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Evening at Wagon Hill
Courtesy of Cathleen Perich by way of John and Diana Carroll
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Elections are on Tuesday, November 8th from 7 AM – 7 PM at the Oyster River High School located at 55 Coe Drive, Durham, NH. Voting will take place in the gymnasium. Same day registration will be in the multi-purpose room. ️
Reminder to set clocks back one hour on Saturday evening as Daylight Savings Time ends at 2AM on Sunday morning. ️
UNH Again Earns 'Best Value' Status, ranking first in region, Top 10 in U.S. among public universities for second straight year. View the full article in UNH Today HERE. ️
Seacoast Eat Local has published its annual report for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2022. View the report HERE. ️
Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day: What's the Difference? Memorial Day: This holiday honors military personnel who died in service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. Veterans Day: This holiday honors everyone who has served in the military, whether or not they served in wartime or died in battle. Monday is Veterans Day. Town Offices are closed in observance of this holiday.
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REFUSE AND RECYCLING SCHEDULE FOR VETERAN'S DAY AND THANKSGIVING WEEK
There will be NO changes to Friday’s collection of commercial recycling on Veteran’s Day, November 11th.
There will be NO refuse and recycling collection on Thursday, November 24th. This pickup will be on Friday, November 25th. Please have all items out by 7:00AM as always.
There will be NO commercial recycling collection on Friday, November 25th.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH, IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY
All Town offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day next Friday, November 11th.
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NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" PUBLICATION ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH
Due to the Veterans Day holiday, there will be no publication of the "Friday Updates" next Friday, November 11th. The next publication will be on Friday, November 18th.
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NH HOUSING APPEALS BOARD UNANIMOUSLY AFFIRMS PLANNING BOARD DENIAL OF MILL PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT APPLICATION - Colonial Durham Associates, LP v. Town of Durham
In a decision dated October 31, 2022, the three-person NH Housing Appeals Board (HAB) ruled unanimously as follows:
The May11, 2022 decision of the Town of Durham Planning Board that is on appeal is AFFIRMED.
The Applicant’s request for findings and rulings which are consistent with this Order are APPROVED; the balance are DENIED.
The Applicant’s request for costs and attorney’s fees is DENIED.
The applicant has 30-days to request reconsideration by the HAB, and another 30-days thereafter to file an appeal with the NH Supreme Court should they choose to do so.
To view the unanimous decision, click HERE
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COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: A THREE-MEMBER BOARD - What is their role, and why vote for them?
The structure of county government today is modeled after a basic three-branch system of government. The County Commissioners make up the Executive Branch, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of county government, in both fiscal and policy matters. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for all county departments and exercise budgetary oversight of all county finances. Other responsibilities include the management of county buildings, and land, and personnel. Commissioners are responsible for the governing, administration and overall supervision of the department of corrections, nursing home, public assistance, human resources and departments not under the statutory control of other elected officials.
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Town Clerk-Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt and Deputy Town Clerk Rachel Deane during the Primary Election in September 2022. Courtesy Todd Selig
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TWO QUESTIONS WILL BE ON UPCOMING NH GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT FOR NOVEMBER 8, 2022 - Read about them here so you're not surprised by the questions at the polls.
Two questions will be on the November 8, 2022 ballot statewide and the League of Women Voters New Hampshire, a non-partisan grassroots organization, offers this explanation to help voters understand the questions and decide how to vote.
Neither the League of Women Voters nor the Town of Durham take a position on either question.
Question 1:
The intent of this question is to amend the New Hampshire constitution to delete references to registers of probate, thus eliminating this county office.
The bill to put this on the ballot passed the NH House 294 to 43 and passed the NH Senate 21 to 3.
Why this amendment is proposed: In New Hampshire, prior to 2011, the Register of Probate office in each county handled simple wills. But after 2011, when the New Hampshire state legislature approved a reorganization of the court system, many of the official duties of the Register of Probate office were stripped. After 2011, the primary job of the Register of Probate is to preserve files that have “the potential for historical significance.” --from Ballotpedia.org
To help voters understand the text of this question, League of Women Voters has shown the references to Registers of Probate currently in the NH constitution as struck-thru. No struck-thru phrases appear in the question on your ballot, which makes understanding the question harder than it needs to be. (By law, the question must be shown on the ballot as it will appear if passed.)
Text of the question:
Are you in favor of amending articles 71 and 81 of the second part of the constitution to read as follows:
[Art.] 71. [County Treasurers, Registers of Probate, County Attorneys, Sheriffs, and Registers of Deeds Elected.] The county treasurers, Registers of Probate, county attorneys, sheriffs and registers of deeds, shall be elected by the inhabitants of the several towns, in the several counties in the State, according to the method now practiced, and the laws of the state, provided nevertheless the legislature shall have authority to alter the manner of certifying the votes, and the mode of electing those officers; but not so as to deprive the people of the right they now have of electing them.
[Art.] 81. [Judges and Registers of Probate Not to Act as Counsel.] No judge or Register of Probate shall be of counsel, act as advocate, or receive any fees as advocate or counsel, in any probate business which is pending, or may be brought into any court of probate in the county of which he or she is judge or register .”
Voters may select “yes” or “no” or leave the question blank.
A “yes” vote is to eliminate the office of Register of Probate.
A “no” vote is to keep the office of Register of Probate in each county.
What happens next: If the proposed amendment is approved by two-thirds of those voting on the amendment, it takes effect, thus eliminating the office of Register of Probate from each county.
Question 2:
Text of the question: Shall there be a convention to amend or revise the constitution?
Voters may select “yes” or “no” or leave the question blank.
A “yes” vote is to hold a constitutional convention.
A “no” vote is to do nothing at this time.
Background: In New Hampshire, a state constitutional convention question appears on the ballot every 10 years. A constitutional convention consists of elected delegates that propose changes to the state's constitution. Any proposed changes, including a rewritten constitution, must then be approved by voters to take effect.
New Hampshire’s last such convention was in 1984. In 2012 NH voters rejected the question by a margin of 64% to 36%.
In New Hampshire a majority vote of both houses of the legislature is needed to place the following question on the ballot: "Shall there be a convention to amend or revise the constitution?" If no such question has not been submitted to the people by the legislature in ten years, the Secretary of State is required by Pt. II, Art. 100 to place the question on the ballot. That is what is happening in 2022.
In other words, this question is appearing now because it has not been on the ballot for ten years.
What happens next: If the proposed amendment is approved by a majority of those voting on the amendment, it takes effect.
If the majority of voters vote Yes, voters will choose delegates to the convention at the next election.
At the convention itself, a three-fifths vote of the delegates is required to send a proposed constitutional amendment to ratification. Nothing becomes law at the convention itself.
Any amendment approved by the convention would be sent to the people at the next biennial November election as a ballot question. A two-thirds vote of those voting on the proposed amendment would be required to ratify the amendment.
If the amendment does not receive a two-thirds vote, it does not take effect.
If the majority of voters vote No, there will be no constitutional convention for at least the next four years, though the Legislature could vote to put the convention question on the ballot again.
Additional Information:
New Hampshire voters do not have the power to make or repeal laws through referendum.
NOTE: If you choose not to vote on a question, that will not affect the outcome. Only the ballots with either Yes or No marked will be considered when determining the number of Yes votes needed to take effect.
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THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL'S ROLE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE FOR A DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE (who would represent Durham)?
The New Hampshire Executive Council is a unique, five-member body in the state's Executive Branch that serves as a check on the governor’s power. The Council must approve all nominees to state courts, including the state Supreme Court; it must confirm appointments to state agencies like the Department of Education; and it must approve all state contracts over $10,000. It also leads the development of the state’s 10-year transportation plan. The Council meets twice a month, year-round.
The official website of the NH Executive Council provides an overview of the Council's authority as well as brief descriptions of the Council's meetings although no record of how each Councilor voted on a given issue.
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DURHAM IN STRONG POSITION TO RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL GRANT, A $150,000 WATERSHED ASSISTANCE GRANT, TO SUPPORT REMOVAL OF OYSTER RIVER DAM AT MILL POND
Positive news. The FY 2023 Watershed Assistance Grants pre-proposal submitted by the Town of Durham DPW, “Restoration of the Oyster River Herring Run through Removal of the Mill Pond Head-of-Tide Dam and Installation of Fish Passage on the Oyster Reservoir Dam, Durham NH,” has been selected to move forward to the full proposal step. It was the highest-ranking proposal out of the 15 proposals received. The available grant funding to be offered to the project is $150,000.
The team at the NHDES Watershed Management Bureau is excited about working with Durham on this regionally significant project.
Several other grant applications are outstanding and still in process.
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ADMINISTRATOR’S PROPOSED FY 2023 OPERATIONAL & CAPITAL BUDGETS AND 10-YEAR CIP PLAN SUBMITTED TO TOWN COUNCIL
The proposed budget allocates limited resources and supports funding for targeted initiatives consistent with Town Council goals, to the extent it has been possible to do so responsibly while still meeting the budgetary needs of departments in order to safely and reliably meet the basic needs of the Durham community based on historical levels of service delivery and evolving challenges/opportunities. In light of global financial challenges, U.S. inflation at 8.2% for the 12 months ended September 2022 (after rising 8.3% previously), the war in Ukraine, and skyrocketing energy/fuel prices, this is intended to be a steady state budget to ensure our operations are ready to accomplish needed tasks as efficiently and effectively as possible for a community of our size and demographics, taking into consideration the reality that Durham hosts UNH, the State of New Hampshire’s flagship public university.
Business Manager Gail Jablonski and I have worked with Assessor Jim Rice and our external contracted utility appraiser George Sansoucy concerning the projected future assessed valuation for Durham in 2023. As you know, 2023 is a full revaluation year for Durham, which will entail a redistribution of the local tax burden across assessment classifications consistent with recent trends in the real estate market, yet we have endeavored to craft the proposed budget assuming status quo assessments moving forward for ease of tax rate comparison. We’re therefore projecting approximately $25 million in utility increases to account for bringing utilities back to 100% of market value (adjusted from 72.5% in tax year 2022) and an additional $6 million in assessed valuation from new construction over the last year, consistent with increases seen in Durham between 2008-2012 when little new building was taking place. Without meaningful tax base growth generated from new construction, it is challenging to maintain a flat (or reduced) tax rate for Durham.
General Fund revenues (exclusive of $775,000 transferred in last year from Undesignated Fund Balance to offset the cost of outstanding potential abatement appeals, which has been eliminated for 2023), are down by $99,655 from what was projected for 2022, representing a negative impact to the Town’s bottom line. Motor Vehicle Registrations, recycling revenues, and police special detail proceeds are down, offset to a degree by an increase in Parks & Recreation programming revenue.
Revenue projections continue to include an annual $150,000 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. 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 52.40% UNH and 47.60% Durham [a change from 55.7% UNH and 44.3% Durham in 2022] for Water; and 51.10% UNH and 48.90% Durham for Wastewater [a change from 54.4% UNH and 45.6% Durham in 2022] for Wastewater).
Budgetary projections take into account not only declining revenue and limited growth in the tax base as outlined above, but also setting Overlay at $75,000 to address potential tax abatement applications in 2023. No projected use of fund balance to offset non-abatement expenditures is planned.
A primary driver within Durham’s municipal budget are personnel-related costs that account for 63.41% of total spending as part of the proposed 2023 budget.
Fiscal Year 2023 Budgetary Proposal
This year’s budget cycle has resulted in a proposed 2023 General Fund budget totaling $18,106,249 -- a spending increase of $408,884 or 2.31% compared to FY 2022. Increases are due to required wages and benefits as a result of collective bargaining contracts, a 2% COLA for non-union personnel, insurance increases, energy/fuel costs, skyrocketing increases in various supplies and materials, and other miscellaneous requests that will be discussed as part of the upcoming process. Non-property tax revenues are projected to decline in FY 2023 by $874,655, a decrease of 10.3%. As noted above, however, $775,000 of the revenue decline was due to the resolution of outstanding abatement appeals in 2022.
In total, this year’s budgetary proposal is projected to increase the 2023 local municipal portion of the tax rate by 3% from $8.13 to $8.37, an increase of 24 cents. The tax rate had remained at $7.37 (formerly $8.48 but adjusted due to 2018 statistical revaluation update) for 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The proposed increase would cost the average Durham property taxpayer with a home valued at $450,000 an additional $108 in taxes for 2023.
The proposed Sewer (Wastewater) Fund budget reflects a 6.58% increase in user fees in 2023 (a rate of $9.57 per hundred cubic feet). The total Sewer budget appropriation proposal is up 6.2% from $2,968,000 to $3,152,000 – an increase of $184,000. Impacts within the Sewer Fund include current and future Major Components replacement/refurbishments and upgrades, personnel, energy, and supply costs, sludge disposal due to increased regulation around PFAS, as well as a gradual shift in our pro rata (rolling 36 mo. average) cost share of the joint wastewater and water operating budgets for Durham and UNH. The proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 23.6% increase in user fees (a rate of $10.42 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2023.The total Water budget appropriation proposal is up 22.3% from $1,247,500 to $1,525,220 – an increase of $277,720. The biggest impact in the Water Fund is a loss of $21,630 in revenue annually due to the decommissioning of the Sprint/Nextel cellular node atop the Foss Farm tank, increase in operational pro rata share of water processing at the UNH Water Treatment Plant, personnel COLA increases, debt service, and energy and supply costs.
The twelve-month September 2021 to September 2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) numbers are: U.S. City Index – 8.2%, Northeast – 7.2%, New England – 7.4%, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH – 8.1%.
Links for the 2023 Proposed Budget and 2023-2032 Proposed CIP can be found below. The 2023 Proposed Information Booklet will be uploaded soon. Hard copies of these documents can be viewed at the Town Hall and at the Durham Public Library.
Administrator Selig and Business Manager Jablonski will present the proposed budget and CIP to the Town Council on Monday evening, Nov. 7th. The public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 14th at 7 PM.
Administrator’s Proposed FY 2023 Budget - Click HERE
Proposed 2023-2032 CIP - Click HERE.
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END 68 HOURS OF HUNGER - VOLUNTEER OUTREACH
Oyster River is actively seeking volunteers to help with preparing the distribution of their annual appeal letters. This workshop will be held at the Durham Public Library, Community Room, November 17th at 4:30pm.
Light refreshments will be provided.
This organization sends home bags of groceries for each child in families that are struggling to provide adequate food for their children. Currently, 42 children get grocery bags weekly, each bag costs between $18 and $20. This number has increased by over 20% in recent weeks, most likely due to the high cost of heating oil, gas and food costs. We expect this trend to continue throughout the winter. We are hoping that more people will help with this effort; there are needs for people to attend events where donations can be collected, plan fundraising activities, organizing volunteers and more.
Email Doris Demers at mailto:ddemers@orcsd.org if you have questions. Any donations of food can be dropped off at the Oyster River Service building, monetary donations can be mailed to End 68 Oyster River, 33 Coe Drive, Durham, NH 03824.
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DID YOU KNOW? - Plastics and Paper
The best way to impact the amount of plastic waste consumed is to not purchase single use plastics and find alternatives whenever possible. When that is not an option, it is important to recycle plastic. Many of the plastics you place in your curbside bin or bring to the transfer station have good solid domestic markets. These plastics are separated by grade and sold out of Billerica, MA (where our NH recyclables go).
Waste Management, our provider for solid waste disposal and recycling, is committed to the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) Demand Champion Program. They pledge to increase the use of post-consumer resin (PCR) in products we purchase.
One of Waste Management’s largest purchasers of recycled plastic is Unifi, a company that uses recycled plastic to create a textile fiber known as REPREVE. Together, Waste Management and Unifi have recycled more than 20 billion bottles into new products such as shoes, clothing and bags.
Here are some examples of companies that buy and repurpose our plastics and paper:
HDPE and PP
https://www.kwplastics.com
PET
https://unifi.com/repreve
Cardboard
https://www.westrock.com/company
Mixed Paper
https://www.prattindustries.com/
Brought to you by the Integrated Waste Management Committee
Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com
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SWAP SHOP NEWS
The Swap Shop will be closing for the season on Saturday, December 10th, 2022. This timeline will advance should we receive a significant early season winter storm. Bulky items will NOT be accepted on December 10th, as Swap Shop volunteers will be working diligently to pack up for winter.
The Durham Public Works Department and Swap Shop Volunteers would like to remind residents that the Transfer Station’s Swap Shop does not accept certain items. While we would like to keep reusable items out of the waste stream and the landfill, indoor storage space is limited, and other safety concerns must be considered. When entering the Transfer Station, it is mandatory to stop and check-in with one of the Attendants to review the items you wish to donate to the Swap Shop. The Attendant(s) will evaluate each item(s) based on the criteria below to determine if it will be accepted. A bulky waste coupon may be required in situations where the item(s) is not accepted. We encourage residents to discuss other options for donating their goods with the attendants and Swap Shop Volunteers. A reminder that users of the Swap Shop are encouraged to remain at the facility for no longer than thirty minutes during any one visit to allow other residents an opportunity to view and take items. The following is a list of items that are not accepted at the Swap Shop:
- Dirty, moldy or stained items. Stained fabrics may go into the Ecosmith Textile Recycling bin.
- Broken, non-functioning or items missing pieces (a chair without a leg, desk without a drawer or drawer knobs, etc..)
- Boxes full of unsorted items (unless approved by a Transfer Station Attendant or Swap Shop Volunteer.)
- Upholstered furniture (mattresses, box springs, chairs, couches, headboards, pillows, etc.).
- Electronic items (all of which require an electronic coupon for disposal):
- Refrigerators
- Dehumidifiers
- Air Conditioners
- Other items containing a refrigerant
- Televisions
- Computer Monitors
- Construction materials of any kind (wood, shingles, sheetrock, insulation, etc.)
- Concrete, bricks, stone, solid fill.
- Appliances larger than a microwave (appliances containing refrigerant that have an electronic coupon will be considered for donation).
- Hazardous Materials or Chemicals (oils, gas, diesel, kerosene, propane, oxygen, mercury containing items, etc.)
- Food, beverages, cosmetics
- Textbooks, dated manuals, reference books (can be recycled using the Discover Books bin)
- Skies, ski boots, snow boards
- Child safety equipment (car seats, helmets)
- Weapons
- Broken glass (including glass from picture frames)
- Clothing and shoes (Use the Salvation Army bin for clothing and shoes in good condition. The Ecosmith bins for these and any stained bedding, towels, fabric stuffed animals, etc.)
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TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTS CLIMATE ACTION PLAN FOR DURHAM
In January 2021, Durham joined the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), in which local governments commit to the GCoM pledge to:
- Undertake measures to reduce/limit greenhouse gas emissions.
- Prepare for the impacts of climate change.
- Increase access to sustainable energy.
- Track progress toward these objectives.
Under GCoM, Durham must complete the following within 3 years:
- Greenhouse Gas Inventory (complete)
- Target for reducing greenhouse gases (complete)
- Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (ongoing)
- Goals for reducing risks (ongoing)
- Climate Action Plan (complete/on-going)
In addition, Durham will provide updates to GCoM every 2 years.
In the summer of 2021, UNH Sustainability Fellow Cathy Fletcher began work on the Climate Action Plan for Durham. The main purpose of the plan includes:
- Outlines specific actions.
- Estimates each action’s impact on reducing emissions or increasing resilience.
- Includes an implementation plan and how to measure progress.
Actions that fall under mitigation and/or adaptation/resilience are:
- Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Adaptation/Resilience: Preparing for and managing the risks of climate change impacts (Example: increase in flooding)
The importance of the CAP for Durham is that it outlines what actions Durham will take to reduce its emissions and increase its resiliency to climate change impacts.
Before her departure in June of 2022, Ms. Fletcher developed a draft plan which was placed on the Sustainable Durham website for community review and collected feedback from the Town’s department heads and also the Durham community through an online survey. In May 2022, Ms. Fletcher gave presentations of the proposed plan to the Human Rights Commission, Land Stewardship Subcommittee, Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee, and Conservation Commission.
In July 2022, Durham welcomed new UNH Sustainability Fellow Rafidah Rahman to continue working on finalizing the Climate Action Plan, as well as other projects and outreach in conjunction with the Durham Energy Committee and Administrator’s Office. Rafidah is working on her Master of Science in Sustainability, under the Department of Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts University where she is a Merit Scholar.
At the October 17, 2022, Town Council meeting, the Council approved a plan to submit to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy before the October 31, 2022, deadline for its feedback.
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DPW COMPLETES REPAIRS TO JACKSON'S LANDING PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
Durham Public Works’ Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, Nick Bennion, recently completed repairs to one of the pedestrian bridges at Jackson’s Landing this week. The entire bridge deck, sections of structural deck support beams, and select concrete footings were replaced. These structural deficiencies were identified earlier this summer and resulted in a temporary closure of the bridge.
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FREE 1-HOUR PARKING REMINDER IN IDENTIFIED AREAS WITHIN DOWNTOWN DURHAM (with ticket)
A friendly reminder that the following parking areas have the first hour free parking in downtown Durham with a meter receipt displayed. *
- Main Street (in front of the stores and restaurants)
- The downtown parking lot located at the Southwest corner of the Madbury Road and Pettee Brook Lane Intersection (University Market Lot)
- Madbury Road (Westerly side, between Main Street and Pettee Brook Lane)
- Jenkins Court
*Durham residents/taxpayers displaying a valid Durham Resident/Taxpayer sticker on their front windshield receive a second hour free.
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RECOMMENDATIONS FROM HOUSING TASK FORCE MOVE TO PLANNING BOARD FOR CONSIDERATION/DISCUSSION/REVIEW
The Planning Board will discuss extensive proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance related to housing at its meeting this Wednesday. The Durham Housing Task Force developed this draft over the past several years to encourage more residential opportunities in the town. Many professionals have spoken about the current emergency in New Hampshire and across the country with the inadequate housing supply and soaring real estate prices.
You can see the proposed amendments HERE. The Housing Task Force started as a subcommittee of the Durham Economic Development Committee but is now a separate Town committee since the EDC was disbanded. The mission of the task force is “to identify, analyze, and advocate for a balanced and diverse supply of housing that meets the economic, social, and physical needs of the Durham community and its residents.” Here is a link to the task force website https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_planning/housing-amendments.
Questions, among many others, to be considered by the Planning Board include to what extent there is already workforce housing available in Durham (and to the extent there is, how much more is desirable/targeted?), whether such units would remain affordable after being constructed in a highly desirable community like Durham that also supports the state's flagship public university (including the reality of pressures created via the intense undergraduate off campus student housing market), the position Durham plays within the region in collectively providing sufficient workforce housing across Strafford and Rockingham Counties (i.e., Durham provides off campus student housing thereby freeing up housing units -- that would otherwise be occupied by UNH students -- in surrounding communities for workforce housing), and whether zoning and other changes recommended to incentivize/facilitate additional workforce housing construction would have unintended consequences on the quality of life and quintessential New England character of the Durham community. For example, would rural gateways or existing farm lands be impacted?
At the same time, what is the consequence of taking no action and remaining with the status quo?
A very thoughtful and important educational process and discussion/dialogue awaits.
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THE DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE WANTS YOU! - We have openings and need interested residents to step forward to participate/serve.
The Parks & Rec Committee currently has openings for one regular member and three alternate members. The committee meets typically on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.
Our purpose is to support and advise the Parks & Recreation Department in areas such as programs and events, and letting residents know what our amazing Parks & Rec staff offers for all ages. Future endeavors include community input within various topics of parks and recreation in Durham.
Please join us! If interested, contact either Committee Chair Cathy Leach: leachfam@comcast.net, Rachel Gasowski, Parks & Recreation Director: rgasowski@ci.durham.nh.us or any member of the committee.
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WAGON HILL LIVING SHORELINE PROVIDES ANOTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITY - A delegation from the NE Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists visits...
Members of the New England Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists visited the Living Shoreline project at Wagon Hill Farm as part of their recent regional conference entitled “The Role of Wetlands in Climate Resilience”.
The attendees toured the site with project designers David Burdick and Tom Ballesteros of UNH, as well as Tom Brightman (Durham's Land Stewardship Coordinator). They learned about the site's history, ecological importance, challenges from sea-level rise, and how the Living Shoreline project is providing Wagon Hill, Durham, and the Great Bay with more resilience to the impacts of our changing climate. The attendees will take what they learned to help them work on similar challenges around New England’s coasts and estuaries. Learn more about the Living Shoreline project at Wagon Hill HERE, and the Great Bay Living Shoreline Project HERE.
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FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS EACH WEEK IN UNH TODAY ... AND VIA THE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE CALENDAR PAGE
UNH Today is the official online publication of the University of New Hampshire. It delivers news, events, and multimedia devoted to bringing community members a weekly glimpse of the remarkable things happening on campus, in New Hampshire, and around the world.
As a subscriber, you'll learn about student and faculty achievement, the impact of UNH in the community, and timely information on the arts, sports, and special events that make UNH (and in part Durham) a vibrant place.
You may sign up to begin receiving UNH Today by clicking HERE
As you know, there is always a great deal happening on campus, and many events are not mentioned in UNH Today. Many other campus happenings can be researched via the UNH online calendar, which can be accessed HERE.
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FIRE HYDRANT WINTERIZATION
Durham Public Works, Water Division staff began winterizing fire hydrants within the Town water system this week. This includes inspection and draining of the hydrant barrel to prevent freezing during inclement conditions. The UNH and Town of Durham Water System is responsible for the operation and maintenance of over 300 hydrants across the Town and UNH campus.
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Officer Cameron Holdsworth and Officer Chloe Jepson out and about with Trick-or-treaters in Durham.
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DURHAM WINTER PARKING BAN - BEGINS NOVEMBER 1ST
The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Tuesday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2023. 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 effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham.
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POTENTIAL MILL POND DAM REMOVAL FUNDING APPLICATIONS
FY23 Watershed Assistance Grants – Mill Dam Project ranked highest amongst applications received - On Monday October 31st, staff from Durham Public Works were notified that our pre-proposal titled Restoration of the Oyster River Herring Run through Removal of the Mill Pond Head-of-Tide Dam and Installation of Fish Passage on the Oyster River Dam, was selected to submit a full proposal to NHDES for Watershed Assistance Grant funding in the amount of $150,000.
Each year NHDES solicits projects to address nonpoint source (NPS) pollution through the implementation of watershed-based plans in priority watersheds. Projects must comprehensively address NPS problems and must have a quantitative way to assess progress and determine success. The watershed-based plan must have a clear water quality goal and include the nine, minimum elements (a) through (i) required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Funded projects must make reasonable progress toward achieving the water quality goal established in the watershed-based plan.
The full proposal and the budget spreadsheets are due on or before Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. The full proposal review and approval steps are as follows – 1. NHDES receives the full proposal and budget forms and the Town team works with NHDES to address any questions they may have. 2. The full proposal and budgets are then sent to EPA for review and project approval. 3. Once EPA approves the proposal and budgets, NHDES develops a grant agreement for Town signature. 4. NHDES sends the completed agreement to NH State Governor and Council (G&C) for approval by early summer 2023.
More information on NHDES Watershed Assistance Grant Funding can be found HERE.
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DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS RELEASES FALL LEAF AND BRUSH CURBSIDE COLLECTION PROGRESS DASHBOARD IN ADVANCE OF COLLECTION PROGRAM
Durham Public Works Would Like to Remind Residents That the Annual Curbside Fall Leaf and Brush Collection Begins on Monday, November 7th at 7AM.
To provide a convenient way for residents to view collection progress while determining if collection has occurred on their roadway, Durham Public Works created an online dashboard using the ESRI ArcGIS Online Platform. Roadways and neighborhoods where brush and leaves have been collected can be viewed on the Town’s public facing web map HERE. A screenshot of this dashboard is shown below.
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During this curbside collection program, Durham Public Works crews collect brush (natural material from trees) first followed by the collection of leaves. It is important to note that this program runs independently from the regular curbside solid waste and recycling collection.
Leaves must be placed in paper leaf bags (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 Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road during public open hours.
- 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.
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BEARS CAN BE GOOD NEIGHBORS - Take precautions to prevent undesired contact.
Bears continue to be on the move! Several neighbors have reported seeing them in their neighborhoods and it is important to understand how we can limit our interactions, so the bears and humans remain safe and peaceful neighbors. According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game website, black bears are generally shy and usually avoid humans. They are opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when natural foods are not available. Maintaining a sustainable bear population in New Hampshire depends on minimizing human-bear conflicts. It is illegal to intentionally feed bears in New Hampshire. Intentional feeding can create problems within residential areas and can result in fines. It also may threaten the life of the bear, if it becomes a nuisance animal as a result of this feeding.
New Hampshire Fish and Game understands the importance of educating the public and provide very good tips for helping to avoid conflicts with bears, which can be viewed HERE.
- Take down, clean and put away bird feeders by April 1. Store the bird feeder until late fall. (Birds will do just fine with the natural foods available.) Bear damage to bird feeders is a common and growing spring complaint.
- Clean up spilled seed below feeder stations.
- Keep garbage in airtight containers inside your garage or storage area. Double bagging and the use of ammonia will reduce odors that attract bears.
- Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.
- Do not place meat or sweet food scraps in your compost pile.
- Do not leave pet food or dishes outdoors at night.
- Clean up and/or store outdoor grills after use.
- Use a bear-proof dumpster.
- Never intentionally feed bears to attract them to your yard for viewing. It is illegal to intentionally feed bears.
New Hampshire Fish and Game suggests that you wait at least until December 1 to put your feeder back up. However, if we have not had several days and nights of cold weather, bears may still be active and looking for food; then you should keep your feeder down until we have had several days of cold weather.
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OYSTER RIVER COOPERATIVE SCHOOL BOARD NEWS
There is No School for students on November 8 due to the General Election and November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
Genevieve Brown has joined Oyster River as Communications Specialist. Gen brings over a decade of experience in communications, marketing, and educational program management, most recently at UNH. She has already dived into a full review of the ORCSD web site and begun meeting with digital learning specialists and the district IT team.
Oyster River High School presents Clue as the fall play, November 17-19. Tickets are available online or at the door. Purchase tickets online by clicking HERE.
Director of Student Services Catherine Plourde provided an overview of Special Education services, evaluation, staffing, and funding sources in Oyster River.
The school board continued discussion on the 2023-2024 budget. The State Department of Education is expected to release 2023-2024 state funding amounts by November 15. The budget will be discussed further at the school board meeting on November 16 and budget workshop on November 17. The School Board is expected to adopt a proposed budget on December 7. This will be followed by a public hearing in January, review and vote by citizens at the Deliberative Session in February, and final decision by voters at the local election in March.
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NH SAVES NO COST REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER PICK UP AND RECYCLING PROGRAM
Durham Public Works is pleased share that NH Saves is offering a limited time No Cost home pickup of working refrigerators and freezers with a $75 rebate being offered through November 30th, 2022.
To schedule a no-cost pickup of your refrigerator or freezer, please have your electric utility account number ready and call NH Saves recycling contractor, ARCA, at 1-877-889-4763 or CLICK HERE for more details and to place your order online.
- No-cost haul-away and responsible recycling
- $75 incentive per unit through November 30, 2022
Appliances manufactured before 1990 can use three to four times more electricity than newer models so getting rid of these inefficient energy hogs is a smart choice. Recycling inefficient appliances saves energy, helps curtail growing peak load demand, and prevents the release of greenhouse gases. With this program your inefficient appliance will be disposed of properly, with over 90% of the unit being recycled by ARCA Recycling, the NH Saves contracted recycler.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant must be a valid residential electric account holder of a participating New Hampshire utility partner.
- Appliance must be picked up at the service address on your billing account with your NHSaves utility.
- Applicant must own the appliance.
- Water line must be disconnected.
- Refrigerators and freezers must be regular household size (10-30 cubic feet).
- Appliance must be in working (cooling) order, empty, clean, defrosted and plugged in at the time of pickup.
- Two units maximum per household per calendar year.
- Refrigerator or freezer must be picked up between January 1st – December 31st, 2022.
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OUT FOR A WALK? WEAR ORANGE. HUNTING SEASON HAS BEGUN!
As New Hampshire Fish and Game advises, “It’s recommended that all outdoor enthusiasts and their pets heading into the woods this fall think safety by wearing blaze orange, sticking to established trails when hiking, and reviewing the safe hiking guidelines at hikesafe.com.” Fluorescent orange not in your fall wardrobe? “Wearing blaze orange has statistically been shown to decrease hunting incidents across the country,” said Josh Mackay, who coordinates the Hunter Education Program at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Learn more, including hunting season dates, at the Department's website: Wear Blaze Orange When Heading Afield
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DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION HOSTS FALL PROGRAM ON NOV. 6TH
The Durham Historic Association will host its fall program on Sunday, November 6 at 2 p.m. in the Durham Town Hall Council Chambers. Presenters will examine the history of six diverse objects from our collection, two of which were recently gifted to the museum. These items include the return to Durham of an extraordinary portrait, pest remedies, a 19th century musical instrument, an ingenious, low-tech communications device, and more. Something of interest to all!
This event is open to the general public. Refreshments will be served.
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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The Downtown Churches Christmas Fairs are back! The four downtown churches, St. Thomas More Catholic, St. George Episcopal, the Unitarian Universalist, and the Community Church of Durham, will be holding Christmas Fairs on Dec. 3 from 9 AM to 2 PM. There will be baked goods, crafts, art, jewelry, soups and chowders, Christmas decorations, live and online auctions, and MUCH more for people of all ages! Please join in the fun of being together again for this wonderful town tradition.
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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Thank you staff, volunteers, and Durham Fire for making Halloween Family Movie Night so much fun!
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THIS WEEK AT DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY!
Fall Youth and YA programs are underway! Storytime and Wiggles & Giggles programs are all open. Registration for Raccoon Readers and listed for fall and register for the return of Racoon Readers and read with our new pet partner Ogden at Tales for Tails! Make sure to take a look at Monthly and Special Programs like Lego Club, Movies and our Homeschool Activity Hour! And don't forget the Young Adult page where registration is also open for the YA Cooking Club, YA Game Night and the Bookeaters Book Club, and more! Program calendars are available HERE. And don't forget to check out the fall Storywalk book! Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert is this season's title!
Check our Events page where our adult programs are open for registration into December Don't miss Jane Oneail's return on November 9th in honor of Veteran's Day, with her presentation titled War and Peace and Winslow Homer: The Civil War and Its Aftermath at 6PM via zoom. Jane will join us again in December for a look at the art of Norman Rockwell's universal scenes of celebration and joy with A Very Rockwell Holiday, also via zoom. Meditative Yoga has also returned on Monday mornings at 10AM in the upstairs Oyster River Room through December and McGregor Memorial EMS is returning to the library select Saturdays for First Aid, CPR/AED and Babysitting certification classes on selectged Saturdays through 2023. To register for these classes, visit their website at http://www.cprsafe.org/.
Questions? We can help! The library staff is always available to answer your questions during business hours at 603-868-6699 or any time at durhampl@gmail.com
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1881 - 10 shares of Boston & Albany RR stock were accepted by the town for a George Ffrost Temperance Association & Health Insurance Company. Signing the pledge were 43 males & 46 females. In 1973 the trustees converted it to a school educational fund to combat drugs and alcohol
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We'll provide election coverage Monday evening following the close of the polls at 7 PM and the announcement of results by the Moderator several hours later after all tallies are complete.
Have a very good weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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