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Friday, February 25, 2022
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Durham resident Bernie Casey took this photo from his deck of a black squirrel, noting that black squirrels are a melanistic subgroup of the eastern gray squirrel. Though rarely seen in NH they are more common within the Great Lakes Basin, especially Ontario and Michigan. An August 16, 2019 article in Smithsonian Magazine suggests that one in 10,000 eastern gray squirrels are a black morph.
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The Amtrak Downeaster is celebrating 20 years of train service with $20 round-trip fares throughout February! Book now and ride from Brunswick to Boston or any station in between for $20 or less*. Use discount code v471 and book 3 days in advance of travel to take advantage of this deal.
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2022 MARCH TOWN ELECTION CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING - Town Council, Library Trustee, Moderator, Supervisor of the Checklist, and Trustee of Trust Funds
Questionnaires have been completed by the candidates running for Town elected offices at the March 8, 2022 Town Election.
View the candidate questionnaires HERE.
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DURHAM’S UNUSUAL CHARTER FORM OF TOWN GOVERNMENT – Town Council/Town Manager
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 create “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 similar 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 (however 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.
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ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR MARCH 8, 2022 TOWN ELECTION
Please complete an absentee ballot application and return it to the town clerk if you need to vote by absentee ballot in the town election. Applications and information on absentee voting can be found on the town’s website at Absentee Ballot Information or in the town clerk’s office. Applications may be emailed, faxed, mailed, delivered in-person, or left in the town hall drop box.
There are no deadlines to request an absentee ballot application, but you must return your completed ballot no later than 5:00pm the day before the election. Absentee ballots delivered by mail shall be accepted up to 5:00 p.m. on election day. You may complete an application now and a ballot will be mailed to you once available (at this time we do not have ballots available).
- EMAIL: lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us
- MAIL: Town Clerk-Tax Collector, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824
- FAX: 603-868-1858
- DROPBOX OR IN-PERSON: Durham Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824
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ABSENTEE VOTING DURING COVID-19 - Covid-19 is a bonafide reason to obtain an absentee ballot.
Voting in-person at the March 8, 2022 election may pose a health risk to some due to the COVID-19 health emergency. Select the Physical Disability box and vote by absentee if:
- You are ill due to COVID-19, or caring for someone with COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19; OR
- You are concerned that voting in person will expose you or others to COVID-19.
Please call 603-868-5577 or email lpitt@ci.durham.nh.us if you have any questions about voting by absentee ballot.
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MESSAGE FROM SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The Supervisors of the Checklist for the Town of Durham will be holding the following session for the purpose of accepting applications for new voter registration, as well as requests for corrections to the checklist and/or change of political party affiliation.
Saturday, February 26, 2022, 4 - 4:30 PM, Durham Town Hall
This will be the last time people will be allowed to register before the Town/School Election on March 8. However, registrations will then be accepted at the Election on Election Day.
Applicants for registration should bring with them proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile. Driver’s license and passport are helpful. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
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Mill Pond dam on Oyster River. Courtesy Todd Selig
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MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) INFO. PREPARED BY THE TOWN OF DURHAM NOW ON LINE
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet concerning the Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River prepared by the Town has been posted on Durham’s web site on Wednesday of this week.
Interested residents can view the Town's FAQ sheet prepared by DPW on line HERE.
Information prepared by advocates supporting dam removal/river restoration can be viewed on line HERE.
Information prepared by advocates supporting dam retention can be viewed on line HERE.
Revisions to the Durham Historic District Commission/Heritage Commission statement regarding the dam favoring dam retention can be viewed HERE.
Revisions to the Durham Conservation Commission statement regarding the dam favoring dam removal/river restoration can be viewed HERE.
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DID YOU KNOW? Pet Food Cans...
Pet food cans can be recycled curbside or at the transfer station. You can put the detached lids inside the cans. Please do not put these cans in with the aluminum can recycling bin at the transfer station. Thanks for helping to make recycling more effective!
Brought to you by the Integrated Waste Management Committee
Have a recycling question? Reach out to us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com
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WASTEWATER OPERATOR POSITION - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS WASTEWATER DIVISION
Durham Public Works, located in the beautiful Seacoast region of New Hampshire, is a recognized leader in the Public Works field and operates an awarding winning state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility. We are seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of public works professionals to serve in the role of Wastewater Operator.
The Wastewater Division works closely with our partner, the University of New Hampshire, to provide wastewater collection and treatment services to both the Town and University. The Department is a fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals.
In this important role you will report to the Superintendent of the Public Works, Wastewater Division and undertake challenging and rewarding work involving the operation, construction and maintenance of the Town’s Wastewater Treatment and Collection System.
This full-time position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. Salary range for this position is from $24.38 to $30.79/hr, depending upon qualifications.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of two years of municipal wastewater related experience, a strong knowledge of all aspects of various mechanical systems, pumps, electrical, computer, and SCADA associated with the treatment process, and the ability to troubleshoot and repair all associated equipment.
Applicants will have a New Hampshire Class B CDL license with a clean driving record and the ability to hold or obtain a tanker endorsement. Possession of a New Hampshire Grade I Wastewater Operator license is required with the ability to obtain a New Hampshire Grade II Wastewater Operator license within one year. Applicants will be required to be on a rotational standby and required to work rotational weekends. The position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and works in adverse weather conditions performing occasional strenuous physical labor.
Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.
Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Janice Richard, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on March 11th, 2022.
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The Durham Police Department enjoyed coffee and donuts on Wednesday morning, courtesy of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity. Thank you TKE for making our Wednesday morning a little brighter. Pictured with the TKE brothers are l-r: Chief Rene Kelley, Detective Emily Festa and Detective Carrington Cazeau.
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HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SOUGHT BY DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS
The Town of Durham in New Hampshire’s seacoast region is one of the most beautiful and desired locations in the State and is home to the University of New Hampshire. The Durham Public Works Department, 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 a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Heavy Equipment Operator.
The successful candidate will undertake rewarding and challenging work involving the maintenance and construction of roads, sidewalks, and drainage conveyance systems to ensure the safety and functionality of the Town’s multi-modal transportation network. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Public Works Director.
This full-time position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. Salary range for this position is from $22.74 to $25.91/HR, depending upon qualifications.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in heavy equipment operation. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis, a rotational stand-by schedule, and performing work in adverse weather conditions.
Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.
Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Janice Richard, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to jrichard@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on Friday, February 25. 2022.
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PART-TIME SEASONAL HELP WANTED BY DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS FOR SUMMER 2022 SEASON - A great opportunity for Oyster River students who are at least 18 years of age.
Seasonal summer help wanted for the Department of Public Works- mowing, general landscaping and facility maintenance, support to other DPW staff, etc. If interested, please feel free to fill out an application at the Public Works office located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. Pay will start at $14/HR or more depending on experience. All applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license to apply.
Applications may also be requested via e-mail at publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us or by calling 603-868-5578. Application and copy of valid driver’s license to be submitted to the Public Works Department no later than 4:00 PM, Friday, April 23, 2022.
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ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE SNOW FIGHTING STRATEGIES – “Blizzard Wizard”
Durham Public Works continues to refine the strategies it employs for the protection of the public and the environment during winter weather emergency responses.
Public Works has put in place a new deicing material known as “Blizzard Wizard,” which is a performance enhanced treated salt that contains a mixture of deicing rock salt and a liquid treatment containing magnesium chloride (MgCL2) and an organic based performance enhancer (OBPE) in the form of sugar cane molasses.
The material works effectively in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit requiring substantially less material than conventional road salt during extreme cold weather events.
The Blizzard Wizard also acts as an enhanced anti-caking agent and natural corrosion inhibitor. The liquid treatment reduces bounce and scatter during application, which translates into longer lasting targeted treatments as compared to untreated salt.
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WHEN WILL ELECTRIC VEHICLES BE AFFORDABLE? MAYBE NOW!
As gas prices continue to edge upwards and electricity rates increased this season, many people are finding that filling up their gas cars is becoming a expensive event, and then electricity bills shock them at home. Even if they thought about switching to an electric car to reduce pollution and climate impacts, the high price of most EVs don’t look like a good strategy as electricity prices go up this season.
Fortunately researchers at the MIT Department of Urban Studies & Planning have spent several years developing a tool to help compare over 600 models of cars in the American market for their total cost and total environmental impact over a 7-year ownership (national average). By using their tool on your phone or computer at http://carboncounter.com/, you can compare the impact of potential car choices on your wallet and the environment, including the energy and impact of manufacturing the car. The results may surprise you! While it is no surprise that an EV’s environmental impact is much lower than a gas car, the lower maintenance and fueling costs mean that the price per mile is the same or less than many conventional models today. Their model has many adjustable settings for changing gas and electricity prices, how clean the electricity is, annual mileage and length of ownership, and state and federal rebates. Try the model at http://carboncounter.com/ and if you want to see the details behind the model, check out their research paper HERE.
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ATTENTION ALL DURHAM DOG OWNERS! It’s time to renew your dog’s license for 2022. (Your dog could be Durham's Top Dog!)
Dog licenses may be obtained online at Online Dog License Renewal, by mail, or in person at the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824. The fees to license your dog are $7.50 for an altered dog, $10.00 for an unaltered dog, and $2.00 if the dog owner is a senior citizen.
Once again, the Town of Durham will host the Top Dog raffle. This raffle was created to motivate and remind dog owners to license their pets every year by April 30, as state law requires. Residents automatically register for the Top Dog raffle when they obtain a dog license before April 30. The winner of the Top Dog raffle will receive a gift basket donated by the clerk’s office and their dog’s biography will be featured in the Durham Friday Update.
Bo MacGregor was the lucky winner in 2021. Your dog could be the next Top Dog! Please contact the Town Clerk's office for more details on raffle rules and regulations.
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UNH YOUTH PROGRAMS AND SUMMER CAMPS
Spring youth programs are open now, including NH school Vacation Week camps hosted by UNH Campus Recreation. Most summer camps are now open.
Visit https://www.unh.edu/youthprograms/ for more information.
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KEEPERS – a STEAM summer camp
Offered on campus at UNH in Durham, KEEPERS provides a one week, half-day camp experience for rising 2nd-4th graders. We’ve revamped KEEPERS camp from STEM to STEAM!! Our teachers are planning an amazing array of fun activities to spur your child’s interest and excitement for STEM by channeling their creativity into learning about the many aspects of their world - Weather, Water, Environment, Motion, and Invention!
Dates: July 11-15 or July 18-22
Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 12:00pm
Register HERE.
Questions? Contact Sandy Coit, sandy.coit@unh.edu
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TAU KAPPA EPSILON FRATERNITY DONATES TOYS FOR ANNUAL SEACOAST FIREFIGHTER'S TOY DRIVE
Representatives of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity recently stopped by the Durham Fire Department to drop off several bags of toys which they had collected for the annual Seacoast Firefighter’s Toy Drive in which the Durham Professional Firefighters Association (DPFFA) participates. The generous support of the community in donating toys and gift cards to the annual toy drive makes a tremendous impact in the lives of area families. TKE members also generously provided Dunkin refreshments for the on-duty shift and thanked them for their service.
Thank you, Tau Kappa Epsilon!
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SUMMER FARMERS' MARKET RETURNING TO DURHAM IN SUMMER 2022
Seacoast Eat Local has announced that, beginning this season, it will be hosting Summer Farmers' Markets in Durham, Dover, Exeter, and Portsmouth.
The Seacoast Growers Association (SGA) membership last year voted to dissolve as an organization to focus on their own farm and food businesses. For 45 years, SGA has supported local food and farming businesses.
The chance to host summer farmers' markets comes at perfect time for Seacoast Eat Local. With 15 years of experience running winter markets, the organization had identified a readiness to support summer markets during its recent strategic planning and so they are eager to get to work planning the summer season.
Seacoast Eat Local does not expect market locations or days to change, but you can stay tuned to any future announcements.
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SAVE THE DATE: February 28th, 7 pm - Doug Tallamy presentation at Durham Conservation Commission meeting. Registration is now open! Please see more information below
As part of the Conservation Commission's meeting on February 28th (7 pm), noted author, photographer, educator and speaker, Dr. Doug Tallamy, the TA Baker Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources, in the University of Delaware’s Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, will give a virtual Zoom presentation.
His presentation is titled: Nature’s Best Hope. A description of the talk is as follows: Recent headlines about global insect declines and three billion fewer birds in North America are a bleak reality check about how ineffective our current landscape designs have been at sustaining the plants and animals that sustain us. To create landscapes that enhance local ecosystems rather than degrade them, we must 1) remove the invasives on our property and 2) add the native plant communities that sustain food webs, sequester carbon, maintain diverse native bee communities, and manage our watersheds. If we do this in half of the area now in lawn, we can create Homegrown National Park, a 20 million acre network of viable habitats that will provide vital corridors connecting the few natural areas that remain. This approach to conservation empowers everyone to play a significant role in the future of the natural world.
Dr. Tallamy has researched and written extensively on this topic, including books such as: Bringing Nature Home; The Living Landscape (with Rick Darke); Nature’s Best Hope; and, most recently - The Nature of Oaks. Over the past decade, Dr. Tallamy has given presentations throughout the country, and created his own organization and website, https://homegrownnationalpark.org/ to help explain and promote the importance of native plant and animal species in maintaining many ecosystem services that sustain humans.
Limited, online signups are required ahead of time, and will be available for this special event on the Town’s website. Please note that signups will not be available until February 16th. At that time, please access the Conservation Commission meeting signup for Feb. 28th HERE.
There will also be a limited number of seats available in the Town Council Chambers to watch the presentation on a large screen (Dr. Tallamy will be dialing in via zoom, he will not be in-person). If you’d like to reserve one of those seats, please contact Tom Brightman, Durham’s Land Stewardship Coordinator at stewardship@ci.durham.nh.us . The presentation will be recorded, and will reside on the Town’s website as part of that evening’s Conservation Commission’s proceedings.
There will be an opportunity for both Conservation Commission members and the public to ask Dr. Tallamy questions after his presentation, via both the Zoom platform or in-person.
If you are interested in reading Dr. Tallamy’s books, the Water Street Bookstore in Exeter is offering a limited-time discount. If you are interested, please access their website, https://www.waterstreetbooks.com/ and use the coupon code TALLAMY on the following items:
The Nature of Oaks 9781643260440
Nature's Best Hope 9781604699005
Bringing Nature Home 9780881929928
This offer will be open through March 15th, 2022
Please contact Tom Brightman, Durham’s Land Stewardship Coordinator, at stewardship@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.
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Black squirrel. Courtesy Bernie Casey
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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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The library will be closed on Monday, February 28th for staff development. We will be open as usual on Tuesday morning! For more information, the library staff is always available to answer your questions during business hours at 603-868-6699 or any time at durhampl@gmail.com
Upcoming adult programming! Meditation & Yoga with Jiong Jiong Hu runs each Monday thru March (with the exception of next Monday's library closure) and McGregor EMS is back at the library with CPR/AED certification on March 4th! Also in March, don't miss our NHHC program with Dr. Mary Kelly titled Ireland's Great Famine in Irish-American History: Fateful Memory, Indelible Legacy on Tuesday, March 16th at 6:00 pm. And check out a new series of genealogy talks with Erin Moulton coming to DPL via zoom! On March 23rd Moulton will present Recipe for Success: Finding Women through Community Cookbooks and she will return on April 13th with Tracking True Crime: A Genealogy Case Study!
March programs in Youth Services! Join the Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group. This month they will meet on Wednesday, March 9th from 3:15-4:15 pm. March's book is From the desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks and copies are available at the front desk! Our YA Compassion Program is happening on Monday, March 14th from 6:30-7:30 pm and this month we are making Care Packages for U.S. Troops! Register HERE! And check out our new program for our youngest patrons! Yoga for Tots! (crawling to age 2 with care-giver) will take place on select Fridays in March and April at the library! Register today!
For more programs and information, visit our website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/! And as always, the library staff is available by phone during business hours at 603-868-6699.
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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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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1809 - "A vendue at the house of Joshua Ballard to let out to build a Stone Pound: said Pound to be 30 feet square inside, 3 feet thick at bottom and 6-1/2 feet high and handsomely faced, to be built on or near site of old Pound. Struck off to Joseph Chesley 3rd for $94.50." Receipt on Dec 8, 1810.
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Have a very nice weekend.
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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