Friday Updates - November 5, 2021

Friday, November 5, 2021

Thompson Forest. Courtesy Jean McPeak

DURHAM TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTS LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT STATEMENT

Upon the request of the Durham Human Rights Commission (HRC), at its meeting this past Monday, the Durham Town Council adopted the Durham Land, Water, and Life Acknowledgment statement below, which was adopted by the HRC on October 21, 2021, and is fashioned after the UNH Land, Water, and Life Acknowledgment statement. The Council will read the acknowledgment each year at its meeting prior to Indigenous Peoples’ Day in October and again at the beginning of its first meeting following the annual March Town Election as periodic reminders of its commitment to promote understanding, friendship, and the well-being and growth of its indigenous community.

The HRC intends to read the acknowledgment at the beginning of each of its meetings. HRC members will also be speaking with other town boards, commissions, and committees asking them to consider reading the acknowledgment at the beginning of their meetings as well.

The town of Durham, New Hampshire wishes to acknowledge the spiritual and physical connection maintained by the Pennacook, Abenaki, and Wabanaki peoples to N’dakinna (homeland), aki (land), nibi (water), lolakwikak (flora) and awaasak (fauna). New Hampshire has been home to these Indigenous people for thousands of years. The residents of Durham acknowledge the ongoing hardships endured by our Indigenous neighbors after the loss of their unceded homelands which we now steward and we will work to foster relationships to support the well-being of Indigenous people who carry forward the traditions of their ancestors.

DOES THE FEDERAL OSHA VACCINE MANDATE APPLY TO NH MUNICIPALITIES?

No. New Hampshire is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA. 

Durham estimates that 96% of our municipal staff are fully vaccinated.  

FIREFIGHTER STEVE JAUTAIKIS COMPLETES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TECHNICIAN COURSE

Firefighter Steve Jautaikis recently completed the Hazardous Materials Technician course through the New Hampshire Division of Fire Standards and Training. This 80 hour in-person course examines concepts of Incident Command to allow the technician to be able to work effectively in such a system, while developing skills to operate with other technician-certified individuals and the ability to identify a hazardous materials incident. The course training presents strategies and appropriate action to take when presented with a hazardous materials event. This certification is a valuable tool that will help firefighters to keep the members of our community safe while supporting a standard of excellence for firefighter safety.

Congratulations to Steve on successfully completing this valuable course!

On Tuesday morning, Detective/POP Officer Emily Festa visited the UNH Child Study and Development Center (CDSC), where she had been invited to talk to the children, teachers, and staff about the center’s unit on community helpers. Many great questions were asked about police officers and a tour of a patrol car was given. In addition to her police certifications and trainings. Detective/POP Officer Festa is a graduate of UNH and holds a degree in Human Development and Family Studies.  

PUBLIC WORKS WINTER MAINTENANCE PREPARATION - DPW staff are sharpening the plow blades in anticipation of winter conditions...

With the approaching winter season Durham Public Works staff continue to transition from construction and maintenance operations to winter operations. Following completion of the upcoming brush and yard waste collection, a primary focus will be winter maintenance emergency response. Pre-planning activities include, setting up plows and deicing equipment, inspecting equipment, reviewing treatment and plow routes while identifying potential hazards, coordinating weather forecast monitoring, and ensuring sufficient supplies and contractor commitments. Durham Public Works has planned a winter operations meeting which will include calibration of deicing material spreaders, reviewing policies and performing a dry run of routes with assigned equipment.

DURHAM REPRESENTATIVES MET WITH RESIDENTS AT RIVERWOODS TO TALK ABOUT OUR WONDERFUL TOWN

Dir. of Planning & Community Development Michael Behrendt, Town Council member Sally Needell, and Administrator Todd Selig recently spoke at Riverwoods at the invitation of the development. 

The purpose was to welcome residents to Durham, tell them about the community, and answer questions. The three discussed some basics about Durham, the excellence of local government (however modestly), the high level of engagement of community members, the extensive open space and offerings of the recreation program, our rich natural resources, Friday Updates and DCAT, the Durham Master Plan, the outstanding library, the swap shop, the development review process, the Mill Pond Dam, and much more. Residents had numerous questions about the town in general and about some particular issues affecting Riverwoods. We also encouraged residents to shop and eat downtown and consider serving on Town boards (Residents now serve on the Planning Board, Historic District Commission, and Energy Committee).

Riverwoods opened at the end of 2019. The continuing care retirement community includes 150 independent residential units, 24 assisted living units, 24 memory care units, and 24 skilled nursing units.

Riverwoods is a wonderful addition to the Durham community.

Trick or Treating was a huge success in Durham, once again! Officer Erik Burke and Officer Cameron Holdsworth take a break from mountain bike patrol to pose with Durham resident, Chase Dalton. 

EMERSON ROAD GROUND SURVEY AND SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION UNDER WAY

The Town of Durham is in receipt of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding designated for use for eligible  water, wastewater and storm water system improvements. Due to the water main break history, condition and age, approximately 2,500 lineal feet of water main replacement on Emerson Road, from Madbury Road to the northerly entrance of Little Hale Road, is schedueld for replacement.

This is one of several projects which will be completed using ARPA funds over the next 3 years. 

Work will include water main construction as early as 2022, followed by proposed roadway and sidewalk improvements the following constrution year. Beginning the week of November 8th, contractors will be on-site to complete a geotechincal subsurface exploration program within the project limits. This will be followed by an instrument survey, combined with the Madbury Road survey effort, scheduled to start over the next 2 weeks.

Using a truck mounted drill rig the contactor will perform test borings and probes spaced at approximately 250 lineal feet along the alignment, with additional probes spaced at approximately 125 lineal feet. Traffic control will be in place using police details and/or flaggers. 

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD NEWS FOR NOVEMBER 3, 2021 

The new Oyster River Middle School is scheduled to open in 117 days (from November 3).

ORMS students and staff had the opportunity to walk through the new building on Oct. 29 to share in the excitement. Painting upper floors and installation of lockers, fixtures, and in some spaces floor coverings now give a clear sense of what the building will feel like. 

Fall 2021 has been an outstanding season for Oyster River High School athletics! Multiple teams are still competing in playoffs, and the Girls’ Cross-Country team won the state championship last Saturday! Go Bobcats!

Over 500 students and staff are now being tested for COVID-19 weekly as part of the NH SASS screening program.

Public comment at school board meetings is included in the beginning and end of each regular school board meeting. This time is for residents of Oyster River or Barrington to direct comments to the school board. Public Comment is not a time for discussion or deliberation with the school board. Comments are limited to 3 minutes per person and may be limited further depending on the number of commenters in attendance. Those who choose to not attend school board meetings in person may submit public comment to be read at board meetings may do so. Details are included in the Agenda/Backup available at orcsd.org under school board agendas and minutes. Those who wish to attend school board meetings without masks are accommodated in a room adjacent to the meeting room dedicated for this purpose. 

A significant portion of the next several school board meetings will be dedicated to the proposed 2022-2023 budget. The School Board normally approves a proposed budget in December, followed by a public hearing in January, Deliberative Session in February, and final decision on the budget by voters in March.

Durham Detective Carrington Cazeau, Detective Emily Festa, and front desk assistant Kim Ward ride around the neighborhoods passing out candy to the ghosts and goblins.

REFUSE AND RECYCLING SCHEDULE FOR THANKSGIVING WEEK

There will be NO refuse and recycling collection on Thursday, November 25th. This pickup will be on Friday, November 26th. Please have all items out by 7AM as always. 

There will be NO commercial recycling collection on Friday, November 26th.

DURHAM WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM REPLACEMENT

Minuteman Security Technology / Norris Fire has been awarded a contract following a competitive procurement process for replacement of the fire alarm system at the wastewater treatment facility. The existing 1998 fire alarm system requires replacement due to its age, lack of parts availability and unreliable operation. The fire alarm system, as well as, all detectors will be replaced with new modern technology ensuring a reliable fire alarming system. Coordination with Durham Fire Marshal, Brendan O’Sullivan, has taken place to ensure system compliance and all Durham Fire Department’s requirements are met. 

SWAP SHOP GUIDELINES - A Reminder From DPW

The Swap Shop will be closing for the season no later than Saturday, December 11th, 2021. This timeline will advance should we receive a significant early season winter storm. Bulky items will NOT be accepted on December 11th, as Swap Shop volunteers will be working diligently to pack up for winter.  

The Durham Public Works Department, Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC) and Swap Shop Volunteers would like to remind residents that the Transfer Station’s Swap Shop does not accept certain items. While we would like to keep reusable items out of the waste stream and the landfill, indoor storage space is limited, and other safety concerns must be considered. When entering the Transfer Station, it is mandatory to stop and check-in with one of the Attendants to review the items you wish to donate to the Swap Shop. The Attendant(s) will evaluate each item(s) based on the criteria below to determine if it will be accepted. A $15 bulky waste coupon may be required in situations where the item(s) is not accepted. We encourage residents to discuss other options for donating their goods with the attendants and Swap Shop Volunteers. A reminder that users of the Swap Shop are encouraged to remain at the facility for no longer than thirty minutes during any one visit to allow other residents an opportunity to view and take items.

The following is a list of items that are not accepted at the Swap Shop:

• Dirty, moldy or stained items. Stained fabrics may go into the Ecosmith Textile Recycling bin.
• Broken, non-functioning or items missing pieces (a chair without a leg, desk without a drawer or drawer knobs, etc.)
• Boxes full of unsorted items (unless approved by a Transfer Station Attendant or Swap Shop Volunteer.)
• Upholstered furniture (mattresses, box springs, chairs, couches, headboards, pillows, etc.).
• Electronic items (all of which require an electronic coupon for disposal):

- Refrigerators

- Dehumidifiers

- Air Conditioners

- Other items containing a refrigerant

- Televisions

- Computer Monitors

• Construction materials of any kind (wood, shingles, sheetrock, insulation, etc.)
• Concrete, bricks, stone, solid fill.
• Appliances larger than a microwave (appliances containing refrigerant that have an electronic coupon will be considered for donation).
• Hazardous Materials or Chemicals (oils, gas, diesel, kerosene, propane, oxygen, mercury containing items, etc.)
• Food, beverages, cosmetics
• Textbooks, dated manuals, reference books (can be recycled using the Discover Books bin)
• Skies, ski boots, snow boards
• Child safety equipment (car seats, helmets)
• Weapons
• Broken glass (including glass from picture frames)
• Clothing and shoes (Use the Salvation Army bin for clothing and shoes in good condition. The Ecosmith bins for these and any stained bedding, towels, fabric stuffed animals, etc.)

WINTER PARKING BAN NOW IN EFFECT

The Durham Winter Parking ban commenced on Sunday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2021. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But the Winter Parking ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00AM and 6:00AM. As the ordinance states,

“Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.”  

For the first few weeks, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur during this period, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed to allow for Durham Public Works to effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham.  

FALL LEAF COLLECTION - Did You Know That Leaf Waste Can Contribute to Nitrogen Impairment In Our Local Streams and Rivers?

A reminder that this year’s fall cleanup of leaves and brush will begin on Monday November 8th. Leaves should be placed in recyclable paper leaf bags. Improper dumping of leaves and grass clippings, especially along streams and rivers can contribute to the Nitrogen impairment of our local water resources. Please do not improperly dispose of leaves and grass clippings. Loose leaves may be brought to the Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road. 

FIRE HYDRANT WINTERIZATION

Durham Public Works, Water Division staff began winterizing fire hydrants within the Town water system this week. This includes inspection and draining of the hydrant barrel to prevent freezing during inclement conditions. The UNH and Town of Durham Water System is responsible for the operation and maintenance of over 160 hydrants across the Town and UNH campus.

GENERAL JOHN SULLIVAN HOUSE

John Sullivan was born at Somersworth (now Rollinsford), New Hampshire, across the Salmon Falls River from Berwick, Maine, in 1740 and lived for a time in Berwick after 1748. At 18 he studied law at Portsmouth under Samuel Livermore. In 1760 he married, having six children by this marriage, and in 1763 settled in Durham, New Hampshire, which was to be his residence for the rest of his life.

As a lawyer, man, and soldier, he was brave, hot-tempered, oversensitive, contentious, generous, fond of display, and a born political organizer. In 1772 he was appointed a major of the New Hampshire militia. He became a passionate hater of Great Britain and sent as a delegate to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, he took his seat September 5, 1774.

By December he was back in New Hampshire, in time to receive Paul Revere's warning of a British embargo on arms and on December 14, 1774, leading 400 Portsmouth Sons of Liberty, Sullivan captured Fort William and Mary at the entrance of Portsmouth Harbor, its garrison of 6 men, and appropriated 100 barrels of gunpowder, 60 stand of small arms, and 16 cannons for the patriotic cause. This incident has been considered by many to be the first overt act of the American revolution. On May 10, 1775, Sullivan took his seat in the Second Continental Congress and on June 22 this body appointed him a brigadier general in the Continental Army.

In July, Sullivan joined Washington's army outside of Boston and was stationed with his brigade at Winter Hill. On the night of August 26, he led out a fatigue party of 1,200 men and a guard of 2,400, occupied and fortified Ploughed Hill on the American left, adjacent to Bunker's Hill. With the exception of trips to organize the defenses of Portsmouth in October 1775, he served through the siege of Boston, until the evacuation, March 17, 1776.

Significance of House

At the Council meeting on June 6, 2017, the Town Council and the Historic District Commission recognized Doug and Susan MacLennan for their outstanding restoration of the General John Sullivan House. The MacLennan's were presented with a plaque which read:

"The Historic District Commission and Town Council of Durham, New Hampshire hereby recognize Doug and Susan MacLennan for their exemplary restoration of the circa 1740 General John Sullivan House, Durham's only National Historic Landmark, June 2016."

This magnificent early 18th century structure, perched above the Oyster River, is Durham’s only National Historic Landmark. At one time the property included a law office, a library, a dairy, stables, and an outbuilding thought to house slaves.  

As one of only 23 National Historic Landmarks in New Hampshire, the Sullivan House is in rarefied company.