“FRIDAY UPDATES”

September 5, 2008

 

 

Monotropa uniflora, commonly called Indian Pipes

Courtesy Frank L. Pilar

 

The photograph above was taken in the woods adjoining The New England Center. In spite of its appearance, it is not a fungus but a flowering plant in the blueberry family. It is usually found in very dark and shaded woods. Thanks to Linn Bogle for the identification of this plant.

 

 

The UNH students have returned.  The majority of incoming first year students moved into their residence halls last Saturday, August 30th, with the remainder of the student body arriving in Durham over the course of this past week.  The move in went well by all accounts.  UNH is to be congratulated for working closely with the Town's various departments as part of this complex logistical effort.

 

PRIMARY ELECTION – SEPTEMBER 9^TH

The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at the Oyster River High School located on Coe Drive. Polling hours will be from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Absentee ballots for the September 9^th Primary Election are now available at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office. Residents who will be out-of-town during the Primary or who are physically disabled can come to the Town Clerk’s Office at the Town Hall and complete an absentee ballot form between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Remember that this is a Primary, so if you are an unaffiliated voter, you will need to specify a Democratic or Republican ballot. To view copies of the Republican or Democratic ballots, click HERE.

 

2009-2018 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN DEVELOPMENT

In conjunction with the annual budget development process, a draft Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is prepared in accordance with the Town Charter.  Section 5.8 states that the Administrator, after consultation with the Planning Board, shall prepare and submit to the Council a CIP at least one (1) month prior to the final date for submission of the budget.  The CIP must contain a list of capital improvements, including major replacements, which are proposed to be undertaken during the next six fiscal years.  Since 2001, the Administrator has expanded the required six year timeframe to a ten year window to provide a better sense of Durham's long-term needs.  In addition, rather than is the case in most communities, we have integrated the CIP into the actual budgetary document submitted to the Council such that all items ultimately recommended by the Administrator for the next fiscal year are actually included within the Capital Budget submitted to the Council.  All items contained within the CIP are made part and parcel of the ten year fiscal forecast that is generated by the Business Office as part of the budget process.  The result is a streamlined budget and CIP development process that connects requests made with actual financial and projected tax rate implications.  To facilitate this process, the Town Council is typically provided in September with the initial draft CIP outlining all requests made for capital improvements by departments, boards, and committees which is discussed with the Planning Board.  Following meeting with the Planning Board, the Administrator with the assistance of the Business Office and other departments, hones the plan and ultimately transmits a final proposed document along with the Annual Budget to the Council prior to November 1^st.  On September 10th, Business Manager Gail Jablonski and I will meet with the Planning Board to introduce the CIP.  We'll follow up with a subsequent meeting to discuss the document further with the Planning Board on October 15, 2008.

 

DURHAM DISTRICT COURT

Durham District Court Judge Gerald Taube will be retiring from the bench this fall.  In the past, there has been a concerted effort on the part of the N.H. District Court System to consolidate the Durham District Court located in the brick historic building located at the corner of Newmarket and Dover Roads into the new Dover court facility.  I anticipate continued discussion regarding this topic with state officials in the coming months. 

 

WNV/EEE UPDATE

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has received a report of an emu with confirmed Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The emu, kept in Barnstead, NH, became ill on August 31, 2008. As the emu had not traveled prior to the onset of disease, EEE was acquired in Barnstead. Active trapping and testing of mosquitoes is ongoing in the area. This is the first recognized EEE activity this season.

 

SALT PRICES ON THE RISE

The City of Manchester was quoted a per ton salt price of $67.77.   Durham's per ton price is set at $59.23. 

 

Durham Receives $1 Million Federal Grant for Wiswall Dam Fish Passage Project

History: Plans to establish a fish passage facility at the Wiswall Dam have been evaluated over the last ten years ranging from constructing a fish ladder to dam removal to constructing a nature-like fishway and finally in February 2008 back to a fish ladder project.  The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) had announced in January/February 2008 that there was a possibility that funding in the range of $1 million might become available to pay for the construction of a fish passage facility at the Wiswall Dam in 2008. Subsequently, however in early spring of 2008, we were notified that it was unlikely that the Town would receive any funding. NRCS funding requires a 25 percent local financial match and representatives from the NRCS indicated to the Town at the time that the cost associated with the construction of the Wiswall Dam repairs, as required by the N.H. Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, could be used as the needed match regardless of whether a fish ladder would eventually be constructed.  We believed at the time that the NRCS grant funding represented a good opportunity to obtain funds to help pay for a portion of the Wiswall Dam repairs, which Durham was required to perform, as well as to develop a fish passage project that would be respectful of the historic aspects of the Wiswall Historic Mill Park.  The Grant: The grant was part of the NRCS Grant Program, which is available to homeowners and branches of municipal government for protection and restoration of rivers and fish habitat. The grant is a 75% reimbursement / 25% matching formula of all eligible components of the fish ladder/fish passage restoration project.   The Durham Public Works Department anticipated utilizing available funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for development of engineering design plans for the fish ladder and incorporating the fish ladder into the Dam.  The Town’s match would be in the form of construction costs associated with the repair of the dam abutment (of which the fish ladder would become an integral component), volunteer labor, and public works labor, equipment, and supplies.  The bottom line financial side of the equation for Durham was that if the grant was received, we would expend fewer local dollars on the dam repair/fish ladder project than would otherwise be required on only dam repairs through the use of Federal monies and we would also receive the benefit of the fish ladder.  Dam removal would also be an option to consider for use of the funds if there was a desire on the part of the Town at a subsequent time to move in this direction.  On February 18, 2008, upon the recommendation of the Administrator, the Durham Town Council adopted Resolution #2008-05 authorizing the Administrator to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Services grant for constructing a fish passage facility at the Wiswall Dam and associated renovations to the Wiswall Historic Mill Park, as well as to sign said grant agreement with accompanying documents.  Durham Receives Positive News: At this time I am pleased to report that the Federal Government has approved $1,045,000 in WHIP funds for a fish passage project at the Wiswall Dam in Durham.  Additional Federal funds will become available to provide technical assistance in mapping the dam area, addressing historic aspects of the site, and assisting the Town to evaluate whether dam removal would also be a viable option worth considering in conjunction with the ongoing evaluation and permitting of the Spruce Hole Aquifer as a potential future water source.  This infusion of funding is a complete turn from last spring when we were told that there was no chance of receiving WHIP funds for a fish passage any time soon.  By September 15, 2008, Durham is required to notify NRCS as to whether we intend to move ahead with the project using the Federal funds and thereby commit ourselves to accepting the grant.  This week, I met with Town Engineer David Cedarholm and representatives from the NRCS to discuss the grant award in more detail.  Following that discussion, I became comfortable in proceeding with the project utilizing WHIP funds.  Unless otherwise directed by the Council, I plan to notify NRCS on Tuesday of next week that we plan to move ahead with utilizing the grant for the project.  This will entail an initial period of approximately 12 months in which engineering and analysis will take place focusing on both the potential installation of a fish ladder AND the implications associated with dam removal.  After analysis is completed, the Town will then need to decide whether to construct a fish ladder or remove the dam. The project would need to be completed within three years.

 

UPDATE ON SKATEBOARD PARK AT WOODRIDGE RECREATIONAL AREA

The Department of Public Works is close to completing the small skateboard park at the Woodridge recreational area.  Local skateboarders are soliciting donations to support the building of this skateboard park.  If you are interested in making a donation to the skateboard park, you may send them to Durham Department of Public Works, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824, clearly marked as “Skateboard Park”. 

 

OYSTER RIVER DAM INSPECTION – TEMPORARY DRAINING OF MILL POND

The Department of Public Works plans to temporarily drain the Mill Pond upstream of the Oyster River Dam near Route 108 during the third week of September (on or around September 18, 2008) to perform a dewatered inspection of the dam which is being required by the State of New Hampshire. The plan includes a slow controlled release of the water, monitoring of upstream habitat, maintaining adequate downstream flows for the duration of the event, and refilling the Mill Pond on or before September 26, 2008.  A mailing was sent out last week to abutters in the Mill Pond area notifying them of the dewatering event. A public informational meeting on this matter was held on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, and is being replayed on Channel 22. Anyone interested volunteering to help conduct observations during the event is encouraged to contact DPW (603) 868-5578.

 

UPDATE OF PLAQUES AT MEMORIAL PARK

The Department of Public Works continues to update/correct names for the plaques at Memorial Park honoring residents of Durham who served our country.  Please let us know if you have names to add or corrections to make.  The current plaques are temporary vinyl.  We will be collecting names and providing the permanent plaques by next Memorial Day.  Please call 868-5578 with any additions. 

 

Household Hazardous Waste Day

On Saturday, September 13, 2008, the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day will once again be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only.  There are still appointment times available.  To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578.  Please remember that the maximum collected per resident is five gallons. 

 

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meeting is 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 Town Council – Monday, September 8, 2008

Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee – Tuesday, September 9, 2008 (7:30 AM)

Zoning Board of Adjustment – Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Planning Board – Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Conservation Commission – Thursday, September 11, 2008

Economic Development Committee – Friday, September 12, 2008 (7:30 AM)

 

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

 

THE FARMERS MARKET

A reminder that the Durham Farmers Market is currently underway for the summer and will continue through October. The market is held in the Pettee Brook parking lot every Monday from 2:30 to 5:30 PM.

 

DURHAM CHURCHES HOLD ANNUAL YARD SALE

On Saturday, September 6, 2008, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Durham churches of St. George Episcopal Church, Durham Community Church, and St. Thomas More Church will hold the annual 700-family yard sale. Come search for possible treasures in electronics, toys, furniture, house wares, books, and more. Enjoy baked goods and coffee or a delicious BBQ on the lawn. Bring a friend and shop, rain or shine.

 

ENERGY SAVING TIPS

ü      Consider installing a whole house fan instead of an air conditioner. Whole house fans typically use about one-third of the electricity of an efficient central air conditioner.

ü      Turning the dishwasher off after its final rinse and opening the door allows the dishes to dry without using extra electricity.

 

DURHAM DAY 2008

It’s getting close! Durham Day 2008 will be held on 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.

 

DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION DISPLAY TABLE AT DURHAM DAY

The Durham Historic Association will have a number of historic items from their museum on display at the Durham Day Picnic on September 14th.  The Association will have for sale the "Durham, Then and Now" jigsaw puzzle, the Durham afghan, and several books and pamphlets on Durham's history. Please drop by their table to learn more about Durham's past.

 

Seacoast Active Retirement Association

The Seacoast Active Retirement Association (ARA) will hold its General Meeting on Monday, September 8, 2008 at the Durham Evangelical Church located on Dover Road in Durham beginning at 1:30 PM. The speaker will be Dr. Andrew Smith, Director of the UNH Survey Center, who will provide insights on the current Presidential race. Membership is open to seacoast residents 50 years or older. For more information on the various programs offered or how to join the association, please visit the ARA website at: www.learn.unh.edu/ara.

 

UPCOMING EVENT AT THE MILL POND CENTER FOR THE ARTS

 

The Mill Pond Center for the Arts will host a NH Blues & Jazz Festival, rain or shine, on Saturday, September 6, 2008, beginning at 1:00 PM. Tickets are available by calling the Mill Pond at 603-868-8999, or by visiting the Durham Marketplace (Customer Service Desk), RiverRun Book Store in Portsmouth, NH, and The Big Bean Cafe at 118 Main Street in Newmarket, NH.  (Hours for the Big Bean are Mon-Fri 6 am - 2pm, Sat & Sun 7am - 2pm (603-659-8600).

 

RETURN OF UNH STUDENTS

This weekend will mark the first that all the UNH students are in Durham. The Durham Police will be adding overtime patrols assisted by Strafford County Sheriff personnel who will provide prisoner transportation from the site of an arrest to the Durham Police facility.  At the police facility, administrative staff assisted by Parking Enforcement Office Ed Cilley will be available to process any arrests that may occur and coordinate bail conditions with bail commissioners who will be standing by to expedite the process if needed.  The goal of the Police Chief is to keep Durham officers on patrol maintaining a high visibility and ensuring the officers rapid response to any calls for service. 

 

ALCOHOL SEMINAR

The Durham Police, in cooperation with the New Hampshire Liquor Commission Bureau of Enforcement, is conducting a seminar on September 11, 2008 at the Durham Police facility that will focus upon regulations, protocols and other issues regarding the alcohol laws of the State of New Hampshire.  Every establishment that sells alcohol in Durham has been invited to participate. Chief Kurz has numerous goals regarding underage consumption of alcohol in Durham including creating positive relationships with the business community ensuring that everyone is working cooperatively to ensure that businesses are properly confirming the age and identity of those persons attempting to purchase alcohol.  The problem of illegal alcohol possession, consumption, and intoxication is an acute problem in Durham and it is the goal of police department to confront this issue on multiple levels. 

 

WEEKLY POLICE ARREST REPORT

Week – 16                                         2 UNH (75%)             Other (25%)

*2008/09 Academic Year -16          12 UNH (75%)           4 Other (25%)

Calendar Year –531                         289 UNH (54%)         242 Other (46%)

 

*Commenced September 1, 2008 

 

Historical Data for the same week

Year	2006	2007	2008
Week	28	20	16
Academic Year	28	20	16
Calendar Year	529	591	531

 

 

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“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.”

 

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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