Friday Update June 06, 2008

Untitled Document

“FRIDAY
UPDATES”

June
6, 2008

Nothing brings the spring landscape
alive quite like a flowering crabapple tree. This beautiful photograph of the
Town Landing was taken by resident Frank Pilar in mid-May of this year.

This week, the Town concluded its
spring catch basin cleanup, with approximately 175 catch basins being cleaned
for the season.

THE
FARMERS MARKET

A reminder that the Durham Farmers
Market is underway for the summer and will continue through October 6, 2008.
The market will be in the Pettee Brook parking lot every Monday from 2:30 to
5:30 PM. There will be several farmers selling vegetables and fruit, and residents
will also find cut flowers, plants, bread, and more.

FIRE DEPARTMENT CAPTAIN
PROMOTIONAL PROCESS CONCLUDES

Three of our Captains at the Fire
Department are retiring from public service this year.  Last month,
firefighter David Emanuel was promoted
to the initial Captain vacancy created by the retirement of Richard Miller. 
Following the conclusion of the selection process for the remaining two upcoming
Captain vacancies created by the impending retirement of Hubert Matheny and
Michael Hoffman, Chief O'Leary recommended
firefighters Paul Marcoux and Jeffrey Furlong for promotion.  The promotional
process was open to all existing firefighters and included written and oral
boards, as well as interviews with the executive officers at the department. 
After meeting with Chief O'Leary and the two Division Chiefs (Operations and
Fire Prevention & Safety), the Administrator has approved the
promotion of firefighters Marcoux and Furlong.  At tomorrow evening's retirement
celebration for Captains Matheny, Miller, and Hoffman, there will also
be a brief promotional ceremony.  A congratulations is extended to
firefighters Emanuel, Marcoux, and Furlong.  In addition, thanks are extended
to Captains Miller, Matheny, and Hoffman for their outstanding service to Durham
and the University of New Hampshire over the course of many years.

TOWN COUNCIL BUDGET
WORKSHOP – JUNE 9TH

Councilors and department heads are
reminded that we have scheduled a special budget workshop on Monday, June 9,
2008, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Town Council chambers.  In preparation
for the meeting, please be sure to bring your 2008 Approved Operating Budget
book as it contains detailed information dealing with personnel comparisons,
debt to budget ratio comparisons, fiscal forecasts, revenue and expenditure
information, etc.  You should also plan to bring your approved 2008-2017
Capital Improvement Program book as this projects anticipated long-term
municipal capital projects and their respective funding implications for the
community.  In addition, Business Manager Gail Jablonski is in the process
of pulling together some financial workups that she will bring to the meeting
on Monday evening intended to break out in more detail personnel/benefit information
from other functional areas in the budget.  As part of the Town Council's
goals for 2008, there is a desire to provide clear direction on budget goals
and to review the budget process including the following:

• Hold a budget workshop in June
  
• Provide early and specific direction
  to town staff
  
• Examine the budget process to identify
  potential efficiencies
  
• Consider possible cuts in operating
  costs
  
• Work to align annual budget and
  long-term budget planning more closely with TC priorities
  
• Continue discussion on the role
  of the Council and the structure of the ORCSD
  

POOL
VOUCHERS NOW AVAILABLE

Pool pass vouchers are still available
for resident youths and senior citizens. Please stop by the Town Clerk’s
Office, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday to obtain a pool voucher.
Eligible residents can receive a $35.00 discount off the full price of a season
pass. Vouchers are issued on a first come, first served basis. Pool pass vouchers
must be picked up BEFORE purchasing a pool pass, which are currently
available at the Front Service Desk at the Hamel Student
Recreation Center, located next to the Whittemore Center on the UNH campus. The UNH outdoor
swimming pool will be opening on Saturday, June 21, 2008. For additional information
regarding hours of operation for the Hamel Recreation Center, rental rates,
group rates, policies and regulations, pool programs, Mendum’s Pond programs,
or the Hamel Recreation Center facility and programs, please call the UNH Campus
Recreation Department at 862-2031 or visit their website at http://campusrec.unh.edu.

JULY
FOURTH CELEBRATION

The Durham-Great Bay Rotary Club and
the Town of Durham will be sponsoring a gala Independence
Day celebration with fireworks on Friday, July 4th with a rain date of Saturday,
July 5th to be held at Cowell Stadium on the UNH campus. In addition to music,
activities are also planned for children. The food court will also be open and
serve great food throughout the fireworks display. Donations will be accepted
at the gate. Fireworks will begin at dusk (9:00-9:15 PM).

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.

MOST
CONSERVATIVE OR RESTRICTIVE” MANDATE IN ZONING ORDINANCE

The present language of Section 175-9,
A (13) contained within the Durham Zoning Ordinance states:  The Zoning
Administrator, his assistant or designee shall "Take the most conservative or
restrictive approach in applying or interpreting these regulations."  The
general thought expressed in this language is consistent with zoning theory
that the zoning administrator's job is merely to interpret and apply the terms
of the ordinance -- not to change them.  Therefore, it is not desirable
to give the zoning administrator any great amount of flexibility or discretion. 
However, as presently written, this instruction is mandated as an absolute,
reason or good sense set aside.  On Monday evening, June 2nd, the Town
Council discussed the "most conservative or restrictive" mandate and set a public
hearing as part of a Council-initiated zoning change to eliminate it for Monday,
June 16, 2008.  To view a letter from the Town attorney regarding the implications
of striking this language from the Zoning Ordinance, click HERE.

SEMIANNUAL
TAX BILLS

A reminder that the first half semiannual
2008 tax bills are due on Tuesday, July 1, 2008. Interest will begin accruing
on July 2nd.

VACANCIES
ON TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES

Currently, 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.

Historic District Commission - (1
vacancy)

Planning Board – (1 alternate
member vacancy)

Zoning Board of Adjustment - (2 alternate
member vacancies)

Durham Cable Access Television (DCAT)
Governance Committee - (3 vacancies)

Integrated Waste Management Advisory
Committee - (2 vacancies)

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

AUTOMOBILE
REGISTRATIONS

On Tuesday of this week, the Town
Clerk’s office began performing its on-line automobile registrations utilizing
the State of New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles motor vehicle database
which will allow the Clerk’s office to offer more services and limit the
necessity for residents to go to motor vehicle substations. Except for
the process taking a little longer than usual, the Clerk’s office reports
that the first week has gone relatively smooth, and that the continued patience
of residents during this transition time is very much appreciated. A reminder
that registration renewals may also be done on-line through E-Reg by
logging on to the Town web site at www.ci.durham.nh.us, or by mail. New
registrations must be done in person at the Town Clerk’s office. If registering
a new vehicle, residents are reminded to please bring their old registrations
or renewal notices with them when registering their cars.

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.

Town Council – Monday, June
9, 2008 (work session on FY 2008 Budget)

Integrated Waste Management Advisory
Committee – Tuesday, June 17, 2008 (7:30
AM)

Zoning Board of Adjustment –
Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Conservation Commission – Thursday,
June 11, 2008

Economic Development Committee –
Friday, June 13, 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
POLICE PARTICIPATE IN FIRST ANNUAL
STRAFFORD COUNTY SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

Last Saturday, the Durham and UNH Police Departments, in partnership with the
Strafford County
Child Advocacy Center and SASS (Sexual Assault Support
Services), hosted the first annual Strafford County Softball Tournament. Six
teams comprised of various law enforcement agencies throughout the Seacoast
region competed from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM to raise money for the Child Advocacy Center in this area.   The event
consisted of an all day cookout, a DJ, and a variety of raffles with items from
University of
New Hampshire sports teams.
The Child Advocacy Centers are
community partnerships dedicated to a coordinated team approach by professionals
pursuing child abuse investigations.  The goal is to bring together professionals
from law enforcement, the County Attorney’s Office, the Division for
Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), victim advocacy agencies, and the medical
and mental health communities to provide a safe child-friendly location for
interviewing alleged victims of child abuse and coordinating the investigative
team. In spite of the rainy weather, the entire event was an incredible
success raising over $1,000 for the Child Advocacy Center.  Congratulations to Durham’s
Sergeant Dave Holmstock for accomplishing all those tasks that made this event
such a success.

BICYLCE
SAFETY

Now that spring is here, travelers
are reminded that bicyclists are out in force, sharing the road with cars, trucks,
and motorcycles.  Bicycles are legally considered vehicles and belong upon
roadways (or designated bicycle paths), but not on sidewalks.  When the
roadway warrants it, bicycles are permitted to “take a lane” and
to ride along with traffic in the middle of the traveling lane.  While
it may be legal, most bicyclists would prefer to ride on a wide, smooth shoulder
instead of in front of a multi-ton vehicle. The Durham police would like to remind motorists
that the shoulder portion of the roadway is not always available or may be covered
with road grit or remnants of the winter sanding efforts, all of which pose
significant problems for a bike’s narrow tires.  At other times,
a bicyclist may need to pull into the lane of traffic to make a left turn. As
the driver of a multi-ton vehicle that may be following a bike that’s
in your lane, please bear in mind that it is rare for a car to ever need to
wait more than 60 seconds to pass a bike. Those 60 seconds add tremendously
to the safety of the cyclist.  Please pay particular attention and anticipate unexpected maneuvers,
especially from young bicyclists, giving them ample berth and respecting their
rights.  Following these few suggestions keeps Durham bicycle-friendly and
safe for all to enjoy. Bicyclists should remember to:

·        

Wear bike helmets at all times but make sure it fits appropriately
in order to hear approaching vehicles.

·        

Never listen to music while wearing
headphones when riding a bike.

·        

Keep your bike in good shape.

·        

Always let cars and people go first.

·        

Slow down and check traffic at all
corners.

·        

Keep both hands on the handle bars
except when doing turn signals.

·        

Walk across busy streets.

• Stay off busy
  streets such as US Route 4 where large trucks create wind conditions that
  can cause challenges.

NEW
BUSINESS DOWNTOWN – TASTES OF NEW ENGLAND

A new gourmet and specialty food shop
recently opened in downtown Durham. Tastes of New England
features a variety of gourmet and specialty foods from small producers throughout
the northeast. Tastings are held daily and offer everything from pates, salsas,
pestos, BBQ sauces and marinades to truffle oils, fruit balsamics, jams, chocolates,
and more. A variety of gluten-free and vegan products are also available at
the store. In addition, the shop offers some unique lines of local pottery and
hand painted stemware, a locally made line of cheese and bread boards, candles,
cookbooks, home accessories and country style furniture made in Brentwood,
NH. Owner Mary Reed says that new
products are continually arriving and she hopes to also offer a small selection
of wine, cheeses, cured meats, and fresh baked artisanal breads sometime before
the holiday season. Gift baskets are available and the store will ship orders
anywhere in the continental US. The shop will also offer a bridal/gift registry.
Store hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, 11:00
AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Inquiries are welcomed
for fundraising events and special private tasting events after normal business
hours. For further information about Tastes of New England call 603-868-1202.

OYSTER
RIVER PARENTS & PRESCHOOLERS – FUNDRAISER CONCERT

On Monday, June 9, 2008 from 4:15-5:15
PM, the Oyster River Parents & Preschoolers (ORPP) will sponsor a concert
to raise funds for the victims of the recent Chinese earthquakes. ORPP members
Nicholas and Maria Isaak have had a Chinese graduate student, Joyce (Xu Yi),
living with them this past year. Joyce plays the Guzheng (an ancient Chinese
zither) and will share her talent for playing this instrument. The concert is
free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. For more information,
please contact Maria Isaak at 603-674-7147 or email misaak@comcast.net.

UNH
BEGINS MUB SUMMER SERIES

The University of New Hampshire will begin its MUB Summer
Series events each Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the summer. On Tuesday,
July 8, 2008, beginning at 7:00 PM the movie “National Treasurer: Book
of Secrets” will be showing in Theaters I and II at the MUB.  On
Wednesday, July 9, 2008, beginning at 3:00 PM, musician Jason Levasseur will
be performing in Theater II. Movies are co-sponsored by the MUB, Durham Business
Association, and Durham:
It’s Where U Live. Everything is free and open to the public. 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

UPCOMING
EVENTS AT THE MILL
POND CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Thursday, June 19, 2008, 5:30 PM, Bliss in concert. Tickets:
$10/Adults, $25/Family rate, $5/12 and under, FREE/5 and under. Bring a picnic,
chairs, and blankets. Dinner available for purchase A La Carte menu from Hickory
Pond Inn.

Friday, June 20, 2008, 8:00 PM (doors open at 7:00 PM), The
Robin Nolan Trio and Ameranouche. Tickets: $20.00. Bring a picnic, chairs, and
blankets. Dinner available for purchase by the Blue Mermain Island Grill.

For more information or to purchase
tickets, call (603) 868-8999 or visit www.millpondcenter.org.

FROM
HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1785 – When there were
8 school districts there was no busing problem. By 1805 there were 10 districts
and for the next 80 years the duty of providing teachers was imposed on a prudential
committee in each district. Durham Point and Packers Falls school buildings still stand.”

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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