Friday Updates - November 2nd, 2018

Friday, November 2, 2018

Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 6th. Courtesy Todd Selig

FALL BACK - Daylight Savings Time ends at 2AM on Sunday, November 4th. Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour!

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Route 108 Construction Project: NHDOT recently completed paving Route 108 near Laurel Lane. Crews are now fighting the rain we have had recently and today, once again. NHDOT is striving to complete the road bed widening and paving in the area of Durham Point Road by the middle of November and prior to Thanksgiving. DPW will provide more updates as they receive them from NHDOT. While we had all hoped the project would be complete in 2018, there will be continued construction in 2019.

GENERAL ELECTION - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018

The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at the Oyster River High School, 55 Coe Drive. Polling hours are 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. View sample ballots HERE. Questions may be directed to the Town Clerk’s Office at 603-868-5577.

VOTER REGISTRATION

You may register to vote in Durham if on Election Day, you:

are domiciled in the Town of Durham
are 18 years of age or older
are a United States citizen

You will be asked to provide documentation of the above requirements when you register (see below).

You may register to vote at the town office during regular business hours, 8AM – 5PM, Monday through Friday. Additional registration opportunities are provided periodically by the Supervisors of the Checklist during evening and weekend hours throughout the year. Notice of these registration sessions is posted at the Town Hall, the post office and other public places. The supervisors of the checklist shall be in session for the correction of the checklist at some suitable place in the city or town on a day designated by the supervisors which shall be 6 to 13 days prior to the election and upon which all hearings shall be finally closed, but same-day registration is allowed on Election Day. To register, you will need to provide documents that prove your identity, age, citizenship, and domicile in Durham.

Identity can be proved with a photo ID (driver’s license, passport/passcard, military ID, school ID are commonly used).
Age can be proved using a driver’s license or non-driver ID from any state, a birth certificate or passport/passcard.
Citizenship can be proved using a birth certificate, US passport/passcard, or naturalization document.

If you do not have proof of age, identity or citizenship, you can register after signing a Qualified Voter Affidavit under oath in front of an election official.

You will also need to provide documentation to prove that you are domiciled in Durham. Many types of documents will satisfy this requirement:

NH driver’s license or non-driver’s license with local address•NH vehicle registration with local address
government-issued photo ID with local address•government-issued check, benefit statement, or tax statement, completed tax forms, or other government forms that show the domicile address
A note signed by a school official, including a Resident Assistant or other person with supervisory responsibility for campus housing
A rental agreement, lease, or similar document•Proof that you are purchasing a home
A public utility bill, such as an electric, telephone, water, gas, phone, or cable with your name and the physical address where you are domiciled (not a P.O. box).

Other documents may be accepted; if in doubt, contact the Town Clerk at 603-868-5577

NOTE:

If you are registering to vote more than 30 days before the next election, you MUST provide one of the above proofs of domicile in order to register. If you do not present an acceptable proof of domicile, you will be asked to return with the necessary documentation before you can register.

If you register within 30 days of an election or at your polling place on Election Day and you do not bring one of these documents proving domicile, you will be expected to sign an affidavit before you can vote, saying that you will deliver such proof to the Town Hall within 10 days of the election either in person, by mail, or by email. If you have no proof whatsoever of your domicile, call the Town Hall to discuss how to proceed.

Important Information

Having the proper documentation and registering before an election saves you time.
The voter checklist closes 10 days prior to any election. This means no registrations or changes can be accepted. If you have not registered prior to the closing of the checklist, you can register on Election Day at the polls.
Once the filing period for any primary opens, no party changes can be accepted until after that primary election. For a state primary the filing period runs from the first Wednesday in June until after the state primary election in September. Because of New Hampshire’s unique first-in-the-nation primary status, the filing period for the presidential primary fluctuates depending on the date set by New Hampshire’s Secretary of State for the primary. Generally, the filing period opens in October with the election being held in February.
Once you are registered, your name remains on the checklist for all town, state, federal and school district elections. Only a photo I.D. is needed for voting once registered.
For further information about NH’s new election law, SB3, voter registration requirements, election dates, and registration deadlines, visit the NH Secretary of State’s website at http://sos.nh.gov/

ON ELECTION DAY: DON’T FORGET THE NH EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Just what does the New Hampshire Executive Council do, and why should you be sure to vote for a District 2 candidate (who would represent Durham)?

The official website of the NH Executive Council provides an overview, noting:

"The Executive Council of the State of New Hampshire has the authority and responsibility, together with the Governor, over the administration of the affairs of the State as defined in the New Hampshire Constitution, the New Hampshire statutes, and the advisory opinions of the New Hampshire Supreme Court and the Attorney General.

Each of the five Executive Councilors represents one fifth of the population or approximately 263,000 citizens. Councilors are elected every two years, concurrently with the Governor. The Councilors participate in the active management of the business of the state. They receive assistance from the Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services and the Attorney General who review requests involving state funds since no expenditure can be legally authorized without the availability of adequate funds."

Perhaps the Executive Council's most significant role is to provide its advice and consent to gubernatorial appointments (commissioners, department heads, NH judges, etc. and the awarding of state contracts.

Learn more HERE.

TWO NH CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT QUESTIONS ARE ON TUESDAY'S BALLOT – Learn what they are and what they mean below…

Two proposed amendments to the New Hampshire Constitution will appear on the November 2018 ballot. Voters will be asked to answer YES or NO to each. Voters should gather information on these amendments to vote wisely. Voters may choose to leave their answers blank without affecting the outcome of either question.

New Hampshire voters do not amend the Constitution lightly. The Constitution should be changed only when there is a compelling reason. The issue must have current relevance that will also stand the test of time and be as relevant in the future as it is considered today.

When a proposal to amend the Constitution is passed by a super-majority of both houses of the legislature, it must be placed on the ballot. Two-thirds (67%) of the votes cast on the question must be YES votes for the amendment to become part of our state’s Constitution.

The wording of the questions is complex, so we wanted to ensure that residents of Durham had time to review and become familiar with them ahead of time.

Question 1. "Are you in favor of amending article 8 of the first part of the constitution to read as follows: [Art.] 8. [Accountability of Magistrates and Officers; Public’s Right to Know.] All power residing originally in, and being derived from, the people, all the magistrates and officers of government are their substitutes and agents, and at all times accountable to them. Government, therefore, should be open, accessible, accountable and responsive. To that end, the public’s right of access to governmental proceedings and records shall not be unreasonably restricted. The public also has a right to an orderly, lawful, and accountable government. Therefore, any individual taxpayer eligible to vote in the State, shall have standing to petition the Superior Court to declare whether the State or political subdivision in which the taxpayer resides has spent, or has approved spending, public funds in violation of a law, ordinance, or constitutional provision. In such a case, the taxpayer shall not have to demonstrate that his or her personal rights were impaired or prejudiced beyond his or her status as a taxpayer. However, this right shall not apply when the challenged governmental action is the subject of a judicial or administrative decision from which there is a right of appeal by statute or otherwise by the parties to that proceeding." (Passed by the N.H. House 309 Yes 9 No; Passed by State Senate 22 Yes 2 No) CACR 15

Question 2. “Are you in favor of amending the first part of the constitution by inserting after article 2-a a new article to read as follows: [Art.] 2-b. [Right to Privacy.] An individual's right to live free from governmental intrusion in private or personal information is natural, essential, and inherent."(Passed by the N.H. House 235 Yes 96 No; Passed by State Senate 15 Yes 9 No) CACR 16

There have been several perspectives offered concerning these questions. To assist Durham residents in better understanding the implications of each proposal, we have included links to several commentaries from different sources that readers may find helpful as they work to form their own opinions. The League of Women Voters review below gives the pro's and con's of each question, and describes possible implications, good and bad.

League of Women Voters [an excellent nonpartisan review of implications on both questions, both pro and con].
Keene SENTINEL editorial [Vote YES on #1, NO on #2].
Letter written by Senator Martha Fuller Clark and Representative Marjorie Smith [Vote YES on both #1 and #2].
View of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) [Vote YES on #2].

Members of the Durham Police, UNH Police, State Police, NH Liquor Enforcement, Strafford County Sheriff's Department, and numerous other partner police agencies received a briefing Sunday evening at the Town Hall prior to the ending of the World Series. Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM DOWNTOWN UNDER CONTROL AFTER SUNDAY'S RED SOX WIN

An estimated 2,000 young people from both on campus and off came downtown to celebrate the Red Sox win over the Dodgers on Sunday evening.

After allowing the spontaneous crowd that had gathered to cheer, jump up and down, disparage the Yankees (why this was relevant is unknown), body surf, and generally blow off some steam, including hundreds of UNH students singing Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” the police peacefully dispersed the crowd.

There were no arrests and no injuries reported.

The students were generally quite respectful. The police (including Durham, UNH, State Police, NH Liquor Enforcement, and numerous other partner police agencies) did a wonderful job, backed up by Durham Fire, Durham Public Works, and McGregor EMS.

UNH has worked hard to convey a message of responsibility to the student body and the results were apparent.

Kudos to all who were involved with the planning and execution of this effort. The goal was simply to keep persons and property safe and to maintain lawfulness in the community. We collectively succeeded in meeting these goals.

Congratulations as well to the Boston Red Sox!

JOIN THE ENERGY COMMITTEE ON A DURHAM SOLAR TOUR - SATURDAY, NOV 17, 2018, 1PM

Interested learning about solar power?

Come talk with other Durham residents who have cut their carbon footprints and saved on their electric bills.

We’ll take a “Magical Mystery Tour” of several installations representing a range of solutions including rooftop, trackers, and free-standing fixed arrays.

A courtesy van will leave the Town Hall parking area at 1 pm on Saturday, November 17. Additional transportation via electric cars will be available if needed.

Please R.S.V.P. by contacting mailto:john.lannamann@unh.edu.

THANK YOU (!) FOR OFFERS TO ASSIST WITH UPCOMING GENERAL ELECTION

The Supervisors of the Checklist would like to thank all those who volunteered to assist with the upcoming election. The response from residents was fantastic!

You were all added to our Election Volunteer List, a list that is used to pull election workers. Your assistance is invaluable to ensure the smooth running of voting on Election Day, and we could not do it without you!

Since we had a greater response than expected, we had more volunteers than we needed for this election. The positions for this election have been fully staffed. If you have not already been contacted we will keep your name on file for future elections.

Next year there will only be one election, the Town Election, but in 2020 we will have four elections; Presidential Primary, Town Election, State Primary and Presidential Election, we will need all of you and more!

Again, Thank You, from all your local election officials!

Who has the most Super-Hero doormat? RiverWoods does! The specialty “doormat” pictured above effectively wipes off dirt and mud form the tires of equipment leaving the construction site, keeping Durham’s roadways free of dirt and mud. Courtesy Audrey Cline

PROPOSED FY2019 BUDGET DELIVERED TO TOWN COUNCIL - Apologies for the length of this blurb, but it is important!

In accordance with the Town Charter, Administrator Selig has delivered his proposed 2019 Budget to the Town Council, which includes the General Fund, Water Fund, Sewer Fund, Library Fund, Parking Fund, Depot Road Lot Fund, Churchill Rink Fund, and Downtown TIF Fund budgets, as well as the proposed 2019-2028 Capital Improvement Plan incorporating the FY 2019 Capital Fund budget utilizing a ten-year time horizon.

The proposed budget is intended to be a steady state budget to ensure our operations remain ready to accomplish needed tasks as efficiently and effectively as possible for a community of our size and demographics, and taking into consideration the reality that Durham hosts UNH, the State of New Hampshire’s flagship public university.

As is the case each year, the development of the proposed budget was part and parcel of a rigorous, yet inclusive process. The Business Manager and Mr. Selig have evaluated (and modified as necessary on multiple occasions) each budgetary line item utilized by the municipality in an effort to assure ourselves, and thereby the Council and the community, that requests are justified and reflect meaningful efforts on the part of our boards, committees, commissions, trustees, and departments, as well as our various external partners, to accomplish the broader goals and objectives articulated by the Town Council and the community as a whole. Our effort was intended to eliminate unnecessary requests altogether, identify and take advantage of new efficiencies where possible (though we have found fewer and fewer in recent years as we fine tune operations), and align spending to the extent possible with the 2018-2019 (and beyond) Town Council goals thereby allowing the Council to focus its limited time on broader policy issues impacting the overall community.

Business Manager Gail Jablonski and Mr. Selig have worked with Assessor Jim Rice concerning the projected future assessed valuation for Durham in 2019. After many discussions and much analysis, we’re projecting $9 million in new value. For comparative purposes, between 2008-2012, we saw average annual valuation increases around $6 million. During the recent development experienced in town over the past few years between 2014-2017, we saw average annual increases of $28 million. It was new development that allowed Durham to keep the local/municipal portion of the tax rate flat for four years in a row.

Motor vehicle revenues are down by about $100,000 from what was projected for 2018, representing an impact to revenue for 2019. Costs for managing our parking program and credit card fee processing for the downtown parking kiosks are up so revenues are down there as well. Revenue projections continue to include an annual $140,000.00 payment from UNH to compensate the community for the University’s financial impact upon the Town in the area of policing services plus certain actual roadway costs associated with the upkeep and maintenance/resurfacing of Main Street running through the UNH campus between Pettee Brook Lane and the Rt. 155A intersection. At this time, UNH also supports 50% of the Fire Department operational and capital budgets, 2/3 of the cost of joint water and wastewater capital projects, and a pro rata (rolling 36 mo. average) share of the shared water and wastewater operating budgets for Durham and UNH (currently at 58.4% UNH and 41.6% Durham for Water; and 57.2% UNH and 42.8% Durham for Wastewater). This and other revenue reductions are generally offset by about $200,000 per year in new monies from our PILOT with Riverwoods Durham, which begins in 2019. The Riverwoods PILOT payments to Durham will increase annually over the next several years.

Budgetary projections take into account revenue, limited growth in the tax base, setting Overlay at $125,000 to address potential abatement requests, no projected use of fund balance, and recommended expenditures. Proposed expenditures for 2019 are up by $505,830 over 2018, even given the fact that numerous items have been cut that I believed should have ideally been included for funding in 2019. Cutting more would result in ill-advised impacts to our operations. Due to these various factors, Mr. Selig does not believe it possible to responsibly bring the Council a proposed budget holding the local municipal rate constant for a fifth consecutive year, while also meeting other Council goals and his responsibility under the Charter to ensure the departments (and the Town) are prudently operated.

In the end, three factors impact the tax rate: spending (carefully designed to meet goals/community programming expectations), revenue (through user fees, grants, motor vehicle registrations, permits, etc.), assessed valuation (derived through new development, new construction, or changing real estate market conditions).

If spending goes up and revenue plus increased valuation cannot offset those increases, the tax rate must go up. Unless new revenue sources or additional means of financing the requirements of NH local government can be found, this burden will continue to increase for Durham property owners, especially amidst a general environment of downshifted costs from the state, additional Federal regulations, and limited revenue streams available to New Hampshire municipalities.

As Mr. Selig notes annually, significant progress continues to be made in our collective efforts in making Durham a better place in which to live, work, raise a family, enjoy numerous tracts of conserved land, and play. We have endeavored to spend the taxpayers’ money wisely and have provided the maximum number of desired services possible within the limited constraints of the Town budget. Every effort continues to be made to stabilize the cost of the various services the municipality provides. Like many other communities throughout the state, the tax rate is significant and places a particularly heavy burden on the property taxpayer, particularly those on a fixed income.

A primary driver within Durham’s municipal budget is personnel-related costs that accounts for 63.72% of total spending as part of the proposed 2019 budget.

Fiscal Year 2019 Budgetary Proposal

This year’s budget cycle has resulted in a proposed 2019 General Fund budget totaling $16,073,030 -- a spending increase of $505,830 or 3.2% compared to FY 2018. Increases are due to required wages and benefits as a result of collective bargaining contracts, a 2% COLA for non-union personnel, insurance increases, additional staffing within the Public Works Department, and increased debt service costs. Non-property tax revenues are expected to very modestly increase in FY 2019 by $185,300 or 2.7% to $7,177,250.

In total, this year’s budgetary proposal is projected to increase the 2019 local municipal portion of the tax rate by 3.12% from $ 7.37 (formerly $8.48 but adjusted due to 2018 statistical revaluation update) to $7.60, an increase of 23 cents. The tax rate has remained at $7.37 for 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The proposed increase would cost the average Durham property taxpayer with a home valued at $350,000 an additional $80.50 in taxes for 2019.

The proposed Wastewater Fund budget reflects a 2.73% decrease in user fees in 2019 (a rate of $8.71 per hundred cubic feet), while the proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 16.9% increase in user fees (a rate of $7.08 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2019.

The twelve-month July 2017 to July 2018 Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) numbers are: U.S. City Index – 2.9%, Northeast – Size Class B/C (Pop. 2.5 million or less) – 3.4%, and Boston-Brocton-Nashua-MA-NH-ME-CT – 3.4%.

Budget highlights include the following, which in addition to the voluminous budget and CIP documents, Mr. Selig is hopeful the Council and the community will carefully review, to ensure their satisfaction with this proposal and the many hard choices made within.

This proposal includes $473,950 in fixed compensation increases for full-time wages (less new positions requested).
This proposal includes $288,050 in additional debt service costs for 2019. The $1.96 million Durham Police Department addition/renovation bond approved by voters by referendum in March 2017 comes on line.
A sum of $78,000 is included to support an additional staff position (Maintenance Worker IV) at Public Works to supplement the highway crew, allowing additional resources to address routine matters to include highway work, more attention to safety issues while on site, additional roadside trimming & trail maintenance activities, and plowing support. (A second new position is in fact needed as well to fully address issues identified but it was not funded as part of this proposal due to fiscal constraints.)
$320,000 is recommended though debt service to cover the cost of a modest expansion into additional space at the UNH General Services Building for use by the Fire Department over the next 5 years until such time as a new combined DFD/UNH PD/(possibly McGregor) station can be constructed and occupied on Waterworks Road. The allocation would repurpose two bays previously utilized by UNH housekeeping and the relocation of the inspection division at the department into more workable quarters.
The new DFD/UNH PD/(possibly McGregor) Public Safety complex building on Waterworks Road on the UNH campus is included in the CIP for 2025. The est. cost is in the $20,000,000 range with the Town only paying for its proportional share of the project, which will be 50% of an estimated $8 million, a several years old number. If McGregor is included, the space would likely be Town-owned with the actual cost of debt service and operations charged back to McGregor. Durham would potentially bond the project with UNH providing offsetting revenue for its proportional share of the facility. Grant monies are needed for this project to proceed and the parties need to work on bringing down total cost. The good news is that we have collectively determined that the Waterworks Road site will be the future location of this important new facility.
$21,735 has been cut from requested funding from area social service agencies for 2019.
$50,000 was cut from the Town’s Contingency line, which would have helped provide reserve funds for Durham in the event utility abatements are decided against the Town upon appeal. Fairpoint, Unitil, and Eversource all have outstanding abatements appeals dating back several years on the books.
Numerous department positions (see following list) were requested as part of this year’s budget process, which were not added: second full-time DPW position within highway department; DFD Training position; DFD increase 28 hr./wk. Admin. Asst. position to 40 hr./wk.; GIS Manager position (postponed to 7/2020); increase 35 hr./wk. position to 40 hr./wk. in Town Clerk/Tax Collector office; add new 25 hr./wk. position in Town Clerk/Tax Collection office. Note, additional positions identified as needs by staff but not requested due to funding constraints included: additional DPW staff member at the water department; additional DPW staff member at the wastewater department; second full-time position at Recreation Department; assistant Town Manager position.
The Durham Public Library requested an additional $26,235 to cover staffing and collection costs, which was cut by $12,000 (the new money requested for collections – which I do believe warrants funding, but which made the list of cuts).
$33,400 requested by the Land Stewardship Coordinator for conservation maintenance, monitoring, trail work, signage, bog bridge repairs, etc. has been cut from the General Fund and recommended for funding from the Conservation Fund at the discretion of the Conservation Commission.
This budget eliminates $30,000 to cover the cost of an historical 20% discount for Durham residents off the cost of a UNH pool pass. If approved, there would no longer be a Durham subsidy for use by residents of the outdoor pool.
This budget eliminates Durham’s $44,025 contribution of an historical tax funded subsidy for the Oyster River Youth Association to offset the cost of participation for Durham, Lee, and Madbury youth. If approved by the Council, ORYA would need to replace these funds through added participation fees or through cost reductions in programming. Durham would continue to provide use of our fields and historic Town Hall building for the organization’s administrative offices at no cost.
$75,000 has been added to the Overlay Account bringing this line to $125,000 to offset the cost of likely abatements requests in a revaluation year.
$50,000 was added to the Town’s Contingency line, offset by projected matching revenue from Eversource in accordance with a draft MOU we have negotiated with the company, in the event the Seacoast Reliability Project is ultimately approved by the NH Site Evaluation Committee, to cover supplement Durham engineering costs to monitor the project construction and potential impacts within the community.
$29,100 is included within the Assessing Department to begin a rolling full measure and list revaluation of 1Ž4 of the properties in Durham annually.
$160,000 is included ($80,000 – DPD, $80,000 – DFD) to cover the cost of constructing a new radio public safety communications tower atop Beech Hill by the Town’s water tank in order to broadcast effectively/reliably to and from Strafford County Dispatch, which is a serious safety issue with the current configuration.
$170,000 is included ($100,000 – IT, $70,000 – Assessing) to develop an accurate GIS base layer for Durham and associated tax map layer in GIS over a three-year period. $70,000 is budgeted in 2020 for flyover orthometric/planometric layer development. A full-time staff person is also recommended for July 2020 at this time, but the plan will continue to be refined as more information becomes available.
$45,000 has been included to cover the cost of a replacement police vehicle in 2019, cut from the two vehicles that were requested. In 2020, two to three vehicles will be necessary.
$145,000 has been included through debt service to cover the cost of purchasing the solar arrays atop the Police Department, Library, and Churchill Rink in late-2019/early-2020. We must still undertake a full cost-benefit analysis to weigh the pros and cons of taking this step.
$420,000 is included for roadway resurfacing in 2019 with cash to include the following roadways: Colony Cove Road, Edgerly-Garrison Road, Edgewood Ext., Ellison Lane, Faculty Road, Longmarsh Road, Rosemary Lane, Stagecoach Road, Technology Drive, Thompson Lane, and Willey Creek Road. We have $30,000 on hand from the 2018 road program that had been allocated for roadside trimming, which will be encumbered for the 2019 paving program instead.
$90,500 is bonded in 2019 for reconstructing sidewalks as follows: Faculty Road; Main Street Section (from Madbury Road Post Office entrance to Park Court).
$15,000 has been added to the Administrator’s budget consultant line for bike/pedestrian/traffic safety analysis/enhancements on an as needed basis with offsetting revenue coming from the $45,564 in the reserve account from the vehicle/pedestrian/bicycle safety fund. We will track the dollars so that we don’t spend the funds if not needed, and so we don’t transfer in the monies if not spent.
$300,000 is included for feasibility engineering for the repair/replacement of the Oyster River (Mill Pond) Dam. An additional $3,000,000 - 5,000,000 is projected in 2021 for construction with dam repair/replacement. It is recommended that the Council decide how to proceed this fall as part of the budget process so we can address both the impaired water quality in the Mill Pond marsh area and address NHDES identified safety issues with the dam. Dam removal would represent the lowest cost long-term solution, create the largest opportunity to attract considerable grant dollars, address long ignored water quality impairments in the pond, and restore the natural ecosystem in this location.

The proposed budget can now be found on line on the Town’s web site. A hard copy is also available to review at the Town Hall and at the Durham Public Library.

Mr. Selig will formally present the proposed budget to the Town Council at its upcoming meeting on November 5th. Per Charter, the Town Council has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget of its own, or Mr. Selig’s proposal becomes the budget of the Town by default.

Front Row (l-r): Deputy Chief Rene Kelley, Chief Kathryn Mone, Officers Pam Donley, Brett Pestana, and Carrington Cazeau. Back Row (l-r): Sergeant Frank Daly, Captain Dave Holmstock, Sergeant John Lavoie, Officer CJ Young, Detective Tom Kilroy, and Sergeant Greg Ruby

DURHAM'S OWN KATHRYN MONE SWORN IN AS POLICE CHIEF IN NORTH HAMPTON

This past Monday evening, Durham Police Sergeant Kathryn Mone was sworn-in as North Hampton’s first female police chief. A number of Durham Police personnel attended this momentous event to support and honor Kathryn for this outstanding achievement and appointment. While the department will miss her compassion and commitment to the Town of Durham, she will remain engaged as resident! Best of luck in your new position Chief Mone.

PROGRESS REPORT ON TOWN COUNCIL GOALS FOR 2018-19

On Monday, May 7, 2018, the Council adopted its goals for 2018/19. In order to measure the progress of the goals adopted by Council, the Administrator believes it is important to provide the Council with periodic status reports.

View the updated progress report as of October 31, 2018, prepared by the Administrator on each of the goals that were adopted in May 2018 HERE.

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY - Monday, November 12, 2018

All Town offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Monday, November 12th. There will be NO CHANGE TO THE REFUSE AND RECYCLING SCHEDULE that week. As always, please have all items out by 7AM.

With many holidays coming up, residents should refer to the 2018 Holiday Pick up Schedule located on the DPW Sanitation webpage for refuse and recycling schedule information. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to "Supporting Documents".

TOWN OFFICES CLOSING SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING HOLIDAYS

NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no "Friday Updates" on November 23rd.

Town Councilor Carden Welsh and his spooky partners in crime greeted trick-or-treaters Tuesday evening in Durham. Courtesy Carden Welsh

WINTER PARKING BAN

The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Thursday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2016. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town-owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But, the Winter Parking Ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00AM and 6:00AM.

As the ordinance states: “Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.”

For the first few weeks, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur during this period, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed to allow for Durham Public Works to more effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham.

ORDINANCE ON SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

The Planning Board has been working for many months on a new ordinance dealing with solar energy systems. The board held a public hearing on April 25 on a first draft of the ordinance. After reviewing many comments offered by the public the board made significant changes and presented a revised draft for public hearings on September 12 and 26 and October 10 (when the hearing was closed). In order to facilitate the board’s new review of every detail, the Town Planner incorporated all written public comments that applied to specific provisions of the proposed ordinance into the document.

View the document with these many comments HERE.

It is striking, but not surprising, the level of engagement and knowledge about this important issue that is evident from the comments. While virtually all Durham residents undoubtedly support sustainable energy, there is somewhat of a split between those favoring less regulation of solar energy in order to encourage as much use as possible and those who support strict regulation to protect scenic views and neighborhood character while also accommodating solar energy.

We know that the Planning Board, in its wisdom, will find a good balance as it works to finalize the proposed ordinance. As is often the case, when we finish this exacting process, Durham should have an excellent ordinance that will likely serve as a model for other communities in New Hampshire.

View all of the documents and public comments HERE.

Above, Hetzel Hall is located on the left and Alexander Hall is located behind Hetzel. (The photo was from last winter!) Courtesy DCAT Studios

A BOUTIQUE HOTEL AT HETZEL HALL - Elliott Sidewalk Communities submits conceptual application to Planning Board.

The Planning Office received an application from Elliott Sidewalk Communities for development of a hotel on UNH land located at Main Street and Mill Road. The hotel would incorporate the existing Hetzel Hall (The north, east, and west facades would be retained and restored) and a new addition. Alexander Hall would be demolished. Existing surface parking to the south would be used and a one level parking deck might be added. Although this project is situated on university property, it is subject to Town zoning and Planning Board review because it is a private development that would be open to the public and taxable. The application is conceptual and subject to change. It will be presented to the Planning Board for discussion only on November 14.

View the application HERE.

CONCEPTUAL APPLICATION FOR MIXED-USE PROJECT AT 66 MAIN STREET RECEIVED BY PLANNING BOARD

The Planning Office received an application from Elliott Sidewalk Communities of Sparks, Maryland for development of a mixed-use project at 66 Main Street, the vacant lot just to the west of Jenkins Court. The University purchased the property with the stated purpose of ensuring that it would be developed in an appropriate manner, with the intention of reselling it for private development.

This parcel is the old site of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. The University demolished the building several years ago. Tim Elliott, the proprietor of Elliott Sidewalk Communities, has long been bullish on Durham. He held a public charrette at the high school in 2012 on another plan to redevelop this same lot and several adjacent lots. That plan did not go forward.

This proposal includes a restaurant, retail stores, offices, apartments, and a public promenade that would link Main Street to Pettee Brook Lane.

The application is conceptual and subject to change. It will be presented to the Planning Board for discussion only on November 14.

You can view the application HERE.

WE WILL SPEND $30,000 in 2018 SUPPORTING OUR P.T. LAND STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR POSITION – Take a look at Ellen Snyder’s progress report to see the numerous value added activities the position has shepherded in 2018.

The Land Stewardship Coordinator works in consultation and collaboration with the Durham Land Stewardship Subcommittee to coordinate land stewardship activities, responsibilities and opportunities on Town-owned lands, fulfill conservation easement obligations, and provide information through property signage, the Town website, "Friday Updates,” kiosks, and other forums to inform and engage the public in caring for and enjoying Durham town lands. Many volunteers, conservation partners, the Conservation Commission, and staff at Town Hall and Department of Public Works (DPW) are key to the stewardship accomplishments. This is a contract position for 500 hours per year.

View the Land Stewardship Coordinator’s activities to date HERE.

ANNUAL LIGHT UP DURHAM LIGHTING CONTEST

The Durham Business Association invites all businesses and UNH fraternities and sororities to light their businesses/houses and share in spreading the joy of the season. It’s razzle-dazzle time! Harness your artistic, creative, innovative genes to start planning a lighted holiday display for your business. We’re going for greater participation to make this year’s contest “bigger and better”.

The Annual Light Up Durham Annual Lighting Contest is intended to benefit the entire Durham community, which includes Durham residents and businesses, as well as, UNH faculty, staff, and students. This is an opportunity for everyone to get involved.

Judging will take place Wednesday, November 28, 2018 beginning at 5:30 PM.

2018 Information & Guidelines

Contest is open to all businesses and recognized Greek fraternities and sororities. The guidelines for judging include:

The effectiveness of lights creating the display.
The placement and uniformity of the lights.
The use of design and color to create the decorations.
The use of special lighted displays.
The ingenuity, originality, and creativity exercised in the decorations.

Holiday Lights are available for sale at Rite Aid.

For more information please contact the Durham Business Association at mailto:durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com

Image of Little Bay boom test area. Courtesy NHDES

NH DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES TO CONDUCT AN OIL SPILL DEPLOYMENT TEST IN LITTLE BAY ON NOVEMBER 5 & 6

On November 5 and 6, 2018 the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) will be deploying an oil spill protection strategy in Upper Little Bay to test the effectiveness of the strategy. November 5th will consist of a training day and equipment inspection. During this training portions of the strategy will be deployed. On November 6th the complete strategy will be deployed consisting of 8 lengths of oil spill boom totaling approximately 5,650 feet. These lengths span across Little Bay in the configuration shown above.

This strategy is intended to minimize the amount of spilled oil that could be carried by the current upstream towards Great Bay. During both days, activity will begin at approximately 9:00 AM and continue until approximately 3:00 PM. The river will remain open to vessel traffic under the direction of the on-scene safety vessels.

For Information contact: Jason Domke, NHDES at 603-724-0626.

Route of the proposed Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project. Courtesy Eversource

DURHAM EXECUTES MOU WITH EVERSOURCE TO PROTECT LOCAL RESOURCES IN THE EVENT THE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT IS APPROVED BY THE NH SITE EVALUATION COMMITTEE

Last week, Mr. Selig executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Eversource to protect the interests of Durham if the NH Site Evaluation Committee ultimately approves the proposed transmission project.

Several key portions of the MOU are outlined below…

Section V. D. of the Agreement provides for a Field Engineer, which we believe will be important in holding Eversource accountable and supplementing our limited local resources if the project is ultimately approved by the SEC as follows: "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 . . .such expenditure shall not exceed $50,000.”

Section V. H. 2. deals with hours of operation. "Construction of the Project Facilities shall typically be between the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, and between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm on Saturday. . .

Section VII A. addresses Wildlife Protection. "As applicable, prior to commencing construction, Eversource shall provide the Town with copies of all protocols and plans for post-construction monitoring and impact mitigation related to wildlife that are contained in any permit condition or as a condition of the Certificate of Site and Facility issued by the NHSEC."

Section VIII. Historic Resources, endeavors to address concerns that have not been satisfied from the perspective of the Town by requirements imposed by the NH Division of Historic Resources in terms of protecting local historic resources.

Eversource shall take all appropriate and necessary steps to avoid and/or minimize impacts to historic resources in the Town of Durham. Of particular concern are historic stonewalls and cellars that cross the Easement. Eversource shall monitor work adjacent to historic stone walls and cellars as an additional means of avoiding and/or minimizing impacts to said resources during construction. In addition, Eversource shall comply with the final Historic Properties Monitoring Plan, Unanticipated Discovery Plan, Historic Properties Training Plan, and Curation and Repatriation Plan agreed upon with the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources.
In the event that new information or evidence of historic sites, archeological sites, or other archeological resources is found within the direct area of potential effect of the Project in Durham, Eversource shall report said findings to the NHSEC, NHDHR and provide the Town of Durham and the Durham Historic Association (“DHA”) with notice that a report has been filed.
In the event that changes in construction plans of the Project affect any archeological resources, historic sites, or other cultural resources, Eversource shall notify the NHSEC, NHDHR and the Town of Durham of any such change.
Eversource shall take all necessary and appropriate steps to protect the following historic resources in Durham: (1) the stone walls listed in Mark Doperalski’s letter to the Durham Historic Association dated May 17, 2018 shall be protected and walls situated in wetlands in Durham shall be protected by timber mats; (2) Impacts to other historic stone walls or boundary stone walls within the right-of-way or along access roads shall be avoided through the implementation of one or more of the following measures to include: (a) not traversing the wall, (b) traversing the wall through an existing breach, (c) traversing the wall using timber matting to temporarily bridge over the wall, or (d) placing the work pad on top of timber matting to elevate the work pad above the wall; (3) Eversource shall conduct a ground penetrating radar survey of the Samuel Hill family burial site described in the 1913 town history to avoid digging up the 18th century graves by the Field House from Main Street to Station 82+00 within the right-of-way and the Applicant shall comply with all requirements of the Unanticipated Discovery Plan, Appendix C to the Memorandum of Understanding Between New Hampshire State Preservation Officer and Eversource Energy; (4) the “Quarry Sensitive Area” boundary shall expanded west by approximately 150 feet on Environmental Map 15 of 21 to include the Quarrymen’s granite slab bench near the top of the steep quarry cut, and the bench shall be flagged prior to construction to ensure that the bench is protected; (5) the Applicant shall also use timber matting on the Class VI portion of Beech Hill road and protect historic stonewalls and wetlands; and (6) on Foss Farm Road, the Applicant shall use timber matting from Stevens Way to the UNH Gate to avoid impacts to the Class VI Road, shall undertake only tree-limbing, and shall protect historic stonewalls and wetlands.

This agreement also provides an important financial guarantee to protect local Durham roadways in Section IX. A. as follows: "Prior to commencing road weight limit exceedance truck travel in Durham and prior to any road excavation in Durham, Eversource shall provide the Town Administrator with a bond for a period of twenty-four months from the date of completion. The Parties agree the bond value shall be $500,000. This bond shall be a financial guarantee to cover any damage due to road weight limit exceedance, and to ensure proper town road and right-of-way excavation and restoration."

View a copy of the complete executed MOU HERE.

CHIEF KURZ ATTENDS HATE/BIAS ROUNDTABLE IN WASHINGTON, DC

Earlier this week Chief Kurz was invited to participate in a roundtable discussion designed to improve the identification and reporting of hate crimes throughout the United States.

About thirty (30) police chiefs from across the country discussed a number of issues around the topic and how the Department of Justice can be better positioned to be of assistance to law enforcement. The wide ranging discussion included a powerful presentation by the parents of Matthew Shepard who at 20 was slain and tied to a fence post in rural Wyoming. In the aftermath of his murder, they formed a foundation with the mission of “replacing hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance”.

Deputy Attorney General Rob Rosenstein, who introduced the Shepard’s, took the opportunity to announce that a grant of $840,000 was awarded to the University of New Hampshire to conduct a national survey of hate crime incidents and victimization. Congratulations UNH.

DURHAM HOSTS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY - November 24, 2018

On Monday, October 15, 2018, the Town Council adopted Resolution #2018-19 proclaiming Saturday, November 24, 2018 as "Small Business Saturday" in Durham, NH.

Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after US Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year and is a national effort to drive consumers to shop at local independently-owned businesses. As a supporting community, Durham will be listed on the Shop Small website.

View the Resolution adopted by the Town Council HERE.

Northeastern Fire Apparatus conducting its fire truck pump certification and inspection on Durham Fire truck. Courtesy Todd Selig

DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL FIRE TRUCK PUMP CERTIFICATION

The Durham Fire Department worked with Northeastern Fire Apparatus to conduct its annual fire truck pump certification and testing at the Lee fire station.

The testing process utilized integrated sensors and a laptop computer to accurately record the pumper’s RPM, flow, pressure and vacuum to compute, record, and analyze the test results to report and examine any trends in apparatus performance.

The testing also used clean water and a portable tank to recycle the water, minimizing waste and any discharge contamination while pumping a large amount of water over the course of the day.

Durham, Lee, and Madbury collaborated to schedule and execute this annual testing with the vendor. Thank you to Captain Brown for his efforts to test and maintain the readiness of Durham’s fire apparatus.

GREEN ROOFS PRESENTATION

Green Roofs will be the topic of a presentation on Wednesday, November 28th from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Durham Public Library.

Learn how Green Roofs could provide benefits to Durham’s built environment, including improving building aesthetics, providing space for gardens and food production, and managing stormwater. Join the Town of Durham Planning and Building Departments and the Durham Agricultural Commission for a presentation about Green Roofs by Mark Winterer, Owner and Director of Operations for Recover Green Roofs of Somerville, MA. www.recovergreenroofs.com.

For more information please contact Theresa Walker of the Durham Agricultural Commission, mailto:theresawalker@comcast.net, 603-659-7226.

US CENSUS BUREAU SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR PARTNERSHIP SPECIALIST IN STRAFFORD COUNTY & OTHER PORTIONS OF NH

The Census Bureau is accepting applications for the Partnership Specialist position in New Hampshire. Partnership Specialists develop partnerships with government leaders, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, schools, media outlets, businesses and other grassroots entities. These relationships will be critical in our efforts to break down enumeration barriers in support of the 2020 Census.

These are Work at Home positions. The announcements is closing on November 13, 2018.

To apply click on the links below:

Partnership Specialist: Coos, Grafton, Sullivan, Merrimack or Cheshire counties

External

Internal

Partnership Specialist: Carroll, Belknap, Strafford or Rockingham counties

External

Internal

THANKSGIVING AND WINTER FOOD BASKETS BY THE WAYSMEET CENTER/CORNUCOPIA FOOD PANTRY

The Cornucopia Food Pantry of the Waysmeet Center is providing Thanksgiving Food Baskets again on November 19 and 20, 2018.

They urgently need and welcome donations of food, paper supplies, personal items, monetary donations as well as volunteer efforts and time. Especially welcome are donations of core items such as stuffing mix, pancake mix, gravy, cranberry sauce, muffin mix, rice, potatoes, onions, fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, cheese, milk, cereal and recipes you want to share. The Waysmeet Center is accepting donations right through November 20, and of course accept donations at any time for our weekly food pantry times.

Last year, the organization provided almost 900 food baskets for Thanksgiving, winter and Earth Day, thanks to your help! Please help by donating food, funds or your time in helping organize and distribute the baskets. you can find more information in the attached packets and can also sign up on our Facebook site.

If you or someone you know needs a food basket they can fill out a simple request form for pick up or delivery. For more information call 603-862-1165 or Larry at mailto:Larry.Brickner-Wood@unh.edu or Alissa at mailto:Alissawaysmeet@gmail.com or visit the Waysmeet website.

GIVE THANKS! Durham Business Association Thanksgiving Food Drive - November 1 through November 16

Please help the DBA by donating non-perishable food items to help benefit those in need this holiday season.

All donations will go the UNH/Waysmeet Center Cornucopia Food Pantry and St. Thomas More Church.

Drop Off Locations:

--Federal Savings Bank, 7A Mill Road

--People’s United Bank, 70 Main Street

--Service Credit Union, 155 Main Street (Wildcat Stadium)

Suggestions:

Applesauce, canned beans, canned fish, canned vegetables, canned yams, cooking oils, crackers, dried herbs and spices, fruit (canned or dried), granola bars, instant mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, nuts, pasta, pasta sauces, peanut butter, rice, soups and stews, cereal, pie crusts, canned pie fillings, chicken or turkey broth.

For more information please contact the Durham Business Association at mailto:durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com

WINTER PARKING BAN

The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Thursday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2019. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But the Winter Parking ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00AM and 6:00AM. As the ordinance states,

“Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.”

Mast Way Elementary school Halloween party. This year's theme in the courtyard was "Spooky Swamp" and included games, food, music, and lots of friendly family fun. Courtesy John Pacheco

MR. SELIG HAS BEEN A GUEST SPEAKER ON CAMPUS THIS WEEK FOR UNH COURSES

On Tuesday of this week, Administrator Selig was a guest speaker in Professor Kyle Kwiatkowski's civil engineering class (CEE 704) talking with students about municipal infrastructure (roads, bridges, traffic studies) projects. Then on Thursday afternoon, he was a guest speaker for public policy students in Tama Andrews’ course at Horton Social Sciences talking about the municipal management profession, local government, and the interaction between local and state government. On Nov. 14th, he’ll be talking with students in John Halstead’s environmental resource & economics class about economic development.

View of the Oyster River, marsh area, and Mill Pond as seen from a rocky outcrop on the Milne Nature Sanctuary. Courtesy Ellen Snyder

MILNE NATURE SANCTUARY - Here is an update on the plans for this parcel - whether or not the Mill Pond Dam remains or is removed.

Although small in size at only one acre, the Milne Nature Sanctuary offers many features beneficial to nature and people. Sandwiched between College Brook, the Oyster River and Mill Pond and Mill Pond Road, this small in-town sanctuary is undergoing a makeover. Margery Milne bequeathed the property and a $25,000 Trust Fund to the Town of Durham in her Will. Following her passing, the property was conveyed to the Town in 2008. In subsequent years, overuse and abuse and invasive plants have taken their toll on this place that the Milne’s envisioned as a sanctuary for native wildlife and plants.

This year, a small Milne Nature Sanctuary working group was formed, led by Milne Trust Trustee Diana Carroll. In collaboration with Landscape Designer Robbie Woodburn and funded by the Milne Trust, the group has developed a Master Concept Plan. It was unveiled at a public meeting in October and is undergoing revisions to ensure that it meets the spirit of the Milne’s vision, is suited to the site conditions, is sustainable, and inviting to people and nature. Key elements of the plan include improving walking paths, removing invasive plants, highlighting view points, encouraging native plants, protecting the shorelines, and looking at connectivity around Mill Pond and along the Oyster River. The Plan includes a potential pedestrian/bike bridge across the Oyster River to the newly donated “Meadows” parcel. The working group is confident that the Master Concept Plan will be successful whether the Mill Pond dam remains or is removed.

For more information or to volunteer to help implement the plan, please contact Ellen Snyder, Durham Land Stewardship Coordinator, at mailto:ellensnyder1@gmail.com or Diana Carroll at mailto:dianacarrollnh@gmail.com.

FALL LEAF AND BRUSH CURBSIDE COLLECTION

Collection begins on Monday, November 5th, all items must be out by 7am! During Fall Cleanup, Public Works picks up brush (natural material from trees) first followed by the collection of leaves. Fall Cleanup is separate from your regular curbside collection!

Leaves should be placed in paper leaf bags (remember, plastic bags are not recyclable and will not be picked up). Paper bags may be purchased at Aubuchon Hardware and stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot. Loose leaves will not be accepted but may be brought to the Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road.
Brush should be placed in one direction, bundled and tied with string (no wire please).
Brush and limbs must be no greater than 5 feet in length and 5 inches in diameter. No stumps will be accepted.
The amount of brush and limbs is limited to ONE TRUCKLOAD PER HOUSEHOLD.
Cutting off small limbs from branches will help maximize each load.
Remember, backyard composting of your leaves and brush reduces the flow of waste, while at the same time, produces valuable organic matter for the soil. It improves your soil and the plants growing in it.

The Fall Newsletter will be mailed out in the next few days. The Newsletter can also be viewed HERE.

READY RIDES SERVES THE GREATER DURHAM COMMUNITY

Ready Rides is a volunteer driver program which assists the elderly and handicapped get to medical and dental appointments when they cannot drive themselves. Ready Rides serves the communities of Barrington, Durham, Lee, Madbury, Newfields, Newmarket, Northwood,Nottingham, and Strafford.

The organization provides free curb to curb transportation by volunteers, driving their own car.

Volunteers choose when they can provide rides, distance, and time of day. All volunteer drivers are vetted and trained for the safety of the clients. Drivers receive .35 cents reimbursement per mile to cover expenses. Help your neighbors stay in their homes as they age by improving their access to medical care.

Persons interested in becoming a Ready Rides volunteer driver may call (603) 244-8719, mailto:info@readyrides.org and check Ready Rides out on the web at http://www.readyrides.org

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - OCTOBER 27, 2018

It’s hard to believe the October is just around the corner, but unfortunately it is quickly approaching. The 2018 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 8-11:30AM. To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. Remember - The MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS. See more details in the spring newsletter located on the DPW's web page HERE.

Click Here for DCAT 22 Programming & Video On Demand Info

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.

Click Here for Community Programs & 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.

Click Here for all Parks & Recreation Events

MONTHLY CARTOONING WORKSHOP - Monday, November 5, 2018, 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Durham resident Susan Stehle will be offering a monthly cartooning workshop for students entering 5th through 8th grade. Registration is required. Held in the YA room.

Also . . .

NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH

(NaNoWriMo) is a nonprofit event that encourages kids and adults to tackle the challenge of writing a novel in November. Drop-in, open writing space will be available in the Durham Public Library Heritage Room for NaNoWriMo participants on Mondays in November from 3:30-7:30 pm. All ages are welcome to come write in!

Click Here For Durham Public Library Programs & Events

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

*Academic year commenced August 24th and will be measured through graduation at UNH in May.

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."

________________________

1850 - By vote of the town, Jacob Mathes was employed to quarry a stone, 3'10" by 1'10" and marked "DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE" to be used in the construction of the Washington Monument. Inserted in the east wall at the 130' level it has been viewed by astonished Durhamites over the years.

As is always the case, there is a lot happening in Durham! Have a very nice weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

T: 603-868-5571

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us

https://www.ci.durham.nh.us

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