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Beautiful fall tree at Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy Todd Selig
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The trees have begun to turn within the span of three or four days this year. It was summer last week … and now it’s fall!
Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Durham is Monday, October 10th in Durham. . All Town Offices will be CLOSED in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day.
NO Changes to Curbside Collection on Indigenous Peoples' Day. The Durham Public Works Department would like to remind residents that the Raymond. A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center will be open on Saturday, October 8th. Additionally, there will be no changes to the curbside collection routes on Indigenous People’s Day, October 10th.
Trick-or-Treating in Durham is on Sunday, October 30, 2022 from 5 - 7:30 PM.
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BUDGET AND CIP DEVELOPMENT PROCESS UNDER WAY FOR FY 2023
Over the course of the summer, Durham’s department heads, as well as the Town’s various boards, committees, and commissions (as well as external organizations to which the Town makes payments for services such dispatch, ambulance, social service agencies, etc.) have been preparing their requested budgets and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) requests for FY 2023 for consideration by Administrator Selig as he works with Business Manager Gail Jablonski and departments to prepare a formal FY 2023 budget proposal for Town Council consideration as part of the annual budget development process.
Business Manager Jablonski has organized budget meetings with each of the Town’s department heads to enable herself and Administrator Selig to talk with departments and better understand budget requests, as well as departmental CIP requests. Members of the Town Council have been extended an invitation to attend these meetings if they have an interest in doing so.
The Town Council’s budget goals for 2023 include:
Task the Administrator with meeting the following: 1) Holding the municipal tax rate at the 2022 level or less. 2) Continue to make an effort to control spending, enhance revenues, broaden the tax base, and explore innovative ways to stabilize or reduce the municipal tax rate. 3) Work to secure available external grant funding opportunities.
Per Town Charter, the Administrator is charged with the development of the annual budget and CIP program. The proposed annual budget must be submitted to the Town Council by the last business day in October. The Town Council by Charter then has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget or the Administrator’s budget becomes the budget of the Town by default.
The requested CIP projects were presented to and discussed with the Planning Board on September 14, 2022. You can view that discussion HERE.
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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 2023 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 and calls/inquiries, is typically delayed. Urgent matters should be sent to the attention of Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry, jberry@ci.durham.nh.us
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VISIT THE MILNE NATURE Sanctuary THIS FALL!
Right now, and over the next few weeks, make a point to visit the Milne Nature Sanctuary on Mill Pond Road if you get the chance - the fall colors (both flowers and foliage) are fantastic, as is the presence of many diverse pollinators getting some late season sustenance on the many blooms. Among others, Brown-eyed Susans, Heart-leaved asters, and various goldenrods are putting on a show!
Photo Courtesy Suzanne MacDonald
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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY EVENT - Pre-registration required – October 22nd at Durham Public Works
Durham Public Works would like to remind residents that the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day Event will be held on October 22nd. This collection event provides an opportunity for residents to properly dispose of certain common household hazardous wastes free of charge while protecting the environment. Please call Durham Public Works at 603-868-5578 for additional details. Pre-registration is required!
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PART-TIME MINUTE TAKER POSITION SOUGHT BY DURHAM
The Town of Durham is seeking a reliable and responsible individual to prepare minutes for its Zoning Board of Adjustment meetings by viewing recorded meetings on the Town’s website using DCAT on Demand. Meetings are generally 3-4 hours in length. The Zoning Board of Adjustment meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7PM.
Applicants are required to possess or have access to a computer and the internet for final preparation of the minutes. Applicants must be able to provide minutes in Microsoft Word document format, possess strong language, written communication and typing skills, and be capable of preparing the minutes with minimal supervision.
Beginning wage rate is $20.00 per hour, dependent on education and experience. Please submit a resume, along with three (3) professional references and a cover letter to Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824 by Friday, October 14, 2022. Resumes and references may also be emailed to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us
The Town of Durham is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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SEWER PUMP STATION AT TOWN LANDING
The old sewer pump station at the Town Landing has been vacant for many years. Many will be surprised to learn that this small brick structure with a not-exactly-noble pedigree is eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Places! It is noteworthy for its slate hipped roof, fine proportions, and English-bond brickwork. The Durham Historic District/Heritage Commission is exploring ways to repurpose the building – as an ice cream stand, restrooms, an office for a kayak company? If you have any ideas, no matter how zany, please send them to mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.
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DID YOU KNOW? - Fall Leaf Clean-Up
Although people often rake and bag leaves to prevent their lawns from being smothered and to make yards look better, in most cases, you're fine not moving them. In fact, many environmental experts say raking leaves and removing them from your property is not only bad for your lawn but for the environment as well.
Instead, use your lawn mower and chop the leaves up. Not only will the leaves provide excellent nitrogen and organic matter that your winter grass will love, it will:
- protect root systems;
- preserve soil moisture; and
- the lawn mower will help cut weeds, providing critical light for your grass
Mulching your leaves also helps wildlife. Insects depend on leaf litter in the winter to provide protective habitat and food. Those insects in turn become winter food for other animals like birds.
Not only does mulching your leaves help your grass and soil, it also helps reduce greenhouse gases and limits waste.
Source: Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Brought to you by the Integrated Waste Management Committee
Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com
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WOODRIDGE ROAD LOT
Former Durham resident Julian Smith recently offered to donate a vacant lot of land to the Town of Durham. It is a one-acre parcel located on Woodridge Road that is unbuildable as it cannot accommodate a septic system due to wetlands and poorly drained soils. Julian did a lot of work on the property – clearing paths, removing dead trees, enhancing the small ponds, moving around some large rocks, and installing a picnic table – to create appeal for a small neighborhood park. The staff and members of the Conservation Commission and Land Stewardship Committee evaluated the site carefully and we hired Marc Jacobs, a wetland and soil scientist, to analyze its environmental resources and constraints. The Town decided to not accept the property because we would need to go through a wetland review process with the state possibly involving restoring parts of the site (which Mr. Jacobs estimated would be somewhat costly) and the ongoing maintenance that would be required could be significant. We are very grateful to Julian Smith for this generous offer nonetheless. Julian, who served on the Town Council and Planning Board, was always a distinctive and engaging member of the Durham community. He now lives on St. Simons Island in Georgia and is fighting the good fight to keep public officials there honest and protect what remains of the island’s natural character.
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SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST will hold the following sessions for the purpose of accepting new Applicants for registration should bring with them proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile. Driver’s license and passport are helpful. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking. Please note that anyone who will have turned 18 by November 8, 2022 (born on or before 11/08/2004) may register at this time, or with the Town Clerk at the Town Hall any time before the October 31 session. New Hampshire also allows voter registration at the polls. However, there will likely be a line there.
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HAVE YOU VISITED THE OYSTER RIVER FOREST/SPRUCE HOLE BOG CONSERVATION AREA OVER THE PAST YEAR? -- Take the Oyster River Forest/Spruce Hole Bog Questionnaire!
To determine the best ways to steward our lands, the Land Stewardship Subcommittee seeks input from the users of Town Properties. This questionnaire will be for both the Oyster River Forest and Spruce Hole Bog Conservation Area.
If you’ve visited either of these preserves over the past year, please let us know about your experience by clicking https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y28T2BQ This questionnaire should take less than 5 minutes.
Thank you!
Durham’s Land Stewardship Subcommittee
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FALL LEAF AND BRUSH CURBSIDE COLLECTION BEGINS ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH AT 7AM
Durham Public Works would like to remind residents that the annual curbside Fall leaf and brush collection begins on Monday, November 7th at 7:00am.
During this curbside collection program, Durham Public Works crews collect brush (natural material from trees) first followed by the collection of leaves. It is important to note that this program runs independently from the regular curbside solid waste and recycling collection.
Leaves must be placed in paper leaf bags (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 Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road during public open hours.
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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STORMWATER MS4 NPDES PERMIT - Year 4 Annual Report submitted this week.
Durham Public Works submitted the Year 4 Annual Report this week on September 28, 2022 - Durham Public Works in conjunction with its MS4 Permitting consultant, Environmental Partners, Inc., completed dry weather screening of all outfalls and interconnections, catchment investigations, as well as enhanced system mapping as required in the Year 4 permit, which began on July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The public is encouraged to review the Town’s stormwater management plan and associated documents HERE.
Comments and questions about Durham’s stormwater program can be sent to Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. atalon@ci.durham.nh.us.
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION WORKSHOP
The Durham Historic District/Heritage Commission held a historic preservation workshop for Durham residents on September 22 at the Three Chimneys Inn. The Town hired Jennifer Robinson, Preservation Services Manager with Historic New England, to talk about the Dos and Don’ts of Preserving Historic Houses.. She spoke about new types of siding materials, windows, paint colors, exterior renovations and additions, and architectural styles. Her talk was excellent and much appreciated by the audience. The commission plans to hold more workshops like this in the future.
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UNH NAMES TRAILS AND BRIDGES TO HONOR ABENAKI HERITAGE – Timely information from UNH Today in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Durham on October 10th.
Members of the Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative Collective (INHCC) – including several from the UNH community – made a pitch to UNH campus architects and planners back in 2019 with the idea of naming a series of trails and bridges on campus to honor Abenaki culture and history.
That project came to fruition in late September with the installation of signage. A series of four trails and five bridges in the College Brook Ravine area located behind Hamilton Smith Hall and Dimond Library have been named following traditional Abenaki naming conventions to honor the Indigenous people who first occupied the land on which UNH stands.
The trails are frequently trafficked but were previously unnamed, unlike most other parts of campus, which have received monikers to honor important figures.
The project began as a collaboration between the INHCC and the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People and received support from a wide range of departments across campus. Funding and support for the endeavor were provided by the American Council for Learned Societies, the UNH Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity, the UNH President’s Fund, the UNH Provost’s Fund, the UNH Office of Stewardship and a donation from the Coe-Hall Memorial Fund.R
Read a full article about the topic HERE.
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DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT AND HAVEN PARTNER UP FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month! The Durham Police Department, in partnership with HAVEN want to take the time to help raise awareness, engage community members and reduce barriers for survivors of abuse. Domestic violence continues to be a widespread crisis, with 1 out of 3 women and 1 out of 9 men experiencing abuse by a partner in their lifetime. The Durham Police Department will be posting slides on our Facebook page, provided by HAVEN, that are focused on helping to meet this goal. For those community members that may want to be more involved, HAVEN is hosting their signature event, “Changing Lives” that will take place October 13th. The event features Jenny Johnston, a survivor and retired USA gymnast. You can find tickets at https://havennh.org/events/. HAVEN is NH’s largest crisis center working to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking, and to support and empower men, women, youth and families to heal from abuse and rebuild their lives. HAVEN advocates are available for free and confidential support 24 hours a day at 1-603-944-SAFE (7233).
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OUT FOR A WALK? WEAR ORANGE. HUNTING SEASON HAS BEGUN!
As New Hampshire Fish and Game advises, “It’s recommended that all outdoor enthusiasts and their pets heading into the woods this fall think safety by wearing blaze orange, sticking to established trails when hiking, and reviewing the safe hiking guidelines at hikesafe.com.” Fluorescent orange not in your fall wardrobe? “Wearing blaze orange has statistically been shown to decrease hunting incidents across the country,” said Josh Mackay, who coordinates the Hunter Education Program at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Learn more, including hunting season dates, at the Department's website: Wear Blaze Orange When Heading Afield
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CONSERVATION COMMISSION - Seeing interested residents to fill vacancies!
The Conservation Commission has a few vacancies for alternate members on the Durham Conservation Commission.
If you have a special interest in environmental issues you would probably enjoy serving on this commission. The Commission's work involves the protection and enhancement of wetlands, water resources, wildlife habitats, and other natural resources.
The commission meets the fourth Monday evening of every month.
Email Michael Behrendt, Town Planner at behrendt@ci.durham.nh.us if you are interested or have any questions.
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UPCOMING SESSIONS - SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST will hold the following sessions for the purpose of accepting new voters and for making changes in party, address, or name:
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Applicants for registration should bring with them proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile. Driver’s license and passport are helpful. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking. Please note that anyone who will have turned 18 by November 8, 2022 (born on or before 11/08/2004) may register at this time, or with the Town Clerk at the Town Hall any time before the October 31 session. New Hampshire also allows voter registration at the polls. However, there will likely be a line there.
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DATA VERIFICATION FOR 2023 REVALUATION IS UNDERWAY BY THE DURHAM ASSESSING OFFICE AS PART OF TWO-YEAR REVALUATION PROCESS FOR DURHAM
As you may be aware, the State of New Hampshire requires all real estate within the municipality to be reappraised at least every five years (per RSA 75:8-a) so property tax assessments are at their full and true value. To keep in compliance with this law, the Town of Durham has contracted with Municipal Resources, Inc. to reappraise all residential and commercial properties in Durham for TY 2023.
Staff members from MRI have started the process of measuring the exterior and inspecting the interior all structures in Durham to make sure the data regarding each property is accurate. Post card notifications will be mailed to residents letting them know they will be working in specific neighborhoods during the next few weeks. If, for any reason you are not comfortable allowing an interior inspection, we kindly ask you to verify information at the door. If you are not home, a notification will be mailed to you requesting an inspection or to verify information by phone. If you do not wish to have a representative from MRI visit your property, please notify the Durham Assessor’s Office as soon as possible. All MRI representatives will have a photo ID and a Municipal Letter of Introduction.
Any questions regarding the project should be directed to the Durham Assessor’s Office at 603-868-8064. Updates regarding the project will be posted in the Friday Updates newsletter and through mailings. We greatly appreciate your cooperation throughout this project.
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DURHAM PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board has three items on its agenda for this coming Wednesday, continued review of a two-lot subdivision on Adams Point Road, review of the 18-unit subdivision application located off Gerrish Drive that was remanded back to the board from superior court after an appeal from an abutter, and continued discussion of the proposed solar energy systems ordinance. You can see the agenda and all documents related to each agenda item at this link to the Town’s website. Just click on the green highlighted items. Send an email to Town Planner Michael Behrendt at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us if you would like to be included on the email list about planning board activities
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DURHAM FIREFIGHTER PETER LEAVITT ATTENDS MANAGING FIRE OFFICER PROGRAM
Firefighter Peter Leavitt recently attended a two-week leadership program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland as part of a multi-year Managing Fire Officer (MFO) Certification Program.
The Managing Fire Officer Program introduces emerging emergency services leaders to personal and professional skills in change management, risk reduction, and adaptive leadership. The program provides leaders with professional development opportunities and serves to create a network of fire service professionals who support career development. The program also provides leaders with an opportunity to enhance their learning to meet emerging professional challenges and improve their supervisory skills.
The department applauds the efforts of Firefighter Leavitt to continue his professional development and commitment to excellence.
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FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS EACH WEEK IN UNH TODAY ... AND VIA THE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE CALENDAR PAGE
UNH Today is the official online publication of the University of New Hampshire. It delivers news, events, and multimedia devoted to bringing community members a weekly glimpse of the remarkable things happening on campus, in New Hampshire, and around the world.
As a subscriber, you'll learn about student and faculty achievement, the impact of UNH in the community, and timely information on the arts, sports, and special events that make UNH (and in part Durham) a vibrant place.
You may sign up to begin receiving UNH Today by clicking HERE
As you know, there is always a great deal happening on campus, and many events are not mentioned in UNH Today. Many other campus happenings can be researched via the UNH online calendar, which can be accessed HERE.
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OYSTER RIVER COMMUNITY READ
Oyster RIver Community Read (ORCR) is pleased to present a talk by Eric Klinenberg. Ph.D, Professor of Sociology and director of the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University. The event takes places Thursday, October 13, at 4 pm in the UNH MUB TheaterTwo. Professor Klinenberg will discuss the central themes of his 2018 book, Palaces for the People: How social infrastructure can help fight inequality, polarization, and the decline of civic life. The talk is generously co-sponsored by the UNH College of Liberal Arts, The Sustainability Institute, and the Carsey School of Public Policy. For a list of other ORCR events coming up, go to the Events link at www.orcread.org. Questions? Call Mandy Merrill 603-969-9900.
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SCRAP METAL RECYCLING - A Reminder From Durham Public Works
The Durham Public Works Department would like to remind residents that items disposed of in the scrap metal pile at the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center must be free of all fluids, i.e. petroleum products used in internal combustion engines. The Transfer Station accepts used oil year-round and gasoline/diesel/kerosene may be disposed of at the Durham Public Works Facility on Household Hazardous Waste Day in October. Additionally, televisions and other electronics are not accepted. Transfer Station staff recently removed four, mercury-containing cathode ray tubes from the scrap metal container.
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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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Happy October from Durham Public Library!
Fall Youth and YA programs are underway! Program calendars are available HERE and the Patch Club is running now through May 31st! New to Patch Club? Register Here! While you're on the website checking out the fall Storytime and Wiggles & Giggles themes/times, make sure to take a look at Monthly and Special Programs like Raccoon Readers, Lego Club, Movies and our Homeschool Activity Hour! And don't forget the Young Adult page where registration is also open for the YA Cooking Club, YA Game Night and the Bookeaters Book Club! And don't forget to check out the fall Storywalk book! Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert is this season's title! And save the date for trick-or-treating and an outdoor Halloween movie at the library on October 31st! Trick-or-treating will begin at 6:00pm and the movie will start at 6:30pm! We can't wait to see all of your costumes!
Check our Events page where our adult programs are open for registration! This month, genealogist and librarian Erin Moulton returns with programs just spooky enough for October with A Beginner's Guide to Cemetery Sleuthing and Death of a Showman: A Genealogy Case Study! And don't miss Corinne Roberts' return for an adult sketching class on Fall Leaves and Landscapes! Meditative Yoga has also returned on Monday mornings at 10:00 am in the upstairs Oyster River Room coming on November 1st...join us in-person at 6:00pm for New England's Colonial Meetinghouses and Their Impact on American Society with Paul Wainwright, sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council. This is also part of the Oyster River Community Read programming on community infrastructure! Registration is not required but is recommended and drop-ins are welcome! Questions? The library staff is always available during business hours at 603-868-6699 or any time at durhampl@gmail.com!
Questions? We can help! The library staff is always available to answer your questions during business hours at 603-868-6699 or any time at durhampl@gmail.com
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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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1875 - Voted to buy a hearse for $400 (plus $250 voted in 1874). Shipped from Worcester, Massachusetts to Rochester, the express charges were $10. It was a one-horse vehicle equipped with wheels and runners. It was kept in a special shed on Schoolhouse Lane, and was in use until 1905.
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The leaves are beginning to turn as the weather shifts toward fall. Have a peaceful weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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