, Dr. Shaps will guide participants through the World Café protocol, a collaborative and interactive approach to group discussions designed to share ideas and generate collective insights. Please let us know if you plan to attend by completing this form HERE so we can accommodate everyone.

ORCSD is Hiring Bus Drivers

8 open positions. Join our Transportation team and support student success! We offer great pay at $26.74 per hour, a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, term life and long-term disability, and 403 (b) with annuity. ORCSD drivers get 11 paid holidays, 15 days of paid sick time, and up to a $1,000 annual perfect attendance bonus. Guaranteed work week with a choice of weekly hours from 20, 25 or 30, and summer hours (for those interested). Apply HERE today.

ORMS Robotics Students Successful at State Championships

Several Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) robotics teams were awarded at the 2025 NH/VT Robotics State Championships. Oyster River students claimed 10 spots out of the top 13 in the Teamwork Challenge and had 10 of the top 12 highest-placing robots in the Robot Skills Challenge. Two teams earned invitations to compete in May at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas. Additional information is available HERE.

ORMS Hosts Humanities Night

On March 20, Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) staff and students hosted their annual celebration in honor of the arts and humanities. The evening, supported by the ORMS PTO, volunteers, and community members, was filled with creative activities such as basket weaving, origami peace cranes, mandala sand art, bookmark paperclip creation, and pottery. Photos and additional information are available HERE.

ORHS Debate Team Competes in Cambridge

Congratulations to the Oyster River High School (ORHS) Debate Team, who competed in the 2025 Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament in Cambridge, MA, the weekend of February 15-17. The prestigious event, hosted by the Harvard Debate Council High School Tournament, attracted 5,145 students from 533 schools across 40 states and 11 countries. Additional information is available HERE.

WMUR Kevin Skarupa Visits Mast Way

On Wednesday, March 12, Mast Way's third grade students and staff welcomed WMUR Meteorologist Kevin Skarupa. Students learned about the water cycles, tornadoes, weather patterns, and were able to ask various questions. You may view the filmed segment HERE. The video aired on Thursday, March 13. Additional information is available HERE.

Moharimet Celebration of Reading

Moharimet School held its annual Celebration of Reading Week March 10-13. Through special activities and events, students and staff were exposed to different facets of reading and the joy it brings. The week was a happy success. Many thanks to the Celebration of Reading Committee and all the readers of Moharimet School. Additional information is available here.

April 1-14 E-waste Collection

ORCSD schools will be collecting electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) between April 1-14. All donated items will be sent to UpCycle LLC for recycling. The Sustainability Committee will also collect e-waste at the April 15 Community Dinner in the Oyster River Middle School Learning Commons. Additional information about drop-off locations is available HERE.

April 5 Moharimet Pancake Breakfast

8:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Moharimet School (11 Lee Rd, Madbury, NH 03823). Enjoy Moharimet's delicious maple syrup, served with pancakes! Suggested Donation: $6 per person or $20 per family. Cash or check to Moharimet School will be accepted.

April 10 Coffee House

6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Multipurpose Room at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Coffee House celebrates the quarterly launch of award-winning student publication Mouth of the River (MOR). The $5 admission can be purchased at the door and is one of MOR's primary fundraising sources. Food and drink are included with admission.

April 11 Moharimet 4^th Grade Musical 

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). THE LION KING for KIDS, based on the movie and theater production with music by Sir Elton John. Snow date: April 14. 

April 15 Community Dinner

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at Oyster River Middle School's cafeteria. The Oyster River Sustainability Committee invites you to enjoy a delicious, locally and sustainably sourced Mediterranean chicken and grilled pork loin dinner. Each meal includes side salad options (couscous, garden and Caesar salad), primavera pasta, roasted vegetables, a beverage and dessert. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will be available. $15 per adult or $40 per family (a family includes up to 2 adults and children living within the same household). Additional information is available HERE. 

IL CINEMA RITROVATO ON TOUR IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: A Free Week-Long Festival Brings International Cinema to the Seacoast

The prestigious Cinema Ritrovato on Tour in NH film festival is making its way back to New Hampshire this spring for the seventh year, offering local audiences the chance to experience a curated selection of 21 classic and restored films from around the world. Presented by the University of New Hampshire Italian Studies Program in collaboration with the Cineteca di Bologna, this beloved event celebrates the rich history of cinema by showcasing newly restored masterpieces, lost gems, and rare cinematic treasures.

From March 31 to April 6, 2025, Il Cinema Ritrovato on Tour in NH will take place at UNH’s

Durham campus, offering a week-long series of screenings that highlight the beauty and

artistry of films that have been carefully restored by respected film archives.

All screenings and events are FREE and open to the public. For more information about Il Cinema Ritrovato on Tour in NH, the full schedule of screenings, and details about the screening locations, visit https://www.cinemaritrovatonh.com/.