|
|
Crommet Creek. Courtesy Bill Doucet
|
Durham Parks & Recreation Trick-or-Treating in downtown has now been postponed to Sunday afternoon, Oct 28th, from 2 - 4PM due to prediction of heavy rains for tomorrow afternoon.
The 26th Annual Jessie Doe Haunted House is on Sunday, October 28th from 6:30 - 9:30 PM at 24 Ballard Street.
Trick-or-Treating in Durham will be held next Tuesday, October 30th, from 5:30 - 7PM.
|
LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE BEFORE THE GENERAL ELECTION
The last day to register to vote before the General Election on November 6 is Wednesday October 31. You can register at the Durham Town Hall from 8 -5, Monday – Friday until then, and there will be a special registration session from 6:30 – 7:30 PM, also at the Town Hall on October 31. If you wait until Election Day, there will be lines. The quietest time will probably be between 7:30 – 11:00 AM. The election will be held at Oyster River High School in the gymnasium. Polls will be open from 7 AM – 7 PM.
|
RED SOX ARE IN THE WORLD SERIES! Chief Kurz has a dilemma!
As an ardent Red Sox fan, he is ecstatic that the Red Sox are on the cusp of another World Series trophy. As the Police Chief in Durham, he is depressed that the Red Sox are in the World Series!
The Durham Police are now in the planning stages to develop operational plans for any potentiality of overzealous celebrations that have a history of occurring in the downtown. There will be numerous meetings with UNH and Town staff, coordination with police partners such as the UNH Police, New Hampshire State Police, State Liquor Enforcement and area communities such as Lee, Dover and Newmarket.
All of these resources will need to be coordinated and scheduled to be in Durham on the night of any potential winning game, and now that the Red Sox are up two games, Saturday night is a possibility. With heavy rain, cold temperatures and blistery winds, Saturday night would be an exceptional night to celebrate a “sweep” by the Sox!
Historically, a win or a loss often looks the same as UNH students celebrate or vent.
|
IT'S HALLOWEEN IN DURHAM
The date for Trick or Treating in Durham is Tuesday October 30th so the police department will once again have officers on bicycles in residential neighborhoods to be seen and interact with all the little ghosts and goblins! This is also the scheduled date for the World Series game #6, if necessary, in Boston!
For downtown activity over the weekend the Durham Police will have an expanded compliment of officers on duty to handle the older ghosts and goblins. There is not a home UNH Football game at the team is at Villanova. It is expected to be a very active weekend for the department as they strive to maintain a high visibility of officers to actively monitor gatherings via a proactive strategy that is designed to prevent issues while allowing students to enjoy the various entertainment opportunities both on the UNH campus and throughout the downtown.
|
UNH ATHLETIC TRAINING ORGANIZATION ANNUAL LEAF RAKING FUND-RAISER - Great opportunity for Durham residents who need help raking!
The UNH Student Athletic Training Organization (SATO) will be holding its annual leaf raking fund-raiser on Saturday, November 3, 2018. Students from SATO will be raking yards throughout the day in exchange for donations to their organization. Residents interested in having members of this organization rake their yard should contact Melanie Lamar at (603) 401-9873.
|
IT’S BUDGET SEASON, SO PLEASE EXCUSE THE DELAY IN MR. SELIG FOLLOWING UP ON EMAILS, VOICEMAILS, LETTERS, ETC.
Budget season is upon us in Durham and as such, Administrator Selig is actively working with the Business Office and our various department, boards, committees, and commissions in formulating a proposed budget for consideration by the Town Council. By Town Charter, Mr. Selig has until the last business day in October to propose a budget to the Council. The Council then has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget of its own, or the Administrator’s proposed budget becomes the FY 2019 budget by default.
Urgent matters should be sent to the attention of Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry, mailto:jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.
|
NHDOT TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM - DURHAM MAIN STREET SOUTH SIDEWALK PROJECT
Members of the public are invited to attend a presentation of the Alternative Analysis and selected Proposed Action for the proposed Main Street south sidewalk project on Monday, October 29th at 6:30pm in the Memorial Union Building (Room 334), 83 Main Street, Durham. The meeting is hosted by the project sponsor, UNH, and will be conducted by project design consultant, CMA Engineers Inc.
The intent of the meeting is to collect feedback from the public on the alternatives and preferred action for the Main Street (south side) sidewalk proposed between the Field House and the roundabout, including results of a feasibility review of enhanced pedestrian accommodation at Sage Way. The meeting will include a review of existing site conditions, design constraints, resource considerations, construction materials, and schedule. Consultant presentation will be followed by a Q&A and comment session.
Parking is available at the Campus Crossing Visitor Lot on Mill Road, adjacent to the Memorial Union Building. The MUB is served by UNH Wildcat Transit and the Campus Connector and is ADA accessible.
Contact: Stephen Pesci, UNH Campus Planning at mailto:spesci@unh.edu or (603) 862-4207.
|
DURHAM TAX RATE FALLS, BUT TAX BILLS COULD RISE
The town’s combined property tax rate fell sharply for 2018, but some residents will see higher tax bills.
The decline stems from a town-wide property assessment in which residential properties gained, on average, 14 percent in value, and commercial properties gained even more. When property values rise, the town’s property tax rate drops by a corresponding value but still generates similar revenues as before.
Read the full Foster's article HERE.
|
DURHAM’S 2018 FULL TAX RATE TO INCREASE BY 0.8% - Municipal portion of rate remains at $7.37 (adjusted from $8.48 due to statistical revaluation update) for 4th year in row.
Durham has just received the finalized 2018 tax rate from the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. For the fourth year in a row, the municipal portion of the rate has remained unchanged at $7.37.
The new full rate for 2018 is $26.80, an increase of 20 cents (or 0.8%) compared to the 2017 rate of $26.60 (adjusted from $30.64 due to statistical revaluation update).
For several years the Town experienced a sizable broadening of the tax base through the construction of new taxable development added to the tax rolls, which is a significant factor in the rate stabilization experienced by Durham taxpayers over these last four years despite new costs such as the new Durham Public Library, a new Town Hall, downshifting of state costs, increased wages, increased insurance costs, CPI increases, etc.
In terms of allocation of the different portions of the tax rate, the Town portion of the rate represents 27.5% of the total Durham property tax bill. The County portion represents 9.3% of the bill. The School portion represents 63.2% of the bill (55.7% Local School and 7.5% State School).
Each of the local levels of government, Durham Town Council, ORCSD School Board, and Strafford County Commissioners, work diligently to keep spending to a minimum while still endeavoring to meet the ever changing demands of the community.
The Town Council's budget goal for 2019 is as follows: "Task the administrator with holding the municipal tax rate at the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 level of $8.48 (or the equivalent figure based on reassessments (now $7.37) or less. For the medium and long-term, the Town will make an effort to control its spending and explore innovative ways to reduce the municipal tax rate."
At this point in time with less than a week to go before the proposed 2019 budget is due to the Council, Administrator Selig does not believe this to be possible for a fifth consecutive year, while also meeting other Council goals and his responsibility to ensure the departments are adequately resourced, with very limited new additional valuation coming on line in Durham. He predicts a 2019 municipal increase of between 3% and 3.5%, but this is still being formulated.
In the end, three factors impact the tax rate: spending (carefully designed to meet goals/community programming expectations), revenue (through user fees, grants, motor vehicle registrations, permits, etc. ), assessed valuation. If spending goes up due to cost of living and revenue + increased valuation cannot offset those increases, the tax rate must go up.
Below is the 2018 tax rate comparison to 2017.
|
Resident walking dog on Mill Road. Courtesy Todd Selig
|
SCENIC ROAD PROTECTIONS FOR TREES AND STONE WALLS
Bay Road, Bennett Road, Durham Point Road, and Packers Falls Road are designated as scenic roads. There are special protections for trees and stone walls on scenic roads in accordance with RSA 231:158 which can be viewed HERE.
The Planning Board adopted a new policy for the trimming and removal of trees situated on scenic roads at its meeting on Wednesday, October 24, 2018. View the policy HERE (then scroll down to "Scenic Roads - Policy for utility maintenance, etc.).
Many thanks to those who helped the Town Planner prepare the draft: Mike Lynch, Durham Tree Warden; Bob Berner, a certified arborist employed by Eversource; and Durham resident John Parry who works as an urban forester with a government agency. John’s generous ongoing contributions to the community in helping to preserve our outstanding tree canopy are greatly appreciated!
|
GREEN ROOFS PRESENTATION
Green Roofs will be the topic of a presentation on Wednesday, November 28th from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Durham Public Library. Learn how Green Roofs could provide benefits to Durham’s built environment, including improving building aesthetics, providing space for gardens and food production, and managing stormwater. Join the Town of Durham Planning and Building Departments and the Durham Agricultural Commission for a presentation about Green Roofs by Mark Winterer, Owner and Director of Operations for Recover Green Roofs of Somerville, MA. www.recovergreenroofs.com. For more information please contact Theresa Walker of the Durham Agricultural Commission, mailto:theresawalker@comcast.net, 603-659-7226.
|
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IN DURHAM AND ACROSS US - November 24, 2018
On Monday, October 15, 2018, the Town Council adopted Resolution #2018-19 proclaiming Saturday, November 24, 2018 as "Small Business Saturday" in Durham, NH.
Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after US Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year and is a national effort to drive consumers to shop at local independently-owned businesses. As a supporting community, Durham will be listed on the Shop Small website.
View the Resolution adopted by the Town Council HERE.
|
Durham DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens and Durham Police Administrative Assistant Jen Johnson ran the James Foley Freedom Run 5K in Rochester last weekend. Jen's niece, Natalie, also participated in the race. Courtesy Ilese Stevens
|
GIVE THANKS! Durham Business Association Thanksgiving Food Drive - November 1 through November 16
Please help us by donating non-perishable food items to help benefit those in need this holiday season.
All donations will go the UNH/Waysmeet Center Cornucopia Food Pantry and St. Thomas More Church.
Drop Off Locations:
--Federal Savings Bank, 7A Mill Road
--People’s United Bank, 70 Main Street
--Service Credit Union, 155 Main Street (Wildcat Stadium)
Suggestions:
Applesauce, canned beans, canned fish, canned vegetables, canned yams, cooking oils, crackers, dried herbs and spices, fruit (canned or dried), granola bars, instant mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, nuts, pasta, pasta sauces, peanut butter, rice, soups and stews, cereal, pie crusts, canned pie fillings, chicken or turkey broth.
For more information please contact the Durham Business Association at mailto:durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com
|
WINTER PARKING BAN
The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Thursday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2019. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But the Winter Parking ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00AM and 6:00AM. As the ordinance states,
“Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.”
For the first few weeks, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur during this period, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed to allow for Durham Public Works to more effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham.
|
The town’s working dam at Wiswall Road on the Lamprey River for Durham-UNH water supply purposes. Courtesy Todd Selig
|
HUNTING IN DURHAM - Out in the woods this fall? Wear orange!
Last week’s "Friday Update" discussed the fact that deer hunting season is quickly approaching with muzzle loading season starting November 3rd through the 13th and all deer hunting from November 14th through December 9th.
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 except for the Oyster River Forest which must remain open for hunting per the terms of the Town’s easement with LCHIP.
Hikers and walkers should be aware that UNH does grant hunting permits on the following properties: Burley-Demeritt and Bartlett-Dudley farms in Lee, the Kingman Farm in Madbury as well as the Moore Fields and adjacent areas as well as the Thompson and Foss Farms in Durham.
Additionally, 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.
Finally, while there are a number of residents deeply concerned about the concept of hunting, during this season, hunting will occur legally and walkers/hikers should be appropriately dressed with highly bright blaze orange apparel and not be afraid to make noise.
|
Beautiful fall reflections in the Lamprey River as seen from a trail on Durham’s Doe Farm. Courtesy Ellen Snyder
|
LAND STEWARDSHIP
Doe Farm Volunteer Work Day Re-scheduled
Due to the forecast of rain and cool temperatures, the October 27th Doe Farm trail work day has been re-scheduled to Saturday, November 3rd from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Sign up HERE.
Help Improve Doe Farm Trails!
The Land Stewardship Subcommittee is spearheading planned improvements at Doe Farm, including building bridges, creating new trails, adding a kiosk and signs, establishing new riverside day-use picnic areas, and improving existing trails. The budget for these projects is $16,000 with additional labor, design work, and permitting contributed by volunteers and Town of Durham staff. Private donations to the Durham Town Land Stewardship Patron’s Trust will help us reach this goal. Interested donors can learn more by checking out the following documents:
- Patron’s Trust Pledge Form HERE
- Help Improve Doe Farm Trails HERE.
Ben Slama’s Eagle Scout Project to Benefit Doe Farm
Ben Slama, from Durham Scout Troup 154, is working with Land Stewardship Coordinator, Ellen Snyder on his Eagle Scout project, which involves building four large picnic tables, two Leopold benches, and installing trail signposts all at Doe Farm. Ben presented his project to the Conservation Commission this month, at which they fully endorsed his plans and approved $550 from the Patron’s Trust to cover one half the cost of the materials. Ben plans to raise the rest of the funds this winter and then organize his scout mates to build and deploy the tables, benches, and posts next spring.
|
FALL LEAF AND BRUSH CURBSIDE COLLECTION
Collection begins on Monday, November 5th, all items must be out by 7am! During Fall Cleanup, Public Works picks up brush (natural material from trees) first followed by the collection of leaves. Fall Cleanup is separate from your regular curbside collection!
- Leaves should be placed in paper leaf bags (remember, plastic bags are not recyclable and will not be picked up). Paper bags may be purchased at Aubuchon Hardware and stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot. Loose leaves will not be accepted but may be brought to the Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road.
- Brush should be placed in one direction, bundled and tied with string (no wire please).
- Brush and limbs must be no greater than 5 feet in length and 5 inches in diameter. No stumps will be accepted.
- The amount of brush and limbs is limited to ONE TRUCKLOAD PER HOUSEHOLD.
- Cutting off small limbs from branches will help maximize each load.
- Remember, backyard composting of your leaves and brush reduces the flow of waste, while at the same time, produces valuable organic matter for the soil. It improves your soil and the plants growing in it.
The Fall Newsletter will be mailed out in the next few days. The Newsletter can also be viewed HERE.
|
Post peak foliage on Madbury Road. Courtesy Todd Selig
|
READY RIDES SERVES THE GREATER DURHAM COMMUNITY
Ready Rides is a volunteer driver program which assists the elderly and handicapped get to medical and dental appointments when they cannot drive themselves. Ready Rides serves the communities of Barrington, Durham, Lee, Madbury, Newfields, Newmarket, Northwood,Nottingham, and Strafford.
The organization provides free curb to curb transportation by volunteers, driving their own car.
Volunteers choose when they can provide rides, distance, and time of day. All volunteer drivers are vetted and trained for the safety of the clients. Drivers receive .35 cents reimbursement per mile to cover expenses. Help your neighbors stay in their homes as they age by improving their access to medical care.
Persons interested in becoming a Ready Rides volunteer driver may call (603) 244-8719, mailto:info@readyrides.org and check Ready Rides out on the web at http://www.readyrides.org
|
CELEBRATE 300 YEARS WITH THE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF DURHAM
Within the church’s early history, the town’s civic leaders often held positions of leadership within the church. Familiar names of Griffiths, Thompson, Ffrost and Mathes are among the families that regularly attended Sunday services. As the town grew to include the University of New Hampshire, many of the university’s leaders also held positions within the church’s leadership. “Dad” Henderson. Carl Lundholm and Donald Babcock are familiar names within the university and church’s histories. The public is invited to join the church as it celebrate this milestone in our shared histories. The following event is free and open to all:
- Sunday, October 28th 4:00 p.m. Organ Concert - Raymond Nagem, Associate Music Director at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC will play music selections that honor music within the church’s history. Reception to follow.
|
The Lamprey River. Courtesy Todd Selig
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - OCTOBER 27, 2018
It’s hard to believe the October is just around the corner, but unfortunately it is quickly approaching. The 2018 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only, between 8-11:30AM. To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. Remember - The MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS. See more details in the spring newsletter located on the DPW's web page HERE.
|
TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
|
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.
|
UNH Athletes last year participating in the downtown Trick-or-Treating. Courtesy Durham Parks & Rec.
|
DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION SATURDAY AFTERNOON TRICK-OR- TREATING THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN DURHAM POSTPONED TO SUNDAY (OCTOBER 28)!
Due to heavy rain being predicted for tomorrow afternoon, the Parks & Recreation Trick-or-Treating in downtown Durham event has been postponed to Sunday from 2 - 4 PM.
Many of the local businesses, organizations and UNH student groups set up trick or treat tables throughout town for all to enjoy!
Participants should meet at Mill Plaza at the open space between Bella’s and Federal Savings Bank. A list/route of designated trick or treat stops will be distributed to participants.
|
COME VISIT OUR NEW STORYWALK AT THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY! Take a walk around the Rain Garden, read the new story and enjoy the fall weather. Afterwards come in to warm up and check out some books!
|
*Academic year commenced August 24th and will be measured through graduation at UNH in May.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
________________________
1850 - By vote of the town, Jacob Mathes was employed to quarry a stone, 3'10" by 1'10" and marked "DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE" to be used in the construction of the Washington Monument. Inserted in the east wall at the 130' level it has been viewed by astonished Durhamites over the years.
|
Kids Humor: How did the scarecrow win the award? He was outstanding in his field!
Have a nice weekend and a safe, fun, and. . .
|
|
|
|
|
|
