Friday Updates - September 13, 2024

Friday, September 13, 2024

Shadows are growing longer at Thompson Forest at 5:00 p.m. Courtesy, Jean McPeak

Durham Public Works and Durham Fire responded to the Durham Town Hall last Thursday morning for a report of excessive amounts of water pouring into the Town Clerks’ and Business Offices. A burst water pipe under the Planning, Zoning and Assessing Office's kitchenette sink was quickly isolated after flowing for approximately 1.5 hours. As a result, IT equipment, ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, flooring, and subflooring materials sustained damage in several areas. Durham Public Works’ water damage mitigation contractor, Servpro, staged within three hours to begin the mitigation process. Fans and dehumidifiers have been operating in the affected areas for the last week and are expected to run through this weekend. 

Durham IT and Clerk team members have temporarily relocated the Clerk’s office to the first-floor conference room, allowing them to operate during the reconstruction which is expected to last 1-1.5 months. Durham Public Works is actively working with reconstruction contractors and the Town’s insurance provider on the restoration process.

DURHAM’S ANNUAL RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW EDUCATION SEMINAR RESCHEDULED FOR SEPT. 19

The seminar on the State of NH Right-to-Know law, which was canceled last spring, has been rescheduled to Thursday, September 19, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Town Attorney, Laura Spector-Morgan, will be doing the presentation.  The seminar will be broadcast live on DCAT if you prefer to watch it that way. Or you can join by Zoom if you think you would like to ask questions. The link to register for Zoom can be accessed HERE.

The Community Church of Durham and St. George’s Episcopal Church of Durham invite the wider community to join them on St. George’s lawn for a blessing and celebration of their new solar arrays on Sunday, September 15th at 11am. Bishop Rob Hirschfeld (representing the Episcopal Church) and the Rev. Sara Marean (representing the United Church of Christ) will offer a joyful blessing of the sun’s power. 

After long periods of discernment and significant fundraising, both church communities have installed solar arrays that will offset their carbon footprints and contribute renewable solar energy to the grid. Being caretakers of the earth is a core tenet of their faith, and they view both solar arrays as tangible signs of commitment and follow-through.

They hope that this will stand as a sign to the larger community that the transition to renewable energy is within reach. Because these solar arrays are intended for everyone in the community, they extend an invitation to join in the celebration beginning at the Community Church (at 10:50 am), crossing the street, and celebrating at 11:15 with both communities on St. George’s lawn (1 Park Court, Durham).

UPDATE ON THE WORKFORCE HOUSING ORDINANCE PROPOSAL OF THE PLANNING BOARD

The Planning Board continues to deliberate a proposed new zoning overlay district to encourage the development of workforce housing. The Town Planner put together an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) to address a number of concerns that have arisen about the proposal that you can read HERE.  

You can see all of the other documents and correspondence about the proposal at this link to the board’s website HERE.

Durham's former Police Chief, Dave Kurz, sent Administrator Selig and the administration at the DPD an email from Durham, England this week where he and his wife were visiting. Here is part of that email:

"We met with Durham Inspector Dave Clarke and Deputy Chief Ciaron Irvine and discussed policing for about an hour. The Durham Constabulary are part of a national police force allowing them to literally apply to any city that they wish to work within. This Durham has 1,400 sworn staff members and 1,000 civilians who perform a number of functions including response to non-criminal calls for service.  As Inspector Clarke stated, if he chose to work in the south of England, he would apply for an open position and be there next week. Transferring is also the major avenue to being promoted applying for a higher rank at another agency. As much as we may be different, policing is very similar from our discussions. One big exception is that they have many applications for positions in the “queue” with many desiring to be a Constable."

"The Durham (England) University has 22,000 students but generally there are 10-15K living either on campus or within the City of Durham. The Constables have minimal issues with students within neighborhoods as the “regulated and licensed” student housing is mostly designed to be away from the residential neighborhoods; although there are some issues they noted beginning to emerge. Adjacent to the Cathedral and the Castle, the City is very old with numerous restaurants and pubs, all highly frequented by the students as the drinking age is 18! However, the area is all pedestrian and there appears to be minimal issues that warrant significant arrests although the Durham Constables have a sub-station in this area."

"I shared our [Durham, NH police] patches with them, and they were very excited as there are no such designators in Britain as they have badges that designate. Dave Clarke, the Inspector on the right was absolutely thrilled to have a Durham, NH cap presented to him. Deputy Chief Irvine presented me with a “Bobby’s Hat” that I will give to you guys when I get home.  It will be a struggle to pack!!"

Admin. Selig suggested Chief Kurz should wear it back on the plane. ;)

Late summer fungi at Foss Farm Courtesy, Carol Birch

COME TO THE "DURHAM ANTIQUES ROAD SHOW" AND SEE WHAT THAT OLD ITEM IS REALLY WORTH!

Do you have questions about an item you found at the Durham Swap Shop? What is the value of a family heirloom or mid-century modern item? Do you have a coin collection or jewelry or an old photograph you’d like to know more about? Ask our expert antiques dealers!

Join the Durham Historic Association for an antiques and vintage appraisal event on Saturday, September 28 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing Park, 10 Old Piscataqua Road, Durham. Rain or Shine!

The DHA is thrilled to be joined by Phelps Fullerton and Jamie Marston who will be offering appraisals. Phelps and Jamie have been actively involved as antique collectors, dealers and auction house consultants for over 30 years in the Seacoast NH area. The cost is $5 per item with a limit of five items per person (cash or check). Bring photos of large furniture or other large items. Please note, no guns or other weapons.

Water level sensors are being installed by the Northeast Regional Association for Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS) at several locations throughout the Great Bay Estuary in order to provide real-time water level data. These will be used to detect flooding thresholds, update flood maps, and validate models. Anna Simpson, the Coastal Resilience Manager coordinated with Durham officials recently for the installation of a sensor on the wooden footbridge at Durham Landing (barely noticeable unless one knows to look for it).

Former Conservation Commission chair Jake Kritzer is the Executive Director of NERACOOS. He recently communicated that, “…Now that I’ve stepped off the Con Com, I see this project as one way to stay engaged with my community through my day job…I also wanted to convey the significance of this station plus two others that were installed at the same time (Jackson Lab & Squamscott River mouth). Our team at NERACOOS is leading a drastic New England-wide expansion in coverage of these types of sensors with a variety of partners and through a variety of funding sources. But the Seacoast is our starting point thanks to funding championed by Senator Shaheen that let us get a head start…So, If you thought you were getting rid of me, well, no such luck! But this is a great project and I’m excited to see what we learn as the data start flowing.”

Please join us in giving the bog bridges along Longmarsh Road a much-needed face lift! These bog bridges provide a locally loved gateway to the Sweet Trail and the world of wetlands. No experience necessary, just a willingness to work hard, comfort wielding simple hand tools, and recognition that your feet might get wet. Snacks, tools and work gloves will be provided.

Date: Friday, September 20, 2024 • 10:00am–1:00pm

What to bring:

Please wear appropriate outdoor work clothing - long pants and closed-toed sturdy shoes are a must. Please bring your own water bottle. Feel free to bring anything else that will help you be more comfortable in the woods, such as bug spray, sunscreen, personal work gloves and alternative snacks.

Sign Up!

Advanced sign-up is not necessary but preferred. Please click HERE to use the Nature Groupie website to sign up,or email the Land Stewardship Coordinator directly at fireflystewardship@gmail.com.

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check the IWMAC Committee out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: www.Recyclesmartma.org

Want to learn more about the Swap Shop? Click HERE.

CONSIDER BEING PART OF THE WAYSMEET CENTER/CORNUCOPIA FOOD PANTRY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Are you wanting to make a difference in your community? Consider being on the Board of Directors for The Waysmeet Center! The Waysmeet Center creates positive change through direct service grounded in compassion, equity, and social justice in Durham and surrounding communities.

The Waysmeet Center provides direct service through the Cornucopia Food Pantry, intentional residential community, social justice work, free community dinners and leadership opportunities for students. Compassion, inclusion and abundance are valued throughout our work. The Center is actively seeking 4-6 new board members who share the same values and want to carry the mission forward. The commitment would involve monthly meetings over Zoom, typically on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, and position length terms are flexible. There may be additional meetings depending on committee involvement. Especially needed are a treasurer and those with experience or interest in business, finance, fundraising, building maintenance skills, event planning and community networking. 

Please contact katyallen92@gmail.com with any questions or interest and click HERE for an application to apply.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY EVENT – October 12th 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 12th. 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!

Roadway and Drainage Improvements – Phase 1

Durham Public Works and its contractor, G.W. Brooks & Son, Inc. continue to progress on the Phase 1 Roadway and Drainage Improvements portion of the Madbury Road Complete Streets Project. Multi-use path sub-grading occurred this week, along with ongoing utility relocations and stone masonry retaining wall construction. Additionally, decorative light pole bases were installed, and electrical conduit trenching and installation took place.  

The upcoming weeks will feature continued stone masonry retaining wall construction, electrical conduit installation, granite curbing installation, and multi-use path fine grading.

Durham Public Works greatly appreciates the patience of the residents and other stakeholders within the project limits as they work to complete these necessary infrastructure improvements and beautify Madbury Road.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENTS AT THE DURHAM WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT - Town Staff and Consultant Complete Various Test Pits

As a part of the current Major Components Upgrade Project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), the town’s consultant, Environmental Partners, completed test pits at various locations to evaluate soil conditions which will identify potential best management practices (BMPs) to improve stormwater quality discharging to the Oyster River, which is impaired for bacteria and nitrogen.

The WWTP has been identified as a potential BMP retrofit site for stormwater quality improvements as part of the Municipal Separated Storm Sewer System (MS4) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES). The design scope includes evaluation of existing conditions and stormwater BMPs for site suitability, and design of proposed stormwater system improvements.   

McGREGOR EMS OFFERING FREE HOME VISITS FOR THOSE WITH ASTHMA OR COPD

McGregor EMS recently received funding from the NH Asthma Control Program to support people with asthma or COPD through home visits. Visits are tailored to the needs of the individual but can include (1) help identifying or minimizing triggers in the home (2) review of symptoms and treatments (3) help with existing asthma action plans (4) help with when and how to take your medications. For a limited time, receive a FREE home air purifier after your visit (while supplies last)! Visits & air purifiers are funded entirely through the grant and are offered at no cost to the patient or community. Insurance is not required. Questions regarding the program can be emailed to asthma@mcgregorems.org

To sign up for a visit, please fill out the secure form HERE. We will contact you to schedule an appointment.

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 would like to introduce Smokey the Fire Dog. Smokey will give short tips on Fire Safety, weekly, so Parents and guardians can generate conversation with their children about Fire Safety. Keep an eye out in the weekly updates. These small questions and tips are a great way for you as a Parent/Guardian to teach your kids about Fire Safety. The more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #37

The weather is getting cooler and it's time for some Autumn safety tips. For some helpful tips on safety, click HERE.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Save the Date: ORCSD Community Dinner on 10/10

The Oyster River Wellness Committee invites you to a community dinner celebration on Thursday, October 10, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at the Oyster River Middle School. Additional details will be made available in the coming weeks.

Save the Date: Internet and Digital Safety Presentation on 10/28 from 6-7:30 p.m.

This ORCSD free admission program is presented by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) at the Morse Recital Hall (Oyster River Middle School). This program is for adults only and not suitable for students. The program includes an introduction to ICAC, how predators use social media, digital safety for cell phone, personal devices and gaming systems, and a demonstration with K-9 Niko who is New Hampshire's first Electronic Storage Detection K-9. To learn more about this program, click HERE.