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Durham Fire Department assisting with Masonic Lodge structure fire in Northwood Saturday evening.
Courtesy Elise Sullivan Photography
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A reminder that next Monday, October 7, 2019, the Town Hall will be closed from 3 - 5PM to conduct an active shooter exercise developed by the Durham Police Department in which scenarios are set up to give employees and emergency responders alike important training in this area. Note, however, that the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office will reopen that day from 5 - 6PM.
All Town Hall offices will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, October 8th at 8AM.
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AND ... At Monday's Council meeting on October 7th, Mr. John Moody, a Vermont resident and the Ethnohistorian and Project Coordinator for the Winter Center for Indigenous Traditions, will provide the Town Council with a brief presentation on the history of the Abenaki/Penacook indigenous people of the Durham/Oyster River area in recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day in Durham. Mr. Moody earned a BA in Native American Studies and Anthropology at Dartmouth College. His wife, Donna Roberts Moody, is a Tribal Elder in the Abenaki Nation and Director of the Winter Center for Indigenous Traditions. She has a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst.
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AND ... Next Monday, October 7th, is the last day for the Durham Farmers' Market for this season. Be sure to stop by the Durham Farmers' Market at the Sammy's/Store 24 Parking Lot between 2:15 and 6:00 PM.
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DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES MUTUAL AID TO NORTHWOOD TO ADDRESS MASONIC LODGE STRUCTURE FIRE
On Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 9:38 p.m. the Durham Fire Department was requested to respond mutual aid with the tower to Northwood for a large structure fire at the Masonic Lodge at 158 1st NH Turnpike.
Upon arriving at the fire scene, Truck 3 assisted Northwood Fire by extending the platform above the height of the building and dousing the building with ultimately over 50,000 gallons of water from the elevated position.
Due a lack of water supply in the area, fighting the fire was difficult and required a huge team effort from many departments in order to extinguish the fire. As the fire progressed, Captain Kustra and the Truck 3 crew were asked to focus on fire suppression in one particular area of the building which held invaluable historical records which were ultimately saved.
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UNH HOMECOMING WEEKEND BEGINS TODAY
Today is the beginning of UNH Homecoming Weekend. A schedule of events throughout the weekend can be viewed HERE. Additional information regarding UNH Homecoming Weekend can also be viewed HERE.
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EVENTS SCHEDULE FOR 2019 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY IN DURHAM
There have been a number of events scheduled in Durham around the Indigenous Peoples' Day holiday. View the program of upcoming events HERE. View the Facebook page with events and other information HERE.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY - Monday, October 14, 2019
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is being celebrated in Durham and within the Oyster River Cooperative School District on Monday, October 14th. In Durham, Town employees have the day off in observance of this holiday. Nationally, October 14th is also celebrated as Columbus Day.
Although the offices will be closed, there will be NO CHANGES TO THE REFUSE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE. PLEASE HAVE ALL ITEMS OUT BY 7AM AS ALWAYS. View the Holiday pick-up schedule HERE.
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On Wednesday, September 25th, Administrator Selig met with 9 international visitors from Iraq who wanted to learn more about regional and local government accountability and transparency. The World Affairs Council of NH coordinated the visit.
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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 2020 budget by default.
At this time of year, Mr. Selig is in constant budget meetings, in additional to normal responsibilities, and as such responding to correspondence is typically delayed. Urgent matters should be sent to the attention of Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry, mailto:jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.
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REMINDER! HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - Morning of Saturday, October 26, 2019
The 2019 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 - 11:30 AM. To register, you must call DPW at 603-868-5571 or mailto:publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. REMEMBER - THE MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS. NO EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS, RADIOACTIVE WASTE, ASBESTOS, SILVEX OR INFECTIOUS/BIOLOGICAL WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED.
NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - LATEX AND OLD-BASED PAINTS, MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE. These items can be brought up to the Transfer Station with a permit throughout the year. Latex paints must be dried out first, motor oil, anti-freeze and oil-based paints can go up as is. Typically, hazardous waste is categorized as toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or otherwise hazardous. Please check the manufacturer's label.
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NOTICE FROM THE SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The Durham supervisors of the checklist will meet at the Durham Town Hall on Friday October 25, 2019, from 7:00 – 7:30 pm, to make corrections to the checklist and to accept new voter registrations. Changes in party registration can also be made at this time. This will be the last date for party changes before the upcoming Presidential Primary.
Prospective voters will be asked to show proofs of identity, age (18 by the next election day), domicile/residence in Durham, and U.S. Citizenship. A driver’s license and a birth certificate or passport are useful. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
Unless you have changed your party very recently you can check your current party status HERE. The change does not happen immediately, so if you are unsure, you may check at the town clerk’s office during regular business hours.
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Misty morning. Courtesy Joe Moore
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PUBLIC WORKS - PART-TIME MECHANIC POSITION WANTED
DPW is in seek of a part time mechanic to assist in performing equipment maintenance on the Town's fleet. Requires knowledge of regular fleet vehicles and heavy equipment repair, diagnosis of malfunctions utilizing test equipment and technical repair manuals. Employee will work 15-30 hours per week, flexible scheduling available. High School Diploma or G.E.D. and one year of formal training in fleet vehicles and heavy equipment repair. Certification to perform NH Safety Vehicle Inspections highly sought after. Hourly wage starting at $20/hour, higher possible depending on experience. Interested parties please send application/letter of interest/resume TO:
Michael Lynch, Director of Public Works
100 Stone Quarry Drive
Durham, NH 03824
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DURHAM ENERGY COMMITTEE ORMS SEPTEMBER UPDATE - Direct Digital Controls-The Future is Now!
With the days getting shorter, thoughts turn to putting up the storm windows and doors, filling the oil tank and stacking the woodpile. While we tackle these autumn projects to make sure we’ll be comfortable throughout the winter, we might not notice that all of these projects fit into a larger purpose; to minimize energy waste and optimize the energy we use. The same concerns hold true for our schools, with an important difference: these are large, complex facilities compared to our homes. But we still want the buildings to perform as perfectly and cost effectively as possible.
In envisioning our new middle school as a “net zero” facility, the district's architects have an important design challenge of how to best manage the building’s energy operations. There are two basic choices: using electronic controls (the old-fashioned approach) or direct digital controls.
Electronic controls use electric current or voltage input signals to adjust heating, cooling and ventilation systems and equipment. These systems can be tuned to be relatively energy efficient, but their capabilities in this regard are limited, as is their ability to optimize performance as weather, time of day and building demands change.
Direct Digital Controls systems offer much greater capabilities to optimize energy use. These systems operate by inputting the same current or voltage signals into a computer, which processes the signals (using algorithms) into precise output signals. This approach provides many benefits not available with electronic controls:
- High Performance: System operations can be enhanced to provide functions such as economizer cooling and CO2 demand limit control to reduce energy consumption while maximizing indoor air quality.
- Enhanced Comfort: Due to the capability of the computer to operate using an almost unlimited number of input signals, Direct Digital Controls provide much more accurate thermal comfort control than electronic controls.
- Historical Data: The operation of these control systems can be recorded over periods of time to produce trend logs and reports.
- System Integration: DDC controls can coordinate operation of multiple systems and even multiple buildings to maximize equipment operation at minimum energy consumption and cost. HVAC controls can be also integrated with building lighting controls and security controls.
- Enhanced System Diagnostics: If a portion of the HVAC systems acts up, the computer workstation becomes an important tool in troubleshooting the nature of the problem. This reduces staff time in diagnosing and responding to the issue.
- Preventive Maintenance:I Replacement parts, operation and maintenance data and maintenance schedules can be installed at the computer workstation. This extends the operating life of the equipment and helps ensure smooth performance.
DDC controls systems are far superior to electrical controls systems, and typically pay for their installation by avoiding energy and personnel costs between five and seven years. In other words, after a relatively short period of time these systems actually free up school budget money to use on other important budget items- these are a great investment!
RESOURCES
There are many on-line resources available that pertain to Direct Digital Controls. Here are just a few places you can explore:
High Performance HVAC: Current news and practice regarding building automation systems, variable frequency drives, boiler controls and much more.
Building Automation Monthly is a practical resource for information and training opportunities regarding building controls.
DDC Online is a nuts-and-bolts resource for DDC system basic concepts, design, system architecture, types of control functions, and other practical aspects of DDC control systems.
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A beautiful Monarch Butterfly on a flower at the Wagon Hill Community Garden. Courtesy Anonymous
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TOWN COUNCIL-INITIATED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REGARDING AIR B&B ESTABLISHMENTS
The Planning Board is continuing its public hearing for zoning amendments regarding short-term rentals/bed and breakfasts-type establishments to its meeting on October 16.
View the draft amendment and other documents related to the proposal HERE.
Interested parties are invited to speak at the hearing or to submit comments to the Town Planner at mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.
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NEWS FROM DURHAM DEPARTMENTS/TOWN HALL
The Public Works Department has begun the process of roadside mowing along the Town’s rights-of-way. The goal is to ensure that trees/brush growing within the rights-of-way do not create visibility/obstruction/sight distance issues for users of our roadways/sidewalks (pedestrians, cyclists, motorists). The focus this week was along sections of Route 4, Canney Road, and Bagdad Road. The process will continue into fall as staffing/time permits.
The Town Council will discuss the first draft of a potential micro-mobility ordinance Monday evening to address the rising interest in use of electric scooters.
The Town Council on Monday will discuss the potential of raising the minimum age for purchasing/possessing tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21.
Administrator Selig and Business Manager Gail Jablonski are busy working on the draft FY2020 budget. This is a time intensive process involving numerous meetings with staff and others to nail down budget numbers, make cuts, explain process, and develop both revenue and expenditure projections. Per Town Charter, the Administrator must provide a proposed budget to the Council by the end of October. The Council then has until the end of December to adopt a budget of its own or the Administrator’s proposed budget becomes the budget by default.
The Parks & Recreation Department is busy with afterschool programs, the upcoming 5K trail race in conjunction with ORYA, the upcoming downtown Trick-or-Treating event, etc.
DPW Director Mike Lynch reports that new directional parking signs to municipal parking have been installed downtown. They look pretty good so far and are in the process of being fine tuned in conjunction with Economic Development Director Christine Soutter.
As reported in September, we plan to relocate the Economic Development Office from the lower basement level in the Town Hall to the first floor conference room space. We anticipate a mid/late-October move.
The Library programming schedule is jam packed! Check out Library programs below. In addition, Library Director finalists will be coming to Town. Learn more in the Library section toward the end of the Friday Updates.
Fire Chief Dave Emanuel and Police Chief David Kurz reported out this week on a recent meeting held with Strafford County (Dispatch) officials looking toward addressing local police/fire dispatching needs, capital investment needs of the emergency radio system, and general future planning.
Sweetened Memories Bakery and The Big Bean, both on Jenkins Court, are moving toward their respective openings.
Police Chief Kurz and Deputy Chief Kelley report that arrests are down this year, which is great news. At this rate, we hope to discontinue extra patrol shifts on Friday/Saturday nights shortly after Homecoming.
We are moving toward a closing on the Orchard Drive Woods parcels between the Oyster River Cooperative School District and the Town of Durham for the purchase price of $150,000. If all goes well, the closing will take place on October 17th at 9 AM at the Town Hall.
The Oyster River Youth Association will provide an overview of this year’s budget request to the Town Council on Monday evening.
Pay As You Throw (PAYT) will be discussed by the Town Council at Monday’s Council meeting beginning with a presentation from members of the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee following three informational forums held over the course of the summer.
The Town Council will hold a discussion regarding three applications for Aquaculture within the Oyster River on Monday night. Members have received feedback from the public, the Agricultural Commission, and from the Conservation Commission and we will work toward formulating a recommendation to send to NH Fish and Game.
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“POOPER SCOOPER” REGULATIONS IN EFFECT
The Durham Town Council passed regulations regarding the need for owners to “clean-up” after their pet. The ordinance requires that any person having custody of a dog cannot be on any public property without having in their possession a device such as a mechanical device such as a pooper scooper, a trowel, a shovel, a plastic bag or other appropriate container to remove excrement/feces and to subsequently dispose of the waste in a trash receptacle. As the Durham Police patrol the community they have been monitoring if the dog walker is observed with such devices. If not they have been provided with a warning of the ordinance and encouraged to abide by the new law with the knowledge that we seek compliance, not the issuance of a summons.
The importance of such an ordinance is to keep playgrounds and other public areas free of such debris. Additionally many people may not be aware that dog feces contain zoonotic pathogens that endanger human health and pathogens that endanger the health of other pets including E.coli and Salmonella bacteria, Hookworm, Roundworm and Whipworm. Additionally dog (animal) feces is a leading cause of stormwater pollution, and the Town of Durham’s 2017 MS4 Stormwater Permit requires that the community be informed of the proper management of pet waste, including citing existing ordinances where appropriate.
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Historic Wagon Hill Farm house. Courtesy Todd Selig
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WAGON HILL FARM INVENTORY - Property Eligible for NH Register of Historic Places
The Town just completed a full inventory of Wagon Hill Farm prepared by our consultant Lynne Monroe of Preservation Company. The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources has determined that the property is eligible for listing on the New Hampshire Register of Historic Places. We will follow up to complete placement on the register. This designation recognizes the outstanding character of Wagon Hill Farm.
Wagon Hill Farm had been in the possession of only a few families prior to the Town’s acquisition in 1989. In addition to the site’s architectural and archaeological importance, it is significant historically in terms of first settlements on the seacoast, the French and Indian wars, the development of the family farm from the 1600s, orchards and cider production, dairy farming, poultry framing, boarding house tourism, outdoor recreation, and the land conservation movement.
View the complete document, which is full of intriguing information, HERE.
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OYSTER RIVER COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATES
The 2020-2021 school district budget process is in full swing. On October 2, the school board set a budget target of a 3.5% increase in the amount apportioned to towns, inclusive of costs related to collective bargaining agreements and the first payment of the proposed middle school bond. The recently approved state budget included an increase of $138 million for schools across New Hampshire. It is not clear yet what the impact of that will be for Oyster River.
The architect and construction manager for the proposed middle school project updated the board on the design and quoting process. The construction manager will deliver a guaranteed maximum project price on November 20.
Over the 2018-2019 school year, middle school teacher Chris Hall had a year-long sabbatical to develop Action Research structures within the ORCSD to enable a wide array of teachers across all schools and grade levels to participate in research projects directly related to their teaching. Last year 17 teachers participated, and the foundations laid last year enabled the program to expand to 23 teachers this year even with Mr. Hall back in the classroom. A summary of last year's research questions is HERE.
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FALL LEAF AND BRUSH CURBSIDE COLLECTION BEGINS ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH
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.
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Some of the volunteers that helped build a bridge at Doe Farm on Saturday: Durham resident Dick Lord, UNH Theta Chi Fraternity brothers, and Bobby (a 14-year Scout from Fremont) Courtesy of Ellen Snyder
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NEW TRAIL BRIDGE AND SIGN POSTS AT DOE FARM
Last Saturday, fifteen volunteers helped build another trail bridge, install two sign posts, and brush out a section of trail at Doe Farm. Led by Conservation Commission member John Nachilly and former member Rob Sullivan, the crew built a 42-foot bridge across a muddy and rooty section of trail. Just when the final screws were secured, two different visitors walked across with their dogs and shared their appreciation for all the trail improvements at Doe Farm. The Saturday volunteer crew included six UNH Theta Chi fraternity brothers (they’ve now helped build bridges on three Durham conservation areas), a father and son (14-year Scout) from Fremont, and four additional Durham residents. The remaining improvements at Doe Farm include brushing out the trail to Moat Island, improving the parking area, adding more signs to the information kiosk, and some brush clearing around the cellar hole and burial ground. Thanks to all the volunteers, donors, and other contributors to the Doe Farm projects.
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DURHAM POLICE CONDUCT TOBACCO/VAPING COMPLIANCE CHECKS
On Sunday, September 29, 2019, the Durham Police Department, in conjunction with the New Hampshire Liquor Commission Law Enforcement Division, conducted a Vaping/tobacco compliance check at all vendors who are licensed to sell such products in Durham. An underage volunteer, trained by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission to perform compliance checks, did attempt to purchase Vaping/tobacco products from the six locations in Durham that are so licensed. Unfortunately two establishments failed:
- Campus Convenience
- Phillips 66
As a result of the operation two clerks were each charged with a Class B misdemeanor and are scheduled for arraignment on November 13, 2019, at 8:30 AM, at 7th Circuit Court, Dover Division.
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Firefighter Lilah Cherlm. Courtesy DFD
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CALL FIREFIGHTER LILAH CHERLM GRADUATES FROM RECRUIT SCHOOL
On September 27, 2019 Call Firefighter Lilah Cherim graduated from NH Fire Academy Recruit School. The commencement ceremony took place at the NH Fire Academy on Smokey Bear Boulevard in Concord, NH and was well attended by recruits’ family members and friends as well as representatives from several fire departments across the state.
Recruit School is an intensive eleven-week program in which firefighter recruits are instructed on topics such as Fire Service Communications and Radio Interoperability, Rescue Skills Ropes and Rigging, Cancer Prevention, Firefighter Safety, Fire Suppression, and Fire Cause Determination, as well as numerous other topics.
While attending the Academy, Lilah successfully completed her certifications for Firefighter I and Firefighter II.
Congratulations, Lilah!
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY UPCOMING EVENTS
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Meet the Two Finalists for Director of the Durham Public Library!
First finalist: Monday, October 7 6:45-7:45 pm
Second finalist: Thursday, October 10 6:45-7:45 pm
Both sessions will be in the Children's Playroom of the Durham Public Library.
The Trustees of the Durham Public Library cordially invite you to meet the two finalists for Director of the Durham Public Library. Learn about the candidates' backgrounds, hear their ideas, and ask your own questions. The Trustees are looking for your feedback and will provide notecards for your input. Cookies and beverages will be served.
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Don't miss our Special Saturday Program! Saturday, October 5th at 10:30 am Carol & Crew Puppet Show!
Join us for this fun interactive family puppet show with Carol & Crew! Carol's performances are highly entertaining for children.
Don't miss it. All are welcome! It will be held in the DPL Storytime room
AND ...
Wednesday, October 9th, at 6:00 pm Book Talk with Local Author Brendan DuBois
Award winning mystery/suspense author Brendan DuBois is a former newspaper reporter and a lifelong resident of New Hampshire. He is currently at work on a number of projects with New York Times bestselling author James Patterson.
Their first two collaborations, THE FIRST LADY and THE CORNWALLS ARE GONE, was released in March 2019. He is currently working on another novel with Patterson, as well as a new Lewis Cole mystery novel and a number of short stories.
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1938- Renovation and coordination of the various sewage disposal systems was initiated at the Town Meeting. Construction began in 1947. Three major stages have been accomplished and the 4th is currently in progress. Nearly 40% of the homes are now on the sewer system.
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Beautiful fall sumac bush. Courtesy Dave LeGault
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Have a very nice weekend.
... And if you find the weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass along to a friend/neighbor and encourage them to subscribe. While the weekly publication is long (sorry!), the reality is that there is a LOT happening in this wonderful community and we work hard to let people know about it so they can become involved. Currently we have around 3,300 active subscribers plus those who view them on line and via social media. It also doubles as an integral part of our emergency broadcast system. In essence, the "Friday Updates" is Administrator Selig's weekly update to the Town Council that is also shared with the community. In Durham we try to be very open with what is going on so people can both understand issues and become involved if they choose to do so.
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