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General Sullivan house at town landing through cherry blossoms. Courtesy Todd Selig
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This coming Monday is May 4th, Star Wars Day. May the FOURTH be with you, always!
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UPDATED COVID-19 CASE INFORMATION FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE (As of 4/30/20, 9AM)
Number of Persons with COVID‐19: 2,146
Recovered: 980 (48%)
Deaths attributed to COVID-19: 72 (3%)
Total Current COVID-19 Cases: 1,094
Persons who have been hospitalized for COVID-19: 262 (12%)
Current hospitalizations: 112
Persons Tested Negative at Selected Laboratories: 19,903
Persons with Specimens Submitted to NH PHL: 9,468
Persons with Test Pending at NH PHL: 302
Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time): 2,700
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PLANNING, ZONING, AND ASSESSING OFFICES - All transactions should be done electronically or by phone, the office is closed to walk-ins.
The Planning, Zoning and Assessing Office has begun to experience numerous people walking in (without masks) to apply for permits, etc. We ask again that anyone needing to apply for a permit or to the Zoning or Planning Board, PLEASE CALL AHEAD as all these types of applications can be nearly all be done through email and regular mail.
Please call for inspection requests and you will be given the latest updates.
Staff will still be in the office to handle requests for information from building files and will be able to email you the information.
Planning, Zoning, & Assessing Office 603-868-8064
mailto:kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us
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TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE - Open in person only for urgent transactions, all others should be undertaken electronically or via mail.
The Office is open for urgent transactions, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. If you are unsure if your transaction is urgent call 868-5577 or email mailto:lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us so we can assist you. Please continue to use online services at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ mail to 8 Newmarket Road, and you can also use the drop box in the front of the Town Hall.
Due to Covid-19, we would like to reassure citizens, that the upcoming elections, State Primary in September and Presidential Election in November, will still take place at this time with extra measures to try to keep everyone as safe as possible.
If you are unable to go to the polls, due to the Covid-19, you are able to request an absentee ballot. If you have questions concerning an absentee ballot please contact us at the Clerk’s Office 603-868-5577.
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SEACOAST CHABAD MASK DISTRIBUTION
The UNH & Seacoast Chabad Jewish Center will be holding a mask distribution drive-thru on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at the Seacoast Chabad Jewish Center at 72-1 Main Street, Durham, beginning at 12:00 PM until masks run out. They will be distributing over 15,000 masks, which will be free of charge.
Please keep your window open so that a volunteer can place the masks in your vehicle. Masks will be available on a first come-first served basis.
Drive thru ONLY. No walk-ups.
To donate masks, help, or ask questions, contact http://JewishSeacoast.com/Mask or mailto:Office@JewishSeacoast.com, or call 603-205-6598
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Beautiful historic home this week at Durham‘s old landing. Courtesy Todd Selig
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SAMMY'S MARKET HOSTS DAILY FOOD DRIVE
To support Durham's local food pantries, Sammy's Market is hosting a daily food drive. Bins available for dry and canned food items drop off.
5 Madbury Road
Open: Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm / Sunday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Delivery available
603.785.0279
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LOOKING FOR A WAY TO HELP YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY? Local food banks are seeking donations...
Our area food banks are experiencing an increase in demand and would greatly appreciate donations of food or money so they can purchase needed items for families in need. Please consider using your resources to assist one of our local non-profit organizations serving the Durham/Oyster River community. View the list of food pantries HERE.
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OYSTER RIVER WOMENADE PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES IN NEED – Seeks donations to assist those in need
Oyster River Womenade provides financial assistance to all residents and families in Durham, Lee, Madbury, and Newmarket in times of hardship. During the COVID-19 pandemic the organization is continuing its mission to assist with rent/mortgage payments, medical supplies, and other needs. To learn more about the Oyster River Womenade organization and to support its mission, please go to http://www.orwomenade.org/.
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WINNER OF DURHAM'S "TOP DOG" CONTEST TO BE SELECTED AT MAY 4TH TOWN COUNCIL MEETING!
In January of this year the Town of Durham announced its first annual "Top Dog" contest. This contest was created to motivate and remind dog owners to license their pets every year by April 30, as state law requires. Residents were automatically registered for the Top Dog contest if they obtained a dog license from the Town Clerk’s office before April 30, 2020.
The winner of Durham’s first annual Top Dog contest will be announced at the Town Council meeting on Monday, May 4. Durham’s new “Top Dog” will receive a gift basket that contains over $225 of donated gifts and gift cards from the Yellow Dog Barn, Oyster River Veterinary Hospital, Take Five Dogcare, and Great Bay Kennel. In addition, the winning dog will have their photo and biography appear in the Friday Update. The Town Clerk-Tax Collector is especially grateful to all the businesses that contributed to the gift basket.
Please note that the Town Clerk’s Office is closed to the public at this time, but you may complete your dog license registration online, by mail or through the Town Hall’s drop box. If you are not renewing online or if this is your first time registering your dog in Durham, please make a check payable to the “Town of Durham” and mail it to the Town Clerk at 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824. Spayed and neutered dogs are $7.50 each and non-altered dogs are $10.00 each. Your dog’s rabies vaccination must be current in order to receive a license.
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ESSENTIAL DURHAM BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS/GROCERY STORES LIST
View a list with information about essential businesses in Durham , as well as a list with Durham restaurants hours provided by the Durham Business Association HERE.
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PLANNING BOARD WORKSHOP MEETING - Wednesday, May 6, 2020
The Planning Board will hold a workshop meeting next Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 7PM. View the agenda HERE.
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HELPFUL OR INTERESTING LINKS REGARDING THE CORONAVIRUS
The New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs is conducting a confidential survey of New Hampshire businesses to see how they are meeting the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The information provided will assist efforts to help businesses, and the state’s economy, recover in the weeks and months to come. You can access the survey HERE.
Governor Sununu has formed the Governor's Economic Re-Opening Task Force, which will develop a plan and oversee the state and private-sector actions needed to reopen New Hampshire's economy while minimizing the adverse impact on public health. Here are links about the task force:
List of Task Force Members
The Task Force's Road Map
Meeting Schedule
Here is an updated map provided by eImpact of coronavirus cases across the country by county. It is striking how pervasively the virus appears to have spread with significantly greater saturation in the eastern half of the country and tragically in the larger cities, notably the greater New York City area. http://www.eimpact.report/landings/covid19.html
Here is an article from Fodor’s Travel showing what the lockdown looks like in various places around the world (There are some beautiful photographs here as well). https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/we-asked-for-fascinating-stories-of-lockdown-abroad-and-wow-did-we-get-them
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Rotary Club of Durham Great Bay donates 500 Masks to the Durham Fire Department. Left to right: William Lenharth, Jr.; Fire Chief David Emanuel, and Firefighter Matthew Hunt. Courtesy Durham FD
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SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST - Need to change party affiliation?
Believe it or not, June 2 is the last day to change party before the State Primary on September 8. On that day (Tuesday June 2) Supervisors are supposed to be available at the town hall from 7:00 – 7:30 PM to accept any changes to the checklist, including new registrations and party changes. Details of that meeting will be forthcoming. If you believe you have changed your party (meaning you voted at the February primary or other recent primary and did change your party either that day or after), check the following website to be sure: https://app.sos.nh.gov. If you changed your party AFTER the town election on March 10 it may not show up, although the changes should have been made. If you made that change up through the day of the town election and that website does not show it, we definitely need to know. If you would like to make a party change before June 2, you may do it in person at the town clerk’s office between the hours of 8:00 and 4:30 on M-F. It is best to call ahead just to make sure someone will be available to help you quickly. We are awaiting instructions from the Secretary of State’s office to see if these party changes can be made through the mail. As soon as we have official word on this, we will let you know.
Remember, if you come to the primary as Undeclared, you will choose which party you wish to vote that day. You may then return to Undeclared that day or any day after. However, you MAY NOT change party at a primary if you enter the polls as a Republican or a Democrat. There are always some people who forget to return to Undeclared after a primary (perhaps they voted absentee) and then are very unhappy the day of the next primary. There was some confusion about this at the Presidential Primary, but we hope to make sure everyone is aware of this well before September.
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SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT ANTICIPATED CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE (Schedule is subject to change and will be updated periodically)
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DURHAM RESIDENT AND ORHS STUDENT, EMMA KINSEY, RECEIVES GIRL SCOUT "GOLD AWARD"
A high school senior at Oyster River High School has earned the highest possible honor as a Girl Scout. In an announcement Tuesday, the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains council (which encompasses Vermont and New Hampshire) honored Emma Kinsey, of Durham, for a project that wove together the stories of three very different women in history.
View the complete Foster's Daily Democrat article HERE.
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A bet on Census participation has been made between, from left, Newmarket Town Manager Steve Fournier, Dover City Manager Mike Joyal, and Administrator Selig. Courtesy Seacoastonline/Deb Cram
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2020 CENSUS CHALLENGE UPDATE - If you have not completed your Census questionnaire, it's still not too late so Mr. Selig does not have to wash a fire truck!
Dover is at 62%, Newmarket at 60.5% while we are still behind at 51.8%. We haven’t lost hope yet! (Though Mr. Selig is warming up his washing arm...) We need to push through the last two weeks. Talk about the census and encourage any students or other residents in Durham who you think may have not completed their census forms.
We need your help to boost our rates and reach a much higher percentage.
Please follow the link and respond today! https://2020census.gov/
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Yet, there is some exciting news for Durham. For NH District 01, there is a Census tract in Durham (excluding the downtown core with apartments) that is in the top 10 tracts for highest self-response rate at 72.3% (see below). Very impressive!
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TOWN COUNCILOR AL HOWLAND TAKES US ON A COVID-19 BIKE TOUR
Since this was supposed to be vacation week, Town Councilor Al Howland and his wife Janet tried to adapt to Covid-19 and still pull off a bike tour. Al observed that you know it is a strange world when you include a mask in your front handlebar bag. His writeup of the Seacoast Covid-19 Tour can be found on the Celebrate Durham web page HERE.
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SPRING CLEANUP CANCELLATION UPDATE AND UPCOMING BULKY WASTE DAYS AT THE TRANSFER STATION - Residents/Taxpayers may bring their own bulky waste to facility for free on 6 special days with extended hours.
This week there has been much confusion in the community regarding the cancellation of Spring Cleanup. As communicated on Friday updates and social media, due to proactive changes in shift staffing to guard against an all-out COVID-19 outbreak at DPW, concerns about COVID-19 contamination on bulky materials brought curbside, and the necessity to have multiple people working in close proximity to collect such materials, the Town opted to indefinitely postpone the spring cleanup until further notice. Similar issues exist with allowing residents to bring these heavy/bulky materials to the facility directly. However, it seems as if the message of the cancellation has not reached all residents. In an effort to assist the community in getting rid of their materials in a safe manner to both residents and DPW employees, we have decided to do the following; On the days listed below, folks with Resident/Tax payer permits may enter the Transfer Station to get rid of BULKY WASTE ITEMS ONLY and will not require coupons.
- Wednesday, May 13th and Thursday, May 14th between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM
- Wednesday, May 20th and Thursday, May 21st between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM
- Wednesday, June 3rd and Thursday, June 4th between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM
** Residents will have to unload their own material
** We will restrict drop off to 3 vehicles at a time with a dumpster for each vehicle drop off point. Vehicles would wait in line for a vehicle to clear.
We ask that all regular trash and recycling and “normal” dump activities be limited to regular Transfer Station hours, Tuesday and Saturday, 7:30am - 3:00pm.
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REMINDER- Memorial Day Holiday coming up Transfer Station will be CLOSED ON SATURDAY, MAY 23.
Curbside collection of refuse and recycling will be delayed one day on the week of 5/25- 5/29, for example, if your collection is normally on Monday, it will be on Tuesday that week, Tuesday’s on Wednesday’s, etc.
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NEIGHBORHOOD LIGHTS - The DFD will visit Durham neighborhoods Saturday nights in a parade-like fashion to lift spirits as outlined below.
The Town of Durham’s available emergency services units will be conducting rolling community visits through Durham neighborhoods on Saturday evenings between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for the next several weeks. Residents are encouraged to exercise appropriate social distancing with their neighbors if they come outside during the parade.
The apparatus parade will train through the following streets twice during their visits:
Saturday, 05/02/2020: Davis Avenue, Fairchild Drive, Rocky Lane, Adams Circle, Edgewood Road, Meadow Road, Maple Street, Madbury Road, Wood Road, Lundy Lane, Hampshire Avenue, Scotland Road, Tom Hall Road, and Emerson Road.
Saturday, 05/09/2020: Durham Point Road, Deer Meadow Road, Fox Hill Road, Mathes Cove Road, Colony Cove Road, Edgerly–Garrison Road.
Saturday, 05/16/2020: Stone Quarry Drive, Briggs Way, Riverview Road,
Shearwater Street, Cormorant Circle, Morgan Way, Williams Way, Tirrell Place, and Cedar Point Road.
The intent of this visit is to spread cheer by giving the kids and families something to look forward to as well as to let the community know that their emergency responders are still here and available to respond. Different neighborhoods will be visited each week.
This event subject to change due to emergency or service responses.
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PLANNING FOR ORHS GRADUATION CEREMONY - Two ideas presently under consideration, one at the Lee Speedway
Superintendent Morse reports that a big question in this pandemic environment for the ORCSD is whether the district can provide something memorable for the graduating seniors? ORHS Principal Filippone and her staff have been brainstorming several ideas with the senior class advisor and senior class representatives. The number one ‘request’ of the seniors is that they want to be ‘together,’ defining ‘together’ in this case as, a similar experience that is live, as opposed to ‘remote graduation experience.’ The high school is working on two possible ideas, repeat POSSIBLE ideas.
Idea A is to have the class graduate at the Speedway in the Town of Lee. If the district was able to execute this idea, it would provide a memorable experience for the class of 2020, one no other class will have done, making it unique and special at the same time. The concept is that each graduate and their immediate family would arrive at Lee Speedway, line up their vehicles, then one vehicle at a time would drive to the podium. The graduate would step out to receive their diploma, as the rest of the class flashes their lights to celebrate. The graduate’s family would also step out to take pictures. The process would be repeated for every graduate.
Idea B would use ORHS as the backdrop, and have students participate in a very similar process as noted for the Speedway.
Both ideas would limit graduation to one car per family and invitations would be limited to the capacity of the car. Both would allow families stepping out of their car, one family at a time, to celebrate their child’s receiving of their diploma and for photographs. As graduation plans firm up, Principal Filippone will keep the class of 2020 and their families informed through her building level newsletter.
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This week, Bearnard and his friends enjoyed a good old game of Scrabble. Courtesy John Pacheco
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2020/21 TOWN COUNCIL GOALS / RULES OF MEETING ETIQUETTE
At the Durham Town Council meeting this past Monday, April 20th, the Town Council adopted its annual goals for 2020/21. View the goals HERE.
In addition, the Council adopted a resolution (Resolution #2020-05) establishing Rules of Etiquette at Town Council meetings. View the rules HERE.
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DID YOU KNOW? - A tidbit from the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee on corrugated cardboard
If you bring your corrugated cardboard (I.e. shipping box) to the Durham Transfer Station instead of putting it out with curbside recycling, it can be bundled and sold. Recently, the town was able to sell 20 tons of corrugated cardboard at approximately $100/ton! (Note: if corrugated cardboard is put out with curbside pickup it does get recycled, but we lose the opportunity to bundle it separately and sell it). IMPORTANT : ONLY corrugated cardboard can be put in the corrugated collection shed at the transfer station. If we contaminate it with other types of cardboard/paper, plastic or styrofoam, etc. the shipment will be rejected and end up costing the town money. (Example - the last load of corrugated cardboard we tried to sell was rejected due to contamination. Instead of making money we lost $1490 in disposal fees).
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SCAVENGER HUNT: BACKYARD BIRDING AND LOOKING FOR GARLIC MUSTARD
IT’S MUD SEASON and with the desire to get outside in spring--magnified this year due to COVID-19--our trails are turning muddy in places. To alleviate some of the pressure on trails, this week’s Scavenger Hunt features: Backyard Birding and Scouting for the Invasive Garlic Mustard. If you do want to venture forth beyond your property, we encourage people to bicycle local roads or stroll around your neighborhood. Whether on foot or bike, a reminder to maintain appropriate social distancing, which generally means keeping you (and your dog) at least six feet away from others. Enjoy and Stay Safe. Trail maps for Durham conservation areas are available HERE. Find previous Scavenger Hunts HERE.
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END 68 HOURS OF HUNGER – They are here to help.
During this remote learning time period the number of families participating in End 68Hours of Hunger program in Oyster River has doubled.
If families with school aged children are in need of assistance, please contact your child’s school nurse or School Nutrition Director at mailto:ddemers@orcsd.org
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Young visitors to Doe Farm are already enjoying the newly exposed rock outcrop as the parking area gets a face-lift. Courtesy Ellen Snyder
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DOE FARM PARKING AREA GETS A FACE-LIFT
This week the parking lot at Doe Farm off Bennett Road was given a major face lift. Thanks to funding from the Conservation Commission, Land Stewardship Coordinator Ellen Snyder worked with Candia contractor Dennis Lewis who removed stumps and other vegetation, re-graded the area, exposed a beautiful rock outcrop, added seven loads of gravel, and helped install new fence posts. This will provide additional parking spaces for this increasingly popular town property. Ellen’s husband Srini and Conservation Commissioner John Nachilly volunteered their time to install a new boundary fence with the abutting LaRoche Farm. Over the past two years, the Land Stewardship program has spearheaded major improvements at Doe Farm, including improved trail network and bridges, an informational kiosk and other signs, and picnic tables and benches. These projects, totaling $27,275, were funded by the Conservation Commission Fund ($9,425) and private donations to the Patron’s Trust ($17,850), augmented by hundreds of hours of volunteer time. Additional work continues at Doe Farm, including two bridges out to Moat Island, tree clearing around the historic Doe cellar holes, and invasive plant control to improve forest health, funded by the Conservation Commission.
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DURHAM’S LEADERSHIP TEAM MET VIRTUALLY ON APRIL 28TH TO ADDRESS DEPARTMENT MATTERS AND TO PROVIDE ROUNDTABLE UPDATES / Prepared by Planning Director Michael Behrendt – Here’s what was learned…
Economic Development. Christine Soutter said she reached out to a graduate student organization that will do a survey of where students are living now, what they are paying in rent, whether they would like to come back to school, whether they would like to live close to the campus. She is working on RSA 79E Downtown Revitalization provision and some zoning changes for the downtown. She is doing some research with Jim Rice about Mill Plaza.
The Federal government approved more funding for PPP. The money in the first round got taken up very quickly. Todd Selig said it is hard to keep up with the status of local businesses as things are changing quickly. Christine said she was having more contact with local businesses in the beginning and less now.
Police. Dave Kurz said things are fine. Everybody is healthy and working. There have been no major incidents. Over the weekend they verified what they were afraid of. People are coming back on the weekend to party. Leases are still active. Students have a place here and they are taking advantage of it. There have been mostly small gatherings with 3-8 people, people sitting in the yard. If officers see that they talk with the students about social distancing. We hear from residents about these situations. There have unfortunately been domestic situations. People are pent up and it is a challenge for everybody.
Captain Dave Holmstock said the Pandemic Operational Plan is coming along well. Todd asked if there is anything in the plan suggesting something that we should be doing that we are not doing. Dave said no, we are just staying on top of issues as they come up. There are no major issues suggesting we should shift direction. Todd said we should think about the future if UNH does or does not come back into session. What would this mean for Durham, etc.?
Deputy Chief Rene Kelley said they are working on a lot of court cases over the telephone. It helps to dispose of cases over the phone if possible to bring down the backlog. The new police cruiser was ordered in January but is not expected to be delivered in October. Ford has redirected work at some of its plants including making respirators. The same is true for the new roll off vehicle at DPW.
Recreation. Rachel Gasowski said she is busy working on plans for summer camp and revamping what they can do virtually. She is working with the school district. They have been cleaning things up at the Jackson’s Landing playground. A lot has been cleared but it is still a bit of a mess. The area has been opened up some with the cutting of some of the tall pine trees there, which now allows more light for the solar panels (which were being shaded and not producing as planned as a result). The area was overgrown and people couldn’t use it. The picnic tables are in rough condition. DPW put down mulch and bark chips and regraded. There is one particularly large tree stump which they will incorporate somehow. Oyster River Gives Back Concert was Wednesday night. They had a partnership with Celebrate Durham and the Freedom Café. The Memorial Day Parade will be all virtual. Organizers hope to have remarks from Kitty Marple and Lee Alexander, some ceremonial speeches. They will include some footage from last year.
Assessing. Jim Rice said the utility appraiser looked at Seacoast Reliability which is 50-60% complete. He will provide values next Tuesday for the first billing cycle. 4-6 Main Street just came on the market. There are 5 properties on this site. Paul Berton, the owner is asking $5-1/2 million. He may be focusing on other properties he has in Portsmouth. The student housing market is still strong; it has not dried up at all. Jim talked with UNH. UNH is grappling with the number of students living in one unit. The trend for new projects was to include 3-6 bedrooms per unit but due to coronavirus lots of parents won’t want their kids with so many students. Todd wondered aloud if UNH pares down from a 4 to 2 person suite where will those students go? Probably to the private market. Even if Durham experienced declining enrollment, if students go to the private market, UNH would not see vacancies on campus, and in-town rentals would see additional demand. Jim said UNH lost about 200 students last year but they are making up with transfer students and in other ways, so overall enrollment is not declining.
Fire. Fire Chief Dave Emanuel said this week the fire department leadership team worked to identify and address blind spots within the fire department. They are looking for anything that they should be doing better.
Chief Trull contacted the local hospitals to get the pulse of COVID Trends: Hospitals reported occupancy capacities as of 4/27/2020: Exeter is 52%, Portsmouth 63%, WDH 54%, Rochester 33% FD members should keep up the disinfecting and mask-wearing and not let their guard down.
McGregor response times have increased since they moved to Putnam Hall and the Medic Company/DFD may be using more PPE equipment because they are initiating patient contact. Shifts should focus on providing timely safe patient care when operating before McGregor arrives.
The department should work to improve inventory controls when equipment is delivered to the FD, where it is to be placed, and when it is being used.
The FD is still working with UNH on the IT, Box, and email transition project. Dave thanks Luke for transitioning members email over to UNH a few at a time.
The proposal for a Verizon antenna on Dimond Library is in the preliminary proposal stages and UNH Facilities is still coming up to speed.
The FD is investigating a potential grant opportunity – “FEMA makes additional $100 million available to Firefighters for COVID-19 Response”.
The Deputy Fire Chief of Prevention position has been advertised and applications are due on May 15, 2020.
Public Works. DPW Director Mike Lynch reported Eversource hopes to be done with the Seacoast Reliability project by the end of May. That is not far from the original schedule. The Town has let them work a few Sundays with no incidents and that helped them stay on schedule. Public Works is cleaning catch basins and painting crosswalks. He and Doug Bullen are going to the Middle School tomorrow to mark up the layout for the new traffic pattern to enable on-street parking. They will direct traffic with Doug’s truck and cones so they don’t need the Police to control traffic.
DPW had a setback with delivery for the new roll off truck (used to take dumpsters to the market). Due to the virus the mechanical components are not finished yet. The truck was supposed to be delivered in May but won’t come until probably October. We think that off the shelf products should not be delayed but they are being pushed back.
The proposed emergency management communications tower was discussed. Mike sent photos of Beech Hill.
Todd said the Town made an offer to Mr. Richard Reine of Bedford, NH (formerly DPW Director for Concord, MA) for the position of Director of Public Works. He accepted. Todd will bring his name to the Town Council on May 4th. His tentative start date is June 1 which would provide for overlap with Mike Lynch.
Mike asked NHDOT about the sidewalk for Riverwoods but NHDOT is so tied up with health issues this seemed to go on the back burner. The state will go to bid for the work at the Route 4 – Route 108 ramp in August. The work probably won’t happen in 2020 so it could align better with the sidewalk work. Conduit was put in the ground for signals. We see people probably from Riverwoods walking down Route 108 in the grass to get to Jackson’s Landing and into town. We see some new trails they have put in. They are an ambitious crowd! They walk everywhere. Mike was told the average age is ten years younger than they expected.
Todd said Public Works is working with UNH and EPA for the permit for the WWTP affecting Great Bay.
He is now working for Bauen who is building the Middle School. Mike said Bauen also built our police station and library and the high school athletic fields.
Mike said construction on the Route 4 bridge over Bunker Creek will go to 7 days per week. He does not know if they will close Route 4. Dave Kurz said their ability to work a longer week may keep the closure shorter.
Planning. Dir. of Planning Michael Behrendt said the Planning Board has a very busy agenda Wednesday night with the amendment to the Durham Business Park, Alpha Tao Omega, Mill Plaza and the fiscal impact report, 74 Main Street, and Gerrish Drive subdivision. Christine Soutter commented on public hearings where residents raise the same objections to projects over and over again. Michael said the Planning Board continually wrestles with this issue trying to balance having transparency and giving the public a full opportunity to speak with keeping meetings moving along and not hearing the same things over again. He said the board sometimes limits the amount of time for comments and closes public hearings.
Clerk’s Office. Town Clerk/Tax Collector Lorrie said things are running pretty smoothly with the new window. Most transactions are on line, via email or in the drop box. They get a lot of phone calls and emails The water/sewer bills are going out today. They are adding a note on the bill about how to pay. They are due June 1. They are working next week on the warrant figures to get that to the Council for the May 18 meeting. Then the property tax bills go out a week or so afterward.
The state has extended the timeframe for temporary plates to May 31. The state is putting together a committee to look at the election and how to help cities and towns with extra costs, especially from the large numbers of absentee ballots. DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens helped update the website. This will make it easier for residents to do on line registrations and payments with just one click. Deputy Town Clerk Rachel Deane discussed the Top Dog program. The deadline to register dogs is April 30 as mandated from the state. If you register on time you are eligible for a raffle. The winner gets a doggie gift basket with donated goods and services. The drawing will be May 4 at the Town Council meeting. The winner will have the dog’s photo and bio in Friday Updates. A lot of people do not know they need to license their dogs. Over 1,000 dogs were registered last year. The number so far is in line with last year. She hoped for more but maybe there was a drop off with coronavirus.
Business Office. Business Manager Gail Jablonski exclaimed that everything is wonderful! She has nothing to report. Audrey asked where to get the cheapest gas at this time , at the state pumps or at Irving. Gail will research.
Information Technology. IT Manager Luke Vincent said the growth of activity for Zoom is huge from 10 million connections per day to 300 million now. He did not think that was sustainable growth. It will be interesting to see how things shake out with cloud services and remote learning and access services. Luke said Zoom is releasing a new version that you will be forced to upgrade to but it should have a more sturdy protocol and better security. Zoom has worked very well for Durham to date.
Luke said we are launching a new platform for user events. We will have a single portal page. Luke said we are lucky to have a position for DCAT coordinator. Volunteer extraordinary Jay Gooze is coming back soon.
Todd asked about the Fire Department email addresses. Will they be CI.DURHAM or UNH with the transition? Luke said you can send to either address but in the long term the Fire Department will break away into its own domain.
Building. Code Officer Audrey Cline exulted that she found toilet paper at Hannaford! She said 9 Dover Road sold. She noted that buildings shut off for weeks have a potential for Legionnaires Disease when the buildings are turned back on. Audrey gave some background about Legionnaires Disease. It was first identified after an outbreak at an American Legion meeting in 1976. By tremendous coincidence the members came down with Legionnaires Disease there. It is spread by water droplets in air conditioning and other similar systems.
Other Matters. Todd said UNH is giving much consideration about what to do this fall. They are actively coordinating with the governor and state epidemiologist, Dr. Benjamin Chan. Todd said resident Lee Alexander is working to recreate a photo of the Town seal with Todd’s help. He and Todd will work on this. Lee has a canoe that has a sail like a gundalows. Todd will take a picture as the sun rises in early May.
Library. Library Director Sheryl Bass had provided a summary of library activities in writing
- Staff are all well and continue to work from home maintaining their services to patrons and creating new content for the website, newsletter and social media platforms.
- They continue to plan programming for the Summer. They are developing contingency plans for both children and adults should they have to shift to a virtual model for Summer Reading.
- Sheryl is working on a phased re-opening plan for the Library that involves restoring public services and re-integrating both staff and patrons into the building by degrees. She is anxiously awaiting guidance from the Governor's office, with regard to the Stay-at-Home order and new data regarding infectious spread, to get a better sense of what the immediate future holds in terms of re-opening. She knows that the public and staff are anxious to get back into the building, but they have to be able to maintain the health and safety of all involved.
- On a fun note... their Haiku poetry contest has been a huge hit in a time when people need a little fun! They’ve had many submissions and it has been great fun reading them and sharing them via social media.
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AMTRAK DOWNEASTER TEMPORARY SERVICE SUSPENSION EXTENDED THROUGH MAY 31
The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) has announced that the temporary suspension of all Amtrak Downeaster passenger rail service, will remain in effect through May 31, 2020 in alignment with the “Stay Safer at Home” Executive Order recently announced by Maine Governor Mills and others travel restrictions imposed in Boston.
NNEPRA is working in partnership with Amtrak, Pan Am Railways and station communities to prepare for the return of service later this spring. Pan Am Railways has expedited a series of track improvement and maintenance projects along the Downeaster corridor to take place this spring to avoid construction- related service interruptions later in the year. This includes the replacement of timbers on the Fore River railroad bridge in Portland, ME and 15,000 railroad ties in New Hampshire, as well as other grade crossing and surfacing work.
Train equipment used in the operation of Downeaster service is undergoing enhanced cleaning, and Amtrak has implemented new cleaning and disinfecting protocols nationwide which will be in place on Downeaster trains when service returns. Stations are being updated with signage and other enhancements to promote public health and physical distancing, and the number of passengers per train will be limited when service returns so riders are able to adhere to CDC physical distancing guidelines. Complete information about the steps Amtrak is taking to protect the health and safety of their passengers and crews is available at Amtrak.com
The public should be advised that railroad tracks are still active. Freight trains will continue to operate, as may some Amtrak trains for mechanical and training purposes. Trespassing on railroad tracks and/or within the railroad right of way is extremely dangerous and against the law.
For additional Amtrak Downeaster information visit: http://AmtrakDowneaster.com
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S_XTORTION SCAM IN THE SEACOAST - Be aware!
The Durham Police wanted to warn the community that online scammers are sending emails to unsuspecting people claiming they hacked their webcams and if they don’t send them money, they will release compromising materials and photos. This scam was originally reported in Exeter and Portsmouth and unfortunately several have been received in Durham. The emails are called s_xtortion emails because often the body of the email says the scammers have obtained an embarrassing photo or video featuring the victim. Durham police suggested that the scammers appear authentic because they provide a user’s actual password for a login for any number of accounts as the subject line in the email and demand payment to stop the public release of embarrassing material. Demands to purchase $2,000 in bitcoin, a crypto currency, and transfer to them within 24 hours are a common ultimatum.
Residents are advised NEVER to respond to the email and if the email subject features an individual’s current username or password for any accounts then change it immediately.
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ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP VIA ZOOM
Support Groups are back! Meghan Wentworth and Holly Malasky will be hosting their Alzheimer’s Support Group, via Zoom, on Wednesday May 13th at 2pm!!
If you would like to join the meeting, please contact Meghan Wentworth at http://mwentworth@riverwoodsdurham.org, prior to the May 13th and you will be provided the conference information.
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Courtesy Malcolm Sandberg
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TRASH CLEANUP EFFORTS
Residents along Durham Point Road with trash bags in hand harvested a trailer full of trash a half mile before and after the transfer station.
Please join a town wide effort to keep Durham Point Road “scenic” and all Durham roadways free of trash.
DON’T FORGET TO COVER YOUR LOAD on your way to the Transfer Station! IT’S THE LAW.
Sunday looks to be a beautiful sunny day. Grab a few trash bags and beautify your neighborhood.
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WHAT ARE DURHAM POLICE DOING WHILE UNH IS OUT OF SESSION? In fact, quite a lot.
While 14,000 UNH students are not attending classes, there are a number of off-campus housing complexes located in Durham. While arrests are obviously down from years past, it appears that students are returning on weekends to their rentals as officers are noting parking lots, especially at the Lodges and Cottages, are much more occupied then during the week. Calls for persons who are gathering in contradiction to social distancing suggestions is consuming significant officer time. While under “normal” conditions, these groups of 3-20 people would rarely rise to the level of police intervention, given the current climate, we proactively stop and have them disperse or occasionally receive calls for residents about these issues. The police are coordinating efforts with landlords who are very supportive and cooperative with the department’s efforts. Sadly the Durham Police are also dealing with more domestic related calls with family members seemingly having too much time together and disagreements escalating to the point of contacting the police.
The department is also working with Town Hall to keep expenses in check. Currently the agency has one vacancy and another pending in July upon Chief Kurz’s retirement. Both those positions, currently budgeted, will remain vacant throughout the year. Additionally, part of the strategic plan to address warmer weather and the accompanying escalated activity when UNH is in session, is the expenditure of budgeted overtime which allows police to be visible and highly responsive. With UNH dismissed due to Covid-19, significant funds are not being expended.
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Photos courtesy John Pacheco
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SUPPORT LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS
Locally produced food is a critical resource and local farms are critical infrastructure and the Durham Agricultural Commission encourages residents to support local food producers. Seacoast Eat Local has established an online search tool that enables users to type in the produce/meat/food product they are looking for and farms in our area that carry the item popup, https://seacoastharvest.org/ . Contactless food pick and delivery are available from many local farms.
Residents interested in backyard gardening can find useful and inspiring information compiled by the Agricultural Commission HERE.
Thank you for your help. – Theresa, 603-534-3913
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WALK, RUN, BIKE TO DISCOVER DURHAM’S TRAILS ... BUT PLEASE -- Maintain safe social distancing and reduce congestion at trailhead parking areas for everyone's safety
The Town of Durham’s open spaces offer places for maintaining mental and physical health for individuals and families, during these stressful times. The trails are open for exploration—due to the COVID-19 threat, visitors must maintain appropriate social distancing, which generally means keeping 6 feet apart. This is especially important on weekends, when visitation is high. If sites are congested, please seek alternate locations. It is mud season, please treat trails gently.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE ATTORNEY WARNS AGAINST COVID-19 RELATED SCAMS
Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald urges all of New Hampshire’s aging adults to be aware of and to take steps to protect themselves from scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, all people are encouraged to assist aging adults in protecting themselves from scams to the fullest and safest extent possible.
In recent weeks, scammers have used the uncertainty and isolation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic to attempt to obtain personal identifying information and assets of aging adults across the country.
View the list of some of the scams currently aimed at aging adults, as well as recommendations on what to do if you encounter them HERE.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - Deputy Fire Chief - Prevention
Salary range: $80,000 - $96,000 contingent on qualifications and experience
The Town of Durham, NH is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Fire Chief -Prevention.
The full position posting and Town of Durham application may be found on the Town’s website HERE.
Submit materials per the instructions by May 15, 2020 at noon. Position to remain open until filled.
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Beautiful dandelions in front of the Seacoast Jewish Center on Main Street in Durham. Courtesy Lee Alexander
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DANDELIONS ARE BEE-UTIFUL - 3rd Annual Contest for the Durham Lawn(s) with the Most Dandelions
As part of Durham’s Bee Friendly Program, the Agricultural Commission is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Contest to encourage town residents to both recognize and demonstrate the importance of dandelions for honeybees
and other pollinators.
Town residents are invited to submit a photo(s) of their residential lawn where dandelions are either allowed -- or encouraged! -- to grow. In 2019 there were 12 participants. This year we hope to double or triple this number. *
Send a photo(s) via e-mail to: Lee Alexander
e-mail: mailto: leelaine-alex@comcast.net
mobile: 603-866-2822
Please include name, address, and phone number.
Each contest participant will receive a small (2 oz.) squeeze bottle of “Lee’s Bees” Wildflower Honey.
Based on a fair (but somewhat subjective) site evaluation, the lawn judged to have the highest density of dandelions will receive a large (16 oz.) squeeze bottle of honey.
* This year Durham has been challenged to a “Two-Town Contest” with Kingston, NH. The winner will be the town with the most participants. Show your pride and “Bee-a-Contestant”!
Dandelion Contest Update (1 May 2020)...
Unfortunately, due to the cool rainy weather last month, there have been very few dandelions blooming on any town or residential lawns. As such, the contest has been expanded to two award categories: a “dandelions to the max lawn”, and another for “dandelion minimalist bouquet”. Yesterday, a good example of a “dandelion bouquet” appeared Downtown next to the Chabad Jewish Center (see photo above). For some people, seeing a clump of dandelions blooming from a crack in the asphalt is “inspirational.” To quote Lady Bird Johnson: “Where flowers bloom, so does hope? There is also the phrase from Alexander Pope’s poem that “Hope springs eternal” During these difficult times, perhaps dandelions should be recognized as something to be be admired -- regardless of how or where they grow.
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With families spending more time together during this "stay at home" period, some have discovered activities which don't require any electronic devices. A simple canoe ride along the Oyster River estuary will long be remembered after this crisis is over. Courtesy John Pacheco
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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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Check us out on Facebook and Instagram today for a preview of our new Storywalk Book in the rain garden!
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New to DPL! Enjoy complimentary access to The New York Times Digital edition courtesy of Durham Public Library! The New York Times Digital edition is available to all patrons of the Durham Public Library. This service includes unlimited article access on library computers, as well as promotional codes for remote access on your home computer or mobile device. For the full features included, visit the Research and Databases page on our website! Questions? Email us at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com!
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Need help downloading books or accessing our resources on your device? Durham Public Library continues to offer device help on Thursdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm to all of all patrons. Email us at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com for the zoom link to speak to someone live during these hours!
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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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1974 - Enrollment at the University grew from 2,400 in 1923 to 10,000 in 1974. Other state institutions of higher education at Keene, Plymouth and Merrimack Valley enrolled an additional 4,500 students. These and other units were incorporated into a single University System of New Hampshire.
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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Have a very nice weekend and stay safe and well.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator/Emergency Management Director
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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