Friday Updates - February 20, 2026

Friday, February 20, 2026

Illustration by Paul and Isla Noonan, NH Magazine

NH Magazine published a nice article on Durham this week. You can access it HERE.

In the United States, Black History Month is observed every year during the month of February.

If you were unable to watch the Candidate Forum on Wednesday night, you can watch the recording HERE. If you prefer to read a transcript of the Forum, click on CC under "Forum Start" on the right side of the page and the transcript will show. Matthew Swiesz read Peter Ventura's answers to the questions as he could not attend the Forum. Rita Mason had the flu and was also unable to attend. Her answers are posted on her Facebook page "Rita Mason for Town Council."

At this past Monday's meeting, the Council discussed Administrator Todd Selig's yearly evaluation. To see the results of the evaluation, click HERE.

UPDATES FROM THIS WEEK’S LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING - February 17, 2026

The leadership team reviewed the recently negotiated collective bargaining agreements with AFSCME, the Durham Professional Firefighters Association, and the Durham Professional Municipal Management Association, which update wages to current market conditions and provide 2% increases in the out years to support stable budgeting as the Town moves into upcoming lean budget years.

Downtown Zoning and Development - Staff discussed the Council’s adoption of a zoning change for Downtown Durham setting the maximum height in the Central Business-1 District at 4 stories/50 feet across the Pettee Brook Lane-Main Street–Madbury Road triangle, relying upon Planning Board architectural review regulations to manage scale and design. The team also touched on a potential 300,000 square foot project at the R.J. Kelly location to the west on Technology Drive, including a general update regarding progress on The Edge at West End and at 66 Main St. by UNH and Durham.

Elections, Revaluation, and Tax Impacts - Town Clerk/Tax Collector Rachel Deane outlined preparations for the upcoming March 10th local election, including ballot programming, demonstration and testing of the new voting machines, etc. It was noted that property tax collection this year was right on track with historical levels, in fact a little stronger. Assessor Darcy Freer reported on post-revaluation work, including 20 abatements to date, 184 building-permit-related inspections to be completed by early May, and processing of abatements, credits, and exemptions on statutory timelines, with discussion of higher taxes on previously undervalued waterfront properties. 

Library, Community Programs, and Subdivision Behind Library - Library Director Sheryl Bass highlighted successful and upcoming library programs, including the Oyster River Community Read featuring “The Book of Joy,” and announced that the Library Trustees will conduct a community needs assessment survey to better understand evolving service demands. The team also reviewed a proposed subdivision behind the library that would affect Town on-street parking (a potential elimination of three spaces), with a staff site walk to be scheduled to evaluate parking impacts. One idea was whether the owner of the proposed subdivision parcel would grant access for a formal cut through path from the library site to Strafford Avenue.

Public Safety, Wagon Hill Farm, and Fire Department Updates - Police Chief Kelley reported on staffing constraints caused by multiple military deployments and FMLA leave and confirmed police coverage for the upcoming March 10th town/school election, while also briefing the group on ongoing dog-management concerns at Wagon Hill Farm, including planned stepped-up presence by the parking/animal control officer and continued exploration of out of town parking-fee options there. Fire Chief Emmanuel updated the team on suspicious fire investigations at the Diamond Library with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, a significant sprinkler-related damage incident on Super Bowl Sunday on campus, and the Council’s approval of more than $700,000 in funding for new SCBA breathing packs to replace end of life (expiration date) gear and support firefighter safety.

Finance, Cybersecurity, and Internal Operations - Business Manager Gail Jablonski reported on the recent pre-audit with the Town’s external auditors from Plodzik and Sanderson, and implementation work tied to the newly settled labor contracts, including ensuring that eligible staff receive retroactive pay, and noted ongoing monitoring of broader governmental budget pressures that could affect Durham. IT Manager Luke Vincent shared cybersecurity updates on supply-chain risks (challenging to procure some computers/parts/components) and ransomware trends, ongoing single sign-on challenges with the Staples office-supply program, and requested staff help in reporting Wi‑Fi issues in the Council chambers over the next several weeks so IT can diagnose and resolve them.

​Public Works Updates - The Town Council earlier this year approved a contract for automated solid waste collection to Casella Waste Systems on 02/02/26. We have a Kick-Off meeting with the Casella Team today. The program is slated to begin on or around 07/01/26, with standardized carts delivered to residents near the middle of May. Heavy Equipment Operator, Chad Jaquith, began employment with the Department on 02/16/26. This position is a critical role that has been vacant since January 2025. Durham Public Works has managed 57.5" of snow over 18 winter storm events since the season began on 11/14/25. This includes a 42-hour consecutive response for a 19.4" event from 01/25-01/26. We're preparing to add several tallies to that count later this week. 

The Bickford-Chesley House rehabilitation project is nearing completion. Punch list items, including exterior landscaping, will be completed once the snow melts and the ground thaws. The Department is working with the Administrator's office on finding a tenant for the apartment space. The design phase of the Phase 4 Madbury Road Complete Streets Project is nearing completion. Director Reine plans to bring the construction portion of the project to the Town Council for approval at the next meeting. And finally, DPW is working with the Police Department on installing signage to encourage e-scooter safety within the downtown this week. 

Other Property Updates - Staff also noted several local property items including removal of an underground storage tank at Dunkin’ Donuts (formerly Cumberland Farm) that was detected during recent excavation by the owner, and possible renovations at 8 Mill Road.

PROGRAM OFFERED IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

The UNH Office of Community, Civil Rights, and Compliance (OC3) invites Durham residents to “Crossroads: Facets of Black History and Our Present,” a hybrid program featuring Alphonse V. Wright as guest speaker. Mr. Wright will highlight the often-overlooked stories of Black communities in New Hampshire and explore the intersection of disability and Black lives, offering historical insights and space for thoughtful dialogue.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2026

Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.

Location: Huddleston Hall, Sunroom 110 (with virtual option)

Audience: UNH employees, graduate students, and community members

Catering: The Works Café

Please register HERE. In-person space is limited.  

Join OC3 to honor the past, engage the present, and reflect on how Black history continues to shape our shared future.

Snow covered bridge behind Faculty neighborhood Courtesy, Carol Birch

CALLS RISING, CRASHES STEADY: WHAT’S CHANGING IN DURHAM’S POLICE ACTIVITY?

The Police Department’s year-end report for 2023–2025 shows that overall calls for service increased steadily from 19,952 in 2023 to 22,295 in 2025, while accidents remained relatively stable (203 in 2023, 186 in 2025). Arrests rose from 375 in 2024 to 441 in 2025, driven in part by increases in alcohol-related investigations (from 138 to 182) and town ordinance violations (from 49 to 88) over that same period.

​Beyond overall call and arrest trends, the report highlights several ways the department is serving the community. Assault and theft investigations remained relatively stable over the three years, with arrests in these categories staying in the low double digits, underscoring department follow-through on serious offenses. Identity theft investigations rose from 5 in 2023 to 8 in both 2024 and 2025, reflecting ongoing attention to financial and cyber-related crime. Officers also conducted more than 7,000 directed patrols in both 2024 and 2025, emphasizing proactive visibility and prevention rather than only responding to calls.

​Traffic enforcement remained an important part of operations in 2025, with total speeding violations increasing to 1,383 and other traffic violations to 1,953, while parking tickets declined from a 2024 peak of 7,293 to 6,338 in 2025. Calls involving mental health and rental properties continued a downward trend over the three-year period, with mental health responses decreasing from 52 in 2023 to 29 in 2025 and rental responses dropping from 190 to 84.

To download the full statistics report, click HERE.

TRANSPARENCY AND TRUST - DURHAM POLICE 2025 ANNUAL REPORT’S AND ANALYSIS

As part of the Durham Police Department’s national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), police operations, responses, and activity are reported and analyzed annually to promote transparency, accountability, and professionalism. These detailed reports are one of the many benefits of being nationally accredited. 

In 2025, the department maintained its 30-year record of zero internal grievances, a testament to its collaborative work environment and sound policies. While calls for service increased by 6.7%, physical force was used in only 0.12% of total contacts, with no policy violations reported. Furthermore, internal reviews found no evidence of bias or misconduct in officer dealings with the public, and only one minor, unfounded informational complaint was filed throughout the entire year. Officer training in de-escalation and mental health awareness to best serve the Durham community, remain top priorities.

In terms of workforce development, the department's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) analysis confirms a continued commitment to diversity and fair hiring practices, utilizing investigative procedures and exams to ensure candidates are free from bias. Despite facing a national challenge in recruiting female and minority candidates, the department remains focused on proactive recruitment goals.

The annual reports and analysis can be found on the Durham Police website HERE.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR MARCH 10 ELECTION

Absentee ballots are now available for the March 10, 2026, Town and School Election. If you have already submitted an absentee ballot request, your ballot was mailed on February 19, 2026.

Important Information

Absentee voting is only available to voters who are unable to vote in person on Election Day. State of New Hampshire law does not allow early voting or no-excuse mail-in voting.

Election Day Details

• Date: March 10, 2026
• Time: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Oyster River High School-Multipurpose Room

Voters who are able are strongly encouraged to vote in person on Election Day. A photo ID or notarized application is now required to vote by absentee ballot.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

To receive an absentee ballot, you must complete an application and submit it to the Durham Town Clerk’s Office no later than 12:00 p.m. on March 9, 2026.

For eligibility requirements and application details, click HERE.

Please contact the Durham Town Clerk’s Office for more information at: 603-868-5577.

PLANNING BOARD UPDATE

The Planning Board is meeting this Wednesday, February 25. There are two applications before the board; one for a 2-lot subdivision on Strafford Avenue and one for site changes for a house on Bay Road in the wetland buffer. The board will also discuss proposed zoning amendments dealing with Electric Vehicle Charging and expansion of opportunities for residential development. You can see the agenda HERE. You can see documents related to all of the current applications and projects before the board HERE.

Our fingers are crossed that warmer weather is heading our way soon! With the change in seasons, we can expect an increase in pedestrian traffic, including individuals using motorized devices and bicycles.

The Durham Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to be mindful of the laws and safety considerations related to motorized devices.

Motorized Devices / Scooters:

The Town of Durham has a town ordinance that governs the use of motorized devices, including electric scooters. We encourage residents and visitors to review the applicable ordinance HERE.

As the Durham Police Department increases its focus on this issue, we wish everyone safe travels and remind all roadway users to remain vigilant - no matter what mode of transportation you choose.

The sign shown above will be installed throughout the downtown area in the coming weeks. We are hopeful they will increase awareness, improve compliance with the ordinance, and enhance overall safety for everyone who lives, works, and travels through our community.

STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION STICKERS ON HOLD - SAFETY STILL REQUIRED

The New Hampshire Department of Justice and Department of Safety have issued updated guidance on the state’s vehicle inspection program, following a federal District Court preliminary injunction order dated January 27, 2026. The key points are:

• The vehicle inspection program is suspended until further notice.
• Inspection stations are no longer authorized to issue state inspection stickers, and vehicles are not required to obtain an annual state inspection at this time.
• Drivers are still responsible under current law to ensure that any vehicle driven in New Hampshire is safe to operate, regardless of the status of the inspection program.

This action follows the Executive Council’s denial of the Department of Safety’s request to extend the termination date of the State’s vehicle inspection contract with Gordon-Darby NHOST, Inc., leaving the State with no approved vendor to operate the inspection program. As a result, and after legal review, the vehicle inspection program has been suspended until further notice, and inspection stations may not issue state inspection stickers.

Do you use distilled or highly purified and filtered water on a regular basis? Are you looking for a way to avoid purchasing more plastic jugs of these types of water, which only adds to plastic waste in our environment?

Purified and filtered water 

If you’re looking for highly purified, filtered water, the Hannaford on Central Avenue in Dover offers a Reverse Osmosis water refill station.  Bring your reusable container and fill up. The station is located at the front of the store next to the checkout registers.

Distilled water 

If it’s distilled water you are looking for, check out the H2O Labs’ website HERE to learn about home systems (including counter top options) to make your own distilled water.

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.

The short-tailed weasel, also known as an ermine, is one of Durham’s most elusive winter residents. In summer, it is small with chestnut brown color, but as temperatures drop and days shorten, it undergoes one of the most dramatic seasonal transformations in the animal world. Its coat turns pure white, except for the signature black‑tipped tail, allowing it to blend seamlessly into snowy forests, wetlands, and field edges. This camouflage helps the weasel hunt mice and voles beneath the snow pack, playing a vital role in controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecological balance in woodlands and conservation areas.

The weasel’s presence is a sign of a functioning, diverse ecosystem. Spotting one is rare, but winter hikers sometimes catch a glimpse of a quick white streak darting between brush piles or stone walls. Protecting Durham’s natural landscapes ensures that this remarkable little predator continues to thrive in and around our community. More information from UNH can be found HERE. (Because the weasel is a resourceful and stealthy predator – it can slip into enclosed spaces like chicken coops readily due to its slender, flexible body – the name, fairly or not, has come to be used for a deceptive and cowardly person.)

If you visit Wagon Hill Farm, you will see this new poster around the grounds. Just a reminder to help keep Wagon Hill Farm clean and enjoyable for all.

Raising Chickens in Your Backyard – a workshop for Durham residents interested in starting and maintaining a healthy flock, will be held on Saturday, March 14 from 10am to Noon at Durham Town Hall. Join the Agricultural Commission and UNH Cooperative Extension for this free workshop that will provide essential information and practical guidance for successfully keeping chickens in your backyard. Please register for the workshop by emailing the Agricultural Commission at theresawalker@comcast.net or calling Theresa Walker at 603-534-3913.

Durham Scout Troop 154 is sponsoring a community event where you can make your own sled and come sledding at Wagon Hill Farm from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21. The Scouts will be handing out cups of hot chocolate to anyone who would like some and will be available to answer any questions anyone has about scouting.  

TEDDY ROOSEVELT AND AMERICA'S PUBLIC LANDS - Free Event Sponsored by the Active Retirement Association

The Active Retirement Association (ARA) announces a free event: “Teddy Roosevelt and America’s Public Lands.” Kurk Dorsey, PhD, Professor and Chair of the History Department at UNH, will discuss Roosevelt’s efforts to expand the national forests, create new national parks, and introduce the notion to create wild refuges.

This FREE event will take place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:30 AM, at the Community Church of Durham, 17 Main Street, Durham, NH, and also via Zoom. This event is open to the public; however, pre-registration is required for non-ARA members at seacoastara@gmail.com. Please be sure to indicate whether you plan to attend in person or via Zoom. We are offering coffee and time for socializing from 9:30 – 10:00 AM, so come and bring a friend!

The ARA is an all-volunteer organization for people ages 50 and over, whether retired or not. Originally begun by and affiliated with UNH, it currently has over 370 members from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and beyond. The ARA is committed to encouraging life-long learning for its members by offering lectures, workshops, discussion groups, cultural tours, walks/hikes, member-interest Programs on Demand (PODs), and much more. For more information visit www.aranh.org, or to inquire about membership write to arainfo1982@gmail.com. Come join us and expand your world!

The Active Retirement Association, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is not affiliated with any political, religious, ethnic, or special interest group.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Scheduled February School Closures

February 23-27: All Oyster River schools will be closed for February Break.

Annual Meeting Sessions and FY27 Information

• The ORCSD Annual Report of the District has been published online HERE.
• February 3 Deliberative Session may be watched on the ORCSD Videos YouTube channel HERE.
• March 10: Voting Day at each town's voting location.
• Budget Video Series: The district launched a series of videos intended to share information related to the FY27 budget. Watch the videos on the new FY27 Budget Videos page HERE.
• Budget and warrant articles information is available on the District website's Budget Documents page HERE, under the Budget FY 26-27 tab.

Elementary Project Update

• NEW VIDEO AVAILABLE! Join Principal Misty Lowe and Student Services Director Catherine Plourde for a virtual tour of Mast Way School HERE.
• Frequently Asked Questions are answered on our FAQ webpage HERE.
• Tours & Listening Sessions: The last opportunity is March 2 at Moharimet School. The District invites residents to attend one of its upcoming school tours and listening sessions to see firsthand the facility challenges we're addressing. Tour schedule and registration information are available on the district's Elementary Project webpage HERE.

Coming Events 

Please consider supporting Oyster River students and staff by attending the following exciting events in our schools! Our full calendar of events is available online HERE.

March 3: ORHS Scholastic Art Exhibition Opening Reception

5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Durham Public Library. Oyster River High School (ORHS) is celebrating an exceptional year in the 2026 Scholastic Art Awards, with students earning a total of 50 awards for their outstanding creativity and craftsmanship. Thirty-two students were recognized, several for multiple works of art. 

March 12: ORCSD Faculty Concert

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School.

March 19: Music in Our Schools Concert

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School.

March 19: ORHS National History Day Exposition

5:00-6:30 p.m. Cafeteria at Oyster River High School.

March 26: ORMS Humanities Night

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Oyster River Middle School.

March 28: Moharimet Pancake Breakfast

8:00- 11:00 a.m. at Moharimet School. Suggested Donation: $6 per person or $20 per family. Cash or check to Moharimet School will be accepted. Maple syrup and t-shirts will be available for sale.