Friday Updates - September 10, 2021

Friday, September 10, 2021

COVID CASES ON THE RISE ON THE UNH CAMPUS

Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise on the UNH campus—among those who are not fully vaccinated and to some degree among those who are—and while UNH’s test positivity rate is still below 1% (.91%) and most positive cases have relatively minor symptoms, UNH has put in place the following additional measures to help keep the community safe and to keep the campus as open as possible. 

Effective on the UNH Durham Campus immediately:

• All members of the Durham community—students, faculty and staff—are required to wear a face covering in all indoor campus spaces except when eating, in private offices or in personal residence hall rooms. The requirement applies to everyone, vaccinated and unvaccinated. This includes classrooms, hallways, elevators, restrooms, break rooms, entries and exits to buildings, laboratories, meeting rooms, shared offices and work areas.
• Air handling/ventilation will be increased in all campus buildings.
• Additional plexiglass barriers will be added in dining halls.
• No non-UNH visitors are permitted in any residence hall.
• Because positive cases are highest among Stoke Hall residents, increased restrictions and measures are being put in place until cases begin to decrease. More detailed information has been shared with Stoke residents. 

UNH will continue to monitor the situation daily to inform ongoing decision making. UNH will reevaluate these new measures in a few weeks, after Homecoming Weekend. Until then, the UNH community is asked to wear a face covering indoors on campus, continue to test as scheduled and physically distance whenever possible. 

ATTENTION DURHAM MAIN STREET BUSINESSES -- GOFERR LAUNCHES NEW CARES ACT FUNDED COVID-19 BUSINESS EXPANSION PROGRAM

On Sept. 9, the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery (GOFERR) launched the COVID-19 Expenses Relief Program to assist New Hampshire for-profit Main Street businesses with COVID-19 related business expenses in 2020 and 2021.

Eligible businesses can apply for reimbursement of a portion of their eligible expenses until 4 PM on October 1, 2021, via the GOFERR portal. Awards will be issued following the application deadline, on a capped, pro-rata basis dependent upon total eligible expenses.

Eligible expenses for reimbursement include but are not limited to the following categories:

Costs incurred while closed due to COVID-19 (such as prorated rent, mortgage payments, and utilities);

Costs incurred as a result of reopening after COVID-19 related closure (such as PPE, workforce safety training, and installation of physical safety measures); 

and Increased costs of doing business as a result of COVID-19 (such as HVAC improvements, creation or addition of indoor or outdoor space for social distancing purposes, and increased costs due to supply chain disruptions or increased demand).

More information on the program, including eligibility information, can be found HERE.

BUDGET AND CIP DEVELOPMENT PROCESS UNDER WAY FOR FY 2022 

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 proposed budgets and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) requests for FY 2022 for consideration by the Administrator, Todd Selig, as part of the annual budget development process.

Beginning in September (next week in fact!) Business Manager Gail Jablonski and Mr. Selig will begin to meet with each of the Town’s department heads and members of their department, as well as many board/committee/commission/trustee members to better understand budget requests, as well as departmental CIP requests. Members of the Town Council will also be invited to each of these meetings if they have an interest in doing so.

One of the Town’s Council’s approved goals for FY 2021-2022 states: “Task the administrator with meeting the following budget goals for 2022. Hold the municipal tax rate at the 2021 level or less. For the medium and long-term, the Town will continue to make an effort to control its spending, broaden the tax base, and explore innovative ways to stabilize or reduce the municipal tax rate.”

A second goal states: “Pursue opportunities to broaden the tax base that are consistent with Council goals and be mindful of the economic impact they may have on the Town’s operational and long-term fiscal health.”

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 had been planned to be presented to and discussed with the Planning Board on Sept. 8th. but this was rescheduled for Sept. 29th at the Planning Board's request.

The budget development and review process is a long, detailed, cumbersome, and time-consuming effort so we apologize in advance if it impacts response time to citizen requests.

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS PLANS TO COMPLETE REINSPECTION OF MILL POND DAM THIS FALL WITH VHB AND PARE CORP. AS RIVER FLOW ALLOWS

The Department of Public Works plans to reinspect the Mill Pond Dam this fall to monitor structural deterioration of the concrete, primarily one of the ribs nearest the gate structure. This may require lowering the Mill Pond by a few inches depending on flows in the Oyster River. See pictures below. More information will be provided to the public and abutters when the work is scheduled.

EASYPARK USA TO PHASE OUT NEW HAMPSHIRE SERVICE

The in-vehicle parking payment device EasyPark that works with Dover, Durham, Manchester and Portsmouth parking meter systems will be phased out as customers use up their remaining balances.

EasyParkUSA, the firm behind EasyPark, notified participating New Hampshire municipalities that it is phasing out the devices due to decreased use and increased availability of pay-by-phone options in some communities. EasyParkUSA discontinued sales of its devices to participating New Hampshire municipalities earlier this year. 

The final details of the phasing out process are still in the works.  If you are a current EasyParkUSA customer, please standby for updates in the up coming weeks.  EasyParkUSA will also be alerting New Hampshire subscribers to the program's end via their account emails.

For more information, contact the Durham Police Department, 603-868-2324.

UNIVERSITY DAY ONCE AGAIN RESCHEDULED TO WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND – MAIN STREET WILL BE SHUT DOWN FOR THE EVENT

University Day has once again rescheduled. It will now be held on Wednesday, Sep 22, 2021 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event will still take place on T-Hall Lawn, Main Street, and Scott Hall Lawn. The rain date will be September 22nd. During this time, Main Street will be shut down from the intersection of Edgewood Road to the intersection of Garrison Avenue. 

Residents are encouraged to seek alternate routes during that time period. 

FULL-TIME RECYCLING & SOLID WASTE COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR NEEDED

The Town of Durham in New Hampshire’s seacoast region is one of the most beautiful and desired locations in the State and is home to the University of New Hampshire. The Durham Public Works Department, a recognized leader in the Public Works field, is fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals. The Department is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Recycling and Solid Waste Collection Equipment Operator.



The successful candidate will undertake meaningful and challenging work involving the collection, transportation, and final disposal of municipal solid waste and recycling in an effort to achieve the Town’s sustainability goals while protecting public health. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Public Works Director.

This full-time position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. Salary range for this position is from $22.30 to $25.15/HR, depending upon qualifications.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of (2) years of experience in operating commercial vehicles and related equipment. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent. The successful candidate will also possess an NHDES Solid Waste Operator License or the ability to obtain within (6) months of hire. This position requires strenuous physical work, emergency response on a 24/7 basis for winter storm events and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Janice Richard, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to jrichard@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on October 8th, 2021.  

PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY

As the weather turns colder, the sun sets sooner, and the leaves start to change colors, it reminds us that school is once again in session. It also signals an increase in children young and old riding their bikes or walking to and from school. The combination of excited school children and increased traffic congestion makes it even more important than ever that we are paying attention when driving. The Durham Police Department would like all drivers to be mindful of the following helpful reminders:

1. Slow Down and Obey school Zone Speed Limits. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster. 
2. No Passing When a Vehicle is stopped for Pedestrians or at a Crosswalk. It is imperative that drivers remain cautious when approaching crosswalks and other intersections where children tend to cross. 
3. Remain Diligent: Children are quick and impulsive. Even if you see a child pedaling on their bike or walking normally towards an intersection, be prepared for them to dart out into traffic at any moment. When approaching a child on a bike, slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between you. Children can be natural risk takers and therefore they remain unpredictable. Additionally, look for children to appear between parked cars or other objects that may hide them shield them from your immediate view. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for two seconds doubles the chances you may be in an accident. 
4. Never Text and Drive!
5. Come to a Complete Stop at the Stop Sign. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in neighborhoods and school zones. Check carefully for children one sidewalks and crosswalks before proceeding. 
6. Ensure your Child Wears a Helmet when Riding a Bike: If your child rides a bike, require that he or she wear a bike helmet on every ride and discuss the route they will be taking if they are given permission to ride to school. Talk to them about the obstacles they may face and other bike safety rules of the road. 
7. Remember the “Blind Spots”. Remember where the blind spots are for your individual vehicle and pay special attention to them, specifically when backing up. Remember to back up slowly and remind your children to never play in, under or around vehicles. 
8. Respect the Bus. According to the National Safety Council, most children who lose their lives in bus related accidents are between ages 4 and 7 years old and they are walking. They are either hit by a bus or a motorist that illegally passes a stopped bus. It is illegal in every state to pass a school bus when it is stopped to load or unload children and yet we continue to see such incidents in our own community. Remember to talk to your children about how to safely exit the bus, and if they must cross the roadway after exiting, to stop, look and listen before doing so. 

TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT SOUGHT - PART-TIME

The Town of Durham is seeking a part time Transfer Station Attendant. The position is part-time with no benefits. Applicants must be comfortable dealing with public and have a Solid Waste Operators License, level 1 minimum or the ability to obtain license within 2 months of hire. Duties include checking in residents, ensuring materials are disposed of in proper locations, ability to operate a loader and skid steer, maintenance and cleaning of facility. Pay $14-$17/Hr based on experience. Hours will be Saturday from 7am-3:30pm, potential for more hours. Valid driver’s license, background check will be performed. Applications accepted until the position is filled.    

Applications are available at the Public Works Office, contact: Janice Richard, Assistant to the Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824. Telephone 603-868-5578.

66 MAIN STREET PARKING LOT/POCKET PARK UPDATE - The project is progressing very nicely and looks beautiful with the new rose bushes planted along the Main Street sidewalk.

The Durham Public Works Department continues to advance improvements on the former ATO property located at 66 Main Street recently acquired by the Town. The pocket park facing Main Street has been graded and hydroseeded and a colorful assortment of perennial plants were installed along the top of the retaining wall. The Department’s fencing contractor, GC/AAA Fence installed a safety fence behind the plantings to prevent visitors from venturing too close to the retaining wall.

A driveway apron was also paved, and the parking lot received a final grading in preparation for parking stall painting, which occurred this past week.

Remaining items to be completed over the next few weeks include lighting and staircase hand railing installation.

This is one of the most impressive in-house projects completed by the Public Works Department in many years.

The entire team has performed exceptionally well in transitioning the once vacant lot into a parking area and beautiful pocket park. 

HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL

The Durham Public Works Department’s coordinated with Orion Tree Service, to remove several dead or decaying ash, elm, and poplar trees at Jackson’s Landing and along Faculty Road. These trees posed a significant risk to the safety and functionality of the infrastructure in their vicinity. All trees were safely removed without incident.

WISWALL DAM IMPROVEMENTS BEING EVALUATED

Durham Public Works (DPW) continues to discuss findings with dam structural engineers, Pare Corporation, about outstanding dam stability review at Wiswall Dam. DPW has requested Pare Corp prepare a proposal to evaluate dam adhesion through coring of the dam and analysis of the bedrock/concrete dam interface. This analysis has the potential to result in favorable findings eliminating or greatly reducing the need for costly upgrades. In the event findings indicate less than desirable adhesion, it may be necessary to install shear pins into the dam bedrock interface to anchor the dam to the bedrock below in lieu of rock anchors that were originally anticipated.

FARMERS' MARKET CONTINUES IN DURHAM UNTIL OCTOBER 4TH

A reminder that the Durham Farmers' Market is being held every Monday afternoon in the Sammy's Downtown Lot off Pettee Brook Lane through Monday, October 4, 2021 from 2:15- 5:30PM. This is the harvest season and the farmer's tables are full of fresh produce and other locally produced food stuffs like goat cheese and bread, as well as prepared food. The market is open rain or shine except when there are high winds.

Members of the Wagon Hill Farm Community Garden put out 20 varieties in preparation for their annual tomato tasting celebration at the farm September 4, 2021. Courtesy Dennis Meadows

DEPUTY FIRE MARSHAL POSITION VACANCY - Starting Salary $71,386

The Town of Durham, NH is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Fire Marshal. 

The full position posting and Town of Durham application may be found on the Town’s website HERE.

Applications will be reviewed on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 12:00 pm. Position to remain open until filled.  

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT UPDATE

In preparation of the UNH student’s arrival for the fall semester, Wastewater Division staff have been busy slowly bringing the offline treatment tankage back in service. Half of the facility’s treatment process tanks are taken offline for maintenance during the summer months while the students are away while the flows and loadings are reduced.

This allows for maintenance of the treatment plants offline tankage and associated pumps and equipment which has now been completed. This includes oil changes on motors and gearboxes, as well as any preventative maintenance that is required including swapping secondary clarifiers to perform inspections as well as performing maintenance.

All the treatment plants process tanks must be slowly put back in service to continue proper treatment of the sewage and for the microbes, critical for treatment, to slowly adjust to increased flows and loads. The plant must be fully online at the beginning of the UNH fall semester to handle the doubled daily flows and loadings that increase quite quickly.

Ellie Lonske shared her rendering of the iconic Leawood Orchards barn. As stated in Durham, New Hampshire A History – 1900-1985, Published in 1985 by the Durham Historic Association: "Farm Life in Durham: Leawood Orchards, on Mast Road off Old Concord Road, was owned by George Potter in the 1920s. It was bought in 1945 by Clayton ("Red") Cross. The farm, which sold eggs in the early days, also had a large apple orchard. In the 1980s, in addition to selling apples, the farm is well known for its excellent cider, sold from the farm in the fall. Vegetables and other fruits are also sold in season."