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Friday, November 8, 2019
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Durham’s annual brush and leaf collection is underway as evidenced by large leaf bags roadside across town. A sure sign that winter is not far away. Courtesy Todd Selig
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With colder weather arriving and snow flurries spotted for a few moments this morning, 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. For Game of Thrones fans, this means only one thing: Winter is coming!
In addition, Monday 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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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 on Monday, 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 2019 Holiday Pick up Schedule located on the DPW Sanitation webpage for refuse and recycling schedule information located on the right in the green.
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MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE PROVIDES ISSUER COMMENT FOR DURHAM – Indicates the Town has “a strong financial position.”
According to an Issuer Comment from Moody’s received this week dated Nov. 5, 2019, the credit position for Durham is very good. Its Aa2 rating is slightly higher than the median rating of Aa3 for cities nationwide. The notable credit factors include a strong financial position, a very strong wealth and income profile, and a modestly sized tax base. The town's credit position also reflects slightly elevated debt and pension liabilities.
Finances: The town has a strong financial position, which is relatively favorable in comparison to the town's assigned rating of Aa2. The town's cash balance as a percent of operating revenues (88.4%) far exceeds the US median, and it remained stable between 2014 and 2018. Additionally, Durham's fund balance as a percent of its operating revenues (30.3%) is consistent with that of other Moody's-rated cities nationwide.
Economy and Tax Base: The economy and tax base of the town are healthy overall, but they are moderately unfavorable relative to its Aa2 rating. The median family income of town residents is a very strong 186.6% of the US median level. However, the full value per capita of the town's tax base ($68,911) is slightly below the US median, although this metric increased between 2014 and 2018. In addition, the total full value of the town's tax base ($1.1 billion) is smaller than that of other Moody's-rated cities nationwide.
Debt and Pensions: The debt and pension liabilities of the town are slightly elevated overall and are relatively unfavorable with respect to its assigned rating of Aa2. Durham's net direct debt to full value (1.8%) is higher than the US median, although this percentage declined from 2014 to 2018. Also, the ratio of the town's Moody's-adjusted net pension liability to its operating revenues (2.2x) is unfavorably higher than the US median.
Management and Governance: New Hampshire cities have an institutional framework score 3 of “Aa”, which is strong. Property taxes, the sectors major revenue source, are not subject to any caps.
View the full report HERE.
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Foliage by the ORMS along Coe Drive before the winds and rain last week. Courtesy Todd Selig
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PROPOSED FY 2020 BUDGET PRESENTED TO TOWN COUNCIL MONDAY NIGHT- View the proposed FY 2020 budget on line HERE
This year’s budget cycle has resulted in a proposed 2020 General Fund budget totaling $16,635,510 -- a spending increase of $514,200 or 3.2% compared to FY 2019. Increases are due to required wages and benefits as a result of collective bargaining contracts, a 2% COLA for non-union personnel, insurance increases, debt service costs, and other miscellaneous requests that will be discussed as part of the upcoming process. Non-property tax revenues are expected to decrease in FY 2020 by approx. $66,000 or .09% to $7,159,875.
In total, this year’s budgetary proposal is projected to increase the 2020 local municipal portion of the tax rate by 4.19% from $ 7.60 to $7.92, an increase of 32 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 $350,000 an additional $112.00 in taxes for 2020.
The proposed Sewer (Wastewater) Fund budget reflects a 2.92% increase in user fees in 2020 (a rate of $8.97 per hundred cubic feet), while the proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 3.8% increase in user fees (a rate of $7.35 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2020.
Budget highlights include the following, which in addition to the voluminous budget and CIP documents, Mr. Selig is hopeful the Council and the community will carefully review, to ensure their satisfaction with this proposal and the many hard choices made within.
- This proposal includes $404,120 in fixed compensation increases for full time wages.
- A sum of $7,500 is included within the Public Works budget for part-time 9 hr./wk. enhanced facility maintenance at the Durham Public Library.
- $50,000 was cut from the Town’s Contingency line, bringing this item to a proposed budget of just $100,000 or .6% of the Town’s General Fund budget. Historically we have targeted 1%.
- $82,000 requested by the Fire Department to enhance training capabilities has been cut due to funding constraints. The Council may have an interest in exploring further.
- $6,000 has been budgeted to contract the services of NH Listens per the recommendation of the Durham Winter Celebration Committee to engage the community in a conversation about holiday celebration/displays in the downtown core.
- $10,000 has been included to purchase new TBD festive lighting decorations for Main Street to replace the existing holiday wreaths per the request of the Council.
- While Durham is more resilient than many communities across NH, more can and should be done locally to make the town more resilient in the face of a changing climate. In this endeavor, there is a great deal of opportunity and benefit in continuing to do so in collaboration with UNH. While the opportunities are numerous, the resilience assessment undertaken this summer suggests some immediate actions: a) Work with the UNH Sustainability Institute to complete municipal and community greenhouse gas emissions inventories; b) Adopt new procurement standards; c) Hire a sustainability coordinator; d) Consider additional strategies to raise money to address stormwater concerns; e) and Join the Global Covenant of Mayors, a coalition of cities that are working to cut GHG emissions and adapt to climate change. To this end, the FY 2020 proposed budget will include approximately $13,000 in funding to work with the UNH Sustainability Fellowship Office to bring on a Graduate Student for the summer/fall 2020 semesters (with the intent of expanding to the full academic year in 2021) to continue/drive forward our sustainability efforts in Durham.
- $4,000 is included to support the cost of either a dynamic speed sign or a LED crosswalk sign package for a TBD location.
- Because we do not have the results of the facility assessments for either the Wagon Hill Farm farmhouse or the Old Town Hall/Courthouse, funds are not included to make significant improvements to either facility in 2020. Once such reports are received, we will have to plan for the future. Limited funding is included for minor improvements/repairs in both facilities to carry us through to 2021 as necessary.
- Operating under the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Churchill Rink is currently cared for by a seasonal manager with all operating expenses funded by revenues generated at the facility. To remain self-sufficient requiring no taxpayer dollars (beyond ancillary DPW support as is the case with all Town facilities) to sustain the operation, the rink “rents ice” to many different user groups on an hourly basis and also offers “open to the public” fee-based sessions throughout the season. Long-discussed plans for upgrades to the facility to ensure its viability for the future, eliminate operational and safety challenges, and make dry-floor, off-season use feasible after years of very limited activity during spring, summer, and fall due to unfavorable building conditions are included as part of this proposal. The plan also includes establishing a full-time manager position on a trial basis to plan for and oversee improvements and then to operate the facility year-round once the work is complete with dry-floor programming during the off-season. The ability to use the facility for recreational and other programming when not being utilized for ice-based activities would be a tremendous benefit to the community. CIP Projects have been proposed in 2020 for $875,000, 2021 for $300,000 and 2021 for $400,000 with funding for all to come from revenues generated at the rink covering debt service.
- Consistent with the Council’s decision to move forward with a GIS initiative as part of the approved FY 2019 budget, a full time GIS Manager position is budgeted to begin 7/1/20. As you recall, $170,000 was included ($100,000 – IT, $70,000 – Assessing) to develop an accurate GIS base layer for Durham and associated tax map layer in GIS over a three-year period.
- This budget continues to include $12,000 to cover the cost of an historical 15% discount for Durham residents off the cost of a UNH pool pass.
- This budget includes a $28,000 tax funded subsidy for the Oyster River Youth Association for a second year in a row to offset the cost of participation for Durham, Lee, and Madbury youth. The Town had supported $42,745 in 2018 and ORYA has requested $72,900 in 2020.
- $45,000 has been included to cover the cost of a replacement police vehicle in 2020, cut from the two vehicles that were requested. In 2021, two to three vehicles will be necessary.
- $445,000 is included for roadway resurfacing in 2020 with cash to include shimming and a 1” overlay for the following roadways: Carriage Way, Maple Street, Meadow Road, Riverview Road, Riverview Court, Sandy Brook Drive, Strout Lane, and Surrey Lane.
- Sidewalk work recommended for 2020 has been deferred to see what happens with Mill Plaza, etc.
- $15,000 has been added to the Administrator’s budget consultant line for bike/pedestrian/traffic safety analysis/enhancements on an as needed basis with offsetting revenue coming from the $35,227 in the reserve account from the Municipal Transportation and Improvement Fund.
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Durham downtown holiday tree in December 2018. Courtesy Todd Selig
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AT ITS MEETING ON 6/3/19, THE TOWN COUNCIL DISCUSSED AND SUPPORTED CHANGES PROPOSED BY THE WINTER CELEBRATION WORKING GROUP TO WHAT WAS FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE “ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY” - The new name will be FrostFest; maybe FfrostFest?
As originally reported in the “Friday Updates” on 6/7/19: “Durham has ushered in the winter season for many years with a festival, which included many seasonal activities and music. Last December, people came forward to express that some of the activities and symbols of the festival are oriented towards the Christmas holiday tradition, leaving some feeling excluded. In a special Town Council meeting there was discussion among Councilors and the public about what these symbols in particular actually mean. There is a fair amount of disagreement over what is considered secular and what is not. At that meeting a committee was formed to address the situation and to try to find ways of making the festival more hospitable to most people.
The committee made good progress on developing what members hope will be an evolving celebration, realizing that there is always room for change year over year. However, the committee came to the conclusion that in order to truly understand what inclusion actually means, it is important for the town to sponsor a community discussion about the topic. Members of the committee are passionate about the idea of communication being the cornerstone of this issue and hope that the town will provide funding for this purpose for early next year – likely in the range of $5,000 - $6,000. Mr. Selig will take this request into consideration as part of the budget development process this fall.
This year’s FrostFest will include the following items, all of which have been occurring already: Bonfire, S’more Station, Cookie Decorating, ORPP Craft Table, Sand Art Table, Ruby the Photo Bus, Ice Sculpture Durham Professional Firefighters Popcorn, Fire, and S’mores, Music, DPR Raffle, Candy Bar Hot Cocoa and Craft Works—Cookies, Coffee, & Hot Cider, UNH Gingerbread Man, Glowsticks. All participants will be encouraged to think about how their particular activity can be inclusive. Also, this is not to say that other groups wishing to participate cannot do so.
The committee envisions having Santa present in a building for visiting and photo opportunities. As one committee member put it “He will be present but not presented” (not arriving during the evening by some conveyance).
The committee would like to string lights up on various items in the downtown area so that there will not be specific emphasis on the evergreen tree in Memorial Park. They are also thinking about hanging lighted stars or snowflakes on the light posts, taking the place of the wreaths.
Although these proposed changes seem minor in the grand scheme of things, the committee hopes that it conveys a willingness to be conscious of others and that it will draw more interested participants.
After discussion, the Durham Town Council ultimately supported the recommendations as presented by the Winter Celebration Committee with respect to this year’s FrostFest. The Parks and Recreation Committee, which organizes the event, will be taking a look at the recommendations in the coming weeks as it sets out to plan the event this winter.”
With this direction, the Parks & Recreation Committee has been working within the parameters established by the Council and is presenting Frost Fest 2019. More information can be found within the Parks & Recreation section of the “Friday Updates.”
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TOWN COUNCIL CONTINUES DISCUSSION REGARDING CONCEPT OF PAY AS YOU THROW PROGRAM
At the Town Council meeting on November 4th, the Council held a public hearing with respect to the concept of a Pay As You Throw (PAYT) program in Durham.
A PAYT Frequently Asked Questions sheet, prepared by members of the Integrated Waste Management Committee, was available for attendees. View the FAQs sheet HERE.
The November 4 Town Council meeting is also available for viewing on DCAT On Demand and would be very informative for any residents who have questions about PAYT programs in general and what such a program, if implemented, would potentially mean for Durham.
The Town Council will continue its discussion and deliberation on this matter at its meeting scheduled for November 18, 2019.
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DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL LIGHT UP DURHAM!
The Durham Business Association (DBA) is encouraging all businesses and Fraternity and Sorority Life ( FSL) houses to light their businesses and houses and share in spreading the joy of the season. It’s razzle-dazzle time! Harness your artistic, creative, innovative genes to start planning a lighted holiday display for your Greek House. We’re going for greater participation to make this year’s contest “bigger and better”.
The Annual Light Up Durham Annual Lighting Contest, sponsored by the DBA, is intended to benefit the entire Durham community, which includes Durham residents and businesses, as well as UNH faculty, staff, and students. This is an opportunity for everyone to get involved.
Please Note:
Last December, people came forward to the Town administration to express that some of the activities and symbols of the Town’s annual tree lighting are oriented towards the Christmas holiday tradition, leaving some feeling excluded. With that in mind the Town has redefined this celebration and renamed it FrostFest.
All participants in the annual celebration are being encouraged to think about how their particular activity can be inclusive.
The plan is to string lights up on various items in the downtown area so that there will not be specific emphasis on the evergreen tree in Memorial Park. They were also thinking about hanging lighted stars or snowflakes on the light posts, taking the place of the wreaths, but there was not money budgeted in 2019 to do so. Funds have been requested for FY 2020 to accomplish this task.
Although these proposed changes seem minor in the grand scheme of things, the Town hopes that it conveys a willingness to be conscious of others.
With that in mind we hope that all participating businesses will consider these changes in their displays.
Judging will take place Wednesday, December 4, 2019 beginning at 5:30 PM.
2019 Information & Guidelines
Contest is open to all businesses and recognized Greek fraternities and sororities. The guidelines for judging include:
- The effectiveness of lights creating the display.
- The placement and uniformity of the lights.
- The use of design and color to create the decorations.
- The use of special lighted displays.
- The ingenuity, originality, and creativity exercised in the decorations.
Holiday Lights are available for sale at Rite Aid.
For more information please contact the Durham Business Association at http://durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com / 603.969.9273
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Stationary jet plow in position in Little Bay with pump barge, prior to start of jet plow trial run. 11:52 AM, Sept 9, 2019. Courtesy Normandeau Associates
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EVERSOURCE JET PLOW PROCESS NEARS FINAL PHASE
Eversource anticipates landing the third (and final) submarine cable in Newington this weekend. Diver burial (hand jetting) will begin on both shores (Durham and Newington) for approximately 19 consecutive days. This work is extremely weather dependent and the schedule is subject to change.
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TOWN COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD DRAFT CHARTER AMENDMENTS TO PUBLIC HEARING ON DECEMBER 2ND – Items to potentially appear on March 10, 2020 Town Election Warrant to include increasing bond threshold from $1 million to $2.3 million to account for inflation since originally recommended in 1987
As part of the approved Town Council goals for 2019-2020, the Council included:
“Staff and Legal Counsel conduct a review of the Town Charter and bring forward recommendations, as needed, for alignment with current state laws and adjustments to address identified deficiencies over time and recommendations relative to borrowing threshold limitations to account for inflation over the last 30-year timeframe.”
For the past several years, the Administrator’s Office has been accumulating various Charter amendments that have been identified as needing to be made. Amendments to the Town Charter were last made in March 2009. In addition, the town’s attorney, Laura Spector-Morgan, has also reviewed the Charter and has identified other areas within the Charter she felt could also be amended.
Some examples of topics being included in the recommended update are: adding the ability to include alternates on several boards (HDC, Trustees of Trust Funds, and Parks & Recreation ), increasing the $1 million bond threshold triggering the need for a referendum vote to reflect the rate of inflation since the Charter was adopted in the late-1980’s to $2.3 million, conflict of interest, institutionalizing the current procedure for determining the order of names on the local election ballot via drawing names from a hat, annual board/committee presentations to the Council, requirement for annual meeting between Administrator and board chairpersons, etc.
Below is a link to the draft language and format of amendments that are being recommended for placement on the Town Election ballot for March 10, 2020. Explanations for each of the recommended changes are provided here for the Council’s information but cannot legally be placed on the election ballot itself.
View the recommended Charter changes HERE.
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FALL CLEANUP
Fall Cleanup began this past Monday, November 4th. By this afternoon DPW expects to have completed all brush and will continue next week on leaves.
With the potential for a winter event next Tuesday morning, please make sure that your leaf bags are off the sidewalks so the sidewalk tractors may pass.
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BAGDAD ROAD
The Bagdad Road/Littlehale Pond culvert project is nearing completion and the road is back open for passage.
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MILL POND DAM FEASIBILITY STUDY - A process to gather information begins.
The Town’s consultant Vanasse Hugh Brustlin (VHB) and their subconsultant Independent Archaeological Consulting, LLC, are planning to begin work on the Mill Pond Dam Feasibility Study next week, Monday November 4th, with an initial (Phase 1A) walkover archeological survey.
This is a $300,000+ project that will gather the detailed information necessary so that Durham, its boards, committees, citizens, and Council can make a final determination concerning what to do with the deteriorating, yet historic Mill Pond Dam.
Additional field survey and geotechnical work will take place in November and December and more information will be shared in future Friday Updates. VHB and their subconsultants will carry identification and a Town Letter with them, authorizing them to perform these tasks on behalf of the Town of Durham.
Any questions should be directed to Town Engineer, April Talon at 603-868-5578 or mailto:atalon@ci.durham.nh.us
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2019 POLICE FORD EXPLORERS ARRIVE
The Durham Police attempt to rotate and replace two (2) “first-line” police cruisers annually whenever the budget allows. When the vehicle/s arrive they are a plain blue like the vehicle on the right. Once painted with Durham’s marking scheme, on the left, equipment from the older vehicle is removed and installed in the new vehicle. In today’s modern police vehicles there are modems, computers, electronic equipment that control the blue lights, siren and other essential equipment that support the officers as they patrol Durham.
The older vehicles “taken off-line” are then painted a solid color and left unmarked but still have what is referred to as “low profile” emergency lighting with a siren. These vehicles are used by the detectives and administrative staff and are routinely on patrol during weekends and large scale events such as Homecoming and Halloween. By the time they are approximately six (6) years old, they are passed to other Town staff such as Code Enforcement, Public Works and Tax Assessment for their use until maintenance or other operational factors demand that they be sold at auction.
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REVISED MILL PLAZA PLAN RETURNS TO PLANNING BOARD
A revised plan for Mill Plaza will be presented to the Planning Board with a public hearing on November 13. The plan shows a reconfiguration of the buildings, parking and circulation and reduces the number of residential beds to 258 from the previously proposed 330. The applicant states in their cover letter: “In coordination with the existing supermarket tenant, Hannaford, and the direct easterly abutter, Toomerfs, LLC, Colonial Durham Associates, LP (CDA) is preparing to move forward with its tabled planning application for redevelopment of the Mill Plaza. Please see the attached Conceptual Site Plan (‘Plan’). This Plan shows a surface parking area that would be constructed on the Toomerfs parcel and then long-leased to CDA. The surface parking area would provide a pedestrian connection to the Mill Plaza (not vehicular) and offer approximately 150+/- off-premises residential parking spaces to the Mill Plaza’s apartment residents.” You can see the revised plan and cover letter HERE. Comments can be sent to mailto:kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us.
A preliminary application from Toomerfs LLC for a parking lot will also be presented to the board on November 13 with a public hearing likely to be set for December 11. Toomerfs c/o Pete Murphy is in discussions with Colonial Durham Associates about possible use of the proposed lot for Mill Plaza, but this is a separate application from that of Mill Plaza. The parking lot would be located behind Red Tower with the access taken from Main Street on Church Hill. You can see the documents related to the project HERE. Comments can be sent to mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us
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UPDATES FROM DEPARTMENTS
Interim Library Director Susan Wagner reports that the DPW is updating library computers over a several year cycle, a problem with a couple UNH graduate students parking at the property has been resolved with the assistance of the DPD, that we are likely to receive a donation from Siemens (courtesy of Harry Tobias) of a replacement electric vehicle charging station, and that UNH President Jim Dean did a wonderful job presenting his new book at a recent presentation. President Dean’s new book is titled, The Insider’s Guide to Working with Universities.
Dir. of Planning Michael Behrendt notes that the Planning Board is working to finish up its revisions to a short-term lodging ordinance (think Air B&B). John Randolph from Harmony Homes is planning to bring a new project to the Planning Board at his property for housing intended for staff members at Harmony Homes. The Mill Plaza application will be discussed by the Planning Board as well as a proposal by Peter Murphy for a 150 space parking lot on the land behind The Red Tower.
Public Works Director Mike Lynch notes that the Town’s 6 front line plow trucks are ready for the season’s first snowfall. We have salt and sand stockpiled on site as well – though Durham utilizes a just in time delivery system for these resources as private industry would.
IT Director Luke Vincent mentioned this week that a copper phone line to one of our wells was down this week, causing a review of our alarm/communications systems for these resources. He is working on the RFP for the land/mobile radio communications tower Durham plans to build atop Beech Hill next to our water tank there. This tower will allow Durham Fire/Police/DPW to communicate with Strafford County, which provides dispatching services for Durham. Finally, Luke’s department is busy with computer replacements at the DPD.
Fire Chief Dave Emanuel indicates that his department is working with UNH IT to transition computer systems from the Town to the UNH network. As you may know, our Fire Department is located on the UNH Campus and provides fire protection for both Durham and UNH, and is funded 50/50 by Durham/UNH.
The Town has begun collective bargaining negotiations with both its AFSCME Union (representing DPW staff) and with the Durham Professional Municipal (Middle) Managers Union. Those two collective bargaining agreements both expire on 12/31/19.
Deb Ahlstrom from the Business Office notes that her department is slowly gearing up for end of year reporting/close outs/and associated tasks.
Chief Kurz and Deputy Chief Kelley noted this week that there have been quite a few fraud cases that the department has been investigating, particularly as a result of computer or telephone scams.
Town Clerk/Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt notes that tax bills will go out on Monday, November 11th and will be due on December 11, 2019.
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Andrea Bodo, Vice Chair of the commission, presented Michael with a plaque at Wednesday’ night's HDC /HC meeting.
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REVEREND MICHAEL BRADLEY MOVING TO MICHIGAN
One of Durham’s most distinguished and beloved residents is relocating. Reverend Michael Bradley, Rector of St. George’s Church, and his wife Becky Bradley will be moving to Michigan where Michael will serve as rector at St. Michael’s Church (the name is purely coincidental) in Gross Pointe Woods. He finishes his work at St. George’s on November 24 and starts his new position on December 1. Michael has served on numerous boards and committees including as chair of the Durham Historic District Commission.
We wish Michael and Becky every success in their new location.
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THOMPSON FOREST NATURE WALK: Nov. 16th 10 AM - NOON
Join Ellen Snyder, Durham Land Stewardship Coordinator, and Dick Lord, long-time Lamprey River Advisory Committee (LRAC) representative, on Saturday, November 16th from 10 a.m. to noon for a nature walk on Durham’s Thompson Forest off Wednesday Hill Road. Our walk will begin at the information kiosk to highlight LRAC’s role in helping protect this property and in funding the kiosk and interpretive panel. From there, Ellen will lead a walk on the 1.2-mile loop trail, that leads through a meadow and forest and down to the Wild & Scenic Lamprey River. You will learn about wildlife habitat, invasive plants, the historical setting, and the importance of the Lamprey River to this region. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. For more information mailto:ellensnyder1@gmail.com
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DURHAM POLICE ASSIST U.S. SECRET SERVICE WITH A TELEPHONE SCAM!
While Friday Updates routinely warn residents about the variety of telephone scams, often the criminal skill set and a welcoming “how can I help” attitude of our more senior residents combine to create a horrible story.
Durham Detective Sergeant Jack Dalton and Detective Katie Bolton performed some extraordinary work to identify, draft affidavits, and collaborate with the Secret Service to arrest the perpetrator and recover $30,000 that had been periodically scammed from a Durham resident. While such incidents rarely progress as this scam did, it is critical for friends and family to be aware of the vulnerability of some of our more senior residents and pay attention for any telltale indications that a scam may be taking place. If there is suspicion of something wrong, please call the Durham Police so that they can work collaboratively with you and family to determine what may, or may not be occurring!
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SEE SOMETHING NOT QUITE RIGHT? PLEASE CONTACT THE DURHAM POLICE
And while we are talking about the subject . . .while we urge all residents to contact the police if something seems amiss the Durham Police recognize that many times residents don’t want to “bother” the police. If you see something that seems amiss, please contact the police. While 99% of the time the police will verify that all is fine, there are those other incidents where police intervention is warranted and due that attitude of not wanting to bother the police, no police officers are dispatched!
Additionally, if you have a noise concern in your neighborhood, please contact the police. While you may be frustrated and feel as though you are helpless with these issues, the lack of calls to the police about a problem residence means that when Chief Kurz reviews calls to specific locations, he is not seeing the property as unruly. When multiple calls regarding the same property occur again and again, Chief Kurz is able to designate that property as a “disorderly house”. This means that the landlord must take action coordinated through Chief Kurz or face civil fines. Please know that the Durham Police are patrolling the community 24/7 and are literally poised to respond immediately. And if you don’t call, there is no record that there is a problem. So, if you see something, please say something!
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WAGON HILL FARM
This week marks the completion of a successful project at Wagon Hill Farm. We are happy to report that Wagon Hill Farm is now fully open. Kudos to Public Works Director Mike Lynch and his team for shepherding this project through to completion. Credit and appreciation also goes to a myriad of partners ranging from the NHDES Coastal Program to UNH researchers to the Army Corps of Engineers and more.
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SALUTE TO SERVICE
Manchester VAMC will be supporting UNH Men’s Hockey and Service Credit Union in their Salute to Service - Sunday November 10th at 1pm in the Whittemore Center - with a Veterans Resource Fair. Free tickets are available for Veterans and those currently serving in the Armed Forces. To obtain tickets, please email Jonathan Millett at mailto:jmillett@servicecu.org.
VA staff will be located at the lobby entrance to the arena and ready to assist Veterans with; Eligibility, Community Care, Transition Care, MyHealtheVet, Women Veterans Programs, and more.
Please bring a copy of your DD Form 214 Discharge Document and join us.
For those arriving early, at 11:00am, please stop by our VetTalkX session to listen to Veteran’s stories of inspiration and success. Veterans from across the Granite State, our neighbors, will be sharing their story of homecoming and accomplishments following their service. This event will be hosted via Livestream on the Celebrate Durham’s Facebook page.
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OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD NEWS
The November 6 School Board meeting opened with a tour of the reconstructed Moharimet front entrance, along with comments from Denise Pouliot and Paul Pouliot of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki People who have contributed to the design features and educating students on the legacy of Moharimet and the Abenaki. Words and symbols related to education in the Abenaki language have been fabricated and will be hung on the school.
A free community supper will be served on Thursday, November 14, at Moharimet School from 5:15 to 6:00, along with information and discussion on the proposed new middle school building. Child care is available.
Breathe NH will be presenting "Vaping Unveiled" in the High School auditorium on Friday, November 15 from 6:30-8:00. This event will cover details of the products and dangers of e-cigarettes / vapes, scale of e-cigarette use, Q&A, and other resources. This event is open to all.
Development of the 2020-2021 school budget is in process. State funding projections are expected by November 15. Work on the budget will continue, with a public hearing in January and deliberative session in February. Public comments are welcome at any school board meeting and written input can be submitted anytime.
Graduation for the Oyster River High School class of 2020 will be on Friday, June 12, 2020!
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TOWN COUNCIL GOALS UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2019
Each quarter, Mr. Selig prepares an update to keep the Council appraised of progress toward the established Town Council goals for the coming year(s).
View the quarterly goals update as of October 31 HERE.
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GIVE THANKS! - DBA kicks off Thanksgiving food drive.
The Durham Business Association is currently hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive that will continue until Friday, November 15.
Please help us by donating non-perishable food items to help benefit those in need this holiday season.
All donations will go the UNH/Waysmeet Center Cornucopia Food Pantry
and St. Thomas More Church.
Drop Off Locations:
First Seacoast Bank, 7A Mill Road
Peoples United Bank, 70 Main Street
Service Credit Union, 155 Main Street (Wildcat Stadium)
Hannaford, Mill Plaza
Wireless Zone, 71 Calef Highway, Lee
Suggestions:
Applesauce, canned beans, canned fish, canned vegetables, canned yams, cooking oils, crackers, dried herbs and spices, fruit (canned or dried), granola bars, instant mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, nuts, pasta, pasta sauces, peanut butter, rice, soups and stews, cereal, pie crusts, canned pie fillings, chicken or turkey broth
For more information please contact the Durham Business Association at dmailto:urhambusinessassociation@gmail.com
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These three young, enthusiastic volunteers helped build a new trail on Durham’s newest conservation area at the end of Orchard Drive. Left to right: William Miller (Durham 4th grader), Bobby Crane (Fremont 8th grader), and Henry Miller (Durham 7th grader). Courtesy Ellen Snyder
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THANKS TO 26 VOLUNTEERS, A NEW ORCHARD DRIVE WOODS TRAIL!
Twenty-six volunteers gathered at the end of Orchard Drive on Saturday, November 2nd to learn about the recently acquired Town conservation area and to build a new trail. After a brief introduction of the property and the trail plan by Land Stewardship Coordinator Ellen Snyder, volunteers picked up hoes, rakes, loppers, saws, mattocks, and gloves and headed out to clear the new trail. Conservation Commission member John Nachilly led the volunteers in trail-building techniques and showing the route, which extends 0.35 miles from the Orchard Drive cul-de-sac to UNH’s East Foss Farm. Within two hours, the trail was completed and blazed and is open to walking, running, mountain biking, snow-shoeing, and x-country skiing.
The 26 enthusiastic volunteers hailed from six different towns and UNH and ranged in age from 10 years old to 60 plus. They were recruited through a volunteer posting on UNH’s Nature Groupie calendar, Durham’s Friday Update, and through a regional bike network promoted by Brian Keegan, co-owner of Oyster River Cycle and Sport. The tools were borrowed from UNH Cooperative Extension’s Seacoast Stewardship Tool Library. Thanks to all the volunteers and partners that helped make this a fantastically successful volunteer event.
In the next few weeks, a few muddy sections of the new trail will be topped with gravel to firm up the tread. This new trail is part of a larger trail network on UNH land and another trail, still to be built, across NH Fish and Game’s Beaudette parcel out to Bennett Road. A trail map will be posted to show which trails are pedestrian only and which are open to mountain bikes. Next year we will build an off-street parking area and install an information kiosk. The Town is also investigating the feasibility of building a bridge across the Oyster River that would connect downtown/UNH to this trail network.
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DURHAM ENERGY COMMITTEE ORMS NOVEMBER UPDATE ORMS--A Window to Our Future
In envisioning our new ”Net Zero” middle school, the towns of Durham, Lee and Madbury are taking a bold step toward life beyond fossil fuels. In a society where our lives and our environment have been impacted (and in many cases defined) in every aspect by carbon, this is a monumentous endeavor.
However, it’s just a taste of how the world as we know it will be evolving as a necessary response to reducing our carbon footprint.
At our last Durham Energy Committee meeting, Henry Herndon, the director of Local Energy Solutions (LES) spoke to the energy committee. LES is a New Hampshire-based organization that provides collaborative guidance and technical support to Local Energy Committees, municipalities, schools, and other groups seeking to reduce energy use, fossil fuel consumption and energy costs. In his presentation, Mr. Herndon spoke about the City of Concord’s recent efforts to develop and adopt a goal of 100 percent Renewable Energy use by 2050.
The first thought that came to mind was “How on earth will Concord be able to totally convert their energy use profile to 100 percent renewables in thirty years?”. Concord’s solution is to subdivide the conversion into three smaller workable chunks consisting of: electricity, thermal energy and transportation energy.
The city’s renewable energy resolution reads in part, “It is the goal of the City of Concord that 100 percent of electricity consumed in the City will come from renewable energy sources by 2030, 100percent of thermal energy (heating and cooling) consumed in the City will come from renewable energy sources by 2050, and 100 percent of transportation used in the City will be clean transportation by 2050. This goal will apply to the entire Concord community, not just municipal government operations.”
Renewable electricity sources are already available; these fall under the category of “low-hanging fruit,” which is why renewable electricity has a 2030 implementation goal, certainly achievable. Achieving this goal will be the springboard to renewable thermal energy (a bit more complicated) and renewable transportation (requires substantial infrastructure over our transportation routes). That’s a lot of work for the City of Concord to implement, but in Mr. Herndon’s view, very doable.
The Town of Durham has been making our own important progress in this regard; in 2015 the Energy Committee added the chapter on energy to the town’s master plan., which establishes an energy-use blueprint “….to 2025 and beyond.”.
Just to put this all in perspective time-wise, 2025 is only five years away--and 2050 is only Thirty years away-- yikes!!! We need to get going, if we want to be 100 percent renewable!
And so we are. Our new middle school will be a physical, real-world culmination of the vision the town has embraced, and the direction our communities will embrace as worthy stewards of the earth. This school will be an expression of environmental best practices and will be a darn good educational facility to boot-- one that we all can be proud of. More importantly, it will be a prototype of the greater environmental stewardship efforts we need to undertake regionally and statewide. Stay tuned!
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White birch tree at downtown metered lot along Pettee Brook Drive by Durham Dental. Courtsey Todd Selig
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MILL POND DAM FEASIBILITY CONSULTANT TO MEET WITH HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ON DEC. 5
VHB is working with the Town of Durham on the Mill Pond Dam Feasibility Study and plans to attend the December 5, 2019 HDC meeting to introduce the commission to the study project the process that the company is undertaking on behalf of the Town. VHB anticipates they will only need to take up about a half hour of the HDC’s time for this initial contact as part of the process.
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DURHAM TOWN OFFICES HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE
Below is the Holiday closing schedule for the Durham Town Offices for the remainder of 2019 and beginning of 2020.
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WINTER PARKING BAN
The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Friday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2020. 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 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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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, November 12th at 6:30 pm - Family Fun Night! This month: Family Yoga
Join us for a new monthly program geared for kids and their families! We will provide a different activity each month for families to do together! Grades K-5 & their families
Wednesday, November 13th at 6:00 pm, Local Author Talk with Terry Nelson - The Hidden History of the New Hampshire Seacoast
Terry Nelson, will talk about his research and sign copies of his book. Books will be available for sale at the event. This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.
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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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1941 - "To see if the Town will vote to raise $700.00 for the purpose of surfacing Woodman Avenue from the residence of Dr. McGregor to the Woodman Cemetery." Voted. Mrs. Henderson voiced her dismay but everyone else delighted in the wording of the article in the Town Warrant.
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The last of the fall foliage before last week's winds and rain. Courtesy Todd Selig
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Have a very nice weekend.
... And if you find the weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass along to a friend/neighbor and encourage them to subscribe. While the weekly publication is long (sorry!), the reality is that there is a LOT happening in this wonderful community and we work hard to let people know about it so they can become involved. Currently we have around 3,300 active subscribers plus those who view them on line and via social media. It also doubles as an integral part of our emergency broadcast system. In essence, the "Friday Updates" is Administrator Selig's weekly update to the Town Council that is also shared with the community. In Durham we try to be very open with what is going on so people can both understand issues and become involved if they choose to do so.
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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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