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Wagon at Wagon Hill Farm on Route 4
Courtesy Todd Selig
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We wish this year's UNH graduating class the best of luck in their future endeavors as they load up their wagons and get ready to head out of town, traveling toward an exciting future. Remember, Durham and UNH represent HOME for Wildcats! Ya'll come back now, you hear?
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UNH COMMENCEMENT IS SATURDAY, MAY 18TH - It's a good day to be a Wildcat!
The UNH Commencement ceremony is this Saturday, May 18th at the Wildcat Football Stadium. The graduates will begin lining up around 9AM to march into the field starting at 9:45AM. Traffic in and around Durham will be extremely heavy as parents and family members arrive to enjoy the celebration. Visitors are directed to outlying parking areas for bus transportation into the stadium area. As in the past, all of the buses are escorted by marked police vehicles ensuring that they will arrive on time and making this the most convenient method to use for parking and ensuring that everyone gets to the graduation on time!
This year’s commencement speaker is David Brooks who is best known as an op-ed columnist for The New York Times, a position he has held since 2003. Brooks will deliver the commencement address to more than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. He is also an executive director at the Aspen Institute, where he leads Weave: The Social Fabric Project. He is currently a commentator on “The PBS Newshour,” NPR’s “All Things Considered” and NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Brooks is the author of “The Road to Character” and the forthcoming book “The Second Mountain,” which is due to be released in April.
Durham residents should be aware that during the seven-hours from 7:00AM and 2:00PM, navigating Durham roadways that are in close proximity to UNH will be challenging. It is planned that there will be a traffic pattern shift on Main Street between the Field House and Route 155A, Mast Road. Westbound traffic on Main Street will be directed to turn right onto Sage Way, (Formerly Mast Road Extension) and will follow that roadway exiting onto Main Street. All eastbound traffic will encounter a one-way pattern from the intersection of Main Street and Route 155A and remain one way until vehicles reach Main Street and Sage Way.
Once the graduation ceremony ends at approximately 12:15 PM it is estimated that traffic patterns will return to normal after approximately 2-hours as traffic leaves Durham. Durham and UNH Police will be stationed throughout the area to ensure that traffic and pedestrians traverse the area safely and as expedient as possible.
The bottom line is that if you don't have to be downtown in Durham tomorrow morning during Commencement (just one day per year), we suggest you find another route to get where your are going.
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COUNCIL WORKING TO DEVELOP/UPDATE GOALS FOR 2019-2020 TIMEFRAME
At the April 1, 2019 Town Council meeting, Council members began discussing the process for the development of goals for the upcoming year. Council members were asked to submit any suggested changes to the Administrator’s office for their incorporation into the draft 2019/20 goals (though the goals are understood to be for a 3-5 year timeframe). The topic has subsequently been discussed by the Council on a few occasions, with feedback and suggestions from Admin. Selig, and will be discussed and potentially finalized this coming Monday evening, May 20th.
View the draft goals to date, HERE.
To offer suggestions for the Council’s consideration, write to mailto:council@ci.durham.nh.us
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CALLING ON ALL AREA MILITARY VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS TO MARCH IN THE DURHAM MEMORIAL DAY PARADE ON MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019 AT 10AM
The Durham Memorial Day Parade Committee encourages all Military Veterans and active duty Service Members to participate in the 2019 Memorial Day Parade. Ideally, most participants will wear appropriate service dress uniforms. However, if you no longer have your uniform -- or it no longer fits – we still encourage you to participate. This includes marching in a military procession, walking in civilian attire, or riding in a vehicle.
Durham's Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to come together with active duty military, veterans and residents alike to honor our fallen Armed Forces service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
It is important to remember America's fallen, and support those who have and are serving in defense of our democratic freedoms. Memorial Day matters. Let us come together and keep the memory of all military service members alive.
We will be marshalling on Mill Pond Road at the intersection of Route 108. The parade route runs up Main Street and ends at the Town Military Service Memorial flagpole in front of Young's Restaurant (approximately .4 miles).
For more information please contact:
CAPT Lee Alexander, U.S. Navy (retired), 603-866-2822
Lieutenant Colonel Andy Corrow, U.S. Army (retired), 603-397-5313
Rachel Gasowski, Parks & Recreation Director, 603-817-4074
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MEMORIAL PARK FLAG - George "Curly" Frick's flag to be flown in Durham.
To commemorate Memorial Day and one of our beloved residents and veterans whom we lost a few years ago, DPW will again this year be flying the flag of resident George Frick, known by all as “Curly”, in Memorial Park.
Public Works was busy painting the white flag pole in Memorial Park this week.
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Back row (l-r): Officer Chloe Robidas, Officer Emily Fester, Hollis Granddaughter, Sergeant John Lavoie, Officer Max Castricone, Officer Brett Pestana, Detective Tom Kilroy, Officer CJ Young and Officer Rob Keith
Front Row: Great grandchildren of Lt. Robert Hollis and his daughter
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DURHAM OFFICERS ATTEND NH LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL CEREMONY IN CONCORD - Honoring the late Lt. Robert Hollis from DPD.
Lieutenant Robert Hollis passed away while on duty as a Durham Police office in the 1970s when the police department was located in the current Parks and Recreation facility (the Old Town Hall/Courthouse). At the time, before the building was used as a court, the police operated from this building and Bob, who was on duty at the time, passed away due to a heart attack.
Each year a Durham Police officer escorts a Hollis family member as they formally place a rose on the Law Enforcement Memorial at the State House in Concord.
The service was held this morning at 10AM in Concord. North Capital Street was closed for the police formations, bagpipes, and the ceremony where Governor Sununu spoke.
This year, Durham Police Sergeant John Lavoie accompanied Lt. Hollis’ daughter and her sons at the service.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019 FOR MEMORIAL DAY
All Durham Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2019, in observance of Memorial Day. All Town offices will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, May 28, 2019.
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Transfer Station and Refuse/Recycling Schedule Changes for the Memorial Day Holiday are as follows:
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Saturday, May 25th - Transfer Station is CLOSED
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Monday, May 27th - NO curbside collection of refuse and recycling. Collection will be DELAYED ONE DAY ALL WEEK (i.e., Monday's collection will be on Tuesday; Tuesday's collection will be on Wednesday, etc.)
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SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING IN DURHAM - 2019 AND BEYOND - If you care about how we recycle in Durham, you should attend this forum on June 5th.
Please join representatives of the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee, Durham Public Works Department, Durham Town Council, and Alex Fried of Post Landfill (and an Oyster River graduate) on June 5, 2019 at 7:00 PM in Council chambers for a conversation about Durham’s solid waste program and how and what we recycle. It will be an opportunity for our Durham community to take the first steps together envisioning what will be needed to meet today’s waste and recycling challenges.
This will be a conceptual session to be followed in the fall by two meetings for the purpose of continuing the discussion with more specifics, which could help us reach Durham’s sustainability goals.
As you know, Pay As You Throw (PAYT) and Pay Per Bag has been discussed for Durham as a possible approach. The IWMAC is taking a step back to have a holistic conversation with interested community members about how to address trash and recycling locally. Be a part of the conversation.
We look forward to seeing you June 5th at Town Hall.
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Back row (l-r): Asst Fire Chief Randall Trull, FD Admin. Assistant Kelley Fowler, PD Admin. Assistant Jennifer Johnson, PD Admin. Assistant Dawn Mitchell, Captain David Holmstock, Police Chief David Kurz, Detective Tom Kilroy, Sergeant Frank Daly
Front Row: PD volunteer Kim Ward and Fire Chief David Emanuel
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12 DURHAM STAFF MEMBERS ATTENDED THIS WEEK’S PRIMEX RISK MANAGEMENT SUMMIT HELD AT MT. WASHINGTON HOTEL
This week, Durham sent staff members to Bretton Woods, NH to participate in the Primex Risk Management Summit focusing on leadership and innovative approaches to reducing risk, liability, and injury for public employers/employees across NH. PRIMEX stands for the "NH Public Risk Management Exchange." It is a risk management pool comprised of public employers such as towns, cities, village districts, schools, and counties. The board of directors is comprised of selected representatives from these public entities. Police Chief David Kurz is currently one of the PRIMEX board members.
Being connected with our employees and with ourselves is so incredibly important to any organization’s success. It’s not about customer service or buzzwords in the industry, it’s about real positive human interactions that make a difference. The numerous seminars and sessions offered in Bretton Woods were highly interactive and memorable giving Town staff pragmatic ideas they can use immediately back here in Durham.
Durham residents may also be interested in knowing that while it has been pretty rainy and dreary here, there is still snow on the mountain tops around Mt. Washington, as well in patches along the wood line between N. Conway and Bretton Woods.
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NOTICES ILLEGALLY PLACED IN RESIDENTIAL MAILBOXES BY MYSTERY RESIDENT(S) - Prompts call from Durham Postmaster.
Last week, Administrator Selig received a telephone call from the Durham Postmaster informing him that someone had placed a notice in individual residents’ mailboxes in the neighborhoods surrounding Winecellar Road relative to a Public Hearing that was scheduled to occur at the October 14th Zoning Board meeting on a petition to allow outdoor activities to support the reuse of an existing structure under the definition of existing agricultural building at 21 Winecellar Road. The notice was folded and marked “Important Information” on the outside. View the notice HERE.
The Postmaster thought this was something from the Town and let the Administrator know it was illegal to place any items in mailboxes that have not gone through the US Postal Service. Having not seen the information referred to, Mr. Selig said he would check into it further and would ask Town staff. Staff was also unfamiliar with the subject notice/mailbox stuffer.
This week, a resident in the general vicinity of Winecellar Road dropped off the notice in question to Mr. Selig notifying him that it had been placed in his mailbox. Having finally seen the notice, Mr. Selig then understood why the Postmaster had called him. Upon initially scanning the notice it could easily be interpreted by the reader that the correspondence originated from the Town Planning and Zoning Office as the Administrative Assistant’s name, along with her contact information, is at the end of the notice.
We want to be very clear regarding this issue. The notice was not created by the Town and the Town did not and would not place it or any legitimate official information in residential mailboxes in this fashion. Notifications from any Town Office would only ever be sent via regular or certified mail through the US Postal Service.
As noted above, any information, to include flyers, advertisements, and other items that are placed in or on a mailbox without paid postage or by someone who is not a Postal employee is considered illegal and residents are strongly encouraged to refrain from such practices in the future.
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Christine Soutter - Courtesy DCAT Studios
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NEW PART-TIME ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR – CHRISTINE SOUTTER
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our new part-time Economic Development Director, Christine Soutter, who began this past Monday, May 13th. Following three in-person interviews and after completing all intended conversations with Durham/UNH partners along with carefully considering information gleaned through a detailed reference check process, Christine represented the best all around fit for Durham and will serve our needs very well.
Christine had previously worked as a Business Resource Specialist for the NH Division of Economic Development, and most recently as the Economic Development Manager for the City of Somersworth. She also volunteers where she lives in Exeter on the Town of Exeter Budget Recommendations Committee, the Town of Exeter Human Services Funding Committee, on the board of the Exeter Area Charitable Foundation, and as a consultant with the Rochester Opera House.
Christine's office hours are Monday through Wednesday from 8AM to 5PM. She may be reached at 603-590-1387 or emailed at mailto:csoutter@ci.durham.nh.us
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ENGINEERING/INSPECTION SERVICES CONTRACT AWARDED TO MICHAEL SIEVERT, MJS ENGINEERING, FOR ENGINEERING AND INSPECTION SERVICES RELATING TO THE EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT - $50,000 cost to be reimbursed by Eversource per MOU.
With the unanimous approval of the Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project (SRP) by the NH Site Evaluation Committee, Durham identified a need for outside Engineering/Inspection services to ensure the project was carried out as approved with respect to roadway, historical, and other aspects within the geographical boundaries of Durham.
Per the terms of an October 26th, 2018 Memorandum of Understanding negotiated with the utility by the Town, Eversource is required to contribute $50,000 towards outside engineering assistance to assist Durham Public Works with the inspection of all the construction phases of this lengthy project. Mr. Sievert is a Licensed Professional Engineer with multiple disciplines who specializes in structural construction and as a long-time former resident knows the Durham community well.
Page 5, Section 5-D of the Memorandum of Understanding States:
- Field Engineer. The Town has the option to hire or assign a mutually agreed upon engineering consultant or consultants to observe the Project and act as a liaison between Eversource and the Town ("Field Engineer"). Eversource agrees to pay the Town's expenses for the Field Engineer for work directly related to the Project. If the Town exercises this option, it agrees to take all reasonable steps to limit the amount of money spent for such consultant or consultants and such expenditure shall not exceed $50,000.
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Newly hatched goslings at Mill Pond (and a duck in orange Wellies :-)). Courtesy Andrea Bodo
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ANNUAL ORIENTATION FOR TOWN BOARD, COMMITTEE, AND TRUSTEE CHAIRS/VICE CHAIRS AND OTHER INTERESTED MEMBERS - Mark your calendars for an exciting discussion with Mr. Selig on June 19th! :)
On Tuesday, June 19, 2019, from 7:00 - 8:30 PM in the Council chambers at Town Hall, Administrator Todd Selig will hold an orientation session for chairs, vice chairs, and other committee members of the various Town boards, commissions, and committees.
The purpose of this annual orientation is to provide chairs, vice chairs, and other committee members with information on the proper structure of meetings, the role of the committee chair, vice chair, secretary, alternates, and Council representatives, as well as outlining the basics of the Right-to-Know Law, including agenda preparation and posting, minutes of meetings, and e-mail correspondence.
At the conclusion of the orientation, Administrator Selig will open the floor for a question and answer session.
All board and committee members are welcome to attend, so please mark your calendars and plan to attend this important and informative orientation.
An agenda for this orientation can be viewed HERE.
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LOW & MODERATE INCOME HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF - An opportunity for qualifying Durham residents.
The “Low & Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief” application is now available. This application can be picked up at the Planning & Zoning Office at the Durham Town Hall or found online HERE. It should be submitted to the State of NH Department of Revenue Administration prior to June 30, 2019.
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DURHAM POLICE CONDUCT ALCOHOL COMPLIANCE CHECKS - All alcohol purveyors in Durham pass this year!
The Durham Police routinely conduct “compliance checks” of all establishments who are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages within the community. The goal is to ensure that businesses are properly confirming the age and identity of those persons attempting to purchase alcohol. Each alcohol vendor in Durham is acutely aware of the problems illegal alcohol possession, consumption and intoxication poses to this community and it is our goal to confront this issue on multiple levels.
This past week an underage student, working in conjuncture with the Durham Police and the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, attempted to purchase alcohol at each of the fourteen (14) businesses. Chief Kurz is extremely pleased to announce that all of the establishments passed the check! Kudos to all the businesses for having their employees so alert and trained to detect underage attempts at purchasing alcohol in Durham.
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WHY IS PET WASTE A PROBLEM? - Do Your Part, Scoop the Poop!
Rain or snow runoff can carry pet waste directly into waterways or storm drains, which usually empty without any treatment into a stream, river, or estuary. Untreated fecal matter can be a source of harmful bacteria and nutrients. Just as we don’t want human sewage in our water, it is important to prevent pet waste from being carried into our waterways.
It isn’t just water quality that can suffer. Leaving pet waste on the ground, especially in public areas like parks or playing fields, may pose a risk to children, adults, and even pets.
Consider This …
Pet waste carries disease causing organisms such as Giardia and Salmonella which can make water unsafe for drinking or swimming; to protect the public from illness, swimming beaches and shellfish beds can be shut down due to bacterial contamination, and pet waste can be a cause of that contamination. Pet waste left on playing fields or in parks can be unhealthy and messy.
Let’s work together to keep pet waste out of our water resources and recreational areas.
Do Your Part: Scoop the Poop!
Scooping your pooch’s poop isn’t just a courtesy for those walking behind you; it’s the healthy and environmentally sound thing to do. Picking up after your dog is not only easy, in Durham it’s the law!,
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Pedestrian bridge at Old Landing last week with General Sullivan monument in the distance. Courtesy Todd Selig
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PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR MAY 22ND - Application for new Italian restaurant next to Town & Campus on Main Street proposed by Doug Clark.
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on May 22 on an application from Doug Clark to renovate portions of the building next to Town and Campus for a restaurant, Italian market, wine bar, and events space. The storefronts on Main Street and Jenkins Court would be updated with new windows and entrances. The first floor and basement would be completely redesigned. Pete Murphy, who owns the property, and Doug Clark are looking into creating a two-unit condominium whereby Mr. Clark would own the building he is renovating (and Mr. Murphy would retain the building with Town and Campus).
View all of the documents related to the project HERE.
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TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES $812,400 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE WWTP GRIT SYSTEM UPGRADE PROJECT TO APEX CONSTRUCTION, INC. OF ROCHESTER, NH
The Town Council recently approved the award of a Construction Phase Contract for the WWTP Grit System Upgrade Project to Apex Construction, Inc. of Rochester, NH in the amount of $812,400.
Bids for construction were opened on April 24, 2019. Bids were also received from Penta Corporation, T-Buck Construction, and Waterline Industries. The second and third lowest bidder was Penta Corporation at $823,200 and T-Buck Construction at $864,244.
Project Overview
The yearly Capital Improvements Plans include funds for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. The original grit screening system was built in the early 2000’s has been identified as a high priority project in the WWTP Facilities Plan. The system operates 24 hours a day 365 days a year on one system and removes solids and heavy particulate from the influent wastewater stream. This project will add a second grit system as well as replace the internals of the original grit tank. This will allow plant personnel to take one system offline and perform regular maintenance, allowing for better long term performance of the system and its mechanical systems, and provides redundancy in the process.
The grit system failed in the winter of 2016, which required the wastewater treatment plan personnel to scramble outside of normal operating hours to bring the system back online. The grit removal system is the preliminary stage of wastewater treatment for both Durham and UNH and is crucial to the efficient operation of the remaining stages of the treatment plant process. This new dual configuration will allow for less loading on a single set of equipment. The interior improvements will include heating and ventilation upgrades to the Grit Room.
The Town has applied for an NH State Revolving Loan for the project in the amount of/no more than $999,999. This project is eligible for 15% principal forgiveness. Durham ultimately covers 1/3 of the cost of this project and UNH 2/3 of the cost based upon load contributed by each entity, respectively.
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OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE FROM MAY 15, 2019 - Here's what's happening at the ORCSD.
Proposed middle school sustainability - Latest concepts for the proposed middle school include all-electric heat and light and geothermal (ground source heat pump) heat and hot water as the most energy efficient and flexible options. This, combined with compact design minimizing hallway space and selecting walls, windows, and insulation to minimize heat loss reduce the overall energy need for the building. The target right now is for the building to require 25 kBtu per square foot per year, about half the national average for school buildings and about half the current middle school's energy usage. The building could generate as much electricity as it uses over a year by adding a photovoltaic solar array of at least 60,000 sq ft over the building and parts of the parking. This would be one of the first net zero energy consumption school buildings in New England.
REACH summer camp for students entering grades 1-8 runs through May 31. Students have signed up for over 300 weeks of camp so far! This is a combined initiative between the ORCSD and the Durham Parks & Recreation Department.
The 1:1 laptop program for current ORMS students will be extended to include 9th grade next year.
With 114 students enrolled in Kindergarten for Fall 2019 so far, an additional kindergarten class will be added, making 4 classes at Mast Way and 3 at Moharimet.
Principal Carrie Vaich has decided to leave Mast Way at the end of the school year. The district will look for an interim principal for the 2019-2020 school year, to allow for a full principal search to be completed in Spring 2020.
The board also approved the 2019-2024 strategic plan, but left finalization of the long term goal around reviewing the high school grading system for further discussion at the next meeting.
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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - Morning of Saturday, October 26, 2019
The 2019 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, between 8 - 11:30 AM. To register, you must call DPW at 603-868-5571 or mailto:publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. REMEMBER - THE MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS. NO EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS, RADIOACTIVE WASTE, ASBESTOS, SILVEX OR INFECTIOUS/BIOLOGICAL WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED.
NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - LATEX AND OLD-BASED PAINTS, MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE. These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with a 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.
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Durham Firefighter Larry Coon. Courtesy DFD
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NEW FIREFIGHTER - LARRY COON
On May 13, 2019 the Durham Fire Department welcomed Larry Coon to the position of firefighter.
Larry was a lateral transfer from the Barrington Fire Department. He has served on our call department since 2014 and we are happy to have him join us as a full-time firefighter with the Durham Fire Department. Larry lives in Barrington with his wife and two children.
Welcome aboard Larry!
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IS THERE A NON-MICRO ROLE ON THE NH POWER GRID FOR MICROGRIDS? - Durham, UNH researchers, and Eversource are taking a look at the question locally.
It says something about the complexity of the coming energy revolution that lawmakers in Concord are trying to figure out how our state can do something that tens of thousands of New Hampshire homeowners already do every winter. This refers to operating microgrids, the techy term for the ability to create your own electricity while disconnected from the power grid.
If during some recent winter, or fall, or spring, or summer a storm of some type with ever-increasing intensity and frequency knocked out your power and you started up the gas-fired generator so you didn’t have to worry about food spoiling in the fridge, then you were running your own tiny electric grid, a micro-grid of sorts.
So why does the state legislature need to consider a bill to see if this is feasible? Read an interesting article in The Concord Monitor by author David Brooks HERE.
Note as well that Durham, UNH, and Eversource are working together at the present time to evaluate how a community-scale microgrid could potentially be set up here, potentially powering aspects of the University campus and sections of Durham, to potentially include our energy hog, the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
And did you know that with the exception of our Wasterwater Treatment Plant, 100% of the municipality’s electrical use (Town buildings, street lights, etc.) is produced via renewable energy.
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Bench with WHF farmhouse in distance. Courtesy Todd Selig
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TOWN COUNCIL APPROVED 2019 ROAD RESURFACING /SIDEWALK BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $664,175.75 AND AWARDED THE 2019 MAIN STREET RESURFACING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $362,682.50 (TO BE 100% REIMBURSED BY UNH) TO CONTINENTAL PAVING, INC. OF LONDONDERRY, NH
The 2019 approved Capital Fund Road Program includes 11 roads, 2 sidewalks, and the final top coat for Cedar Point Road. This program also includes all the shoulder work, 80 catch basins, and 1500 ft of curbing!
The Capital Improvement Program also included a project for cold planning, shimming, and applying a wearing course in several different areas along Main Street as UNH’s contribution to the maintenance of Main Street per the 2018 Town and UNH Shared Services Agreement.
A request for bids was advertised in the local newspaper on January 18, 2019, and Public Works solicited nine sealed bids from paving contractors in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. We received six bids by the February 4, 2019 deadline. Continental Paving of Londonderry, NH was the low bidder for all Town and UNH road/sidewalk work.
This year’s road resurfacing program includes an asphalt shim, 1”overlay, and shoulder gravel back-up/widening where applicable on the following Town roads…
Colony Cove Road
Edgerly-Garrison Road
Edgewood Ext.
Ellison Lane
Faculty Road
Longmarsh Road
Rosemary Lane
Stagecoach Road
Technology Drive
Thompson Lane
Willey Creek Road
The project will also include the following additional work…
- Durham Point Road from the end of the NHDOT project to Sumners Corner.
- Top coat Crommets Creek Bridge.
- Rebuild the speed table on Edgewood Ext. once paving is completed there.
- Cold plane 400 ft of faculty Road prior to paving.
- Top coat Cedar Point Road.
- Shim and top coat the Bagdad Road/Littlehale Pond/dam/culvert area.
The sidewalk replacement work consists of Faculty Road and Durham Point Road and repairs to tip downs on existing sidewalks as needed.
When the 2019 Capital Improvements Plan was proposed and approved the scope of work that UNH was requesting was not finalized and a proposed amount of $234,700 was approved. UNH requested additional work to be done and the usage of high strength asphalt, which increased the final cost for the project to $362,682.50. UNH has committed in writing to paying the total cost. The Town of Durham will coordinate the work and will bill UNH upon completion.
Continental Paving has successfully completed several paving programs for the Town over the past dozen years including the last eight yearly road resurfacing programs.
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GARDEN PLOTS AVAILABLE AT WAGON HILL FARM
Thirty years ago the Town of Durham acquired Wagon Hill Farm. Ten years ago the town approved using a portion of this land to initiate a community garden, in keeping with the long history of this site as farmland. Starting with a small number of plots, the garden has continued to grow and today has nearly 100 individual beds or plots available. These sites are offered to individuals or groups in Durham and nearby communities. We maintain a waiting list for those seeking to use these plots for growing vegetables, flowers, or other acceptable plants. For the first time in a number of years we have been able to provide garden plots to all on our waiting list and still have a small number of sites available. If you are interested in learning more about gardening at Wagon Hill or submitting an application, please contact our membership coordinator at mailto:wagonhillcommunitygarden@gmail.com. Completed applications received by Friday, May 17, will be considered. We look forward to seeing new faces at the garden as we begin the new season.
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A resident relaxing and taking in some sun at the Old Landing pump station. Courtesy Todd Selig
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AMTRAK DOWNEASTER SCHEDULE CHANGES COMING MAY 20TH
We’ve learned that the Downeaster will be implementing schedule changes later this month.
Primary changes:
- All five roundtrips will now serve Freeport and Brunswick – this is a first as service continues to be incrementally enhanced.
- Weekend train times in Durham shift +- 30 minutes in various directions.Weekday train times remain virtually unchanged.
- Late night train (Garden Events etc) now stops all the time in Durham 12:47am (no longer flag stop)….
Full schedule can be found at https://amtrakdowneaster.com/printable-schedules (May 20 not posted til day of)
Learn more about the Amtrak Downeaster at http://www.amtrakdowneaster.com
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THANK YOU FROM DURHAM LETTER CARRIERS
The letter carriers of the Durham Post Office wish to thank all the residents who generously donated to the annual food drive this past Saturday. We collected 3,567 pounds which were given to the local food pantries who greatly appreciated every can and package received. And special thanks to those people who volunteered their time to help make our food drive a success. Thank you! -- John Pacheco
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DURHAM ENERGY COMMITTEE MAY UPDATE
Developing The New ORCSD Middle School Vision. What’s “Net Zero” anyway?
Part of the proposed ORCSD Middle School vision is to strive for the new middle school to be “Net Zero”. What does this phrase “Net Zero” refer to? It could mean any of several things.
View more information regarding this issue HERE.
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FOOD FRIENDLY YARDS
The Durham Agricultural Commission encourages Durham residents to produce their own food through the Food Friendly Yards program. We are a resource for residents wishing to learn more about growing fruit, starting vegetable gardens and creating pollinator habitat in their own yards. We can provide information about raising poultry and other livestock where appropriate. Each year we host a Food Friendly Yards Tour on Farm Day, inviting residents to visit and learn from their neighbors.
For more information or questions, mailto:foodfriendlyyards@gmail.com
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The Milne memorial stone at the Milne Nature Sanctuary will be surrounded by new perennial plantings as part of a volunteer work day on June 1st. Courtesy Ellen Snyder
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RESTORING THE MILNE NATURE SANCTUARY - Join in as part of the volunteer work party on June 1st!
If you’ve driven down Mill Pond Road lately, you may have noticed that the Milne land --- land given to the Town by Margery Milne to be used as a nature sanctuary and a place residents could spend time enjoying quiet, reflective time in nature --- is somewhat changed.
During April the Milne Nature Sanctuary Committee began efforts to restore the health of the Nature Sanctuary land on the shores of College Brook, Oyster River, and Mill Pond. Orion Tree Service removed some dead and dying trees and invasive Norway maples and ground stumps that were cut in previous years. The Durham DPW then cleared large boulders and stumps along the road. This stretch will be replaced with a wood, split-rail fence, allowing for easier weed trimming and mowing to limit growth of invasive plants.
The next phase includes a volunteer work day on June 1st. On that day we will be planting an array of native perennials and pollinator-friendly plants around the Milne memorial stone. We will also plant native shrubs from the State Forest Nursery in several areas where invasive plants were removed. For those interested in stonework, we will also re-build a stone wall on the property.
The Saturday, June 1st work day (9:00 a.m. --- noon) will begin with an overview of the stewardship plans for the Milne Nature Sanctuary. Please sign up for the work day HERE. In preparation for Saturday, we are getting the site ready on Friday, May 31st, from 9:30-12:00. Anyone interested in helping on Friday, please email Ellen Snyder at mailto:ellensnyder1@gmail.com.
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BAY ROAD CLOSURE IN NEWMARKET DELAYED FOR ONE MONTH
A few weeks ago the Town of Newmarket had informed us that they will be replacing a culvert at 110 Bay Road this summer. This road work will require Bay Road to be closed at this location and was originally scheduled for approximately July 15th- August 26th. At this time it is expected to be pushed out for another month. There will be no through traffic during this time, the Town of Newmarket will be responsible for signage and message boards alerting travelers of the road closure. Below is a map of the location of the work.
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MAY IS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH
The month of May is Building Safety Month. Each week in May there will be a topic in the "Friday Updates" involving building safety. This week the topic is “Securing clean, abundant water for all communities.” Clean water is the world’s most precious commodity. The World Health Organization estimates 844 million people lack basic drinking-water service. Building, plumbing and green codes help guard this precious commodity for future generations through proper construction, conservation and safe disposal.
View more resources on this subject HERE, or call the Building Department at 603-868-8064 to schedule a time to speak with the Building Inspector, Audrey Cline.
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The Dorothy Wilcox garden by Old Landing. Courtesy Todd Selig
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PART-TIME SEASONAL HELP WANTED AT DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - If you know of a local youth, 18 years or older, please pass this local summer employment opportunity along!
DPW is still accepting applications for Seasonal summer help - mowing, general landscaping and facility maintenance, support to other DPW staff, etc. If interested, please feel free to fill out an application at the Public Works office located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. Pay will start at $11/HR+ depending on experience. All applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license to apply.
Applications may also be requested via e-mail at mailto:publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us or by calling 603-868-5578. Application and copy of valid driver’s license to be submitted to the Public Works Department. Submit applications to mailto:publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us or write to Durham Public Works, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824.
This is really one of the best summer jobs out there! Be outside all summer, give back to your community, and be self-directed.
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EASYPARK OFFERS AN ALTERNATIVE TO "FEEDING THE METER" IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM (AND IN DOVER AND PORTSMOUTH!)
Durham has entered into an agreement with EasyPark which is a comprehensive easy-to-use electronic parking payment system that provides a solution for drivers - paying for the exact period of time parked and receiving parking reports on your usage and funds expended. This system will allow EasyPark holders to pay via the device for parking not only in Durham but in Dover, Portsmouth and Manchester.
The core of the EasyPark system lies in a “durable, adaptable, contactless, multi-application in-vehicle device”. Once a person purchases the EasyPark device either online or at the Dover Parking Services located at 46 Locust Street, funds can be loaded onto the device by using https://www.easyparkusa.com/home which eliminates the necessity to get out of your vehicle to pay at the kiosk, get the receipt and return to your vehicle to place the receipt on the dashboard. Once you arrive at a parking spot you turn on the EasyPark device, which will immediately display the balance on the device. Then choose your parking zone that will be displayed on the side of the kiosk to find out the time limit and the hourly parking rate. You then place your EasyPark device on the window or dashboard so parking inspectors can easily locate it.
As stated, residents interested in this device can purchase the device in the City of Dover. View more information HERE which will provide data about the device and how it works.
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DANDELIONS ARE BEE-UTIFUL - 2nd 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 2nd Annual Contest to encourage town residents to both recognize and demonstrate the importance of dandelions for honey bees 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.
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.
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Great Blue Heron Rookery on Durham Point Road. Courtesy Bernie Casey
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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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STRAFFORD COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ANNUAL PLANT SALE - SUNDAY, MAY 19TH, 9AM - 1PM, Durham Town Hall Parking Lot. RAIN OR SHINE
Locally grown annuals, herbs, perennials, trees. Free "ask a gardener" table for garden questions. Soil testing information. Proceeds benefit community gardens and education.
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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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R.E.A.C.H. SUMMER DAY CAMP - July 8 - August 9, 2019
R.E.A.C.H. Summer Day Camp is a community-based summer camp collaboration between Oyster River Cooperative School District and Durham Parks & Recreation. It meets Monday- Thursday, July 8 through August 9 at the Oyster River Middle School. Campers can participate in a morning ORCSD program, and then have the option to transition to afternoon camp with Durham Parks & Recreation. Since Oyster River is providing lunch for all school-aged kids, there is no need to pack one! To complete the week, Durham Parks and Recreation is also offering Friday Field Trips.
Read more about the program in the April 2019 Celebrate Durham blog HERE.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday at the Durham Public Library
SATURDAY, MAY 18TH AT 10:30 AM, More Tales for the Wee Little Ones, Shawn Middleton, local storyteller CD Release Party
Join us for this fun storytelling adventure. Shawn Middleton will be releasing his new CD "More Tales for the Wee Little Ones. There will be fun stories and songs. Shawn's CD will be available for sale and signing. All are welcome.
GET READY . . .
Summer Reading is only a month away! Help us Kick off our Universe of Stories Summer Reading Program at DPL with a sneak-peek screening of the new documentary Chasing the Moon. DPL is partnering with PBS American Experience who is offering select previews of the documentary before it's available nationwide. Mark your calendars for Monday, June 24th at 6:00 PM
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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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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1912 - For 19 years a Durham Co-operative Cmpany existed which allowed its members to beat the high cost of living by buying in quantity at wholesale prices. Items purchased were groceries, coal, auto accessories, clothing, magazines, snowshoes, ovens, and electrical items.
1912 - "Voted to pay the Rev. Everett Stockpole $700 to write a history of Durham." Assisted by Winthrop Meserve and Lucien Thompson, it was published in 1913 in 2 volumes and sold for $5. Reprinted with the approval of the Durham Historic Association in 1973 in one volume for $25.
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Have a good weekend.
If you know of others who would find the weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass them along. Folks can sign up on the Town's web site HERE on the left side of the page. Click on "Friday Updates" then enter your email address and first and last name.
The list server also doubles as our local emergency broadcast system during times of emergency.
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