Friday Updates - October 21, 2016

Friday, October 21, 2016

Construction began this week at the former Town Office building located at 15 Newmarket Road.

Courtesy Todd Selig

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The Durham Town Hall at 8 Newmarket Road will enter its third year of operation on Sunday.  It was formally opened for business on October 23, 2014. 

Town Councilors involved with the project from start to finish included:  Jay Gooze, Kathy Bubar, Wayne Burton, Diana Carroll, William Cote, David Howland, Jim Lawson, Kitty Marple, Robin Mower, Julian Smith, Peter Stanhope, and Carden Welsh.  Mike Lynch, Public Works Director, oversaw the construction.  Durham resident Art Guadano of AG Architects was the architect of record for the project. 

The project has exceeded expectations since its opening two years ago. 

COUNCIL GOALS 2016-17 STATUS SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 2016

On Monday, May 23, 2016, the Council adopted its goals for 2016-17. In order to measure the progress of the goals adopted by Council, the Administrator believes it is important to provide the Council with periodic status reports.  


View the updated status report prepared by the Administrator on each of the goals as of 9/30/16 HERE.

FY 2017 PROPOSED BUDGET OFF TO THE PRINTER – A Glimpse of the Upcoming Budget Proposal for Consideration by the Town Council in November and December

This year’s budget cycle has resulted in a proposed 2017 General Fund budget totaling $14,458,900 -- a spending increase of $357,433 or 2.53% compared to FY 2016.  Increases due to required wages and benefits as a result of collective bargaining contracts, a 2% COLA for non-union personnel, adequately budgeting overtime for the police department based upon historical actual usage, insurance increases, and NH State Retirement System downshifted costs to the local community total $335,268.  Non-property tax revenues are expected to increase in FY 2017 by $212,947 or 3.64% to $6,064,000. 

In total, this year’s budgetary proposal is projected to keep the 2017 local municipal portion of the tax rate unchanged at $8.48 for the third year in a row. 

More detail to follow next week when we receive the draft budget and CIP books back from the printer.

Courtesy Todd Selig

On October 12, 2016, Durham resident Jim Beliveau turned 100 years old!  A celebration in honor of this momentous occasion was held on October 15th at the home of his daughter, Gale (Beliveau) Carey in Durham. Pictured with Mr. Beliveau are Bob Ciampa and his daughter, Sammy, Mr. Beliveau's former neighbors from Natick, MA. The Town Council adopted a resolution honoring Mr. Beliveau which was presented to him by Administrator Selig at the October 15th celebration. The resolution may be viewed HERE.

ELECTION DAY

The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8th, at Oyster River High School, 55 Coe Drive, from 7:00am – 7:00pm.  

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ELECTION DAY

We could not run an election without volunteers.  A small cadre of dedicated volunteers is necessary to run a big election and we need your help.  Volunteers will work 3 – 4 hour shifts and will be trained by our election officials.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (603) 868-5577 or e-mail Town Clerk Lorrie Pitt at at lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us.  We will try to contact previous volunteers, but if you don’t hear from us, please let us know you want to help.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DATA ENTRY OF NEW VOTER REGISTRATIONS ON ELECTION DAY, November 8, 2016. Two hour shifts (or longer if you desire) starting at 9 AM. Late afternoon (4 PM) until the polls close is a priority time. If you are 17 or older, you can volunteer and the town will write you a certificate for community service hours. Contact Carol Glover via email glovers@comcast.net or phone (603) 868-3357.

VOTER REGISTRATION

November 8th is right around the corner!  If you want to vote and have not registered, you are strongly encouraged to register before the election.  Registration lines at the polls will be very long.  You can register to vote at the Town Clerk’s Office, M-F, 8:00am – 5:00pm, until Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th, 10:00am – 12:00pm.  No registrations will be accepted after the 29th until the polls open on Election Day.

 

FROM THE SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST

The Supervisors of the Checklist strongly urge those that may be new to Durham to register to vote BEFORE the Presidential Election on November 8. 

Although New Hampshire does allow same day registration, the line will be very long that day. Residents may register before then any week day at the Town Clerk's Office located at the Durham Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Road, between 8 AM and 5 PM (except Columbus Day) up through October 28 and then between 10:00 and 12:00 on October 29.

In order to register to vote residents must be 18 years of age by the day of the election, an American citizen, and domiciled in the Town of Durham.  A driver’s license, a passport, a birth certificate, mail, are all useful things to bring as proofs of these requirements. Questions should be directed to the Town Clerk's Office at (603) 868-5578.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk’s Office or received in the mail.  PLEASE do not put your ballot in the Town Hall drop box.  Ballots found in the drop box will not be counted. 

Durham's Canney Road on a fall day. Courtesy Todd Selig

EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT – Durham/UNH Draft List of Questions for Eversource & Support Attorney for the Public in Requesting Independent Review of Project Specifics

With electric demand in portions of the New Hampshire Seacoast Region growing at twice the rate of the rest of the state, Eversource indicates that additional transmission capacity is needed to support the reliable delivery of electric power to the region.

To address this concern, Eversource has proposed substation upgrades and a new 115-kilovolt (kV) transmission line that will begin in Madbury and end in Portsmouth.  The project is called the Seacoast Reliability Project.  

The Seacoast Reliability Project will extend approximately 13 miles between two existing substations, the Madbury Substation on Miles Lane in Madbury, and the Portsmouth Substation on Gosling Road in Portsmouth.  The majority of the project, however, spans the towns of Durham and Newington.  The cost of the proposed section in Durham is in the $35 million range.

Eversource indicates this project will improve the transmission system in the New Hampshire Seacoast area so customers will have reliable electric power to meet their growing energy needs. Eversource indicates it will also ensure that the area’s electric grid conforms to national and regional reliability standards. Learn more about the project HERE.

The project has been of significant interest for both Durham and UNH over the last 18 months, and outreach has included numerous public hearing organized by Eversource, the NH Site Evaluation Committee, the Town of Durham (at the Town Hall last year), and a bus tour organized by Durham last summer.

Because it is of concern, Administrator Selig wanted to bring residents up to date on our efforts as a community to address the topic. Some residents who have only just recently become aware of the project have expressed with alarm its potential impact upon their individual properties and the community as a whole, and have asked what is being done to protect the community’s interests.

The entity having sole jurisdiction over the application is the NH Site Evaluation Committee. The Town of Durham has no regulatory oversight regarding the project. 

However, Durham approached UNH about 18 months ago and asked for the University to be involved with our efforts in productively engaging with Eversource.  Working together, we stood a much greater likelihood of successfully addressing local concerns for the collective community.  UNH agreed and the two entities subsequently engaged the legal services of attorney Douglas Patch from the firm of Orr and Reno, and have shared legal costs on a 50/50 basis.  Our strategy has in fact been borne out given numerous design modifications Eversource has agreed to make relative to the project to address concerns locally.  

One common question has arisen concerning the desire of many residents to see the lines buried in Durham -- all of the lines.  In terms of burying lines, Durham and UNH placed a high priority on burying the line at Main Street.  Main Street impacts the entire Town, as well as the UNH campus, where other locations do not.  In addition, Durham and UNH had requested that Eversource bury other segments of the line, including at the Little Bay, along the RR tracks near Madbury Road, crossing Route 108/Newmarket Road, crossing Rt. 4 at Madbury Road, crossing Durham Point Road, at the Mill Road crossing, under the bay through directional boring, and in fact the entire line, but Eversource emphatically declined stating it was too expensive, environmentally more disruptive upon wetlands, the corridor was utilizing existing longstanding PSNH rights of way, etc. 

At the Little Bay, eventually the parties were able to work with Eversource by encouraging the company to move the transition structure farther away from the shoreline after a number of Town Councilors and Mr. Selig went out in Councilor Jim Lawson’s boat to look at the situation by sea.  Durham and UNH also worked with Eversource to find solutions allowing the utility to alter the type and location of towers crossing Durham Point Road to the extent practical.  Numerous other design modifications were made by Eversource including heights of lines, pole configurations, locations of poles, setbacks from roadways, going underground at Main Street, etc.  

Durham and UNH officials have been endeavoring to thoughtfully listen to and document concerns that had been or are now being raised by Durham community members and UNH staff members (who are sometimes one in the same), in regard to the Seacoast Reliability Project.  We also both share a sincere interest in protecting the health of the Great Bay Estuary.  To that end, we have tried to document concerns aired and transform them into useful questions that we plan to present to Eversource as part of the Site Evaluation Committee process by an established November 16th deadline.   

A working draft of questions as of 10/21/16 can be found HERE.  We have consulted with two scientists, Steve Jones and David Burdick, at the UNH Jackson Estuarine Lab in preparing these questions, particularly as they relate to possible impacts to the Little Bay.  We would appreciate any feedback community members might have, and whether there are additional matters individuals feel should be raised.  If there are, we will consider them.  Please send to tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.    

The Durham/UNH legal counsel, Doug Patch, has also been in contact with the Attorney for the Public at the NH Department of Justice.  This week we provided letters of support for several independent experts the Attorney for the Public has requested of the SEC (proposed to be paid for by Eversource):

• Engaging independent expert Michael Lawrence at a cost of $40,000 to evaluate the impacts of the proposed project relative to aesthetics and scenic values; and
• Engaging independent expert Heritage Landscapes, LLC at a cost of $32,149 to evaluate the impacts of the proposed project relative to historic and cultural resources.

We have had discussions with the Attorney for the Public about the NH Department of Justice engaging/requesting additional experts as well, to include potential impacts to the Great Bay Estuary and potential health impacts to abutters.  

We also instructed our legal counsel to express Durham/UNH support for the Town of Newington’s supplemental objection to Eversource's motion to partially waive Site 301.03(c)(3)-(5) (“Newington’s Supplemental Objection”) that was filed yesterday.  This pertains to a request from Eversource to be exempt from undertaking certain required mapping dictated by SEC rules.  We do not believe the exemption should be granted by the Site Evaluation Committee.  

Mr. Selig has also written to the US EPA to determine whether that agency has had an opportunity as yet to evaluate the project as it pertains to the Great Bay Estuary.  

In any case, Mr. Selig's hope is to convey that Durham/UNH have together been doing a great deal to look after the interests of the collective Durham/UNH community.  

To date, Durham/UNH representaties have met with Eversource representatives over 30 times in the last 18+ months to work through concerns/aspects of the project.  Eversource has been receptive to many of our requests but has not accommodated every demand we have made.

Ultimately, the NH Site Evaluation Committee will have to determine whether additional requirements will be made of Eversource as part of its review process.

NEW ORGANIZATION COMES TO DURHAM

SOS Recovery Community Organization recently began its operation in Durham in the back of the Episcopal Church, 1 Park Court. The mission of the organization is to reduce stigma and harm associated with addictive disorders by providing safe space and peer-based supports for people in all stages of recovery. There will be as many opportunities to serve as a SOS volunteer as there are people willing to offer their time and talents.

Those interested in finding out more about this organization can contact Sam Chouinard, Capacity Building Specialist, at (603) 312-6604, http://sosrco.org

REDESIGN OF TOWN WEBSITE

A web redesign team consisting of DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens, Aha! Consulting, and Manager of Information Technology Luke Vincent worked throughout the summer to make some broad changes to the Town's website. Some points that have been alleviated include:

• Built in responsive design from day one. The team was aware that the mobile traffic was being underserved by the existing site. By adding dynamic responsive design elements from the start the site is doing a better job catering information to those on the go.  Plus, search engines will probably like that.
• Although the Town is not in the search business, the web redesign team still wanted to focus on simplifying the search mechanism on the site so visitors can find the information they are looking for faster. The new search is quicker and indexes more information throughout the site. A win-win for those visiting the site.
• The Town has moved from the no longer supported Drupal 6 platform to Drupal 7, ensuring it continues to receive the latest security and module updates for years to come.
• Simplified site navigation with large “mega menus” and easy to spot navigation icons that fit in well with the overall design.

It is our sincere hope that visitors will find the refreshed website useful and convenient.  If it is not, or if there is something that might be done to make any aspect of the site better, please send comments and suggestions to http://webmaster@ci.durham.nh.us. In addition, the Town would like to hear from visitors on how they use the website and how it reflects on Durham as a whole.  To gauge this, a short survey has been created and will be forthcoming in the near future.

An unusual scene at Durham's Town Landing on the Oyster River. King Tide at 3:42 PM, 10/19/16, Town Landing, Old Landing Road, Durham, NH. Courtesy Todd Selig

KING TIDE AT TOWN LANDING THIS WEEK

King Tide is an especially high tide that occurs when the gravitational pulls of the sun and moon reinforce one another. This extra-high tide happens a few times per year when the moon is closest to the earth. This year on the NH Seacoast, the high tide was expected to reach approximately 10 feet between October 17 and October 19.

According to the NH Coastal Adaptation Workgroup, while tides are not affected by climate change, the climate and weather do influence coastal sea levels through storm surges, the El Niño/La Niña-Southern Oscillation, the Jet Stream cycles, ice sheet melt, ocean warming expansion, and other factors. When combined with high tides (especially King Tides) these conditions can cause widespread damage due to flooding and erosion, a risk that will only increase with sea level rise.

King Tides occurring within the Seacoast region this October can provide a preview of what we might experience regularly in the future as a result of rising sea levels.

ROUTE 108/NEWMARKET ROAD PAVING PROJECT

Continuing Paving Operations  for this project will take  place on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, which will entail paving from the Durham Boat Club south to 200 feet north of Stagecoach Road. The contractor will be placing Base & Binder courses. The schedule may change due to weather as a clear day is needed in order to do the paving. Delays will not be as significant as previous paving operations, but motorists should expect additional time to pass through the construction zone. NHDOT and the contractor are working together to reduce the impact to the traveling public.

ASSESSING UPDATE

Assessor Jim Rice is currently reviewing sales information of properties that sold between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016.  The purpose for this review is in preparation for the annual equalization ratio analysis which is set by the NH Department of Revenue Administration.  


This review includes an on-site inspection (no appointments are scheduled), re-measuring the exterior of the building(s), verifying the sale transaction with the property owner, and making sure that the information on the assessment record card is correct.  If there are any discrepancies, the assessment record card and assessed valuation will be updated and reflected on the property owner's tax bill.

 

Please fee free to contact the Assessor’s Office at (603) 868-8064 with any questions.   

 

PLANNING BOARD TO DISCUSS MILL PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT, 2 BROOK WAY PROJECT, AND ZONING CHANGE PROPOSAL ON 10/26

This coming Wednesday the Planning Board will discuss several issues including:

2 Brook Way – Conversion to Sorority. Conceptual Review (preliminary application) for conversion of an existing multi-unit dwelling with 24 beds to sorority with 32+ beds. Site plan for change of use and conditional use/adaptive reuse for sorority. Paul Berton, Fall Line Properties, LLC, property owner. Sandy Grossman, representative of Phi Sigma Sigma. Chris Wyskiel, attorney. Professional Office District. Map 2, Lot 9-4. Recommended action: Discuss and close conceptual review.

Public Hearing - Mill Plaza Redevelopment – 7 Mill Road. Design Review (preliminary application). Updated design for site plan and conditional use for the redevelopment of this 10-acre site. The project involves demolition of the rear commercial building; construction of 2 new mixed-use buildings, 1 with commercial on ground level and 3 floors of residential and 1 with commercial on ground level and 4 floors of residential; construction of 1 retail outbuilding; 370 parking spaces, including 42 garage spaces; a total of 80,000 square feet of commercial; residential space for 330 occupants; new public spaces; and other site changes. Colonial Durham Associates, LP, property owner; Sean McCauley, agent; Joe Persechino, Tighe & Bond, engineer; Steve Cecil and Emily Innes, The Cecil Group, site planner; Lisa DeStefano, DeStefano Architects, architect. Central Business District. Map 5, Lot 1-1. Recommended action: Discuss and continue design review and public hearing.  For more information on the Mill Plaza project, click HERE.

Consideration of Town Council-initiated zoning amendments:  A) Change Mixed Use with Residential (office/retail down, multiunit residential up) from conditional use to not permitted in the Central Business District; B) MAdd a new definition for Mixed Use with Elderly Housing (office/retail down, elderly housing up), allow as a conditional use in the Central Business District, and add references to this use in Section 175-41 Central Business District and Section 175-53 B, General Use Regulations.

Hometown Pride - Durham resident Tim Walker is pictured here with his sheep Estie.  Estie was awarded the Best Fleece prize at the prestigious NY Sheep and Wool Festival held this past weekend in Rhinebeck, NY.  Tim and his flock of Romney and Merino sheep competed against hundreds of sheep from across the country to receive this coveted award. Tim's flock of Romney and Merino sheep were awarded several top prizes at sheep shows in NH, ME, NY, MA and CT the past six months.  Yarn spun from the flock is available at the farm, Liberty Hall Farm on Bennett Road, and online at http://www.greatbaywoolworks.com. Courtesy Theresa Walker

WATER/SEWER BILLS

Water/Sewer bills were mailed out October 3rd and are due November 3rd.  If you want to make your payment using ONLINE BANKING, please make sure to note your water/sewer account number to insure proper credit to your account.

DURHAM’S FULL TAX RATE DROPS BY 12 CENTS IN 2016 | Tax base associated with new development helps drop rate for second year in a row

I am very pleased to report that last week the Town received the finalized 2016 tax rate from the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. For the second year in a row, the full tax rate for Durham has gone down!  

 

The new full rate for 2016 is $29.73, a decrease of 12 cents compared to the 2015 rate of $29.85.  

 

Last year, the 2015 full rate of $29.85 showed a decrease 67 cents compared to the 2014 rate of $30.52.  

 

This decrease is a result in part of the town's increased tax base due to new development.  Without the added $47,196,291 in new tax base that has come on line over the last twelve months as a result of new development downtown, the tax rate would have been $31.19 versus the actual number of $29.73, an increase of $1.46.

 

In terms of allocation of the different portions of the tax rate, the Town portion of the rate represents 28.52% of the total Durham tax bill.  The County portion represents 9.45% of the bill.  The School portion represents 62.03% of the bill (54.39% Local School and 7.64% State School).  

 

This once again represents good news for the taxpayers of Durham. Kudos to the Durham Town Council, ORCSD School Board, and Strafford County Commissioners for their hard work on budgets that keeps spending to a minimum while still endeavoring to meet the ever changing demands of the community.

 

NEW HAMPSHIRE'S "HANDS FREE ELECTRONIC DEVICE" LAW

The Hands Free law has been in effect since July!  The law was created for many good reasons since during the past 4 years there have been 116 fatal car crashes in New Hampshire that have been attributed to “distraction”.  Research states that a texting vehicle operator is 23 times more likely to crash.  The law prohibits the use of hand held electronic devices capable of providing voice or data communication while driving or temporarily halted/stopped in traffic for a stop sign, traffic signal or other momentary delays.  An electronic device includes cell phones, GPS, tablets, iPods, iPad or other devices that require data entry.  Of course, any call being made to 911 or other public safety entity will not be a violation.  

It is important to understand that the ban would apply while drivers are stopped temporarily, such as at a red light, but not if they have pulled-over and are stopped off the side of the roadway. Vehicle operators can answer the phone but not holding it to the ear or typing emails or other messages. It also does not allow programming GPS systems unless drivers are pulled off the road.

Drivers can use a variety of ways to comply with the law and still talk on their phones. For example, drivers can attach a Bluetooth device to an older car’s sun visor and sync it to their cellphone.  Many newer cars can also make hands-free calls through Bluetooth integrated into the car’s system.  If anyone is confused or would like to speak with an officer about the law, please call the Durham Police at (603) 868-2324.

Pettee Brook prior to beginning of cleanup. Courtesy DPW

PETTEE BROOK CLEANUP

Last Friday a dozen staff members from the UNH IOL (Interoperability Lab) participated in a community service work day. The project was the litter removal, weeding and invasive plant removal along the Pettee Brook in the downtown area. The highly successful project was a collaboration, with the IOL and Public Works Department staffs. Below shows before cleanup and after cleanup photos. Thanks and kudos to the IOL folks, see you next year.

Pettee Brook after cleanup. Courtesy DPW

DURHAM FIREFIGHTERS KEEP LOCAL CHILDREN WARM THIS WINTER WITH BRAND NEW WINTER COATS

The Durham Firefighters, Local 2253, are gearing up again this year to fundraise for their Firefighters for Operation Warm initiative. Durham Firefighters have joined forces with national non-profit Operation Warm in the program, “Firefighters for Operation Warm,” a movement led by professional firefighters across the U.S. to combat the effects of childhood poverty while saving American jobs.  

In 2015, Local 2253 was able to provide 30 children with brand-new winter coats and this year they hope to double it. They are asking the community to support their efforts through monetary donations. If they reach their goal, firefighters will surprise the students during the winter months with their bright new coats, personally fitting each child, and helping them to write their names in the interior tag that reads, “Made Especially for You.”

A warm coat is an essential item for all children. A brand new winter coat provides more than just warmth. It helps empowers a child to have greater self-confidence, encourages more school attendance in the winter, and contributes to their overall wellness during outdoor play.

 

CROMMET CREEK BRIDGE PROJECT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Crommet Creek/Durham Point Road bridge will be closed Monday morning (October 24th) for approximately 4 weeks so the bridge can be opened for traffic during week of Thanksgiving (week of November 21st). The bridge will then be closed a second time for a window in early December for new timber guardrail installation – information on the specific dates of the second closure will be announced in November.

 

Any questions, please call Town Engineer, April Talon at 603-86-5578 or email atalon@ci.durham.nh.us

 

Pumpkins at Emery Farm. Courtesy Todd Selig

NEW HAMPSHIRE EXPERIENCING DROUGHT CONDITIONS - Suggestions for Durham Residents/Households

Much of Southern NH is experiencing a drought emergency. It has received about 50% of its normal rainfall over the last six months. Stream flow and groundwater levels are at historic low levels across the region. Some NH residents on private wells, as well as some community water systems in other parts of the state, are experiencing significant water supply shortages. More widespread shortages across the state are imminent if rainfall does not replenish lakes, rivers, and groundwater supplies before winter weather sets in.

 
How are Durham/UNH faring the drought?

So far this summer over one hundred community water systems have reported implementing water use restrictions to protect sources. The Durham/UNH Water System has been extremely proactive over the years in developing multiple above ground and below ground water resources, combined with more efficient fixtures on campus and off as part of new construction, such that while the region is in a drought situation, Durham/UNH are in a very good position and drought measures are not required at this time.  As with so many things, Durham/UNH together are ahead of the curve and leading the way.

 

The most recent water resource to come on line to provide for the community is the Spruce Hole Well, which is permitted for approximately 1 million gallons per day with a limit of 63 million gallons per year PLUS the amount of artificial recharge added to the aquifer.

 
Suggestions for Durham residents:

Although restrictions are not at this time required in Durham, residents, particularly those with private wells, should consider taking the following steps to save water, energy, and money:

 
Lawn Watering – Discontinue lawn watering immediately. Lawn watering can cause household water use to more than double and needs to be discontinued now to save our state’s water supply for the winter months.

 
Sink Faucets – Whether you are brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or washing dishes, turn off the faucet to save 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). For further savings, replace bathroom sink aerators with a 1.5 gpm aerator.

 
Showerheads - Reduce shower time to save anywhere from 2.5 gpm to 5 gpm. Look closely at your showerhead for the labeled flow rate (gpm) and consider replacing it with a WaterSense certified showerhead that guarantees performance at 2.0 gpm or less.

Clothes Washers – Wash only full loads and replace clothes washers that are more than 10 years old with new Energy Star certified washers to reduce water use from 23 gallons per load to 13 gallons per load and to cut energy use by 25%. 

Toilets – Fix running toilets to eliminate hundreds of gallons a day of wasted water. To test your toilet for a leak, place 5 drops of food coloring in the water tank of the toilet and wait 15 minutes to see if the color appears in the toilet bowl. If so, a common cause is the toilet flapper, which can be replaced with little effort or cost.  Toilets older than 1994 may use anywhere from 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) to 7 gpf. Replace older toilets with WaterSense certified toilets (1.28 gpf) to save hundreds of gallons a week.

AMTRAK DOWNEASTER TRACK REPAIRS WILL IMPACT ALL SERVICE AND SCHEDULES FOR TWO WEEKENDS

The Downeaster has some major track work coming up (primarily affecting service north of Portland) that will impact all service and schedules for the period October 11 through November 18, 2016.

During two weekends (10/22-23 and 11/5-6) there will be no train service at all.


More information can be found at the Amtrack Downeaster website HERE.

Emilie Holmstock, Sergeant, US Air Force (daughter of Captain Dave Holmstock, Durham PD) ran in the Washington, DC "Run for the Badge" road race on October 15th. Emilie raised over $1000.00 in memory of fallen law enforcement officers. For the run, she wore a Durham PD shirt to represent NH Law Enforcement, and at the bottom of her number she honored Durham Chief Ray Burrows (Deceased) and Durham Lt. Bob Hollis (Deceased) by running with their names on her race bib. Courtesy David Holmstock

PART-TIME TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT

The Town of Durham is seeking a Transfer Station Attendant. The position is part-time, non-benefits.  Applicants must be comfortable dealing with the public and have a Solid Waste Operators License, level 1 minimum or the ability to obtain a license within one (1) year of hire. 

Duties include: checking in residents, ensuring materials are disposed of in proper locations, ability to operate a loader and skid steer, and maintenance and cleaning of facility.  Pay is $11-$15/Hr based on experience.  Hours will be Saturday & Tuesday from 7AM - 3:30 PM with the potential for more hours.  Valid driver’s license required and a background check will be performed. 

Applications accepted until the position is filled.      


Applications are available at the Public Works Office. Contact: Doug Bullen

Assistant Director for Operations, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH  03824, (603) 868-5578.

 

THOMPSON LANE/MAGRATH ROAD DRAINAGE PROJECT

The Department of Public Works has advertised the Thompson/ Magrath Drainage Project for construction. Bids were due on October 5th. The project involves constructing drainage lines along the shoulder of Magrath Road to Thompson Lane and reconstructing existing drainage lines down Thompson Lane to the intersection of Valentine Hill Road. This project will be completed this year.

Questions can be directed to Town Engineer, April Talon, P.E. at atalon@ci.durham.nh.us or by calling 603-868-5578.

HUNTING IN DURHAM

Deer hunting season is quickly approaching with muzzle loading season starting October 29th through the 8th and all deer hunting from November 9th through the December 4th.  It is the hunter’s responsibility to check the capability of hunting on all lands. 

There is no hunting allowed on land owned by the Town of Durham with a few exceptions pertaining to lands where LCHIP funds were utilized for acquisition.  State and Federal lands routinely allow hunting and it should be noted that 80% of New Hampshire's forestland is privately owned. Generally speaking, most private lands -- especially larger tracts -- remain open to hunters across New Hampshire, unless otherwise posted against hunting. While the Durham Police and New Hampshire Fish and Game highly recommend that each hunter personally contact landowners whenever possible and seek permission to hunt, this is not always accomplished.  It is noted that even land posted to hunting can be accessed by contacting the owner prior to hunting.  We urge all hunters to please respect all landowners wishing to keep their lands posted.   One category of current use tax reduction requires the landowner to keep their land open to public use, including hunting, in order to get an additional 20% tax reduction. Regardless, the discharge of a firearm within 300 feet of a permanently occupied building owned by another is unlawful.  If residents are concerned about any gunshots, the Durham Police are poised to respond and investigate the situation.

Residents should also be aware that the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Newington holds a special hunt on the first weekend of the regular firearms season. The shotgun-only white-tailed deer hunt serves the dual purposes of supporting the state's effort to control the deer population while providing recreational opportunities on the 1,100-acre refuge.  A total of 40 hunters (20 each day) are selected through a free lottery for one-day hunting permits.

New universally assessable path has been installed in the Oyster River Forest. Courtesy DPW

NOVEMBER ZBA MEETING DATE

Due to the General Election on November 8th, the Zoning Board meeting in November will be held on Tuesday, November 15.

 

VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES

There are currently a number of vacancies on various Town boards, commissions, and commissions. The Durham Town Council is seeking interested residents of the Town of Durham who have the ability, desire, and time needed to fill these vacancies.


Citizens interested in board appointments may stop in or contact the Town Administrator’s office at 868-5571 and ask for a board application form. Applications are also available on the home page of the Town’s web site: http://www.ci.durham.nh.us in the green area located at the right. Click on “Forms”, then “Application for Appointment”.


Completed applications may be mailed to the Administrator’s office, or submitted via email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.

Conservation Commission:  1 alternate vacancy
Historic District /Heritage Commission:  1 regular vacancy

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee:  3 regular vacancies; 1 alternate vacancy
Planning Board: 1 regular vacancy and 1 alternate vacancy

Zoning Board of Adjustment:  1 regular vacancy and 2 alternate vacancies

Lamprey River Advisory Committee:  2 vacancies

Oyster River Local Advisory Committee:  2 vacancies

Strafford Regional Planning Commission MPO Policy Committee: 1 vacancy

TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT!

Trick or Treating in the Town of Durham will be held on Sunday, October 30, 2016 from 5 - 7:30 PM.

MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

The following public meetings are scheduled for the upcoming week.  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.

Planning Board - Wednesday, October 26, 2016

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All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

Durham Police Facility Video. DCAT 22 Studios has created the first video in a series of others which are designed to inform residents of the needs of the police facility. This first 15 minute video focuses upon the three critical and immediate needs that challenge the agency.  While the department will be presenting and hosting opportunities to tour the facility, the series of short videos will offer some exposure to areas at the police department that the public rarely sees. The video airs on DCAT Cable Channel 22:  Monday – Friday at 8:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday @ 7:30 PM.  It’s also available On Demand.

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DCAT 22 Studios was on the road again for our next episode of “In the Biz” Durham Business Spotlight.  Join your host, Economic Development Director, Mary Ellen Humphrey as she chats with the gang from Durham Geeks.  The “Geeks” specialize in repair and restoring mobile devices, they also troubleshoot, repair and load software onto any electronic devices, but please take a few minutes to watch this video short.  In the Biz can be seen on DCAT Cable Channel 22 on Saturday & Sunday @ 12:30 & 6:00 PM. The video is also available for viewing On Demand.

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DCAT 22 now has an aerial drone. The drone craft will be used in many different municipal capacities where an aerial view is necessary. The drone has HD video and HD still shot capability.  Due to the size and weight of the drone, it’s necessary for it to be registered with the FAA, tail numbers: FA3ECN9RR3.  

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DCAT is Live Streaming.  Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account.  You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time.  All you have to do is click and watch.  Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device.  Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

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.

Fall Programs and Registration

Please visit us HERE for a full list of fall programs, including detailed information and online registration.

Stargazing at the UNH Observatory

Durham Parks & Recreation has teamed up with UNH Astronomer John Gianforte - The SkyGuy, to offer Stargazing opportunities throughout the year at the UNH Observatory & at Wagon Hill Farm. On Saturday, October 22nd from 7:00-8:30pm at the UNH Observatory, we will view the moon and the prominent fall constellations that are rich in mythology and contain some amazing deep sky objects.

Please let DPR know you’ll be attending by Wednesday, October 19th: recreation@ci.durham.nh.us. This is a community program-all ages are welcome. Suggested donation of $5/pp.  Inclement weather date is Saturday, November 12th.

Spooktacular Day

Join us at Jackson’s Landing on Friday, October 28th from 4-6pm for a Spooktacular FUN filled event!  Participants will enjoy pumpkin & cookie decorating, crafts & games, a costume parade, spooktacular snacks, complementary ice skating (during event) at Churchill Rink and much more!

Churchill Rink

Saturday Night Lights- Teen Skate begins this Saturday, Oct. 22nd from 7:45-9:15pm.  After School Skate times begin Monday, Oct. 24th 3:30-4:45pm: Mondays & Fridays- After School Stick & Puck & Wednesdays- After School Open Skate.

For more information on skating times, skate rentals, season passes, advertising at the rink, and group rentals, please visit us HERE. 

Indoor Rock Climbing at the UNH Artificial Climbing Wall

Durham Parks & Recreation has once again teamed up with UNH Outdoor Education for the After School Rock Climbing Club. Team members will work closely with UNH Outdoor Education students who are also AMGA certified instructors to learn belaying skills, knots, equipment, climbing technique, problem solving skills, and more!  New and experienced climbers welcome. All equipment provided.  Pre-registration required HERE.

• Middle School Climbing Club- Fridays 3:30-5:30pm: November 4th, 11th, December 2nd & 9th. $55/student. Ages 10+.  DPR Staff will walk students from the ORMS to NH Hall. Min of 10, Max of 24.
• Family Climb Nights- Fridays 6:30-8:30pm: November 4th, 18th & December 2nd. $30/2 family members, $50/4 family members.  Add on a family member for $10.  Ages 5+. Min of 10, Max of 24.
• High School Climb Night-Friday, December 9th 6:30-8:30pm. $20/climber. Snacks provided! Ages 14+. Min of 10, Max of 24T

Coyote Club Session 2

Mondays, November 14th- January 9th (7 weeks) 3:30-4:30.  No class 12/26 & 1/2.  Space is limited, please pre-register by November 7th. $85/per person.

Coyote Club introduces children to nature-based studies, native crafts and environmental stewardship.  This program will get kids out of the house and into the woods, connecting them to their environment.

Teeter TOTers Playgroup

Teeter TOTers Playgroup is a partnership program with Oyster River Parents for Preschoolers (ORPP), which allows children and parents the opportunity to gather together for free play, time to socially interact, and the choice to participate in an age appropriate activity.  

The Playgroup meets on Fridays at 10:00am at various locations throughout the year.  Please visit us at: durhamrec.recdesk.com to see where to meet and what we have planned!  Participation is FREE!

Music with Benji

Begins Oct. 5th. Join us on Wednesdays at 9:45am at the Durham Parks & Rec. building for music fun with Benji!  This is a free community program for ages 5 & under.  Adult supervision is required. 

Pick-Up Pickleball  
Join us Tuesday nights from 6-8pm at the Oyster River Middle School- Multi Purpose Room for Pick-Up Pickleball. This is a low-impact doubles racket sport that blends tennis, badminton and ping pong. Pick-up style play for all levels and abilities.  All equipment is provided, participation is FREE.

SAVE THE DATE!

• Feather Fest- Thursday, November 24th at Wagon Hill Farm-10am.
• Tree Lighting Celebration- Saturday, December 3rd

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Lamprey River Watershed Association Honors Volunteers and Celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Lamprey River designation as a national Wild and Scenic River. Friday, Oct 21, 2016, Jerimiah Smith Grange Hall in Lee. 6PM-spaghetti supper with homemade desserts; 7PM-program begins. Tickets: $15 per person or $25 for two. Registration requested at 659-9363 or volunteer at lrwa-nh.org. Seating is limited.

Trail Maintenance for Volunteers Workshop, Saturday, Oct 22, 2016, 9:30 AM - 4PM, College Woods, 18 Waterworks Road, Cost: $25 (includes bag lunch). Will provide hands-on training, practice, and tools for maintaining trails. Those desiring to volunteer to maintain trails in Durham should use the coupon code "durham" to receive $15 discount (subsidy provided by the Town of Durham). Space limited to 20 participants. Register and learn more HERE.

Halloween Extravaganza, Thursday, Oct 27, 2016, 4 - 7:30 PM, Mills Hall, UNH campus, 20 Quad Way. Trick or treating, face painting, games, and more. FREE to the community.

Lamprey River Advisory Committee 2016 fall newsletter is available for viewing HERE.

Trick or Treating in Durham - Sunday, Oct 30, 2016, 5 - 7:30 PM

Screenagers: Growing up in the Digital Age, Wednesday, Nov 9, 2016, 6:30PM, ORHS auditorium. An independent documentary examining the lives of kids, families, schools, and communities attempting to navigate the complexities of social media, Internet addiction, and digital citizenship. FREE to the community. Hosted by Oyster River PTOs.

UNH Museum of Art Upcoming Events. View schedule of events HERE.

OR Girls Middle School Hockey. Open to girls in grades 5-8 in the OR School District. Positions still available for new players. Games are in the Southern Maine Middle School Hockey League and ORMS team will play a 12-14 game schedule beginning in November. More information, contact orms.girls.hockey@gmail.com

The Department of Public Works installed the new living 14 foot Balsam Fir holiday tree this morning Downtown at Memorial Park. Courtesy DCAT Studios

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:

Mariposa Museum visits the Library with World Games for Families! Saturday, October 22nd at 10:30 am - Join us for this special family program.  Come and learn some world games with Educational Outreach Coordinators from the Mariposa Museum!  We will learn Nim, a game from China, Mancala from Africa, Wari from Egypt, Achi another game from Egypt, Tangram for younger children which is a puzzle game and many more games such as Driedel from an Irish or English top and Solitaire from France.  There will be games for every age!  This program is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Durham Public Library.  All are welcome!
Storytimes Tues. Oct. 25th at 10:30 am.  “Halloween!”  NO STORYTIME ON THURS. OCT. 27Th.  The Children’s Librarians are at a conference.
On-going Family Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Still time to bring in a decorated pumpkin!  They will be on display in the library,  Prizes!  No carving.  Come and see the fun entries on display in the Children’s area until Halloween.  
YA Iron Chef Paranormal Pizza Party! (ages 10 & up) Tuesday, October 25th at 6:00 pm - Come and have fun before the next YA Iron Chef competition.  Come and sample a selection of pizza from local parlors while watching a vintage Halloween flick.  Cast your vote at the Children's desk for which old-school spooky movie you'd like us to screen!  Addams Family Values (1993), Beetlejuice (1988), The Monster Squad (1987), Ghostbusters (1984) or another one!  You judge the pizzas this time, best crust? sauce? cheese? toppings?  Register in advance at the Children's desk.
PJ Storytime, Thurs. Oct. 27th, 6:30-7:30 pm – Join ORPP and the library for our monthly PJ storytime.  This month:  Halloween!  Come wearing your costumes.  We’ll read stories, do fingerplays, feltboard, sing songs and make a fun Halloween craft.  We’ll also trick-or-treat at the library.  Snack provided by ORPP (Oyster River Parents and Pre-schoolers).  All are welcome.
Baby Lap-sit (ages 2 & under with care giver) Weds. Oct. 26th at 10:30 am

Young Adult Drop-in Monday (ages 10 & up) Monday 2:45-4pm Oct. 24th:  Halloween Minute to Win It Games.  Prizes.  Come try Zombie Brain Toss, Candy Catastrophie, Tower of Terror, Fire Breather and more!

Knitting Club for 3rd-5th graders Weds. Oct. 26th 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).
NO LEGO CLUB ON THURS. OCT. 27TH.  The Children’s Librarians are at a conference.  Join us for Lego Club (K-4th grade) on Thurs. Nov. 3rd at 3:30-4:30 pm!  Our weekly challenge will be about patterns then.
Home-schooler’s Group Friday, Oct. 28th at 10:30 am.  “Halloween!”
Bookeaters, a middle school book group Weds. Oct. 26th 2:45-4:00 pm – Join us for our monthly book group.  This month’s book is “The Assault” by Brian Falkner.  This group is led by Ruth Wharton-McDonald, UNH Professor of Education.  Come discuss the book which is available at the library.  Pizza is served and all are welcome.  This group meets in the Young Adult Room.

Tales for Tails – Read to a therapy dog, Cynder or North!   Ages 1st-4th grade.  Sign-up at the Children’s desk..
Raccoon Readers, 2nd-4th grade book group, Tues. Nov. 1st, 6:00-7:00 pm – Join us for our monthly book group.  This month’s book is “When Life Gives You O.J.” by Erica S. Perl.  We talk about the book, play some games, make a fun craft and enjoy a snack.  Books are available at the Circulation desk.
YA Monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board) for ages 10 & up, Group, Mon. Nov. 7th, 6:30-7:30 pm – Join our monthly group where you decide what books and programs the library should have.  This month:  We will make a Thanksgiving inspired craft, and try our hand at baking “mug cakes” in the microwave for dessert!  Registration is required and space is limited.  Pizza is served.
YA Iron Chef (ages 10 & up), Thurs. Nov. 3rd, 6:00-7:30 pm – Join us for this new fun program.  Will you be crowned the next DPL Teen Iron Chef?  This month’s theme:  Thanksgiving Leftovers.  Choose from a selection of ingredients and prepare a prize-winning dish that fits the theme… Just don’t forget the Secret Ingredient.  What is the Secret Ingredient, you ask?  You’ll have to come to find out!  Register in advance at the Children’s desk.
Jack & Annie Book Club (K-2) Tues. Nov. 15th, 4-5 pm Join us for our new monthly book club made just for kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade! Next book is, "Shadow of the Shark" by Mary Pope  Osborne. Books are available at the circulation desk. Registration is required. Please sign-up at the Children's desk!
Patch Program has started.  Come and join and collect your patches!  This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Durham Public Library.

Adult  Programs:

NEWS FLASH!  Acoustic Open Mic with Mike Welcome new hootmeister Mike Modern, performing occasionally as "Cowboy Mike", Weds. November 9th from 6:30-7:45 pm - Mike is the founding member of: EBUMA (Enthusiastic But Untalented Musicians Association). He welcomes all types of acoustic (non-amplified) music. First time performers and original music are particularly encouraged. Acoustic Open Mic with Mike is a welcoming supportive intimate gathering.  Light refreshments are provided.
American Southwest - Travel with Mike Behrendt,  Wed. Nov. 2, 6:30-8 - Michael will share pictures & stories from his recent trip to the American Southwest, one of the most beautiful and distinctive regions of the country. Visits to Santa Fe, Taos, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, and other sites.  Talk to include landscape, architecture, arts, Native American culture, colonial history, Route 66 follies, and the vortexes of Sedona.  Michael has given presentations about Durham’s architecture and his trips to Ireland, Belgium and Holland, and South Dakota and Pine Ridge Reservation.  No reservations needed. Contact Armida ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Durham Garden Club Seacoast Winters Farmers Market - Tues., Oct. 25, 6:30 - Durham Garden clubs guest speaker Shelly Smith, Program Coordinator for Seacoast Eat Local, will talk about the history of the markets, along with the latest news, just in time for the start of the winter markets in November. All are welcome to attend.
Special Veteran's Day Program, Thurs. Nov. 10, 6:30 pm - Join us for a special Veteran's Day Program Featuring Sam Perley, trumpet player with Patriotic Tunes!  Author Edward "Skip" Biron, book talk titled, Skip's Legacy. Refreshments served. All are welcome and especially Veteran's. Contact Armida Geiger ageiger@ci.durham.nh.us
Save the date! Tuesday, December 6, 2016 4-6pm 2nd Annual Snowflake Social Snow date is Wednesday,  December 7, 2016

Empty Cookie Basket -n"Cookie Crisis: Urgent Call for bakers. Ask not where are the cookies; ask when your group can bake. Currently there are no November, December or January bakers..."Interested in baking cookies?  Contact Nancy Schieb neschieb@gmail.com  Or when at the library kindly leave your name and phone number with a staff member at the circulation desk or call the library 603-868-6699 and leave your name and number.
Winner Announced for the Friends 2017 Membership Campaign Drawing. - Congratulations to Martha Andersen, winner of the Liberty Wood Laser Cut Puzzle. Thank you to all who participated in the Friends 2017 Membership Campaign.  

The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology: computers, iPads & cell phones, eReaders (Nook, Kindle, etc.) Call to check on availability of the volunteers and set up an appointment. 868-6699 or email  durhampl@gmail.com

 

For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.

Mill Pond and Oyster River Dam. Courtesy Todd Selig

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