Friday Update October 09, 2009


“FRIDAY
UPDATES”


October
9, 2009


 



Euonymus
alatus commonly known as the “Burning
Bush”, located along Newmarket
Road in front of the Three Chimneys
Inn.


Identification
by Linn Bogle. Photographed by Frank L. Pilar


 


The 33rd annual Leif
Ericson Parade will be held early on Sunday morning, October 11, 2009 on
Main
Street in Durham. Everyone who is an admirer of Leif
Ericson is eligible to assemble at 6:00 AM at the Laundromat that Sunday
morning. The 25-foot parade to the restaurant next door begins at 6:30 AM to the
sounds of the leather horn that once led Vikings into adventure.  To view
the YouTube video of last year’s Leif Ericson Parade, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7iNyrKQN4E.


 


TOWN
OFFICES CLOSED - COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY


A final reminder that all Town
offices will be closed for the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, October 12, 2009,
and will reopen for business on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 8:00 AM. Please
note that there will be NO CHANGE
to the refuse and recycling collection. All items must be out by 7:00 AM.


 


DUrham
Trick-or-Treating


Trick-or-Treating in Durham will be held on
Friday, October 30th, between the hours of 5:00 and 7:30 PM.


 


  


 


DEDICATION
OF THE LORUS AND MARGERY MILNE STONE


Tomorrow morning, Saturday, October
10th at 11:00 AM, there will be a dedication of the Milne Remembrance
Stone. From her bequest, the Town of Durham
received land on Mill Pond
Road, adjacent to Mill Pond
Park and Margery asked that
a large granite stone be placed there in memory of her husband, Lorus, and
herself. The stone contains the inscription she wrote. Also, the stone is to be
encircled with a wildflower garden which members of the Durham Garden Club have
designed and are currently planting. The Durham Garden Club is also donating an
inscribed granite bench to be placed near the stone as a place people can rest
and enjoy the peace and beauty of the natural area that the Milnes loved and
cared for over the years and have left as a wildlife refuge and a quiet place
for residents to enjoy.


 


All are welcome to the Dedication
Ceremony. Afterwards, there will be a gathering at the Three Chimneys
Inn.


 


Durham/UNH
Announce Preliminary Agreement for a New Municipal Services Memorandum of
Understanding


The Town of Durham and UNH have
announced this week a tentative agreement for the first “omnibus” municipal
services agreement to cover such costs as maintaining the road systems, traffic
control and supplemental police services provided to the university.  The
amount of the tentative 10-year agreement is $200,000 to be paid annually by the
university to Durham.


 


The University System of New
Hampshire (USNH) Financial Affairs Committee approved on Monday of this week the
new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a recommendation for final action at
the USNH Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 15.  Administrator
Todd Selig discussed the agreement at
the Town Council meeting on Oct. 5 and requested formal action by the Council on
Oct. 19.  Once the agreement has final approval from both governing bodies,
the agreement immediately goes into effect and is retroactive to July 1,
2009.


The omnibus agreement is in addition
to agreements already in place between UNH and the town for water, wastewater,
fire, use of the UNH outdoor pool by Durham residents, use of Jackson’s Landing
by UNH, payment for children living on UNH property who attend schools in the
Oyster River Cooperative School District, and other property uses. 


 


The USNH bylaws specifically address
payments to the municipalities in which its respective institutions are
located.  Because the USNH is a state institution, it is exempt from paying
property taxes.  However, the USNH bylaws state that, at its discretion, it
may make payments to a local government for reimbursement of municipal services.
To view the draft Agreement, click HERE.


 


Town
of Durham Web
Site Demo Site Update


In concern with our goal of
streamlining our municipal operations, the MIS Department has been working this
summer on updating the Town web site to make it more user-friendly, intuitive,
and versatile for citizen users who are not perhaps familiar with the structure
of local government making it challenging for them to find the information they
need.  The Town engaged the services of local web designer Dawn Boyer who,
in collaboration with MIS Coordinator Luke
Vincent and two ORHS interns during the summer months, have now
created the skeletal structure and functionality of this new site.  What is
missing is the content.  Over the next six weeks, the MIS Department will
be working with an intern from UNH who will assist in filling in the content
portion of the site. 


 


Evaluating
Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet in Downtown Durham


Over the last few months, there has
been some discussion regarding the Town working to coordinate the implementation
of Wi-Fi (wireless internet access) in our Downtown area such that individuals
could utilize downtown Durham to more effectively work on their laptop
computer or PDA (handheld) devices.  Such an effort could potentially serve
to help support the viability and success of our downtown businesses.  At
this time, our MIS Department is evaluating the possibility of such an
option. 


 


The
Natural Step


This week two Durham residents were
invited to make a presentation to the Town’s department heads regarding The
Natural Step program for communities.  The Natural Step program was adopted
by the City of Portsmouth in 2007 making it one
of (if not the) first Eco-Municipality in New Hampshire. The Natural Step Program
focuses upon four key guidelines:


 


1.   Reduce dependence on
fossil fuels, and extracted underground metals and
minerals.


2.   Reduce dependence on
chemicals and other manufactured substances that can accumulate in
nature.


3.   Reduce dependence on
activities that harm life-sustaining ecosystems.


4.   Meet the hierarchy of
present and future human needs fairly and efficiently. 


 


For more information about The
Natural Step program, go to http://www.naturalstep.org/. 


 


Budget
Update - Wages for Non-Unionized Durham
Personnel


Generally speaking, economists and
business leaders indicate that there are few signs that any kind of economic
recovery is in sight from one of the worst recessions in U.S.
history.  And when New
Hampshire’s recovery does finally start, it is projected
to be a slow process.  New
Hampshire’s unemployment rate is 6.8%, 3 points higher
than in July 2008 according to the N.H. Economic Labor Market Information
Bureau.  Maine’s unemployment rate is
8.4%, New England’s second highest behind Massachusetts at 8.8%.  New Hampshire has around
755,100 workers in the civilian workforce, and nearly 50,000 of them were
unemployed as of this past July.  A reported 15,600 jobs have been lost in
the past year.  Economist Russ Thibeault, who the Town of Durham has utilized for various projects over the years,
reported in Foster’s on October 4th, “We are still seeing sizeable job losses in
New
Hampshire,” calling the state “still somewhat in the eye
of the storm.”  Ross Gittel, a professor at the Whittemore School of
Business at UNH indicated in Foster’s on October 4th that he did not see
anything that suggested the recession will end soon.  “There are not many
signs of a recovery.” 


 


It is in this context that the Town
of Durham is
engaged in the process of budget development for the 2010 Fiscal Year (January
1st – December 31st).  And one of the primary drivers in Durham’s municipal budget
is wages.  In FY 2009, there was no pay increase included as part of the
Town Administrator’s proposed budget for non-unionized salaried personnel. 
Non-unionized hourly personnel did receive a 2% increase which was generally
consistent with the members of the Durham’s four collective bargaining units
covering police officers, fire fighters, public works employees, and middle
managers. 


 


Even though Durham is extremely
fortunate to have talented, dedicated, and hard-working non-unionized personnel
who are doing good work each day to improve the quality of life for the
community, the present economic downturn and the hardships experienced by local
residents  does not present justification for an increase in 2010.  In
addition, our annual salary and benefit survey of comparable communities
combined with recent headlines from surrounding towns generally indicate a flat
market within the municipal employment sector. For these reasons, the
Administrator will likely be recommending no increase for non-unionized salaried
and hourly personnel for FY 2010. 


 


Rental
Housing Commission Update


The Durham Rental Housing Commission
convened a meeting on 10/6/09 from 4:00 – 5:30 PM in the Town Council chambers
to discuss concerns relating to issues revolving around the behavior of young
people and the impact of primarily single family, non-owner occupied, rental
housing within residential neighborhoods. There was standing room only in the
Council Chambers.  After some initial discussion regarding membership on
and the composition of the Rental Housing commission, an inclusive dialogue was
held involving both members of the Commission and the public in attendance. The
purpose of the dialogue was not to jump to a solution, but rather to identify
the perceived problems that need to be addressed in a comprehensive
manner.  To view the feedback received at the meeting, click HERE.


 


Oyster
River High
School
- 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results 


The Youth Risk Behavior Survey in
New Hampshire
is a high school youth health risk behavior assessment tool designed and
administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey is
conducted biennially (last conducted in 2007) under the auspices of the New
Hampshire Department of Education in partnership with the N.H. Department of
Health and Human Services.  Results for the Oyster River High School (ORHS)
in the categories of Alcohol I (Page 16), Perceived Harm from Alcohol (Page 27),
Marijuana (Page 18), and Perceived Harm from Marijuana (Page 25) are as
follows:


 


ORHS’s rate of students who had a
least one drink of alcohol on one or more of the last thirty days was 40.6%,
slightly lower than the state average of 44%.  The percentage of ORHS
students who had used marijuana one or more times during the past 30 days was
26.8%, slightly higher than NH’s overall rate of 25.1%.  The ORHS rate was
higher at 10.6% for the students who used marijuana on school property on one or
more times during the past 30 days compared to the state overall rate of
6.8%.  In addition, ORHS students surveyed perceived less harm if alcohol
is consumed in small quantities than did students from across the state. 
The same was true for occasional marijuana use. 15.9% of ORHS students thought
it was harmful as compared to NH’s rate of 22.6%.  This data suggests that
there is an attitude of complacency or permissiveness surrounding the
moderate/occasional use of drugs and alcohol among ORHS students. To view the
complete Youth Risk Behavior Survey for ORHS, click HERE. 


 


WATER
MAIN FLUSHING/VALVE EXERCISING


The UNH/Durham Water Department is
continuing the fall flushing of water mains. The process is approximately
halfway complete and going well.  To date,  the system seems to be in
good condition.  Water main flushing should be ending on or before Friday,
October 16th.  Flushing is done at night
between the hours of  9:00 PM and 7:00 AM.  This procedure is
necessary to eliminate the buildup of sediment in the water mains. 
Flushing of the mains may cause temporary
discoloration of the water however the water remains safe for drinking. 
This discoloration will disappear with normal household use.  It is
suggested that sensitive laundry not be washed if the water is obviously
discolored. Try not to draw water if you observe flushing in your area. 
Please call the UNH Water Supply at 862-1390 or the Department of Public Works
at 868-5578 with questions and/or concerns.


 


WISWALL
BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION


Construction at the Wiswall Bridge began this week with the contractor
mobilizing and tree trimming.  As a first step, the temporary movement of
utility lines is underway. The drawdown of the Lamprey River has been completed which will allow
contractors to begin foundation and abutment work. 


 


Churchill
Rink


Public Works staff is busy with the
pre-opening of the Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing.  Tasks such as tuning
up the refrigeration system and painting and preparing the surface for the new
ice this season were on the agenda this week. The rink is anticipated to open
sometime within the next two weeks. There is still ice time available for teams,
practices, etc.  Organizations interested in using the rink should call the
Department of Public Works at 868-5578. 


 


Dover
Road
Pump Station rehabilitation AND Wastewater Treatment Plant aeration blower
replacements PROJECTS


The Engineering Division has been
extremely busy working with final state approval and permitting for the Dover
Road Pump Station rehabilitation as well as the Wastewater Treatment Plant
aeration blower replacements.  Both projects were approved for Durham through the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In addition to these projects, the division has
been busy with the west end/Mast
Road/155A water and sewer extensions. These
extensions will provide the necessary utilities for the economic development in
that portion of Town and the majority of this project is being paid for by the
developer. 


 


ANNUAL
FALL CLEANUP


Fall Cleanup will begin on Monday,
November 9, 2009.  All items must be out by 7:00 AM that day and fit the
criteria to guarantee their pickup.  Please follow the below guidelines to
guarantee a successful fall cleanup:


 


§        
Leaves should be placed in paper leaf bags (remember,
plastic bags are not recyclable).  Paper bags may be purchased at Durham
Marketplace, Home Depot or Lowes.  Loose leaves will not be accepted but
may be brought to the Transfer Station &
Recycling Center on Durham Point Road
with a permit at no additional charge on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 7:30 AM
and 3:15 PM.


 


§        
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.


 


§        
The amount of brush and limbs is limited to one
truckload per household.


 


§        
Cutting off small limbs from branches will help
maximize each load.


 


§        
Remember, backyard composting your leaves and brush
reduces the flow of waste while at the same time producing valuable organic
matter for the soil.  It improves your soil and the plants growing in
it.


 


DEDICATION
OF NEW BUILDING HONORING FORMER DURHAM/UNH FIRE DEPARTMENT
MEMBER


On October 6, 2009, friends, family,
several distinguished guests, speakers, and political figures, along with many
former co-workers, met at Bear
Brook State
Park in Allenstown for the dedication of the new Alfred E. Grimes
Building, a new warehouse
for the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development, Division of Forests
and Lands.  Al was a member of the Durham/UNH Fire Department, rising to
the rank of Deputy Chief, a position he held for 14 years before taking a
position with the NH Division of Forests and Lands. Al passed away on May 25,
2008 after a courageous battle with cancer.


 



 


UNH
HOMECOMING


UNH Alumni Association invites all
alumni, family, and friends back to campus for Homecoming Weekend 2009, October
9-11, 2009. The weekend will be packed with a wide range of events and
activities for everyone, including the Blue & White Parade, fireworks,
campus tours and more. For an updated list of activities, visit www.alumni.unh.edu/homecoming.


 


Headquarters on Saturday, October
10th will be the UNH Alumni Association's big tent behind Bremner
Field. The UNH Alumni Association will be offering a delicious menu and
non-alcoholic beverages FREE under the tent from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. There will
be face-painting for kids and other fun activities. Traditional tailgating will
be held in Boulder Field from 8:30 AM to noon.  Note: football tickets are required for entrance to
designated tailgating areas. The UNH football game against William
& Mary will kick off at noon.


 


For more information about
Homecoming 2009, call (603) 862-2040 or (800) 891-1195 or e-mail alumni@unh.edu.


 


Durham:
It’s Where U Live HOSTS a walking tour of UNH campus


Come learn about the activities,
services, and opportunities available to Durham residents on the UNH campus. Durham: It’s Where U Live will host a walking tour of
campus with stops at Dimond Library, Paul Creative
Arts Center and the Memorial Union Building. The tour will be held on
Saturday, October 17, 2009 and will begin promptly at 9:30 AM and end by 11:00
AM, rain or shine. Reservations are required. For more information contact Erika
Mantz at erika.mantz@unh.edu or
862-1567.


 


UNH
ADVANCED FOOD AND BEVERAGE CLASS HOLDS ANNUAL GOURMENT
DINNER


This evening, Friday, October
9th, the Advanced Food and Beverage Class at UNH will hold its annual
non-profit gourmet dinner beginning with a cocktail reception at 6:00 PM with
dinner to follow. All will take place at Stillings Dining Hall, 20 Ballard Drive.
This year’s non-profit gourmet dinner, Season to Remember: A Gourmet Homecoming
Celebration, will feature six original courses of harvest-inspired
food. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at http://www.wsbe.unh.edu/gourmet-dinners.


 


The Gourmet Team of 2009 is
comprised of Advanced Food and Beverage students majoring in Hospitality
Management. The Gourmet Dinner serves as an opportunity to apply fundamentals
learned through other classes in the program. The dinner gives the students real
world, hands-on experience, as they are responsible for all aspects of the
event; planning and preparing the menu, selling and marketing the event,
managing the finances and all that goes into creating an enjoyable night for
you.


 


DURHAM APPRECIATION DAY
AT COPPAL HOUSE FARM


Durham Appreciation Day at Coppal
House Farm in Lee, sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, was a
smashing success.  Last Sunday, 85 Durham residents received a discounted
admission to the Coppal House Corn Maze.  It was a great day filled with
autumn fun.  The Parks & Recreation Department would like to thank all
those who came out, and special thanks goes to P&R Committee member Gregg
Moore for running the event.


 


DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION
REMINDERS


Sunday, October 11th: Beginner
Ultimate Frisbee Clinic


§        
Gather up the family for a day of ultimate
Frisbee.  This casual Frisbee clinic will teach you the basics of catching,
throwing and game play.  All ages and ability levels are welcome. 
This is a free clinic and will be held at the Oyster River Middle
School’s field at noon.  For more information,
please click HERE.


 


Monday, October 19th:
Monday Evening
Yoga


§        
This four-week introductory youth tennis program will
take place at Woodridge Field every Tuesday and Thursday in October (starting
10/6).  5 to 7 year olds will meet from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. 8 to 10 year olds
will meet from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Cost for the entire session is $75. 
Registration must be received by 10/5.  For more information, please click
HERE.


 


Saturday, October 31st:  
Durham Spookfest


§        
Bring the entire family to Jackson’s Landing from 5:30
to 7:30 PM for an event that will surely haunt your Halloween night.  The
night starts with a Little Devil Costume Parade and ends with a terrifying trail
walk that is only recommended for the bravest souls.  In between there will
be plenty of Halloween activities and crafts for all ages.  Bring your
Halloween spirit with you. Prizes will be given for best costumes, homemade
pumpkin carving (bring it with you!) and much more!  For more information,
please click HERE.


 


For more information on P&R
programs and events, or to register, contact Michael Mengers at mmengers@ci.durham.nh.us,
817-4074.


 


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.


 


Zoning Board of Adjustment –
Tuesday, October 13, 2009


Churchill Rink Advisory Committee –
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 (6:00 PM at
DPW)


Planning Board – Wednesday, October
14, 2009


Parks and Recreation Committee –
Thursday, October 15, 2009


 


To view the 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, please click HERE. 


The Durham Public Library Board of
Trustees meet every third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM at
the Durham Public Library.  All are welcome to attend. To view the Trustees
meeting schedule, please click HERE.


 


DURHAM CABLE ACCESS
TELEVISION PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE


To view a listing of the DCAT
programming schedule, please click HERE


 


ON
BELAY PROGRAM


On Belay, a Durham-based non-profit
program, is hosting its 12th program for children at the YMCA’s
Camp
Lincoln on Sunday, October
18, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The program is one of three opportunities the
organization offers each year to kids 10 to 18 who are living with or who have
lost a family member to cancer or other life-changing illness. Every program is
free for participants, thanks in part to gifts from the Piscataqua Fund of the
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the Cogswell Benevolent
Trust.


 


On Belay uses adventure activities
like rock climbing and high ropes course work to create a metaphor for
participants. The activities teach kids that if they can figure a way through
these challenges they can overcome anything, including living with a parent or
family member’s life changing illness. At the program participants connect with
other children facing similar family situations, think creatively, challenge
themselves, support others, ask for help, and build physical and emotional
confidence. Empowered by their experience at On Belay, participants return home
with confidence and new skills to tackle the challenges they face.


 


On Belay was started in the spring
of 2004 by Crescentia Healy-True, who noticed a lack of programs for her
daughters after she was diagnosed with cancer. For more information, please
contact On Belay at 1-866-44-BELAY or email info@on-belay.org.  To register a child you know
for a program, please visit the On Belay website: www.on-belay.org.
  


 


WORKSHOP
- “GETTING THE MOST OF OUR SALT MARSHES SALT MARSH ECOLOGY AND
CONSERVATION”


On Friday, October 23, 2009 from
8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, a workshop on “Getting the Most of our Salt Marshes Salt
Marsh Ecology and Conservation” will be held at Great Bay National Estuarine
Research Reserve’s Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center. Join other decision
makers (elected/appointed officials, land use board members, landscape
professionals, neighborhood and watershed organization leadership, and natural
resource managers) for this workshop.


 


Dr. Dave Burdick of the UNH Jackson
Estuarine Laboratory will be the guide for the day. Dr. Burdick will cover salt
marsh natural history, functions and values, and human uses. He will also
highlight current issues that threaten to degrade and reduce marsh function and
explain what needs to be done to keep salt marshes healthy.


 


The workshop cost is $15 to cover
food cost, lunch/snacks/coffee/drinks will be provided. Space is limited to 16
and registration is required.  To register, or to ask questions regarding
the workshop, please contact Steve at 778-0015, extension 305 or email
Steve.Miller@Wildlife.nh.gov.


 


FROM
HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976


“1947 – St. Thomas More Parish was
established. It had previously been administered by St. Mary’s Parish in
Newmarket. This
church was dedicated in 1950 and the Student Center in 1962. Presently it is served by
2 priests. Ecumenical Spirit is enjoyed by all our churches.”


 


“1947 – The Durham Trust Company was
organized with a capital of $50,000 and a working surplus of $15,000. Now in a
modern building, it has assets of $11,000,000. Founders were Messrs. P. Fitts,
E. Huddleston, H. Iddles, G. McGregor, B. McIntire, C. Rice, A. Stewart and G.
Barrett.”


 


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


 


The Town of Durham has developed a list
server. The server provides interested individuals with updates and
announcements concerning the community. Individuals interested in subscribing
should send an email to Town_of_Durham@ci.durham.nh.us
and type the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line


 


 


 

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