“FRIDAY UPDATES”

November 21, 2008

 

           

 

On November 14, 2008, the Durham Fire Department reenacted a mass casualty incident for eighth grade students at Oyster River Middle School as part of the school’s daylong “Street Smarts” program. It included a demonstration of the Jaws of Life, with a focus on how complicated and time consuming it is to remove a passenger from a wrecked car before they can receive medical care. OR 8^th graders braved a steady rainfall to watch the demonstration.  The vehicle was donated by DFD member, Scott Campbell.

 

 

Town Offices Closed for Thanksgiving

All Town Offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28, 2008.  All offices will reopen for business on Monday, December 1^st at 8:00 AM. Residents whose regularly scheduled pickup day is Thursday should put their items out on Friday morning by 7:00 AM instead.  There will be no commercial pickup of recyclables that Friday. 

 

Update on Revaluation - Multi-Unit Analysis Completed

As previously reported, the Town Administrator referred the question of the accuracy of the revaluation data for multi-unit parcels to appraiser Stephen Traub for review in advance of the Assessing Office's finalizing data for setting the 2008 tax rate. Mr. Traub specializes in commercial/multi-unit type appraisal work.  To view Mr. Traub's analysis, click HERE. A summary follows:

 

Mr. Traub indicates that the new assessments of student housing overall are at approximately 100% of market value, right on target, and overall the quality is considered good.  He indicates that although overall the values for multi-units appear appropriate and are within allowable tolerances, there still might be some individual properties that may need adjustment. If these do exist, he believes these can be handled through the normal abatement process individually.

 

Mr. Traub notes that additional documentation must take place in order to conform to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP) standards with respect to mass appraisal. He recommends that Assessor Dix in the near future compile the necessary documentation as indicated by USPAP Standard 6.  With values now finalized, the Assessor Robb Dix will prepare this required paperwork. 

 

In terms of Commercial properties, Mr. Traub looked at many of the commercial parcels and at the Mill Plaza but did not do a formal review of this sector. He recalls there were local sales of a hotel and gas station and a few others and the assessments on those compared favorably to the sales.  Mr. Traub is obligated to follow relatively strict USPAP regulations regarding any sort of appraisal or appraisal review. To complete a USPAP compliant review appraisal on every property segment would take increasing man hours therefore would become more and more expensive for the Town with perhaps decreasing returns. At the Administrator's direction, he focused instead on student housing as he understood it was of most urgency and concern as well as covering the largest segment of Durham's non-single family properties.

 

In touring the Town with Robb Dix, Robb had mentioned to Mr. Traub the new assessment of the Mill Plaza based on a price per square foot. Mr. Traub indicated to me that the comparable sales he has seen in the state on a square foot basis are of comparable value to the new Mill Plaza assessment. That was the extent of his analysis, however. Based on what he has seen to date as far as values go, Mr. Traub indicated to me that nothing brought up any red lights.

 

With this outstanding analysis in hand, the Assessing Office proceeded to finalize values, met with the Business Manager and Town Administrator to review final numbers, and proceeded with the submittal of the MS-1 form which allows the community to move ahead with setting a 2008 tax rate.

 

2008 Tax Rate Setting

We have tentatively set a date to set the tax rate for Monday, November 24th at 10:00 am in Concord. 

 

THOMPSON LANE DRAINAGE PROJECT

Public Works opened bids for the Thompson Lane drainage project last Friday and have chosen North Hampton Excavating.  The bids were for the installation of approximately 220 feet of 24-inch diameter drain pipe, 3 drain structures, and associated appurtenances located near Thompson Lane to improve the drainage in the vicinity.

 

FALL CLEANUP COMPLETED

Earlier this week the Department of Public Works completed this season’s Fall Cleanup--collection of leaves and brush.  Residents who may have missed the cleanup can bring their leaves and brush to the Transfer Station and Recycling Center on Tuesdays and Saturdays between the hours of 7:30 AM and 3:15 PM with your entrance sticker. 

 

Bicycle Safety Reminder

As avid bicyclists, there is no need to let daylight savings time curtail your biking – but don’t get caught after dark without lights. As a bicyclist on the side of the roadway, you’re much harder to see than you realize.  And you want to be seen before a vehicle’s headlight catches the reflectors!  For riding after dusk, a white front light and rear red light provide maximum visibility and New Hampshire law requires that a “bicyclist shall wear at least one item of reflective outerwear apparel, such as a reflective vest, jacket, or helmet strip, during the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise”.   With advances in technology, bicycle lights are now lightweight, durable, long-lasting (thanks to LED bulbs), and inexpensive. Keep them on your bike year-round and you’ll never be caught after dark again!

 

DURHAM ENERGY COMMITTEE PARTICIPATORY MEETING

On Wednesday evening of this week, the Durham Energy Committee invited the residents of Durham to discuss the topic of "Creating an Energy Vision for the Master Plan". Participants were asked to brainstorm ideas about how they envision Durham's energy future. There was great participation and many important topics were raised. The Durham Energy committee would like to thank Bill Schoonmaker and Walter Rous for facilitating the meeting and the Durham residents who participated in this important event for the energy future of Durham.

 

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR JACKSON’S LANDING TRAIL PROJECT

Tomorrow morning, Saturday, November 22^nd, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, members of the Durham Parks and Recreation Committee will be clearing, cleaning, and constructing a 1/4 –mile (1300 ft) walking trail at Jackson’s Landing. The Committee is seeking approximately 13-15 volunteers to assist with this project. Project tasks include minor grading, creating water bars, installing signage, landscaping/planting, and painting. Coffee will be provided. Please call Amy Cunningham at 868-1410 to sign up. Any time you have to give would be appreciated.

 

Turkey Trot – Hosted by Durham Parks and Recreation & ORPP

Durham Parks and Recreation Committee and Oyster River Parents and Preschoolers invite you to join them for a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Morning - Thursday November 27th from 9:30-11:30 AM. Enjoy a nice downhill hike to the water at Wagon Hill Farm before your Thanksgiving festivities. Children can look for colorful turkey feathers along the way and all ages are welcome to enjoy hot chocolate and donuts beside the water. What a nice way to connect with our community and give the cook some much needed time alone in the kitchen!

 

UNH Community Skating Party

The Annual UNH and Durham Holiday Skating Party "Holidazzle" will be held Thursday, December 4th at the Whittemore Center Area between 3:30 and 7:30 PM.   Durham residents are encouraged to enjoy a night of skating, activities, games, and food along with a silent auction in the sky box lounge.

 

Annual Light Up Durham Celebration

The annual “Light Up Durham” celebration, sponsored by the Durham Business Association, the Town of Durham, Durham It’s Where U Live (DIWUL), the New England Center, Colonial Durham Associates, Ocean National Bank, Wings Your Way and Federal Savings Bank, will take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, December 4, 5, and 6, 2008. Throughout the weekend the public is invited to enjoy the Downtown Merchant/UNH sorority and fraternity holiday light competition. The schedule of events is as follows:

 

Thursday Events

            10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Evergreen Crafts Fair at the UNH Memorial Union Building

 

Friday Events

            10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Evergreen Crafts Fair at the UNH Memorial Union Building

            4:00 – 6:00 PM, Business Holiday Open House – Durham businesses

            4:30 – 6:00 PM, Wine and cheese party at the Three Chimneys Inn

            4:30 – 6:00 PM, Spaghetti dinner at Young’s Restaurant ($7/person; $5 under 12)

            4:30 – 5:30 PM, Huddleston Hall Events:  Visit with Mrs. Claus, Holiday Storytime, and Wayne from Maine

5:45 PM, Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Main Street stage (in case of inclement weather, Santa and the Main Street Stage events will take place at Huddleston Hall)

            6:00 – 6:30 PM, Main Street entertainment at the Main Street stage

            6:45-7:00 PM, Bonfire and dessert at the Mill Plaza

 

Saturday Events

            8:00 – 10:30 AM, Pancake Breakfast at Durham House of Pizza and JP’s Eatery ($5/person, children under 3 FREE)

            10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fair Day in Durham at area churches

            1:30 PM – Shawn the Storyteller in MUB Theatre 2

2:00 PM – Holiday Movie, “The Polar Express”, in MUB Theatre 2

 

Ornament Sales

This year’s limited edition ornament with 2008 artwork will be available for $10.00 at Ocean Bank(s), Durham Marketplace, Town Hall, The Outback, Emery Farms, Town & Campus, and Federal Savings Bank.

 

PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE

The following public meeting is scheduled 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, November 24, 2008

 

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. 

To view the Oyster River School Board meeting schedule, click HERE. 

To view the Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, click HERE

 

OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS “THE DIVINERS”

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (November 20, 21, and 22, 2008) at 7:30 PM the Oyster River High School will present "The Diviners", where in a small farm community during the depression, water and faith are in short supply.  A charismatic but backsliding preacher drifts into town and meets a gentle but misunderstood boy with the gift of divining or water witching.  The two outcasts find a common bond and help each other divine for truth, faith, and hope. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.

 

MAST WAY SCHOOL – HOLIDAY SHOPPING BAZAAR

On Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Mast Way School (located on Mast Road in Lee) will hold its first annual Holiday Shopping Bazaar. This event will feature over 30 vendors, a PTO bake sale, face painting, and tattoos for the kids, along with door prize drawings.

 

Durham Public Library – “Food for Fines” Drive

It is the season for giving and for forgiving, and the Durham Public Library proposes doing both through the month of November by accepting food donations for the Cornucopia Food Pantry in lieu of late fees. The library recently began charging late fees for overdue materials, which has been something of an adjustment for all involved, so a decision was made to clear any and all late fees for patrons who bring in food for the pantry.  Cornucopia serves UNH students, staff, faculty, and their families. They, like many food pantries this year, are in great need of donations, including: boxed foods, canned goods, and in particular, holiday foods such as stuffing, canned vegetables, and cranberry sauce.  But practically anything will do.  If you would like to eliminate your late fees, or if you simply feel like giving, please bring your donations to the library.  Bring whatever amount you feel comfortable with.  In doing so, you will be doing something good for your community.  This offer ends November 29, 2008, and does not apply to the replacement cost of lost books or other materials. Please check out the library calendar at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org for library events during International Education Week, November 18-22, 2008.

 

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY Holiday Closing Schedule

Wednesday, November 26  -           5:00 PM Early Closing

Thursday, November 27       -           Closed for Thanksgiving

Friday, November 28            -           Closed for Thanksgiving

Reopen on Saturday, November 29 with regular hours, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

 

CHRISTMAS FAIR DAY

Saturday, December 6, 2008 is Christmas Fair Day in Durham.  The Fair runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Durham's four downtown churches participate simultaneously in an ecumenical tradition which dates from 1958.  Fairgoers can visit St. Thomas More, St. George's, Community Church of Durham, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.  Each venue features unique items.

 

Weekly Police Arrest Report

Week – 13                                         8 UNH (62%)             5 Other (38%)

*2008/09 Academic Year – 402     253 UNH (63%)         149 Other (37%)

Calendar Year – 917                        530UNH (58%)          387 Other (42%)

*Commenced September 1, 2008 

 

Historical Data for the same week

Year	2005	2006	2007	2008
Week	23	16	25	13
Academic Year	612	442	381	402
Calendar Year	1171	935	952	917

 

FROM HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1841 – The Boston & Maine Railroad extended its line from Exeter to Dover, the tracks passing over the campus and down what is now Edgewood Road. The station was on Main Street, east of Morrill Hall. Moved downtown, the station is now the Pizza Den and the freight shed Gray’s Garage.”

 

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

 

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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