Friday Updates - July 18, 2025

Friday, July 18, 2025

Thompson Forest Path Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

MADBURY ROAD COMPLETE STREET PROJECT UPDATE AND TRAFFIC ADVISORY - See Detour Map Below

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

1. Phase 1 - This phase includes the Littlehale Creek culvert replacement of two significantly large culverts carrying Littlehale Creek under Madbury Road and Edgewood Road. It is substantially complete, with final paving expected over the next month.
2. Phase 2 - This phase is split into two segments:

-         Segment 1, between Pettee Brook Lane and Garrison Avenue, is nearing completion. Remaining work includes miscellaneous stone masonry punch-list items, top course paving, and line striping. We anticipate completion of these tasks within the month of July, with final paving to align with Segment 2. 

-         Segment 2, from Main Street to Pettee Brook Lane, includes continuation of the multi-use path, sidewalk and curbing work, stormwater system improvements, streetscape and traffic calming elements, and the Pettee Brook culvert repair. Construction is ongoing, with remaining work including sidewalk construction on the western side, and Main Street / Madbury Road pedestrian crossing improvements.

Pettee Brook Culvert Repair and Traffic Detour Advisory – During the initial project evaluation in July of 2021 it was found that the Pettee Brook concrete Box culvert, which is a 7-foot wide and 38 inches high (from stream bed to underside of top slab), and roughly 40 feet long structure, exhibits extensive concrete spalling with exposed and deteriorated reinforcing steel on the bottom side of the top slab in the vicinity of the catch basin, directly under the roadway (see photo below). Given the level of deterioration to the top slab and that it is directly under a travel way, engineering recommendations included an interim repair of the culvert, prior to full replacement with the noted section of slab strengthened and/or replaced as part of the Phase 1 segment 2 phase.  This scope has been included in the Madbury Road Phase 2 contact with contractor G.W. Brooks and the Pettee Brook culvert repair will involve the excavation and replacement of a portion of the structure's top concrete slab.

This will require a full closure of the southbound lane of Madbury Road at the culvert for approximately one week, with daily closures of the northbound lane for construction equipment to stage. A full detour package, similar to last summer's route, will be in place for motorists and is shown below. Access to Woodman Road and Mathes Terrace will be maintained at all times, as well as access to businesses in the project area. This project will occur from Monday July 21st - Monday July 28th. 

If you would like to download a copy of this map, please click HERE.

3.     Phase 3 - This phase, from Garrison Avenue to Edgewood Road, includes water main replacement between Maple Street and U.S. Route 4. The water main replacement work will continue through the end of the month, with construction activity focused on the northern third of the corridor. Additional roadway work includes extension of the multi-use path, a new sidewalk on the west side, stormwater system upgrades (nearly complete), traffic calming median islands, hardscape and streetscape enhancements, and full roadway reconstruction. The roadway portion of this phase will continue through the Fall, with final paving and landscaping scheduled for Spring 2026.

Durham Public Works greatly appreciates the continued patience of the residents and other stakeholders within the project limits as they work to complete these necessary infrastructure improvements and beautify Madbury Road.

UPCOMING WATER AND SEWER BILLS DUE AUGUST 18

The third installment of the 2025 water and sewer bills were mailed to residents on July 17, 2025, and are due on Monday, August 18, 2025. This billing period covers water and sewer usage from March 27 through June 26. Be sure to submit your payment by the August 18 deadline to avoid penalties. Water and sewer bills in Durham are issued quarterly, with each payment due 30 days after the bill date. Please note that credit card payments are accepted, but they may be subject to additional processing fees. Payments sent by mail will be honored according to the postmark date, so residents are encouraged to plan accordingly to avoid late fees.

The 2025 rates are:

• Water: $10.92 per 100 CF

• Sewer: $10.66 per 100 CF

Payments can be made in several convenient ways:

• Online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/clerk

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

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

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

Please contact Rachel Deane with any questions regarding your water and sewer bill at: Email: rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us | Phone: 603-868-5577

Chief Rene Kelley is pleased to announce several recent promotions within the Durham Police Department, following the retirement of long-time Deputy Chief David Holmstock.

Deputy Chief Jack Dalton was promoted from his previous role as Captain. During his tenure as Captain, he successfully led multiple Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) compliance reviews, including the department’s full re-accreditation in 2025. Deputy Chief Dalton began his law enforcement career in New Hampshire in 1999 and has served with the Durham Police Department since 2001. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he volunteers as a board member for Community Partners of Strafford County.

Captain John Lavoie was promoted from his prior position as Detective Sergeant, a role he had held since 2020. In that assignment, he supervised the detective division and managed the department’s evidence function. Captain Lavoie joined the Durham Police Department in 2010, transitioning from a career in business to public safety.

Chief Kelley also led a comprehensive promotional process for the rank of Sergeant, which included a written examination, an oral board, and a departmental review of all qualified candidates. At the conclusion of this process, two officers were selected for promotion based on their outstanding skills, experience, and service.

School Resource Officer (SRO) Sergeant Michael Nicolosi, well known throughout the Oyster River Schools and the Durham community, was promoted to Sergeant. He will continue his vital work as SRO at both the High School and Middle School.

Sergeant Noah Young, who began his law enforcement career in 2018 and joined the Durham Police Department in 2022, was also promoted to Sergeant. Sergeant Young has been assigned to supervise the department’s evening and weekend night shifts, where his leadership will be a valuable asset.

These promotions reflect the dedication and professionalism of the officers serving the Durham community. Please join us in congratulating them on their new roles!

CPCNH ANNOUNCES AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY RATES FOR AUGUST – JANUARY

On Thursday June 26, 2025, the CPCNH Board of Directors approved a rate adjustment that will go into effect starting August 1, 2025 through January 31, 2025. For Eversource served customers in Durham, the CPCNH rate increase is 38.4% while the Eversource rate increased 25.4%. For comparison, the other NH utilities are shown in the chart below:

Why are rates going up?

The electricity market is driven by factors such as the regional and global price of natural gas and other fossil fuels, availability of fuel and electricity supply, customer demand, and weather events. New England’s electricity market is heavily dependent on the price of natural gas, which is driven by global market trends and can react with volatility to geopolitical events around the world.

Some utility rates include partial adders to collect prior period losses (e.g. Liberty), while some losses have been deferred for collection in future periods (Eversource). As a result of engagement across the CPCNH membership communities and CPCNH testimony, the PUC recently ruled that utility under-collections must be recovered in utility supply rates and not as added charges to Community Power and market customers.

Over the past six months, CPCNH personnel have made significant technical improvements to core power resources and financial systems. This has improved the functionality and accuracy of the systems and tools used for load forecasting, financial modeling, cost of service analysis, and rate setting.

• Improvements to the load forecast model enable more accurate predictions of the patterns of customer electricity usage over time, enabling more precise energy purchasing and portfolio management.
• The improved load forecast connects to a newly constructed probabilistic cash flow model to create a clear view of CPCNH’s financial position and outlook across multiple possible scenarios.
• Then a cost-of-service analysis is conducted to create a detailed understanding of all cost drivers. Costs are then allocated across different customer classes (e.g., residential vs. general service) and utility territories to ensure fair cost allocation and to minimize cost shifting.
• The resulting rate setting scenarios from these improved technical systems ensure informed decision-making and that rates will cover costs.

What are cost-of-service rates?

As a result of the detailed cost analysis, CPCNH has more accurate view of the difference in residential costs across utility territories, and thus has set slightly different rates for each utility. This difference is primarily driven by varying “energy capacity costs”, which are charged to CPCNH by ISO New England to ensure sufficient generating capacity for each territory. CPCNH follows cost causation principles, meaning customers should pay for costs associated with serving them and not those associated with serving other customers. Cost of service rates ensure fair treatment of customers and equitable contributions to joint reserves by different member cities and towns.

What are the components of the CPCNH rate?

Rates for the upcoming period are set to cover a forecasted total of $96,829,495 in costs, including:

• 86.4% energy supply ($83,628,968)
• 8.6% contribution to members’ joint reserves ($8,370,236)
• 5.0% operating expense ($4,830,291)

Members’ joint reserves are used to buffer sudden price increases (such as the impact of our cold winter), ensure long-term financial stability, and enable members to finance local energy investments to increase energy independence, such as the Poverty Plains solar array scheduled for service in the summer of 2026. CPCNH aims to meet minimum reserve targets to cover 60 days of expenses within 3-years.

To view the full announcement of the CPCNH rates, click HERE.

As always, Durham residents can make changes to their power supply plan by going to the Durham Community Power website HERE or calling 1-866-603-7697 (POWR). 

ZONING AND REGULATORY INITIATIVES BEFORE THE PLANNING BOARD AND TOWN COUNCIL 

There are numerous initiatives in the works involving changes to the zoning ordinance.

Multi-unit residential – Adopted. A proposal to allow multi-use residential (multifamily/apartments) in the Professional Office, Church Hill, and Courthouse Districts was adopted by the Town Council on July 7. The existing height limit in those zones of 30 feet (or 35 feet by conditional use, accommodating a three-story building) is not changing. You can see more information HERE. 

Building height – Public Hearing. A proposal to increase the height of a section of the Central Business District from three stories to four stories by right and five stories by conditional use, the existing standard in 1/2 of the district, was supported by the Planning Board. The Town Council is holding a public hearing on Monday, August 4 after continuing the public hearing of July 7.  You can see more information HERE.

Lodging Houses – Public Hearing. The Town Council is holding a public hearing on Monday, August 4 regarding a proposal to allow Lodging Houses in the Professional Office, Church Hill, and Courthouse districts. This amendment, initiated by the Planning Board, is driven by changes in Concord that are creating challenges to regulate occupancy of unrelated residents in single family houses and protect the neighborhoods. Incorporating lodging houses, as defined in the State Fire Code, into the ordinance will allow the Town to continue regulating occupancy but in a different manner. You can see more information HERE.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations – to be presented. The Energy Committee has prepared a proposal to require electric vehicle charging stations be provided as part of new development. Their plan will be presented to the Planning Board on July 23. The format will need to be revised to fit into the Site Plan Regulations. You can see the proposal HERE.

Wetland and Shoreland Ordinance – to be presented. The Conservation Commission just completed a significant rewrite of the Wetland Conservation Overlay District and the Shoreland Protection Overlay District. The districts have been combined into one new Wetland and Shoreland Overlay District and numerous revisions have been made including changing the buffers from wetlands and shorelands. The proposal will be presented to the Planning Board on August 13. The board may post the proposal for a public hearing after that meeting, or it may take numerous meetings to revise the draft first. You can see more information HERE.

Residential changes – to be presented. The Housing Task Force has prepared significant changes to various sections of the zoning ordinance to enhance opportunities for housing and residential development. The proposal will be presented to the Planning Board soon as time allows. The board may post the proposal for a public hearing, or it may take numerous meetings to revise the draft first. You can see more information HERE.

Conservation Subdivision Ordinance – under review. The Planning Board is considering changes to the Conservation Subdivision ordinance. The proposal is only in the discussion phase now. You can see more information HERE.

Current Projects. You can see all current proposals before the Planning Board HERE. Feel free to contact Michael Behrendt, Durham Town Planner, with any questions at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.

Jim Brady, Dick Lord and Suzanne Petersen from the Lamprey River Advisory Committee (LRAC) have now re-installed the main panel at Thompson Forest kiosk.  The panel had faded to a greenish hue.  On behalf of the town, LRAC recently had removed the faded panel and had it reprinted with a UV blocking coating.

The NH Department of Environmental Service Dam Bureau manages and maintains over 275 dams owned by the State of New Hampshire in cooperation with several state agencies including the Fish and Game Department and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. It was estimated in 2023 that to reconstruct these dams to meet dam safety standards it would cost approximately $414 million. The State of NH does not have the funds to reconstruct its inventory of dams in a timely fashion so has to prioritize dams to upgrade and reconstruct versus remove and/or transfer ownership. NHDES collaborated with various resource specialists to discuss impacts to fish and wildlife, fishing and hunting opportunities, recreational trail use and other stakeholders.

In October 2025, the NHDES Dam Bureau intends on draining Adams Point Wildlife Pond. The dam associated with the pond is anticipated to be removed from jurisdiction in 2026 and replaced with a larger bypass culvert. The embankment will drop a few feet from its current elevation but will remain a pedestrian pathway. For more information, please contact Charlie Krautmann, NHDES Dam Bureau at charles.s.krautmann@des.nh.gov or 603-419-0894.

HOLIDAY BONANZA AT THE SWAP SHOP! - Come get your holiday decorations now!

The Swap Shop is having a Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc. in July Bonanza! We are unable to store holiday items that have been brought in, and we know that there are holiday decorations that many of you would like to bring to the Swap Shop now. So, we will be taking and displaying all holiday items on days that have a RAIN FREE FORECAST through the rest of the month of July. After July, the Swap Shop will only take items within 2 months of their corresponding holidays. 

We look forward to celebrating all of the holidays with you in July!

Continuing with the Plastic Free July theme through the end of the month, here are more tips to help you make the transition away from plastics.

Reduce plastic with pets.

Do you have a dog? Because so many dog waste bags end up in our landfill, it’s important to think about how they affect our environment. Compostable, biodegradable or plant-based dog waste bags will create methane gas as they decompose in a landfill.  Instead, consider either reusing your own household plastic bags (i.e. bread bags, small vegetable bags) or purchasing bags made of 50 to 75% post-consumer recycled plastic. (The earthrated.com pet waste bag brand is one option). This will help to cut back on plastic waste by reusing plastics. 

Make or refill household cleaners.

Homemade household cleaners are easy to make, cost-effective and tend to be more eco-friendly than store-bought cleaning supplies. And, most importantly, they work! There are lots of recipes online to make your own household cleaners. Check out this link HERE to learn about a few of them.

If you’re not interested in making your own cleaners, Blueland.com sells plastic-free cleaners that are very effective. Or, you can refill your plastic cleaner bottles at places like the Replenish Refillery in Dover, the Refill Station in Portsmouth and We Fill Good in Kittery.

Choose natural fibers.

Many synthetic fibers are made of plastic or contain plastic parts. Some examples include: polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex. These fibers contribute to microplastic pollution when washed or thrown away. Rayon is semi-synthetic and may contain plastic as well. 

Instead, choose natural fibers like: Organic cotton, Linen m (flax), silk, and wool (from animals). Other plant-based fibers include hemp, jute, and bamboo. 

We recognize it’s not always easy to choose plastic-free options - unfortunately, plastic is everywhere! But, if everyone takes a step to change even one small habit to cut back on plastic pollution, it will collectively make a big difference to our community and waters.

Sources: GoodHousekeeping.com, PlasticfreeJuly.org

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 Durham and Lee Agricultural Commissions invite you to the 12th Annual Farm Day on Saturday, August 16, rain or shine. Visit farms and gardens across Durham, Lee, and the UNH campus.

Free and family friendly. Learn how food and fiber are produced, taste local honey, learn how to cut your lawn with a scythe, tour a collaborative neighborhood garden, and much more! Full list of events available now! Scan the bar code above or click HERE.

Please join your neighbors Nancy and Ernst Linder and Chris Chance of Durham to support soul-connecting music by buying tickets now to a Rock My Soul summer concert season “When Joy Comes Back" show! Proceeds support the roots music choir’s ongoing outreach to area nursing homes and jails. We will be performing in Wolfeboro Friday, Aug. 8. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Learn more about the organization at https://www.projectmusicworks.org/. New singers are welcome in September for foot-stomping fun with a purpose! 

Over the last week, Durham Public Works and its paving contractor, Continental Paving, have been hard at work on 2025 Road Program candidates. The asphalt surface on Falls Way, Constable Road, Orchard Drive, and Ryan Way was pulverized, and the remaining aggregate was reclaimed into the base material to enhance the structural integrity of the roadway to provide a suitable foundation for the pavement cross sections. Binder course pavement was installed and will remain in place until late Summer/early Fall to allow for proper compaction and field verification of storm water flow patterns before applying the final wearing course.

Next week, catch basin, water gate box, and other structure covers will be lowered on Garrison Avenue between Madbury Road and Main Street in preparation for a 1.5” Mill and Overlay treatment of the roadway in the coming weeks.

The 2025 Sidewalk Program will begin on Monday, July 21st. Improvements in 2025 include the replacement of the western segment between Smith Park Lane and #21 Main Street and several select areas within the heart of downtown. 

The Wastewater Treatment Facility continues to make steady progress with the upgrade of both secondary clarifiers. The south secondary clarifier is back online with all new internal mechanisms and a launder brush system. Plant operators have commented on the significant improvements in sludge settling and recirculation in this upgraded clarifier.

The previous mechanisms dated back to the early 2000's and were at the end of their useful life and in need of replacement. Currently, demolition and construction work is taking place on the north secondary clarifier, where the same internal mechanisms and brush system will be replaced with new, modern equipment. The Durham Public Works Wastewater Division Team is looking forward to the process improvements gained with this efficient new equipment, just in time to welcome back the rush of UNH students (and sewage!) for the UNH Fall Semester.

The rehabilitation of the secondary clarifiers, along with the other process and treatment equipment within the Major Components Rehabilitation Project, continues to allow the Town to meet its permit requirements and protect the public health and the health of the Great Bay Estuary.

FIRE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Durham Fire Department is currently accepting applications to fill the following positions:

Firefighter/EMT. For further information, click HERE.

Administrative Assistant - Full Time. For further information, click HERE.

Applications will be reviewed as submitted. Positions will remain open until filled.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Summer Nutrition Programs

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

Summer Hours Between June 23 and August 22

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

The schools' summer hours are:

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

ORCSD School Board Updates

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