Friday Updates - March 26, 2021





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Friday, March 26, 2021



 





Durham Firefighter Scott Campbell assists Danielle Ades, PEA nurse and volunteer for the Strafford Health Coalition, with administering COVID-19 vaccinations at the ORHS on Wednesday this week. Courtesy Durham FD



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Oyster River, Barrington, Recreation Programs and Licensed Child Care providers were vaccinated at ORHS on Wednesday. Dozens volunteered to support this effort. Our own Durham Police Department and Fire Department organized the location for safety and efficiency. Thank you to both school systems nurses, McGregor, and Strafford County Regional Health Network! The next vaccination date is April 19. Read more about this effort below.


Durham has been notified by NHDOT that minor work on signalizing the intersection of US 4 westbound off the ramp with NH 108 began on March 22, 2021. No significant activity will begin until all pre-construction requirements are put in place.


Passover begins the evening of March 27th.


Holi, the festival of color, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the beginning of Spring. It is on March 28 and March 29 this year. It is mainly observed in both India and Nepal or other countries where there is a significant Hindu population. The event commemorates the victory of good, peace, and love over evil.  


April Fools’ Day is this coming Thursday, April 1st.  Be on guard for ingenious tricksters!


And Good Friday is coming up on April 2nd.



 





Members of Durham's Fire and Police Departments. Courtesy Durham FD



OYSTER RIVER SCHOOLS VACCINATION POD IN DURHAM – A report from Wednesday’s Covid-19 efforts on Coe Drive.

Vaccinations took place between 8AM-4PM at the Oyster River High School on Wednesday of this week. School Resource Officer Michael Nicolosi reports we had over 50 volunteers and over 10 teams administering shots. Michael is still awaiting an exact number, but we estimated that 760+ people were vaccinated on Tuesday. We were also able to vaccinate Durham Library Staff and DPW workers. 

 

DPW’s Sam Hewitt and his team did an amazing job with the layout of the cones and signs. Everyone really appreciated DPW’s help in making the vaccination route easy to follow. Organization was a key component to the Vaccination Pod’s success, and it made the team’s job easy that day. The same traffic layout will be beneficial on April 19th.

 

There was only one medical issue throughout the day. An individual felt faint and was assessed by McGregor Memorial EMS. McGregor’s staff determined that the person’s ailments had nothing to do with an allergic reaction, but because of a fear of needles. 

 

Traffic was smooth aside from the first vaccination time slot, where 170 + students came to the High School for SATs. 

 

Over the course of the day organizers had one instance where the vaccination volunteers realized that we had run out of Vaccination Cards. Someone had to drive to Dover to pick them up. Once the Vaccination Cards were filled out, we emptied the parking lot quickly, with minimal traffic buildup, thanks to the help of Troy Pickering from Strafford County. After the students finished SATs, the High School administration helped assist with sending traffic towards the Middle School to keep the vaccination site from being overburdened with traffic. 

Kudos to everyone involved from the hard working staff at ORCSD, to the Strafford County Public Health Network, Durham Fire, Durham Police, McGregor Memorial, Durham Public Works, and everyone who helped to make the day a success.  



 





The Planning Board recognized Michael Lambert for his service to the community as a member of the board at its meeting on Wednesday. Paul Rasmussen, Planning Board chair (on the right), is presenting a certificate of appreciation.  Many thanks to Michael for his contributions over the past few years.



 



INITIAL MEMORIAL DAY PLANNING FOR DURHAM WITH THE PANDEMIC

There is ongoing conversation about how to honor Memorial Day this year with the pandemic still present and the desire to avoid large in-person gatherings in town. While this is still a work in progress, Parks & Rec. advises at this point the suggestion is to not have the parade but plan for a modified in-person ceremony at Memorial Park. This would include closing down main street for the ceremony and allowing folks to gather (masks and social distancing required). The feeling is that without the parade the gathering downtown would be on the smaller side where social distancing could safely maintained, but where we could also safely honor the holiday.  The holiday is still very much a work in progress in terms of planning.



 



DURHAM'S BUDGET/FISCAL OUTLOOK LOOKING OKAY AT PRESENT

In evaluating the FY21 budget and consistent with December 2020 budget deliberations with the Council, Business Manager Gail Jablonski and Admin. Selig see no reason why we can’t move ahead with the hiring of the GIS and Engineer position as planned/budgeted for later this year. The budget is in line with where it should be at this point in time.



 



DID YOU KNOW?

There are many myths about recycling. For the month of March, the IWMAC (Waste Management Advisory Committee) will highlight and dispel some of these myths!

 

Myth: Since they are made of plastic, it’s okay to put plastic bags, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, plastic sandwich bags and freezer bags in my curbside recycling bin.

 

Answer: False

 

Plastic bags, plastic wrap and bubble wrap get tangled in equipment and threaten worker safety. Try and reuse these items whenever possible for presents, moving or storing things.Find out where you can recycle plastic bags at http://ww1.filmrecycling.org/



 





COVID-19 VACCINATION ELIGIBILITY ANNOUNCED BY GOVERNOR

Gov. Sununu made an announcement on Thursday indicating the next phase for vaccinations would be split up by age group. Anyone age 40 to 49 can register starting Monday, those 30-39 can register starting Wednesday, and everyone age 16 and up can register Friday, April 2. 


The Governor indicated he believed there were enough appointments available that everyone should be able to schedule an appointment within the new age-based system. He said he believes everyone eligible should be able to get a first dose by Memorial Day.

To schedule a COVID-19 vaccination, click HERE.


No vaccines have been approved for children under age 16. And those age 16 and 17 will need to get the Pfizer vaccine, the only one approved for their age group. 


The Governor also stated that out-of-state college students in New Hampshire are out of luck. He indicated the vaccines are for what the Governor called permanent New Hampshire residents only and advised that out-of-state college students should return to their home states to get vaccinated. 

Admin. Selig has urged that this approach be revisited, indicating that the development of a vaccination POD for students at the University of New Hampshire in Durham (and in other college towns), similar to what was just undertaken for ORCSD staff, would present significant public health benefits for host communities like Durham. A vaccine such as the “one and done” Johnson & Johnson formula (or either of the other two-shot vaccines currently approved by the FDA) could provide a substantial prophylactic benefit for host communities and their residents ... beginning with the first jab.  



 





UNH Wildcat sculpture with mask. Courtesy Todd Selig



DURHAM LEADER TO SUNUNU: ALLOW ALL NH COLLEGE STUDENTS TO GET COVID VACCINE - An Article in the Seacoast Online.

As noted in the previous article, Governor Chris Sununu said Thursday out-of-state college students are not eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from the state of New Hampshire, even as he announced all residents ages 16 and up will become eligible next week.


Administrator Selig is urging the state to "rethink this approach." He is concerned about University of New Hampshire students in town and other students around the state.

Read the complete article HERE.

If you would like to share your thoughts on this matter with Governor Sununu, please send an email to him at governorsununu@nh.gov



 



BEE HIVES COMING THIS SPRING TO WAGON HILL FARM - At the WHF Community Garden.

The board of directors of the Wagon Hill Farm Community Garden requested and was granted permission by Admin. Selig to place one or two hives at the WHFCG beginning this spring. 

The plan is to place the hive(s) in the west corner inside the fenced in area. Additional fencing and inside gate would create a fence enclosed area of approximately 10’ x 10’ to safely locate the hive(s). A member of the WHFCG board is an experienced beekeeper and the owner of the hive will be the primary keeper.


The hives are able to be moved at the end of the 2021 growing season if the WHFCG board and/or Town decide not to continue with this activity.



 



OBTAINING FIRE PERMITS IN DURHAM AVAILABLE ON LINE

According to the website for the NH Division of Forests and Lands, the cost of obtaining an online burn permit will increase from $3.00 to $5.50 effective March 31, 2021. The online transaction fee supports the development and management of the fire permit system. The fee increase will be used for upgrades and improvements to the system such as ease of use with devices, the ability to obtain multiple permits at one time and increased functionality for the local Forest Fire Wardens and fire departments. These changes are intended to streamline the fire permitting process and should significantly enhance the public’s experience obtaining their permits. The Town of Durham and State of New Hampshire do not receive any portion of these fees. Permits may be obtained online: https://nhdflweb.sovsportsnet.net/ or by utilizing the following QR code:





Please keep in mind that seasonal permits may be obtained through the site for Category I and Category II burn permits. Seasonal permits must be renewed annually and are valid until December 31st of that year.  



 



MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT JAMES MORSE REGARDING PLANNING FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IN OYSTER RIVER

Wednesday, March 24 was a great day for the Oyster River Cooperative School District and the Barrington School System as over 750 faculty, staff, recreation staff and licensed child-care providers were given their first COVID vaccine.  


Given that so many of our faculty and staff will be fully vaccinated by April 19, it provided an opportunity to open up a discussion between the ORCSD Board and the Teachers’ Guild regarding an ‘All-In’ model for opening school May 3, 2021. Please understand, the School Board has made no decision to open school May 3, they have entered into a discussion phase over the possibility.


The Board will meet again next Wednesday, March 31, 2021, in a workshop format in the ORHS Auditorium. The Board will live stream this workshop beginning at 7 PM. 

At the March 24 workshop I presented the following goals that I feel are important for opening school to an All-In model beginning May 3.

  1. SEL/Mental Health.  Many parents and staff have discussed the mental health needs of students who have been isolated from their peers and from school, many for over a year. Having the students in school will provide staff access to the students to assess and begin interventions as needed.
  2. Socialization. Children have been isolated from their peers at school. Although athletics and clubs opened at the middle and high schools, ‘normal’ interactions and ‘play’ have been impacted significantly. It is important to note that social distancing and health protocols will still be in place, so school will still not be the same as pre-COVID times but children will be provided more opportunity to socialize than has been offered throughout the pandemic.
  3. Academic Assessment. There are concerns regarding the academic progress of our students. Having the children in session will allow teachers to use formal (STAR) and informal assessments (Formative in-class) to determine how our students are doing. This will allow the staff to plan more effectively for the fall. This needs to be done for those doing well, those struggling (MTSS) and for those identified.  
  4. More time to teach.  We lost valuable teaching time with our students. We cannot ‘cram’ in or accelerate learning in six weeks, nor should we. We can reinforce prior learning and solidify it as well as introduce new concepts more thoroughly. It will take far more time and careful planning to make-up for lost learning but increased instructional time over the final weeks of school will benefit all students.
  5. Acclimatization.  Students need to relearn school. As an example, we only have one grade at the high school that has experienced a traditional full school year. Many families, due to legitimate COVID concerns, have chosen a remote only model since March 2020. School is more than a classroom or a building, it is a community. Students have had many options for ‘school’ over the past year. We need to begin transitioning students back into school to increase their comfort and confidence.  
  6. Executive Order. Preparation should the Governor issue another Executive order mandating an all-in model. We were not prepared at the middle school level for the Executive Order that was issued, and it really hurt our remote students, who lost 2-3 days contact time with our teachers.              

The district put together a non-binding informal interest survey asking parents of their interest in an ‘All-In’ model. As has been the case throughout this school year, parents were quick to respond. The results are noted below. 





The meeting ended with Chair Michael Williams requesting the process be accelerated.  He felt that April 21 was too late to make a decision for parents and staff. He asked that the administration and teachers be prepared to present a model that begins to make recommendations at the meeting on March 31st, in order to prepare for a Board decision, perhaps as soon as April 7th. The Board agreed to the additional workshop and to the accelerated timeline.


The Board will meet again next Wednesday, March 31, 2021, in a workshop format, at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be live-streamed. 



 





Mill Pond Dam. Courtesy Todd Selig



VHB DEVELOPING SCOPE OF WORK FOR SUPPLEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER PLANNED FOR CONSIDERATION BY TOWN COUNCIL ON APRIL 5TH 

To supplement the Mill Pond Dam Feasibility Study, the VHB team will conduct supplemental analysis of Alternative 3 (Dam Stabilization) without Option 1 (Pond Restoration Dredge). The goal of this supplemental analysis will be to determine whether the water quality impairments within the Mill Pond impoundment can be addressed through a series of watershed management strategies. The analysis will focus on answering the specific questions posed in an email from Town Councilors Welsh and Lawson to Councilor Marple dated February 24, 2021, as discussed at the March 1 Town Council meeting, as well as subsequent communication with the Town.  


The proposal will be posted on the Town website https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/publicworks/oyster-river-dam-mill-pond-current-information-and-feasibility-study for public review next week once it is available, and anticipate providing a link to the proposal as well next Friday as part of the Council packet for April 5th.  



 



SPRING CLEANUP BULKY WASTE DAYS AT THE TRANSFER STATION!  

Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about viral contamination which could potentially be transmitted with the handling of bulky materials brought curbside, the Town has elected to manage the bulky item disposal program this season similar to last spring’s collection. The Transfer Station will be open for Spring Cleanup with extended hours and days as listed below. All participants will be required to practice social distancing and wear masks as they drop off items. On the days listed below, facility users with Resident/Tax payer permits may enter the Transfer Station to dispose of BULKY WASTE ITEMS ONLY (Bulky waste items include mattresses, box springs, upholstered chairs, couches, painted or stained decking, rugs/carpeting/padding, and pressure treated wood) at No Charge and will NOT require coupons.

 

Wednesday, May 12th and Thursday, May 13th between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM

Wednesday, May 19th and Thursday, May 20th between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM

Wednesday, June 2rd and Thursday, June 3rd between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM

 

Residents will have to unload their own material. The Transfer Station attendants will be monitoring activities to ensure capacity will allow for social distancing at each vehicle drop off point. Please Note, electronics items (such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, computer monitors, televisions, laptops and water coolers) still require a $15 electronics sticker which may be purchase with check or cash at DPW or with check only at the Transfer Station. Metal items (such as Bicycles, rolled wire fencing, metal pipe, cast iron sinks and tubs, aluminum screen doors/windows without glass, lawn mowers (fluids removed), bed springs, washers/dryers, empty paint cans, fitness machines) should be separated and put in the metal pile.  

 

Durham Public Works asks that all regular trash and recycling and “regular” transfer station activities be limited to regular Transfer Station hours, Tuesday and Saturday, 7:30am- 3:00pm.  



 



WHY IS PET WASTE A PROBLEM? - Do Your Part, Scoop the Poop!

Stormwater Protection

Rain or snow runoff can carry pet waste directly into waterways or storm drains, which usually empty without any treatment into a stream, river, or estuary. Untreated fecal matter can be a source of harmful bacteria and nutrients. Just as we don’t want human sewage in our water, it is important to prevent pet waste from being carried into our waterways.


It isn’t just water quality that can suffer. Leaving pet waste on the ground, especially in public areas like parks or playing fields, may pose a risk to children, adults, and even pets.


Consider This …

Pet waste carries disease causing organisms such as Giardia and Salmonella which can make water unsafe for drinking or swimming; to protect the public from illness, swimming beaches and shellfish beds can be shut down due to bacterial contamination, and pet waste can be a cause of that contamination. Pet waste left on playing fields or in parks can be unhealthy and messy. 


Let’s work together to keep pet waste out of our water resources and recreational areas.


Do Your Part: Scoop the Poop!

Scooping your pooch’s poop isn’t just a courtesy for those walking behind you; it’s the healthy and environmentally sound thing to do. Picking up after your dog is not only easy, in Durham it’s the law!



 





The Conservation Commission thanked Ellen Snyder for her outstanding service to the community at its meeting this past Monday. Ellen is retiring now from her position as Land Stewardship Coordinator. Commission member Walter Rous shared these photographs of Ellen hard at work.



 



CALEA ASSESSORS HOLD A VIRTUAL ON-SITE ASSESSMENT OF DURHAM POLICE

The Durham Police Department is scheduled for a virtual on-site assessment as part of a program to achieve accreditation by verifying it meets professional standards.  


A team of Assessors representing the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), will confirm the Durham Police Department's ability to comply with state of the art standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. The team will consist of Major John Clifton of Johns Creek, Georgia and Deputy Chief Robert VanNieuwenhuyze of Smithfield, Rhode Island.


As part of the virtual on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 6:00 PM. The session will be conducted by calling 603-397-2123.  


Agency employees and the public are also invited to offer comments by calling: 678-474-1580, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, between the hours of 1PM and 3PM. Comments will be taken by the Assessment Team.


A copy of the standards is available at the Durham Police Department. Local contact is Captain Jack Dalton at 603-868-2324.


Any person wishing to submit written comments about the Durham Police Department's ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030-2201.



 



REGULAR PART-TIME MECHANIC POSITION

The Town of Durham is in seek of a regular part-time mechanic to assist in performing equipment maintenance on the Town's fleet. Requires knowledge of regular fleet vehicles and heavy equipment repair, diagnosis of malfunctions utilizing test equipment and technical repair manuals. Employee will work up to 24 hours per week, flexible scheduling available. Position receives paid holidays and pro-rated vacation and sick leave accruals.  


High School Diploma or G.E.D. and one year of formal training in fleet vehicles and heavy equipment repair or equivalent experience. Possession of a Class B CDL Operator's License and Certification to perform NH Safety Vehicle Inspections highly sought after.


Hourly wage starting at $20/hour, higher possible depending on experience. Job will be posted until position is filled. Interested parties please send application/letter of interest/resume to: publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us or 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 attn: Janice Richard.  



 



PART-TIME TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT

The Town of Durham is looking for a part-time Transfer Station Attendant. The position is part time, non-benefits. Applicants must be comfortable dealing with public and have a Solid Waste Operators License, level 1 minimum or the ability to obtain license within 2 months of hire. Duties include: checking in residents, ensuring materials are disposed of in proper locations, ability to operate a loader and skid steer, maintenance and cleaning of facility. Pay $14-$17/Hr based on experience. Hours will be Saturday from 7am-3:30pm, potential for more hours. Valid driver’s license, background check will be performed. Applications accepted through Wednesday, March 31st.   

 

Applications are available at the Public Works Office, contact below:

 

Janice Richard

Assistant to the Director

100 Stone Quarry Drive

Durham, NH 03824

868-5578



 





Oyster River Middle School under construction. Courtesy Todd Selig



GOOD CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS AT OYSTER MIDDLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Construction is in full swing at the new Oyster River Middle School with completed work projected at 46% by the end of March. Work has been ongoing for 11 months with another 17 months to go before completion. The goal is to have students attending school in the new building after winter (February) break 2022.

 

A dozen trades are currently working alongside each other with 80 to 100 workers in the building on a given day. This number will increase to around 150 as more finish trades begin working but there is plenty of space for social distancing inside a 145,000 sf building plus the areas around its perimeter.

 

Great progress is being made on piping, ductwork, conduit, and wiring installation and many of the major air handlers and boilers have arrived and been installed. Interior wall framing is almost complete and most of the exterior walls have received their spray foam insulation. Insulated wall panels are being installed over the base layer weather barrier and are then receiving a second barrier over them to create a drainage plane behind the siding. These weather barriers are either black or orange depending on the type of siding (metal tiles or composite panels) that are scheduled for various locations on the plans.

 

Masons will begin installing wall cavity insulation over the next few weeks in preparation of the masonry veneer. The building will feature two colors of ground face CMU’s as well as brick as part of the exterior cladding system. This work will be staring later in April and will be followed by the other siding types in May.

 

Inside, installation of sheetrock has begun and installation of metal door and window frames is continuing. All paint-on and spray-on fireproofing work is scheduled for completion by the end of this month. Stair railings are being installed in the remaining stair towers and should be completed in early April.

 

The inside of the building is really taking shape and it is much easier for visiting staff and students to get a good sense of the spaces that will make up their new learning environments.  Excitement continues to build amongst all of the participants in this fantastic project!


Interested members of the Town Council will be touring the building (with hard hats and masks) at 2 PM on April 2nd.  



 





RESILIENCY ACADEMY - An opportunity for Durham businesses.

NH Small Business Development Center and UNH Extension and are partnering to offer Resiliency Academy, bringing together small businesses and community leaders to work toward a resilient future. The academy will focus on the intersection of small business and community resiliency.


Academy sessions will include opportunities to learn from practitioners, municipal staff, business owners, and experts through case studies, presentations, discussions, and Q&A sessions. In addition, Resiliency Academy includes Regional Discussions, Regional Business Cohorts, and the opportunity for businesses to receive advising from SBDC advisors. Participants are encouraged to attend all five sessions.

More information and registration can be found HERE.



 



DURHAM DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE CAUCUS

Durham Democratic Committee is holding its caucus and election in a virtual meeting on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 7 PM. Any registered Durham Democrats are entitled and encouraged to participate. In addition to the election, our State Representatives will provide a legislative update. For the Zoom link, please call committee chair Susan Roman with your name and email address at 603-868-2293 or text the same to 603-534-0157. 



 





Smith Chapel. Courtesy Daniel Day



ST. GEORGE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH ZOOM EASTER SERVICE.

On Sunday, March 21, 2021, Durham St. George's Episcopal Church was given permission to access Smith Chapel located on Mill Pond Road to film portions of its Easter Vigil service.

  

St. George's service will be held on April 4, 2021 at 9AM on Zoom and a recording will likely be available for viewing on YouTube at a later time. Individuals interested in viewing the recording may do so by visiting the church website at http://stgeorgesdurham.org/



 



DPW PART-TIME SEASONAL HELP WANTED - Mowing, landscaping, facility maintenance.

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 $12/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 9, 2021.



 



PART TIME SEASONAL HELP WANTED - Water department.

Seasonal summer help wanted for the Durham Water Department. Duties will include general facility and water system maintenance. Pay ranging from $13-$15/hr. If interested, please feel free to fill out an application at the Public Works office located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. 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 9, 2021.



 



DPW BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS FOREMAN JOB OPPORTUNITY

Durham Public Works, located in the beautiful seacoast region of New Hampshire, is a recognized leader in the Public Works field. The Department is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Buildings and Grounds Foreman. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Director of Public Works. 

 

The Buildings and Grounds Foreman supervises the work of the Buildings and Grounds Department, which includes two (2) full-time personnel and a seasonal summer grounds maintenance crew. The Foreman performs skilled and trade level work in the maintenance, construction and operation of Town owned buildings, parks, public lands, and related equipment to ensure the proper upkeep and operation of the Town’s municipal services. The Foreman is also required to assist the Water Department Chief Operator in the maintenance of the Town’s public drinking water conveyance systems and treatment facilities and must be available for 24/7 emergency operations including snow removal and water system failures. 

 

This position requires a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in Buildings and Grounds construction and maintenance, one (1) year of which shall be in a supervisory capacity. The successful candidate will also possess the ability to operate a variety of complex pieces of machinery. Applicants must possess a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent as well as a NHDES Grade 1 Distribution and Treatment Water Works Operator license or have the ability to obtain OIT designation within one (1) year of employment.  

 

This position offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement, paid time off, dental, vision, and other supplemental benefits. Starting salary is based on experience and ranges from $23.91 - $29.60/hr with opportunities for overtime.

 

Durham Public Works is an equal opportunity employer.

 

Please submit letter of interest and resumé to:

 

Samuel Hewitt

Assistant Director of Public Works

Durham Public Works

100 Stone Quarry Drive

Durham, NH 03824

shewitt@ci.durham.nh.us



 





THE GREAT BAY RAIN BARREL PROJECT

Collect free water for your garden and help protect the Great Bay by harvesting stormwater that can carry excess nutrients into our rivers and our Great Bay. We have connected with The Great America Rain Barrel Co. that sells repurposed, food-grade, BPA-free barrels with spigots and screened tops.  


Community Discount Cost: $70-$79 depending on color.


Key dates:

April 11: Deadline to order & pay for barrel  

April 16 4-6 pm: Pick up barrels at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 28 Cataract Ave., Dover, NH 03820


Volunteers will put it in your car. 


Who is coordinating this initiative?

Volunteers in the Energy and Environment Committee of the NH Dover Democrats.  

This is NOT a fund-raiser. This is just a way to help folks harvest rainwater. 


To order & learn more:

Order discounted barrels for Dover NH pick-up HERE.


Also, 

See “How to Use” section in the above website for helpful videos.

Barrels come with connectors for overflow into another barrel or garden space.

Fun idea: Paint barrel with unique designs to enhance your garden. 

                  

Questions?

Email these volunteers: Cindy Walter & Mike Atherton at

Ward2DoverDemsChair@gmail.com



 



SCRAP METAL RECYCLING

The Durham Public Works Department’s scrap metal contractor recently hauled 51 tons of assorted metal from the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center. Unlike other commodities, metal can be recycled repeatedly without altering its properties. At the recycling facility, magnets and sensors are used to separate the various metals, some of which can be sorted by material color and weight. Each metal is then melted in a large furnace, cooled, and solidified. During this phase, each material is specifically shaped (i.e. bars or logs) before being shipped to a factory for re-use in new items.



 





VOLUNTEERS AT THE DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

Three members of the National Honor Society from Oyster River High School volunteered their time for an afternoon this week at the Durham Public Library. Kathy McEwan, Clio Grondahl, and Amelia Nott completed a spring clean-up of the grounds including raking, hand sweeping, and tree branch removal. We sincerely appreciate their efforts and willingness to participate in our Spring grounds maintenance program. We look forward to having them back for future community service projects!



 



DURHAM/UNH WATER SYSTEM WORKING TO ASSIST PROPERTY OWNERS AT LEE TRAFFIC CIRCLE DUE TO CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER - LEE WATERLINE EXTENSION AND DURHAM/UNH WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS - OUT FOR PUBLIC BID

The Lee Traffic Circle water system extension project is being implemented by Durham/UNH/NHDES/Lee to provide safe, potable drinking water to the Irving gas station and to surrounding properties at the Lee Traffic Circle that are currently in violation of the 13 micrograms per liter (ug/L) maximum contaminant level (MCL) drinking water standard for MtBE and warrant connection to a water supply. 


The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Service (NHDES) MtBE Bureau will fund the connection of these properties to the Durham/UNH Water System as part of this project. The cost of the water line extension is approximately $3M. The project is currently out for public bidding, bids are due in early April, and construction is expected to begin this summer. Additionally, the Durham/UNH Water System has secured $1M in funding towards the construction of the new UNH water treatment plant. 


The 7,000 LF water main extension will originate at Durham's well site in Lee (the so-called Lee Well) and then be installed cross-country toward Route 4, before extending west along the north side of Route 4 to the Lee traffic circle. 


While the initial extension would be constructed to serve only the affected MtBE contaminated properties, other residential and commercial property owners in Lee along the new water line route could request a connection to the water system, pay a connection fee, and become a Durham water user. Applications for water service connections beyond what is built initially would come to the Durham-UNH Water/Wastewater Committee for review and recommendation to the Town Council as required and will be subject to the available remaining water volume entitlement for the Town of Lee.


In order to determine the impact to the Durham/UNH water system, NHDES contracted directly with Weston and Sampson engineers to perform a water system modeling study. Results of this study identified 3 deficiencies in the distribution system (Strafford Ave, South Drive and Main St/Route 155A, which would need to be improved. NHDES will also fund the design and construction of these distribution system improvements including the upgrade of the PRV/Booster station at Technology Drive as part of the Lee Waterline Extension project. Construction of these improvements will also be completed this summer through this fall 2021.


The Durham-UNH water/wastewater/stormwater committee has held multiple meetings with the representatives from the Town of Lee, Weston and Sampson Engineers, Underwood Engineers, Mike Juranty and Tal Hubbard at NHDES MtBE Bureau as well as Rick Skarinka, NHDES Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau.


The Town Council approved the Lee water main extension of the Durham-UNH Water System to the MtBE Contaminated Sites at the Lee Traffic Circle on Monday January 7th 2019. 



 



DPW TUNES UP LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT IN ANTICIPATION OF GROWING SEASON

The Durham Public Works Department’s Buildings and Grounds Division completed their annual Spring maintenance and tune-up of the Department’s fleet of landscaping equipment. Zero-turn and walk-behind lawn mowers, string trimmers and backpack blowers were cleaned and serviced in preparation for a busy season. In addition to three full-time crew members, the Buildings and Grounds Division employs four seasonal personnel each year to help with the maintenance of 40 town-owned parks, facilities, and cemeteries.



 





Springtime freshet along the Lamprey River. Courtesy Richard (Dick) Lord



LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPRING 2021 NEWSLETTER

The Lamprey River Advisory Committee's Spring Newsletter is now available and can be viewed HERE.



 



DURHAM AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION

The Durham Agricultural Commission would like to call readers to several online workshops on raising livestock offered by UNH Cooperative Extension in March, April and May:



 



DOG LICENSES AVAILABLE AT THE TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE

The 2021 dog tags are now available and residents may obtain their licenses at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's office. Please note that NH-State law requires that all Durham residents license their dogs no later than April 30, 2021. You may renew your dog license online HERE or by visiting the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. New dog licenses must be done in person or by mail. If you have any questions, please contact the Town-Clerk Tax Collector’s office at ph: 603-868-5577.



 



OBTAIN A DOG LICENSE BY APRIL 30, 2021 AND AUTOMATICALLY ENTER THE 2021 TOP DOG RAFFLE

The Town of Durham is proud to announce the 2021 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, 2021. The winner of the Top Dog raffle will receive a gift basket donated by the clerk’s office.  The gift basket contains a fleece dog blanket, KONG-brand durable tennis balls, disposable dog waste bags, a high quality dog leash, and dog treats.

 

Rules & Regulations

  • Contestants will automatically be entered into the raffle when they register their dog(s) before April 30 (only open to Durham residents).
  • Residents who DO NOT want to be included in the raffle may opt out by writing, calling, or emailing the clerk’s office.
  • Contestants must be 18 or older and be the owner of the dog on file with the clerk’s office. Town of Durham employees and elected officials are not eligible.
  • The contestant must have a 2021 Town of Durham dog license by April 30. A current rabies vaccination will be required to obtain the license.
  • The raffle winner may submit a digital photo and brief biography of their dog. Photos of the 2021 raffle winner’s dog will be included in the Durham Friday Update.
  • The winner will be drawn at random by clerk’s office at a Town Council meeting in May 2021.



 





DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT PERFORMS SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE TESTING OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Redline Gear Cleaning, based in Marlborough, Massachusetts, recently teamed up with the Durham Fire Department to perform advanced cleaning and safety inspections of the fire department’s protective clothing inventory. On March 22nd and 23rd, 2021 Redline brought their staff and equipment onsite to streamline the process that otherwise would require costly multiple shipments of bulky gear to offsite companies.


The advanced cleaning and inspection services are compliant with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard requirements. The standard is designed to identify critical safety deficiencies that may cause injury to a firefighter as well as to limit a firefighter’s exposure to the chemicals and carcinogens that build up over time in the fabric of the gear which ordinary laundering cannot eliminate.


Identifying deficiencies in gear requires specialized testing equipment and training in addition to dedicated laundering and sanitizing equipment for different components. This makes companies like Redline an extremely valuable resource to aid in fire service safety.


Each set of fire gear (PPE or turn out gear) consists of 10 components or pieces that are individually inspected, tested, washed, and dried before it is reassembled for use. In total, 49 complete sets of gear (or approximately 490 pieces) were serviced and cleaned in two days. Of those, only 10 critical safety deficiencies requiring repair and remediation were found. Mike Matros, President of Redline Gear Cleaning complimented the limited number of deficiencies as a testament to Durham Fire Department’s safety culture.


The department wishes to extend its appreciation to the community for their commitment in supporting a standard of excellence for firefighter safety. The department also extends its sincere appreciation to Firefighter Barry LaVigne for his ongoing efforts in coordinating this important and critical service to protect our members.  



 



WHERE DO RIVERS COME FROM? An excellent local science video for kids and the family from ORCSD’s Ellen Ervin

Ellen Ervin from Moharimet Elementary has been working on science videos for elementary children within the district. Residents may find of interest her wonderful homemade video on College Brook. She begins at the mouth of the Piscataqua River where it enters into the Gulf of Maine and wonders aloud, “have you ever wondered where rivers come from?” From here, she begins to backtrack up the river, to Great Bay, all the way to the beginning of Durham’s College Brook, and traces its flow to where the river enters the Mill Pond and then on to the saltwater portion of the Oyster River below the dam. To view the video, click HERE



 



NRCS IS INTERESTED IN CONDUCTING A CONSERVATION WILDLIFE PROJECT ASSESSMENT ON THE EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL ON DURHAM FOREST LANDS

The Natural Resource Conservation Service is interested in supporting a project to deploy an Autonomous Recording Unit along with date collection and vegetation metric recordings focusing on the Eastern Whip-poor-wills, a nocturnal aerial insectivore that has experienced a 69% reduction in its population since 1966. Currently, there is little to no research on how whip-poor-will occupancy relates to forest management, microhabitat, and landscape composition at a large regional scales throughout its breeding range. The scientists involved will be initiating an NRCS Conservation Effects Assessment Project that will monitor whip-poor-will occupancy using Autonomous Recording Units at forested sites, primarily early-successional communities created through NRCS and program partners.  


ARU’s are small recording devices (slightly smaller than a cell phone) that are programmed to record for approximately 1.5 hours at night and 1.5 hours in early morning. Once an ARU is programmed, a project technician will visit the property site in April to secure the ARU to a tree within a young forest patch. They will then return to collect the ARU in late June/early July and spend 1-2 hours conducting a vegetation survey. The ARU recordings will be processed to determine the presence of whip-poor-will. The ARUs will also detect other wildlife that vocalize such as owls, woodcock, turkey, grouse, songbirds, and amphibians. Future projects may process the recordings to determine the presence of these additional species. 


The Land Stewardship Subcommittee will be discussing at its upcoming meeting.



 





 



 



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.



FacebookTwitter



 



 





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.



 





DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY


Registration is open for Upcoming Events

 

April means spring...and...National Poetry Month at the library! Get excited for spring training with the Ultimate Presentation for Red Sox Nation with Marty Gitlin on April 5th! Register for two upcoming programs with the current NH Poet Laureate Alexandria Peary, Present Moment, Prolific Moment: Using Mindfulness to Write and Strange Terrain: How To Not "Get" Poetry and Let It Get You Instead with former NH Poet Laureate Alice B. Fogel! 


What’s New in Youth Services?! 

Our new Teen Advisory Board (TAB) grades 9-12 is taking applications. Our new Teen Advisory Board (TAB) grades 9-12 is taking applications. Click HERE for information and applications! Register Here for a Museum of Aviation Virtual Field trip focusing on "Flight", museum's National STEM Academy program, on Thurs. April 29th at 10:30 am. This is a joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries! Also available are sign-ups for regularly-scheduled programming including Zoom Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, STEAM crafts to go. Sign up for the YA Zoom Activity, the next Racoon Readers Book Group, the Patch club and more! Or download the complete April calendar!

 

Daily Operations at DPL

 

The Library is currently open for 20-minute visits to the Library for quick browsing, checkouts and the use of computers, the printer and copy machine. Notary services are available by appointment. Meeting rooms and the Cafe remain closed. At this time, we are limiting the number of patrons in the building to no more than 50% of our normal comfortable browsing capacity on the main floor. We request that anyone using the Library do so wearing a cloth mask or face covering and masks are available to patrons who request them. We ask that patrons not gather or congregate in the Library and for those uncomfortable coming in, our contactless “Library to-go” services continue! Please visit our website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/ for complete information! Still have questions? We can be reached at 603-868-6699 during open hours or at durhampl@gmail.com any time! 

Need tech access? We now have 2 laptop PCs and 2 mobile hotspots available for our patrons to check out! Need help registering for the COVID-19 vaccine? If you’re currently part of the demographic eligible for the vaccine in NH, the library can assist with computers and tech help to get you registered. Call us at 603-868-6699 to set up a time! Still have questions? We can be reached at 603-868-6699 during open hours or at durhampl@gmail.com any time! 





 



WEEKLY ARREST REPORT





*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.



 



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."

________________________

1732 - "The Justice at Dover September ye 5 do give our Consent that Mr. Samuel Smith may keep a Public House at the Place Called the Oyster Reaver Falls. [signed] Francis Mathes, Thomas Drew, Jonathan Chesley, Jonathan Thompson -- Selectmen." Now home of James Chamberlin.



 



Have a very nice weekend. Rain is likely Sunday, which is needed as the land is pretty dry.

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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