“FRIDAY
UPDATES”

Friday,
October 31, 2008

Swans at Beard’s
Creek

Courtesy Jessie
McKone

According to Jessie McKone, the
swans will not fly to Portsmouth until the Beard’s Creek pond is
frozen solid.  They will return just prior to Spring when there is the
slightest thaw of open water (about the size of a hubcap) in mid-March.

PHOTOGRAPH
CREDIT CORRECTION

The Old Landing Park photograph featured in last week’s
“Friday Updates” was incorrectly credited. The photographer is Nino Coletti. We
apologize to Mr. Coletti for the error and thank him for sharing his beautiful
photograph with us.

Fiscal
Year 2009 Proposed Budget

The Town
Administrator's proposed FY 2009 Budget(s) and Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) have been placed in Town Council boxes and 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 proposed FY 2009
Budget(s) will be placed on the Town web site within a week. To view
Administrator Selig's budget transmittal letter to the Town Council, click
HERE.

ELECTION
PLANNING

A final reminder that the General
Election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Voting in Durham will be held at the Oyster River High
School located on Coe Drive. Polling hours are 7:00 AM to
7:00 PM. To view the sample ballot listing offices that will be on the November
4^th General Election ballot and candidates running for those offices,
please click HERE.
 

Fall
Backward

Daylight Saving Time officially ends
at 2:00 AM on Sunday morning, so don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour
before going to bed on Saturday evening.

Collaborative
Efforts Between Durham/UNH Prove Productive

After much productive dialogue over
a number of  years between the Town and the University in
exploring the possibility of private development on University land in order to
broaden the tax base and provide win/win affordable housing opportunities for
UNH and Durham alike, a Request for Information (RFI) has been issued by the
University intended to attract ideas for the development of the Leawood
Orchard parcel on Mast Road as future below market graduate student/junior
faculty family housing.  The RFI is self-explanatory and will be of great
interest to a variety of Durham boards/committees.  To view
the RFI, click HERE. 
The Town Council will receive an update on this positive development on Monday
evening, November 3rd. 

Downtown
Disturbance Prevention Efforts Prove Successful in Durham

The Durham Police Department, in
conjunction with student affairs staff from the University of New Hampshire, the
Fire Department, the Durham Rental Housing Commission, the Durham Business
Association, and the Durham Landlords Association have been effective over the
last several years in employing proactive strategies to help
prevent celebratory riots in Durham following major sporting
events such as the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the Frozen
Four Collegiate Ice Hockey Championship involving local/regional teams.  In
fact, following the Red Sox loss to the Rays two weeks ago in the final game of
the American League Championship Series, the police department was able to
substantially scale back staffing costs associated with preventative
efforts.  Unfortunately, Penn
State University had challenges earlier this week following
a collegiate football game against Ohio State prompting authorities there to renew
their proactive efforts.  In Durham, we have worked to sustain proactive
preventative efforts over time while also being mindful of the cost of police
ramp-ups during high profile athletic events.  For more information on
this week's Pennsylvania incident, go to  http://www.centredaily.com/408/story/926562.html.

Durham
Tax Bills Will Be Mailed Late

The Town is still likely two to
three weeks away from setting its 2008 tax rate as a result of the ongoing
revaluation process.  In September, the Assessing Office established draft
values for property in town and set aside several weeks for property owners to
respond.  Assessor Robb Dix met
with more than 200 residents about the draft values and is now reviewing the
feedback received as part of finalizing values.  The Assessing Office is
also still awaiting feedback with respect to multi-unit and commercial property
valuations from Steve Traub, an appraisal expert from Newburyport, Mass that has
been engaged by the Town to provide feedback concerning existing draft
value sets.  Once the tax rate is set, the Town Council would be asked to
approve the tax warrant which would trigger the mailing of 2008 final
bills.  Tax bills will be due thirty days thereafter.  The Town has
received correspondence from the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA)
following the review of Durham assessing records by DRA Auditor David
Hynes which indicates draft values are proportionate and reflect the true and
fair market value as of April 1, 2008. To view the DRA correspondence, click HERE.

Dispatch
Transition Challenges

2-Way Communications is still
working to address microwave signal transmission disruptions between Durham and Strafford County
Dispatch.  At the present time, Durham Fire is operating on its backup UNH
Dispatch signal and Durham Police is operating on its backup channel. 

DURHAM
POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCREDITATION RESULTS IN INSURANCE PREMIUM SAVINGS FOR THE
TOWN

Founded in 1979, the New Hampshire
Public Risk Management Exchange (Primex³) is a public entity risk
pool organized and operating as a trust on behalf of member municipalities,
schools, counties and other governmental entities. Primex³ offers
Durham a wide
variety of risk management and financing services, ranging from workers'
compensation to property and liability coverage. Executive Director Ty Gagne
notified the Police Department this week that because of the department’s status
as a nationally accredited law enforcement agency, there would be a savings in
Durham’s
insurance premiums.  Director Gagne has been working on this issue for some
time and is finally able to add a “credit” for law enforcement accreditation
into our workers’ compensation and property/liability rating models. Director
Gagne is aware that the accreditation process contains a self-documenting system
of accountability and independent verification. The principles of accreditation,
such as professional standards, documentation, and accountability can therefore
supply the documentary evidence and persuasive authority necessary to
demonstrate that the police did in fact act within the bounds of the lawful
authority if and when challenged for actions taken.  As a result, Director
Gagne advised that Primex would be providing a discount totaling $1,621.00 on
Durham’s
insurance premiums. 

Bicycle
Safety Reminder

With the stunning fall weather
bringing out many cyclists around Durham and UNH, it bears repeating that
bicyclists should ride on the RIGHT side of the road, not facing traffic. Not
only is this the law, it is also in place for the safety of cyclists. Cars
pulling out expect bicycles to be riding with traffic, so they may not look in
the direction of cyclists riding the opposite way. Wrong-way bikes meeting
right-way riders head-on in a bike lane also pose a dangerous situation. For the
forgetful or directionally challenged, the bike lanes on Main Street are conveniently painted with
arrows indicating the direction of traffic.

DURHAM
PLANNING BOARD

The Planning Board met on Wednesday,
October 29, 2008, and the following items were on the agenda: Public Hearing on an Application for Subdivision
submitted by David T. Sawyer to subdivide one lot into two lots at 6 Spinney
Lane; Public Hearing on a Site Plan Review Application and Conditional Use
Application submitted by Park
Court Properties Inc. for the construction of a mixed-use, multi-unit building
which would create 32 units with 124 beds located at 262 Mast Road; Discussion
of Zoning Ordinance Amendments Regarding Article XXII, Landscaping, and Article
XXIV, Septic Systems; and approved Request for Extension on Conditions of
Approval for Site Plan Approval at 1 Madbury Road.

RECYCLING
CHANGE AT THE OYSTER RIVER
HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE
SCHOOL

Beginning November 1^st,
the Department of Public Works will be replacing the current cardboard dumpsters
at the Oyster River Middle and High Schools with a single-stream recycling
container. This will be done on a trial basis and will allow the schools to
recycle all materials into one container, including: cardboard, mixed paper, all
plastics 1-7, glass bottles, and cans. Currently the school system disposes most
of these materials in the regular trash.  The Department of Public
Works has been working with the Oyster River Facilities
Department, their Business Office, and Casella Waste Services to
facilitate this change. This new method of recycling is gaining popularity
and appears to be the direction that the recycling market is going. 

Fall
Cleanup

Curbside collection of leaves and
brush will begin on Monday, November 10, 2008. Everything must be curbside no
later than 7AM.  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.

Anonymous
POLICE Complaints

While the police will respond to any
incident with or without a complainant, that getting back to those who have
alerted the police of a situation and informing them of the action and
resolution of the police intervention becomes problematic with a
complainant.  As an example, recently a letter was left in mailboxes by a
presumed neighborhood resident expressing concern about dogs that he/she
considered violent and potentially dangerous that were housed in the
neighborhood. The police investigated the allegations which resulted in an
abatement notice being served on the animals owner. As a routine practice, the
police would have advised the complaining party of the outcome but with an
anonymous complaint, they are unable to so.

Roselawn
Farm Walk

On Saturday, November 1, from
9:00-11:00 AM, citizens are invited on a farm walk at Roselawn Farm in Madbury
to learn about the diverse habitats and conservation values of the farm with
Mark West, wetland scientist and naturalist. Roselawn Farm, a favorite site for
pick-your-own blueberries, offers visitors an interesting variety of forests,
fields, and wetlands to explore. Part of the property was recently conserved by
the Gangwer family in partnership with the towns of Durham and Madbury, the
Natural Resources Conservation Service, and The Strafford Rivers Conservancy.
There is no groomed trail, so participants should be prepared for some
bushwhacking on rough terrain. Registration is free. For registration and
directions please contact the Strafford Rivers Conservancy at (603) 516-0772,
e-mail info@straffordriversconservancy.org,
or register online at www.straffordriversconservancy.org.
The walk is co-sponsored by the Strafford Rivers Conservancy, the Madbury and
Durham Conservation Commissions, and the Durham Land Protection Working
Group.

VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED FOR JACKSON’S LANDING WALKING TRAIL PROJECT CLEAN
UP

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.
Members will also be doing some 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.

OR
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.

DCAT:
1st District Congressional Debate between Carol Shea-Porter and Jeb
Bradley
This Sunday (November 2) at both
5:00 and 9:30 PM, DCAT will air a tape of the October 26, 2008, 1st District
Congressional Debate between Democratic incumbent Carol Shea-Porter and her
Republican challenger Jeb Bradley. The debate was held at Temple Adath Yeshurun
in Manchester, NH. The tape was produced by the Carol
Shea-Porter for Congress campaign and runs approximately 40 minutes. A reminder:
DCAT (Durham Cable Access TV) programming can be seen on Comcast's Channel
22.

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 3,
2008

Historic District Commission –
Thursday, November 6, 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.

Churchill
Rink AT JACKSON’S LANDING PUBLIC
SCHEDULE

The Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing opened on
October 20^th this week. Public Skating for the 2008/09 season is as
follows:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday-
2:00-3:20

Tuesday & Thursday- 9:00- 10:20
& 2:00-4:20

Saturdays-
2:30-4:20

Sundays-
2:00-3:50

Churchill Rink
Halloween Skate

The first Community Event, Halloween Skate, is scheduled for this
evening, Friday, October 31^st. The community events take place from
7:30-9:00 PM and are free of charge.

DURHAM
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION SEEKING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Durham Business Association is
looking for an Executive Director.  Responsibilities for this
part-time position include planning and implementing DBA projects and
activities and working closely with the Board of Directors and members to
facilitate strong communication and relationships between its members, the Town,
the University, and the Economic Development Committee.  The position
averages 30 hours per month.  Interested candidates may send a resume
and letter of interest to Johanna Knight at d_b_a@verizon.net by November 5,
2008.

TOWN
OF NEWMARKET INFORMATIONAL MEETING-DRAWDOWN OF
LAMPREY
RIVER

The Town of Newmarket will perform a drawdown of the Lamprey River on Monday, November 10, 2008 for the
purpose of conducting an inspection of the Macallen Dam.  This work is
being done with the approval of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and
the Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau. All members of the public
and interested parties are invited to attend the informational meeting regarding
the drawdown to be held at the Newmarket Town
Hall at 7:00 PM on Monday, November 3,
2008.

Cooking
with Tastes of New
England

On Saturday, November 1, 2008, from
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Tastes of New England, a retailer, distributor, and
promoter of New England-made products and The Inn at Spruce Wood, a senior
living community, will host an event dedicated to cooking, eating, and shopping.
The event will take place at The Inn at Spruce Wood located at 25 Worthen Road in
Durham. Renowned
chef, Mary Ann Esposito, host of PBS’s Ciao
Italia and author of the new book Ciao Italia: Slow & Easy, will
headline the event. Attendees will be treated to a cooking demonstration and
tasting featuring recipes for everything from holiday hors d’ oeuvres to
tailgate parties. In addition, they will learn Esposito’s secrets to success.
Individuals will also be able to sample and purchase hundreds of New
England-made food products. Seats are limited and tickets must be purchased in
advance. For more information call Tastes of New England at (603) 868-1202 or
visit their retail store at 7
Jenkins Court in Durham (next to Wings Your Way).

DURHAM
PUBLIC LIBRARY FABULOUS FALL BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Durham Public
Library will hold a fall book sale on Friday, October 31, 2008 from 10:00 AM to
5:00 PM and Saturday, November 1, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The book sale
will be held at the Durham Public Library located in the Mill Plaza. Come shop for holiday gifts or
treat yourself to a variety of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s
books.

FAIR
TRADE PRODUCTS SALE

On Saturday, November 1, 2008 from
10:00 AM-1:00 PM and on Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM, the
Durham
Community Church will hold a Fair Trade products
sale. Through the purchase of high quality, distinctive handcrafts, shoppers
have an opportunity to change lives in developing countries.  Unique items
from Niger,
Guatemala,
Afghanistan,
Syria, Kenya, Honduras, and Uganda
will include leather goods, jewelry, baskets, wood carving, textiles, organic
coffee and much more.  Come and learn.  Questions about the sponsoring
organizations and the artisans’ lives are welcome. 

Weekly
Police Arrest Report

Week –
25                                          
16 UNH
(64%)             9
Other (36%)

*2008/09 Academic Year
-338            221 UNH
(65%)           117 Other
(35%)

Calendar Year
–853                           
498 UNH (58%)           355
Other (42%)

*Commenced September 1, 2008 

Historical Data
for the same week

FROM
HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL – 1600 – 1976

“1836 – Anti-slavery agitation began
when a convention was called in Gilmanton, with John Richardson, Joseph Coe,
George Thompson and John Kelly attending. The town Anti-slavery Society was
formed with 63 members and Abraham Perkins, Daniel Mathes and Richard Steele as
officers.”

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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