“FRIDAY UPDATES”

August 1, 2008

Photo courtesy Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works has installed a memorial garden honoring Dorothy Wilcox in the area of Old Landing Park adjacent to Newmarket Road. The garden was funded by a gift that Mrs. Wilcox left to the Town to preserve the beauty at the landing.  A formal dedication is planned for the future. The garden features a weeping cherry tree, as well as various perennials, including: an ornamental onion plant, three variations of Phlox, two ornamental celosias plants, and three varieties of ornamental grasses.

Proposal for Margery and Lorus Milne Memorial Sculpture at Mill Pond Park

Our working committee has received a proposal at Durham's request from artist/sculptor Walter Liff of New Castle, NH for the creation of an aluminum plate alloy sculpture of the late Margery and Lorus Milne for location at the Mill Pond Park directly next to the natural area donated to the Town by Mrs. Milne.  Because this effort at creating public art celebrating the life of the Milnes -- Keepers of the Durham Swans for decades, long-time Town residents, and University faculty members -- is not part of Mr. Milne's formal bequest to the Town, it is not eligible for funding through the $25,000 left to the community to care for the long-term maintenance and upkeep of the Milne natural area.  Monies were not budgeted for this project either as part of the approved FY 2008 Durham budget.  Nonetheless, there is an interest on the part of the working committee in raising monies to pay for the creation of this sculpture at an estimated cost of $6,475.00.  A copy of the proposal complete with images of the proposed sculpture is available for viewing on the Town web site by clicking HERE.  Resident Diana Carroll has already received queries from residents interested in contributing to the effort and can be contacted at dianaccarroll@hotmail.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

The Department of Public Works recently delivered large slabs of granite to the center of the natural area donated to the Town by the late Margery Milne called the “Valley Nature Area. Overlooking the Mill Pond, the Oyster River, and College Brook, this beautiful property was given to the Town by the late Margery Milne. This Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3, 2008, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, volunteers are invited to help prepare for the installation of the monolith that will be erected as a memorial to the Milnes. This is a good opportunity to learn how to move large pieces of granite using come-alongs, chains, rollers, and hydraulic jacks. Even if you can't help out this weekend, you're welcome to drop by and watch the process and explore this new addition to the Town's park on the Mill Pond.

Stonemark Management Co., Inc. v. Town of Durham

As previously reported, the Town has received Judge Fauver’s decision in the Stonemark Management Co., Inc. v. Town of Durham case relating to the Planning Board approved age-restricted development at 99 Madbury Road.  The Superior Court affirmed the Zoning Board of Adjustment on both issues that were in contention – the issue of the lots not being “contiguous” and the issue of the elderly bonus applying to only 80% of the units. To view the decision on this case, click HERE.

Cable System Information for Durham Customers

The Town Office has received several calls from frustrated Comcast customers concerning the recent minor reduction in the analog cable channel line up offered in Durham. In response, we contacted Comcast to better understand Comcast's rationale for these changes, as well as whether there is any opportunity to address the concerns that are being raised through the restoration of eliminated channels.  Our Comcast representative got back to us with some additional information. Comcast indicates that more and more of their customers are asking for digital and high definition channels. To make the necessary room for these new channels on the Comcast line up, a number of analog channels were eliminated and reformatted in digital signal. It is possible for Durham customers to obtain one free digital cable box by contacting the cable company directly for a period of one year. The free box should allow Durham customers to again have access to the eliminated analogue channels which are now in digital format. More than one box can be obtained as well for a reduced price over the course of the initial year. After one year, the rental cost will be approximately $3.80 per month per converter box. In addition, on February 17, 2009, broadcast networks will begin to broadcast only a digital signal.  Currently, they continue to broadcast in analog format.  For residents with analog televisions using a "rabbit ears" or outdoor style antenna, your screens will go blank.  It will be possible, however, to obtain two coupons from the Federal government valued at $40 each to help offset the cost of securing a converter from a local electronics dealer which should restore the signal.  For more information on the coupon program, go to www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009.  If residents have an analog television set connected to Comcast, they will not be affected by the change.  A more detailed flyer is also located on the Town web site at the following link http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/generalpdfs/broadcast%20digital%20tv.pdf.

State Primary Election - September 9th

The State Primary Election will be held at the Oyster River High School on Tuesday, September 9, 2008, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the nomination of candidates for the following offices:  Governor, U.S. Senator, U.S. Congress, Executive Councilor, State Senator, County Officer, State Representative, Delegate to the Republican State Convention (Election).  For more information in the coming the upcoming Primary election, contact the Town Clerk's Office at (603) 868-5577.

Strafford County Delegation Meets to Discuss Reducing County Tax Rate

The Strafford County Delegation and Strafford County Commissioners will be meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the possible reduction of County taxes.  The Commissioners will provide specific information about the amount of the reduction in taxes and how that figure was derived prior to the meeting date.  For more information, contact the Strafford County Commissioners at (603) 742-1458. 

Durham Business Association Office Relocation to Town Office

In June, the Administrator attended the Durham Business Association (DBA) monthly board meeting. Mr. Selig and a representative from the University serve as ex-officio members of the board.  The DBA is working to cut back on its expenses and would also like to play a more active role in serving as a facilitator to business owners, particularly in the downtown area, who would like to expand their businesses but do not understand the Town of Durham's permit process. The DBA was in the process of evaluating potential locations for its part-time staff person to have office space. Currently, the DBA rents an office located along Jenkins Court. In an effort to provide support to the organization without adding cost to the Town, the Administrator offered the small desk (typically used by our interns) in the copy room just off from the Council chambers on the first floor of the Town Office for use by the part-time DBA director. While the space is by no means luxurious, we can provide a desk and access to a telephone and internet service (any additional costs would be offset by the DBA). The director would, however, have to put up with copying and storage going on around her.  The DBA board evaluated the idea and at its July meeting opted to move forward with a relocation in August.  The DBA will track the use of the space as an in-kind contribution by the Town.  In the big picture, this change should help facilitate a community goal of working to support the downtown area in Durham so that it remains viable into the future.

Zoning Amendment Procedure

Over the last few weeks, the Administrator has received many inquiries concerning the process for making changes to the Durham Zoning Ordinance.  Changes may be initiated by the Planning Board, the Town Council, or by petition.  The actual procedure is outlined in Section 175-14 of the Zoning Ordinance and is available for viewing or downloading on the Town web site at http://ci.durham.nh.us/DEPARTMENTS/planning/zoning_ordinance/Article_4.pdf. 

Cowell Drive Student Rental Concerns

Residents in the Cowell Drive neighborhood are experiencing student rental challenges and have been in contact with the Code Enforcement Office, the Police Department, and the University of New Hampshire for assistance and guidance.  To view a petition that the Town received acknowledging the efforts of Code Enforcement Officer Tom Johnson over the last few years, please click HERE.

REPAIR OF PETTEE BROOK LANE SEWER MANHOLE BEGINS TUESDAY, AUGUST 5^th

A reminder that beginning on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, the Department of Public Works will be conducting a major repair of a sewer manhole on Pettee Brook Lane between Rosemary Lane and Main Street.  This emergency repair will correct a sinking and deteriorating sewer manhole.  Due to the depth of the manhole, 16 feet, and the location of it, the construction site will be quite large which will require shutting down that portion of Pettee Brook Lane completely during the repair. This may take up to 16 hours to complete.  The detour plan is to re-route Pettee Brook Lane traffic down Rosemary Lane.  Rosemary Lane is one-way exiting onto Pettee Brook Lane.  During this construction, the direction will be reversed with Rosemary Lane exiting onto Garrison Avenue instead.  Message boards and detour signs along with police traffic control details will be in place to assist pedestrians and motorists during the construction.  DPW personnel would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience and cooperation during this important infrastructure repair. 

MAIN STREET CROSSWALKS

Contractors have been repairing crosswalks on Main Street that were installed during last summer's Main Street project between Pettee Brook Lane and the railroad tracks. They are approximately half way through their work at this point. 

WEST END PARKING IMPROVEMENTS

Department of Public Works officials are meeting with consultants and University officials to discuss planned improvements to the west end of Main Street from the Field House to 155A.  The Town and UNH have a State grant to make corridor improvements to the roadway, as well as new pedestrian paths, and bike lanes.  The project may include a new round-about as part of the traffic improvements. 

JACKSON’S LANDING UPDATE

The Jackson's Landing Master Plan project has started after months of discussions with state and Federal agencies over permitting.  The initial phase is the removal of phragmites, a tall, fast growing invasive plant similar to a corn stalk that is not native to New Hampshire and chokes out the naturally occurring marshland vegetation along the shoreline.  Following their removal, the creation of walking pathways and a new parking area north of the Churchill Rink will be undertaken.  We will update you as the project progresses.  Kudos to Public Works Director Mike Lynch and members of the Jackson’s Landing Committee for moving this initiative forward.

DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT AWARDED REACCREDITATION

While the community has been given a primer recently on the Durham Police Department’s recent quest to be reaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation For Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc, (CALEA) (www.calea.org) the department accomplished this feat last weekend.  The process for being reaccredited involves an on-site assessment by a team of assessors who arrived in April 2008 and reviewed the department’s policies and procedures and performed a variety of inspections that served to confirm that the Durham Police Department actually follows them.  The team issued its findings via a report which was ultimately reviewed at a conference held last weekend in Boca Raton, Florida.  This is the fourth time that the Durham Police have been reviewed by the Commission at meetings that move around the country.  Previous locations include: Montreal, Cleveland, and Boston.  At this conference, there were another 100 or so law enforcement agencies being reviewed in five separate hearing rooms, undergoing the same scrutiny, simultaneously.  The 21 commissioners are divided up so that all 100 +/- agencies can be reviewed in one-day.  Since the report issued by the team was very positive in its findings and demonstrated how diligent the department is in providing professional services to the Durham community, there was anticipation that the Commissioners would highlight the positive.  As the Durham contingency awaited their turn for review it was clear that there would not be a “rubber-stamp” approach by the Commissioners as several agencies before us were there to explain how they had “fixed” problems found at the last hearings. They had returned to explain what steps they had done to overcome non-compliance issues detected at their on-sites.  Yet another department immediately before Durham’s review was reaccredited “with conditions” meaning they too will have an additional inspection and will need to report to the next meeting scheduled for Tulsa, Oklahoma in December to explain how they addressed and resolved the problem.  The Commission unanimously awarded reaccreditation to the Durham Police until the year 2011 when the process begins anew ensuring the department constantly reviews and adheres to procedures and that it is performing appropriately, professionally, and in a cost-effective manner.  At the hearing, Chief Kurz, the Durham Police Department Accreditation Team, and the department as a whole were held as models for other agencies to evaluate. An article which appears in today’s Foster’s Daily Democrat is linked below. http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080801/GJNEWS_01/233636568/-1/FOSNEWS0102.  To view the April 2008 Assessment Report for the Durham Police Department, click HERE.

VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES

There are still a number of vacancies remaining to be filled on various Town boards, commissions, and committees. Residents interested in being appointed to any of the boards, commissions, or committees listed below may obtain an application form by clicking HERE.  Applications are also available at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office. Completed applications may be submitted via email to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us, or mailed to Jennie Berry, Town of Durham, 15 Newmarket Road. To view the charges/responsibilities for the various Town boards, commissions, and committees, click HERE.

Conservation Commission – (1 alternate member vacancy)

Historic District Commission - (1 vacancy)

Planning Board – (1 alternate member vacancy)

Zoning Board of Adjustment - (1 alternate member vacancy)

Durham Cable Access Television (DCAT) Governance Committee - (2 vacancies)

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee - (1 vacancy)

Strafford Regional Planning Commission (MPO Policy) - (2 vacancies)

Representative to the Strafford Regional Community Health Coalition

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week in the Town Council chambers at the Durham Town Office and will begin at 7:00 PM unless otherwise indicated below.

Durham Energy Committee – Monday, August 4, 2008 (4:30 PM)9999

Durham Town Council - Monday, August 4, 2008

DCAT Governance Committee – Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Historic District Commission – Thursday, August 7, 2008

Economic Development Committee – Friday, August 8, 2008 (7:30 AM)

To view an agenda for the meetings listed above, please click HERE.  All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

DURHAM DAY 2008

Durham Day 2008 has been set for Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 12:30-4:30 PM at Wagon Hill Farm. Residents interested in assisting with this annual event should contact Durham Day Coordinator, Nicole Moore, at 868-6775 or e-mail durhamday3@yahoo.com.

UNH MUB SUMMER SERIES

A reminder that the University of New Hampshire MUB Summer Series events are currently underway each Tuesday and Wednesday. These events are free and open to all Durham residents, Movies are co-sponsored by the MUB, Durham Business Association, and Durham: It’s Where U Live. For more information regarding other summer events, please contact Dave at 862-1586 or log on to: www.unhmub.com, or to view the summer series flyer www.unhmub.com/mub/unh_summer_2008.pdf.

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1796 – Franklin City was planned as the site of the state capital, with state house, library, meetinghouse, burial ground, streets and quarter-acre house lots. Few houses were built. The War of 1812 and the decline of shipping caused its abandonment.”

“1796 – From Franklin City to Concord, the First N.H. Turnpike Road was 36 miles long and cost $900 per mile. Toll gates were at Johnson Creek, by Durham Corner and at Mast Road. Tolls per mile were 1¢ for horseback ride, 1-1/2¢ for horse and cart and 3¢ for 4-horse coach.”

“1796 – Jonathan Woodman, Jr. sold 1 acre ‘for the sole and exclusive use of a burying place for them and their posterities forever’ to 19 of the leading businessmen. To date, headstones indicate 243 burials. No funds exist for upkeep so the Town assumes maintenance.”

Have a nice weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham
15 Newmarket Road
Durham, New Hampshire 03824
Tel (603) 868-5571
Fax (603) 868-5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us
www.ci.durham.nh.us

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