Friday Updates - July 24, 2026

Friday, July 24, 2026

Demolition of the Mill Pond Dam on July 22. Courtesy, Todd Selig

Durham ranked #2 on HomeSnacks’ 2026 list of the 10 best places to live in New Hampshire, placing just behind Hanover and ahead of Newmarket and Portsmouth. Read more HERE.

The wild bear population apparently agrees with HomeSnacks! A resident called to report a bear sighting on the Lee/Durham line near Mast Road. Please be sure to take down bird feeders and keep properties free of trash - tips to avoid unwanted bear encounters around the home!

UPDATE ON MILL POND DAM REMOVAL – Safety of Observers During Construction, Initial Dam Breach, and New FAQ Resource

Over the last two weeks Dam removal contractor, SumCo Environmental, worked on seeding exposed river embankments upstream of the dam and installing water control features in the impoundment area. Other week-to-week tasks include turbidity monitoring upstream and downstream of the work area and general site preparation activities. This past week, SumCo began initial breach and removal of the dam and sediment excavation.

While we understand the desire to watch the project and observe construction, the Town of Durham would like to emphasize that the Route 108 bridge over the Oyster River can be a precarious place to stand and observe the project work. There is no sidewalk on this stretch of road, and this is a high traffic area where cars are not expecting to see pedestrians and bystanders in the roadway. Drivers distracted by the dam removal project compound the danger even further. Please use good judgment as you find a safe location to observe the project work, for your safety and others.

An updated Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQ) document has been prepared by the Town and is now available on the Town Website, HERE. Other general information about the project, including the decision to remove the dam, can be found in the January 26, 2022, FAQ located HERE.

More details about the project including the NHDES Wetlands Permit and Contract Documents can be found HERE. A hard copy of the Mill Pond Dam Feasibility Study and some supplemental information have been provided to the Durham Public Library and is accessible for public review.

Any questions regarding the project can be directed to Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. at 603-868-5578 or via email at atalon@ci.durham.nh.us.

Queen Anne's Lace Courtesy, Todd Selig

NEW LAW SIGNED BY GOV. AYOTTE WILL PUT MANDATORY SCHOOL TAX CAP QUESTION ON NOVEMBER BALLOTS

In November 2026, every New Hampshire voter will see a required question on the general election ballot asking whether to limit local property tax growth for their school district under RSA 32:5‑i, as established by House Bill 1300, which was just signed into law by Gov. Ayotte. The question must be worded “Shall the [name of municipality] limit property tax growth for [name(s) of school district(s)] under RSA 32:5‑i?” and it passes only if at least 60 percent of all voters in the district vote yes, with that three‑fifths threshold calculated across the entire multi‑town district, not town by town.

If adopted, the resulting school district tax cap runs for two years and applies only to the school portion of the property tax. During that two‑year period, the school budget cannot require an increase in the district’s property tax burden other than to reflect inflation, measured by the Northeast Consumer Price Index (that index registered a 4.3% increase in prices from June 2025 to June 2026), and “net new taxable property growth” from new construction or property expansions. Ordinary market appreciation in property values, reassessments of existing property, or changes in assessment technology cannot be used to justify higher school tax rates under the cap, and the state Department of Revenue Administration is directed to certify taxable property growth and ensure no local school tax rate is set above the cap parameters. 

The law also adds a separate cap on central office administrative spending for districts that adopt the tax cap, limiting defined administrative costs to no more than 6 percent of the total school budget. Administrative costs for this purpose include general management, superintendent salaries, human resources, district‑level information technology, payroll, legal services, and public relations, but specifically exclude classroom instruction, school‑based administrators such as principals, special education, food service, student transportation, and facilities maintenance.

House Bill 1300 requires the ballot question to be asked statewide in both the November 2026 and November 2028 general elections. Any cap approved in 2026 would apply to the 2027‑28 and 2028‑29 school years and then expire by mid‑2029, and any cap approved in 2028 would apply to the 2029‑30 and 2030‑31 school years and end by 2031, after which this particular law’s tax caps sunset. The measure does not change the existing local option process under which voters can adopt or repeal longer‑term tax caps through school meeting warrant articles, but caps adopted via the new general election ballot question do not include a built‑in “undo” vote and are designed simply to run their full two‑year term and then lapse. The law sunsets in 2032.  

OPPORTUNITY TO REGISTER TO VOTE FOR DURHAM RESIDENTS

The Durham Supervisors of the Checklist will be meeting for the purpose of accepting new voters and making changes and corrections to the checklist:

DATE:  TUESDAY JULY 28, 2026

TIME:   7:00 – 8:00 PM

LOCATION: DURHAM TOWN HALL

Prospective voters must show proofs of identity, age, domicile/residence in Durham, and U.S. Citizenship. A Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s license and a birth certificate or passport are useful, but may not be sufficient. There are other documents that can be used. If you have questions, please call the Town Clerk’s office during business hours. You may register any time if you will turn 18 by September 8.

Party changes cannot be made at this time. June 2 was the final date to make this change before the Primary. If you are registered as Undeclared, you may pick the Democratic or the Republican ballot. You will then be listed in that party until you officially ask to return to Undeclared. You may check https://app.sos.nh.gov/voterinformation to check your status.

Pink Stargazer Oriental Lily in front of UNH James Hall Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEK’S LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETING

Admin. Selig led a discussion on the Town’s education, conference, and workshop spending, which is intended to support staff development, retention, and the sharing of ideas that strengthen Town services. The team also recognized that modest food purchases for Town events/meetings can be worthwhile when they help create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage connection among staff and the community, while still calling for prudent spending. The group discussed AI for minute taking as a possible efficiency tool, but agreed that it should be used carefully and with human review to preserve accuracy and nuance.

Chief Kelley announced his retirement effective August 31, while noting he will continue limited prosecution part-time work beginning October 1. The team also reviewed the Mill Pond Dam removal project, where demolition is underway, and discussed turbidity monitoring results, that are being carefully monitored by the project team.

The group reviewed the 2023 UNH Durham water quality report and discussed ways to make future reporting clearer and easier for the public to understand, including adding an explicit statement on compliance status before release. IT Manager Luke Vincent also reported that the new Town website will launch on August 1, with training available for staff who need access.

Several technology and operations updates were shared, including a planned move to a .gov website domain, new tools under development for cemetery records and invasive species tracking, and cost savings from switching remote access software. The team also discussed VoIP standardization, Adobe licensing issues, and a website menu fix needed for public safety options.

Additional department updates covered summer programming from Parks & Rec., trail stewardship, real estate activity in town (Durham real estate prices remain strong with several home sales coming in over $1 million), fire department planning, zoning and construction projects, and ongoing infrastructure work at Wagon Hill Farm (shoreline restoration) and Madbury Road (Complete Streets project). The team also noted continued concerns about juvenile disturbances downtown (particularly kids on bikes), along with progress on recruitment, volunteer support, and several community and capital projects.

Construction continues on the segment of roadway between Edgewood Road and just north of Emerson Road. Underground drainage structure installation is nearing completion with roadway reclamation and binder course paving, curbing, temporary sidewalk and median island construction scheduled to begin during the week or August 3.

Currently roadway reclamation is planned to begin during the week of August 10 with binder course paving scheduled for the week of August 24; however, this is subject to change due to weather and site conditions. The temporary sidewalk will remain at gravel for a period until curbing installation, driveway and private walkway tie ins are completed.  

The Town of Durham and its project partners, continue to make good progress on the restoration of the Wagon Hill Farm Phase 2 Living Shoreline Project

This critical restoration project is funded by a $1,994,539 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and will enhance coastal resilience by:

• Stabilizing the seaward edge of 1,470 linear feet of existing tidal marsh.
• Stabilizing 365 linear feet of upland slope and rebuilding tidal marsh areas.
• Installing 1,185 linear feet of new walking trail, 1,800 feet of adjacent fencing, a trail bridge and observation decks.

Work this week focused on the removal of timber mats and wood chips to prepare the first section of boardwalk and fencing to be constructed.   Good progress was also made on the first section of shoreline restoration with toe logs and soil pillow installation to prepare areas for planting. This work will continue most of this week and into next week as the tides allow.  

AUTOMATED SOLID WASTE PROGRAM TRANSITION IN PROCESS

This exciting transition to the industry-standard program has now begun with the distribution of over 4,100 standardized containers (Toters™) for all residents participating in curbside collection. Automated collection with a single operator and automated collection arm has also now begun. Durham Public Works thanks all residents serviced by this program for their cooperation during the first two weeks of this new collection which has been extremely successful with minimal glitches. Please remember the following as you place your solid waste and recycling containers curbside for collection.

Recycling no longer needs to be separated into dual-stream streams, as recycling will all be collected in one container as a single stream collection, every other week. (Refer to your roadway list and calendar to determine your collection week).

Containers must be placed curbside no later than 7 AM on your collection day. Please note, with the recent program changes, your previous collection time may have also changed and drivers may be in your neighborhood much earlier.

Be sure to separate your containers from obstructions such as mailboxes, cars, utility poles, etc. by at least 3 feet and when placing your recycling and trash collection out, ensure they are placed side by side with 3 feet separation between containers and the container is facing the correct direction as indicated on the lid. 

For full program details, please visit Durham’s Automated Curbside Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Handbook HERE or contact Durham Public Works with specific questions or needs at (603) 868-5578. 

Parks & Rec. Director Rachel Gasowski reports that new community kayak racks have been installed at Jackson’s Landing, expanding recreational access along the Oyster River and putting into practice an idea suggested last summer. Final touches, including numbered storage slots, permanent signage, and a formal rental agreement, are expected to be completed within the next week. Temporary signage is in place to guide current use, and residents are able to contact the Parks & Recreation office with questions at 603-817-4074..

For the remainder of this summer, the racks will be available to community members at no cost while the program is finalized. Beginning in summer 2027, the Town plans to implement a seasonal rental system for reserved storage, modeled in part on programs in neighboring communities. The project has been well received, including support from Great Bay Rowing. 

The racks were constructed by Churchill Rink Manager Bill Page, who did an excellent job providing a safe and attractive installation. 

DURHAM WEBSITE REFRESH – SOFT LAUNCH AUGUST 1st!

As part of the Town's 2026 budget goals, a refreshed version of Durham's website will soft launch on Saturday, August 1! Durham staff have been working hard behind the scenes to convert and update the site onto a modern, mobile-friendly platform that will make it easier than ever to find Town information, services, and resources — all while keeping the content residents rely on fully intact.

You can find us at www.durhamnh.gov.

What to expect:

• A cleaner, more intuitive navigation structure;
• Improved search functionality;
• A responsive design that works great on phones and tablets;
• Easier access to popular services like online payments, permits, and forms.

During the soft launch period, both the current site and the refreshed site may be available as staff finalize content and iron out any final details. We appreciate your patience as we make this transition ... and we welcome your feedback — if you spot something that doesn't look right or a broken link, please let us know at webmaster@ci.durham.nh.us.

Thank you for your continued support as Durham refreshes its online presence!

DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT COMPLETES ANNUAL CALEA FILE REVIEW

The Durham Police Department is a nationally accredited police agency through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). CALEA accreditation is considered the “gold standard” for law enforcement agencies. By enforcing the best practices of policing, it ensures accountability, transparency, reduces liability, and strengthens public trust. 

As part of this accreditation, annual file reviews are completed by Compliance Service Managers (CSM’s). This year, retired Chief Ricky Pinksaw, most recently of the Emporia, Virginia Police Department, was assigned to review Durham Police Department’s policies and procedures, as well as proofs that those standards are part of their daily operations. He conducted interviews with staff members of the police department to get further information on specific areas of interest and focus, after reviewing this years files. 

The review went well and no issues were found. Chief Pinksaw will now write a report to submit to CALEA notifying them of the results. Durham Police have already started their work on next year’s file review which will take place next July. In 2028, a full re-accreditation assessment will take place with an on-site assessment and inspection.  

On Wednesday, July 29, the Seacoast NH Critical Incident Stress Management and Peer Support Team will be hosting it’s first annual SAFR (Seacoast Annual First Responder) Wellness Symposium on the campus of UNH. 

First responders, municipal administrators, and clinicians will be together for a day focused on first responder wellness and resources. It's expected that the public will see an increase of emergency vehicles – including many agencies from neighboring communities - parked in and around town and on the UNH campus related to this symposium. 

Durham Public Works responded to an emergency call late Wednesday night, July 22, due to the failure of a large codominant stem oak tree located on Dame Road. The tree had a catastrophic failure damaging electric infrastructure and overhead utility wires igniting roadside leaf litter and brush. Both Durham Fire and Eversource responded as well. The fallen section of tree was removed and power restored just before midnight.

An on-site evaluation by the Durham Tree Warden revealed severe basal decay and a large cavity in the remaining trunk and an extreme lean over the adjacent structure. This created an imminent hazard, and the second large stem was proactively removed Friday morning by Town Tree contractor Orion Tree. 

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 Earth Rated 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, you can refill your plastic cleaner bottles at places like the Replenish Refillery in Dover and We Fill Good in Kittery. Also, Blueland is a company that sells plastic-free cleaners that are very effective. You can purchase Blueland products at  Target or online.

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 (flax), silk, and wool (from animals). Other plant-based fibers include hemp, jute, and bamboo. 

We recognize it’s not 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.

Check out www.plasticfreejuly.org for many more easy changes you can make to cut back on plastic use.

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

WHAT DOES "REUSABLE" MEAN AT THE SWAP SHOP?

For an item to be reusable at the Swap Shop it means that in its current condition another member of our community will find it useful. When items are CLEAN, HAVE ALL THEIR PARTS, and WORK they are more likely to be reused and avoid ending up in the landfill. Items that require additional work, time, or new parts rarely are reused.

Examples of items that are not reusable include chipped, cracked, or stained plates, mugs, and glassware, stained or dirty fabric and stuffed animals, items with broken zippers, incomplete board games,  overly used binders, children’s toys without all of their parts (i.e. tracks without cars, barns without animals) and broken or rusty furniture. Swap Shop volunteers are not able to clean items at the Swap Shop. Please bring items that are CLEAN, HAVE ALL THEIR PARTS, and WORK. Are your items ready for use by your neighbors?

Did you know that there are easy steps you can take in your own yard to support pollinators? 

Did you know that our town’s community garden helps support a local food pantry?

Did you know that Durham has joined the Community Power Coalition of NH?

These are just a few of the topics covered in the second edition of the Sustainability Newsletter - a quarterly newsletter coming out in early August!

Each edition includes quick, easy-to-read updates from many of our town committees, commissions, and entities about the sustainable projects they are working on and ways they are keeping our community thriving.  

NEW TO THIS EDITION - articles spotlighting a local sustainable business and a resident making a difference.

Looking for ways to get more involved, or simply want to be better informed?  Subscribe now to get the newsletter sent directly to your inbox. Quarterly editions will follow (you can unsubscribe at any time). If you have already subscribed, thank you! Your second edition will automatically be sent to you. You can use this link HERE or the QR code listed above to subscribe.

A view from former Mill Pond looking down towards the dam. Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

BASICS OF BACKYARD BEEKEEPING TALK AT EMERY FARM

Later this month an “Emery Farm Talk” about backyard beekeeping as a hobby will be held. 

Topics include:

• Challenges and benefits of being a beekeeper
• Honeybees and other beneficial pollinators
• What is involved in beekeeping (time, effort, expense, etc.)
• Basic equipment and tools
• Seasonal flowers and sources of nectar
• Harvesting honey and other sweet rewards
• Good sources of information and practical advice

Location/date/time: Emery Farm, July 28, 2026, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Fee: $39 (includes jar of wildflower honey)

Pre-registration required HERE.

Lee Alexander has been a backyard beekeeper for over 50 years. A member of the Durham Agricultural Commission, he oversees the management of the honeybee apiary at Emery Farm.

Come downtown to Durham Day on Thursday, Aug 8, from 6-8:30pm or all day long at the Laroche Farm for Farm Day on Aug 15 to pick up free, wildlife-friendly outdoor lighting (two per Durham household) until our renewed supply runs out. Volunteers will be handing out amber yellow bulbs, which can be used in any standard outdoor light fixture. The bulbs have a CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) of 2200K.

The benefits of installing these yellow bulbs vs standard white light bulbs are many: they attract 90% fewer disease vector insects like mosquitoes and flies to your entryway, they make it easier to see the stars, they interfere less in firefly reproduction, and they are less disruptive to circadian rhythms in humans and wildlife.

Join the Agricultural Commission in this annual celebration of the working landscape of farms and gardens across Durham, Lee, and Madbury. Free and family friendly. Highlights this year include guided tours of UNH Kingman Farm’s agroforestry research (and an opportunity to touch their tractors), the Community Gardens at Wagon Hill Farm, and the medicinal gardens of Misty Meadows Herbal Center.

There will be a food fermentation demonstration at the Freedom Café, just in time to learn how to preserve the harvest from local gardens and farms. And don’t forget the community bring-your-own-picnic at Laroche Farm as the Agricultural Commission will be providing sweet corn from Tecce Farm! The full list of events is HERE.

NH STATE REPS CANDIDATES' FORUM AUGUST 27 AT TOWN HALL

Seven candidates – all Democrats – have filed to run for Durham’s four NH State Representative seats. (No Republicans filed.) Election Day for the primary is September 8.

The Durham Democratic Committee will host a moderated candidates forum on August 27, starting at 7:00 P.M., in the Town Council chambers of the Town Hall. Take this opportunity to hear what the candidates have to say, and if you can attend in person, they would be grateful. The forum will be aired and recorded by DCAT with a Zoom viewing-only option, but the community is invited to submit questions or topics for the forum, with the understanding that those questions may not make it to the finals.

Send questions by August 3 to durhamdemocratsnh@gmail.com with the subject line “Forum questions.”

For a preview of the lineup, download a flyer HERE that shows photos and statements from all seven candidates.

WOULD YOUR ELEMENTARY-AGE CHILD LIKE TO LEARN CHINESE OR FRENCH?

OneWorld Language School has been offering after school language classes at Oyster River's Moharimet for more than 20 years. The classes are offered to all area elementary schools. They are offering 4 free scholarships courtesy of Fabulous Finds in Kittery Maine.  

They have openings in Chinese and French. The financial aid application can be found HERE. 

They will be participating in Downtown Durham Day on August 6th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. featuring Chinese activities and games. 

Stop by and meet them!

A view of the Mill Pond Dam demolition from under the bridge. Courtesy, Todd Selig

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Summer Nutrition Assistance Programs

Oyster River families in need of nutritional 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 22 and August 21

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 3, 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.

2026-2027 Calendars

ORCSD's printable 2026-2027 school calendar is available HERE. This document is subject to change. It is recommend that you check for online updates on the district calendar page regularly.

The School Board's 2026-2027 meeting schedule is available on the district's Meeting Schedule page HERE.