Friday Updates - October 16, 2020

Friday, October 16, 2020

Doug & Kim Clark, owners of Clark's American Bistro, pictured with Kenny & Cathy Young.

REMINDER- NO BRUSH ACCEPTED AT THE TRANSFER STATION UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Although we have had a small amount of rain, fire danger is still high and the brush pile will continue to be closed until further notice. There is precipitation in the forecast for a few days this weekend, if the ban should be lifted, we will communicate this to residents as soon as we are informed. As of the 16th of September, the State of New Hampshire has posted a high fire danger condition and the Durham FD has stopped issuing burn permits. BRUSH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED at the Town Transfer Station until there is a change in the fire conditions. Although currently we are not allowed to burn or collect the material at the Transfer Station, DPW still plans on conducting Fall Cleanup of brush and leaves in November, more details to follow on those dates in the coming weeks.  

2021 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES FOR WHAT’S SHAPING UP TO BE A DIFFICULT CYCLE

As of last week, department/board/committee/external org. FY 2021 (Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021) budget requests would represent a spending increase for Durham of around $808,000 (a 4.81% spending increase over FY 2020).  It is worth noting that the requests were all very reasonable and appropriate asks for our departments, boards, committees, and external organizations.  Our initial round of reductions brought this down to an increase of $628,000 (a 3.74% spending increase in spending over FY 2020).  This included soliciting suggestions/recommendations from departments.

Because the tax base is growing very slowly (only about 1% or less) and revenues are modestly declining as a result of pandemic-related impacts, the tax rate impact of a 3.74% increase in spending translates to an increase in the projected 2021 tax rate of 7.64%.  Certainly not the best tax rate increase for a pandemic year.

The August 2020 CPI (compared to Aug. 2019) is 1.3% for U.S. Cities, 1.1% for the Northeast, and 0.6% for the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH sub-region.  Covid-19 has created such wild fluctuations in the economy that it’s not entirely clear how relevant CPI is right now (there have been concerns discussed in the financial markets about deflation worries), yet it’s a benchmark so Admin. Selig is striving to bring in the increase in spending over FY 2020 down to less than or around 1%. That’s no easy task and represents the elimination of many things, including positions.  

To do so, this week Admin. Selig, with the assistance of Business Manager Jablonski, cut another $550,000 or so from the budget, which includes a number of positions (largely vacant at present due to a hold on filling many openings to offset pandemic-related revenue losses), overtime, projects, supplies, contributions to various established reserves, etc.   For example, the GIS position is right now slated to remain unfilled until July 1, 2021.  A police officer position will remain vacant through July 1, 2021 while another will remain vacant through January 1, 2022.  A fire inspector position will remain unfilled through January 1, 2022 (meaning the health/safety inspection program will likely remain on hiatus or need to be entirely eliminated by the Council through an ord. change).  At this moment, I have reduced the Ec. Dev. Position from 3 days/wk to 2 days/wk.  There are of course many other cuts such as all subsidy money for ORYA, the UNH outdoor pool subsidy, a new request from OR Womenaid for funding in the amount of $5,000, etc.  We’ll batch them all up and send out to departments for a quick round of feedback before Mr. Selig starts to finalize changes. 

General Fund projected revenues for 2020 (our current fiscal year) are down at this point by about 1% or ($115,000) mainly due to a loss of revenue when we shut the parking kiosks down for a few months at the start of the coronavirus (and continued weak demand for downtown parking during the pandemic). We are projecting losses in some state revenues as well for 2021 and so it’s almost assured our revenues will remain at this lower amount over the next 12 mos.  Not welcome news when developing a budget.  

The Town Council’s budget goal for 2020/21 is as follows:  “Task the administrator with meeting the following budget goals for 2020. Hold the municipal tax rate [for 2021] at the 2020 level or less. For the medium and long-term, the Town will continue to make an effort to control its spending and explore innovative ways to reduce the municipal tax rate.”  

Although we have striven to maintain a very lean organization focused on meeting the needs of residents/taxpayers and Council goals, we have not been successful as a community in expanding the tax base as a result of restrictive zoning and a highly engaged citizenry possessing very high expectations.  This notable and important divergence puts our budget aspirations out of balance with Council goals and makes it extraordinarily challenging to come in on target.  

By Town Charter, the Administrator has until the last business day in October to submit a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year to the Town Council.  The Council then has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget of its own, or the budget submitted by the Administrator becomes the budget by default.  

ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR UPCOMING NOV. 3 ELECTION – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is the last day I can request an absentee ballot?

A: The day before the election, if you request in person. You will be given the ballot to mark and return right then. If not in person, you need to allow mailing time to get the ballot to you and for you to return it to us. If returned in person, the day before election day; if by mail, at 5:00pm on election day. 

Q: What ward am I in?

A:  There are no wards in Durham, simply leave blank or put an X.

Q: What should I use to mark the ballot?

A: A regular pen will be fine. Do not use markers, they tend to bleed through.

Q: I used a marker and it bled through to the back of the ballot, what do I do?

A: The voting machine is programmed to read only the “ovals” that are filled in. The bleed through will not affect the ovals.

Q: Are all absentee ballots counted?

A: Yes, in New Hampshire all absentee ballots are counted at the polls.

Q: What happens to my ballot when I turn it in?

A: Once the clerk accepts your ballot, it is matched up with the absentee ballot request you submitted to receive the ballot.  The ballot is then entered into HAVA the statewide Election Program. Once entered into the system it is filed and placed into the vault at the Town Hall (yes, we have a vault, the building was previously a bank) until election day when it is transported to the polls. Beginning at 8:00am, the absentee ballots will begin to be processed. They will be opened by an election official who will then carry the ballot through the regular check-in table. Your name will be announced, just as you would have to state your name, and you will be checked off on the checklist. It will then be put into the election box and counted.

Q: I have my ballot, what do I do with all the envelopes?

A: Ballots that are mailed to you come in a large envelope. Inside the envelope are two other envelopes, instructions and a ballot. The smallest of the envelopes is the “Affidavit“ envelope. This is a very important part of absentee voting and you must sign one of these statements. There are two statements on the envelope: the statement on the left side of the envelope says you are going to be out of town during regular polling hours on election day; the statement on the right says you will be unavailable due to religious observance or you have a physical disability. This side also covers if you have concerns about voting in person due to COVID 19. Mark your ballot and seal it into the affidavit envelope. Then seal the affidavit envelope into the return envelope even if you are not going to mail it in.

Q: I requested and received an absentee ballot but I think I want to vote in person, what do I do?

A: If you change your mind and want to vote in person, don’t return the absentee ballot. Processing of absentee ballots begins at 8:00 am, and if your absentee ballot has been processed before you come in to vote in person, you will not be able to. To vote in person at the polls, bring your absentee ballot with you, report to the Moderator, inform him you requested an absentee ballot but are there to vote in person. Give him your absentee ballot and proceed as instructed.

Q: Where do I return my ballot?

A:  You can return your ballot through the mail (to be received by 5:00pm Election Day). You can bring your ballot to the Town Clerk’s Office (up to the day before the Election). Drop boxes cannot be used for ballots. 

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.

DR. KENNY ROTNER PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVER OYSTER RIVER

DPW

Director Rich Reine and Town Engineer April Talon attended the preconstruction meeting on October 1st for the new Dr. Kenny Rotner bridge located at Thompson Lane and Orchard Drive. The contract was awarded to Hansen Bridge from New London, NH in the amount of $238,396.00. Installation of erosion control measures and select tree clearing will begin within the next few weeks with the goal of having the concrete bridge abutment work completed prior to winter conditions to allow for placement of the aluminum bridge structure, as weather conditions allow.

We are in the final phase of fund-raising for the project. To pay for the bridge over 195 donors have contributed more than $140,000 in amounts ranging from $25 to $30,000. We need only $55,000 more to complete the effort. Please consider helping us. More information is available at: https://cutt.ly/oysterbridgedonate.

MILNE NATURE SANCTUARY

Come spend some time at the Milne Nature Sanctuary and sit on the bench overlooking the Mill Pond or the bench facing the memorial stone. Enjoy some quiet time in nature to relax, reflect, refresh. As native plants are restored to this one acre site and invasive plants removed, birds, butterflies and other local fauna will make this area their home or stopping over place.

This site on Mill Pond Road was given to the Town by Margery and Lorus Milne: zoologists, UNH professors, authors of over 55 books on natural history, world travelers. Margery lived in Durham for over 57 years, Lorus pre-deceasing her.

From their home on Garden Lane the Mill Pond was the end point, the goal of their early morning daily walks. During these times they noted the day to day, week to week, season to season changes in the nature they passed through. On their homeward walk the Milnes would plan their day together—especially if they were writing a book, article, review which they almost always were. They would decide who would write what, and which would do what research. 

The acre of land they purchased in approximately 1961 (now the MNS) had on it a retired commercial laundry building that had washed laundry for UNH students when UNH was a much smaller university. That building was removed and the site became a refuge for nature, as well as for the Milnes themselves.  

The Milnes desired to give their personal sanctuary to the Town so that residents could come, not for active recreation, but to enjoy the site as a “source of serenity” and “a place to observe undisturbed nature”. 

The Milne Nature Sanctuary Committee works to remove invasives, establish native plants, make the Sanctuary a place for pollinators, birds, insects and other animals….and welcoming to residents.

Serving on the Committee are Ellen Snyder, Land Stewardship Director; Jean Olson, John Hart, Diana Carroll, Chair; Suzanne MacDonald. Katia Sowers and Kenny Rotner served as an active member for almost two years.

The Committee is seeking other interested residents to join us. We meet monthly from spring through fall.

BEAR ROAMING FREELY IN DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOODS 

On Wednesday evening this week the only noteworthy call was for a Black Bear that was spotted in the Durham Public Library parking lot around 5:30 PM. The animal made his way through several neighborhoods in the downtown. One of our police officers, Sgt. Randy Pelletier, caught up with the bear on Meadow Road Across from Jay Gooze’s house, who promptly came out to take some pictures of the bear for the Friday Updates! 

It was a small bear and not keen on Sgt. Pelletier being near him, so Randy was able to shoo the bear out of the neighborhoods on Madbury and into the woods near Route 4 with the help of UNH Police, which had been dealing with the animal earlier in the day. NH Fish and Game have been notified in the event he sticks around and becomes a nuisance bear.

When Dr. Gooze submitted the photos to the Town Office, Mr. Selig responded, “You can’t fool me. I can tell it’s you in that bear costume from a mile away!”

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.   

Interesting looking fungi. Courtesy Carol Birch

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.

ROADWAY, DRAINAGE, WATER, AND SIDEWALK STANDARD ENGINEERING DETAILS BEING DEVELOP

Durham Public Works technical staff are finalizing the development of standard construction details for water, sewer, drainage, roadway, and sidewalk construction. These can be shared with developers, engineers, and contractors who are interested in planning to complete work within the Town of Durham. These standard details will provide uniformity around material and infrastructure engineering standards by providing specific requirements for materials such as hydrants, pipeline materials, drainage structures, etc. DPW Rich Reine determined that such standards would be immensely useful in Durham and has worked with Town Engineer April Talon to bring them to fruition.

UPDATE ON 2020 ROAD PROGRAM FROM DPW

Final paving was completed on Cedar point, Bagdad Road, and Strout Lane during the week of October 5, 2020 which completes the paving portion of the 2020 Road Program, exclusive of the Main Street paving project between Mast Road and the railroad bridge. This remaining paving work will be undertaken, weather permitting, following completion of the UNH sidewalk extension project currently underway. DPW Director Rich Reine reports that the department will begin shoulder gravel installation and driveway ends over the next few weeks.

LITTLEHALE CULVERT GRANT REIMBURSEMENT

Durham Public Works is finalizing reporting and paperwork required to submit grant reimbursement to NHDES in order to receive a $75,000 grant payment from this project.

The beautiful, ever changing leaves of fall! Courtesy Todd Selig

Even the poison ivy is pretty! Courtesy Carol Birch

WAGON HILL FARM SEASONAL MOWING

To commence Oct. 13th Durham Public Works will begin the seasonal mowing program of sections of Wagon Hill farm beginning on October 13th. Total project duration is estimated at approximately 2 weeks and is weather dependent.

MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER FEASIBILITY STUDY

Durham Public works received the client draft for review from VHB Engineers on Wednesday October 7th. The project team is prepared to present the feasibility report following review at the convenience of the Council and Administrator.  The project team is also updating NHDES, NOAA, and Fish and Game on the timeline and inquiring about potential grant opportunities for 2021/2022.  

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

1. Call the Durham Police Department at 603-868-2324 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. 
2. Provide your name, address and phone number, location of item to be picked up and indicate if it has already been paid for. 
3. 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.

4TH QUARTER WATER/SEWER WARRANT BEING DEVELOPED

Durham Public Works is finalizing water/sewer billing for October 19th.  The Council will be asked to act upon the warrant at that evening’s Council meeting.

WATER SYSTEM WATER SAMPLING 

4th quarter water sampling for the Durham’s Lee Well along with system bacteria sampling has been completed in accordance with Durham’s NHDES master sampling plan.  

RIVERWOODS SIDEWALK EXTENSION PROJECT UPDATE FOR RT. 108

Riverwoods is finalizing the plans and intends to have Severino Construction perform the construction of this sidewalk extension from Stone Quarry Drive to Old Piscataqua Road with schedule TBD.  It is unlikely this work will be completed this fall, however, Public Works will review project schedule upon submittal to determine feasibility of completing phases of this work prior to winter shutdown. DPW is also reviewing the sidewalk agreement with NHDOT.  

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLAN OPERATIONS

The treatment plant is operating very well, however, due to colder temperatures the treatment microbes undergo their bi-annual change. During this transformation, the microbes die off and create a somewhat unsightly foam on the aeration tanks. Following this die off, more heartier microbes emerge, which are more tolerant to the colder temperatures. This process typically lasts a couple of weeks, and the treatment process is unaffected otherwise. Who said science wasn't interesting?!

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT PAVING

Following completion of the Force Main Sewer Project, paving was finalized at the Dover Rd. sewage pumping station, as well as two areas of the perimeter driveway at the treatment plant.

WWTP GRIT SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

11 tons of rags and grit were taken to the Waste Management Turnkey landfill for disposal. This debris is mechanically removed in the initial treatment process at the wastewater treatment plant. This debris consists of all unwanted wipes, rags, and inorganics that end up in the sewage collection system. This debris, if not removed, is damaging  to the treatment plant pumps and other related processes. 

ROUTE 108/ROUTE 4 EXIT RAMP NHDOT PROJECT

Ongoing. DPW is reviewing the pavement marking maintenance agreement which would allow Durham to maintain sharrows and bike lane markings through the corridor from Route 108/Main St. out to the Durham/Madbury town line. The pavements markings are not something NHDOT would typically install so the marking maintenance will be the responsibility of the Town of Durham.  

ODOR CONTROL SYSTEM AT THE WWTP SLUDGE GARAGE

DPW will be begin a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to select an engineering consultant to design the odor control system for the sludge processing facility at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The RFQ release date is planned for week of Oct 12th