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The Footman Islands off Adam’s Point. Courtesy Darrell Ford
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With the approaching winter season and snow flurries spotted earlier this week, staff at the Public Works Department have their knife sharpeners out and are putting a fine edge on the Town’s plow blades for potential snowstorms.
In addition, Wednesday is Veterans Day. Veterans Day is a time for all of us to pay our respects to those who have served. This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on November 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" in order to account for all veterans in all wars.
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DURHAM’S ELECTION DAY A SUCCESS THANKS TO THE HELP OF HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS
The phenomenal success of Durham’s general election on November 3 is a reflection of the dedication and enthusiasm of Durham’s volunteers. A presidential election is typically a large undertaking for town election officials, but during a pandemic there were many additional challenges and difficulties. Despite fears that the town’s volunteer numbers would be low because of COVID-19 over 178 Durham residents volunteered their time to assist in facilitating the election.
The Town of Durham's election officials would like to personally thank every single volunteer for their contribution. This election would not have been a success without their involvement. Because of their effort, we successfully distributed and processed over 3,700 absentee ballots, registered many voters ahead of schedule, and kept the polls running safely on Election Day. Most importantly, we maintained the integrity of the election process and delivered our poll results on time. We could not have done it without the support of our volunteers. We would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt, “Thank You!”
A special thank you to our Oyster River student volunteers: Allison Howland, Sophia Isaak, Isabella Kalinowski. Ben Kelley, John Federico, Owen Fleischer, Theo Fleischer, Zoe Selig and Gabi Selig. Most of these students are not old enough to vote, but they worked over 12 hours on Election Day to ensure that Durham residents could cast their ballots safely and quickly. Bravo!
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY
A reminder that all Town offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day next Wednesday November 11th. There will be NO CHANGE TO THE REFUSE AND RECYCLING SCHEDULE next week. As always, please have all items out by 7AM.
With many holidays coming up, residents should refer to the 2020 Holiday Pick up Schedule below for refuse and recycling schedule information.
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DURHAM’S SAM FULD CONSIDERED FOR RED SOX MANAGER POSITION
According to today’s Union Leader, 11/6, the Red Sox month-long search for the franchise’s next manager could be down to two candidates: Alex Cora and … Durham’s own Sam Fuld.
Fuld, a 38-year-old Durham native who graduated from Stanford, played for the Rays from 2011-12, reportedly giving Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom, who worked in Tampa’s front office, first-hand experience with him. Fuld is currently the player information coordinator for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Sam’s parents are Mandy Merrill and Ken Fuld of Durham.
Finger’s crossed!
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REMOTE v. HYBRID v. IN-PERSON LEARNING MODELS DISCUSSED BY SCHOOL BOARD THIS WEEK AS THE ORCSD DILIGENTLY WORKS THROUGH ONGOING PANDEMIC COVID-19 IMPACTS
As New Hampshire and New England experience a projected uptick in Covid-19 cases moving into the winter season, the Oyster River School Board is working diligently to find the right solution(s) for our Oyster River community concerning remote v. hybrid v. in-person learning models.
On Wednesday night this week, 11/4, the board decided Oyster River High School will modify its schedule to enable more students to optionally come into the building 1:30-3:10 PM for enrichment and academic support. Remote synchronous opportunities will also be offered. Clubs, activities, and teams will be able to meet after school starting at 3:15. This High School administration will announce an implementation date as details are finalized over the next few weeks.
Oyster River Middle School will continue with primarily remote school until at least mid-January, though the schedule will be modified to add additional Bobcat time. The middle school also plans to gradually increase the number of "targeted learner" students in the building on Wednesdays. For the 2nd semester starting in late January, the administration will develop plans for a 1-day-per-week in-person approach, as well as explore the feasibility of concurrent learning, where students in-person and remotely could be participating in the same class real-time. Investigating concurrent learning will also include the High School.
The next school board meetings on November 18 and 19 will likely be focused on discussion of winter sports and the 2021-2022 budget.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Compostable goods are often thrown in the trash by consumers who, not knowing, think they’ll simply break down in the landfill. However, these products get buried underneath trash with very little oxygen. Compostables cannot break down safely without oxygen, the right amount of light, and bacteria. Therefore, when they are thrown in the trash they remain trash and all of the benefits of composting are lost.
WHAT TO DO?
Be sure you are disposing of your products correctly & try to prioritize the easy process of composting.
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COPING WITH COVID - DURHAM BUSINESSES TAKE ON THE PANDEMIC
Economic Development Director, Christine Soutter, interviewed four local businesses to learn what changes they made to keep their doors open during the pandemic. Watch the video HERE to see what Bamee, Oyster River Cycle & Sport, Three Chimney’s Inn and The Big Bean did to keep their staff employed and their customers happy.
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ST. GEORGE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH SELLING HANDCRAFTED KILLDEER BIRD
For over forty years, St. George's Episcopal Church (located on Main Street, opposite the Community Church) has sold beautiful handcrafted felt birds at their annual holiday fair. Due to health concerns, the fair will not take place this year but that hasn't stopped the women of St. George's from introducing their newest bird, the Killdeer. The sale begins on November 11th, and runs through December 15th. Instead of standing in long lines of collectors, you can purchase your birds at a safe distance: virtually! To receive an online catalog or to place an order, please contact TJ Ballew by phone: 603.767.6558; or by email: mailto:stgeorgesbirds@gmail.com. We will need your contact information (name, address, telephone, and email) and a list of birds you would like to order. St. George’s will call you when your order is ready for pickup at the parking lot entrance of the church. (1 Park Court, Durham) Please understand that quantities are limited.
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WINTER PARKING BAN - Now in effect
The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Sunday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2021. 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.
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TOWN WIDE ROADWAY PAVEMENT CONDITION EVALUATION
Durham Public Works has partnered with StreetScan to perform a mobile sensing survey of its road and sidewalk networks that will help prioritize maintenance and repairs. Data collection of roads and pavement markings will begin the week of November 9th and are expected to be completed by the week of November 16th. Sidewalk and ramp collection were recently wrapped up.
StreetScan’s automated vehicle-based data collection provides up-to-date and objective information on road asset conditions. StreetScan employs 3-D imaging technology to detect and measure road defects such as cracking and bumps. StreetScan’s vehicles assess the condition of roadways in normal traffic flow. Once the survey is completed, a Municipal-wide inventory of road conditions is developed on a scale which runs from 0-100 (with 0 being the worst and 100 being ideal).
For sidewalk assessments, StreetScan deploys mobile carts with high definition video capture capability. Sidewalk distresses such as cracking, aggregate loss, uplifts and surface distortion are identified, which are then used to calculate sidewalk condition ratings on a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being the worst and 100 being ideal. For ramp assessments, StreetScan deploys teams to physically measure various ramp slope and wear surface metrics to determine their compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
Survey results will be completed in early 2021 through Streetlogix, StreetScan’s customizable, GIS web-based application, providing an enriched view of the Town’s street network with color-coded pavement conditions and other assets, along with images for every scanned road and a range of decision-making tools. These tools will assist the Town in its decision making, estimate budget requirements and create capital improvement plans to optimize every dollar invested.
Project Overview:
Total roads to assess: approx. 89 miles, Total sidewalks to assess: 19 miles, Total curb ramps to assess: approx. 270
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Courtesy Stephen Pesci, UNH Planner
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MAIN STREET SOUTH SIDEWALK UPDATE - November 4, 2020
NHDOT #41369 managed by UNH The project is nearing completion with sidewalk and trees installed and fencing in progress.
Over the next several weeks we expect completion of street lighting, return of right-of-way travel and bus shelter installation.
We appreciate your patience over the past two months during the detours.
This inconvenience has allowed us to keep the project on-time and on-budget!
For more information contact Stephen Pesci at UNH Campus Planning.
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2020 KING TIDE CONTEST - Calling all Durham photographers!
The New Hampshire Coastal Adaptation Workgroup (CAW) is excited to announce the return of the New Hampshire King Tide Contest on November 14-17, 2020, and is calling on community members to help document the effects of higher than normal tides on New Hampshire's coast with photos and videos.
The term "King Tide" refers to the highest high tides that occur multiple times per year when the moon is in alignment with the sun and closest to the earth. These higher than average high tides will likely cause coastal flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and are indications of what will eventually become a "new normal" as sea levels rise due to climate change. Documenting King Tides with photos and videos is an effective way to help communities identify areas prone to coastal flooding, visualize impacts of sea-level rise, and start planning.
View more information HERE.
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REPORT FROM THIS YEAR’S HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY COLLECTION EFFORT
DPW reports high participation in the October 24th HHW day event with over 50 residents disposing of common household hazardous waste items. This collection event provides an opportunity for residents to properly dispose of common household hazardous wastes while protecting the environment.
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VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETINGS MAY HAVE AN IMPORTANT PLACE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT TRANSCENDING THE PANDEMIC
The Town Manager in Exeter has written an Op Ed this past week outlining from his perspective and that of the Exeter community that virtual meetings on platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams are more efficient and increase public participation versus traditional in-person public meetings. Read his Op Ed in the Exeter Newsletter HERE.
Durham has had very positive results as well implementing and adapting the Zoom virtual technology to meet the needs of the community.
While Mr. Selig does not see remaining 100% with Zoom meetings post-pandemic, he does envision the Town's being able to utilize Zoom as an additional option to facilitate public participation in the public process for board members and citizens alike.
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DURHAM PD WELCOMES A NEW OFFICER
Officer Erik Burke is a graduate of the 178th New Hampshire Police Academy. Erik started his career with the Manchester Police Department in 2018 and most recently worked for the Strafford County Sheriff's Department. Erik lives in Manchester with his family and is a graduate of Liberty University. We are excited to welcome Erik to Durham, where he will spend the next several weeks on field training, learning geography and the nuances of policing in our community!
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REVIEW THE LATEST TOWN COUNCIL GOALS UPDATE - QUARTERLY REPORT AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
For people passionate about Durham, this is a must read (though perhaps not a real page turner)! :-)
Administrator Selig has provided the Town Council with a progress report on quarterly goals as of 9/30/2020. View the updated goals HERE.
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BRUSH ACCEPTED AT THE TRANSFER STATION AGAIN AS OF SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24TH!
The ban on burning brush has been lifted for the time being. We will accept brush once again at the Transfer Station.
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FALL LEAF AND BRUSH CURBSIDE COLLECTION BEGINS ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020. All items must be out by 7am!
During Fall Cleanup, Public Works picks up brush (natural material from trees) first followed by the collection of leaves. Fall Cleanup is separate from your regular curbside collection!
Leaves should be placed in paper leaf bags (remember, plastic bags are not recyclable and will not be picked up). Paper bags may be purchased at Aubuchon Hardware and stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot. Loose leaves will not be accepted but may be brought to the Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road.
- Brush should be placed in one direction, bundled and tied with string (no wire please).
- Brush and limbs must be no greater than 5 feet in length and 5 inches in diameter. No stumps will be accepted.
- The amount of brush and limbs is limited to ONE TRUCKLOAD PER HOUSEHOLD.
- Cutting off small limbs from branches will help maximize each load.
- Remember, backyard composting of your leaves and brush reduces the flow of waste, while at the same time, produces valuable organic matter for the soil. It improves your soil and the plants growing in it.
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GREEN SNOW PRO AND SALT APPLICATOR CERTIFICATION
Durham Public Works Highway, Grounds and Building Foremen, Shane Bickford and Sam Hewitt participated in a two day Green Snow Pro workshop sponsored by the UNH Technology Transfer Center which is a first-in-the-nation certification program that is helping to substantially reduce wintertime road salt applications and improve water quality. The Program was developed to mitigate chloride pollution of watersheds (lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater) in New Hampshire through the reduction of salt used in winter maintenance.
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DURHAM-GREATBAY ROTARY CLUB WORK AT WAGON HILL FARM
The Rotary Club of Durham-Greatbay was hard at work last week repairing bridges at Wagon Hill Farm in Durham. The Club works with the Town's Land Stewardship Coordinator each year to repair trails and bridges at many different locations in town. Service Above Self!
Wagon Hill Farm is a 139 acre gateway property to Durham with spectacular views across the open fields and out across Little Bay. The iconic wooden wagon at the top of the hill, overlooking the highway, is a local landmark recognized far and wide among Seacoast residents, UNH students, and tourists alike. As such, the trails and bridges should be built to welcome and sustain year-round access by the public. In addition, the increasing popularity of the Wagon Hill Farm trails, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has put more pressure on these trails and bridges. As part of the Land Stewardship Subcommittee’s work on assessing town properties and planning and building more sustainable trails, an assessment of the Wagon Hill Farm trails and bridges was initiated in 2020.
The assessment identified eight trail/bridge sites that need improvement. Two of these sites included boardwalks with broken boards. The Rotary volunteered to replace the boards.
These improvements will make the trails safer and more enjoyable for visitors and help the Town in its ongoing efforts to protect the ecologically sensitive shoreline and salt marsh habitat at Wagon Hill Farm. Another great project in the Greatbay community.
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SWAP SHOP TO REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
DPW officials recently met with a subcommittee of the Integrated Solid Waste Committee and coordinators of the Swap Shop to evaluate the possibility or re-opening. The consensus was to continue to keep closed. A poll was taken of the volunteers to determine if there was any interest in opening and found that concerns over Covid including possible spikes in the fall and winter remained and people felt it was a better approach to keep closed until spring. We will keep updating the community as things change.
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NH ATTORNEY GENERAL ISSUES A SCAM ALERT
Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald issues a scam alert for New Hampshire residents, especially its older adult population, concerning new and concerning tactics being employed by scammers in perpetrating the “Grandparent Scam.”
In a “Grandparent Scam,” a scammer calls or e-mails a victim posing as one of the victim’s relatives, typically a grandchild or child. The scammer posing as the relative then claims to be in trouble, often saying he or she has been arrested by law enforcement in another state or country. The scammer may also pose as a member of law enforcement and claim to have arrested or detained the victim’s relative. The scammer will instruct the victim to not tell anyone, often saying the victim is under a “legal gag order” to not speak about the incident.
In the past, these scammers would then seek to swindle money from the victims by requesting that the victim wire funds to a bank account or otherwise transfer funds electronically. However, New Hampshire residents have recently reported these scammers have arranged for the in-person pick-up of money or other valuable goods directly from the victim’s home. This represents a new and dangerous threat to New Hampshire residents.
The Attorney General reminds New Hampshire residents that legitimate law enforcement officials will never:
- Issue a “gag order” regarding the release of a relative over the telephone or by e-mail;
- Demand immediate payment over the telephone or by e-mail by wire transfer or in-person payment of cash or other valuables (such as gold) in exchange for the release of a relative; or
- Ask for your personal information in exchange for the release of a relative.
The Attorney General urges New Hampshire residents to be vigilant. Anyone receiving one of these calls should take the following steps:
- Do not engage with the caller;
- Hang up immediately;
- Do not provide money or personal information, including home address;
- Contact your local police department immediately, especially if you have lost money or other valuables, or made arrangements for the pick-up of money or valuables from your own home; and
- Report the scam to the Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Protection Hotline: 1-888-468-4454; e-mail: mailto:Doj-CPB@doj.nh.gov ; http://www.doj.nh.gov/consumer/complaints
Be aware that scammers are able to “ghost” or utilize what appear to be trusted telephone numbers or may utilize similar e-mail addresses to those belonging to relatives. The scammers are also often able to supply personal information about the relative, which the scammer has obtained through the internet. As a result, even if it appears that the telephone number or e-mail address is familiar or the caller provides some information you know to be true, the Attorney General’s Office advises all to be cautious and aware of the potential that it may still be a scam call.
Anyone with knowledge that a vulnerable adult has been scammed or financially exploited should also contact the New Hampshire Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, at 1-800-949-0470.
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Pictured l-r is Fire Marshal Brendan O'Sullivan and Firefighter Warren Kadden. Courtesy Durham FD
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DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFERS CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS
Proper use of child safety seats can help keep our children safe but, do you know whether your child’s car seat has been properly installed? According to the Safe Ride 4 Kids website, car crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14 in the United States. Many deaths and injuries can be prevented by proper installation of age and size-appropriate car seats and booster seats.
Firefighter Warren Kadden of the Durham Fire Department recently attended a certification-level course to become a certified car seat installer. He joins Fire Marshal Brendan O’Sullivan at the Durham Fire Department who is also a certified car seat installer.
The car seat inspection/installation service is offered to community members at no charge. To schedule a car seat installation or car seat safety check with Warren or Brendan, please call the Fire Department at (603) 862-1426 or (603) 868-5531.
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WATER, STORMWATER, AND WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM INSPECTION
Water Chief Operator, Dwight Richard, coordinated a product demonstration from EastCom Associates of the Cues P542 Flexiprobe Inspection Camera System and pipeline locator. Inspection and location of the Town’s collection and distribution pipelines are essential components of the Town’s maintenance, repair, emergency response and Dig Safe programs. Additional demonstrations are planned as Durham Public Works evaluates this technology for use in the management of its water, stormwater and wastewater utility programs.
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UNH OFFERS “HOT LINE” TO REPORT CONCERNS AROUND PANDEMIC – Available for use by community members as well.
The University is very concerned about student behavior that may affect the health, safety and welfare of the Durham and UNH community, specifically as it relates to COVID-19. An on-line reporting form is where UNH students, staff, and faculty, as well as members of the Durham community, can report the following concerns:
Students not wearing masks.
Students not properly social distancing.
Parties or large gatherings where students are not wearing masks and/or social distancing.
Students who refuse to put on mask or properly social distance after being asked.
This form is not for reporting emergencies or reporting incidents to the police. If there is an emergency or you want to report an incident/issue to the police, please call 911 or Durham Police at 603-868-2324.
Access the form HERE.
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Amtrak Downeaster at the UNH/Durham station. Courtesy Todd Selig
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NEW AMTRAK DOWNEASTER SCHEDULE - Effective November 2, 2020
The new schedule features minor time changes and service remains at 4 daily roundtrips - each running from Boston North Station to the norther end of the line in Brunswick Maine.
The first train stops in Durham at 6:25 am weekdays (to Boston)/7:24 am weekends
The last train stops in Durham at 9:52 pm weekdays (to Brunswick)/11:07 weekends
The official Downeaster schedule (showing full corridor) is HERE.
The ticket vestibule with ATM and Amtrak Quik-Trak machine is open during train service hours. However, the Dairy Bar Restaurant (and access to the main building) is closed until Spring semester.
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LAND STEWARDSHIP NEWS
Planning for a winter timber harvest at Doe Farm is underway in collaboration with the Trustees of the Trust Funds and consulting forester Charlie Moreno. The harvest will concentrate on removing diseased red pine, as well as selective harvest of other trees to enhance the regeneration and health of native trees. A reminder to visitors that camping and campfires are not allowed on Moat Island. Additional signage will be posted to remind people to enjoy the area and help steward Doe Farm by following the rules on what is allowed and not allowed.
This Fall, Scout Ryan Belanger completed trail improvements at Wagon Hill Farm for his Eagle Scout project. In coordination with Land Stewardship Coordinator Ellen Snyder and DPW, Ryan and his Scout mates brushed out a section of trail, cleared overgrown brush around two benches, spread 8 yards of gravel to improve the trail tread, and built a section of boardwalk. Ryan’s project helps improve one of eight sites identified in a Wagon Hill Farm Trails and Bridges Assessment that was completed in June 2020. The assessment can be reviewed HERE; Ryan’s project is site 7. And thanks also to the Rotary Club of Durham Great Bay for much needed repairs of broken boards on two other boardwalks. These improvements will make the trails safer and more enjoyable for visitors and help the Town in its ongoing efforts to protect the ecologically sensitive shoreline and salt marsh habitat at Wagon Hill Farm.
New trail maps of Durham’s conservation areas, completed by Strafford Regional Planning Commission with funding from the Conservation Commission, are now available. The new maps for the following properties: Doe Farm, Thompson Forest, Jackson’s Landing, Longmarsh Preserve, Oyster River Forest/Spruce Hole, Oyster River Greenway, Stevens Woods, and Wagon Hill Farm, can be downloaded from the Town of Durham’s website. Click the trails page HERE or find information about each property and accompanying trail map HERE. We are also working with UNH Cooperative Extension to post these trails and maps on trailfinder.info.
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NEW PANDEMIC RELIEF FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR DOWNTOWN DURHAM BUSINESSES – Contact Econ. Dev. Director Christine Soutter with any questions.
Durham part-time Economic Development Director Christine Soutter has shared with us information concerning the latest pandemic relief funding available for local businesses. Please read the eligibility requirements carefully and reach out to Christine Soutter with any questions at mailto:csoutter@ci.durham.nh.us.
View the Main Street Relief Fund 2.0 application that just went live this week HERE.
View the main page for the program HERE.
View the FAQ about the program HERE.
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WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT ENERGY USE REDUCTION A SUCCESS IN DURHAM OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS DUE TO MINDFUL EFFORTS/STRATEGIES AT THE PLANT
Durham Public Works staff recently met with representatives of the Energy Committee, to review efforts completed and planned that will continue to reduce energy costs based upon our recent energy audit completed with NHDES.
The treatment plant will realize a significant reduction in energy consumption with the replacement of the existing odor fan and a more efficient and economical odor control system for the sludge processing facility. Public Works has recently advertised for engineering services to undertake design upgrades for this facility.
The Durham Public Works Wastewater Division has made notable progress in reducing energy consumption both at the treatment plant and throughout the wastewater collection system. The chart above Illustrates that since 2009 while wastewater flows have been relatively constant, the plant pollutant loadings removed have been increasing. This has occurred while energy use has steadily decreased over the time period due to upgrades in pumps, motors, aeration blowers and other energy reduction measures.
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FALL NEWSLETTER
The DPW Fall newsletter is now on its way to all residents. It can also be reviewed on the DPW website page HERE.
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DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT PROGRAM NOTICE - Citizen Assistance Request Program during Covid-19 Pandemic
Chief Kelley would like to remind our citizens that the Citizen Assist Request Program remains active during the duration of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The purpose of this program is to provide assistance to elderly members of the community and other members that may be in need obtaining food or medication due to illness, medical condition or other needs not readily identifiable. Due to the nature of the Covid-19 Pandemic, private citizens and Durham Police Officers will coordinate efforts to procure and deliver needed services to community members.
Citizen Requesting Services
- Call the Durham Police Department at 603-868-2324 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm.
- Provide your name, address and phone number, location of item to be picked up and indicate if it has already been paid for.
- Wait for a volunteer or Durham Police Department member to contact you. Officers have been instructed to wait no longer than 30 minutes to contact a volunteer before calling you back and providing you direct assistance.
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STORMWATER OUTFALL SCREENING AND TESTING – NHPDES MS4 PROGRAM PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Durham Public Works, in conjunction with its Stormwater Program consultant team, Environmental Partners Inc, is scheduled to perform dry weather outfall testing of the Town’s stormwater management system on Monday and Tuesday November 9th and 10th -- weather permitting! Dry weather outfall testing is a Year 3 requirement of the Town’s EPA Federal Stormwater MS4 permit. It is performed under dry weather conditions and is used to detect illicit connections such as connections from sewer, leach fields, or washing machines.
If flow is found it is sampled and tested for many parameters such as bacteria, chlorine, chloride, surfactants (soaps), pH/temperature, ammonia, and nitrogen and the Town’s Illicit Discharge Detection Elimination (IDDE) protocol is implemented for source identification and removal.
Durham Public Works and staff from Environmental Partners will be wearing clearly identified safety vests. Residents can contact Durham Public Works with any questions.
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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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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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Come participate in Durham Days throughout the month of October featuring a number of activities that can be viewed HERE.
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New programs are featured on the Upcoming Events page!
Register for weekly Meditative Yoga with Jiong Jiong Hu on Sunday evenings at 8PM or try out our fall adult Book Craft. Be sure to take a look at a great lineup of programs coming to DPL from the New Hampshire Humanities Council, including Wit and Wisdom: Humor in 19th Century New England and Life Downstairs: British Servant Culture in Face, Fiction, and Film in December with a full lineup beginning in January! And as always, device help is available weekly at DPL!
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Sign Up for November Youth Services Programs!
Join us for our upcoming YA Comic Workshop with Marek Bennett on Saturday, November 7th from 11AM to 12Noon. Sign up for regularly-scheduled programming, including Zoom Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, STEAM crafts to go, this month's Young Adult Compassion Project, Crafts, Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade) book group, the , Patch club and more. Download the complete Youth Services October Calendar HERE.
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Current Library Services at DPL!
The Library is open for 20-minute visits to the Library for quick browsing and checkouts and the use of computers, printer, and copy machine. Notary services are available by appointment only. Meeting rooms and the Cafe will remain closed until further notice.
During this phase of reopening, we are limiting the number of patrons in the building to no more than 50% of our normal comfortable browsing capacity on the main floor. We also request that anyone using the Library do so wearing a cloth mask or face covering. Masks will be available to patrons who request them. Currently, we ask that patrons not gather or congregate in the Library. Our contactless “Library to-go” services continue.
There are also many great resources to be discovered on the DPL website at any time! Stream movies and music, check out ebooks and audiobooks, take professional development and language courses, get live device help each week, research with EBSCO and explore Novelist, Consumer Reports, Explora, and more! Questions? Contact us at 603-868-6699. We are happy to help!
ILL is now available! The State Library has been able to resume ILL delivery service and our patrons are once again able to make requests, either through the ILL page on our website or directly through the NHAIS ILL System.
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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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1675 - First clash of King Philip's War came when William Roberts and son were killed and several homes burned. William Beard was slain and his head cut off and set on a pole. Indians were spurred on by conflicts between the English and French for possession of the new lands.
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Have a very nice 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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