Friday Updates - January 4th, 2019

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Friday, January 4, 2019

 

Adams Point. Courtesy Bill Doucet

 

Hopefully, everyone had a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year's break. Students at the Oyster River Cooperative School District were back in their classrooms on January 2nd.

 

DURHAM - 2018 IN REVIEW

As he does at the end of each Fiscal Year, Administrator Selig has prepared a "2018 Year End Wrap Up" and submission for the 2018 Town Report. It is long and wordy, but hopefully of interest to residents. As you'll note, the Town has accomplished a great deal over the last 12 months!

  • For example, the former Town Offices at 15 Newmarket Road are now the corporate offices of Applied Geosolutions ... and the property is back on the tax rolls while maintaining its historical significance.
  • According to Moody's Investors Service as of 12/19/18, Durham's credit position is very good, and its Aa2 bond rating is slightly stronger than the median rating of Aa3 for U.S. cities. 
  • Our renovated police facility, which is now fully operational, was completed on time and on budget under the oversight of Chief Kurz along with architects (as well as Durham residents) Bill Schoonmaker and Walter Rous.
  • Long-time Durham resident (and retired UNH Professor) Dennis Meadows, Director and Treasurer of LaTaillede/USA, a non-profit NH corporation, purchased and donated to the Town in 2018 the 5.3 acre property along Newmarket Road directly adjacent to the so-called Mill Pond Center fields, upon which Durham (and the Southeast Land Trust) already holds a conservation easement.  
  • Through the efforts of Ellen Snyder, our part-time contract Land Stewardship Coordinator, and the Land Stewardship Subcommittee of the Conservation Commission, we have at long last made significant inroads in properly managing the numerous lands and easements under the Town’s stewardship
  • Under the leadership of Director Rachel Gasowski and the Parks & Recreation Committee, we’ve seen interest and participation in Parks & Recreation programming flourish in Durham.
  • An updated traffic model of both AM and PM peak demand was completed in spring 2018, which will prove very useful as we work to further improve all forms of transportation locally, both on and off campus. 
  • Riverwoods Durham was approved by the Planning Board and broke ground on Stone Quarry Drive.
  • Durham and UNH finalized their suite of decennial financial agreements ranging from water to sewer to fire to policing and more.
  • UNH issued new RFPs for the redevelopment of 66 Main Street also known as the ATO site as a mixed use development, and the Hetzel and Alexander Halls for a new hotel. The RFPs envision a high quality hotel, and upscale restaurant, along with desirable office and commercial space. Both projects are now in the early stages of conceptual review before the Planning Board moving into 2019.  
  • The Lee water line extension project in coordination with the NHDES and the Town of Lee to address MBTE contamination at the Lee Traffic Circle was finalized and will be brought to the Council in early 2019 for action.
  • We again received the top ranking score in NH by the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equity Index relative to addressing GLBT-Q concerns. 

All in all, it has once again been a solid year for Durham.

The year end wrap up can be viewed HERE.

A spreadsheet outlining progress toward the Town Council's specific 2017/2018 goals can be found HERE.

 

FILING PERIOD FOR DURHAM ELECTED OFFICES FOR MARCH 12, 2019 TOWN ELECTION

The filing period for local Durham elected offices for the March Town Election is Wednesday, January 23, 2019 through 5:00 PM Friday, February 1, 2019. There is no filing fee required.

Citizens who might choose to become involved in Durham Town government may file for one of the positions below at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office during the filing period noted above. Questions may also be directed to that office by calling 603-868-5577 or emailing Town Clerk-Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt at mailto:lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us

Residents interested in learning more about any of these positions are invited to contact the Administrator's Office at 603-868-5571 or write to mailto:tselig@ci.durham.nh.us.

The 2019 Town elections will take place on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the Oyster River High School. Polling hours will be from 7AM to 7PM.

Town Council, 3 positions (3-year terms)

Library Board of Trustees, 3 positions (3-year terms)

Trustees of the Trust Funds, 1 position (3-year term)

 

PLACEMENT OF REFERENDUM QUESTION ON THE MARCH 12, 2019 TOWN ELECTION WARRANT asking residents if they are in favor of raising and appropriating not more than $2,680,000 for the construction of a new Dover Road Pump Station force main -- UNH to pay 2/3 of this cost, the residual paid for solely by Durham water customers, not the general tax base.

The Durham Town Council currently has only one meeting scheduled in January, Monday, January 7, 2019.

At that meeting there will be three items (below) brought forward for Council action for the placement of a referendum question on the March 12, 2019 Town Election Warrant relating to bonding for the construction of a new force main at the Dover Road Pump Station.

Hold First Public Hearing, in accordance with 33:8-d II (a) and order the placement of a proposed referendum question on the March 12, 2019 Town Election ballot asking residents if they are in favor of raising and appropriating the sum of $2,680,000 for the purpose of constructing a new Dover Road Pump Station force main, with said sum to be in addition to any federal, state or private funds made available therefor, and of authorizing the issuance of not more than $2,680,000 of bonds or notes in accordance with the provision of the Municipal Finance Act, RSA Chapter 33, and authorizing the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon.  

Shall the Town Council, in accordance with RSA 33:8-d II (b), schedule a second Public Hearing for Monday, February 4, 2019, on a referendum question to be placed on the March 12, 2019 Town Election ballot asking residents if they are in favor of raising and appropriating the sum of $2,680,000 for the purpose of constructing a new Dover Road Pump Station force main, with said sum to be in addition to any federal, state or private funds made available therefor, and of authorizing the issuance of not more than $2,680,000 of bonds or notes in accordance with the provision of the Municipal Finance Act, RSA Chapter 33, and authorizing the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon?

Shall the Town Council, in accordance with Section 5.12(A) of the Durham Town Charter, schedule a Public Hearing for Monday, February 4, 2019, on a resolution authorizing the borrowing of money and incurrence of debt of not more than $2,680,000 of bonds or notes, issued in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33), for the construction of a new Dover Road Pump Station force main?

 

Illustration of route for $2.68 million Dover Road Force Main project between pump station on Dover Road and WWTP. Courtesy DPW

$2.68 MILLION DOVER ROAD FORCE MAIN PROJECT PROPOSED REFERENDUM TO BE PLACED ON THE MARCH 12, 2019 TOWN ELECTION BALLOT - UNH to pay 2/3 of this cost, the residual paid for solely by Durham water customers, not the general tax base.

At the January 7, 2019 Town Council meeting, the Council will hold a public hearing as required by RSA 33:8-d II (a) on a referendum question to be placed on the March 12, 2019 Town Election Ballot to authorize the issuance of not more than $2,680,000 of bonds or notes, issued in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33), for the construction of a new Dover Road Pump Station force main.

A second Public Hearing will be held on the referendum question for Monday, February 4, 2019, per RSA 33:8-d II (b).

Per the current Town of Durham/UNH Water and Wastewater agreement, funding for this project is split 2/3rd UNH and 1/3rd Town sewer users, so the Town’s sewer users are responsible for 1/3rd share of $893,333.

The Town of Durham owns, operates and maintains 17 miles of sanitary sewer, including the existing 3,000-foot Dover Road Pump Station force main. The 18-inch asbestos-cement (AC) force main was originally installed in 1967 and conveys all the Town’s wastewater flows to the Durham Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF). Because of the location and age of the force main, coupled with no immediate backup provisions, and the fact that it is a single point of failure, the existing force main was recommended for upgrade. The purpose of this project is to replace the existing force main with a new pipe located upland of the high tide line, along an accessible alignment.

The selected force main alignment will be routed along the shoulder of Route 108 (Dover Road) for approximately 400 linear feet, and then continue within the paved travel-way of Old Piscataqua Road. Old Piscataqua Road dead ends approximately 1,500 feet east of Dover Road. The sewer alignment will continue in an easterly direction through a short stretch of Town-owned property before entering NHDOT’s extended Route 4 road right-of-way. The force main alignment will parallel Route 4 and be approximately 100 feet south of the centerline of Route 4. West of the WWTF property, the force main alignment will turn and continue in a southerly direction. The force main alignment will cross a private property owned by UNH before entering the Town-owned WWTF property. The alignment ends at the southern side of the WWTF property where the force main will connect to the existing Headworks building. 

The total anticipated length of the new future force main piping is approximately 3,400 linear feet of 20-inch HDPE.

The existing force main will remain in service to provide redundancy to the system. Following the completion of the construction of the new force main the Town will investigate the interior condition of the existing force main to determine if any modifications or improvements need to be made.

To take advantage of the cost-savings associated when combining projects, the 2019 CIP also includes $350,000 to design and construct a replacement water main within the same contract as the force main replacement project. To design and construct the water main in a stand-alone project could cost the Town anywhere from $750,000 - $1M.

 

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT IMPORTANT BUDGET AND SCHOOL MEETING DATES TO REMEMBER

January 8th - Budget Public Hearing - ORHS Auditorium - 7PM - Snow Date: January 9th

Town Meetings for School District Budget Overview

January 7th - Durham Town Council Meeting - 7PM - Durham Town Hall

January 14th - Lee Selectmen Meeting - 6:30 PM - Lee Safety Complex

February 4th - Madbury Selectmen Meeting - 7PM - Madbury Town Hall

January 23rd thru February 1st until 5PM - Filing Period for School District Openings (No filing fee required)

1 Moderator, 1 year term

2 At large School Board positions, 3 year terms

February 5th - Annual Meeting Session I - Deliberative - ORHS Auditorium - 7PM - Snow Date: February 7th

February 12th - Candidates' Night - ORHS Room C-120 - 7PM - Snow Date: February 13th

March 12th - Annual Meeting Session II - Voting Day - Vote in Town of residence:

Durham - ORHS - 7AM - 7PM

Lee - Lee Safety Complex - 7AM - 7PM

Madbury- Madbury Town Hall - 11AM - 7:30 PM

Report of the District February 2019 Edition - Available the end of February at: SAU Office, Town Halls, Libraries, Schools, and posted on the ORCSD website.

If unable to pick up a report, please contact Wendy at 603-389-3286 or via email mailto:wdifruscio@orcsd.org

BUDGET INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON DISTRICT WEBSITE AT: 

http://www.orcsd.org/ QUICK LINKS/BUDGET FY 19-20

 

Stone wall on Dame Road Friday morning. Courtesy Todd Selig

 

SUPERINTENDENT JAMES MORSE TO GIVE OVERVIEW OF THE ORCSD'S PROPOSED FY2019/20 BUDGET TO TOWN COUNCIL MONDAY EVENING

Dr. Morse has been invited to attend Monday evening’s Town Council meeting to provide the Council with an overview of the Oyster River Cooperative School District’s proposed FY2019/20 budget. The Council meeting will begin at 7PM.

The presentation is also a public forum, so if members of the public desire to ask questions, a limited amount of time will be allowed for Dr. Morse to respond.

 

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CIVIL RIGHTS DAY HOLIDAY

All Town offices will be closed for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Day holiday on Monday, January 21, 2019.

Although the Town offices are closed, there will be NO CHANGE to the regularly scheduled refuse and recycling routes. As always, residents are asked to please have all items out by 7AM on their respective collection days.

 

DURHAM POLICE CRUISER EXPERIENCES CARBON DIOXIDE INCIDENT

One of Durham’s Ford Explorers was on patrol one evening when the officer driving the vehicle began to feel nauseous and ill. While the officer was able to recognize there was a problem and was examined at the hospital, the vehicle is currently at Dube Ford awaiting inspection from engineers of Ford Motor Corporation. Residents may have read of random incidents of carbon dioxide leakage in the Ford Explorers, which have now become the mainstay of Ford’s Police Vehicle Fleet. Until the engineers complete their analysis, this specific vehicle is off-line. Each vehicle currently on patrol has had a carbon dioxide detector installed in the aftermath of this incident.

 

CLEANING SNOW AND ICE ACCUMULATION OFF VEHICLES - A Courtesy Reminder from the New Hampshire State Police

Snow and ice falling from a moving car or truck can create hazardous driving conditions for vehicles travelling around them and possibly result in fines and/or civil liability for failing to take reasonable steps to remove the snow or ice accumulations.

Under New Hampshire State law, a driver can be cited for driving a vehicle in a manner that “endangers” or “is likely to endanger any person or property.” Large amounts of snow accumulating on a vehicle or trailer often melts and refreezes over time causing build-up of ice that can often damage vehicles when falling from a vehicle. Early removal of the snow after a snowstorm is the best way to prevent such ice from accumulating.

It is also very important for drivers of all vehicles to leave sufficient space when following large trucks to give themselves enough time to react and be able to avoid any snow/ice in the event that it does fall from a large truck or trailer.

RSA 265:79-b Negligent Driving - Whoever upon any way drives a vehicle negligently or causes a vehicle to be driven negligently, as defined in RSA 626:2, I(d), or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property shall be guilty of a violation and shall be fined not less than $250 nor more than $500 for a first offense and not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense.

Source. 2001, 254:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2002. 2005, 267:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.

 

FREE WINTER SAND/SALT MIX AVAILABLE TO DURHAM HOUSEHOLDS

The Department of Public Works has winter sand/salt mix available for RESIDENTIAL USE ONLY at the Public Works department located just outside the gate near the mailbox. As many may recall, this used to be in the old Town Hall parking lot until the property was sold and the Town Hall moved.

Residents may fill a few pails as needed for their homes throughout the winter. This is NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE.

 

Burnham Garrison dig - June 2018 - Courtesy DHA

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION HOSTS "UNEARTHING THE CLUES AT THE BURNHAM GARRISON - Saturday, January 26th at 1PM in the Durham Town Hall Council Chambers

How did residents of the Oyster River Plantation live during the 1600s and what articles did they use in their homes? Archaeologist Meghan Howey will share some surprising discoveries about life in Durham more than three centuries ago. Professor Howey and her crew have been surveying the Burnham Garrison site, one of the fortified houses on the Oyster River that withstood many attacks, including the French and Indian attack of 1694.

Dr. Meghan Howey is the James H. Hayes and Claire Short Hayes Professor of the Humanities at UNH and her research involves “A Deep Time, Multi-Archive Narrative of the Anthropocene in the Great Bay”. In this capacity, she is the Director of the Great Bay Archaeological Survey (GBAS), a community-engaged and interdisciplinary archaeology program. Refreshments will be served. Snow date is Sunday, January 27th. Visit the DHA on Facebook.

 

SIDEWALK PLOW PROBLEM RESOLVED BY PUBLIC WORKS -- NHDOT PLACED MAIL BOXES IN MIDDLE OF NEW SIDEWALK ALONG RT. 108 BETWEEN STAGECOACH RD. AND NEWMARKET TOWN LINE RELOCATED

As part of the NHDOT Route 108 project, the state constructed a new sidewalk from Stagecoach Road to the Newmarket Town Line to allow Durham residents living in this part of the community to safely walk into downtown Newmarket. Durham, in turn, had made arrangements with the Town of Newmarket to use its snowplow tractor to clear the sidewalk so that Durham would not have to send its sidewalk tractors all the way out from the center of Durham to the Newmarket town line. In turn, Durham will provide some street sweeping services to downtown Newmarket.

Unfortunately, NHDOT had installed USPS mail boxes in the paved portion of the sidewalk making it impossible for the Newmarket sidewalk snowplow tractor to pass!

This resulted in an unplowed sidewalk and several understandable complaints from concerned residents.

In response, DPW Director Mike Lynch met with representatives from the US Postal Service and the Newmarket DPW Director to try to find a solution, which was a tall order because the USPS is very rigid in its protocols and rules.

After meeting individually with affected residents, Public Works Director Mike Lynch was able to develop a solution that was workable for residents, the USPS, and Newmarket Public Works. 

All but one of the mail boxes currently placed in the sidewalk have been moved to a grouping of mail boxes on either end of Simons Lane, and one mail box has been allowed to remain in place. The mailbox at #307 had the most discussion of all the boxes. In the end the Postmaster, after a couple of field visits and discussion with the USPS mail carrier, approved this existing location. Newmarket DPW approved it because they could utilize the driveway @ 307 to move around the back of the mailbox and post with their articulated tractor.

Thank you for everyone’s cooperation, including residents, the USPS, and the Town of Newmarket Public Works Department!

 

MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE OFFERS OPINION ON DURHAM FINANCIAL CONDITION

Moody's has provided us with its Annual Issuer Comment Report for Durham. This report was published on http://Moodys.com on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.

Credit Overview: Durham's credit position is very good, and its Aa2 bond rating is slightly stronger than the median rating of Aa3 for US cities. Notable credit factors include a very healthy financial position, a modestly sized tax base with a very strong wealth and income profile, an affordable debt burden, and a somewhat elevated pension liability.

Finances: The town has a very healthy financial position, which is relatively favorable with respect to its assigned rating of Aa2. Durham's cash balance as a percent of operating revenues (88.7%) is far superior to the US median. Of note, this metric contracted from 2013 to 2017. Also, the available fund balance as a percent of operating revenues (27.6%) is a little weaker than other Moody's-rated cities nationwide.

Economy and Tax Base: The economy and tax base of Durham are very healthy overall and are comparable to its Aa2 rating. The median family income equates to a robust 182.9% of the US level. In addition, the town's full value per capita ($65,234) is below the US median, but increased from 2013 to 2017. Furthermore, the total full value ($1.1 billion) is weaker than the US median.

Debt and Pensions: The debt and (NH Retirement System) pension liabilities of Durham are moderate overall and are somewhat unfavorable with respect to the town's Aa2 rating. The net direct debt to full value (1.8%) is higher than other Moody's-rated cities nationwide. However, this metric declined modestly from 2013 to 2017. Moreover, the town's Moody's-adjusted net pension liability to operating revenues (2.2x) is unfavorably above the US median. Favorably, this metric has declined over the last five years.

Management and Governance: New Hampshire cities have an Institutional Framework score 3 of Aa, which is high compared to the nation. Institutional Framework scores measure a sector's legal ability to increase revenues and decrease expenditures. New Hampshire cities major revenue source is property taxes. Unpredictable revenue fluctuations tend to be minor, or under 5% annually. Across the sector, fixed and mandated costs are generally less than 25% of expenditures. However, New Hampshire has public sector unions, which can limit the ability to cut expenditures. Unpredictable expenditure fluctuations tend to be minor, under 5% annually.

Sector Trends - New Hampshire Cities & Economy: New Hampshire’s economy continues to expand, largely attributed to the southeastern region of the state which benefits from the vibrant Boston economy. Job creation in manufacturing and a highly educated labor force will help fuel income gains and housing appreciation.

Over the long-term the state’s low tax burden will position the state favorably for continued economic improvement compared to other northeastern states.

Cities (like Durham) will continue to rely on modest tax increases and a generally positive trend in property valuation to maintain balanced financial operations. Pension (NH Retirement System) liabilities will continue to be slightly above the national median given the unfunded liability of the state’s retirement system.

 

HOUSING STANDARDS ORDINANCE STATS FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Durham's Housing Standards Ordinance charges the Fire Department with ensuring a rental property in Durham is fit for human habitation. Conditions evaluated by the department generally include:

  1. Defects which increase beyond normal the hazards of fire, accident, or other calamities;
  2. Lack of reasonable adequate ventilation, light, or sanitary facilities;
  3. Dilapidation; disrepair, dangerous structural defects;
  4. Uncleanliness;
  5. Over-crowding; inadequate ingress and egress;
  6. Inadequate drainage; or
  7. Any violation of other health, fire or safety regulations.

In addition, pursuant to RSA 48-A, no residential rental property owner renting or leasing a residential dwelling shall maintain those rented premises in a condition in which:

  1. The premises are infested by insects and rodents where the landlord is not conducting a periodic inspection and eradication program;
  2. There is defective internal plumbing or a back-up of sewage caused by a faulty septic or sewage system;
  3. There are exposed wires, improper connectors, defective switches or outlets or other conditions which create a danger of electrical shock or fire;
  4. The roof or walls leak consistently;
  5. The plaster is falling or has fallen from the walls or ceilings;
  6. The floors, walls or ceilings contain substantial holes that seriously reduce their function or render them dangerous to the inhabitants;
  7. The porches, stairs or railings are not structurally sound;
  8. There is an accumulation of garbage or rubbish in common areas resulting from the failure of the landlord to remove or provide a sufficient number of receptacles for storage prior to removal unless the tenant has agreed to be responsible for removal under the rental agreement and the landlord has removed all garbage at the beginning of the tenancy;
  9. There is an inadequate supply of water or whatever equipment that is available to heat water is not properly operating;
  10. There are leaks in any gas lines or leaks or defective pilot lights in any appliances furnished by the landlord; or
  11. The premises do not have heating facilities that are properly installed, safely maintained and in good working condition, etc.

Rental Housing Inspection Stats for 2018 follow...

 

EVERSOURCE ROADSIDE TRIMMING/MAINTENANCE PLANNED FOR LATE-2018/EARLY-2019

Eversource’s Vegetation Management Division has provided us with the list of roads within the Town of Durham where line trimming is scheduled to be completed in December 2018 and January 2019. This trimming work is essential in keeping the lights on during storm events and as such, the Town actively encourages such activity by the utility. This work is not related to the proposed Seacoast Reliability Project. A list of roads where trimming is planned follows:

Adams Point Road, Bagdad Road, Bay Road, Beards Landing, Beech Hill Road, Bennett Road, Briarwood Lane, Church Hill, Coe Drive, Colony Cove Road, Constable Road, Cowell Park, Cutts , Dame, Davis, Deer Meadow, Denbow, Dennison, Durham Point, Edgerly Garrison Road, Edgewood Road, Emerson Road, Fairchild Drive, Falls Way, Ffrost Drive, Fox Hill Road, Garrison Avenue, Hampshire Avenue, Langley Road, Laurel Lane, Littlehale Road, Little John Road, Long Marsh Road, Lundy Lane, Maple Street, Marden Way, Mathes Terrace, Mathes Cove Road, Newmarket Road, Old Bagdad Road, Packers Falls Road, Palmer Drive, Pinecrest Lane, Quad Way, Rocky Lane, Sandy Brook Drive, Scotland Road, Strafford Avenue, Sunnyside Drive, Timberbrook Lane, Wiley Road, Willey Creek Road, Wood Road, and York Drive.

 

ANNUAL RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW INFORMATIONAL SESSION

Each year the Town of Durham organizes a Right-to-Know Informational Session for Durham’s elected officials, board/committee members, and Town staff. An invitation is also extended to the ORCSD School Board members and the Towns of Lee and Madbury.

This year the Right-to-Know Law presentation will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Council chambers at Durham Town Hall. It will also be shown live over DCAT, as well as taped for rebroadcast.

It is especially important that newly appointed Chairs, Vice Chairs, and Secretaries attend this session, as well as new members to the various town boards and committees.

Town attorney, Laura Spector-Morgan, will hold the session and has asked that we provide her with the number of anticipated attendees so that she can have an appropriate amount of handouts available. Please RSVP to mailto:jberry@ci.durham.nh.us by Friday, January 11th.

 

Deputy Chief Rene Kelley & new Durham Police Officer Rob Keith at Police Academy graduation in Concord.

DURHAM POLICE OFFICER ROB KEITH GRADUATES FROM NH POLICE ACADEMY

Officer Robert Keith graduated from the 177th NH Police Academy in Concord just before Christmas. Rob, as he prefers to be called, graduated from UMass Amherst with a BS in Sociology this past Spring and grew-up in Medford, Massachusetts.

Rob graduated #2 in his class (!) of 66 cadets from agencies across New Hampshire and is currently in Field Training to acclimate himself to the nuances of Durham. 

Not only is the style of guardian policing instilled but roadways, critical locations, radio and report writing, all things unique to Durham, are familiarized as he begins his career serving Durham. He is pictured with Deputy Chief Rene Kelley at his graduation.

 

ROTARY CLUB OF DURHAM-GREAT BAY WILL HOST DURHAM/UNH FIREWORKS IN 2019

On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, the Rotary Club of Durham – Great Bay will present The Durham Great Bay Fourth of July Fireworks at Wildcat Stadium in conjunction with the University of New Hampshire and the Town of Durham.

In 2019, in partnership with the University of New Hampshire, Rotary is breathing life into this important community effort. Rotary is seeking support from businesses in the area to help make this event a huge success. This is a wonderful community event that draws families from all surrounding communities including Lee, Madbury, Barrington, Newmarket, Dover, and beyond thus building a stronger community.

Both residents and local businesses can become a sponsor and most importantly, join Rotary for a fun evening of fireworks and celebrating our Nations 243rd birthday. We plan to have food, fun and games for children. Last year the Food Trucks and Bouncy Area were big hits. We will be working with Durham Recreation Department again for a great children’s fun area.

For more information, contact Durham-Great Bay Rotary President Tom Broisvert at mailto:tports@comcast.net.

 

OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB INVITES RESIDENTS TO GO UNDER THE SEA WITH THEM!

Starting Friday, January 11th the ORMS Drama Club will be putting on 3 performances of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.

The cast and crew of 65 5th-8th graders has worked for the last 3 months to bring this memorable Disney story to life. The show consists of favorite songs from the movie like Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl and Part of Your World; as well as new songs written just for the stage musical, like She’s in Love, Human Stuff, and One Step Closer.

Students have learned the music and choreography, in addition to doing some thoughtful character work to give these cartoon personalities depth and humanity. Come enjoy the vibrant music, colorful costumes, and fun of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.

Performances will be held at Oyster River High School Auditorium on January 11th at 7pm, January 12th at 7pm, and January 13th at 3pm. Tickets are available at the door with a suggested donation of $5. Run time is 1 hour 30 minutes including a brief intermission, a good length show for young children.

 

DPW STAFF MEMBERS SEEK PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IN KEEPING SIDEWALKS CLEAR OF TRASH CANS DURING SNOW EVENTS

DPW staff member Sam Hewitt has asked if we could put a reminder in the "Friday Updates" about trash cans being put on sideways.

It makes it difficult when Sam and the rest of the DPW team is cleaning the sidewalks during a storm and needs to get out of the tractor to move the trashcans out of the way.

Thank you for your assistance!

 

WANTED: SECRETARY (PART-TIME) AT DURHAM FIRE DEPT.

The Durham Fire Department is seeking a part-time secretary. The part-time secretary is a 28 hour per week position. The hourly pay ranges between $14 and $18 per hour. No benefits are included with this position. 

All interested candidates please submit a cover letter, resume and Town of Durham application by mailto:fire@ci.durham.nh.us. The full job description and Town of Durham application may be found on the town’s website at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us.

Please submit the requested documents in .pdf format as one document. Please include your last name, date and part-time secretary in the title of your .pdf document.  The job posting will remain open until January 7, 2019 or until filled.

 

WINTER PARKING BAN - Nov. 1st thru April 1st

The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Thursday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2016. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town-owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But, the Winter Parking Ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00AM and 6:00AM. 

As the ordinance states: “Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.”

For the first few weeks, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur during this period, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed to allow for Durham Public Works to more effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham. 

 

2018 CALENDAR YEAR ARREST DATA

As Chief Kurz has explained on a number of occasions, arrest data in Durham is a very unique issue and warrants a more detailed explanation than just providing statistics. 

In years past, inquiries from Town Councils about the demographical information of those arrested in Durham, i.e., are they UNH students or not, caused the Durham Police to assimilate data in three separate categories. 

In the first instance, arrest statistics are accomplished by weekly activity, second by the UNH academic year, which is routinely September through May, and finally, by the calendar year, which mirrors the Town’s financial operating budget. Each category allows for a better understanding of the demands facing the department during these periods. The information below is reflective of all 2018 arrest data...

The cumulative number of arrests made by all law enforcement agencies within Durham from January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2018:

Total Arrests within Durham: 996

The total cumulative arrests break down as follows:

One interesting deviation of the data this year is the higher percentage of UNH students arrested in 2018. Past experience has this data hovering around a 60/40 on a relatively consistent basis. Durham and UNH Police routinely experience arrests of persons who have no affiliation with our community other than the desire to seek opportunities to party and all too often take advantage of young, somewhat naïve students. These individuals are certainly not coming to Durham for our beaches. This year that data approached a 70/30 split.

The New Hampshire State Police have been extremely supportive of fluctuating issues such as Homecoming, Halloween, Cinco de Mayo and the Super Bowl in February by sending a number of Troopers to Durham supporting the Durham Police. Additionally, the New Hampshire Liquor Enforcement is a continuous presence as they monitor alcohol sales, misrepresentations, and other specialty violations at locations where alcohol is sold. These organizations augment the Durham and UNH Police staff during peak weekend periods especially in the Fall at the beginning of the academic year thereby saving on overtime expenditures from the Durham budget. 

The Durham Police continue to focus resources upon those engaged in criminal activity and their status as a UNH student or not is irrelevant as to whether an arrest is made. Each week, Durham Police provides the UNH administration with the names of ALL persons arrested and the Vice President’s Office determines student status from the arrest log. When compiled, UNH officials schedule personal meetings with each of the students arrested to reinforce their obligations as students and responsible residents of Durham. 

While police activity in Durham is clearly challenged at the opening of the academic year, our physical arrest strategy, rather than issuance of a summons, has demonstrated success especially in the area of recidivism which is virtually non-existent.

With the commencement of 2019, the arrest statistics for the calendar year begin anew. The chart below represents all arrests within the jurisdictional boundaries of Durham to include those occurring on the UNH campus during the calendar years of 2005 through 2018. 

 

Arrest data for 2018 does demonstrate a 3% increase from that of 2017 but is 10% below the statistical average during this period of data collection. Chief Kurz notes that there does not appear to be any single initiative to highlight which offers a magic formula for future years. 

Often simple things like a season with fairly warm weather throughout the Fall and opening of the UNH academic year can significantly escalate, or deescalate the activity level. Regardless of what 2019 holds for arrest data, Chief Kurz will continue to monitor the data to detect any emerging trends and keep the Durham community aware of activity throughout 2019.

 

 
 

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.

FacebookTwitter
 
 

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.

JANUARY AND FEBRUARY PARKS & RECREATION DEPT. PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Durham Parks & Recreation has a variety of programs scheduled for January and February to kick off 2019! The community can look forward to:

  • Hip Hop & Breakdance Class
  • Off The Beaten Path
  • Backcountry Snow Sports
  • Backcountry Cooking
  • A Healthy New Year After School Cooking Program
  • After School Archery Clinic (Middle School)
  • Community Archery Clinic (Ages 8+)
  • After School Magic Class
  • Ski, Sled & SkateTeacher Workshop Day: Monday, January 28th.
  • Danger Awareness Workshop for families and kids: Saturday, February 2nd

More program information and online registration is open at http://durhamrec.recdesk.com.

 

 

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR LEGO CLUB AND CRAFTERNOON, Wednesday, January 2nd. Both programs start the week of January 21st

 

 

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.

 

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."

________________________

1881 - 10 shares of Boston & Albany RR stock were accepted by the town for a George Ffrost Temperance Association & Health Insurance Company. Signing the pledge were 43 males & 40 females. In 1973 the trustees converted it to a school educational fund to combat drugs and alcohol.

 

If you know of others who would find the weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass them along. Folks can sign up on the Town's web site HERE on the left side of the page.

Have a very nice weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

T: 603-868-5571 

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us  

https://www.ci.durham.nh.us

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