Friday Updates - March 22, 2024

Friday, March 22, 2024

Although spring flowers have begun to pop up in Durham, tomorrow's forecast has NH seeing ... snow! Courtesy, Todd Selig

Spring has sprung! And as you'll read below, ticks are active and bears are not far behind.

The annual Parks & Rec. Egg Hunt is next Saturday, March 30th.

UPDATES FROM TOWN DEPARTMENTS – Fire & Public Works

Five current shift vacancies exist at the Fire Department due to 1) unfilled positions, 2) injuries, or 3) medical issues, have led to increased overtime costs and have placed heavy demand on existing staff to cover those shift vacancies. Fire Chief David Emanuel outlined this week that the issue initially arose after the departure of two firefighters last year and the inability to find replacements following three separate hiring processes. It was later compounded by other vacancies as outlined above. The department is now in the process of bringing in recruits, but the financial and operational strain persists, with an estimated $250,000 unanticipated shift coverage cost at the Fire Department. At the present time the department is evaluating different strategies to try to offset this projected quarter of a million dollar overage. One possibility would be drop down from the current standard five person shift staffing (1 captain plus 4 firefighters) to a shift of four, yet the Town moved away from a four person shift because it presents significant challenges in providing the staffing resources needed during a fire response and/or during multiple simultaneous response. Another option would be to freeze spending on all non-essential purchases, yet that would capture only a fraction of the dollars needed. Some funding could come from the Town’s $125,000 contingency account, yet some of those funds are already allocated as of March (with nine months left in the fiscal year!) and they, too, are insufficient to cover the anticipated overage. Another possibility would be to return to the Council to discuss a potential supplemental appropriation to offset the shortfall. Other ideas will also be considered. No decisions have been made to date and department is working to develop a suite of alternatives for further discussion and evaluation. In addition the Ladder Truck was out of service last week, but has been repaired. Truck 3 is currently in service but continues to be problematic with frequent mechanical and electrical issues that place it out of service.           

Public Works Director Richard Reine reports that there is an incoming weather system for this weekend, forecasting mixed precipitation and potential accumulation in higher elevations, especially north of Durham. He also advised against storing away winter equipment as there might be more snowfall over the weekend. Richard then discussed the wastewater treatment plant's permit, expecting an updated permit to be issued soon that will be site-specific, allowing the EPA to be more efficient in its . Lastly, Dir. Reine provided updates on the Madbury Road project, stating that the utility work has been awarded and the roadway work is about to commence, with substantial completion expected in 2024 and 2025. 

UPDATE ON PLANNING BOARD PROCESS ON WORKFORCE HOUSING AMENDMENT

The Planning Board closed the public hearing for the Workforce Housing zoning amendment at their meeting of March 13. You can see a recording of that meeting HERE. Administrator Selig had provided some suggestions in a memo dated 3/13/24 for the Planning Board's consideration as part of its deliberations during the public hearing process. Staff and the board will now write a new/revised draft of the Workforce Housing amendment using the prior proposal and comments received during the public hearing (which included a great deal of helpful feedback from many perspectives). When a new proposal is ready, it will be presented through a new public hearing. Feel free to send an email to Michael Behrendt, Town Planner if you would like to be included in his Planning Board Updates Email at: mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us

There is a lot of activity in Durham and around the State now focused on housing. You can see numerous interesting and pertinent documents and articles related to housing at the Durham Housing Task Force website HERE.

On July 18, 1694 a band of about 250 Wabanaki, led by the French, attacked the settlement of Oyster River killing more than 100 residents. There was, of course, a significant and complex history surrounding the event, including a war between England and France. For many years, the historic marker observing the event existed in place along Route 108/Newmarket Road near the Oyster River bridge.  The marker was removed several years ago by the NH Division of Historical Resources and NHDOT, among numerous signs statewide, pending a re-evaluation of the appropriateness of certain existing markers.   

Crafting new language was a challenge. Some believed the marker to be historically accurate (and should therefore remain) denoting an important event in the Town's past while others felt it to be offensive, excluding the broader context of the history (in particular the historical experience and treatment of Native Americans) within the region leading to the attack (and should therefore have been removed). Indeed, during the colonial period in the NH Seacoast's history, there was cruel adversity on all sides – Colonial, Native American, English, and French. 

At the request of the Durham Historic District/Heritage Commission the Town hired consultants Charlotte Bacon and Barbara Will of Montgomery Will Consultants to facilitate three roundtable discussions with numerous stakeholders to try to find a consensus around the text for a new sign. Participants included representatives of the Heritage Commission, the Durham Human Rights Commission, the Durham Historic Association, NH Historic Resources and NHDOT, and the Native American community.  

There were moments of acrimony given the rawness of the incident and the larger events surrounding the attack, yet the group ultimately arrived at a general direction at the close of the third meeting last evening. Several alternative sign versions were proposed, each of them capturing the essential elements of the complex history. Nadine Miller and Amy Dixon of the NH Division of Historic Resources will now synthesize the various points discussed into one new proposed text. That text will be shared with the members of the roundtable and we are very optimistic that final language acceptable to the stakeholders will be prepared at that point. 

The process was a successful example of bringing people with divergent perspectives together on a sensitive topic to craft an outcome that all could endorse. 

We look forward to sharing the new language with Durham residents once it is finalized.

Auditors from Plodzik and Sanderson, the Town’s external audit firm, have been on site this week at the Town Hall beginning the annual financial audit process for FY 2023. Durham operates on a fiscal year, which is the calendar year (January 1st – December 31st). When the audit is complete, the auditors will present the audit to the Town Council, and the audit report will be placed online. 

To view the FY 2022 and earlier audit reports, click HERE. 

Many in Durham are reporting that they have been pulling ticks off their pets and themselves after they go outside. The warmer winter means that ticks are emerging earlier as snow melts. Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist, has said health officials have been getting reports of ticks showing up.

He indicates there's typically a peak in Lyme disease infections, which are caused by tick bites, in the summer. However, the data shows that tick bite visits to emergency departments usually start in March, followed by a big spike in April or May.

The Town of Durham is excited to announce the return of the Top Dog raffle. This raffle was created to motivate and remind dog owners to license their pets every year by April 30. 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 town clerk and their dog’s biography will be featured in the Durham Friday Update. Your dog could be the next Top Dog! 

Dog licenses are available in the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office. Durham offers dog licensing online HERE. All dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination to obtain a license, which may be uploaded online or emailed to rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us . Residents may also come into Town Hall to get a dog license during the clerk’s hours on Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

RULES & REGULATIONS

• Contestants will automatically be entered into the raffle when they register their dog(s) before April 30 (only open to Durham residents).
• Residents who DO NOT want to be included in the raffle may opt out by writing, calling, or emailing the clerk’s office.
• Contestants must be 18 or older and be the owner of the dog on file with the clerk’s office. Town of Durham employees and elected officials are not eligible.
• The contestant must have a 2024 Town of Durham dog license by April 30. A current rabies vaccination will be required to obtain the license.
• The raffle winner may submit a digital photo and brief biography of their dog. Photos of the 2024 raffle winner’s dog will be included in the Durham Friday Update.
• The winner will be drawn at random by clerk’s office in May 2024.

The Granite State’s black bears are emerging from their winter dens and beginning to actively search for any available food sources.

With the arrival of spring, it’s recommended that Durham residents be both proactive and responsible by taking down bird feeders no later than April 1. 

Backyard farmers should protect poultry, livestock, and bees with electric fencing, being sure to remember these fencing needs when picking up new chicks this spring.

Additionally, residents can help prevent the attraction of bears by securing dumpsters and garbage cans and storing grills, pet food, and animal feeds indoors. The easiest way to solve bear–human conflicts is to prevent them in the first place—please do your part to help protect New Hampshire’s bears.

Bears have an extremely acute sense of smell, long memories, and high intelligence. If bears are not rewarded with food in neighborhoods, they do not continue to frequent those locations.

For more information on how to avoid run-ins with bears, click HERE.

This week, Durham-based Friends Forever International (FFI) accompanied a delegation from North Macedonia to the Durham Town Hall as part of a US State Department program for international visitors. 

The group is focusing upon disinformation, media, corruption, and other such matters and has been touring US states, finishing up their tour in NH. In addition to visiting Durham, the group traveled to the NH State House for a tour and orientation on state government.

Many of us are looking for easy, quick ways we can make impactful and sustainable change in our lives. One easy thing we can do is to bring our own reusable take home container when we eat out. 

Unfortunately, when we ask our server to prepare our leftovers to bring home, oftentimes the food will be put in a non-sustainable container (i.e. Styrofoam, dark plastic or plastic coated paper). 

By providing our own reusable take home container, we are keeping that waste material out of the landfill and our waterways. 

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee. This DYK? tip was sent to us by resident Larry Brown.

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

The Linda Hollister Swap Shop will be opening for the season on Saturday, April 6, 2024! Durham Public Works and Swap Shop Volunteers would like to remind residents that the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station (Transfer Station) and Recycling Center’s Swap Shop does not accept certain items. While we would like to keep reusable items out of the waste stream and the landfill, indoor storage space is limited, and other safety concerns must be considered. When entering the Transfer Station, it is mandatory to stop and check-in with one of the Attendants to review the items you wish to donate to the Swap Shop. The Attendant(s) will evaluate each item(s) based on the criteria below to determine if it will be accepted. A bulky waste coupon may be required in situations where the item(s) is not accepted.

Residents are encouraged to discuss other options for donating their goods with the attendants and Swap Shop Volunteers. A reminder that users of the Swap Shop are encouraged to remain at the facility for no longer than thirty minutes during any one visit to allow other residents an opportunity to view and take items. The following is a list of items that are not accepted at the Swap Shop:

• Dirty, moldy or stained items. Stained fabrics may go into the Ecosmith Textile Recycling bin.
• Broken, non-functioning or items missing pieces (a chair without a leg, desk without a drawer or drawer knobs, etc..)
• Boxes full of unsorted items (unless approved by a Transfer Station Attendant or Swap Shop Volunteer.)
• Upholstered furniture (mattresses, box springs, chairs, couches, headboards, pillows, etc.).
• Electronic items (all of which require an electronic coupon for disposal): (Refrigerators, Dehumidifiers, Air Conditioners, Other items containing a refrigerant, Televisions and Computer Monitors)
• Construction materials of any kind (wood, shingles, sheetrock, insulation, etc.)
• Concrete, bricks, stone, solid fill.
• Appliances larger than a microwave (appliances containing refrigerant that have an electronic coupon will be considered for donation).
• Hazardous Materials or Chemicals (oils, gas, diesel, kerosene, propane, oxygen, mercury containing items, etc.)
• Food, beverages, cosmetics
• Textbooks, dated manuals, reference books (can be recycled using the Discover Books bin)
• Skies, ski boots, snow boards
• Child safety equipment (car seats, helmets)
• Weapons
• Broken glass (including glass from picture frames)
• Clothing and shoes (Use the Salvation Army bin for clothing and shoes in good condition. The Ecosmith bins for these and any stained bedding, towels, fabric stuffed animals, etc.)

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

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

The Waysmeet Center provides direct service through the Cornucopia Food Pantry, Intentional Residential Community, Flames of Hope program, social justice work, free community dinners and leadership opportunities for students, and compassion, inclusion and abundance are most valued. The Center is actively seeking 5-10 new board members who share the same values and want to carry the mission forward. The commitment would involve monthly meetings over Zoom, typically on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, and position length terms are flexible. There may be additional meetings depending on committee involvement. Especially needed are a treasurer and those with experience or interest in business, finance, fundraising, building maintenance skills, event planning and community networking. 

Please contact alissa@waysmeetcenter.org with any questions or interest and click HERE for an application to apply.

Additionally, the 2024 Spring Appeal Postcard has just been sent! See the full letter HERE! Thank you for any support you can offer to our important community work and our fight to end food insecurity!

Durham Police Captain Jack Dalton attended the Boston Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Annual New England Regional Command College from March 10th-14th, 2024, in Chatham, Massachusetts.

The Regional Command College is a program that is critically important to fulfill the FBI's law enforcement and national security mission and to advance training and build crucial partnerships with local agencies across the country. It is also a leadership and futures-oriented course designed for management-level law enforcement officers and professional staff serving the New England region.

The course curriculum included:

• Media/Press Presentation
• Financial Crimes
• Cyber Crimes
• Law Enforcement “Working in America”
• Leadership Mentality – Building Leaders
• Law Enforcement Killed in the Line of Duty Analytical Study (To provide a greater understanding for law enforcement safety)
• Crisis Management
• Leading the Department Through Line of Duty Deaths
• FBI Case Presentation of Multiple Jurisdiction Death Investigation

As the training coordinator, Captain Jack Dalton believes trainings like The Regional Command College are essential for the Durham Police to continue following 21^st century policing practices and recommendations. 

Durham Police Intern, Zedane Williams (Pictured in the middle row, second from the right), and some of his UNH Football teammates spent this past Monday volunteering their time at the Oyster River Middle School playing football with the students at recess. Zedane’s goal is to give back to our community and build relationships with the youth of Oyster River. The students, as well as the UNH Football players, had a blast, as smiles could be seen on everyone’s face! 

Congratulations to Fire Marshal Brendan J. O’Sullivan on completing 20 years of service to the Town of Durham. Brendan began his career in the fire service when he was hired as a full-time firefighter by the Durham Fire Department on March 15, 2004.

Brendan served in the roles of firefighter and fire inspector before being promoted to his current position of fire marshal in April 2021. His strong dedication and commitment to service, combined with his knowledge, skills, and abilities, are a tremendous asset to the fire department and to the Durham/UNH community. Brendan enjoys meeting and talking with people and building relationships within our community to address challenging issues related to codes, standards, fire prevention, and community risk reduction. In 2023, Brendan was credentialed as one of five individuals in the State of New Hampshire, with the professional designation of Fire Marshal by the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC) of the Center of Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). 

The department recently held an informal celebration with department members and Brendan’s family to recognize Brendan’s dedicated service to the fire department and the community.

Congratulations, Brendan!

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 #12

If your house is on fire, get out and leave your belongings.

GET OUT AND STAY OUT! The Firefighters will go in and get your things. They are dressed for that harsh environment. 

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOLS NEWS

ORCSD School Board At-Large Position

The School Board is looking to fill the At-Large one-year {March 2024–March 2025} Vacancy. If you are interested in applying for this vacancy, please submit a letter of intent along with a resume to Wendy DiFruscio at the Central Office by 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2024, at wdifruscio@orcsd.org. Applicants must be residents of either Durham, Lee, or Madbury.

March Madness: Staff vs Students

Join us this Thursday, March 28, 4:00-5:30 p.m. for March Madness: Staff vs Students! This event supports the Oyster River Middle School student activity fund. Games, prizes, pizza, and other concessions will be available. Entry cost $5. At the Oyster River Middle School Gymnasium (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

Moharimet School Spring Musical: Finding Nemo Jr.

Join us for Moharimet's 4th grade spring musical on Thursday, April 4, 6:30-7;30 p.m. at the Oyster River High School Auditorium (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

Save the Date: E-Waste Collection April 8-19

ORCSD schools will be collecting electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) between April 8-19. A list of eligible items will be provided next week.

Collection points (during business hours only):

• Mast Way: front office
• Moharimet: vestibule outside the main office
• Oyster River Middle School: front office
• Oyster River High School: front entrance breezeway

Save the Date: April 11 Community Dinner

The ORCSD Sustainability Committee will be hosting a community dinner on Thursday, April 11, 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the Oyster River High School. The dinner will be followed by a musical performance of Mast Way students in the auditorium. Dinner cost: $8 per adult or $20 per family (a family includes up to 2 adults and children living within the same household). A sign-up document will be made available next week.

Reduced Plastic Lunch Day April 16

On Tuesday, April 16, the ORCSD Sustainability Committee will be hosting a reduced plastic day and join school cafeterias across the US in a nationwide initiative to reduce single-use plastics. On April 16 our lunches will be served with limited single-use plastic foodware and packaging. Students who bring their own lunch to school are invited to participate by bringing a lunch free of single-use plastic packaging.

UNH MACFARLANE RESEARCH GREENHOUSES OPEN HOUSE BEING HELD APRIL 6 FROM 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

The New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station (NHAES) is hosting its Macfarlane Research Greenhouses Open House on Saturday, April 6, from 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. This longtime annual event—which is free and open to the public—highlights the research and work of NHAES scientists and UNH Extension education specialists.

Guests can explore the various compartments of the Macfarlane Research Greenhouses and learn about some of the research taking place in each, explore and discover how a research greenhouse operates, and meet the researchers working at the facility and the staff who operate it. Additionally, the Open House will feature speakers and a tour of the UNH teaching plant high tunnels. 

Schedule of Events:

9 a.m. – Macfarlane Research Greenhouses Open House begins.

11 a.m. – UNH Extension presentation: Climate Resilient Gardens: Gardening for Extreme Weather Conditions with Sean O’Brien and Steph Sosinski from UNH Extension’s Home Horticulture Program

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Lunch provided from the Gather food pantry. Lunches available to all, but donations encouraged.

12 p.m. – Guided tour: Growing Food for Campus: Discovering UNH’s Teaching High Tunnels led by Susan Soucy, UNH Horticultural Program Coordinator. Transportation will be provided to the high tunnels (located across from the Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center), however, guests are welcome to also drive themselves.

1 p.m. – NHAES presentation: Grow Your Food Year-Round: Leveraging Indoor Food Production Systems for a Bountiful Annual Harvest with Md Sazan Rahman, assistant professor of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems

2 p.m. – NHAES presentation: Growing Sweet potatoes in the North: How to Succeed with These Delicious Roots with Becky Sideman, chair of COLSA’s Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Systems department; professor of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

The Macfarlane Research Greenhouses offers a controlled environment for a diversity of agricultural and floricultural research projects that includes ornamental and food crop breeding, sustainable ornamental plant nutrition and development, aquaculture, biological pest control, bioremediation and plant genetic diversity. The greenhouse environments are monitored and precisely regulated through a computer-based control system that creates a sustainable growing environment through the conservation of heat, electricity, water and fertilizer, and increased plant resistance to insect pests and diseases.