Friday Updates - September 22, 2023

Friday, September 22, 2023

Spruce Hole Bog on a Fall Day Courtesy, Cathy Frierson

Welcome fall! The autumnal equinox arrives on Saturday, September 23 at 2:50 AM. Not only do temperatures drop, but plant life slows down … and often so do we!

Yom Kippur 2023 begins at sunset on September 24, 2023, and ends at nightfall on September 25, 2023. The name "Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement." For many observant Jews, no work can be performed on that day and many refrain from eating and drinking on Yom Kippur. Don’t wish someone a “Happy Yom Kippur.” Instead, wish them “a good fast.”  

Unfortunately, individuals traveling to the new (and very popular) Tideline Public House are ignoring signage and parking at the Durham Town Hall lot – taking up all of the parking spaces so that board members and the public have no place to park for Durham town meetings. This is a challenge. If the trend continues, the Town will need to take additional steps to address. Evening public meetings routinely occur weekdays, Mondays-Thursdays. 

Ample customer parking is available at Tideline, along Schoolhouse Lane, and along Mill Pond Road.

Ideally, residents and customers will police themselves so that the police department will not have to do so. 

TOOMERFS, LLC V. TOWN OF DURHAM (THE CASE OF THE PARKING LOT APPLICATION ON CHURCH HILL BEHIND/ADJACENT TO THE RED TOWER) – Judge upholds Durham Planning Board decision of denial and denies request for reconsideration by applicant. 

Earlier this summer in the case argued on behalf of the Durham by Town Attorney Laura Spector Morgan, it was reported that the Strafford County Superior Court had upheld the Planning Board decision of denying the application. The applicant, Toomerfs, LLC, subsequently submitted a request for reconsideration to the Court. 

This week the Court issued a fairly definitive decision denying the applicant’s request. The judge’s decision reads as follows:

"DENIED. Assuming for purposes of argument that the petitioner correctly observes that the planning board either misinterpreted or unreasonably applied DZO 175-23(C)(1), the petitioner has not identified points of law or fact that this Court misapprehended or overlooked with respect to the Board's conclusions that the petitioner failed to meet DZO 175-23(C)(2)-(6) as follows: (C)(2) - the petitioner fails to establish that the planning board erred in declining to use the Mill Plaza lot as a comparator because petitioner fails to establish that each of the abutting properties is also adjacent to and impacted by the Mill Plaza lot in a similar or greater manner than by the proposed use; (C)(2), (3), (4) - the petitioner fails to establish that the planning board (who went on multiple site walks) misapplied the definition of "neighborhood" as it applies to those sections; (C)(5) - even if the planning board erred in relying on the two experts, petitioner fails to establish that the board erred in relying on the two foresters; (C)(6) - even if, for purposes of argument, the planning board erred in relying on the realtor's letter, the petitioner bore the burden to show that the development would not cause a significant decline in property values, and, when questioned about the opinion the petitioner relied upon, the petitioner stated that the inquiry amounted to "pure speculation." For all of these reasons, the petitioner does not state a basis for reconsideration."

The University of New Hampshire has received $20 million in funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to build an ocean and lakes mapping center as part of a major mixed-use development.

The scientific research facility in Durham will be located in a new development called The Edge at West End near the Durham’s border with Lee. It will be called the Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping.

The new Center for Excellence is anticipated to be the focal point of a new innovation hub located on a 60-acre parcel on the west edge of UNH’s Durham campus, on Mast Road and Main Street. It will be part of a larger mixed-use complex that will house research labs, offices, retail spaces, dining, and residential units and other amenities.

UNH has a 24-year ocean and Great Lakes mapping partnership with NOAA through its existing Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping and Joint Hydrographic Center. The $20 million allocation from NOAA will last over three fiscal years, and the center will be part of NOAA's budget.

Volunteers are needed to join Land Stewardship Coordinator, Sara Callaghan, for a morning of weeding, mulching, invasive species removal and general sprucing up of the Milne Nature Sanctuary. Located along Mill Pond Road in Durham, this one-acre town park offers refuge for native plants, wildlife and people alike.

No experience needed – just a willingness to lend a hand with gardening work.

When: September 29th, 9 am - noon

What to bring: Please wear sturdy shoes and bring work gloves. There will be tools to share, but if you prefer to use your own set of clippers, loppers or hedge trimmers please bring them along.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP Sara Callaghan at fireflystewardship@gmail.com

OCTOBER 6 IS THE LAST DAY TO CHANGE VOTING PARTY AFFILIATION BEFORE THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

The last day to change your voting party affiliation before the Presidential Primary (date yet to be determined) will be:

Friday October 6, 2023 from 7:00 – 7:30 PM at the Durham Town Hall

New voter registrations will also be accepted at this time.  Applicants for registration should bring with them proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile (in Durham). Driver’s license and passport are helpful. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking. 

Changes may also be made at the Town Clerk’s office any time before this. The Clerk's Office is open from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Monday through Friday (until 6:00 PM Monday 10/2). New registrations will be accepted in the Town Clerk’s office any time up until about 10 days before the actual election. 

A new voter checklist has been updated through August 21 and printed. There is a copy of the checklist in the lobby of the Durham Town Hall. You may also check your current party registration HERE. If you get a frowny face, scroll down to find your party affiliation and polling place. If you can’t find your name, please contact the Town Clerk’s office. We occasionally make an error with spelling or with Date of Birth. If you have changed your party or registered since August 21 and want to double check that you have been entered, you may call the Town Clerk’s office to check. You will be considered “pending” until the Supervisors have another meeting.

If you are registered as Undeclared at the time of a Primary, you will be asked to choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot. You will then become a member of that party until you request to be returned to Undeclared. You will have a chance to do that as you leave the polls on Election Day, or you may do it any other day in the Town Clerk’s office up until about 90 days before the next Primary (early next June).

The Durham Police Department working with the UNH Survey Center has conducted a survey exercise designed to offer anonymous responses to questions pertaining to the delivery of law enforcement services in Durham. This process has been accomplished eight times since 1999 in cooperation, on and off, with the Survey Department at the University of New Hampshire.

Dr. Andrew Smith, a Durham resident, is the Director of the UNH Survey Center. The Survey Center is a non-partisan, academic public opinion research center for governments, not for profits, and faculty researchers. Historically, the Survey Center has assisted the police with its community survey by assigning a graduate student to conduct the survey, correlate data, and compile the report, which is available now for the public to view.

Dr. Smith is also an Associate Research Professor in the UNH Department of Political Science. His research has focused on survey methodology, elections, and public policy. The Survey Center is nationally known for its election polling and has consistently conducted the most accurate polling in New Hampshire elections. In recent years, the Survey Center has conducted polls for CNN, Fox News, WCVB in Boston, WMUR in Manchester, KYW in Philadelphia, USA Today, the Boston Globe, and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Dr. Smith and UNH Student Matthew Demarest, also a Durham resident and ORHS graduate, attended the Town Council meeting on September 11, 2023, to provide a brief overview of the survey results to Councilors.

To view the full survey results, click HERE.

COMMUNITY POWER COALITION OF NH TO ADD DOVER THIS FALL – Durham, while a member community, has opted to look to being part of wave 2 in the coming months, potentially in March/April 2024.

This past spring, the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) announced its initial electric rates, which were lower than the default rate offered by the state’s electric utilities. Community Power was enabled by the legislature in 2019, and ultimately due to the hard work of many municipal volunteers (including Durham representatives Nat Balch, Mandy Merrill, and Steve Holmgren, among others) launched in the spring with an initial wave of ten communities: Enfield, Exeter, Hanover, Harrisville, Lebanon, Nashua, Peterborough, Plainfield, Rye, and Walpole. The City of Dover is planning to launch with CPCNH this fall.

Durham was one of the initial communities that spearheaded the formation of the new effort but has opted to wait to see how implementation goes for the initial eleven or so communities before committing the town to the program. 

Residents of the initial launch communities to date have benefited from lower electric bills and expanded energy choices (i.e., a suite of electric offerings with higher concentrations of so-called “green” power produced from renewable sources) when CPCNH took over as the default electricity provider for their communities.

Under Community Power, electric distribution utilities (in Durham’s case, Eversource) continue to own and operate the power grid while local communities gain control over from where their power is sourced. 

Many other NH communities have begun the process to launch their own programs in the coming months and years. As of the springtime, a total of 30 communities (including Durham) had voted to join the Community Power Coalition and were somewhere in the process of evaluating and/or launching their own Community Power Programs. We understand that number is up to over 40 today. Some are with CPCNH, others (like Keene) are evaluating working with direct energy providers such as Standard Power. 

Durham is looking at all options. We’re taking it slowly and carefully and are working to get it right for the community. A stitch in time saves nine!

#LightUpMBC is a global campaign with over 200 participating landmarks across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the globe, that aims to shine a light on the importance of awareness and funding for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) research and benefits non-profit METAvivor Research and Support Inc.

The campaign was founded by a Durham resident, Laura Inahara, in memory of her best friend taken by the disease at only 36 years old. Every year, more than 685,000 people worldwide die from metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as Stage 4 or advanced breast cancer, for which there is no cure. MBC is when the cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body.  

Here is how you can get involved. You can take part in one or all of the following events:

October 1st:

• Walk or run to help raise funds for MBC research by taking part in the Granite State #LightUpMBC Fun Run at 10:30 AM. Click HERE for more information. Not in NH? There are over a dozen #LightUpMBC Fun Run events that are planned in October from NH to TX!
• Go to Tideline Public House from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. 10% of proceeds from the Public House will be donated to the #LightUpMBC NH team (*note: food trucks are not included).
• Attend The Community Church of Durham campus lighting ceremony at 6:15 pm. The church will light up in green, teal and pink to shine a light on the need for those living with MBC. It will be lit each evening for the entire month of October.

 October 13th: National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

• Watch #LightUpMBC Live, a virtual benefit, that will begin at 8:30 pm ET/5:30 pm PT on October 13th. Viewers can live stream the event through the LiveOne app and platform HERE, @METAvivor on YouTube or Facebook Live or HERE. The event will include inspiring MBC stories from illuminated landmarks around the country. Celebrity and more.
• Find a participating landmark that is lit, snap a picture in front of it, post it publicly and tag @lightupmbc for a chance to be featured in the live show. To view a list of participating landmarks and for more information, click HERE. Additional New Hampshire landmarks participating include: The Hotel Concord of Concord, Community Church of Durham, Town Common of Londonderry, CCA Global Partners and Elliot Hospital Cancer Center of Manchester.

All month long in October:

• Wear your support all year long by purchasing #LightUpMBC apparel HERE.
• Please follow #LightUpMBC social channels Facebook @LightUpMBC and Instagram @LightUpMBC. The more followers the campaign has the more they can help the MBC Community by broadening their reach.

If you would like to donate, please click HERE. 

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 begun the process of presenting their proposed budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) requests for FY 2024 for consideration Administrator Todd Selig and Business Manager Gail Jablonski as part of the annual budget development process.

As noted a few weeks ago, Mr. Selig and Ms. Jablonski are actively considering how best to prepare the 2024 Budget and CIP requests for the Town Council. Since wages and benefits are fixed by contracts and some benefit rate increases and external cost drivers (such as health insurance and future energy pricing) still remain unknown at this time.

Members of the Town Council have been 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 2023-2024 states:

“Pursue long-term economic strength and resiliency, anticipating the community’s, the region’s, and the nation’s economic characteristics and opportunities. Task the Administrator with meeting the following:

    a. Holding the updated (post revaluation) municipal tax rate at the 2023 level or less;

    b. 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.”

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 from departments were presented to the Planning Board on 9/13/23 for the board’s feedback. The final draft proposed CIP will then be integrated into the formal budget proposal for FY 2024 by Administrator Selig for the end of October as described above.

TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES NEW INCOME, ASSET & EXEMPTION AMOUNTS FOR BLIND, DISABLED AND ELDERLY EXEMPTIONS – Effective April 1, 2023

At the Town Council meeting of September 11, 2023, the Council approved the following recommendations presented by Durham’s Assessor, Jim Rice. These adjustments are based on inflation, cost of living increases and the increase in property tax assessments. 

Blind Exemption:

Exemption Amount: Revised from $30,000 to $37,000

Disabled Exemption:

Income Limit:

Single Person:           Revised from $38,000 to $47,000

Married Persons:       Revised from $52,000 to $65,000

Asset Limit: Revised from $155,000 to $200,000

Exemption Amount: Revised from $110,000 to $175,000

Elderly Exemption:

Income Limit:

     Single Person:           Revised from $38,000 to $47,000

     Married Persons:       Revised from $52,000 to $65,000

Exemption Amounts:

     Age 65-74:              Revised from $125,000 to $175,000

     Age 75-79:              Revised from $175,000 to $225,000

     Age 80 and older:    Revised from $225,000 to $275,000

Under the elderly exemption, there were no changes warranted for the asset limit of $200,000.

The criteria for qualifying for the blind, disabled, and elderly exemptions are located on the Town of Durham Assessing website HERE.  Applications for these exemptions are also located on the website and may be submitted to the Assessing Office between January 2 thru April 15, 2024.  

PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD IN DURHAM ON TEN-YEAR TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Next week, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation (GACIT) will hold public hearings for the 2025-2034 Ten-Year Transportation Plan, with one of those hearings to be held in Durham. This plan is revised every two years with upcoming projects for the next ten years. 

The hearings are an opportunity for Durham residents to express opinions on various transportation issues and projects for the Ten-Year Plan. Topics that you may want to bring up include:

• Road and Bridge Projects
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
• Commuter Rail 
• Complete Streets Program
• And More! 

Next week’s hearings are at the following locations: 

• Keene, Monday, September 25th, 6:30 PM, Keene Parks and Recreation, 312 Washington Street Room 14
• Durham, Tuesday, September 26th, 3 PM, Town Office, 8 Newmarket Road
• Wolfeboro, Tuesday, September 26th, 7 PM, Wolfeboro Public Library, Bradley Room, 259 South Main Street 
• Londonderry, Wednesday, September 27th, 7 PM, City Council Chambers, Londonderry Town Hall, Moose Hill Council Chambers
• Rochester, Thursday, September 28th, 4 PM, Rochester Town Hall, 31 Wakefield Street
• Dover, Thursday, September 28th, 7 PM, City Hall Auditorium, 288 Central Avenue

You can find a complete list of the hearings HERE.

After the hearings, a proposal will be filed as a bill for next year. 

Durham Public Works employees hang a banner on the Durham Town Hall on Friday morning highlighting Durham's Recycle Right initiative. Courtesy, Todd Selig

Durham’s curbside recycling program does not currently accept plastic bags, film, or wrap of any kind - not even if plastic bags are placed in curbside bins filled with recyclable items.

Why can’t I put my plastic bags in my curbside recycle bin?

Plastic bags, wraps, and films get tangled up in the equipment in facilities that serve curbside recycling programs, causing problems for recyclers. After this, they are landfilled. Make sure flexible packages don’t make their way into your curbside recycling bin!

Where can I bring my plastic bags, films and wraps?

Store drop-off programs have been the primary means of recovering clean and dry bags, film, and wrap for more than 20 years. Retailers usually consolidate the material with other film like pallet wrap at their distribution centers and then sell the material to companies making products like composite lumber, bags and film, containers, crates and pallets.

Hannaford on Grapevine Drive in Dover, Hannaford in Durham, Market Basket in Lee and the Dover Chamber of Commerce are all local establishments that accept these items. To find other local stores that accept plastic bags, films, and wraps, please check out the following link HERE.

What is recyclable through a store drop off?

What does “Recycle if Clean & Dry” mean?

Plastic bags, wraps, and films need to be clean and dry when you drop them off them at the store. This means no crumbs, no food residue, and no liquid inside them. You don’t need to rinse out and air-dry each and every bag, but if there are crumbs, shake them out. If the bag is damp, let the water evaporate before stuffing it into the bin. And if there’s a lot of food residue that doesn’t come off easily, it is best to not recycle it.

What does “Remove Paper Label Before Recycling” mean?

Most plastic mailers have paper shipping labels on them, and some other wraps and bags have paper labels as well. Paper labels are detrimental to the Store Drop-off recycling process. You can help by peeling off any paper labels before taking your bag to the Store Drop-Off location. If the labels don’t peel off easily, you can cut them off with scissors.

Please note: .…it’s important to remember that it’s even more sustainable to cut back on plastic use whenever possible. Re-usable items are always a better option. 

Sources: How2Recycle

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

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

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Click HERE.

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

WAYSMEET CENTER TO HOLD FUNDRAISER ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

The Waysmeet Center will be having their first in-person Fundraiser since the pandemic! It will be held on Sunday 9/24 from 4-8pm at the 3S Artspace in Portsmouth!

This fundraiser will primarily be to raise funds for a new driveway and walkways to ensure safe accessibility to our Cornucopia Food Pantry and will significantly improve all of our operations and programming! If you have passed by the property at any point within the past several years, you may have seen that the driveway REALLY needs some love (and a whole reconstruction!).

The Center hopes that you can come to our event, have some fun listening to some amazing local bands (Palana vs. The Man, Tiffy and XO to name a few), have some yummy snacks and drinks and perhaps participate in a silent art auction, featuring beautiful works from local artists! All while supporting this such needed and worthwhile cause! It really is a win-win!

Thank you so much for spreading the word and joining in on this special day! You can buy tickets HERE.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY EVENT – October 14th at Durham Public Works

The annual Household Hazardous Waste Day Event will be held on October 14th. 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.

FALL LEAF AND BRUSH CURBSIDE COLLECTION - Begins Monday, November 6th at 7:00am

The annual curbside Fall leaf and brush collection begins on Monday, November 6th 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.

The Durham Public Works Wastewater Division recently accepted delivery of the new Vactor truck.  This vehicle is critical to the Town’s and University’s wastewater collection and treatment operations and is used for cleaning sewer lines and pump stations with a very high-pressure hose, and to vacuum any excess debris from sewer manholes to prevent backups. This unit was part of the Town’s fiscal year 2023 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and is funded by the University and Town in a 2/3 and 1/3 allocation, respectively. The new Vactor truck replaces the 2007 VacCon unit that has served the wastewater division well over the years. 

In continued efforts to increase cost efficiency and employ sustainable practices in its snow fighting program, Durham Public Works is partnering with Allied Equipment and Innovative Surface Solutions in piloting the use of treated salt and Organic Based Performance Enhanced liquids (OBPE) in its winter maintenance operations. The recently acquired swap loader truck system allows for the mounting of a 925-gallon skidded tank, spray bar and controllers in minutes. Organic Based Performance Enhanced liquids are created to strict specifications and are comprised of a refined carbohydrate source, such as molasses, blended with premium magnesium chloride. These premium liquids are designed for instant melting results, reduced corrosion impact, working at lower temperatures, and ensuring the material applied remains on the roadway and has lasting residual effectiveness. This material is specifically designed for anti-icing, direct application de-icing, frost prevention and prewetting of solids.  

Innovative Solutions will be furnishing a 5,000-gallon storage tank and pump at no charge as part of this pilot which will enable Durham Public Works to store and apply these OBPE liquids prior to and during winter storm events, furthering our efforts to decrease sodium chloride usage while providing safe conditions for the traveling public. Pictured are Durham Public Works Fleet Supervisor Mike McCrillis, and representatives from Allied Equipment and spreader controller Cirrus, calibrating the new equipment.  

The Bickford Chesley House sites proud atop the hill on the 139-acre Wagon Hill Farm property. The home constructed in 1804, is an excellent example of Federal-era rural architecture. The Site was owned by 3 families over the years and has remained in agricultural use for 300 years. In 2022 the Town contracted with Steven Mallory to conduct a building conditions assessment for the historic house and ell utilizing the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) funding. Specifications were developed which allowed the Town to submit requests for additional grant funding through the LCHIP program.  One building system identified which required immediate attention included the roof replacement and associated woodwork to protect the structure from the weather. Durham Public Works, working with historic preservation contractor Steven Bedard, recently completed the replacement of the roof and repair to the wood returns and cornice. In addition, the Town has applied for a second LCHIP preservation grant in the amount of $321,00 which will supplement existing capital funding to undertake additional repairs detailed in the Steve Mallory report.

Durham Public Works and their contractor, Continental Paving, Inc. continue to progress on Phase II of the Emerson Road Roadway Construction Project. This portion of the project includes a milling and resurfacing of the roadway, replacement of the sidewalks, and drainage system improvements between the Western entrance of Littlehale Road and Bagdad Road. In the photo above, a milling machine is seen this week grinding the upper layer of asphalt on the roadway in preparation for a new wearing course. Efforts next week will be focused on sidewalk reconstruction. The roadway will be limited to alternating lane traffic in the vicinity of the work areas from 7:00am and 4:00pm. 

The Ross Road over Ellison Brook Culvert is an approximately 60’ x 48” corrugated metal pipe that is structurally deficient and scheduled for replacement in 2024. The design and permitting process is ongoing and an advertisement for construction services will be announced in the winter of 2024. After a recent heavy precipitation event, Durham Public Works responded to large sink hole in the road above the culvert. An investigation revealed that a compromised section of pipe had collapsed and eroded the road base materials above it. The Department filed an Emergency Authorization with NHDES to complete a temporary lining of the existing pipe with a smaller diameter HDPE pipe to provide structural support while continuing to convey Ellison Brook. In the picture above, Highway Division Team Member Dana Smith is seen excavating the collapsed portion of pipe in preparation for slip lining of the HDPE pipe. The Durham Public Works Highway Division, with assistance from Turgeon’s Construction performed exceptionally well and completed the entire repair in four days, including the installation of flowable fill to solidify the void between the existing and new pipe structure.

Durham Public Works’ Buildings and Grounds Division Supervisor Nick Bennion and team member Chris Starkweather applied Porous Pave to the wells of five public shade trees along Main Street this week. Porous Pave is a pour-in-place permeable paving material that is highly porous, flexible, and resilient. Made from recycled tires, Porous Pave delivers 5,800 gallons per hour per square foot of permeability. The Porous Pave rests flush with the existing sidewalk surface, is textured, and brown in color to mimic the appearance of bark mulch. In addition to its aesthetically pleasing characteristics, the Porous Pave is easy to maintain and will allow the trees to receive the water needed for continued health and growth.

Durham Public Works’ Fleet Services Division is responsible for performing annual State Inspections on 32 fleet vehicles operated by Public Works Highway, Buildings and Grounds, Water, Wastewater, Engineering, and Administration Divisions as well as the Parks and Recreation Department, Town Administration, and Building, Zoning, and Code Enforcement Departments. Fleet Services Supervisor Mike McCrillis remains hard at work performing these inspections and correcting deficiencies which are due by the end of September. 

RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR NEEDED

The Department of Public Works 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. Additional duties will include providing assistance on projects within Durham Public Works’ Highway, Facilities, Grounds, Water, and Wastewater divisions. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Municipal Solid Waste Supervisor and Public Works Operations Manager.

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 $23.65 to $26.95/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: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by Friday, October 6th, 2023.

REGULAR PART-TIME MECHANIC NEEDED

The Department of Public Works is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Regular Part-Time Equipment Mechanic.

The successful candidate will assist the Fleet Services Supervisor in the maintenance, repair, and installation of a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment within the Public Works Fleet. Responsibilities include diagnosing and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, performing regular preventative maintenance on equipment, ensuring equipment is operating safely and efficiently, and keeping accurate and detailed maintenance records. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Fleet Services Supervisor and Operations Manager.

The salary for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr, depending upon qualifications. Flexible scheduling is available for this 24 hour per week position, with normal work hours from 7:00am – 3:30pm Monday – Friday.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of (1) year of experience or formal training in the maintenance of fleet vehicles and heavy equipment. Possession of a Class B Commercial Driver’s License and State Inspection Certification desired.

Applications 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: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us.

PART-TIME TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT NEEDED

The Department of Public Works is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Transfer Station Attendant.

The successful candidate will assist in the operation of the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center during public open hours on Saturdays. The Transfer Station Attendant will frequently interact with residents to ensure that materials are placed in the proper receptacles and answers questions regarding solid waste and recycling. Additionally, the Attendant will perform general facility maintenance and cleaning as well as operates a skid steer and backhoe to transport/consolidate materials.

The salary for this part-time position is $17/hr.

The successful candidate will possess an NHDES Solid Waste Operator License or the ability to obtain within (6) months of hire.

Applications are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Please send resume and completed application to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us.

The Town of Durham is pleased to announce the option to pay for metered parking using a mobile app. We are partnering with ParkMobile to make contactless parking easy! 

ParkMobile is available for both iPhone and Android devices, and can be accessed on a mobile web browser. To pay for parking via the ParkMobile app or website, users will enter the zone number or scan the QR code found on the signs located within the parking lot, choose the duration of time they wish to park and touch the “start parking” button. Users can easily extend their parking sessions after they have paid for parking via the ParkMobile app.

At this time, it is not feasible for the ParkMobile app to offer the 1-hour free option in our downtown core. However, this option is still available at our many downtown pay stations using the “pay and display” method. Your first hour is free when displaying the receipt from the pay station in the designated areas. Residents with a Durham taxpayer/resident sticker on their car receive a second hour free in these spaces as well.

SCAMS CONTINUE TO BE ON THE RISE!

Recently, one of Durham's citizens received a call from someone purporting to be "Lee Urgent Care". The call was from a 603 number, but the number did not match that of Lee Urgent Care. The caller stated, "We want to know if you received your new plastic Medicare card.” It is important to note that Medicare does not provide plastic cards. In this case, the citizen was paying attention and did not respond to the caller. This type of scam is an attempt to get the victim to give up their Medicare number.

Another citizen recently received a scam where the suspect stated they were fundraising for a first responder organization. This is a very common scam that relies on our citizens generosity and trust to send them money. The introduction usually involves the caller providing some generic statistics to gain favor, and using a title such as, “National Law Enforcement Association.” The Durham Police Department has been the recipient of that type of scam on several occasions. Most of the scams that are reported to the Durham Police Department originate in other countries, so it is hard for law enforcement to track down the perpetrators. The best defense is to remain vigilant and if ever there is a doubt, hang the phone up and report it to the police department. 

Please join the Durham Fire Department in welcoming Kyle Kustra to the position of probationary firefighter effective September 11, 2023. The firefighter vacancy was created as a result of the departure of Evan Crafts in May 2023. 

Kyle was previously employed as a full-time firefighter at the Nottingham Fire Department and previously served on the Unity Fire Department, Unity, Maine.

Kyle is a graduate of Oyster River High School and attended Unity College. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Conservation Law Enforcement.    

If you see Kyle around town, please feel free to say hello and welcome him to the community!  

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 to teach your kids about Fire Safety, the more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #37

It’s another week of end-of-summer safety tips. For some helpful tips, click HERE.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

The School Board met on Wednesday and heard reports from around the district. The school year is off to a great start. The board heard a presentation about the district’s advanced and extended programming at the high school. There are many opportunities to craft a learning experience that fits the passion and interests of each student, including Extended Learning Opportunities, Early College classes, Career and Technical Education, and more! Students should speak with their counselors to learn about these opportunities.

The high school will be holding an open house on October 5th at 6pm. Parents and guardians will be following their student’s schedule to get a feel for the school day and meet the teachers and staff. There shouldn’t be too much homework!

ORCSD SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH COMMITTEE SEEKS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

The ORCSD School Board Superintendent Search Committee would like to cordially invite the Oyster River community to assist with the ongoing superintendent search by providing critical feedback. You may find below a few opportunities to do so. Feedback collected will be used to create a preferred candidate profile for the screening committee.

• Complete the Survey: A survey can be accessed HERE between September 15 and October 6, 2023.
•  Attend a Virtual Focus Group: September 27, 2023, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. No registration required. Link and login information will be available HERE 48 hours prior to the meeting.
• Attend an In-Person Focus Group: October 4, 2023, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Oyster River High School's Multi-Purpose Room (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824)

UNH-DURHAM COLLABORATE TO UNDERTAKE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY REVIEW

In coordination with the Town of Durham, UNH has hired Tighe & Bond engineers to complete safety reviews of crosswalks on the Main Street and McDaniel Drive corridors (as well as several other downtown and core campus streets). The review includes analysis of several years of pedestrian and bicycle collisions as well as field conditions. Several immediate repairs and changes have been made and scheduled.

Phase 2 work is in progress to include signage and lighting recommendations as well as longer-term infrastructure changes to ensure safe accommodation for bicyclists, pedestrians and the multitude of devices and vehicles using our streets and sidewalks.

WITH DURHAM’S SUPPORT, UNH TRANSIT SERVICES TO RECEIVE THREE NEW ENERGY FRIENDLY BUSES

UNH Transit Services has announced three new buses (two compressed natural gas (CNG) & one B20 biodiesel powered) will be on the road in the near future. These were purchased with funds from UNH’s successful 2019 Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality grant through the Federal Transit Administration which offered 80% federal funding. Durham provided letters of support for the grant applications.  

NH AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION (NHAES) RESEARCH FIELD DAY EVENT

Join Us at the NHAES Horticultural Research Field Day, Sept. 27

When: Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023 4–6 p.m.

Where: UNH’s Woodman Horticultural Research Farm, 70 Spinney Ln., Durham, NH

The New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station’s Horticultural Research Field Day will highlight the more than a dozen research projects taking place at the Woodman Horticultural Research Farm, as well as introduce visitors to the researchers and the staff that help support these projects. This event is free and open to the public! Plenty of parking!

You'll hear directly from the researchers engaged in horticultural and agricultural research that directly impacts New Hampshire and the Northeast. You'll learn about the industries that these projects tie into and support, the potential economic benefits to the state and region that the research will provide, and the science behind each research initiative and why it's important. You'll learn more about goals and mission of the NHAES and about recent and ongoing research that the Station supports spanning a multitude of disciplines, from aquaculture and forestry to water quality and soil health. And you'll meet COLSA students, staff and faculty who are focused on improving and advancing agriculture and environmental health in the Granite State.

Learn more about the NHAES Horticultural Research Field Day event on Sept. 27 online HERE, and check out the Woodman Horticultural Research Farm’s digital tour and map HERE.

On Tuesday, September 26 at 6:30 p.m., Mike Hoffman will be at the Durham Public Library for a talk about his community-funded humanitarian mission to Ukraine. Get a “boots on the ground” humanitarian perspective of the conflict from someone who was there.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS HELP REVIVE GREAT BAY'S OYSTER REEFS

In a concerted effort led by Krystin Ward, a laboratory research supervisor at UNH, and Ray Grizzle, a UNH research professor, the New Hampshire Great Bay’s oyster reefs are showing signs of resurgence. The bay's once-thriving oyster reefs, which covered 1,000 acres in the 1970s, had dwindled to a mere 80 acres by 2020. However, Ward, Grizzle, and their partners, including the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and The Nature Conservancy, have been diligently working to reverse this decline. Their approach involves annual barge deployments of oyster and clam shells, creating fresh substrates on the bay floor for oyster larvae to attach and grow. This collaborative endeavor has not only helped to rejuvenate struggling reefs like the one at Nannie Island but has also benefited from the addition of farmed oysters from local farms in the Great Bay Estuary's Little Bay, effectively accelerating the restoration process and enhancing biodiversity in the region.

Local oyster farmers like Laura Brown, owner of Fox Point Oysters, have played a pivotal role in this conservation effort too. Brown emphasizes the inter-connectedness of oyster farming and environmental preservation, with these farms acting as de facto reefs, supporting greater diversity in the estuarine ecosystem. Together, these concerted conservation and farming initiatives offer hope for the resurgence of Great Bay's oyster populations and the restoration of this vital aquatic habitat. Read more about UNH-led oyster reef restoration work online HERE.

MAMMALS ADAPT BEHAVIOR AMIDST NEW HAMPSHIRE'S CHANGING LANDSCAPE

New research led by Remington Moll from the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station sheds light on how mammals in the Granite State respond to the shifting dynamics of their habitats due to rural development driven by urban migration. As more people relocate from New Hampshire cities to suburban communities and seek affordable housing, rural areas are experiencing increased development, evolving into "exurbs" – regions less densely populated than suburbs but more so than rural zones. This transformation remains a relatively uncharted territory in terms of its impact on wildlife behavior, especially as habitats become increasingly fragmented by residential housing.

To decipher how mammals are adapting to these changes, the research team deployed 104 motion-activated cameras across rural and suburban areas in the Seacoast and Southeastern parts of New Hampshire. These cameras captured images of various mammal species, including bobcats, coyotes, deer, foxes, and raccoons, among others. The study examined differences in mammal activity levels and daily patterns between rural and suburban sites, aiming to understand whether species with larger ranges or more daytime activity exhibited more significant behavioral changes in suburban areas.

The findings reveal a nuanced response to exurbanization among the studied mammals, varying by species and season. For instance, white-tailed deer reduced their overall activity in exurban areas during the winter but not in the summer. Some species, like bobcats, became more nocturnal in response to exurbanization, while others, such as fishers, shifted away from nocturnality during summers. These divergent responses emphasize the complex interplay between wildlife and human encroachment into rural territories. The research underscores the importance of understanding species-specific behavioral changes and their potential implications for mammal communities in the face of expanding suburbs, with the behavior shifts potentially serving as early indicators of population declines or successful adaptation to exurbanization. Read more about research into how regional wildlife adapts to increased rural development.