Friday Updates - October 25, 2013

Friday,October 25, 2013

A little girl enjoys dancing to the outdoor piano being played on Main Street, downtown Durham. The piano is being removed today for the season, BUT...it will return again next spring! Thank you to Karen of The Candy Bar and Durham Parks & Recreation for supporting this project. Photo Courtesy of Janice Aviza.

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A reminder that Trick-or-Treat in Durham is next Wednesday evening, October 30th, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. Lee and Madbury also undertake Trick-or-Treating on this date.  Be safe out there!  To view some important tips on how your little ghosts and goblins can have a fun and safe Halloween, click HERE.

IT’S “SOXTOBAH” … AND THE BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GIVES THE ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY THE WHAT FOR | Meanwhile, Durham Police actively plan to ensure things remain orderly in Durham after the final World Series games that correspond with Halloween

One might expect members of the Boston and St. Louis symphony orchestras to be a little out there in terms of personality -- after all, they play instruments that are a lot out there in terms of decibel levels. So it's not surprising that the brass sections of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Symphony Orchestra are facing off in a new video on YouTube.  Check out how some very talented people express their rivalry in good cheer.

http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/culture-club/st-louis-symphony-orchestra-vs-boston-symphony-orechestra-in-world/article_35085e05-a1b5-5954-a797-67dc3d6fb76e.html

Meanwhile in Durham, public safety officials work to ensure that the World Series does not create the opportunity for inappropriate post-game civil disturbances such as those experienced here in past years.  Police Chief David Kurz has sent a letter to all local businesses and landlords requesting that they have discussions with their renters reminding them of their lease obligations to include occupancy limitations, noise restrictions, beer keg regulations, and any other issues that may re-instill their obligations to be good neighbors.  Additional steps are also recommended to assist the department in preventing and lessening any issues that may occur in and around properties to include:

1. Taking in loose signs;
2. Emptying trash & recycling containers;
3. Reminding tenants to bring furniture into their apartments; and
4. Removing flammable materials from the exterior of buildings.

DURHAM POLICE PLAN FOR RED SOX WORLD SERIES

While the Durham Police Department hopes that any celebrations will occur in an organized and controlled manner, experience has taught them that in spite of their best efforts they must be prepared for all possibilities. While they are taking great pains to ensure that riotous behavior experienced in 2004 will not reoccur, they are also aware that a celebration for a winning Red Sox team looks markedly similar to a loss for the Red Sox!  Combined with the fact that if there is a 7th game, it coincides with Halloween night, not a good prospect! 

With this reality confronting the community, various meetings are scheduled to design and engage students in positive celebrations.  Additionally, contingency plans are being formulated with the downtown business community, the Durham Landlord Association as well as all the various Town departments. 

ADMINISTRATOR SELIG CONSIDERS SUSPENDING FEE FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAM UNDER THE HOUSING STANDARDS ORDINANCE | Over 1,800 violations found to date as part of new program by the Fire Department in Durham rental properties

The new Health and Safety Inspection Program for all rental units in town as part of Durham’s Housing Standards Ordinance, overseen by the Fire Department, was estimated to generate approximately $70,000 in revenue in 2013 and again in 2014.  As of October 16, 2013 (week 37 of the program), the department had inspected 675 rental units in Durham and identified over 1,800 violations within rental properties to date.   

Because of the large number of deficiencies found by the Fire Department in 2013 as part of the program, unless otherwise directed by the Town Council, the Administrator is planning to suspend implementation of the fee schedule for 2013 and 2014 in order to enable property owners with rental apartments to utilize monies that would otherwise be paid to the Town -- to be used instead toward addressing deficiencies that might exist within their properties.  The 2014 proposed budget will take into account this reduction in forecasted revenue. 

The Town’s overarching goal as part of the Housing Standards Ordinance has been on the safety of housing stock in Durham, not revenue generation, and the Administrator believes this approach is consistent with that fundamental underlying goal of the Town – safe housing.  

Under the Administrator’s envisioned plan, property owners who have already paid a fee for the inspection in 2013 would be reimbursed.  In 2015 and 2016, eligible property owners would be able to take advantage of the self-inspection provision of the Housing Standards Ordinance.  Longer-term, the Administrator will revisit the fee schedule itself.

Some facts regarding the program to date. As of October 16, 2013 with the rental housing program, the Fire Department has:

• Inspected a total of 675 rental units.
• Conducted 44 re-inspections, and is currently scheduling a higher number to catch up to the back log of re-inspections.
• Recorded over 1,800 violations throughout all the inspections, which is leading to the higher re-inspection time needed.

According to the projected inspection schedule, the department is ahead of the 555 total number of rental units scheduled to be inspected by week 37.  


The staff at the Fire Department has expressed concern with the high number of violations discovered as part of the inspection provision for rental properties as part of the Housing Standards Ordinance, and is working closely with landlords to correct these deficiencies in a cooperative manner.  

DURHAM RECEIVES RECOGNITION FOR BEING A MODEL WITH RESPECT TO THE RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW/TRANSPARENCY AND LEAN GOVERNANCE - Durham in the news

Durham was in the news recently. On October 26, 2013, Seacoast Online ran two articles in which Durham was featured. One article pertained to Durham serving as a model for communities relative to the Right to Know law. To read this article, click HERE.

The second article was regarding Durham's Kaizen efforts. To read this article, click HERE.

Some of the beautiful foilage experienced in the area this fall season.

Courtesy Todd Selig

SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION - FEBRUARY 4, 2014

Earlier this month the Town Council requested the Governor and Executive Council to schedule a special election for the purpose of filling the vacancy of the seat formerly held by Representative Philip Ginsburg as soon as possible.  The Town received notification last week that the special election has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2014 with a primary election scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 2013.  If there is not a contested race within each party, the primary election is cancelled and the actual election occurs on the primary date -- December 17th.  

The following is information provided by the Secretary of State's Office relative to Declarations of Candidacy:


Declarations of Candidacy may be filed with the SECRETARY OF STATE on October 21-25, 2013 at 5:00 PM.

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NOTE:   At the time of this publication, the following persons were listed on the Secretary of State's website as having filed for the District 6 seat:

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES:

Amanda Merrill, Durham (8 Meadow Road) 03824

 
REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES:

Deidre Lepkowski, Madbury (1 Cherry Lane) 03823

A photograph of the Bagdad Road Pond illustrating algae blooms across much of the surface area of the pond.  The algae is caused primarily by nitrogen in lawn fertilizer applied by residents in the nearby neighborhoods.

Courtesy Dave Cedarholm

LAWN FERTILIZER SURVEY - Residents may receive a call from the UNH Survey Center on behalf of Durham and UNH in an effort to help inform our Integrated Wastewater Plan development intended to protect the Great Bay Estuary

The Oyster River Integrated Watershed Plan development team (Durham DPW, UNH Facilities, and the project consultants VHB and W&C) and UNH Survey Center have developed a telephone survey, which was initiated yesterday, to obtain important information regarding lawn fertilizer use in Durham.


Fertilizer is one of the largest non-wastewater sources of nutrients in the Oyster River Watershed (and Great Bay) and is the primary cause of damaging algae blooms in the rivers and ponds in Durham.  It is important for the Town to verify some key information that has been used by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services in their nutrient loading model for the Great Bay Watershed, and as it relates to the model the team is developing for the Oyster River Watershed. The above photo taken this morning is of the algae bloom in the Bagdad Road pond.


We are hopeful that this survey and a subsequent educational program aimed at assisting residents with informed decision making about fertilizer use will be a cost-effective nutrient management activity for Durham. This phone survey will provide both verification of nutrient management practices on private property and also help as we develop fertilizer management educational programs.  


The phone survey will be conducted by the UNH Survey Center from Huddleston Hall on the UNH Durham Campus. The questionnaire has been developed to be about 5-7 minutes in length and will be a random digit dialing survey of 450 year-round Durham residents. The survey is scheduled to be completed by the 31st of October. The survey has been pre-tested. The survey has been largely based on previously conducted surveys developed on this same topic in NH and other states working to resolve nutrient pollution issues.

Residents Dudley Dudley and Kenny Rotner, and UNH Architect/Planner (and Durham resident) Doug Bencks accept the UNH Outdoor Pool's "Seven to Save" designation by the NH Preservation Alliance. Courtesy Todd Selig

UNH OUTDOOR POOL RECEIVES “SEVEN TO SAVE” DESIGNATION

On Tuesday evening this week, the UNH Outdoor Pool was designated as part of the 2013 Seven to Save list by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance.  Created in 2006, the program is intended to focus attention and resources on historic properties in New Hampshire that are threatened by deterioration, insufficient funds, inappropriate development, neglect, and/or insensitive public policy.

Familiar landmarks that have been selected by the Seven to Save program include Durham’s Mill Pond Dam, the New England Center at UNH, and the Ioka Theater in Exeter.


To read an article about the Seven to Save selection of the UNH Outdoor Pool in TNH, click HERE.

NHDES ISSUES NEW LETTER TO UNH REGARDING UNH OUTDOOR POOL ON 10/11/13

The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has issued a new letter to the University of New Hampshire concerning the UNH Outdoor Pool. 

The letter addresses a number of issues:

1. The UNH Outdoor Pool is regulated by NHDES.  NHDES regulates public bathing facilities/places in NH defined as: “those that are open to the public and used by the public. . ..”  NHDES rules categorized under Env-Wq 1100 establish health and safety standards for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of public bathing places (pools) and NHDES enforces this framework of requirements.  In this regulatory context, the UNH Outdoor Pool is a swimming pool.
2. The requirement to obtain approval for pool operation and design (now reflected in RSA 485-A:26, I) originally was established in November 1959.  Given that the UNH Outdoor Pool was built prior to 1959 and before the adoption of applicable administrative rules, there has been an operating understanding that some features of the facility that would not meet current standards are “grandfathered” and, therefore, not subject to new or revised laws or regulations as they have been adopted over the years.  At this time, NHDES does not have enough information to definitively determine whether some or all aspects of the pool should be considered “grandfathered.”  NHDES writes, “Such an evaluation would be very time and labor intensive and would require, among other things, development by UNH of a detailed timeline . . . documenting the original as-built plans and all of the structural and operational changes made to the facility since its construction, and then a comparison of that information with the effective dates of any and all applicable laws and regulations and subsequent revisions thereto.”
3. NHDES outlines the most significant inconsistencies between the UNH Outdoor Pool and today’s modern standards.  
   

a) The UNH Outdoor Pool has a water “turnover” rate of about 24 hours, which is three times longer than current standards require. To meet current standards for ensuring acceptable water quality and disinfection across the pool (44,400 sq. ft. of surface area and 1.8 million gallons of water) at all times, the entire volume of pool water should be circulated through the filtration and chlorination system at least once every 8 hours.  The existing pool returns, skimmers, and suction outlets are inadequate in distribution, number, and size to circulate flow uniformily across the pool and achieve an 8 hour turnover.

b) The pool bottom materials are too rough and off color, and the bottom is too dark to conform with the current standards designed to support swimmer safety.  Some slopes toward the deep end are steeper than current standards would allow.

c) Some of the existing pool side wall slopes do not conform with current standards.  For example, some areas near the diving platform are not as steep as current standards would require for diver safety.  NHDES writes that nonconforming slopes pose a diving danger.

d) Some pool deck areas or walkways have less than the minimum width of 4 feet around the pool that would be required under current standards.

e) The existing shower and toilet facilities do not meet current standards for peak usage at the pool.

f) Current rules require pool water to meet certain bacteriological, chemical, and physical standards.  Over the past three years, based on available data, there have been one bacteria violation (2011) and one chlorine level violation (2012).  While NHDES notes this constitutes a favorable water quality record for a public bathing facility, NHDES also indicates the limited sampling conducted may not be identifying all water quality issues in light of the circulation issue discussed above.

In summary, NHDES concludes the UNH Outdoor Pool is not fully consistent with the current facility standards for newly-constructed public bathing facilities.  With upgrades it may be possible for the UNH Outdoor Pool to achieve consistency with the current standards of ENV-WQ 1100.  That said, NHDES does not indicate in this letter that it would prohibit UNH from continuing to operate the UNH Outdoor Pool in its present configuration.

The University insists on the need to bring the UNH Outdoor Pool up to present day standards.  Representatives from UNH are firm that the University will settle for no less to ensure the safety and health of pool users from Durham and around the state, as well as participants in many UNH summer camp programs who utilize the facility each day during the summer months.  Until the facility is brought up to modern standards, UNH does not plan to reopen the pool.

To read the 8-page letter from NHDES dated 10/11/13, click HERE.

NEWMARKET/DURHAM OFFICIALS MEET TO DISCUSS PLANNING FOR MACALLEN DAM

On Tuesday of this week, October 22, 2013, staff from Newmarket and Durham met to discuss the McCallen Dam.  Present for the discussion from Newmarket were Town Administrator Steve Fournier, Planner Diane Hardy, and Gary Lemay from Gomez and Sullivan Engineers.  Present from Durham were Public Works Director Mike Lynch, Town Engineer David Cedarholm, Dir. of Planning Michael Behrendt, and Todd Selig.


The NH Department of Environmental Services has issued Newmarket a letter of deficiency requiring dam repairs and noting inadequate spillway capacity.  The dam cannot pass a 100 year flood with one foot of freeboard as required by the NHDES Dam Bureau dam safety requirements.  Following recent flooding in 2006, 2007, and 2010, some Newmarket residents petitioned the Newmarket Town Council to evaluate dam removal.  


The Town of Newmarket and the Conservation Law Foundation/NOAA are presently funding a study to evaluate the impacts of dam removal.


Newmarket hired Wright-Pierce Engineers to study dam modification alternatives as well.  Findings include: widening the spillway, lowering the spillway elevation (which would impact upstream river levels), or a combination of the above.  These alternatives were projected to cost between $1.1 - $4.6 million.

Newmarket officials inquired as to whether the Town of Durham would have an interest in contributing financially to the preservation of the Macallen Dam.  Administrator Selig indicated that there had been very little discussion (or even awareness) in Durham to date regarding the dam.  While he did not anticipate Durham would have an interest in contributing financially toward the project, Administrator Selig did say that Durham would be very willing to support grant applications or other efforts pursued by Newmarket in support of addressing dam deficiencies, and to participate in conversations with the state regarding implications of dam removal.  


The Town of Newmarket has committed to keeping the Town of Durham up to date relative to the dam.

TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES CONTRACT AWARD FOR NEW TOWN HALL AT 8 NEWMARKET ROAD

On Monday evening, October 21, 2013, the Durham Town Council authorized the Administrator to enter into a contract with Hutter Construction in the amount of $1,748,160 for the construction of the new Town Hall at 8 Newmarket Road.  Funding will be offset by the sale of the existing Town Offices site at 15 Newmarket Road.  The Town and Scott Mitchell, the owner of the Irving Station next door, have a Purchase & Sale Agreement in place for the sale of the existing Town Office site for the sum of $1,300,000, which is contingent upon the Town approving the redevelopment of 15 Newmarket Road as a pharmacy.  Funds from the sale would offset the cost of construction of the new municipal facility.


The Council action was contingent upon additional reference checking on Hutter Construction, which has now been accomplished satisfactorily.


Residents will likely see activity at the new Town Hall site commence in the near future.


Art Guadano of AG Architects is the architect for the project.  Mr. Guadano is also a long-time Durham resident.

COUNCIL-INITIAITED ZONING CHANGE TO BE CONSIDERED BY PLANNING BOARD ON NOV. 13th

Through local zoning, the Town has utilized student housing as a driver to bring other benefits to the community, especially in the downtown, including redeveloping blighted or unattractive sites, adding commercial uses, and building site improvements.  Madbury Commons is a good example.  The developer will clean up Pettee Brook and build new bridges across it and create extensive appealing public spaces – the Court or Boulevard, the pedestrian passage and square through the development, and the plaza and walkway along the brook.  If the demand for student housing diminishes greatly, our ability to leverage these positive improvements will likewise diminish.  


Councilors Jay Gooze, Jim Lawson, Carden Welsh, and Administrator Selig suggested the Town Council initiate a zoning change that would accomplish the following:

1. Change Mixed Use Residential in the Central Business and Church Hill districts from permitted to conditional use;  
2. Modestly increase the minimum lot area per dwelling unit in the Central Business and MUDOR districts;  
3. Set the maximum number of bedrooms per dwelling unit in Multi-Unit and Mixed Use residences at four;  
4. Prohibit new basement dwelling units in Multi-Unit and Mixed Use residences; and   
5. Allow for flexibility in the arrangement of Nonresidential Uses in the Central Business district by conditional use.

Amendment #1 will give the Planning Board more discretion in reviewing new student housing projects and a greater ability to stipulate appropriate conditions to mitigate potential impacts.  There are two categories of uses for student housing – “Residence, multi-unit” and “Mixed Use with residential (office/retail down, multiunit residential up.”  Presently, both are allowed only by conditional use except for the latter category, which is permitted by right in the Central Business and Church Hill Districts.  With this change these two uses will be allowed only by conditional use, wherever the uses are allowed.


Amendment #2 modestly increases the minimum lot area per dwelling thereby reducing the density.  


Amendment #3 should help to accomplish three things:  a) make dwelling units more readily convertible for non-student use as conventional apartments rarely have more than four bedrooms; b) make it less likely that a party atmosphere will be created with a reduced number of occupants;  and c) provide more specificity under the ordinance for the density of occupants.  A zoning ordinance should provide clarity for the permitted density.  Ordinarily, dwelling units per acre provides this as few units have more than four bedrooms.  In a college town the limit of the number of bedrooms is much more elastic, with some buildings potentially 8 or more bedrooms per unit.


Amendment #4 should enhance the quality of the residential units.  Allowing basement units, in many cases, permits developers to cram in an inordinate number of beds.  Stipulating that units must be located above ground on the first, second, and/or third floors also adds to clarity as to the number of units that could be built and where they will be built.


Amendment #5 will provide flexibility for the physical arrangement of the nonresidential space required within a mixed use buildings in the Central Business District (Note that no change to the arrangement of nonresidential in the Church Hill District is proposed as part of this amendment).  On a case by case basis, the Planning Board could, by conditional use, approve a different arrangement as long as the residential to non-residential ratios were unchanged.  For example, on a large, deep, irregular lot with multiple proposed buildings (such as the proposed Madbury Commons), it might make more sense to place all of the commercial on every floor of one or two buildings fronting on the street.


The Council referred the proposal to the Planning Board, which Wednesday evening scheduled a public hearing on the ordinance change for November 13th.  Any new applications submitted to the Town must now meet the more stringent of this proposal or the existing zoning until such time as the proposal is adopted or rejected by the Council.

Before their regular meeting this past Monday evening, October 21st, members of the Durham Town Council went on an interesting and informative tour of the Arthur T. Rollins Water Treatment Plant located on the UNH campus. Courtesy Todd Selig

VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH

All Town offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2013. There will be NO CHANGE TO THE REFUSE AND RECYCLING SCHEDULE that week. As always, all items should be out by 7:00 AM on their regular day of pick up. 

SURVEY REGARDING A LOCAL FOODS CENTER IN DURHAM

A Durham citizens group invites its fellow citizens of Durham, Lee, and Madbury communities to take a 3-minute questionnaire on the topic of building a local foods center in Durham. 

If you would like to share your opinions on this prospect, please go to the link below to take the questionnaire. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X6M3FH9

Courtesy Durham Fire Department

DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL ATTEND FIRE ATTEND FIRE APPARATUS TRAINING CONFERENCE IN LANSING, MICHIGAN

Firefighter Peter Leavitt and Captain James Brown spent five days at the Spartan Chassis training conference, learning specialty skills for maintaining the town's fleet of emergency fire apparatus. These vehicles require special skills not found at local repair shops. This conference, put on by one of the Town's fire truck manufacturers, brings experts from all the manufacturers of parts assembled in fire apparatus and allows attendees to sign up for the level of training they desire. This year the focus was on Diagnostics and Preventive maintenance on Cummins engines. This includes the emissions control system incorporated into new fire trucks that make them greener vehicles. With the changing of technology it is imperative that mechanics stay up with currant repair techniques.

Captain Brown has been providing fleet maintenance for the town fire department for the past 12 years. Brown is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified in Steering, suspension, drive line, gas and diesel performance and brakes. Brown also holds certifications in EVT (Emergency Vehicle Technician) on preventive maintenance, inspections, fire pump and accessories. EVT certifications are required by NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) for fire apparatus maintenance. Brown is also Factory trained in Aerial one and Aerial two for the town Ladder truck repairs.

PLANNING BOARD HAPPENINGS

The Planning Board is holding public hearings on five projects on November 6:

118 Piscataqua Road.   Formal application for Site Plan and Condominium Conversion for a 4-unit condominium for seniors.   Submitted by Alexander Bakman; Corey Colwell, MSC Engineers, engineer/Surveyor;  Scott Hogan, attorney.  Tax Map 11, Lot 24-4, Residence C Zoning District.  

25-35 Main Street.  Formal site plan application to redevelop three lots into a mixed-use student housing development.  The proposal involves rehabilitating the houses at 25 and 35 Main Street, demolishing the houses at 27 and 29 Main

Street, demolishing or relocating the barn in the rear, erecting two new houses fronting on Main Street, erecting two large new buildings, one in the rear and one fronting on Main Street.  Orion Student Housing, Bill Fideli and Philip Wills,

applicant;  Bob Clarke, Allen and Major, engineer;  Lisa DeStefano and Adam Wagner, DeStefano Architects, architect; Tim Phoenix, attorney.  Tax Map 5, Lots 1-6, 1-7, and 1-8, Central Business Zoning District.  

17 & 21 Madbury Road.  Design Review for site plan and conditional use application for “Madbury Commons,” a complete redevelopment of a multifamily site known as “The Greens” for mixed use project with multifamily housing for 460 +/residents, office/retail, a new street, public spaces, and parking.  Golden Goose Properties c/o Barrett Bilotta, applicant;  Rose Lawn Properties c/o Laura Gangwer (owner of 17 Madbury);  GP Madbury 17 c/o Barrett Bilotta (owner of 21 Madbury), owners; Michael Sievert, MJS Engineering, engineer; Shannon Alther, TMS Architects, architect.  Tax Map 2, Lots 12-3 & 12-4. Central Business Zoning District.  

15 Madbury Road and 8 Mathes Terrace.  Design review for site plan application for redevelopment of two residential lots for a three-story mixed-use student housing development.  Submitted by Kostis Enterprises LLC and Theodore

Finnegan;  David Garvey, agent; Michael Sievert, MJS Engineering, engineer; Robin Wunderlich, designer.  Tax Map 2, Lots 12-5 and 12-6. Central Business Zoning District.  

Main Street and Pettee Brook Lane. Design review for a site plan for major redevelopment of three lots for mixed-use project with retail, restaurants, office space, UNH Interoperability Laboratory, parking garage, public town

square, and student housing (300 beds).  Durham Development Associates, LLC/Sora Development, c/o Tim Elliott, developer;  Glen Tipton, Hord, Coplan, Macht, Architect;  Gamma Theta (Alpha Theta Omega), Chittenden

Corporation (People’s National Bank), Town of Durham (parking lot), property owners.  Tax Map 2, Lots 14-2, 14-5, 15-1.  

FALL CLEANUP OF LEAVES AND BRUSH BEGINS NOVEMBER 4TH

Curbside collection of brush will begin on Monday, November 4,  leaves November 11, 2013. Everything must be curbside no later than 7AM that Monday.  Leaves should be placed in paper leaf bags (remember, plastic bags are not recyclable).  Paper bags may be purchased at Town and Campus, Durham Marketplace, and  stores such as Lowes.  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.

CHURCHILL RINK AT JACKSON'S LANDING NOW OPEN FOR SKATE!

For details on the schedule, please go to https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/churchillrink or call the rink at 868-3907. 

Public Skate Schedule:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2:00pm - 3:20pm

Tuesday's:12:00pm - 4:20pm

Thursday's: 12:00pm - 1:50pm

Saturday & Sunday 2:00pm -3:45pm

Public Skate Admission: $5.00 (13 and up), $3.00 Child (12 & Under)

Individual Season Pass $75.00

Family Season Pass $150.00

Open Stick & Puck (unstructured hockey)

Monday - Friday 10:50am - 11:50am

Sunday 11:00am - 12:20pm

$5.00/pp

Drop in Hockey (limited to 20 and 2 goalies, full gear required)

Monday, Wednesday Friday 12:00pm - 1:20pm

Monday & Wednesday 3:30pm - 4:50pm (ends November 13th)

Friday 8:00pm - 9:20pm

Sunday 9:30am - 10:50am

$10/pp

Family Pond Hockey (Helmet required)

Sunday 12:30pm - 2:00pm

$5.00/pp

MONDAY NIGHT: COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE, SEA LEVEL RISE, AND LOCAL PREPAREDNESS

The Town of Durham, in partnership with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission, will host a Climate Adaptation Workshop on Monday Oct. 28th, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.  


The workshop, led by Cameron P. Wake, UNH research associate professor, author, and dynamic speaker, seeks to engage the community in local climate adaptation measures. It is designed for community volunteer boards, committees, and municipal staff members, business owners, and residents interested in understanding the potential impacts of climate change and hearing more about the Town's recently developed Climate Adaptation Chapter. After a presentation by Dr. Wake and introduction to this chapter, participants will break out into small groups to discuss how Durham Town boards and residents can get involved in adaptation planning. There is no charge for this workshop. A flyer about the event may be viewed HERE.

THE LATEST PRODUCTIONS FROM DCAT STUDIOS

New Hampshire and the Greater Dover Economy; an armchair discussion - Sunday’s @ 4:00 PM - Run time: 1:38

Join Moderator, Michael Bolduc as he chats with Department of Resource & Economic Development Commissioner Jeff Rose and Dover Economic Development Director Daniel Barufaldi as they present: New Hampshire and the Greater Dover Economy; an armchair discussion.  DCAT Studios travelled to the Three Chimney’s Inn to record this event.  This video is also available on our On Demand site.

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New Video - Durham Public Library Grand Opening - Sunday’s at 7:00 PM -Run time: 1:04

Check out the latest release from DCAT Studios.  If you were unable to make it to the Durham Public Library’s Grand Opening, that’s okay, DCAT Studios was there to capture some of the festivities. Watch your host, Richard Belshaw interview Town Administrator, Todd Selig, Library Director, Tom Madden…and more.   Hear the opening remarks and watch as local resident Mica Wishengrad cuts the ribbon.  These are only a few of the fun and interesting clips you’ll see in this video.  This video is also available on DCAT On Demand.

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Nobel Laureate & Social Business Leader - Muhammad Yunus Speaks at Statewide NH Forum - Sunday’s at 4:30 PM

DCAT Studios took a short road trip to the Granite State Room at UNH’s MUB building, Monday, September 30th to record Muhammad Yunus keynote address at the NH Social Business & Microfinance Forum.  Social businesses create innovative solutions to difficult problems such as poverty and climate change. Unlike traditional nonprofit organizations, social businesses aim to be market-based and to fund their operations & growth through earned revenues rather than donations.  Muhammad Yunus has received the Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom & the US Congressional Gold Medal for his work as a pioneer in the microfinance industry and the founder of the Grameen Bank.  This video is also available to view on DCAT’s On Demand site.

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Gundalow “Journey Up River” - Sunday’s @ 8:10 PM

Gundalow “Journey Up River” is an archive video from DCAT Studios.  Please join the Captain and his volunteer crew as he navigates the tricky waters of the Oyster River.  The scenery is beautiful, along with excellent information about how important the gundalow was that sailed the waters of the Oyster River and the Great Bay Area years ago.

MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below.

There are no public meetings being held at the Town Hall the week of October 28, 2013.

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

VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://ci.durham.nh.us/  by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.

Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.

DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.

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.

Residents gathered around the bonfire at Town Landing last week while Michael Lang told spooky stories. A big "thank you" is extended to members of the Durham Fire Department for their help. Durham Parks & Recreation will be offering free bonfire and storytelling events throughout the winter. Courtesy Dave Howland

Durham Tai Chi Teacher and Class on TV October 30

Lin Lin Choy, Parks & Recreation's tai chi instructor, will be featured on New Hampshire Chronicle this coming Wednesday, October 30th, at 7:00 p.m. on channel 9 (WMUR).  The TV program will include a film of her students doing tai chi at Bedrock Farm in Lee and at a class in the Durham Rec department at the old courthouse. Please refer to the list below for dates and times when this class is offered.

A "Spooktacular" Day in Durham - TODAY!  From 5-6:30PM @ Jackson’s Landing Playground (pumpkin decorating, cookies, prizes, spooky refreshments, FREE).  Also enjoy FREE ice skating at Churchill Rink during the event! 

DPR Climbing Club – Now Accepting Registrations http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/recreation/dpr-climbing-club-registration

Durham Parks & Recreation and the UNH Outdoor Education Department are proud to offer the youth Rock Climbing Club once again!  Participants will have personalized instruction, and learn: belaying; knots; commands; problem solving skills; gear knowledge; confidence!  Both new and experienced climbers welcome.

Coyote Club - Now Accepting Registrations. Sign up before November 1st. Next session begins November 4th.

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events:

Feather Fest (previously Turkey Trot) – November 28th 10-11AM @ Wagon Hill Farm (festive story and walk, refreshments, games, FREE).

Tree Lighting Celebration – December 6th 6-8PM @ Main Street (special guests, tree lighting, crafts, giveaways, FREE).

Volunteer With DPR

Do you like being outdoors?  Do you have a group looking for ways to be more involved and give back to the community?  Contact: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to learn about local volunteer opportunities.

Get FIT with DPR:

HoopFit Classes - NEW!:  Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 PM (beginning Oct 1st), $10/class.

Jiu Jitsu - NEW:

Men: Monday/Wednesday, 6-7PM

Women:  Tuesday/Thursday, 6-7PM

Yoga:   Mondays - 5PM; Tuesdays - 7:15PM; Thursdays - 6:00AM

Boot Camp:  Wednesday/Friday – 7AM
Pilates:  Monday - 8AM; Wednesday - 6:30PM; Saturday - 10AM

Zumba:  Monday/Wednesday - 5:30PM; Saturday - 9AM

Strength & Stretch:  Wednesday/Friday - 8AM

Tai Chi Beginner/Advanced:  Friday – 4-5:30PM

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance:  Tuesday/Thursday - 9-10AM

Find out more here: http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/calendar?departments=283

John Forti with some of his bounty at Strawbery Banke Museum. Mr. Forti will speak at the Durham Garden Club's meeting on Monday, October 21st at the Durham Public Library. Courtesy Durham Garden Club

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Oyster River 5th/6th Grade Football Games, Sunday, Oct 20, 2013, UNH Cowell Stadium, 8:30 AM, followed by the 7th/8th grade games at 10:30 am. Admission is $3/adult, $1/child.

Durham Garden Club Presents "Heirloom and Native Plants: A Living History", presented by John Forti, Strawbery Banke Museum curator of historic landscapes. Monday, Oct 21, 2013, 6:30 PM, Durham Public Library, 49 Madbury Road. Social time and refreshments. A non-member is invited to attend one meeting as a guest.

Lecture: "Linking Local and Global: from State Planning to the Committee on World Food Security", featuring Molly Anderson, PhD, Friday, Oct 25, 2013, 6:30-8:30 PM, UNH New Hampshire Hall, Room 208 (parking in H Lot, next to Whittemore Center on Edgewood Road). FREE to the public.

Fair Trade Product Sale, Saturday, Oct 26, 2013, 10AM - 2PM and Sunday, Oct 27, 2013, 11:15 AM - 1PM, Community Church of Durham, Fellowship Hall. All proceeds go directly to artisans and their communities in impoverished regions in Central America and Africa. For more information, contact Alice Darien Lauten, a.lauten@comcast.net. 

Reclaiming Our Democracy, Monday, Oct 28, 2013, 5-6:30 PM, UNH Memorial Union Building, Theater 1, featuring author Sam Daley-Harris. Following brief presentation, Mr. Harris will lead "speed-consulting" session on advocacy and social change with two local organizations. Hosted by Carsey Institute, NH Listens, Climate Counts, SEAC, and Net Impact UNH.

TRICK-OR-TREAT in Durham, Wednesday, Oct 30, 2013, 5:00 - 7:30 PM.

How Children Succeed Panel Discussion, Tuesday, Nov 5, 2013, 6:30 PM, ORHS Multipurpose Room. OR educators, coaches, and guidance counselors from elementary school thru high school will participate together in a discussion about how to support and foster qualities in children that lead to success in life. Facilitated by UNH Professor Tom Newkirk and Education Consultant Mike Anderson.

Annual Food Drive, OR Bus Drivers Association is teaming up with the OR Children's Nutrition Program to host a Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday, Nov 7, 2013, 5-7PM, at the ORHS. The Bus Drivers Association has offered to extend its FEED OUR BUS campaign to that evening. $7/person; $15/family

UNH Serves, Saturday, Nov 16, 2013. UNH students will participate in community service projects in Durham, Dover, Portsmouth. Looking for projects such as yard work, cleaning, painting, etc. For more information contact Mary Faucher, 603-862-2268, mary.faucher@unh.edu.

2nd Annual DPMMA All University Floor Hockey Tournament to Benefit SHARPP, Saturday, Nov 16, 2013, Hamel Rec Center, UNH Campus. $10 per player-5 player minimum. Get entry forms HERE.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Baby Lap-Sit! For infants to age 2 with their caregiver, Sat. Oct. 26th at 10:30 a.m. - Join us for stories, fingerplays and songs.  There will be a time after for you and your baby to play and socialize with other parents and babies.  This program is geared to ages 2 and under with their parent/caregiver.  All are welcome.

Chess and Board Game Afternoon (ages 10 & up), Monday Oct. 28th 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Join us every Monday afternoon in the community room upstairs for a game of chess (or other board games).
Pre-school storytimes: Tues. Oct. 29th and Thurs. Oct. 31st at 10:30 a.m. – The theme is Halloween!
Parks & Rec After School Games, Tues. Oct. 29th 4:00-5:00 p.m. (ages K-4th grade) - Join the Parks and Rec for fun games after school.  This program will meet once a month (the last Tuesday of the month).
Pajama Storytime, Tues. Oct. 29th, 6:30 p.m. - This month:  Halloween! Join ORPP and the Durham Library for this month's PJ storytime.  Come wearing your Halloween Costume!  This month we will read stories about Halloween, make a Halloween craft and trick-or-treat at the library!  Snack provided by ORPP.  All are welcome.  This is a fun way for parents and children to meet.
First Alzheimer’s Café taking place on November 1st 10:30 am -12 noon.  This is a support and respite session for dementia patients still living in their own homes and their caregivers. Come join others in our peaceful library café for conversation and light refreshments.  Peruse some of our collection which will be available in the café. This event will repeat on the first Friday of each month.  No registration necessary, just drop in.
Lego Club (1st-4th graders), Thurs. Oct. 31st at 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Join us Thursdays to make Lego creations.
Homeschoolers Activity Hour, Friday Nov. 1st, 10:30 a.m. – This week:  Australia.  We will hear books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft.  This group is geared to home-schoolers but all are welcome.

Crafternoon – Fri. Nov. 1st 3:00-4:30 p.m. – Stop by the Children’s craft room on Fridays for a fun craft.
Lego Club is in need of Lego Donations!  Have any Legos that you would like to donate to the library?  They will be put to good use at our very popular Lego Club.
McGregor Memorial EMS Babysitting course, Sat. Nov. 2nd 10-3 pm - This course is designed to certify kids 12 & up who are looking to, or already babysit.  They will get a CPR and First Aid certification, learn about safety, how to handle emergencies, care and feeding of infants and children, the business aspects of being a babysitter, and more.  All students will receive a Babysitting certification. The Community Babysitting Classes cost $35 and payment is due upon registration. To register visit www.mcgregorems.org or call 603-862-3674.
Young Adult  Writing/Blog Group (ages 10 & up), Monday Nov. 4th 7-7:45 p.m. - Like to write? Join us for this monthly writing/blogging group.  We do writing exercises, share book reviews, movie review, poetry...  whatever you like to write about.  Your writing can be a part of our blog "Write Away" on wordpress.  All are welcome.
Parenting your Teen with John Mince, Monday Nov. 4th at 7:00 p.m. - This one hour talk will offer parents ideas for parenting their teens.  If interest is show, follow-up sessions will be scheduled.  Dr. John Mince has over 30 years of experience as a school counselor, a family therapist, and adjunct professor, as well as a supervisor and trainer of family therapists.  He has tools for working with parents of teens in ways that are novel, practical and effective.
Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th Grade) Book Club, Tues. Nov. 5th 6:00-7:00 p.m. - This month's book is "Which Witch" by Eva Ibbotson.  Join us as we talk about the book, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft.  All are welcome.  Books are available at the library.
The Adventures of Buffalo and Tough Cookie:  Granite State Hiking Memoir Author to Speak, Weds. Nov. 6th 6:00 p.m. - When hiker Dan Szczesny and his nine-year-old ward, Janelle, first set foot on the trail to Mt. Kearsarge in Nov. 2011, neither of them knew that this easy hike to one of the state's most popular mountain tops would change both their lives. But what followed was a hiking odyssey that lasted over a year as the two hikers cross-crossed the state on their way to a 225-mile epic attempt to complete a little-known hiking list called The 52 With a View.
Friends of the Durham Public Library Book Group, Thurs. Nov. 14th, 10:30-12:00 p.m. - Please join the Friends' Book Discussion of The Sense Of An Ending by Julian Barnes, November 14th, 10:30-12:00 in the Heritage Room. Jennifer Lee will facilitate the discussion of this story which critics  called "novel, fertile, and memorable..." and "Quietly mesmerizing." Your copy awaits.
Patch Club! Earn patches and a library bag for your reading time.  Register at the children’s desk.

 

Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

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

FROM "HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A BRIEF HISTORY OF DURHAM, NH, 1600 - 1976 written by Philip A. Wilcox and members of the Durham Historic Association.

1692 - The Mast Path was laid out from the Durham Falls through Lee to Nottingham. As many as 40 yoke of oxen were used to haul the great logs, and once a drive was started it often did not stop till the mast had reached its destination. The path followed the most gradual grades and curves.

Have a nice weekend and a Happy Halloween!

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, New Hampshire

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us    http://www.ci.durham.nh.us

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