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Thursday, December 22, 2022
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Holiday tree at Memorial Park (from a past winter with more snow), downtown Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig
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The winter solstice began on Wednesday, December 21st – the shortest day of the year!
After approximately two years of conversations, the Town and the Durham Professional Firefighters Association have developed and executed an MOU outlining and better describing how the newly established Crew Chief position from the last collective bargaining agreement that went into effect, January 1, 2021, will be implemented. We’re collectively pleased with this outcome, enabling the DFD Team to move ahead with next steps in establishing one or two such positions within our four duty shifts over the course of the next year.
Town Clerk Lorrie Pitt reports that as of Monday of this week, approximately 92% of local property taxes have been paid by property owners. This statistic is very typical of our collection rate in Durham, which is strong.
Durham Parks & Recreation has its 2023 Winter Program Guide out and registration is open! Click HERE to link to the guide.
AND. . .
Wishing everyone a happy Hanukkah, Festivus (of Seinfeld origin), Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s!
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DURHAM HOSTS DELEGATION FROM KYRGYZSTAN – Learning about local government in USA.
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The Town recently hosted a delegation of young professionals from the country of Kyrgyzstan, through a US State Department program facilitated by Friends Forever International (based here in Durham) through their FFI Open World program. The delegation learned about different democratic forms of local government, challenges faced by a community of our size, state v. local relationships, budgeting, hosting and collaboration with a large public university, transparency, and public engagement. FFI reports the visitors had a positive visit. From FFI: “They would not stop talking about how wonderful it was! Also, the interpreter says she has been an interpreter for these sorts of programs for over 20 years and has met with many town managers across the country. She said this was by far the most thoughtful, thorough, and meaningful presentation she had ever been in with someone in that role. She was absolutely blown away!” So, positive feedback.
Residents can enjoy the photos folder to see photos of the visit.
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EXPECT HEAVY RAIN AND HIGH WIND ON FRIDAY - Chance of isolated power outages likely ...
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The National Weather Service in Gray, ME indicates this AM that damaging southeasterly winds are expected tomorrow (Friday) with peak winds Friday afternoon/early evening. Strongest winds along the coast and leeside (north) of the mountains could see locally higher gusts. Downed trees and branches could cause scattered to numerous outages.
The Durham Public Works team is meeting internally this morning to review its response plan related to high winds, downed trees, power outages, flooding, and a subsequent flash freeze. DPW will have crews on standby through Saturday ready to respond. DPW Director Rich Reine indicates it's likely we'll have someone on site in the early hours Friday morning to gauge temperature drop so we can dispatch crews in for treatment before a hard freeze occurs and driving becomes treacherous impeding travel.
Durham Fire and Police will also be ready to respond as needed.
Residents are encouraged to take Friday's weather into account when finalizing plans around the Christmas holiday.
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FOLLOWING 7 WEEKS OF REVIEW INCLUDING PUBLIC HEARING, TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTS FY 2023 BUDGETS AND 2023-2032 CIP PLAN - Minus the future repaving of Dame Road.
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The Town Council was presented with the proposed FY 2023 Budget at the end of October, which included the General Fund, Water Fund, Sewer (Wastewater) Fund, Library Fund, Parking Fund, Depot Road Lot Fund, Churchill Rink Fund, and Downtown TIF Fund budgets, as well as the Administrator’s proposed 2023-2032 Capital Improvement Plan incorporating the FY 2023 Capital Fund budget utilizing a ten-year time horizon.
General Fund revenues were initially anticipated to be down by $99,655 from what was projected for 2022, representing a negative impact to the Town’s bottom line. Over the course of the last six weeks, however, given an additional two months of actual data to review from the date the proposed budget was finalized, the Council, working with staff, was able to increase revenue projections by $150,000 as follows: $15,500 in motor vehicle registrations, $19,500 in recreation programs, $50,000 from interest on investments, $45,000 from insurance dividends/reimbursements, and $20,000 from parking. This allowed for the addition of $150,000 to the Town's contingency line to account for unforeseen circumstances that might arise as we move into 2023 due to supply chain delays, price increases, and the impacts of inflation within a potential recessionary environment.
A primary driver within Durham’s municipal budget are personnel-related costs that account for 63.41% of total spending as part of the proposed 2023 budget.
In total, this year’s approved budget is projected to increase the 2023 local municipal portion of the tax rate by 3% from $8.13 to $8.37, an increase of 24 cents. The tax rate had remained at $7.37 (formerly $8.48 but adjusted due to 2018 statistical revaluation update) for 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The proposed increase would cost the average Durham property taxpayer with a home valued at $450,000 an additional $108 in taxes for 2023.
The Sewer (Wastewater) Fund budget reflects a 6.58% increase in user fees in 2023 (a rate of $9.57 per hundred cubic feet). The total Sewer budget appropriation proposal is up 6.2% from $2,968,000 to $3,152,000 – an increase of $184,000. Impacts within the Sewer Fund include current and future Major Components replacement/refurbishments and upgrades, personnel, energy, and supply costs, sludge disposal due to increased regulation around PFAS, as well as a gradual shift in our pro rata (rolling 36 mo. average) cost share of the joint wastewater and water operating budgets for Durham and UNH. The Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 23.6% increase in user fees (a rate of $10.42 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2023.The total Water budget appropriation is up 22.3% from $1,247,500 to $1,525,220 – an increase of $277,720. The biggest impact in the Water Fund is a loss of $21,630 in revenue annually due to the decommissioning of the Sprint/Nextel cellular node atop the Foss Farm tank, increase in operational pro rata share of water processing at the UNH Water Treatment Plant, personnel COLA increases, debt service, and energy and supply costs.
The twelve-month September 2021 to September 2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) numbers are: U.S. City Index – 8.2%, Northeast – 7.2%, New England – 7.4%, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH – 8.1%.
The placeholder capital project to pave Dame Road in 2027 was eliminated altogether from the Capital Improvement Plan by the Council following public comment expressing concern about the proposal. Note, the proposal to pave all or portions of the roadway was initially included in the long-range CIP plan several years ago as a result of requests from residents on the roadway.
All together, the Council approved the raising of $39,949,179.00 for the use of the various departments of the town government for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2023.
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DURHAM HOUSING TASK FORCE SEEKING TWO NEW MEMBERS
There are two vacancies on the Housing Task Force. Interested Durham residents are encouraged to join the task force in order to assist with the review of the amendments and other housing-related projects. Send an email to mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us for more information.
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FREE HOLIDAY PARKING IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM - 12/21/22 to 1/3/23
The parking kiosks in the immediate downtown business area will allow free parking to encourage residents and others to shop the downtown during the holidays. The screen on the applicable kiosks will inform customers of the free parking and will not accept any payment.
No receipts on your dashboard will be required during the Holiday Parking period.
The grace period that allows for free parking for shoppers will commence Wednesday, December 21st and run through Tuesday, January 3rd.
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McGregor Paramedic Robert Cousins does more than save lives. The former captain of the Dartmouth chess team, Robert qualified for the U.S. Correspondence Chess Championship earlier this year. Since March, he and 16 other players have been vying for the title of U.S. Champion. With nearly three-quarters of the tournament complete, Robert is currently tied for first place. Final results are expected in mid-2023. Between chess moves and in addition to his role as a paramedic, Robert oversees our Community Paramedicine and Quality Assurance programs.
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PUBLIC HEARING ON ORCSD PROPOSED 2023-24 BUDGET
The annual Public Hearing on the proposed 2023-2024 Oyster River Cooperative School District budget is scheduled for Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 7:00 pm in the Oyster River Middle School Concert Hall (will be held the next day in case of inclement weather). Following the public hearing, voters will have the opportunity to debate and modify the budget at the Deliberative Session scheduled for February 7 at 7:00 pm, with final decision by voters on March 14, 2023 at local elections.
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OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD NEWS FOR DECEMBER 21, 2022
The annual Public Hearing on the proposed 2023-2024 Oyster River Cooperative School District budget is scheduled for Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 7:00 pm in the Oyster River Middle School Concert Hall (will be held the next day in case of inclement weather). Following the public hearing, voters will have the opportunity to debate and modify the budget at the Deliberative Session scheduled for February 7 at 7:00 pm and final decision by voters on March 7 at local elections.
School Board Member Yusi Turell announced her resignation from the school board effective in early March. This means that in addition to two at-large seats with 3-year terms which will be up for election, the school board seat representing Durham for a 1-year term will also be included on the ballot in March.
Friday, December 23 is a half-day of school in Oyster River with middle and high school students dismissed at 11:30 and elementary students at 12:30. All Oyster River Schools are closed December 24-January 2, with classes resuming on January 3, 2023. Happy New Year!
The first Community Dinner in over 3 years is planned for February 2, 2023. Programming will be focused on Sustainability and Environmental Justice.
DEIJ coordinator Rachael Blansett presented on her engagement with ORCSD students and staff over her first 4 months with the district including needs assessment. ORCSD Communications Specialist Gen Brown and Information Technology Directory
Josh Olstad presented on plans for a website overhaul with a new web hosting vendor to be completed over the next 6 months.
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RISING TIDES PHOTO CONTEST RETURNS - Sponsored by NH Coastal Adaptation Workgroup (CAW)
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People who live, work, and recreate in New Hampshire’s coastal communities are already experiencing impacts from high tide flooding. High tide flooding occurs several times a year when tidal waters flow above the natural landscape onto roadways, driveways, and yards, and interrupt daily routines. These tides offer a glimpse into what daily water levels could be like in the future as sea levels rise.
The Rising Tides Photo Contest is a unique opportunity to use photography to learn how places are already being impacted by high tide flooding and will be affected by rising sea levels. This year, the Rising Tides Photo Contest will focus on documenting higher-than-normal tides and showcasing the area’s resilient ecosystems, economies, infrastructure, and communities.
What to Enter: Photos must be taken during the contest period along New Hampshire's tidal shoreline. For tips on where to go, explore the 2023 Rising Tides Photo Contest Map. Additionally, photos must be entered into one of four contest categories:
- Picturing Change: Atlantic Coast
- Picturing Change: Great Bay
- Picturing Resilience: Atlantic Coast
- Picturing Resilience: Great Bay
Examples of eligible images in each category and a list of communities in each geographic area are available on the CAW website.
How to Enter: Photo entries must be submitted via the online entry form available on the CAW website during the Contest Submission Period, January 21-24, 2023. Entries submitted via mail, email, or social media will not be accepted.
Prizes: One winning entry will be selected in each of the four Contest Categories through a public voting process. The entries that receive the most votes by the end of the voting period on February 2, 2023, at 11:59 PM ET will win a $50 gift card to a local restaurant of the winner’s choosing.
CAW is excited to host guided flood tours during the contest period. These events will provide a guided opportunity to take photos of high tide flooding and learn about the impacts of sea level rise in your community from lived and diverse perspectives. Volunteer boards and municipal staff, technical assistance providers, natural resource professionals, researchers and students, elected officials, interested residents, community leaders, and Rising Tides Photo Contest participants are encouraged to participate. Stay tuned for more information and event registration coming soon.
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DOWNEASTER SCHEDULED TO RECEIVE NEW ULTRA-MODERN TRAIN SETS FROM AMTRAK AROUND 2030 TIMEFRAME
The Downeaster — Amtrak’s passenger train route between Maine and Boston with three stops in NH is slated for new trains that are part of a nationwide upgrade.
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In an article from NH Business Review written by reporter (and Durham resident) Paul Briand, on Thursday of last week, Amtrak announced its sleek new Airo trains, which the passenger railroad company described as an “elevated experience” with a more elegant design of windows that offer panoramic views, reduced travel times, redesigned cafe car, spacious seating that emphasizes ergonomics, and improved technology access.
According to Amtrak, the first of the Airo trains will be in service in 2026 in the Cascades corridor in the Pacific Northwest followed by roll-out to a dozen other routes into 2031.
Asked by NH Business Review about a timeline for deployment, Amtrak public relations specialist Jen Flanagan confirmed the Airo for the Downeaster route but offered no specificity about when.
The new trains will provide improved passenger amenities, including modern comfortable seating, spacious restrooms and a contemporary food service experience, among other improvements to better serve all Amtrak customers.
In addition to the Northeast Regional, the new trains will operate on other routes including the Empire Service, Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Downeaster, Amtrak Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express and Adirondack.
The Amtrak Airo replaces current stock that is 50 years old.
The Downeaster line runs between Boston and Brunswick, Maine, with the following additional stops: In Massachusetts, Woburn and Haverhill; in New Hampshire, Exeter, Durham and Dover; in Maine, Wells, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Portland and Freeport.
The Town of Durham indicates the new train sets are expected to be operational for the Downeaster corridor around 2030.
The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, the Amtrak Downeaster continues to be one of the best performing regional Amtrak passenger rails in the country.
Daily ridership is growing back to its pre-Covid-19 pandemic numbers. From January to October 2022, total ridership was 345,697, according to rail authority data, compared to 184,650 in 2021, 125,258 in 2020, 430,496 in 2019, and 407,109 in 2018 during the same time span.
In its 21st year of operation, ridership to and from Durham and the UNH campus tripled to a total of just over 42,000 passenger trips. Spring 2022 ridership from Durham doubled that of year prior. Full corridor ridership has rebounded to just under 90 percent of pre-pandemic ridership. We anticipate our 1 millionth Durham rider early in 2023.
Read the full article from Paul Briand in NH Business Review HERE.
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Students from the Oyster River Middle School and High School made a special visit to the Durham Police Department this past Wednesday, spreading cheer while caroling. The staff and police personnel were very impressed with their performance and, thanks to the carolers, were in the holiday spirit all afternoon. Courtesy DPD
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TEXTING SCAM INVOLVING PACKAGE DELIVERY!
Have you received unsolicited mobile text messages with an unfamiliar or strange web link that indicates a USPS delivery requires a response from you? The text may be regarding an unclaimed package or a package that was unable to be delivered for some reason. Don’t click the link! This type of text message is a scam called smishing.
Smishing is a form of phishing that involves a text message or phone number. Victims will typically receive a deceptive text message that is intended to lure the recipient into providing their personal or financial information.
The Postal Service offers tools to track specific packages, but customers are required to either register online, or initiate a text message, and provide a tracking number. USPS will not send customers text messages or e-mails without a customer first requesting the service with a tracking number, and it will NOT contain a link. So, if you did not initiate the tracking request for a specific package directly from USPS and it contains a link: don’t click the link! The information provided is from the United States Postal Inspection Service.
When in doubt, contact your local post office or police for guidance.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL DURHAM RESTAURANTS -
Local Restaurant Infrastructure Investment Program has been reopened until January 11, 2023
The application period for the Local Restaurant Infrastructure Investment Program has been reopened until Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 4:00 PM. All local restaurateurs who continue to bear a heavy burden due to the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to apply. Under the Local Restaurant Infrastructure Investment Program, eligible New Hampshire restaurants can be reimbursed for eligible equipment, infrastructure, and technology purchases made because of, or in response to, the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial application period for the program closed on July 13, 2022. With unused funds still available to support the state’s local restaurants, the Executive Council encouraged and the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery responded by extending this program.
Examples of potentially eligible expenses for reimbursement include equipment or software to expand or adopt digital services such as online reservations, host-less check in, at-table payment systems, menus that help provide more flexibility and increase capacity, HVAC system updates to improve COVID-19 mitigation, and more. Applications are available through the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery and are due by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.
For more information on eligibility requirements and to obtain an application, click HERE.
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ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY SNOW MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS FROM DPW
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As the colder season begins, it’s important to make sure that winter salt being applied to our driveways is being used in an environmentally safe way. Companies that are certified Green SnowPro professionals with the logo above are trained to remove snow and ice using practices that keep both the public and the environment safe. To find a list of Green SnowPro certified contractors, click HERE.
If you know that your snow removal contractor is Green SnowPro certified please share that information with us by emailing Town Engineer April Talon at atalon@ci.durham.nh.us! Thank you!
Residents are also reminded that a supply of a sand/salt mix is available at Durham Public Works located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive before the main entrance gate. This supply is made available for pickup by Durham residents only for use on their residential property for snow and ice control.
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DID YOU KNOW? - Break the Cycle of Tossing Plastics
There is something you can do to break the cycle of tossing plastics. For instance, instead of throwing out your shampoo, laundry detergent and hand soap plastic bottles, choose to reuse them by refilling them with similar products.
There is a growing number of local shops that reuse and re-purpose plastic and glass containers. Bring your own containers in and fill up! These shops offer supplies, education and encouragement to create a sustainable, low-waste lifestyle.
The Replenish Refillery
Dover, NH
The Refill Station
Portsmouth, NH
We Fill Good
Kittery, ME
Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee
Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com
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OYSTER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL WELCOMES ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS!
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The ORHS Girls and Boys Basketball Teams welcomes you to come and support your teams! $10 Season Pass, $3 per game, Seniors and Students Free.
All games are held in the Oyster River High School gymnasium at 55 Coe Drive, Durham, NH 03824. For more information and updated game schedules, please visit Oyster River High School (oysterriverathletics.org).
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UNH PRESIDENT WISHES EVERYONE A HAPPY HOLIDAY!
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President James Dean and Jan Dean have sent out UNH’s annual e-holiday card, which includes a brief video showing some of the many accomplishments at UNH over the course of this past year. You can see that video by clicking HERE.
The Deans wish everyone the very best of health, joy, and success.
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FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS EACH WEEK IN UNH TODAY ... AND VIA THE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE CALENDAR PAGE
UNH Today is the official online publication of the University of New Hampshire. It delivers news, events, and multimedia devoted to bringing community members a weekly glimpse of the remarkable things happening on campus, in New Hampshire, and around the world.
As a subscriber, you'll learn about student and faculty achievement, the impact of UNH in the community, and timely information on the arts, sports, and special events that make UNH (and in part Durham) a vibrant place.
You may sign up to begin receiving UNH Today by clicking HERE
As you know, there is always a great deal happening on campus, and many events are not mentioned in UNH Today. Many other campus happenings can be researched via the UNH online calendar, which can be accessed HERE.
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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THIS WEEK AT DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY!
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Happy Holidays From DPL! Durham Public Library wishes you all a safe and joyful holiday season. Be sure to note the library's holiday hours, which can be found HERE!
Next week, join us for a special performance by Moosemallow! This Woodwind Quintet of local music teachers, will perform for children and their families on Tuesday, December 27th at 10:30 am!
Don't forget the library always has a Make-It, Take-It Craft during vacation week. This year, make your own paper snowglobe! Available in the storytime room from Dec. 27th through Dec. 31st! Planning for the new year? Take a look at the Youth Services and Young Adult pages of our website where information is being continually updated for programs like Lego Club, Homeschool Activity Hour, Raccoon Readers, Bookeaters Book Club, the YA Cooking Project and more! Program calendars are also available HERE!
Meditative Yoga is on hiatus! But don't worry! While our instructor takes a well-earned break, she has generously given permission for DPL to film the final 2 sessions of this year! and they are now available for in-home use to our patrons! Visit our website HERE for the links.
Have you stopped by the library yet to see Durham resident Trudy Brown's stunning 2022 gingerbread house creation? The gingerbread house will be on display at the library through the holidays so be sure to stop by and take a look! For a virtual tour, visit Trudy's YouTube page! And while you're here...don't forget to pop upstairs to visit the Art of Debbie Mueller, on display in the gallery now! Debbie's presentation, the Anatomy of a Painting will take place in-person at the library on January 11th. Also, try out a little art yourself as Corinne Roberts returns via zoom on Tuesday, January 24th at 6:00 pm with an adult sketching class on Buildings and Cityscapes! Register HERE for the link on the day of the program.
Additional programs are continually added to our Events page, so take a look as we begin to post more 2023 events and programs! Questions? We can help! The library staff is always available to answer your questions during business hours at 603-868-6699 or any time at durhampl@gmail.com
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1896 - John Sullivan was honored by the erection of a monument in Durham and an obelisk in Elmira, N.Y. Bearing his name are also a town and county in N.H., counties in Pennsylvania and New York, a bridge across the Piscataqua, a fort in Eastport, Maine and a 1929 2-cent stamp.
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Happy holidays! The “Friday Updates” will return in January.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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