Friday Updates - February 10, 2023

Friday, February 10, 2023

COVID BIOMARKER SIGNAL AT DURHAM WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT RUNNING HIGH THIS WEEK

As part of the state wastewater COVID testing program in which Durham participates, UNH researchers informed us today that the COVID biomarker levels for the Durham Wastewater Treatment Plant on Thursday 2/9 (yesterday) were higher than we’ve ever seen them in the past 2.5 years. In addition to off-campus COVID activity, biomarker levels from campus are also high. This is an important reminder that COVID is still very much present in our community, on and off campus. 

Residents are encouraged to take precautions as they deem appropriate given individual health considerations.  

There are two basic forms of town government under New Hampshire law: (1) traditional, board of selectperson/town meeting form; and (2) town council/town manager form described in RSA Chapter 49-D. Each form has several variations.

The board of selectperson/town meeting is the traditional, "pure democracy" form of town government, where the voters themselves, acting at town meeting, are the legislative body of a community. Budgetary, legislative, and other questions are put before the voters in the form of warrant articles, the merits of which are debated, and then voted on at the meeting held on or around the 2nd Tuesday in March.

The selectboard acts as the governing body and carries out the decisions of the town meeting and manages the prudential affairs of the town over the course of the year including town property and municipal staff. The board of selectpersons sometimes creates “administrative assistant" or “town administrator” positions, which have only those powers specifically delegated to them by the selectboard, which can change from year to year as the selectboard changes. Madbury and Lee have an administrative assistant and town administrator, respectively, which fall into these categories. Alternatively, a town at the annual town meeting may adopt the provisions of RSA 37, establishing a statutory town manager position. The town manager is selected with special reference to education, training, and experience to perform the duties of the office, and without reference to political belief. When a town manager position is created, the management of town property and the hiring and firing of municipal staff is transferred from the selectpersons to the town manager. The selectboard, therefore, assumes a policy focus with the town manager carrying out the day-to-day responsibilities of managing the municipality.

The town council/town manager is the second form of town government (with a few possible variations) allowing a town to adopt a charter establishing a representative body - the town council - which has powers analogous to those of a city council. The charter must provide for the appointment of a town manager by the council, who shall have all the powers of town managers as set out in RSA Chapter 37 (the town manager may be referred to by a similar name - in Durham it is the “administrator”). The council may have as many as 15 members (!), and must have an odd number unless the vote of the chair is reserved for breaking ties. Durham’s town council, approved in 1988 at Town Meeting and put into effect in 1989, has 9 members. At the time, Durham wanted to ensure there were a large number of members sitting around the table in order to bring multiple perspectives to weighty issues facing the community.  

The adoption of a town council-town manager charter abolishes the traditional board of selectperson/town meeting form of government.

The town council functions as both the governing body and legislative body, as do city councils in cities. Where the town council is both the governing body and the legislative body, it generally has all the powers and duties of selectmen, city councils and boards of aldermen, and may address all matters that general law requires to be done at town meetings, all as provided by RSA 49-D:3, l(a).

Durham's town council may both make local laws (called ordinances) and adopt a budget without further action of the town. The "administrator" proposes an annual budget to the town council. Only bond questions on a single issue with proposed debt in excess of $2.3 million must be approved by referendum. Referendum matters may also be brought to a vote of the town.  

The Town of Newmarket operates under a slight variation of the town council-town manager format. In Newmarket, the town council may adopt ordinances, but the budget still requires adoption by the community at a special annual budgetary town meeting.

The only other town in NH that operates exactly like Durham is Derry, NH. Durham and Derry are in essence towns that have the governmental structure of cities with a council/manager structure.

View the Town of Durham's Charter HERE.

UPCOMING 2023 TOWN ELECTION AND ABSENTEE BALLOT INFORMATION

The 2023 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the Oyster River High School, Multipurpose Room, Coe Drive, Durham, N.H. The polling hours are 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. If you are unable to vote in person, you may qualify for an absentee ballot. Please click HERE or call the Durham Town Clerk’s Office at 603-868-5577 for more information on how to vote absentee.  

The following is a list of candidates that have filed for positions for the March 14, 2023 Town & Oyster River Cooperative School District Election. To read about each Town Candidate's qualifications and interests, please click HERE.

Three positions for Town Councilor (3-year term)

• Wayne Burton
• Emily Friedrichs
• Sally W. Needell

Two positions for Durham Public Library Board of Trustees (3-year term)

• Robin Glasser
• Kimberly Sweetman

One position for Durham Public Library Board of Trustees (1-year term)

• Randall O'Brien

One position for Trustee of the Trust Funds (3-year term)

• Theodore Howard

One position for Town Clerk-Tax Collector (3-year term)

• Rachel Deane

One position for Town Treasurer (3-year term)

• Karl A. Van Asselt

Two positions for School Board At-Large (3-year term)

• Denise Day
• Giana Gelsey

One position for School Board Durham Member (1-year term)

• Thomas Newkirk

One position for School District Moderator

• Michael Williams

2022 YEAR END GROSS WAGES COMPILED FOR DURHAM

The 2022 year-end gross wages for Durham have been compiled and uploaded to the Durham website. This information can be accessed HERE.

While the Town is under no obligation to do so, Administrator Selig believes it is important for the community to be able to easily understand what public employees and officials are paid by the municipality in a completely open manner. Business Manager Gail Jablonski, therefore, annually prepares the costs of full time, part-time, overtime wages, and other compensation-related payments. 

ANNUAL EVALUATION FOR ADMIN. SELIG COMPLETED BY THE COUNCIL

The Town Council completed Administrator Selig’s Annual Evaluation on Monday evening, February 6, 2023, in public session. As has been Mr. Selig’s practice, the consolidated Council evaluation document, as well as individual Councilor evaluations and discussion, have been made public at his option and are currently posted on the Town web site HERE, as well as Mr. Selig's Employment Contract. Mr. Selig has made his annual evaluation public since he began working for the Town in 2001 as its manager. 

On January 9, 2023, the Council began the process for conducting Administrator Selig’s annual performance evaluation. Councilors decided to continue with the same process used in recent years in which the Council utilizes a one-page evaluation form/matrix outlining key elements of importance and ranking the administrator’s performance (on a scale of 1 to 5) for each element, which includes five categories: 

1. Ability to maintain or improve strong relationships
2. Financial oversight
3. Leadership
4. Initiative
5. Other

Rankings included: 5=Excellent, 4=Very Good, 3=Good, 2=Acceptable, 1=Unacceptable.

Mr. Selig’s average consolidated scores over the past thirteen years are as follows:

2010 - 4.3; 2011 - 4.4; 2012 - 4.5; 2013 - 4.0; 2014 - 4.3; 2015 - 4.4; 2016 - 4.5; 2017 - 4.8; 2018 - 4.6; 2019 - 4.65; 2020 - 4.8; 2021 - 4.7 & 2022 - 4.9

Mr. Selig is currently under a 9-year employment contract with the Town of Durham through December 31, 2025. 

DEPUTY TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR POSITION AVAILABLE

Applications are being accepted for a Full-Time Deputy Town Clerk-Tax Collector position. The Deputy is responsible for assisting the Town Clerk-Tax Collector in administering the Town’s collection and recording of all taxes and legal duties relative to property tax collection, utility billing, motor vehicle registrations, dog licensing, and vital records. They act on behalf of the Town Clerk-Tax Collector in that person’s absence.

Example of Duties:

• Serves as custodian to all municipal records; records and reports relating to vital statistics, liens, etc. as required by law. Processes such records and issues certified copies as requested.
• Oversees filing of candidates for elections. Distributes absentee ballots for all state and town elections. Completes voter registration.
• Issues all licenses and permits and collects all fees as required by statute and ordinance, unless otherwise provided, and deposits these collections with the Town Treasurer.        
• Serve as the collection point for all accounts due to the town including property taxes, utility bills, license and fees, unless otherwise provided.
• Maintain accurate records pertaining to the collection function.
• Turn over to the Town Treasurer all funds received in a timely manner.
• Collect fees for the registration of motor vehicles as required by law.
• Perform all other duties as required in the absence of Town Clerk-Tax Collection.

 Requirements include:

• Current resident of Durham, New Hampshire
• Strong computer skills.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Basic knowledge of principles and procedures of modern governmental accounting.
• Exercise a high degree of judgment and tact. 
• Carries out responsibilities in accordance with State laws and Town policies and procedures.
• Education and experience which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and ability to carry out job functions. While not required by law, a college degree would be beneficial.
• Prior Experience in Municipal Government helpful, but not required.

Resumes will be accepted until February 24, 2023. Interested candidates may apply by submitting a cover letter and resume by e-mail to rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us or by mail addressed to: Town of Durham, N.H., Town Clerk-Tax Collector Office, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824. For more information, please click HERE.

DON'T FORGET TO APPLY FOR YOUR SOLAR EXEMPTION!

While inspecting properties for improvements/renovations, it has been noted that several property owners in Durham who have installed solar equipment have not applied for their solar exemption.

If you own property in Durham and have recently installed, upgraded or replaced a “solar energy system” that utilizes solar energy to heat or cool the interior of your building; heat water or to provide electricity, you may qualify for a solar exemption. If you are already receiving a solar exemption, you do not need to reapply.  

The Town of Durham adopted the Exemption for Solar Systems per RSA 72:62 where you may qualify for a solar exemption from your property tax assessment.

To qualify for this exemption, you must submit a PA-29 exemption application by April 15, 2023. Applications are located on the Town’s website or you may pick one up at the Assessor’s Office. Your application must also include the invoice that includes a detailed list of what equipment was installed on your property and cost of the project. 

 If approved, this exemption will be applied to your 2023 assessment. If you have any questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at (603) 868-8064.

The Planning Board thanked Lorne Parnell for his many years of service at its meeting on Wednesday. Lorne was renowned for his sage judgment in evaluating challenging projects that came before the board. 

A plaque was presented to Lorne which read, “The Planning Board of Durham, New Hampshire expresses its deep gratitude to Lorne Parnell for his longtime membership on the board, his outstanding leadership, and his unfailing wisdom. February 2023.”

With the Durham Agricultural Commissions' endorsement, there will be a series of fruit tree pruning workshops in the month of February within our watershed community. Join in reconnecting with the landscapes to restore and recommit your relationships to place. These workshops will be held in different locations on Saturdays from 1-4 pm. During the workshop, techniques and practices of pruning will be discussed with fellow community member Bryan Cassidy who will support participants to actively engage in pruning in the later part of the workshop. Bryan believes that pruning fruit trees benefits the ecosystem (wildlife and human) through shelter, fruit, and health but maybe more importantly our interdependence of belonging and supporting the abundant gifts that come from a little attention close at hand and foot.

When: Saturdays 1-4 pm.

February 11th: LaRoche Farm (older apples/peaches) 41 Bennett Road Durham NH

February 18th: Emery Farm (older apples) 147 Piscataqua Rd, Durham, NH

February 25th: Tuckaway Farm (blueberries) 36 Captain Smith Emerson Rd, Lee, NH

What to bring: Wardrobe for the weather, water/snacks, and any tools available to you (loppers, pruning saw, pole saw, gloves, safety glasses to prevent falling wood shavings from saw cuts.) 

Cost: These workshops will be by donation to welcome all who are interested without a fee for entrance. Any donation is gratefully accepted, without any expectation, to Bryan Cassidy by cash or check.

Please write to bryancassidy77@gmail.com your intentions to join a workshop to gain more information such as parking for an event, or with any questions you may have.

The Durham Police Department is aware of an increase in area vehicle break-ins. This week several vehicles' windows were smashed in Portsmouth at the Strawberry Bank Museum while people enjoyed outdoor skating. Valuables from inside the vehicles, to include credit cards, checks, and identity documents, were stolen. Durham is not immune to these crimes, as they have happened several times in the past at our various walking trails, recreation areas, and parks. It is believed that these thefts are related to an organized crime ring that has operated on the east coast for at least the last ten years. There crimes have resulted in millions of dollars of losses to individuals. 

When you are enjoying the beautiful seacoast or the outside spaces in Durham, please remember the following:

• Do not leave purses, handbags, or any valuables in your vehicle in plain view.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Look for suspicious vehicles with out of state plates, or people looking at vehicles that do not appear to be their own in parking lots.
• Call the police if you suspect something is not right or looks strange.
• Do not intervene if you see someone breaking a window or rummaging through a vehicle. Call 911 and try to describe as much as you can to the dispatcher. License plates, what people look like, anything that will help police identify the suspects. 

Durham Police remain proactive with patrols and other tactics to try and prevent these crimes from happening. When they do happen, detectives take part in regional information sharing and collaboration with other police agencies to try to identify those responsible. Unfortunately, this is a sophisticated team of people who come to the area briefly to do nothing but commit crime. If you have any questions or concerns that are non-emergent, please contact the Durham Police Department at 603-868-2324, or by email at police@ci.durham.nh.us.  

ONLINE CRIME THAT AIMES AT EXPLOITING YOUTH - Underage victims tricked into sending nude photos of themselves and then are threatened to pay money or the images will be released on social media.

Be aware that there is an online exploitation crime directed toward youth in which money is demanded from the victim. These crimes originate when someone begins messaging (typically on social media application platforms), with users they have never met or talked with before. 

After a brief conversation, the victim sends nude photographs of themself. Once the unknown user has possession of the photographs, they threaten to expose the embarrassing photos to the victims' friends and family, if the victim does not pay or send them money. 

Many teens and young adults become panicked and try to resolve the issue by sending whatever money they can. However, the scam doesn’t end. More money is requested and threats increase. 

If it happens, there is help! 

As part of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) taskforce, the Durham Police participated in messaging aimed at teens and young adults for Safer Internet Day, which occurred on Tuesday. 

The Durham Police, as part of a nationwide trend, have seen an unfortunate uptick in these cases. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has set up a task force to deal with this crime, however, many of the investigative leads end in Nigeria, where there is little to no help with bringing those responsible to justice. 

There are numerous online resources available if you have questions regarding this unfortunate trend. If you have a teen or young adult in your life, it is an important topic to talk about!

Please don't hesitate to contact the staff at the Durham Police Department at 603-868-2324 to discuss further if needed.

During the period from February 3, 2023, through February 6, 2023, New Hampshire experienced record-setting cold temperatures with dangerous wind chills followed by a quick warm-up. During this time, the fire department responded to fifty-seven (57) calls for service, of which thirteen (13) responses were for broken pipes and water leaks across the Town of Durham and the University campus. The on-duty crews, station coverage crews, and mutual aid units did an outstanding job of assisting property owners with mitigating water leaks and minimizing any further damage.

Despite the many challenges presented by the arctic conditions, the crews also responded mutual aid to nearby communities for two building fires, as well as responding to a dumpster fire, multiple alarm activations, and several emergency medical responses in Durham. 

Congratulations to the crews on a job well done! 

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 would like to introduce Smokey the Fire Dog. Smokey will give short tips on Fire Safety, weekly so Parents can generate conversation with their children about Fire Safety. Keep an eye out in the weekly updates These small questions and tips are a great way for you as a Parent to teach your kids about Fire Safety, the more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #6

Over the past few weeks, we have learned about calling 911, and how important it is to know our address. Also, what smoke detectors sound like and when we need to change the batteries. We have decided to have a meeting place when there is an emergency and most important that the whole family has an escape plan for getting out of the house.

Now it's time to put it all together. Mom and Dad need to gather up the family and have a fire drill. Afterwards we can all talk about the things we need to fix or improve on.

Here is a great link with valuable information to help our families in Durham and across the Oyster River community. www.ready.gov/home-fire-escape-plan

PETTEE BROOK LOT EV CHARGING STATION REPAIRED FOLLOWING DAMAGE DURING DECEMBER 22/23 POWER OUTAGES - Other elements of lot under repair as well.

The EV charging station in the Pettee Brook Parking Lot has been repaired and is back to normal operation. When power was restored to the lot two weeks ago, DPW found that the tall light pole in the middle of the lot and one of the decorative light bollards that line the center pedestrian walkway did not illuminate. An investigation by Durham’s electrical contractor found that the fixtures inside these units succumbed to the surge of electricity when the utility pole was knocked down. DPW has learned that these units are obsolete, and the Town’s electrical distributer is actively searching for a retrofit replacement. Finally, Primex, the Town’s insurance carrier, approved a proposal from the Town’s electrical distributor to replace the destroyed decorative light pole that was crushed by an Eversource pole/transformer. It has been ordered, however, there is a 50-70 day lead time. 

PART-TIME SEASONAL DPW LABORERS WANTED

The Town is one of the most beautiful and desired locations in the State and is home to the University of New Hampshire’s flagship campus. Durham Public Works, a recognized leader in the Public Works field, is fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals. The Department is seeking several highly motivated team members to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Part-Time Seasonal Laborer.

The successful candidates will assist the Operations Manager and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor in completing routine public works projects such as landscaping, park and facility maintenance, and road maintenance.

The salary for these part-time, seasonal positions is $14-16/hr, depending upon qualifications. These 40 hour/week positions run from May-August and normal work hours are 7:00am – 3:30pm, Monday – Friday.

The successful candidates must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or may be 16 or 17 years of age with signed parental permission. Experience with small engine operation, including lawn mowers, string trimmers, and lead blowers is desired.

Applications are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on March 10th, 2023.   

SEEKING REGULAR PART-TIME MECHANIC

DPW is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Regular Part-Time Equipment Mechanic.

The successful candidate will assist the Fleet Services Supervisor in the maintenance, repair, and installation of a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment within the Public Works Fleet. Responsibilities include diagnosing and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, performing regular preventative maintenance on equipment, ensuring equipment is operating safely and efficiently, and keeping accurate and detailed maintenance records. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Fleet Services Supervisor and Operations Manager.

The salary for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr, depending upon qualifications. Flexible scheduling is available for this 24 hour per week position, with normal work hours from 7:00am – 3:30pm Monday – Friday.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of (1) year of experience or formal training in the maintenance of fleet vehicles and heavy equipment. Possession of a Class B Commercial Driver’s License and State Inspection Certification desired.

Applications are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on March 10th, 2023.   

OYSTER RIVER JV SOCRATIC SOCIETY

Oyster River has the great fortune of working closely with UNH and one of the benefits of this relationship materialized this past month with the culmination of a semester’s amount of work in the world of Philosophy. Under the guidance of UNH’s distinguished Philosophy department, they created not only a JV Socratic Society for ORHS students to have meaningful conversations with their peers, but also an Ethics Bowl team. The latter just competed in the state tournament hosted by St. Anslem ‘s going toe-to-toe with the defending champs. The team is comprised of Oyster River students: Uma Gibson, Ulysses Smith, and Orion Smith, with Oliver Rodi joining them from Manchester Essex High School, and coached by UNH’s Nina Windgaetter.  This is not an ORHS club, but ORHS students are involved outside of school. 

If anyone has interest in joining either the Ethics Bowl team or being a part of the Socratic Society they can contact Professor Nick Smith at nick.smith@unh.edu. 

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).