“FRIDAY
UPDATES”

November
7, 2008

Third Annual Greek Pancake Breakfast
held on Saturday, October 25, 2008. Pictured are members belonging to UNH Greek
Life, along with members of the Durham Fire Department. All proceeds from this
event were donated to the Durham Public Library.

Courtesy Bess
Refner, UNH Greek Panhel Philanthropy and Customer
Service

With the General Election behind us,
we can now look forward to the upcoming holiday season. I, for one, welcome the
reprieve from election-related advertisements.

FONT
SIZE

We have received some feedback from
residents who would like the "Friday Updates" to be produced in larger font size
for ease of reading.  One suggestion is for readers to view the document
via the link from our Town web site home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us.  Then, using
your computer's web browser, push Ctrl + (the Control or "Ctrl" key
followed by the plus "+" sign) to make the font larger, Ctrl 0 to reset the size
of the image to normal mode, or Ctrl - to make the image smaller. 

Town
Offices/PUBLIC LIBRARY Closed for Veterans Day

All Town Offices will be closed on
Tuesday, November 11, 2008, in observance of Veterans Day. Offices will reopen
for regular business hours on Wednesday morning, November 12, 2008. All commercial recycling and refuse routes will
continue as regularly scheduled. The Durham Public Library will also
be closed on Veterans Day.

General
Election Debriefing

The Town of Durham’s election officials and numerous volunteers did an
absolutely fantastic job officiating a successful General Election 2008 in
Durham. 
Public Works staff worked diligently to set up the polling area, coordinate
building logistics with the School District,
organize traffic patterns, etc.  Durham Police monitored traffic. 
Durham Fire kept an eye on egress safety throughout the day.  School District personnel helped with tables, doors,
etc.  And many Town Councilors assisted in opening and closing the polls,
as well as with various tasks over the day.  Thank you to everyone who was
involved.  Statistics of interest and election results follow. 

Total General Election votes cast in
Durham on
November 4, 2008: 7,318

Number of Same Day Registrations:
1,829

Number of Names on Voter Checklist:
10,372

Percentage of Votes Cast Relative to
Voter Checklist:  71%

Durham's
Bond Rating Remains Unchanged at Aa3

Moody's Investors Service has
assigned a rating of Aa3 to the Town of Durham's $3.1 million General Obligation Bonds
set to go to market on November 12th. The Aa3 rating reflects the Town's stable
economy, anchored by the University of New
Hampshire, a moderate debt position, and
satisfactory financial operations including a comprehensive long-range
fiscal forecast. 

Moody’s anticipates growth in
Durham’s $857
million tax base to slow over the near term given the ongoing weakness of the
regional real estate market and the tenuous economic outlook. Despite the
anticipated slowdown, the Town’s local economy should remain relatively healthy
given the presence of the University of New
Hampshire (revenue bonds rated A1), with its
approximately 14,071 students and 4,268 employees. Long-term growth prospects
are favorable given the Town’s ready access to Rt. 16 and I-95, and local Amtrak
train service to Boston (G.O. rated Aa1/stable).

Moody's expects the Town's moderate
1.3% direct debt burden to remain manageable given a healthy amortization rate
(73.3% retired within 10 years), limited additional debt plans and future tax
base expansion. 

Durham has one of the top 5 bond ratings
among municipalities in New
Hampshire.  Only the Town of Bedford, NH has a
higher rating at Aa2.  This is an excellent bond rating for a community of
our size.  Other key measures stated by Moody's as part of its
analysis included:

2007 population: 13,313

2007 Equalized valuation: $857
million

2007 Equalized value per capita:
$64,405

Direct debt burden: 1.3%

Overall debt burden (including
School & County): 3.6%

Payout of principal (10 years):
73.3%

FY07 Total General Fund balance
(Draft): $1.4 million (14.1% of General Fund revenues)

FY07 Available Reserve (Draft): $2.4
million (24.0% of General Fund revenues)

1999 Median family income: $83,609
(145.2% of NH; 167.1% of U.S.)

1999 Per capita income: $17,210
(72.2% of NH; 79.7% of U.S.)

Post-sale parity debt outstanding:
$11.0 million

Fiscal
Year 2009 Proposed Budget - Information On-Line

The Town
Administrator's proposed FY 2009 Budget(s) and Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) are available for residents to review in hard copy at the Town Office
or the Durham Public Library.

This year's budget is
reflective of the prevailing recessionary economic climate and works to mitigate
the financial hardships experienced by our residents. It proposes a drop in
operational spending by approximately $100,000, makes strategic infrastructure
investments to promote the broadening of the tax base in years to come, reduces
personnel, foregoes wage increases for non-unionized salaried employees such as
the Town Administrator and our department heads, and holds the projected 2008
local/municipal (non-school/non-county) tax rate of $7.03 flat for 2009.
The budget also focuses on municipal fiscal stability during uncertain
contracting economic times, particularly within financial markets that impact
municipalities when borrowing or obtaining TANS/BANS.   

The Town Council will hold a budget
work session on Monday evening, November 10th, beginning at 7 p.m. which will be
broadcast live on DCAT/Channel 22.  In addition, a public hearing on the
budget is scheduled for Monday, November 17th, beginning at 7 p.m.  To view
Administrator Selig's proposed FY 2009 budget on line, click HERE.

HALOWEEN
POLICING ACTIVITY

Halloween on a Friday night was
especially busy for the Durham Police with loud noise complaints, fights, and
other disorderly acts dominating the calls for service.  At a
“fight-in-progress” call at a fraternity house, three Durham officers left their
locked, yet unattended police cruisers on the street.  After quelling the
fight and arresting a young man who was not a UNH student for assaulting
Sergeant Daly, the officers discovered that a tire on one of the cruisers had
been slashed and was now flat.  Unfortunately there were no witnesses to
the slashing incident. 

Bicycle
Safety – A MOTOR VEHICLE LAW CHANGE

While it is the vehicle operator’s
responsibility to give cyclists the right-of-way, starting January 1, 2009, it
will be the law. HB 1203, the so-called three-foot rule, goes into effect,
mandating that drivers give bicyclists three feet of space when passing them
under 30 mph, and one extra foot for every 10 mph over the speed of 30
mph.  Consequently, if a car is traveling at 50 miles per hour, should the
vehicle operator move into the opposite lane of oncoming traffic to give the
cyclist at least five-feet of clearance?   While that is the letter of
the law, hopefully most drivers will understand that a better and safer option
is to temporarily reduce speed and then pass the bicyclist with the required
distance that may not require as much traversing into the opposite lane. With
the passage of this law, NH joins 23 other states--including Maine--with similar laws.

Winter
Parking Ban in Effect

The Town of Durham's winter parking ban
began November 1st and will continue until April 1st. Under the ban, no
parking is permitted on any public way or public parking lot between 1 a.m. and
6 a.m.  Penalties for a violation include $20 parking tickets and the
possibility of being towed to allow for snow removal.  For questions about
the winter parking ban call the Durham Police Department at 868-2324.

Mill
Pond Road
Water Main Replacement Project Update

The water main replacement project
on Mill Pond
Road is expected to be completed by the end of next
week.  The new pipe is in place and successfully pressure tested.  The
contractor will be connecting the individual water services next week. 
During the time each water service is switched over from the old pipe to the new
pipe, the individual resident should expect an interruption in their water
service.  Residents will be notified in writing about the interruption of
water service at least 24 hours prior to shut down. The apartment houses on
Mill Pond
Road and the Ocean Bank should expect a temporary
loss of water service for approximately 2 to 3 hours on Monday morning November
10, 2008.  Residents in the vicinity of Chesley Drive should expect a temporary
loss of water service sometime on Tuesday, November 11, 2008.

Woodman
Road Water Main Replacement Project Update

The water main replacement at the
end of Woodman
Road began this week and the contractor is
progressing nicely. We anticipate having the pipe in the ground and
pressure tested within two weeks.  Residents located within the project
limit should expect an interruption of water service during the day on either
Thursday (November 13, 2008) or Friday (November 14, 2008) while the connection
to the existing main is completed.  A component of the Woodman Road water
main replacement project includes installing a valve cluster at the corner of
Woodman and Denison
Road on Wednesday night, November 12, 2008. 
This will require an interruption of water service for approximately 5 to 7
hours on Wednesday from 9:00 PM to approximately 4:00 AM.   Residents
will be notified in writing about the interruption of water service at least 24
hours prior to shut down.

Fall
Cleanup begins November 10

Curbside collection of leaves and
brush will begin on Monday, November 10, 2008. Everything must be curbside no
later than 7:00
AM.  Leaves
should be placed in paper leaf bags (remember, plastic bags are not
recyclable).  Paper bags may be purchased at the Durham Marketplace or Town
and Campus.  Loose leaves will not be accepted but may be brought to the
Transfer
Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point
Road.  Brush should be placed in one direction,
bundled and tied with string (no wire please).  Brush and limbs must be no
greater than 5 feet in length and 5 inches in diameter.  No stumps will be
accepted.  The amount of brush and limbs is limited to one truckload per
household.

FIRE
DEPARTMENT TRAINING UPDATE

Durham Fire Captain David Emanuel
recently attended the “Command and Control Decision Making at Multiple Alarm
Incidents” program at the National
Fire Academy in Emmitsburg Maryland. The 6-day course was simulation-intensive and focused on
the command officer's responsibility while conducting major operations involving
multi-alarm units. Emphasis was placed on rapid fire ground decision-making,
advanced Incident Command, command and control, safety, personnel
accountability, and communications. Simulations were employed to develop
experience for recognizing critical cues specific to various types of complex
emergency incidents. Simulations included; multifamily occupancies, hotels,
commercial occupancies, large shopping malls, railroads, wild land, and
high-rise buildings. Captain Emanuel’s program tuition fee, lodging, and travel
expenses were funded by the National Fire Administration.

VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED FOR JACKSON’S LANDING TRAIL PROJECT

On Saturday, November 15, 2008 (rain
date: 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. 

DURHAM ENERGY COMMITTEE
PARTICIPATORY HEARING

On Wednesday, November 19, 2008 from
7:30-9:00 PM, the Durham Energy Committee will hold a participatory hearing,
“Creating an Energy Vision for the Durham Master Plan”, facilitated by residents
Walter Rous and Bill Schoonmaker. The hearing will be held in the Council
chambers at the Durham Town
Hall. Members of the public are encouraged to attend
this hearing to share their ideas and visions.

Durham
Public Library Newsletter Separates from Town Email
List

The Durham Public Library Newsletter
lists library news and upcoming events. For the past few years, the newsletter
has been forwarded to the library’s own list of subscribers, as well as to
subscribers to the Town of Durham’s list. Our goal in doing so was to
reach as many people in the community as possible, but unfortunately this has
meant that many of our subscribers receive the newsletter twice. It has also led
to some logistical problems. Effective November 4^th we removed the
library newsletter from the Town’s listserver, thereby restricting library
mailings to only library patrons who subscribe directly. But the library does
not want to lose you! The library newsletter is a good way to stay informed
about library events and we want everyone interested to receive it. If you have
been receiving the newsletter strictly from the Town’s list, or you are unsure
which list you are on, please email us at durhampl@gmail.com and we will add you to
the library list.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY AND
LEE PUBLIC LIBRARY HOST THE BJ HICKMAN MAGIC
SHOW

On Saturday, November 8, 2008
beginning at 10:30 AM, the Durham Public Library, along with the Lee Public
Library, will host The BJ Hickman
Magic Show at the Oyster River High School Multipurpose Room. Magician BJ
Hickman will entertain family audiences with comedy magic, dazzling deceptions,
and mind-reading miracles. This event is free to the public. For
more information about Durham Public Library events, please follow this link to
the calendar: DPL Calendar
.

Annual
Light Up Durham
Celebration

The annual “Light Up Durham”
celebration, sponsored by the Durham Business Association, the Town of Durham,
Durham is 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

           
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 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, November 10,
2008 (Work session on proposed FY 2009 Budget)

Planning Board – Wednesday, November
12, 2008

Conservation Commission – Thursday,
November 13, 2008

Economic Development Committee –
Friday, November 14, 2008

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. 

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 SCHOOL BOARD HOLDS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
EVENING

On Tuesday, November 18, 2008, from
7:00-8:30 PM, the Oyster River School Board invites all interested citizens to
join them in a discussion:  “Is Your Child Engaged in Learning?” to be held
at the Oyster River High School Library. Light refreshments and daycare will be
provided. If you have questions, or are unable to attend but want to provide
input, please email orcsd@orcsd.org.

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.

MILL
POND CENTER
FOR THE ARTS OPEN HOUSE

The Mill Pond Center for the Arts
invites its friends and supporters to an OPEN HOUSE this evening, Friday,
November 7, 2008, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. Music by Nat Balch and friends.
Admission free.  Please bring a hors d’oeuvre to share and your favorite
beverage.

Weekly
Police Arrest Report

Week –
27                                        
14 UNH
(52%)                      
13 Other (48%)

*2008/09 Academic Year
-365       235 UNH
(64%)         120 Other
(36%)

Calendar Year
–880                        
512 UNH (58%)         368 Other
(42%)

*Commenced September 1, 2008 

Historical Data
for the same week

FROM
HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1839 – Durham clay has a
reputation for its tenacity. There were 40 brickyards on the banks of the Oyster
and Cocheco
Rivers. Gundalows and
barges transported the fine bricks to Boston,
where it is believed they were used for buildings on Beacon
Hill.”

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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