Friday Updates - May 20, 2016

Friday, May 20, 2016

Spring on the UNH campus. Courtesy Janice Aviza

____________________________

UNH Commencement is at 10 AM on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at Memorial Field in front of the Whittemore Center Arena.  The Durham Police Department recommends that residents who do not need to travel through downtown use alternative routes as traffic will be very busy through to about 2 PM.  The ceremony concludes at around 12:10 PM.  This year’s commencement speaker is Richard N. Haass, Ph.D., Council on Foreign Relations President.

SENATOR MARTHA FULLER CLARK TO MEET WITH COUNCIL MONDAY, MAY 23rd

Senator Martha Fuller Clark asked to be placed on the Town Council’s agenda for Monday evening to provide an update on any legislation being considered which may be of particular interest to the Durham community and the region.

DISCUSSION ON COUNCIL GOALS TO CONTINUE MONDAY

The Town Council has been working to develop its list of goals for 2016-2017, although the document in fact sets direction for a term that transcends a twelve month period.  Interested residents may want to tune in to the discussion.  A copy of the Council packet with the current list of goals can be found HERE.

SEACOAST GROWERS FARMERS’ MARKET TO BE LOCATED AT JACKSON’S LANDING AGAIN IN 2016

Despite efforts to identify an alternative, in-town walkable location for the Durham Farmers’ Market, we were unable to nail down a suitable alternative.  Consequently, the market will again be located at Jackson’s Landing as has been the case for the last two years.

 

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE GRADUATION ON SATURDAY, May 21st

The UNH Commencement ceremony is this Saturday, May 21st at Memorial Field in front of the Whittemore Center. The graduates will begin lining up in Depot Lot 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.  Shuttle buses will operate from the West Edge lot via Route 4, Madbury Road and Edgewood Road into the parking lot adjacent to Snively Arena and the new recreation complex to discharge passengers.  These buses will be escorted by marked police vehicles from UNH and Durham Police.


This year’s commencement speaker is Richard Haass is in his 13th year as president of the Council on Foreign Relations, an independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping people better understand the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries. During his tenure he served as chair of the multi-party negotiations in Northern Ireland that provided the foundation for the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and as U.S. coordinator for policy on the future of Afghanistan. For his efforts to promote peace and conflict resolution, he received the 2013 Tipperary International Peace Award.  Anyone who may watch “Morning Joe” on MSNBC will recognize Mr. Haass as a frequent guest.


Durham residents should be aware that the four-hours between 8AM and 2PM, will pose a challenge to navigate roadways in close proximity to UNH.  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.

QUAD WAY AND ACADEMIC WAY SUMMER CLOSURES COMMENCE ON MONDAY, MAY 23RD

Commencing Monday, May 23, portions of Academic Way and Quad Way will close to vehicle and pedestrian traffic as the University reconstructs utilities and streetscapes in Lower Quad.

The road sections will remain closed until project completion in mid-August.


This project is managed by UNH.  For more information please visit the UNH Facilities website.

 

MILL PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT PRESENTATION POSTPONED

The presentation to the Planning Board on the Mill Plaza redevelopment is postponed from the May 11 meeting to the June 8 meeting. The applicant is still working on revising the plans for the project.  Revised plans are expected to be submitted to the Town by May 25.  Once received, the plans will be posted on the Town's website.

Liberty Serves - Liberty Mutual volunteer groups worked in Durham over the past two weeks. The group pictured above worked on landscaping and spring cleanup at the Durham Police Department.  The Town thanks Liberty Mutual for the 200 volunteers sent over the last 10 days and appreciates all the work they accomplished.

COUNCIL TO CONTINUE DISCUSSION REGARDING COST OF BENEFITS FOR TOWN EMPLOYEES

At the Council's request, a discussion relative to the cost of benefits for Town employees was placed on the April 18th Council agenda. A short and very informative primer, prepared by Councilor Katrak, was provided to Council members and a discussion was held on the matter.  Due to the lateness of the hour, further discussion on this item was postponed to the May 9th Council meeting.  On May 9th this item was once again postponed and moved to the May 23rd meeting.


The benefits provided by the Town of Durham are generally consistent with benefits offered to employees of NH municipalities and are procured with the goal of obtaining the best pricing.  


To familiarize the Council with the benefits provided to Durham’s non-union employees, which are updated over time, a good deal of information has been provided to the board which is included with the 5/23/16 Council packet.


The areas showing the largest increases in benefit costs are health insurance and municipal contributions to the NH Retirement System (NHRS).

NHRS costs have increased greatly in recent years as a result of downshifting by the State of New Hampshire to local jurisdictios -- cities and towns.

NHRS Contributions – Town v. Employee v. State

    

Town Contribution

        Employees    11.17%

        Police        26.38%

        Fire        29.16%

Employee Contribution

        Employees        7.0%

        Police        11.55%

        Fire        11.80%

State Contribution– None.  The cost has been entirely downshifted to local level.  (In 2009 the state dropped its contribution to 30%, followed by a drop to 25% in 2011, and then elimnated its contribution altogether in 2013.  Local taxpayers have had to make up the difference.)


A number of attachments below are included as part of the communication that residents may find of interest HERE.

1. A print out of benefits offered to the Town’s various collective bargaining;
2. Overview of cost of benefits, including overtime, from 2007 – 2016 for ALL EMPLOYEES, FIRE, POLICE, $ OTHER EMPLOYEES (Including DPW);
3. Full time personnel (General Fund Only) showing employee counts over time;
4. Health and Dental Insurance Annual Co-Pays;
5. Health Insurance Annual Rate Increase/Decrease over time;
6. Short-term Disability Annual Rate Increase/Decreases;
7. Long-term Disability Annual Rate Increase/Decreases;
8. Life Insurance Yearly Costs;
9. NH Retirement System Rates;
10. Full-time Salary Comparisons (2007-2016) – General Fund Positions;
11. Correspondence from resident Michael Everngam regarding employee benefits dated April 22, 1016.
12. Analysis prepared by Councilor Firoze Katrak with associated illustrative and helpful charts. 

Sofia Mauchi, Josie Jacobs, and Zoe Selig from the ORMS Green Bean Club. Courtesy Mary Caulfield

THE OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL GREEN BEAN CLUB "NO IDLING" CAMPAIGN

The OR Middle School Green Bean Club has taken action to improve the air we all breathe.  These young activists are interested in making a change in their local community by raising the awareness of car engine idling out in front of their school on Dennison Road. 

Last fall, the ORMS Green Bean and Spirit Clubs joined together to make posters, create slogans, and personally ask drivers to turn off their engines when waiting the 10 minutes or so in the car-line before school dismissal.  “Are you aware of the pollution your engine is creating? 30 seconds of idling burns more fuel than restarting your car.”  They also learned and shared with others during cold wintertime temperatures, that “Advances in car engines have eliminated the need to warm up car engines.” 

Green Bean members contacted and met with head town officials from the Durham Police, Public Works, and Town Hall to discuss their concerns and take further action.  Six roadway signs were chosen, purchased, and with the help of Public Works and the Oyster River District Facilities Departments, installed, with four new signs mounted along Dennison Road and two at the High School parking lot entrance. 

The group hopes everyone will look for these new signs and respect the efforts of these students by helping reduce unnecessary and unhealthy fuel emissions.

Another Green Bean Club member, Gaby Verno, poses in front of the new No-Idle Zone sign. Courtesy Mary Caulfield

TOWN COUNCIL TO RECEIVE UPDATE ON POLICE STATION EXPANSION/RENOVATION PROJECT FOR 2017 | EST. COST $1.7 MILLION

The Durham Police has been located at 86 Dover Road since 1997 having converted the building from its use as the former Clipper Affiliates business office to that of a police facility.  In that year, the Town purchased and renovated the facility for $440,000 and it has served the community well during that period.

 

Over the last 18 years the demands placed upon the department with evidence retention, equipment storage, lack of women's locker room space, as well as record retention needs caused the department to begin looking at the need to expand and renovate the existing facility to meet these demands.

 

In the 2015 Capital Improvements Program, the Council authorized the expenditure of $45,000 to obtain engineered drawings and a complete design portfolio that will be "shovel ready" and allow the Town to determine costs for the addition.

 

In early March 2015, the Durham Police developed an RFP and hosted an open house and tour of the facility to discuss with potential bidders the parameters, needs, and desire(s) of the police department.  Ultimately, the department selected Schoonmaker Architects of Durham NH/Bauen Corporation and brought award of the contract to the July 20, 2015 Council meeting for approval. At that meeting the Council voted to award the Architectural/Design Phase 1 contract for the addition and renovations to the Durham Police facility to Schoonmaker Architects in the amount of $45,000 and authorized the Administrator to sign said contract.

 

At the Town Council meeting on November 16, 2015, local Architects Bill Schoonmaker and Walter Rous provided the Council with a progress report relative to the design phase of the police facility project.  Mr. Schoonmaker will attend Monday evening’s Council meeting to provide a current progress report relative to the design and cost projections for this project.  While design planning is still in development, the most recent price estimate, subject to change, is $1.7 million.


The intent would be to finalize design, further refine est. pricing, and place the item on the ballot as a referendum for March 2017 with a 2017 construction date.

This project was made into a stand alone Town Council goal by the board as part of its draft listing of 2016/17 Council goals and is of high priority.

JOIN THE DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION'S JUNE 5TH PICNIC

Pack up a picnic supper on June 5th and head out to Durham Point for the annual picnic of the DHA at Mathes Garrison Farm, home of Nancy and Malcolm Sandberg at 15 Langley Rd.

The Greek Revival farmhouse built in 1861 by Jacob Mathes sits near the site of 17th century Mathes Garrison overlooking the Oyster River and Little Bay.

Arrive at 5PM to set up your lawn chairs or picnic blanket and enjoy the history of this area.

Durham's new solar array still under construction from earlier this week.  Courtesy ReVision Energy

DURHAM’S OYSTER RIVER SOLAR ARRAY (640 kW, DC) NEARING COMPLETION

Durham’s Oyster River Solar Array, a 640 kW DC system, located in the Town’s  Packer’s Falls Road Gravel Pit is rapidly approaching completion. All 2,100 solar panels have been installed, along with the 21 inverters.  The vast majority of the wiring is completed, including from the combiner panel aggregating the solar energy to the tie in location at the pump station transformer. ReVision, our project partner, is planning on installing the new, 750kVa transformer in coordination with a utility shut down today. Eversource installed the recloser this past Monday.  ReVision is currently working on testing all of the DC strings, and will continue testing the inverters next week as well as install the data monitoring system and weather station. The perimeter fencing will be the final item, and it is anticipated to be installed during the final week in May. The project will be substantially complete and technically operational by the end of May, a full month before the grant deadline.

 

SOLAR 101 WORKSHOP - TUESDAY, MAY 24TH

A Solar 101 Workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM in the Multipurpose Room at the Oyster River High School, Coe Drive. Prior to the workshop, from 5:00 - 6:00 PM, a tour of Durham's new solar array will be held at 391 Packers Falls Road in Lee (near Jenkins Road). The workshop being sponsored by the Durham & Lee Energy Committees, the Stratham Energy Commission, the Seacoast Regional Energy Hub, and other local area energy groups.

 

Attendees will learn about solar PV systems and residential installations, including: panel placement, permitting & interconnection, financing & incentives, and installer selection. There will be presentations by Andy Duncan, Energy Training Manager, Lakes Region Community College.

 

This event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged so that parking can be planned. RSVP via email to dec@ci.durham.nh.us . Be sure to indicate whether you will be attending the workshop, the tour, or both.

 

PLEASE REGISTER to attend HERE. More information can be found HERE.

 

MINUTE TAKER NEEDED FOR EDC

Minute taker Sue Lucius is no longer able to cover the minutes of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) due to a change of meeting times to the morning.  As a result, the Town is in need of a part-time minute taker to cover the minutes of the EDC.  The pay is around $20.00/hr. and is undertaken done on an hourly basis.  Meetings typically last for two hours plus the time needed to finalize the minutes. Good writing skills are a must.  Interested individuals can contact part-time Economic Development Director Mary Ellen Humphrey at mehumphrey@ci.durham.nh.us. 

IT Manager Luke Vincent and DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens receive met with a representative from AHA! this week to discuss the development of a new Town website. Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM WEB SITE CHANGES IN DEVELOPMENT

The version of Drupal, the programming on which our Durham web site is runs (built over 4 years ago), is no longer supported and has reached its end of life.  We’ll need to move off of it to continue to get upgrades, security updates, etc.  The last thing we want to see is our most public facing technology to be hacked.  As such Durham IT Manager Luke Vincent has put plans in place to address this in a timely fashion in advance of Drupal ultimately reaching its end of life.   

 

AHA!, the company that designed the web site, was in town this week meeting with staff to develop the framework for the new site.  One of the goals is to make the new site more user friendly for mobile devices.

 

DCAT ON DEMAND SYSTEM HAVING DIFFICULTY

The company that supported our DCAT On Demand web based system to view public meetings on line changed software and our staff is not at all happy with the new system.  Consequently, DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens and IT Director Luke Vincent are in the process of evaluating new software possibilities.  One system might involve partnering with the Town of Exeter. 

Image of section of scorched earth (lower center) taken by a personal drone approximately 400 feet off the ground. Courtesy DFD

BRUSH FIRE ON BEECH HILL

On Wednesday of this week, Durham resident Joe Moore reported a brush fire to the Fire Department indicating that a passerby on a motorcycle saw smoke and reported it to him on Beech Hill.  Strafford County dispatched the Durham Fire Department to a report of a small brush fire in the area of 138 Lee Rd.  Reports were of a football sized area with 10 foot flames.  Flames and smoke confirmed about a football field sized area. Durham's forestry unit deployed two lines and started taking the leading edge.  FF Lundberg with chain saw cut a line in the heavy brush on the leading edge.

Lee’s forestry unit got stuck and deployed a hand line.  Newington and Newmarket forestry entered at staging area. Newington and Newmarket set up lines and attacked from corners of the fire. The fire was contained.  The fire crew switched to foam and continued with MOPP up. McGregor provided rehabilitation.  All Durham units cleared and returned to station.


Firefighter Ken Lundberg popped over to the scene and used his personal drone to take some photos.  He had to call Pease to let them know he would be maneuvering in the area.  The top photo is about 400 feet off the ground.

A Durham firefighter at the Beech Hill brush fire this week.  Courtesy DFD

PAVING WORK SCHEDULED TO BEGIN JUNE 1ST

The 2016 approved Capital Fund Road Program Budget ($344,000) and Sidewalk Budget ($81,500) represent this year’s approved road-resurfacing/sidewalk program, which is part of the Department of Public Works 16 year road-resurfacing plan.

 

Public Works combined the sidewalk program with this year’s road program bid process to leverage the best pricing regarding asphalt paving. The sidewalk project this year is the Mill Road sidewalk. In addition a small amount of paving at the Wastewater Treatment Plant was included in this bid package.  

 

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:  Cedar Point Road, Mill Road and Watson Road  

 

In addition, 20 storm water catch basin frames/grates and sewer manhole frames/covers will be adjusted to the new paved surface per NHDOT specifications.

 

We expect paving work to begin sometime on or after June 1st.   

 

A much larger and brighter "No Thru Trucking" sign was installed this week at the intersection of Mill Pond Rd. and Rt. 108.  Courtesy Todd Selig

LARGE "NO THRU TRUCKING" SIGN INSTALLED BY TOWN HALL TO ALLEVIATE ONGOING THRU TRUCK VIOLATIONS TRAVERSING FACULTY ROAD 

Based upon repeated complaints regarding commercial truck traffic from residents on Faculty Road, the Public Works Department has replaced the small black and white "No Thru Truck Traffic" sign with a larger and brighter sign (pictured above) located in the center of Mill Road. The Public Works and Police Departments will monitor the sign's placement to potentially plan for a more permanent configuration in this general location.

COUNCIL TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE POLICY REGARDING CONDUCT DURING “PUBLIC COMMENTS” PORTION OF MEETINGS

During a recent Town Council meeting, Councilors Kenny Rotner and Jim Lawson asked that an item be placed on a future Council agenda to discuss the possible adoption of a policy to address conduct during the “public comments” section at Town Council meetings. This item was placed on the Council’s May 9th meeting agenda, but due to the lateness of the hour was postponed to the May 23rd meeting.

 

A policy adopted by the Oyster River Cooperative School Board outlining the School Board’s policy for public participation during board meetings was forwarded to the Town’s attorney, Laura Spector Morgan of Mitchell Municipal Group, for her review and comments.  

 

Attorney Spector Morgan indicated that if the Council desires to adopt a policy with respect to conduct during public comments at Town Council meetings, she would recommend the following language:

 
“The public comment portion of the Council meeting is to allow members of the public to address matters of public concern regarding town government for up to 5 minutes. Obscene, violent, disruptive, disorderly comments, or those likely to induce violence, disruption or disorder, are not permitted and will not be tolerated. Complaints regarding Town staff should be directed to the Administrator.”

 

The Council will discuss on Monday evening.

DOWNTOWN DURHAM PARKING SURVEY COMPLETED

Municipal parking data was collected during the week of April 10th for the same locations as in previous studies, and then summarized by the following “Parking Areas” with similar restrictions:

• Downtown Parking: Parking in proximity to downtown businesses including Main Street (excluding near the Memorial Union Building/Presidents House), Sammy’s Lot, Pettee Brook Lane, Jenkin’s Court and Madbury Road between Main Street and Mathes Terrace.
  
• West Madbury Road: Parking along the west side of Madbury Road between Mathes Terrace and Garrison Avenue.
  
• Permit Only Parking: Parking restricted to business permit holders at the Pettee Brook Permit Lot, East side of Madbury Road and Cowell Drive.
  
• Meter & Permit Parking: The Pettee Brook lot.
  
• Campus Parking: Parking on Garrison Avenue and the north side of Main Street near the
  Memorial Union Building.
  
• Remote Business Parking: Parking along Stafford Avenue (excluding UNH parking in proximity to
  Adams Tower).
  

Surveys were conducted between 11AM and 1PM when parking demand was the greatest during previous studies, and all the data and averages presented are for this peak period.


A total of 5 surveys were conducted of Durham’s 340+ parking spaces.


The data collection, summaries and analysis was performed by Durham resident/Town Councilor Jim Lawson.



The “Town of Durham Parking Pricing & Management Report,” prepared by TND Engineering dating to November 2011
recommended that parking utilization be kept at or below an 85% threshold in downtown Durham. Below this threshold allows downtown customers to find parking without unnecessary frustration or cycling, and assures that there will be parking in a reasonable proximity of their destination.


However, customers who expect a parking spot directly in front of their destination will inevitably be disappointed in any busy and vibrant downtown – including Durham’s.


Summary of Findings:

• Parking in the Downtown is highly utilized but below the 85% threshold.
  
• Permit Parking is highly utilized, and spaces on the east side of Madbury Road have become critical to permit holders.
  
• Parking on the west side of Madbury Road is currently underutilized and can support the most recent commercial build-out of Madbury Commons and other businesses in the area.
  
• Parking in the Pettee Brook Lot continues to be highly utilized.

Recommendations:

• Continue to Collect Data in May while UNH is in session.
  
• Analyze April and May parking data from the Kiosks (type of parking being purchased) and examine current parking policies.
  
• Collect additional data on how the Pettee Brook Lot is being used.
  
   

Table 1 - Parking Area Utilization and Spaces Available

TOWN COUNCIL TO CONSIDER ORDINANCE TO CHARGE NON-RESIDENTS FOR USE OF WAGON HILL FARM PARKING | $3 VISIT/$35 PER YEAR

The Town of Durham purchased the Wagon Hill Farm in 1996 and has maintained and preserved the property for all to enjoy and visit while creating numerous parking spaces.  As many know, the parking area is often under significant pressure as persons partake of the nature and beauty of Wagon Hill Farm and frequently walk their dog/s.  What has become evident is that there are many non-residents also enjoying the park on a regular basis without contributing to the maintenance or upkeep of the property as Durham taxpayers continuously do.  The costs associated with the upkeep of the property and the parking areas are not insignificant.  As such, the Council will consider a proposed ordinance that provides a mechanism for non-Durham users to help contribute to those costs.  

 

There will be two mechanisms that non-residents can use to park at Wagon Hill Farm.  First, a daily parking pass is available by accessing an envelope located with a collection post.  Vehicle operators will deposit fees (recommended at $3 per visit) in accepted U.S. denominations consistent with instructions on the collection post(s) and remove the tear-off receipt and place the receipt visibly displayed on the dashboard of their vehicle.    Secondly, non-residents can purchase an annual parking permit (recommended at $35/yr) from the Durham Police Department which is designed to hang from the rear-view mirror allowing unlimited parking within that year.  

 

Persons who fail to deposit appropriate fees as required or fail to display the printed parking receipt on their front dash visible from outside the vehicle or the hanging annual permit would be in violation and subjected to receiving a parking ticket.

 

Durham residents would continue to park for free with the display of a valid Durham resident sticker (the dump permit) on their vehicle.  Additionally those persons assigned a garden plot will receive an annual parking permit with payment of their fee.

 

While the Parks and Recreation Committee is in agreement with this ordinance, research was accomplished that indicates that if paid parking were enacted, Durham would no longer be eligible for grants from the Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED) or Recreational Trails Program (RTP) as one stipulation is that recreational spaces and trails need to remain open at no cost to the public in order to be considered.


If the Council desires to pursue the idea further, a public hearing would be scheduled at a later date.  


Email Jennie Berry at jberry@ci.durham.nh.us with feedback.  

 

A Durham fire truck taking advantage of lower fuel prices at the Irving pumps versus the State pumps.  Courtesy Todd Selig

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF LOWER FUEL PRICES AT THE PRIVATE GAS PUMPS: Kaizen! – An initiative spearheaded by Business Manager Gail Jablonski to lower the Town’s operating costs.

Business Manager Gail Jablonski brought to the staff’s attention this spring that the prices the Town was paying for gas and diesel fuel at the State of NH pumps was actually now significantly higher than what we would otherwise pay at the private gas station pumps – by about $1 per gallon.

 

Mrs. Jablonski followed up with Irving Oil and has organized and distributed new Irving card accounts for our Durham departments so they may fill up at the Irving pumps at what will be a considerable savings to the Town of Durham.   


From 4/18 to 5/19 we purchased 368 gallons of diesel fuel at an average cost of $2.158 per gallon and 1,445 gallons of unleaded regular at an average cost of $2.135 for a total cost of $3,882.

 

If we had used the State pumps we would have been paying $2.64 for diesel and $2.67 for unleaded for a total cost of $4,829.

 

Durham saved approximately $950 in the first month.

 

DURHAM RESIDENT & PHOTOGRAPHER MICHAEL PENNY UNDERTAKES NEW COFFEE TABLE BOOK PROJECT FOCUSING ON CRAFT BREWERY INDUSTRY IN NEW ENGLAND:  Behind the Beer

For the past two years, Durham resident and professional photographer Michael Penny has been traveling around New England making portraits of craft beer makers. As a person who enjoys a well made beer, he became curious about who was actually making the local brews people in Durham and beyond were enjoying. As a photographer, he thought he could introduce the artisans behind the beer to other craft beer enthusiasts and celebrate them by producing a coffee table book. The photographs capture a sense of the people behind the beer: their character, passion and pride.  


To learn more and watch an interesting video on the project, click HERE.

Jennifer Lonergan and her baby, Carter, visit the DFD this week.  Pictured with firefighter Barry LaVigne.  Courtesy Deb Lonergan

Durham resident Deb Lonergan reported this week that recently her family came to visit and had a very positive experience at the Fire Department: 

"My daughter Jennifer and my grandson Carter came to visit. I needed to get my annual fire permit for my fire pit and Carter just happened to have a fire truck onesie…. So we headed  down to the fire department hoping to get a quick photo in front of one of the trucks in addition to the permit. Well along with the usual kind welcome and efficient service we were treated royally to a photo shot that included being suited up in official gear! I want to thank the department for not only being such professionals, and doing such a valued job for the community, but doing it with passion, humor, and kindness. The fireman that is pictured in particular went above and beyond to give us an experience to last a life time. I'm so sorry I do not know his name. I thought perhaps you could pass our thanks along and if you would like include it in the Friday updates sometime.” 

The mystery firefighter is Barry LaVigne.

A bridge too far?  Not for Durham-Great Bay Rotary!  The Rotary club worked on bog bridge repair at the Longmarsh Preserve this week.  The Rotary generously does several volunteer projects for DPW and Parks and Recreation each year.  Much appreciation to all involved! Courtesy DPW

PLANNING BOARD WORKSHOP LINEUP FOR THIS WEEK

The Durham Planning Board is holding a workshop meeting this Wednesday, May 25.  The agenda and my Planner’s Review are attached.  The board holds two workshop meetings each year (in May and October) to conduct general planning business.  The board does not review development applications nor accept public comment at workshops.

 

All of the pertinent documents can be seen by clicking HERE. Then click on any of the three green highlighted items to see the documents.  There are three agenda items:

• Building Code/Building Department presentation by Audrey Cline.

• Numerous miscellaneous proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.  Preliminary discussion.

• Discussion about Walkability

Beth Martineau & James Pollard assist with counting migrating Young of Year eels in the Oyster River. Courtesy DCAT Studios

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO COUNT MIGRATING EELS

Volunteers are counting migrating young of year (YOY) eels and recording their length and stage of development. The data helps in estimating the returning annual YOY eel population in the Oyster River.


Each river has its own unique eel population. YOY glass eels (called elvers in the market place) are very valuable (recent price $2500 per pound).


Monitoring populations and management of the harvest are concerns as over harvesting could permanently wipe out populations in specific rivers.  


Residents wishing to volunteer can contact project coordinator Alyson Eberhardt at alyson.eberhardt@unh.edu 

 

Pictured l-r:  Detective Tom Kilroy, Officer Max Castricone, Officer CJ Young and Sgt. John Lavoie. Courtesy DPD

NEW HAMPSHIRE LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL CEREMONY

The New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial was dedicated in 1998 and honors New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers who died while in the line of duty. There are a total of 43 names of officers who have died while in the line of duty etched on the walls of the memorial.

The oldest was an officer who died in 1889; this fact just recently discovered after all these years. The names of the fallen are inscribed on the approaches to the Memorial. New Hampshire sculptor Emil Birch chose the star as an eternal shield, and the Memorial itself is shaped as a star.  In the base of the Memorial is a container holding law enforcement badges from all law enforcement agencies in the state.

Today was the memorial service honoring all those who have given their lives to protect our communities. Police officers from across New Hampshire attend and those that have members on the memorial wall are invited to escort a family member as they place a flower on the memorial. 

Durham Police escorted several family members of Durham Lieutenant Robert Hollis as they placed their flower on the memorial in his memory. Sadly, Lt. Hollis died of a heart attack while on patrol duty in the mid-1970s.

The Department Honor Guard also attended the ceremonies held in Concord. 

LIONS, TIGER, ... BEARS ON DURHAM POINT ROAD!

As spring season rapidly approaches, Durham residents may discover some unexpected and unwelcome visitors such as ... a black bear. 

For the last couple of years, Durham residents have encountered bears in areas that have never seen a bear before.  Bears are scavengers and they will eat absolutely anything that is available or has a food scent. Town dumps, campsites, gas grills, dog dishes, compost piles, gardens and bird feeders are just a few of their targets. Black oil sunflower seeds are simply too high a quality of food (high in fat and protein) for bears to ignore, explains Fish and Game Bear Biologist Andrew Timmins.

Natural bear foods during spring and summer are generally high in carbohydrates and low in protein and fat. As a result, birdseed is high on the menu! If bears have previously acquired sunflower seeds at your home, they will be back looking for more. So take down birdfeeders and secure other attractants. It is widely recommended that bird feeders be taken in at night and put back out in the morning.

New Hampshire Wildlife officials recommend that homeowner’s take the following action to reduce the chances of a bear visiting their home by taking a few simple precautions:

• Stop all bird feeding by April 1.
• Clean up any spilled birdseed and dispose of it in the trash.
• Secure all garbage in airtight containers inside a garage or adequate storage area, and put garbage out on the morning of pickup, not the night before.
• Avoid putting meat or other food scraps in your compost pile.
• Don't leave pet food dishes outside overnight.
• Clean and store outdoor grills after each use.
• Finally, never feed bears!

These steps will help to ensure that your backyard does not become attractive to bears and other wildlife, which is important because it prevents property damage by bears and because it keeps bears from becoming nuisance animals.  For more information on preventing conflicts with black bears, click HERE.

EMT Nancy Harris, a Durham resident, with a young boy who is enamored with firefighting and EMS.

MCGREGOR MEMORIAL EMS CELEBRATES EMS WEEK

As part of the celebration of National EMS Week from May 15th through 21st, McGregor Memorial EMS volunteers conducted “CPR on the Street” this past Monday on the sidewalk in front of Young’s Restaurant.  Research has shown that “hands-only” CPR is very effective when delivered as immediately as possible by bystanders and/or family members. 

Passers-by were asked if they would like to learn “hands-only” CPR and many stopped to do so.  A resident with a 7-month old baby was shown how to do CPR on an infant. 

Even inquisitive children stopped by and asked great questions!


To learn more about CPR, First Aid, Babysitting training or EMT training, visit http://www.mcgregorems.org./

 

The Klock family, Amy, Jonathan, Anaiah, and Felicity, have a meet and greet with a member of the Miles Smith Farm herd at Emery Farm's Spring Fling. Courtesy Carole Soule
 
CATTLE RETURN TO EMERY FARM FOR THE SUMMER

The Durham Agricultural Commission is pleased to report that the cattle have returned to Emery Farm for their summer grazing. Two Scottish Highland cattle and seven Angus/Hereford heifers and steers are spending the weeks ahead grazing on fields at Emery Farm, a partnership between Emery Farm and Miles Smith Farm of Loudon.

MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

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

Durham Town Council - Monday, May 23, 2016

Planning Board - Wednesday, May 25, 2016

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

FROM THE SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST

The New Hampshire  State Primary is September 13.  In New Hampshire, anyone who is registered to vote may do so in a Primary (unlike in some other states) but must vote the party with which they are registered (Republicans vote for Republican candidates, Democrats vote for Democratic candidates). 

Undeclared voters may pick the ballot they wish to use. The Supervisors are sure that most residents who wish to be Undeclared or in a party different from the one they voted for in February have done so, some residents have not done that yet..

May 31 is the last day party affiliations can be changed before the Primary. 

The Supervisors believe they have made all of the changes that have been requested so far, but urge residents to check to make sure they are where they want to be.  A new (as of April 26) checklist has been posted at the Town Hall and at the Durham Post Office (in the room with the mail boxes). Don’t be disappointed in September!

Two Durham children pose at their lemonade stand earlier today.  With an ORCSD teacher in-service on Friday and no school, the kids were out and about in Durham to enjoy the sunshine.  Courtesy Loren Selig   

DOES DURHAM REQUIRE A PERMIT FOR PERIODIC LEMONADE STANDS THAT POP UP WITH THE WARMER WEATHER?  No.

We receive inquiries at the Town Hall about whether permits are needed when children desire to set up a lemonade stand from time to time.  The answer is no, Durham does not require a permit.  We simply ask that parents provide appropriate supervision to ensure the safety of the kids involved, particularly along busier roadways.

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY, MAY 30, 2016 FOR MEMORIAL DAY

All Durham Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 30, 2016, in observance of Memorial Day. All Town offices will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, May 31, 2016.

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Transfer Station and Refuse/Recycling Schedule Changes for the Memorial Day Holiday

NO CURBSIDE COLLECTION ON MON 5/30/16 - Delayed one day all week. Monday collection on Tuesday, Tuesday collection on Wednesday, etc.

TRANSFER STATION CLOSED SAT 5/28/16 

NO COMMERCIAL COLLECTION ON FRI 6/3/16. 

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

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

Online Program Registration- Now Available!

Durham Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the addition of online program registration and payments to our department!  You can find program and department information by visiting us HERE.  Please create an account on the left hand side of the page, which will allow access to register for programs.  Please be sure to ask questions, and let us know if something isn’t operating correctly.  

 

2016 Memorial Day Parade

On Monday, May 30th the Town of Durham will have a parade honoring our veterans beginning 10:00am at Mill Pond Road. Immediately following the welcoming announcement, we will proceed down Mill Pond Road, and turn left onto Newmarket Road.  From there, we’ll make another left onto Dover Road/Main Street, toward downtown and Memorial Park, where the second ceremony will take place.  There will be live music, musket salute, invocation, and other special announcements.  

For those interested in participating in the parade, please fill out our Parade Participant Registration Form (under forms & documents) and return back to Parks & Recreation by May 25th.  

2016 Summer Day Camps with Durham Parks & Recreation

Durham Parks and Recreation is offering nine exciting weeks of Summer Day Camps beginning June 27th- August 26th 2016!

 

Full or half day options available along with a five-week partnership camp with ORCSD Camp R.E.A.C.H.  DPR provides an afternoon camp option to each of their morning camp sessions! Camp R.E.A.C.H. will run weekly from July 11th-August 12th Monday- Thursday with an optional Friday Field Trip.  Scheduled trips include, Jenness Beach, Water Country, an Island Kayak Adventure, Blitz Air Park & Mini Golf, and Hampton Beach & Ice Cream!!!

 

DPR also has some great fun-filled and educational camp options before the July 11th start of Camp R.E.A.C.H. and after R.E.A.C.H concludes on August 12th.  Campers can look forward to Wicked Gross Science Camp, Super Hero Physics Camp, an Adventure Paddle Camp, Extreme Earth Camp, Youth Yoga Camps and Wicked Cool Med. School Camp!!

 

Registration is open for any of our camp weeks!   For more information or to register please visit us HERE.

 

Stargazing At Wagon Hill Farm

Durham Parks & Recreation and UNH Astronomer John Gianforte - The SkyGuy, have teamed up to offer Stargazing at Wagon Hill Farm!  We will be offering an interactive stargazing workshop on the second Saturday of each month beginning in May.  Participants can join us in the orchard at Wagon Hill Farm where we will view the moon, Jupiter, constellations, and more!  In the case of inclement weather, join us at Churchill Rink!  $10/person, $20/family.  Please pre-register with Durham Parks & Recreation by Thursday of each listed stargazing dates.

Stargazing Dates & Times
Saturday, June 11th- 8:45-9:45pm

Saturday, July 9th- 9:00-10:00pm

Family Camp Out at Wagon Hill Farm

Saturday, June 25th – Sunday June 26th

4:00pm-9:00am

$30/family

June is National Camping Month and DPR is celebrating with a special night out camping at Wagon Hill Farm with the family!  We will have a BBQ dinner, scavenger hunt, storytelling and s’mores by the campfire.  Optional sunset kayak tours will also available with Seven Rivers Paddling.

A camping checklist will be provided to those registered.  Pre-registration with DPR is required by Friday June 17th.

 

FREE Balance Workshop with Sally Baker, PT

Better balance prevents falls and injuries.Join Sally Ann Baker PT from Durham Physical Therapy as she shows you easy balance exercises, which will help restore some of the flexibility, and strength you remember.

As we get older, falling can result in more than the bruises we might have experienced in our youth; it can rob us of our independence.  Every year thousands  of older people experience broken hips and head injuries. Don’t join this group!

Join Sally Thursdays at 12pm at the Durham Recreation Parks & Recreation building located in the old court house on 2 Dover Road, for a half hour of fun, gentle, preventive exercise, a no sweat approach, which will arm you against the uneven surfaces.

Save The Date:
Yoga at Wagon Hill Farm

Thursdays from 5-6pm beginning June 9th.  Bring a mat or a blanket and meet at the wagon!  Participation is FREE.

 

Music By The Bay Summer Concert at Wagon Hill Farm

Thursday, July 14th 6-8pm, featuring: Sum x 4

Pack a picnic dinner, gather friends and enjoy live music at the picturesque waterfront setting at Wagon Hill Farm! Additional parking available in the orchard.  FREE!

Picnic in the Park with The Little Red Wagon

Thursday, July 21st 5:30-7:30pm at Jackson’s Landing

Pack a picnic dinner, play at the playground and enjoy a 45 minute theatre performance- Luna Goes to Mars by The Little Red Wagon from UNH Theatre & Dance.  FREE!

Community Archery Clinic with Archery in Motion

Wednesdays at Churchill Rink, July 27th- August 17th 10-11am

Ages 7+, $70/pp.  Community Archery Clinic is geared for both youth and adults! Pre-register with DPR by July 20th.  Space is limited.

Music on Main Summer Concert

Thursday, August 4th 6-8pm, featuring: Fling.

Join us on Main Street for an evening of live music and family fun! FREE
 
Learn To Fish Workshop and Field Day with NH Fish & Game!

Dates/times and details are in the works! Stay tuned!!
 
Art in the Park

Dates/times and details are in the works!  Stay tuned!!

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Thank You From Durham Post Office Letter Carriers. The Durham Post Office letter carriers wish to thank everyone who donated non-perishable foods to the annual food drive this past Saturday, May 14. 4,646 pounds of food was collected which St. Thomas More's Church food pantry was grateful to receive and will help those residents who need assistance. Thank you!

TimberNook Enchanted Evening, Saturday, May 21, 2016, 5 - 8PM, Moharimet Elementary School, Madbury NH. Ages 5-10 years old, $35/child. Call 603-868-1335.

Oyster River Womenade's Second Annual "Yarn-Blooming", will be put on display on Main Street in Durham, Thursday, May 26, 2016. The trees on Main Street in Durham will be covered in beautiful knitted designs blooming with flowers. Oyster River Womenade is a local organization that provides monetary support to community members in times of hardship. For more information and to see a list of artists, click HERE.

Active Retirement Association Program Presentation "Protecting Against Frauds & Scams, Thursday, May 26, 2016, 1:30 PM, Durham Evangelical Church (lower level). AARP presenter Norma Boyce knows the ins and outs of schemes like these, and will advise how to protect against them. This event is free and open to the public.

ORHS Presents Footloose The Musical, Thursday, May 26 - Sunday, May 29, 2016. Presented with great music, dancing, and singing by the ORHS Student Players.

ORHS Hat Tournament hosted by ORHS senate and faculty, Saturday, May 28, 2016, ORHS, to raise money for social studies teacher, Pam Raiford who is battling cancer. Event will include food, music, and children's events. More information HERE.

Annual Plant Sale - Hosted by Strafford County Master Gardeners Association, Sunday, May 29, 2016, 10AM - 2PM, Durham Town Hall parking lot, 8 Newmarket Road. Large variety of perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, and trees available at discounted prices. Master gardeners available to answer questions. Contact Traci Bisson, tracibisson@metrocast.net. 

8th Annual Bobcat Bolt 5K and Kids Fun Run, Saturday Jun 18, 2016, OR High School, 9AM - 5K start; 10:15AM - Kids Fun Run. Pancake Breakfast 9-11AM (free for runners, $5 for spectators). ORMS Jazz Band will entertain. Register at www.bobcatbolt.com. In memory of Josh and Nate Hardy, proceeds benefit Oyster River youth initiatives.

Registration for UNH Summer Camps Is Ongoing. Many UNH summer youth programs/sessions have spots available for registration. UNH offers more than 40 camps and programs to entertain and educate K-12 youth, ranging from traditional summer day camps to specialty athletic camps to arts camps, STEM programs, and a variety of other academic subjects. Day and overnight programs are available. For a full list of camps and to register, click HERE.

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Castle in the Clouds Museum Pass! - The newest addition to our amazing selection of museum passes. The Friends of the Durham Public Library have added a new museum pass just in time for the summer season - Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, NH! Tom and Olive Plant’s mountaintop estate, known as Lucknow, was built in 1913-1914 high in the Ossipee Mountain Range. The house is an unusual example of Arts and Crafts architecture in New England, expressing that aesthetic movement’s philosophy of living in harmony with nature. Revel in the beauty of the views, while taking in the magnificent features Plant had installed in his home. Enjoy a self-guided tour as if time stood still in the early 1900s. Rooms are set up as if Tom and Olive had just stepped out for the day. Passes are available through our online reservation system, Tixkeeper.

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Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

S.T.E.A.M. Program, Sat. May 21st, 10:30-11:30am. This week: Ice Cube Painting!!    Join us every Saturday for S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) activities in the Storytime/Craftroom. All ages welcome!  Last one of the school year.
Children's Summer Reading Program - Join us for our fun 5 week summer reading program!   "On Your Mark, Get Set...READ!"  Registration begins Monday, June 13th.  Program runs from June 27th through July 29th.  Keep track of your minutes read and win weekly prizes.  We also keep track of all our minutes read together.  There will be fun programs; Movie nights, Storytimes, 9-12 year old group, Team Art, Kick-off with Storyteller Simon Brooks, Music on the Library Lawn, 6-8 year old group, Young Adult Writing program, Nature Art Nights, Firemen, Police and EMS visits with their trucks, yoga, karate, finale with Bryson Lang, juggler and comedian and much more.  Trivia, guessing jar and even a "Barrel of Monkeys" (ages 2 -12 years).  Don't miss it!
Boston Bruins Mascot, Blade, and Ice Girls to visit Summer Reading – The Durham Public Library has been chosen by the Boston Bruins summer reading outreach program, “When You Read, You Score!”, to have the Bruins Mascot, Blade,  and Ice Girls visit! Blade will visit and children will be able to have their picture taken with Blade.  We’ll hear a story about Blade, play some Boston Bruins trivia with the Ice Girls, where you can win awesome prizes from the team and then also make a fun hockey craft.  The date of the program is still being determined, but check our summer reading calendar soon for details.  Go, Bruins!
The library now has two Kindles for kids to check out and two Kindles for Young Adults to check out.  The kids Kindles are loaded with lots of great books, apps and videos while the YA Kindles have favorite YA titles to check out.  See the Children’s/YA Librarian at the Children’s desk to check one out.
Reminder:  Patch club will be stopping as of May 31st and begin again on Sept. 1st. Join the Reading Patch Club!  Ages 2-12 years - Earn patches and a tote bag for hours that you read! Program sponsored by The Friends of the Durham Public Library.

 

Adult  Programs:

Friends' Book Discussion, Thurs. May 26, 10:30 - Please join the Friends' book discussion: May 26, 10:30, facilitated by Jennifer Lee, of three short stories from the collection After Rain by William Trevor: The Piano Tuner's Wives, Widows and the title story.  All are welcome.  Your copy awaits.
Oyster River ASD Friends Tues. May 31, 6:30 pm - The Autism Perspective Guests Chris Suosso & David Koenig share life experiences & describe how to make life easier for people on the spectrum by discussing solutions that worked for them and in part by explaining to people who are neurotypical, their perspectives and how they experience the world. Informative for professionals that work with adolescents & adults with ASD.  Contact Julie  jsmithnh@icloud.com
Ole Time Auto Event Sat.  June 4, 2016 10am-1pm - Gearing up for the Antique Auto Show! 11:00 am,  Author Michele Albion, The Quotable Henry Ford.  Popcorn and Hoodsie Ice Cream cups while supplies last.  Contact Armida 603-590-1117 or  ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us  
Exercise Your Mind-READ - Adult July Reading Program - Mon. June 27    Weekly puzzles, weekly prize drawings!  Watch for details. Contact Armida Geiger 603-590-1117.
Durham Photo Contest: July 4, 2015 through July 4, 2016 - $300 Cash Prize for the Winner! Contest is sponsored by a Durham resident, to capture the beauty, character, and identity of Durham using seven photographs that express Durham’s character. More information can be found on the library website.

MUSEUM PASSES -- The Friends of the DPL sponsor passes to twelve different museums.  Try the Portland Museum of Art, 45 minutes away in historic Portland, Maine.  Free admission to general and special exhibits for two adults and six children. Reserve online using the library website. Pick up the reserved museum pass at the circulation desk.

 

For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.

From the book, New Hampshire Icons:

“The Granite State.  New Hampshire earned its bold nickname in 1825 with a song marking American Revolutionary War hero General Lafayette’s visit to Concord:  “He comes, by fond entreaties moved, The Granite State to see.”  Yet…it wasn’t until…May 31, 1985, that granite was designated as the official state rock of New Hampshire.”

Have a very nice weekend.  And enjoy today's sun!

Todd

Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?