Friday Updates - November 30th, 2018

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Friday, November 30, 2018

 

High tide sunset on Oyster River from Bunker Creek bridge on Route 4. Courtesy Joe Moore

 

The Annual ORMS Holiday Bazaar will be held tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 1st, from 10am-3pm in the gym at the Middle School on Coe Drive. There will be over 20 vendors including some ORMS students participating. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the PTO and we hope you'll come out and shop local and support our local school community. Yummy goodies and refreshments will be available at the Bake Sale.

In addition, Durham resident Luci Gardner provided a very clever exhortation this week, which we will share as follows...

EXHORTATION TO THOSE CONDEMNED TO USE ROUTE 108: CARRY ON FOR YET ANOTHER YEAR

I dream, but think I’ll never see

Route 108, at last range free

From waiting, widening, excavating

Waiting, digging, waiting, waiting

Unpaving, repaving,waiting, waiting

Stopping, starting carbonating;

So about this siege most non abating

Tell me not, mine's but a dream?

For the soul is dead that slumbers

And doesn’t risk blaspheme.Even as year four approaches and we go into nineteen

With ever a hope of ending, I’m holding my primal scream...

 

Mailbox in new NHDOT constructed sidewalk along Rt. 108/Newmarket Road. Courtesy Todd Selig

CAN'T PLOW THIS -- NHDOT PLACES MAIL BOXES IN MIDDLE OF NEW SIDEWALK ALONG RT. 108 BETWEEN STAGECOACH RD. AND NEWMARKET TOWN LINE

As part of the NHDOT Route 108 project, the state constructed a new sidewalk from Stagecoach Road to the Newmarket Town Line to allow Durham residents living in this part of the community to safely walk into downtown Newmarket. Durham, in turn, had made arrangements with the Town of Newmarket to use its snowplow tractor to clear the sidewalk so that Durham would not have to send its sidewalk tractors all the way out from the center of Durham to the Newmarket town line. In turn, Durham will provide some street sweeping services to downtown Newmarket. 

Unfortunately, NHDOT has installed USPS mail boxes in the paved portion of the sidewalk making it impossible for the Newmarket sidewalk snowplow tractor to pass! 

This resulted in an unplowed sidewalk and several understandable complaints from concerned residents. 

In response, DPW Director Mike Lynch met with representatives from the US Postal Service and the Newmarket DPW Director to try to find a solution, which was a tall order because the USPS is very rigid in its protocols and rules. 

For example, by simply turning the mail boxes so they would be parallel with Route 108, rather than perpendicular to it, there would be sufficient width to pass the sidewalk tractor. The USPS indicates this is against protocols and is not possible. The USPS also provides PO boxes at no cost for postal customers under certain rigid criterion, which would have also been a solution. Unfortunately, placement of the new mail boxes by NHDOT in a manner precluding the plowing of sidewalks making the sidewalks unsafe for passage in winter is not an eligible criterion! 

DPW Director Lynch has formulated a plan that we believe will solve the problem. If the 5 – 7 mail boxes currently placed in the sidewalk are moved to a grouping of mail boxes on Simons Lane at the corner near Rt. 108 (the H.H. Locksmith end), we may be able to meet the needs of everyone. 

Mr. Selig will be sending out a letter to the impacted postal patrons along Newmarket Road shortly, to let them know of the concept. Ideally, we’ll finalize this before the next snowfall.

 

NHDOT RT. 108 PROJECT UPDATES - Durham Point Road Intersection is focus of operations this coming week.

This week, Durham Point Road/Route 108 will be striped in its final configuration and the Durham Point Road slip ramp will be closed.

All roads have been based paved for the winter. NHDOT and the contractor intend to shut down for the winter in the next week or two. The last construction meeting of this year is scheduled for Thursday December 6th.

The curbing, sidewalks, and top coat of pavement will be completed next year. While we had all hoped the project would be complete in 2018, there will be continued construction in 2019...

 

Illustration of route for $2.68 million Dover Road Force Main project between pump station on Dover Road and WWTP. Courtesy DPW

$2.68 MILLION DOVER ROAD FORCE MAIN PROJECT PROPOSED REFERENDUM TO BE PLACED ON THE MARCH 12, 2019 TOWN ELECTION BALLOT

At the January 7, 2019 Town Council meeting, the Council will hold a public hearing as required by RSA 33:8-d II (a) on a referendum question to be placed on the March 12, 2019 Town Election Ballot to authorize the issuance of not more than $2,680,000 of bonds or notes, issued in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33), for the construction of a new Dover Road Pump Station force main.

A second Public Hearing will be held on the referendum question for Monday, February 4, 2019, per RSA 33:8-d II (b).

The Town of Durham owns, operates and maintains 17 miles of sanitary sewer, including the existing 3,000-foot Dover Road Pump Station force main. The 18-inch asbestos-cement (AC) force main was originally installed in 1967 and conveys all the Town’s wastewater flows to the Durham Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF). Because of the location and age of the force main, coupled with no immediate backup provisions, and the fact that it is a single point of failure, the existing force main was recommended for upgrade. The purpose of this project is to replace the existing force main with a new pipe located upland of the high tide line, along an accessible alignment.

The selected force main alignment will be routed along the shoulder of Route 108 (Dover Road) for approximately 400 linear feet, and then continue within the paved travel-way of Old Piscataqua Road. Old Piscataqua Road dead ends approximately 1,500 feet east of Dover Road. The sewer alignment will continue in an easterly direction through a short stretch of Town-owned property before entering NHDOT’s extended Route 4 road right-of-way. The force main alignment will parallel Route 4 and be approximately 100 feet south of the centerline of Route 4. West of the WWTF property, the force main alignment will turn and continue in a southerly direction. The force main alignment will cross a private property owned by UNH before entering the Town-owned WWTF property. The alignment ends at the southern side of the WWTF property where the force main will connect to the existing Headworks building. 

The total anticipated length of the new future force main piping is approximately 3,400 linear feet of 20-inch HDPE.

The existing force main will remain in service to provide redundancy to the system. Following the completion of the construction of the new force main the Town will investigate the interior condition of the existing force main to determine if any modifications or improvements need to be made.

To take advantage of the cost-savings associated when combining projects, the proposed 2019 CIP also includes $350,000 to design and construct a replacement water main within the same contract as the force main replacement project. To design and construct the water main in a stand-alone project could cost the Town anywhere from $750,000 - $1M.

Town Engineer April Talon will provide an update regarding this project at the Town Council meeting on Monday evening, December 3rd.

 

FREE HOLIDAY PARKING IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM - December 18th to January 1st.

In coordination with the Durham Business Association, the parking kiosks in the immediate downtown business area will allow free parking to encourage residents and others to shop the downtown during the holidays. The screen on the applicable kiosks will inform parkers of the free parking and will not accept any payment. No receipts on your dashboard will be required during the Holiday Parking period! The grace period that allows for free parking for shoppers will commence Wednesday December 18th and run through Tuesday January 1st!  Merry Christmas!

 
 

ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE CLOSED FROM DEC 24, 2018 THROUGH JAN 1, 2019

Due to vacation scheduling, the Administrator's Office will be closed beginning Monday, December 24, 2018 through Tuesday, January 1, 2019. The office will reopen on Wednesday, January 2, 2018.

 

NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2018

Due to vacation schedules, there will be no "Friday Updates" published on December 28, 2018.

 

SEC committee members at work this week during the Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project hearings in Concord. Courtesy Todd Selig

 

THIS WEEK’S REPORT FROM SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE NH SITE EVALUATION COMMITTEE -

As of 10/31/18, Durham has expended $270,517 on environmental and legal expertise outlining concerns with the project before the SEC.

 

The NH Site Evaluation Committee (SEC), the state board with sole jurisdiction for approving regional utility projects, is in final deliberations about whether to approve a new transmission line on the Seacoast, dubbed by Eversource as the Seacoast Reliability Project.

After two days of deliberations in Concord on November 28 and 29, the SEC has determined that the Seacoast Reliability Project meets a number of the criteria required by state law for approval. It concluded Eversource has the financial means to complete the project and that the project won't unreasonably damage aesthetics, air quality, or historic resources on its route as long as the utility meets certain conditions for construction.

The SEC still must decide whether the project is in the public interest; whether it will interfere too much with orderly development in the region; and whether it will harm natural resources or the environment.

The 13-mile power line would be buried under Little Bay between Durham and Newington. Durham and UNH, working together as intervenors, Newington, as well as many residents, fear it could harm the Little Bay and would not be consistent with local zoning or our Master Plan. 

Eversource indicates the project, which would add a higher-voltage transmission line on taller towers between Madbury and Portsmouth, is a necessary upgrade to the fast-growing region's overburdened electric infrastructure. 

View meeting notes Mr. Selig took over Day 1 and Day 2 of this week’s SEC deliberations HERE.

In addition, view the final brief submitted by Durham/UNH to the SEC citing numerous concerns with the project HERE.

Last month, impacted residents along the transition point at Little Bay asked the Town Council to commit to appeal the SEC decision if the project is ultimately approved. The Council opted instead to wait and see the outcome of the deliberations and meet with its legal counsel and confer with UNH before making any firm decision. Mr. Selig understands the Town of Newington will likely take the same wait and see approach.

 

DURHAM CEMETERY FLAG POLICY – Flags to only be displayed between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day

Over past many years, the local Boy Scout troop has put up small flags on the graves of veterans buried in the cemetery on Memorial Day. Additional flags are put up on Veteran’s Day, where they are left over the winter. The result is that many of these get broken, torn, pulled out, shredded and scattered around the Cemetery over the winter. Many cemeteries have policies concerning the display of flags, including limiting the times that they may be displayed. This morning, 11/30/18, the Durham Cemetery Committee, consisting of the three members of the Trustees of the Trust Funds and three members of the Town Council, met to discuss this issue. The resolution will likely be to allow the display of flags between Memorial Day and shortly after Veteran’s Day.

 

DURHAM RECEIVES QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS FOR WAGON HILL FARM LIVING SHORELINE PROJECT

It is with great pleasure we announce the Wagon Hill Farm Living Shoreline Project in Durham has been recommended for funding through the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Aquatic Resource Mitigation (ARM) Fund Program. On November 13, 2018 the NH Wetland Council voted to accept the recommendations of the Site Selection Committee and approve $250,000 of funding to create 0.36 acre living shoreline along the tidal Oyster River to restore lost and degraded salt marsh, address erosion, prepare for sea-level rise, and provide public education opportunities.

The recommendations were also approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As part of the program, a 0.36-acre living shoreline will be constructed to improve ecosystem services including high quality habitat, nitrogen cycling, carbon storage, and enable salt marsh migration on the Oyster River. There will be 296 feet of shoreline regraded and planted to restore the salt marsh and tidal buffer.

Kudos are extended to Public Works Director Mike Lynch, UNH, and NHDES for their partnership in working with Durham to secure these funds. 

 

DURHAM'S NEWEST OFFICER WILL BE GRADUATING SOON... from the NH Police Academy.

Officer Rob Keith will be graduating from the New Hampshire Police Academy December 14th after 16 weeks of intensive training. Rob is a graduate of Umass-Amherst with a BS degree in Sociology. While at Umass, the Medford, MA native interned with the Umass Police Department. Rob is following in his father’s footstep as his Dad is the Deputy Police Chief at Tufts University. We are excited to have Rob return from his State training and begin his Durham Field Training for the next 8 to 12 weeks where he will be assigned to work with a certified Field Training Officer (FTO). During this phase officers are indoctrinated to the policies and procedures of how a Durham officer provides a guardian services to the community, familiarity to the roadways, radio systems and all of the policies and procedures of the organization. Once completed, Rob will be assigned to a patrol shift and begin working singularly.

 

Town counselors rolled up their sleeves during this week’s budget work session. Courtesy Todd Selig

STATUS UPDATE ON THE FY 2019 PROPOSED BUDGET

Mr. Selig formally presented the proposed budget to the Town Council at its 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.

Business Manager Gail Jablonski and Mr. Selig 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 (as of mid-September) were 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 (as of mid-September).

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 Mr. Selig believed should have ideally been included for funding in 2019. Cutting more would result in ill-advised impacts to our operations.

This year’s budget cycle 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%.

The Town Council goal was to hold the local municipal rate static for the fifth year in a row.

A public hearing on the proposed budget was held on November 19th, and a budget work session was held by the Town Council on November 26th. The Town Council will resume its budget deliberations at this Monday’s Town Council meeting on December 3rd. 

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

As part of Administrator Selig’s proposed budget, many worthwhile requests from departments and outside agencies were unfortunately not able to be funded in an effort to comply with Town Council budget goals. Several of these reductions are noted below:

  • Elimination of requested Capital Improvement Projects from departments: $257,850
  • Elimination of requested Fire Dept. Training/Safety position: $118,000
  • Elimination of requested Fire Dept. additional secretarial support: $52,400
  • Elimination of requested GIS position from IT Dept. for 2019: $89,300
  • Elimination of DPW request for additional Highway Department position: $70,000
  • Elimination of additional position and additional hours in Town Clerk/Tax Collection office: $51,500
  • Reduction of contingency in Town Council budget to fund unforeseen Issues: $50,000
  • Reduction of part-time wages in building department: $52,750
  • Elimination of funds to support SRPC contract for zoning rewrite: $30,000
  • No pool rebate program for Durham (20% subsidy for residents buying pool pass):   $30,000
  • Reduction in external social service/public assistance agency requests: $21,735
  • Elimination of ORYA subsidy from Durham (Note, Durham would continue to allow free use of its fields and free use of its office space (valued at $15,000 annually) in the brick Historic Building. The Council still hopes to receive the results of an independent audit of ORYA finances, which was a condition of FY 2018 funding by the Town Council in 12/17.): $44,025
  • Reduction in Library allocation request: $12,000
  • Stormwater II permitting contracted services: $8,200
  • Building/Code Dept. contracted services: $8,000
  • Welfare Public Assistance: $3,000

At this point in the process, it is up to the Town Council to review the proposal and adopt a budget that it believes reflects the needs, priorities, and goals of the community. 

Residents may write to the Town Council directly with their concerns, thoughts, and ideas at council@ci.durham.nh.us.  

 

Library trustees at budget work session this week explaining their budget request to the Council. Courtesy Todd Selig

 

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 HERE.

 

SHOP L8 FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM - Sponsored by Celebrate Durham, during the months of November and December.

View schedule of events HERE. Visit the Celebrate Durham Facebook page HERE.

 

Mill Pond Dam on Route 108. Courtesy Todd Selig

TOWN COUNCIL VOTES TO PURSUE ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY FOR REMOVAL OF MILL POND DAM - Repair/replacement would cost an estimated $3 - $5 Million, plus ongoing recurring costs, and would not resolve water quality deficiencies in the Mill Pond.

 

The 140-foot dam across the Oyster River is listed on the N.H. Register of Historic Places. It's impoundment creates Mill Pond, now transitioning to a marsh environment, which the state considers an impaired water body. 

 

The cost of dredging is in excess of $1 million, which the Town Council considered infeasible and rejected in past years. 

 

Meanwhile, the state also considers the dam structurally deficient and in need of repairs. Those repairs would likely cost between $3 million and $5 million. 

 

The cost of removing the dam is not yet known, although it is likely external grant money would offset much of Durham’s costs.

 

As part of his proposed FY 2019 budget, Mr. Selig had included a proposal to expend $300,000 on a feasibility study to evaluate and begin engineering for the repair/replacement of the historic Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River. 

 

During its budget work session on November 26th, after much discussion the Council voted to change the purpose of the $300,000 allocation from dam repair/replacement to feasibility/engineering for Dam removal. 

 

Conversations have been taking place between Durham, NHDES, and the immediately adjacent abutting land owner concerning whether the classification of the Dam could be lowered or a waiver provided, which would also require additional feasibility study and engineering costs. But Town Councilors pointed out that changing the classification of the dam would not solve the underlying water quality deficiencies in the impoundment, and so the Council opted to move toward Dam removal. 

 

This is an important milestone decision by the Town Council concerning the Mill Pond Dam, and it marks the first step toward the dam removal of the iconic structure. 

 

Because the dam is historic, the Town would need to incorporate strategies to commemorate its rich history to the Town of Durham into the dam removal planning as part of the decommissioning process. 

 

SHOULD NATURAL (or Green) BURIALS BE PERMITTED AT THE DURHAM CEMETERY?

By state law, the Town of Durham does operate a municipal cemetery, operated by the Cemetery Committee, comprised of the three members of the Trustees of the Trust Funds and three members of the Town Council, and supported by the Public Works Department. At the present time, natural burials are not allowed at the Town’s cemetery.   Natural or green burial is the practice of burying bodies without embalming with toxic chemicals, encasing in metal or rainforest wood caskets, or cement or plastic outer vaults. A resident recently raised the question about natural burials here in town. The Cemetery Committee held an initial discussion at its meeting this morning and the members will be learning more about the practice and potential implications for Durham. Where the soil is primarily clay at the Town’s cemetery, which is also located above the Town’s aquifer for drinking water, it is likely an alternative location would be needed for natural burial practices — perhaps on conservation land. 

 

Better Homes and Gardens ~ The Masiello Group took first place in the business category during this year's Light Up Durham Lighting contest. Courtesy DBA

2018 ANNUAL LIGHT UP DURHAM LIGHTING CONTEST WINNERS

Thank you to all the Durham businesses and the University of New Hampshire fraternities and sororities who participated in the holiday lighting contest. What a wonderful start to the holiday season.

The contest was open to all businesses and all UNH Greek houses in good standing.

Judging took place Wednesday, November 28 from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

The guidelines for judging included:

  • 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.

Thank you also to Ken Barrows, Assistant Director of the UNH MUB, Claire Powell, resident, DBA Board Members, Johanna Knight, the Douglass Group at Keller Williams, Lori Roy, People’s United Bank, Karen Meyers, Three Chimneys Inn, Gina DeNuzzio, Federal Savings Bank, members of the UNH Greek community as well as a UNH’s The New Hampshire staff writer, Audrey Powell. Special thanks to Madison Roy for photographing all the wonderful displays.

2018 Annual Light Up Durham Lighting Contest Winners:

Businesses

First Place:                          Better Homes and Gardens ~ The Masiello                                             Group

Second Place:                     Durham Book Exchange

Third Place:                         Solsistar

Fraternities

First Place:                          Alpha Gamma Rho

Second Place:                    Sigma Nu

Third Place:                        Theta Chi

Sororities

First Place:                           Alpha Phi

Second Place:                     Chi Omega

Third Place:                         Kappa Delta

 

On Monday, November 26, 2018, The Durham Fire Department conducted a department-wide training focusing on initial Engine Company operations including forcible entry and hose handling techniques. Nationally recognized instructors from NY and NJ were on hand to provide their expertise, and UNH facilitated the availability of several of their Forest Park buildings, which are in the process of being decommissioned, for use in the drills. 19 of the 22 Operational Staff of the Department were able to take part in this unique and valuable training opportunity.

 

DURHAM FIRE CONDUCTS ALL DAY TRAINING SESSION ON 12/5 - Administrative Offices at DFD to be closed

The full staff of the Durham Fire Department will be in an all-day department-wide training session on Wednesday 12/05/18 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. 

The on-duty crew will be available to respond to emergency calls as usual; however, the administrative staff will not be available during business hours on Wednesday due to the training. The administrative offices will re-open on Thursday 12/06/18 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at which time staff will be gald to assist residents.

 

DURHAM SWAP SHOP UPDATE - Due to the inclement and snowy weather, furniture, rugs, and stuffed/upholstery items will no longer be accepted until the weather changes in the spring.

Despite the early cold weather, the Swap Shop is accepting items on Tuesdays and Saturdays until 2:30! Due to the inclement and snowy weather, furniture, rugs, and stuffed/upholstery items will no longer be accepted until the weather changes in the spring. We are sorry but the Swap Shop just doesn’t have the room to store these items when the weather is messy.

Please also know that the Swap Shop is still in need of more volunteers!  There are times on Tuesdays and Saturdays when there may not be a volunteer. If you do drop off items, it is helpful if you could please place the items INSIDE (where they go) in the Swap Shop. Leaving items outside in a box or bag could mean the items may get ruined due to the weather. Thank you for your help with this concern.

The Swap Shop would like to thank the two new volunteers who have generously stepped forward and signed-up online to volunteer! We welcome Alfred and Donna and hope others decide to offer three hours every few months. Your time while volunteering goes quickly as you chat with others, help organize items, and feel the warm sun on a late Fall/early Winter day! 

Please mailto:foggdrive@yahoo.com or call the Durham Public Works Department at 603-868-5578 between 8:00-4:30 and leave your name.

 

66 MAIN STREET

The Planning Board reviewed a conceptual application from Elliott Sidewalk Communities of Sparks, Maryland for development of a large mixed-use project at 66 Main Street at its meeting on Wednesday. Tim Elliott is also developing the hotel at Hetzel Hall. The University owns the now-vacant lot – formerly home of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity - but will be selling it to the developer if the project is approved. The development will include a restaurant, shops, offices, apartments, a parking garage to be accessed from Pettee Brook Lane, and a pedestrian promenade in the middle connecting Main Street to Pettee Brook Lane.

The applicant plans to submit an updated preliminary design review application soon.  A public hearing will then be held on the proposal.

View an aerial view of the lot and the documents related to the project HERE.

 

Left: Leaf in the snow. Courtesy Todd Selig. || Right: Leaf in ice.. Courtesy Kitty Marple

 

WINTER PARKING BAN - Nov. 1st thru April 1st

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. 

 

2019 CONSERVATION LICENSE PLATE GRANT - Durham receives $9,050

The Town of Durham has been notified that it has been awarded a 2019 Conservation License Plate grant in the amount of $9,050.00 for the Invasive Control on Durham's Oyster River Forest project.

Thank you to Land Stewardship Coordinator Ellen Snyder for her efforts in applying for this grant!

 

2019 FARMERS MARKET LOCATION TO BE DURHAM TOWN HALL PARKING LOT

Next year’s Seacoast Growers Association market in Durham will be held at the Town Hall on the Church Hill side on Monday afternoons from late-spring through early-fall. We look forward to providing a more prominent and convenient location for the market as part of our support for local agriculture. 

 

A beautiful picture of the Lamprey River from the Wiswall Bridge. Courtesy Anthony Raimondo

 

MILL PLAZA IS A PRIVATE PARKING LOT

The Mill Plaza parking lot is not a public parking lot and if you are not shopping, dining or visiting one of the businesses in the Mill Plaza, your vehicle can be “booted”. The Durham Police have been advised by the complex management that parking lot attendants will be using a mechanical boot on cars that are parked illegally. As this is private property, the use of the mechanical boot is allowed under New Hampshire law, as is the towing of a vehicle. New signs have been placed prominently throughout the parking area advising persons of the booting and towing for those not legitimately using the parking lot to conduct business within the plaza. While the Durham Police have had several complaints from persons having their vehicle booted, it is purely a civil matter and does not involve the Durham Police who cannot intervene in this private/civil matter. 

 

PART-TIME ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR SOUGHT

The Town of Durham, NH (Pop. 16,009), seeks a part-time Economic Development Director or subcontractor responsible for the planning, management, and coordination of economic development activities. The position works under the supervision of the Town Administrator and will be assigned to work closely with the Economic Development Committee. Duties are performed independently and include proactively recruiting new businesses, support existing businesses, and encouraging strategic development and redevelopment; prioritizing key economic development initiatives consistent with the Master Plan and Town Council goals, developing strategies to attain those goals, and working tenaciously to bring them to fruition; establishing and maintaining on-going relationships with UNH concerning commercialization efforts on and off campus; developing and nurturing professional working relationships with business owners and managers, real estate developers, commercial realtors, and other local and regional entities, and encouraging them to locate or expand business in Durham; and maintaining an online economic development presence.

View the complete job advertisement and job description HERE.

 

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDS END TO DURHAM HOSTING ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE

At this week’s meeting of the Durham Human Rights Commission, Chair Kitty Marple asked Administrator Selig to provide a brief background with respect to a recent request the Town received about placement of a Menorah in Memorial Park, alongside the Town’s annual holiday tree.

This request sparked a much broader question about whether or not the Town should host a holiday tree, formerly the Town's Christmas Tree, in the public square at public expense.

Administrator Selig explained that the Chabad at UNH Student Center is a home for Jewish Celebration and a Center for Jewish Education adjacent to UNH. He had been asked by its Rabbi, Berel Slavaticki, whether the Chabad would be able to place a 9 foot Menorah in the Memorial Park beginning December 2nd to remain for eight days. Rabbi Slavaticki was asked to complete and submit the Town’s permit for use of Town property/special event application. After receiving the completed application and speaking with Police Chief David Kurz, Mr. Selig said he decided to deny the request based on a number of reasons, one of which was concern about vandalism and public safety for such objects, as every aspect of public infrastructure (trash barrels, tables, chairs, equipment, etc.) is subject to regular and ongoing damage/graffiti/vandalism from inebriated young people and other visitors to the community. However, it was suggested that a finite Menorah lighting on December 2nd with everything removed from public property after the conclusion of the event would be reasonable, and Rabbi Slavaticki agreed to that compromise, with the ceremony now taking place at Ballard Park instead of the Memorial Park.

Administrator Selig said for this year, the Town’s annual tree lighting ceremony will occur as planned, but that the Durham HRC should have the discussion regarding what the future might be for this event.

Kitty Marple opened the floor to Mr. Kenneth Sole, a former Durham resident and Applied Social Psychologist. Mr. Sole had emailed Mr. Selig expressing concerns he has had for many years about the Town “holiday” tree being located on public property. He said he appreciated that Mr. Selig had taken his concerns seriously with respect to the tree being on public property downtown as no one in Town government had ever dignified his concerns for 40 years prior. He said his issue was solely with the tree’s location. He did not believe that sectarian symbols should be placed on public property and that Town citizens should not have to pay for such.

Human Rights Commission Member Merton said he associates with the Jewish faith, but has never been offended by the tree. He did not object to having the Menorah on public property for just an evening celebration.

Human Rights Commission Member Kahn said that for him, he would view it as either all or nothing: either allow or don’t allow the placement of symbolisms on public property. He said he had reached out to UNH professor Richard England after the Durham HRC members were forwarded Professor England’s email concerning the downtown holiday tree. He read Professor England’s subsequent response:

“In my email to Todd, I argued that most people think of a "holiday tree" as a symbol of the Christmas holiday and not just of the winter season. I even cited Pope John Paul in support of my position.

My position is that all Americans should enjoy freedom of worship in their churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc. They should also be free to display religious symbols on their own private property. At the same time, we should also honor the separation of religion from the public realm. The Founding Fathers were quite clear that there should be no established religion in the United States. That was the case when the overwhelming majority of Americans were Christians and it's just as true today when non-Christians comprise a larger share of the U.S. population.

It's unfortunate that this annual lighting of a Christmas tree on Town property has become a Durham tradition because many of our residents look forward to this event. It would have been preferable to have an annual nonreligious event heralding the arrival of winter and featuring skaters and skiers. Perhaps it is still possible to move in that direction.”

Mr. Merton agreed with Mr. Kahn’s idea of all or nothing, saying he is leaning toward allowing all. He felt that if there was a private property where the tree, and other symbols, could be placed and also be visible, that would be his preference. He asked if the Town had received any other concerns from citizens, and Administrator Selig said only resident Diane Freedman.

Chair Marple said that someone had suggested to her that instead of having the wreaths that are located downtown on all the light posts, perhaps replace them with banners that would celebrate each holiday.

Chair Marple asked Commission Member Jablonski what her thoughts might be on the subject. Ms. Jablonski said she would go with nothing, only because there might always be a chance that a certain group would be overlooked. She felt placing the tree on private property (perhaps a local church) would be the best approach. 

Administrator Selig said he could contact the local churches with the idea. He also noted that Parks & Recreation Director Rachel Gasowski suggested the Town could hold a winter carnival instead of the tree lighting ceremony for 2019.

Chair Marple thanked everyone for attending and for providing their perspectives and sharing their experiences.

 

Solar tour attendees included Willie Ouellette, Jim Dreher, Tom Moriarty, Coleen Fuerst, Janet Mackie, Sandy MacLean, Barbara Dill, Jack Lannamann, Sandeep Sobti, Carden Welsh, and Jochen Meissner.

DURHAM'S FIRST SOLAR TOUR - I've got sunshine, even on a cloudy day...

On the only bright sunny Saturday in November, a dozen residents piled into the Park and Recreation van for a tour of several solar installations in the community. Sponsored by the Energy Committee and spearheaded by member Jack Lannamann, the event also included a presentation by Kayla Wernig of Revision Energy on the basics of solar energy, hosted by Durham Boat Club owners Colleen Fuerst and Jim Dreher, which was the first stop on the tour.

Next came Bill McGowan and Karen Bishop’s Lindenwoods Farm on Packers Falls Road, where an array of 52 panels on the ground will power the home and farm. Just across the road, the group visited the home of Sascha Barth and Mary Malone, whose children proudly showed us their notebook of statistics covering the first year of their solar tracker, which follows the path of the sun during the day much like a large sunflower.

At the next stop on the top of the hill off Packers Falls Road, attendees were welcomed into the cozy solar powered home of Jack Lannamann and Sheila McNamee, who graciously served refreshments as the participants chatted about the tour.

The last stop was at the home of Harry and Sally Tobias on Madbury Road, whose roof-mounted panels power their home.

Many thanks to Rachel Gasowski for use of the van and to Michael Behrendt for driving us around town.

If you missed the tour, no worries! We hope to offer another one come spring.

 
 

TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS

Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?

Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

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

ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION - Saturday, December 1st 6:00-8:00pm Downtown Main Street

All are invited to join us downtown for this special annual community celebration. Participants can look forward to cookie decorating, bonfire with s’mores, Ruby the Photo Bus, an ice sculpting demonstration, performance by the NH Gentlemen, sand art, a visit from visit from Santa and more! Be there as we light the tree for the holiday season!

Event Schedule:

6:00pm-Tree Lighting Event begins!

6:10-6:50- Visit tables and stations

6:35-6:50pm- NH Gentlemen Performance

7:00pm- Santa arrives by Fire Truck

7:05pm- Meet and Greet with Santa

7:15pm- Tree Lighting Ceremony

7:30-7:45pm- Continue visiting with tables and stations

7:45-8:00pm -Raffle (must be present to win)

8:00pm- Event concludes

 

JOIN DPL FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY SNOWFLAKE SOCIAL - Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 4 - 6PM!

Stop by and say hi to the Nutcracker cast and stay for goodies, door prizes, the unveiling of Trudy Brown's 2018 Gingerbread House, a performance by UNH's own Not Too Sharp, and drop-in crafts for both youth and adults! 

**Snow date: Thursday, December 6, 2018

 

 

Alpha Gamma Rho took first place in the Fraternities category during this year's Light Up Durham Lighting contest. Courtesy DBA

 

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."

________________________

1851 - J. Richardson, E. Thompson, S. Demeritt, W. Chesley and associates became incorporated as the Durham Historic Association, authorized to hold personal and real estate valued to $3,000 as enacted N.H. Laws, 1848-52. Chapter 1197, pp 1151-1152. This is the only known record.

 

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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