Friday Updates - August 15, 2025

Friday, August 15, 2025

CALEA Accreditation ceremony in Little Rock, Arkansas. l-r: Matthew Packard, Chair of the Commission for Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and also Commander of the Colorado State Highway Patrol, Durham Deputy Chief Jack Dalton, Durham Captain John Lavoie, Durham Police Administrative Assistant Jennifer Johnson, Durham Administrator Todd Selig, and W. Craig Hartley, Jr., Executive Director of CALEA

Durham Day was a great success! Thank you to all who participated!

We're nearing the end of summer! UNH opening move-in activities take place August 22-23. First day of school for Oyster River is Wednesday, August 27. Yikes!

Saturday (tomorrow!) is Farm Day! See details below.

DURHAM POLICE RECEIVE NATIONAL CALEA ACCREDITATION FOR THE 9th TIME

This past week, Deputy Chief Dalton, Captain Lavoie, Administrative Assistant Jennifer Johnson, and Admin. Selig traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas, to attend the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Summer Conference. (See photo above.) During the conference, the Department appeared before CALEA commissioners in a formal hearing, where they were interviewed concerning the department and officially awarded our ninth national accreditation, an achievement reflecting years of constant dedication to professional standards and excellence.

As a CALEA-accredited agency, the Durham Police Department undergoes annual reviews by outside compliance managers and every four years undergoes a rigorous on-site assessment, during which external CALEA assessors verify compliance with over 400 national standards embedded within the Department’s policies and procedures that require documented proof covering the entire four-year cycle. It is truly a team effort! Without the support and dedication of all officers, staff, and administration, re-accreditation would not be possible.

This milestone award underscores the Department's commitment to transparency, accountability, and exemplary service to the community. It is evidence of the Department’s ongoing adherence to best practices and desire for maintaining public trust.

Accreditation CALEA is an entirely non-political process that focuses on ensuring police departments follow nationally recognized best practices in law enforcement. CALEA accreditation promotes high standards, transparency, and community-oriented policing. It's not connected to federal mandates or activities.

The process is designed specifically to support departments like ours in maintaining professional excellence, accountability to citizenry, and a commitment to serving our community, consistent with the values Chief Kelley recently outlined to the Town Council.

Looking down Main Street on Durham Day. Courtesy, Durham Parks & Rec

NEXT WEEK'S UNH MOVE-IN MEANS INCREASED TRAFFIC IN TOWN

UNH Student Move-In Weekend is once again upon us. Organized UNH school opening activities will take place on Friday, August 22 and Saturday, August 23. There will be a noticeable increase in traffic congestion in the downtown corridor, specifically on Garrison Avenue and at the Madbury Intersection to Garrison Avenue. Traffic will be converted to three lanes, starting at the intersection of Madbury Road and Garrison Avenue, all moving in one direction on Garrison Avenue, towards Main Street.

The next greatest impact may occur in the area of Mill Road near McDaniel Drive, as many new students make their way to the dorms adjacent to B-Lot.

Traffic impacts should start to improve by 4:00 PM, at the latest. We recommend all residents find alternate routes on these days to help alleviate any possible congestion if they are not visiting Durham's many exceptional local businesses.

Saturday is Farm Day! The 12th annual celebration of the working landscape of farms and gardens in Durham and Lee brought to you by the Durham and Lee Agricultural Commissions. Free and family friendly. So much to see and do and learn in backyards, barnyards, and UNH research farms. Please join us! For a full list of events, click HERE.

MADBURY ROAD COMPLETE STREET PROJECT UPDATE

The project team continues to make steady progress on the two active phases of the Madbury Road Complete Streets Project. Detailed updates on each phase can be found below:

Phase 2 – This phase, from Main Street to Garrison Avenue is nearly complete, with pavement markings scheduled to be installed on Wednesday night, August 20^th, beginning at 8:00 pm. To facilitate the timely completion of this work, parking stalls on the East side of the roadway from Pettee Brook Lane to Garrison Avenue will be closed during the day on the 20^th to ensure they are available to paint at 8:00 pm. Western stalls will be closed as they become available after 8:00 pm. Remaining work thereafter is limited to pedestrian crossing signage installations at the Main Street / Madbury Road intersection and punch list completion.

Phase 3 - This phase, from Garrison Avenue to Edgewood Road, includes water main replacement between Maple Street and U.S. Route 4. The water main replacement work is complete. Additional roadway work includes full roadway reconstruction, granite curbing installation, fine grading and paving of the multi-use path and new western sidewalk, traffic calming median islands, hardscape and streetscape enhancements, and utility pole relocations. Roadway reconstruction will begin as early as next week, with structure adjustment, milling, reclamation, stone amendment, a second reclamation, fine grading, and ultimately binder course paving occurring in sequential order. The roadway portion of this phase will continue through the Fall, with final paving and landscaping scheduled for Spring 2026. 

WATER AND SEWER BILLS DUE AUGUST 18th

Durham residents are reminded that the third installment of the 2025 water and sewer bills are due on Monday, August 18, 2025. This billing period covers water and sewer usage from March 27 through June 26. Be sure to submit your payment by the August 18 deadline to avoid penalties. Water and sewer bills in Durham are issued quarterly, with each payment due 30 days after the bill date. Please note that credit card payments are accepted, but they may be subject to additional processing fees. Payments sent by mail will be honored according to the postmark date, so residents are encouraged to plan accordingly to avoid late fees.

The 2025 rates are:

• Water: $10.92 per 100 CF

• Sewer: $10.66 per 100 CF

Payments can be made in several convenient ways:

• Online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/clerk

• In person at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Wednesdays)

• By mail to: Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824

• Using the drop box located at Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824

Please contact Rachel Deane with any questions regarding your water and sewer bill at:

Email: rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us | Phone: 603-868-5577

Amy's Frame Shop had something for the kids to do at Durham Day. Courtesy, Durham Parks & Rec

DURHAM'S 2025 STATISTICAL REVALUATION IS HAPPENING THIS SUMMER, A PROPERTY ASSESSMENT UPDATE: Questions and Answers

Why is a Statistical Revaluation, a property assessment update, necessary in 2025?

The last full revaluation in Durham was completed in 2023. At that time property assessments were found to be, on average, 94.2% of actual market value. Each year the Town monitors real estate sales to track changes in the market value of properties.

For the 2024 tax year, this monitoring showed that property assessments had dropped to 82,5% of market value. Essentially, between 2023 and 2024, the real estate market in Durham had increased by about 11.7%. State law requires towns to keep assessments within 90% to 110% of market value following a revaluation. Because, in just one year, our assessments have fallen below this range, this year’s statistical revaluation update is necessary.

This update will bring property values back in line with the current real estate market and will help to ensure the property tax burden is distributed fairly and equitably.

What is a statistical revaluation update?

The process of conducting a mass appraisal of all real estate parcels in the Town, utilizing existing property data, in order to create and maintain a fair and equitable tax base.

New Hampshire requires all municipalities to conduct a revaluation at least every 5 years. Additionally, if the median equalization ratio, the ratio between assessed values and market values, drops below 90% or above 110%, a revaluation can be required by State Law.

The goal of a statistical revaluation update is to help ensure the Town’s property tax burden is distributed fairly and equitably based on the current market value of a property.

To read more about this year's Statistical Update, click HERE.

BUDGET AND CIP DEVELOPMENT PROCESS UNDER WAY FOR FY 2026 - Departments Working to Develop Budget Requests

Durham’s departments, as well as the Town’s various boards, committees, and commissions (as well as external organizations to which the Town makes payments for services such dispatch, ambulance, social service agencies, etc.) have begun (or will shortly begin) the process of preparing their proposed budgets and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) requests for FY 2026 (January 1 – December 31) for consideration by Administrator Todd Selig and Business Manager Gail Jablonski as part of the annual budget development process.

Beginning in September, Ms. Jablonski and Mr. Selig will begin to meet with each of the Town’s department heads and members of their departments to better understand budget requests, as well as departmental CIP requests. Members of the Town Council will also be invited to each of these meetings if they have an interest in attending.

One of the Town’s Council’s approved goals for FY 2025-2026 states: "The Council, Administrator, local Boards, and Departments will work collaboratively to broaden and diversify Durham’s tax base as the primary strategy for maintaining a stable municipal tax rate, adjusted over time for inflation using the Boston-Cambridge-Newton CPI-U and trends in construction and labor markets. This includes promoting taxable business development in the commercial core, guided by smart growth principles and at key locations such as Technology Drive and Stone Quarry Drive. It also involves partnering with UNH on economic development projects like The Edge at West End and potentially 66 Main Street. At the same time, we will continue to manage spending and reserve levels prudently, increase non-tax revenues and external grant funding where possible, and make the strategic personnel and capital investments necessary to support the ongoing delivery of high-quality services for residents and businesses.”

Per Town Charter, the Administrator is charged with the development of the annual budget and CIP program. The proposed annual budget must be submitted to the Town Council by the last business day in October. The Town Council by Charter then has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget or the budget submitted by the Administrator becomes the budget of the Town by default.

The requested CIP projects will be presented initially to the Planning Board on Sept. 24 for the board’s feedback and then integrated into the formal budget proposal for FY 2026 by Administrator Selig for the end of October as described above.

Below is the schedule for the departmental meetings with Ms. Jablonski and Mr. Selig to discuss next year’s budget and CIP.

Sept. 4 – 10:30 a.m., Land Stewardship Budget

Sept. 9 – 9 a.m., IT/DCAT Budget & CIP

Sept. 9 – 2 p.m., Recreation/Churchill Rink Budget & CIP

Sept. 15 - 9 a.m., Fire Dept. Budget & CIP

Sept. 15 – 1 p.m. Police and Parking Budget & CIP

Sept. 16 – 3 p.m., GIS Budget & CIP

Sept. 18 – 1 p.m., Public Works CIP

Sept. 19 – 9 a.m., Assessing Budget

Sept. 22 – 9 a.m., Public Works Budget

Sept. 22 – 9 a.m., Water & Wastewater Budget

Sept. 23 – 3 p.m., Library Budget

Sept. 25 – 11 a.m., Code/Zoning Budget

Sept. 25 – 1:30 p.m. Planning Budget

Sept. 25 – 3 p.m., Town Clerk/Tax Collector Budget

Sept. 26 – 9:30 a.m., Other depts.

McGregor Memorial, other groups as needed, TBD

A group of kids participated in an ice cream eating contest at Durham Day. Courtesy, Durham Parks & Rec.

PLANNING BOARD TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON RIVERWOODS PROPOSED EXPANSION

At its August 27 meeting the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on an application from Riverwoods for Phase II of its site to be located on the northerly side of Stone Quarry Drive. The project includes two senior housing buildings with a total of 55 units, clubhouse and a maintenance building.   The building design is matching the existing architecture. You can see the documents related to the project HERE. 

The Planning Board will also receive a presentation from Dwight Trueblood and Neil Slepian, chair and vice chair of the Conservation Commission, about a proposed new Wetland and Shoreland Overlay District. A special committee and the commission had been working on this completely new document for two years, doing extensive research on current environmental standards for wetlands, rivers, streams, estuaries, vernal pools, and wetlands, and associated buffers. After the presentation the board will decide how to proceed, possibly placing the draft for public hearing or working on changes to the draft before placing it for a public hearing. You can see the related documents HERE.  

MILL ROAD CROSSWALK AND ADA COMPLIANT CURB RAMP INSTALLATION BEGINS AUGUST 18

The Town, working in partnership with the owner of Mill Plaza, Torrington Properties, will begin the reconstruction of the Mill Road crosswalk located at Mill Plaza and Commons Way. 

Beginning on Monday August 18 and continuing through ~August 22, ADA curb ramp construction will begin with a traffic lane shift in place to accommodate construction activities. 

Following the curb ramp construction, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB’s) will be installed to improve pedestrian safety in the newly relocated crosswalk. 

It’s been pretty dry stretch across NH. The U.S. Drought Monitor currently shows our area ranging from “Abnormally Dry” to “Moderate Drought.” Fortunately, we’re in good shape right now because our joint Durham/UNH water system is incredibly resilient, thanks to many years of thoughtful planning, investment, and strong collaboration between Durham and UNH.

Our public water in Durham and at UNH comes from a blend of sources that help keep our supply secure and reliable, even during challenging conditions. The Lamprey River reservoir is our primary surface water source, sustained by careful management. We also draw from the Oyster River, which adds flexibility and another layer of reliability. The Spruce Hole Well is a deep groundwater well with the added benefit of aquifer recharge, effectively topping up our natural reserves using managed river water. We further supplement our supply with the Lee Well, located in nearby Lee, which naturally filters water before it arrives in Durham. On top of that, our storage tanks at Foss Farm and Beech Hill, along with a modern, upgraded water treatment plant at UNH, help ensure clean, safe water is always available to homes, Durham businesses, and UNH.

While we’re fortunate to have such a robust system, it’s still important for residents, businesses, and UNH to use water and electricity wisely. Doing so lowers utility bills, helps our community stay resilient if drought conditions worsen, supports our local environment by reducing demand on resources, and sets an example through continuous, everyday improvements. Kaizen! 

By building good conservation habits now, we’ll be ready for whatever challenges the future might bring.

Thank you for playing your part to keep Durham and UNH strong and sustainable consistent with our local Climate Action Plan!

PLANNING TO REGISTER TO VOTE ON AUGUST 25? THE TIME HAS CHANGED.

Prospective voters may register to vote at the Town Hall whenever that office is open, or at any of the public Supervisor of the Checklist Sessions. The next Session will be held on Monday August 25 from 5:00 – 6:00 PM at the Town Hall. This is a change from 7:00 PM. Existing voters may also make changes to their name, address, and/or party at the Town Hall or at a Session.

Applicants for registration must bring with them proofs of identity, age (18 by the next election), U.S. citizenship, and domicile (in Durham). Affidavits are no longer accepted. 

The next election in Durham is not until next March. The list of proofs currently accepted, especially for domicile, is rather complicated. A NH Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s License with your local address is the easiest thing to bring for identification, age, and proof of domicile in Durham. However, it does not prove citizenship, even if it is a Real ID, so you must bring another document for that.  If you are unsure of what is necessary and what will be accepted, please call the Clerk’s office at 603-868-5577 or check the Secretary of State’s website https://www.sos.nh.gov/elections/register-vote and click on the link ‘Registering to Vote in New Hampshire.’

Come to La Roche Farm from 10am to 4pm tomorrow, August 16, and celebrate Farm Day by picking up free, wildlife-friendly outdoor lighting (two per household). Volunteers will be handing out amber yellow bulbs, which can be used in any standard outdoor light fixture. The bulbs have a CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) of 2200K.

The benefits of installing them vs standard white light bulbs are myriad; yellow bulbs won't attract disease vectors like mosquitoes and flies to your entryway, make it easier to see the stars, interfere less in firefly reproduction, and are less disruptive to circadian rhythms in humans and wildlife.  

Durham Business Association had a table at Durham Day. Courtesy, Durham Parks & Rec

Lenharth Systems is a locally owned Apple and PC repair business in Barrington, NH, that accepts computers, TVs and other electronics for free recycling (see the few exceptions below). They pledge to find a way to recycle old equipment and keep it out of the landfill as part of their “ Zero Landfill Program." 

If your electronics are out of date, too slow, can’t run the newest software, but are still working and useful to someone - Lenharth Systems can take your old stuff, clean it up, securely wipe any data and find it a new home. Usually these items end up in a school, daycare, or non-profit. 

If your electronics are scrap  - broken, not working or just way too old - Lenharth Systems will disassemble them and recycle any non-usable parts. Most computer recycling will be done by Lenharth Systems as part of their commitment to their customers and our community.

NOTE: Occasionally, for cases of volume or a few specific items such as CRT monitors and TVs over 40”, there is a disposal fee of  $25.00 to recycle. Contact Lenharth Systems at 603-664-7449 with any questions.

Lenharth Systems, LLC

56 Commerce Way

Barrington, NH 03825

https://www.lenharthsystems.com/

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: www.Recyclesmartma.org

Want to learn more about the Swap Shop? Click HERE.

Many town committees participated in Durham Day. Pictured above is the Conservation Commission table. Courtesy, Durham Parks & Rec

GROWING SCAM KNOWN AS A "BRUSHING SCAM" USES U.S. POST OFFICE TO SEND UNSOLICITED PACKAGES

Durham Police have been made aware of a new scam called a "brushing scam." A brushing scam is a type of fraud where scammers send unsolicited packages from third-party online sellers to boost their product ratings. Scammers set up fake accounts on third-party sites using your name and address. They ship low-cost items (often cheap or empty packages) to you as “verified buyers.” They then write fake positive reviews in your name to boost the product’s rating and visibility online. These scams are not immediately harmful, meaning you are not being charged for the item; however, it means your personal information (like your name, address, phone number and even payment information) has been exposed, which could lead to further scams or identity theft.

If you receive an unsolicited package, the U.S. Postal Service recommends the following:

• Report it: Go to USPIS.gov to file a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Reporting helps federal investigators trace the origins and stop future incidents. You may also call and report the incident to the Durham Police.
• Audit your accounts: Check your online shopping, banking, and credit card accounts for unusual charges.
• Update your passwords: It is a good idea to change your passwords, especially email accounts, Amazon, and bank accounts on a routine basis.
• Use a password manager: Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for your accounts.
• Do not engage/Do not scan QR codes on the package: You are not obligated to return or review the item. Scanning a QR code can lead to malicious websites that steal personal data. 

DURHAM POLICE WARN RESIDENTS TO STAY OFF TRAIN TRACKS

The Durham Police would like to remind residents and visitors to stay off the train tracks and trestles as they are private property and can pose dangers.

We have taken numerous reports of unauthorized access to railway property located near the Doe Farm Trailway. The tracks and trestle are private property and therefore trains may approach silently and are unable to stop quickly. Walking along or jumping from railway trestles not only puts lives in jeopardy but also interferes with critical rail operations. The Durham Police are working closely with railway authorities to increase patrols and surveillance in known trespassing areas. Please note that the safety of our community is our top priority, and we urge everyone to help spread awareness and report a suspicious or unlawful activity near the train tracks. Unauthorized access to any private property is punishable by fines and/or arrest.

In Short:

• Train tracks are private property. Unauthorized access is punishable by fines and/or arrest; violators may be prosecuted.
• Trains may operate at any time, in either direction, or often without warning.
• Jumping off trestles into water is life-threatening due to unknown depths, submerged hazards, or sudden medical emergencies from impact.  

Your neighbors Nancy and Ernst Linder and Chris Chance of Durham would love to see you this Saturday night at our final show of the summer season! Please support soul-connecting music by buying tickets now to a Rock My Soul at the Kittery Dance Hall, August 16! Proceeds support the roots music choir’s ongoing outreach to area nursing homes and jails. Purchase tickets HERE.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

The first day of school for the Oyster River School System is Wednesday, August 27.

ORCSD joins 2nd federal lawsuit

In a nonpublic meeting session on July 23, 2025, the ORCSD School Board voted 6-0 to join, as a plaintiff, the ACLU-NH legal action against the New Hampshire State Government regarding the anti-DEI statute within HB 2. This comes at no cost to the district. You can read the full statement HERE.

Summer Nutrition Programs

Oyster River families in need of assistance during the summer months can contact End 68 Hours of Hunger HERE and Community Action Partnership of Strafford County HERE.

Summer Hours Between June 23 and August 22

The SAU office summer hours are Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The SAU and schools will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

The schools' summer hours are:

• Mast Way School: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Moharimet School: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Oyster River Middle School: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
• Oyster River High School: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

ORCSD School Board Updates

ORCSD school board meetings recordings are available on the ORCSD YouTube channel HERE, and the agendas and minutes are available HERE. School board meetings are live streamed on the ORCSD Streaming channel HERE.

The adults had their own ice cream eating contest at Durham Day. Courtesy, Durham Parks & Rec

UNIVERSITY DAY IS SEPTEMBER 4 - Durham residents are invited.

University Day (UDay) is a tradition at UNH that brings together students, staff, faculty and Durham community members to celebrate and learn about the more than 300 student groups, campus departments, local businesses and more.

Join UNH for performances from the University's aerial team and marching band, plus enjoy food from our BBQ and an ice cold treat from Kona Ice. It's one of the best ways to get involved as a student on campus!

September 4, 2025 from 3:30-6:30pm on the Great Lawn on Main Street (rain date is September 11, 2025, same time and location).

ARE YOU 65 OR OLDER? JOIN A UNH RESEARCH STUDY ON WALKING AND BRAIN HEALTH!

Dr. Ferdinand Delgado, a researcher at the University of New Hampshire, is inviting older adults to participate in a study exploring how walking and thinking abilities change with age.

Participation includes:

• A FREE cognitive assessment to evaluate your memory and thinking
• A couple walking and balance assessments
• The entire visit can be completed in just one session
• (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours)
• Participants will receive a $10 Amazon gift card as a thank-you

Location: New Hampshire Hall on the University of New Hampshire’s Durham Campus

This research will help understand how physical and cognitive health are connected and improve early detection of changes that affect aging adults.

Interested?

Click on this link HERE to fill out a form to assess eligibility:

or

Contact Ferdinand to schedule to see if you qualify: ferdinand.delgado@unh.edu, 617-819-5825

Thank you for supporting research that promotes safe and healthy aging!

McGregor EMS at Durham Day. Courtesy, Durham Parks & Rec.