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A peaceful view of the sun from Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy Mark Houle
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Don't forget to set your clocks to "spring" forward by one hour this weekend. Daylight Saving Time begins this coming Sunday at 2AM!
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The Durham Energy Committee will hold a planning session for Earth Day on Tuesday, March 15 at 6:00 PM at the Durham Town Hall.
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A thank you is extended to all members of the Durham community for your engagement regarding the future of the historic, head of tide Mill Pond Dam, the Oyster River, and the Great Bay Estuary as a whole. In our community citizens have the ability to engage, disengage, agree, disagree, agree to disagree, and ideally to work together to find compromise and balance on hard topics. In some cases, it’s not possible to find compromise and to this end we are so very fortunate there are mechanisms in place within our Town Charter to solve differences of opinion/perspective peacefully through a democratic process. As we see too clearly unfolding in Ukraine, this is not the case everywhere in the world. To a certain extent, it matters less whether we agree or disagree on important issues – what is perhaps more important is that we remain a welcoming community committed to treating each other with dignity and respect, that we work to listen to and consider other perspectives, and that we continue to work peacefully for the betterment of Durham over time, consistent with our values, and within a democratic framework.
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NOTES FROM TWO FORMER TOWN COUNCILORS FOLLOWING TUESDAY’S REFERENDUM VOTE ON THE DAM – 74% of voters at Tuesday’s election supported the Council decision to move forward with full engineering for dam removal/river restoration.
Long-time resident and former Town Councilor Michael Pazdon sent the following email to the Council following Tuesday’s referendum vote regarding the future of the Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River:
“As you are aware I see yesterday’s vote as a move forward to restoring the estuary.
As well, this is not something that came up in many discussions, I see it as a positive affirmation of the Town Council process we have in Durham.
You were duly elected to make decisions for all of us and based on the data presented, and did so. In the charter we have guaranteed the right to initiative petitions for voter consideration, a check and balance. The check in this case, demonstrates that you were doing your job in good faith.”
Long-time resident and former Town Councilor Robin Mower wrote:
“Monday night swelled my heart with admiration for the remarkable contributions that you and other residents have made to move Durham forward on a long-overdue resolution to help heal the river, estuary, and bay.
Yesterday the voters affirmed the need to remove the dam. As I checked in voters, it was gratifying to see that some were UNH students."
Today I opened a daily language-focused email to read:
"Orbiting Earth in the spaceship, I saw how beautiful our planet is. People, let us preserve and increase this beauty, not destroy it! -- Yuri Gagarin, first human in space (9 Mar 1934-1968).
As Joanna Wicklein noted during Public Comments on Monday night, the community owes you a debt for a service that few would be willing to undertake. Thank you.”
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NEXT STEPS REGARDING THE MILL POND DAM ON THE OYSTER RIVER
With Tuesday’s referendum vote and all that has transpired since the Council’s contract award last September to move ahead with dam removal/river restoration, we are giving some additional thought to upcoming process, public involvement, and engagement as this applies to the contract for engineering/design/permitting/historic mitigation (Federal Sec. 106 process), etc.
Nothing is going to happen at the dam next week or the week after – the engineering design/permitting process will likely take anywhere from 12-18 +/- months, with construction likely taking place within 18-36 +/- months, although a phased approach may be possible.
The Town will also have to align dam removal/river restoration/stabilization to coincide with eligible grant programs, the optimal timing for drawdowns so as to mitigate impacts to wildlife, and many other important considerations.
We will keep the community updated as this effort progresses.
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COVID-19 CASES AND VIRAL LOAD IN DURHAM MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION – DOWN!
COVID-19 viral biomarkers at Durham’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) are in line with greatly reduced case numbers in town. Levels on Tuesday at the WWTP were below detectable limits, and Thursday they were near detection limits. These are the lowest levels UNH has recorded at the WWTP since fall. Positive news! Case numbers, as you will note above, are also on a downward track. The Covid-19 positivity rate as part of UNH’s mandatory testing program is 1.58%, well below the 3% positivity rate for the state as a whole. And remember, UNH has a mandatory testing program in place while the state is relying only on those that submit their positive test information; many people in NH are now taking advantage of at-home testing, which is not reported to the state.
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DID YOU KNOW? Alkaline Batteries...
Most single-use household batteries (AAA, AA, C, D and 9 volt) are alkaline batteries. Although the transfer station accepts rechargeable batteries for recycling, we are currently not recycling alkaline batteries and asking residents to dispose of them in the household trash. Please note that these batteries should be taped on their positive end or placed in a plastic bag before disposing to prevent the chance of fire.
https://www.nrrarecycles.org/resource-library/call2recycle-battery-recycling
Single use battery recycling boxes, such as for alkaline batteries/ cell phones - are shipped to you and then you ship back once filled. These boxes come at a COST. Please see https://www.call2recycle.org/store/ for their prices. This would have to be done directly with their company.
Brought to you by the Integrated Waste Management Committee
Have a recycling question? Reach out to us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com
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ASSESSOR TO INSPECT PROPERTIES REQUIRING BUILDING PERMITS IN THE COMING WEEKS
It’s that time of year again when assessor, Jim Rice will be inspecting all properties in Durham during March and April that have recently undergone new construction such as building new homes, additions, made renovations or have recently been demolished.
If you have any questions, please contact the Assessing Department at (603) 868-8064.
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APRIL 15TH APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING FOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS!
April 15th is the last day to submit applications for property tax exemptions and veteran tax credits.
Applications and information pertaining to property tax exemptions and veteran tax credits may be found on the Town’s website under the Assessing Department.
If you have any questions, please contact the Assessing Department at (603) 868-8064.
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One of our six plow trucks at DPW. Courtesy Public Works
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PUBLIC WORKS WINTER MAINTENANCE UPDATES - There have been 24 winter storm events this season.
Meteorological Spring began on March 1st, a much-welcomed sign for the Durham Public Works Department who has remained busy over the last several weeks battling a parade of “clipper-type” systems with multiple emergency responses. Durham Public Works has now responded to 24 winter storm events in the 2021-2022 season with the 25th response anticipated this upcoming weekend.
The season began on December 20th and the Durham Public Works team has now plowed and/or treated over 11,900 lane miles of roadways throughout Durham. Despite many challenges this season, including limited resource availability and dramatic fluctuations in air temperature and storm type, the Team has performed exceptionally well in allowing the motoring public, pedestrians, and transportation system users to reach their destinations safely.
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FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS EACH WEEK IN UNH TODAY - The University of New Hampshire's Official Online Publication
UNH Today is the official online publication of the University of New Hampshire. It delivers news, events, and multimedia devoted to bringing community members a weekly glimpse of the remarkable things happening on campus, in New Hampshire, and around the world.
As a subscriber, you'll learn about student and faculty achievement, the impact of UNH in the community, and timely information on the arts, sports, and special events that make UNH (and in part Durham) a vibrant place.
You may sign up to begin receiving UNH Today by clicking HERE
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Pi Bike! Photo courtesy World Wide Web.
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PI DAY IS MONDAY, MARCH 14TH!
Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159. Pi has been calculated to over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point. As an irrational and transcendental number, it will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern. While only a handful of digits are needed for typical calculations, Pi’s infinite nature makes it a fun challenge to memorize, and to computationally calculate more and more digits.
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HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SOUGHT BY DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS
The Town of Durham in New Hampshire’s seacoast region is one of the most beautiful and desired locations in the State and is home to the University of New Hampshire. The Durham Public Works Department, a recognized leader in the Public Works field, is fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals. The Department is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Heavy Equipment Operator.
The successful candidate will undertake rewarding and challenging work involving the maintenance and construction of roads, sidewalks, and drainage conveyance systems to ensure the safety and functionality of the Town’s multi-modal transportation network. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Public Works Director.
This full-time position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. Salary range for this position is from $22.74 to $25.91/HR, depending upon qualifications.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in heavy equipment operation. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis, a rotational stand-by schedule, 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 http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.
Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Janice Richard, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to jrichard@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on Friday, February 25. 2022.
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MacFarlane plants. Courtesy UNH
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2022 MACFARLANE RESEARCH GREENHOUSES OPEN HOUSE - April 2nd at UNH - Open to the Durham community.
On Saturday, April 2, 2022 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., come meet and learn from NH Agricultural Experiment Station scientists about the latest greenhouse research, discover new skills from UNH Cooperative Extension professionals and Master Gardeners, and tour the new $2.58 million greenhouse addition.
A guided tour of the new addition will begin at 10 a.m., with welcome remarks by UNH President James W. Dean, Jr. At noon, help support the UNH/Gather Food Repurposing Project by grabbing lunch prepared at the nearby Barton Hall teaching kitchen.
View the full schedule of events and register for the guided tour HERE.
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PART-TIME SEASONAL HELP WANTED BY DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS FOR SUMMER 2022 SEASON - A great opportunity for Oyster River students who are at least 18 years of age!
Seasonal summer help wanted for the Department of Public Works- mowing, general landscaping and facility maintenance, support to other DPW staff, etc. If interested, please feel free to fill out an application at the Public Works office located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. Pay will start at $14/HR or more depending on experience. All applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license to apply.
Applications may also be requested via e-mail at publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us or by calling 603-868-5578. Application and copy of valid driver’s license to be submitted to the Public Works Department no later than 4:00 PM, Friday, April 23, 2022.
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WASTEWATER OPERATOR POSITION - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS WASTEWATER DIVISION
Durham Public Works, located in the beautiful Seacoast region of New Hampshire, is a recognized leader in the Public Works field and operates an awarding winning state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility. We are seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of public works professionals to serve in the role of Wastewater Operator.
The Wastewater Division works closely with our partner, the University of New Hampshire, to provide wastewater collection and treatment services to both the Town and University. The Department is a fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals.
In this important role you will report to the Superintendent of the Public Works, Wastewater Division and undertake challenging and rewarding work involving the operation, construction and maintenance of the Town’s Wastewater Treatment and Collection System.
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 $24.38 to $30.79/hr, depending upon qualifications.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of two years of municipal wastewater related experience, a strong knowledge of all aspects of various mechanical systems, pumps, electrical, computer, and SCADA associated with the treatment process, and the ability to troubleshoot and repair all associated equipment.
Applicants will have a New Hampshire Class B CDL license with a clean driving record and the ability to hold or obtain a tanker endorsement. Possession of a New Hampshire Grade I Wastewater Operator license is required with the ability to obtain a New Hampshire Grade II Wastewater Operator license within one year. Applicants will be required to be on a rotational standby and required to work rotational weekends. The position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and works in adverse weather conditions performing occasional strenuous physical labor.
Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.
Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Janice Richard, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on March 11th, 2022.
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DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS AND TOWN OF DURHAM SELECTED BY LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE TO PROVIDE VOLUNTEERS FOR "SERVE WITH LIBERTY" PROGRAM
The Town of Durham has been selected to have 12 volunteers for a two-week period from Liberty Mutual as part of its “Serve with Liberty” Program around Durham. Following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Liberty Mutual has once again begun this important community service program. Volunteers from Liberty Mutual will work with Durham Public Works staff beginning on May 2nd to plant flowers, landscape, mulch, rake and beautify areas within the Durham community. We are extremely appreciative for the assistance the Liberty Mutual staff will provide the Town of Durham and look forward to working with them.
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ATTENTION ALL DURHAM DOG OWNERS! It’s time to renew your dog’s license for 2022. (Your dog could be Durham's Top Dog!)
Dog licenses may be obtained online at Online Dog License Renewal, by mail, or in person at the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824. The fees to license your dog are $7.50 for an altered dog, $10.00 for an unaltered dog, and $2.00 if the dog owner is a senior citizen.
Once again, the Town of Durham will host the Top Dog raffle. This raffle was created to motivate and remind dog owners to license their pets every year by April 30, as state law requires. Residents automatically register for the Top Dog raffle when they obtain a dog license before April 30. The winner of the Top Dog raffle will receive a gift basket donated by the clerk’s office and their dog’s biography will be featured in the Durham Friday Update.
Bo MacGregor was the lucky winner in 2021. Your dog could be the next Top Dog! Please contact the Town Clerk's office for more details on raffle rules and regulations.
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DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION - Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet
For the month of March 2022, the Durham Historic Association will receive a $1 donation for each purchase of a Bloomin' 4 Good bouquet with the red circle sticker at the Hannaford store located at 7 Mill Road, Durham NH.
The Durham Historic Association's mission is:
- To preserve the memory of events connected with the history of the Town of Durham, or of individuals who may have resided there;
- To serve as guardian of the town's history;
- To preserve the artifacts of the town's history;
- To inform and educate the citizens of Durham and others of the history of the town and how contemporary Durham arises out of its past.
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VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
We'd love to have interested residents get involved - new/old alike. It's a wonderful way to become active in local affairs affecting our community!
On April 30, 2022, terms on various Town boards, commissions, and committees will expire. In April, the Town Council will begin the process for making its annual appointments/reappointments to Town boards, with appointments to take effect May 1, 2022. The Durham Town Council is seeking interested residents of the Town of Durham who have the ability, desire, and time needed to fill these vacancies, which are listed below.
Citizens interested in board appointments may stop in or contact the Town Administrator’s office at 603-868-5571 and ask for a board application form. Applications are also available on the home page of the Town’s web site: https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ at the top of the page. Click on “Helpful Resources”, then “Town Documents”, then “Forms and Applications”, then “Application for Appointment”.
Completed applications may be mailed to the Town Administrator’s Office or submitted via email to mailto:jberry@ci.durham.nh.us.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
Vacancies are listed below.
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DURHAM ENERGY COMMITTEE
The Durham Energy Committee is working to provide Durham residents with greater choice in our electric utilities and power, with Community Power Aggregation (CPA), and is providing information to help us better understand what it’s all about. This week we are posting a short video recently produced by the town of Rye, which is also pursuing CPA. In this video residents of Rye describe some of the reasons they choose CPA, and how they are making CPA happen for them.
View the video HERE.
The committee will continue to provide information on CPA to Durham residents in the coming weeks. Please feel free to take a few minutes to look at this information, and to share this information with your friends and neighbors. Public hearings will be held as well in the coming weeks.
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Tree removal around pump house at Durham's Lee Well. Courtesy DPW
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DPW UNDERTAKES HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVALS
In preparation for construction season projects, The Durham Public Works Department’s tree contractor, Orion Tree Service, in conjunction with the Town of Durham Tree Warden, removed a dozen hazardous trees of varying species along Wednesday Hill Road and surrounding the Town’s Lee Well Pump Station on Angell Road in Lee this week.
Wednesday Hill Road is a candidate for reclamation as part of the 2022 Road Program and significant infrastructure improvements will occur at the Lee Well facility. These trees posed a risk to the safety and functionality of the infrastructure. All trees were safely removed without incident.
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ORHS BASEBALL CLINIC FOR ORMS 7TH/8TH GRADERS
This clinic is conducted by the Oyster River High School Baseball Coaching Staff and members of the High School Baseball Team and sponsored by the ORHS small-sided competitions. Participants will participate in fundamental skills and
should bring their own water bottles.
Please bring payment for the clinic in the form of check or cash of $60 to the registration table at the start of the clinic. Checks should be made payable to ORHS Baseball Booster Association.
To register reach out to the High School Baseball Coach Calato via email at ccalato@orcsd.org.
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NEWCOMERS UNLIMITED MARCH 18 MEETING TO BE PRESENTED BY SOUTHEASTERN NH ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE SERVICES
Southeastern New Hampshire Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services provides expert addiction treatment to help and support individuals and families who are in need of substance abuse disorder services. Using evidence-based treatment programs, SENHS provides a comprehensive continuum of care to clients age 18+ and their families.
The social begins at 9:30 AM; the meeting will start at 10 AM in the Community Church of Durham. Masks will be required per guidelines of the CDC and we will adhere to the policies of the Community Church of Durham regarding social distancing. Your health and safety are a primary concern. Call Brenda Sargent 868-7355 for more information. You do not have to be new to the community, that’s why we are Unlimited.
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STRAFFORD REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (SRPC) REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT - Take the survey to help SRPC evaluate the issue of available housing in Strafford County.
Housing is a hot issue. In NH and throughout the country, scarce available housing is putting a strain on working families and preventing businesses from recruiting and retaining a workforce. Throughout the year 2022, Strafford Regional Planning Commission will work to address this as part of its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).
To inform this important project, SRPC wants to hear from Durham residents. How has the housing crisis impacted you and your family? What factors influence where you chose to rent or purchase? Do you see yourself staying put, or moving, and why?
Take their online survey to share your housing successes and challenges, and be part of a framework for change. Stay up to date on the project, and other opportunities for participating in outreach on the project webpage. Contact Shayna Sylvia, communications and outreach planner, with any questions.
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2022 NEW HAMPSHIRE CLIMATE ASSESSMENT REPORT – COMING SOON!
Presented by New Hampshire NETWORK: Environment · Energy · Climate
Monday, March 14, 5:30-7:00pm (Free Virtual Event)
Do you have questions about climate change right on your doorstep? Two prominent experts – co-authors of New Hampshire’s most recent Climate Assessment Report (launching March 2022) – share their insider’s view of past, present and future climate trends in the Granite State. We will look at changes in temperature, precipitation and sea-level rise, provide some context for interpreting changing weather patterns in a changing climate, and answer your questions about how we ought to prepare for what’s next!
View more information and register HERE.
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WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLAN, MAJOR COMPONENT UPGRADES - Engineering firms interested in design phase toured the facility.
On Friday, February 11th, a walk-through of the wastewater treatment facility took place for potential engineering firms and vendors who choose to submit in response to the Department’s Request for a Statement of Qualifications for the plant and equipment rehabilitation that is scheduled to take place in 2023. On March 16th , following an initial qualitative evaluation, qualified firms will be interviewed with a contract award recommendation planned for April/May. The plant rehabilitation includes, the primary clarifiers, aeration tanks, secondary clarifiers, structural walls, pipe gallery and other miscellaneous facility upgrades and is funded by the Town of Durham and University of New Hampshire in a one third/two third share, respectively . These structures and mechanisms are exceeding twenty years in service and require rehabilitation or replacement.
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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March at Durham Public Library!
Just in time for St. Patrick's Day...don't miss our NHHC program with Dr. Mary Kelly titled Ireland's Great Famine in Irish-American History: Fateful Memory, Indelible Legacy on Tuesday, March 16th at 6:00 pm. And check out a new series of genealogy talks with Erin Moulton coming to DPL via zoom! On March 23rd Moulton will present Recipe for Success: Finding Women through Community Cookbooks and she will return on April 13th with Tracking True Crime: A Genealogy Case Study! Stay tuned this spring as some of your favorite programs are on their way back, like artist Corinne Roberts with a spring-themed adult art course!
March programs in Youth Services! Our YA Compassion Program is happening on Monday, March 14th from 6:30-7:30 pm and this month we are making Care Packages for U.S. Troops! Register HERE! And check out our new program for our youngest patrons! Yoga for Tots! (crawling to age 2 with care-giver) will take place on select Fridays in March and April at the library! Register today! STEAM Saturdays returns to the Storytime Room! There is no registration required and this Drop In Program runs from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on Saturdays in March! This weekend we are making Skittles Rainbows! As always, weekday Storytimes and Baby Lapsit are open for registration each week. Visit our website today.
For more programs and information, visit our website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/! And as always, the library staff is available by phone during business hours at 603-868-6699.
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1815 - Durham Social Library was incorporated, used the Richardson building, and bought the property in 1883. The Library's share of Simpson house was sold to the church for $8,000. In 1893 the Town, Library Association and NHC consolidated, all contributing to support as they do today.
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The transition to spring cannot be too far away -- Daylight Savings Time will begin again in a little over a week on March 13th!
Have a very nice weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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