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At the October 4, 2021 Town Council meeting, Paul and Denise Pouliot, members of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki People, presented the Town with their tribal flag to be flown at Town Hall in recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day in Durham. Read more below explaining the flag's specific symbolisms.
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All Town offices will be closed on Monday, October 11th, for the holiday. Although the offices will be closed, there will be NO CHANGE TO REFUSE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION. Please have all items out on your regular day by 7am as always.
Halloween trick-or-treating in Durham takes place October 30th from 5 - 7:30 PM.
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TOWN COUNCILOR WAYNE BURTON RESIGNS TO ACCEPT POSITION AS INTERIM PRESIDENT OF EASTERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
At the Town Council meeting on October 4, 2021, Councilor Wayne Burton announced his resignation from the Durham Town Council, effective the end of the meeting.
Councilor Burton said that he has accepted the Interim Presidency of Eastern Maine Community College effective October 15th and will be withdrawing from his activities in Durham for now. He will be holding the position until the next permanent president is hired, which could take from a few months to a year.
Councilor Burton said that "Being a town councilor in Durham has been a great experience and I will miss the highs and lows that comprise public service in an engaged community like Durham. And I will miss all of you whom I consider friends, even when we disagree, and wish you all the best as you carry out your public duties so well in these difficult times."
View the press release by Maine Community College naming an interim president HERE.
On October 18, 2021, The Town Council will appoint a Durham resident to fill Council Burton's vacancy until the next Town Election. Former Councilor Andrew Corrow has submitted an application for the appointment for Council's consideration. The Council will also appoint a new Council representative to the Historic District Commission.
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TOWN RECEIVES TRIBAL FLAG TO BE FLOWN IN RECOGNITION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY IN DURHAM - October 11th
In recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day in Durham, the Town was presented with the tribal flag of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki People at the Town Council meeting on October 4th. Tribal members Paul and Denise Pouliot explained the symbols depicted on the flag for the Council and the viewing audience. Mr. Pouliot said that the tribal flag itself symbolizes that his people are the people of the white pines. They are part of the Wabenaki confederation, which is symbolized on the flag by the dawn seen with the sun rising. The three roots of the white pine represent the three rivers that the Abenaki and Pennacook people used, which were the Connecticut, the Merrimack, and the Piscatqua rivers. Other symbols include the canoes and the waterways. The wisdom curl motifs in the four corners of the flag represent peace and love. They are symbolic and are one of the art forms used by the Wabanaki people. Mr. Pouliot noted that some tribes use squares and rectangles and other shapes. The Wabanaki people, all the way from Maine down to New Hampshire, used a curlilenient design as shown on the flag.
The flag will be flown each year in October at the Town Hall in recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day in Durham.
We are sincerely honored to receive this beautiful flag and thank the Pouliots for their kindness and generosity in attending Monday night's Council meeting and presenting the flag to the town.
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NH COVID-19 POSITIVITY RATE
Due to the high positivity rate across NH and the Seacoast area, we continue to recommend that Durham residents exercise appropriate caution to mitigate their risk of contracting the disease. At this time everyone needs to be responsible for their own health and well-being and take all appropriate precautions such as getting fully vaccinated, physical distancing, wearing a mask, being mindful of where we travel/visit in our daily lives, disinfecting hands, etc., as appropriate depending upon personal circumstances.
It's up to local business owners to determine whether requiring masks is the right course of action for their establishment.
Masks are strongly recommended for all persons visiting Durham government buildings per CDC guidelines.
For residents who are feeling unsafe in Durham leaving their homes due to the pandemic, Durham does have a program (the Citizens Assist Program) where community members are be able to contact the Durham Police Department and our staff would put you in the program and in contact with a volunteer who could help with getting prescriptions or groceries, etc. Call the Police Department at (603) 868-2324 to enroll.
UNH and Durham officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
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DURHAM TOWN COUNCIL VOTES 7-2 TO MOVE FORWARD WITH REMOVAL OF MILL POND DAM ON OYSTER RIVER – A petition drive from dam supporters to force a Town-wide referendum in an attempt to reverse/overturn the Town Council’s decision is under way.
Following lengthy study, detailed engineering analysis since 2017 engaged by the Council exceeding $400,000 to help answer questions from the board and those raised by citizens, significant public feedback over many, many months, and thoughtful statements by each member of the Durham Town Council, the Council acted Monday evening, 9/13/21, by a vote of 7-2, to move forward with dam removal of the historic, head of tide Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River. Councilors Kitty Marple, Sally Needell, Al Howland, Sally Tobias, Carden Welsh, Jim Lawson, and Chuck Hotchkiss voted in the majority. Councilors Wayne Burton and Dinny Waters voted in the minority.
The following action was approved by a roll call vote of 7-2:
“The Durham Town Council, upon recommendation by the Administrator, does hereby approve the Final Design Contract for Alternative # 5 - Dam Removal to Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. for the sum of $284,226 and authorizes the Administrator to sign said contract with the monies coming from Account #07- 2185-801-36-000 and #07-1784-800-36-000.”
The meeting and discussion can be viewed on DCAT On Demand, Channel 22, or on line HERE. You can click on the last agenda item and the replay will begin at the start of the actual Council deliberation. There was also lengthy public comment regarding the dam at the start of the meeting.
Town staff subsequently executed an engineering contract with VHB on Tuesday, 9/14/21, to commence the aforementioned work as directed by the Council.
A second option was also presented to the Council by the Administrator on Monday evening, which the board opted not to act upon in favor of the prior motion/action.
NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON:
“The Durham Town Council, upon recommendation by the Administrator, does hereby approve the final Design Contract for Alternative #3 - Dam Stabilization to Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.for the sum of $247,999 and authorizes the Administrator to sign said contract with the monies coming from Account #07- 2185-801-36-000. Approval of this alternative is contingent upon the NHDES Dam Bureau approving a waiver to regulate the dam as a "non-menace structure". Furthermore, approval of such a waiver request would be contingent upon the abutting property owner recognizing that dam failure would have a detrimental impact on their property and accepting the consequences associated with such an occurrence. NHDES would require that any such agreement would run with the land such that future property owners would also be bound.”
The Council communication with backup material concerning the Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River and the two options presented can be found as the last agenda item for 9/13/21 HERE.
Information on Referendum Petition Process. A group of residents that hopes to reverse/overturn the Town Council’s 7-2 decision through a Referendum Petition process triggering the need for a special Town-wide election/vote within 90 days as outlined in the Town Charter is currently attempting to collect the requisite signatures of 750 registered Durham voters. To read about the Town Charter Referendum Petition process (see Section 8.3), click HERE. While a bonafide option under the Town Charter, the Referendum Petition process is not one that has been commonly used in Durham. There has not been a Referendum Petition process initiated vote since the Town Charter was adopted in 1987/1988.
Collecting signatures at Transfer Station? We have received many questions from concerned residents about whether the petitioners can collect signatures at the Transfer Station & Recycling Center. Because the Town has allowed petition processes on a variety of issues to take place over the years at that facility (such as a petition from Ed Valena many years ago to allow DPW employees to wear short pants), the advocates for a referendum vote to reverse/overturn the Town Council decision concerning the future of the dam were allowed to do so on this issue so long as they were set up in a safe location that did not create safety/logistical issues and so long as other residents were not harassed or made to feel uncomfortable in any way at the facility. A request to collect signatures at the Town Hall was declined. We understand from the organizers that residents interested in learning more or signing on to the petition can stop by the Durham Transfer Station (Durham Point Road) this Saturday, October 2nd from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. Also, there is a daily informational table at 10 Newmarket Road. Use caution stopping along this stretch of busy roadway
Information concerning the historic, head of tide Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River can be found on the DPW web site HERE, including detailed feasibility/engineering analysis from VHB, answers from VHB to detailed questions raised over several years, and numerous citizen letters on all sides of the issue.
Letter to Town Council from The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Law Foundation, & Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership concerning the board's 9/13/21 vote on the dam. On September 24th the Town Council received a letter co-signed by The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Law Foundation, and the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) relating to the Council's decision on Sept. 13th to pursue dam removal with the hope the information will help the Durham community appreciate the positive environmental impacts that dam removal will have for the Oyster River system and the Great Bay Estuary. View the letter received by the Town Council HERE.
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IN PURSUIT OF EXTERNAL GRANT FUNDING TO FACILITATE MILL POND DAM REMOVAL PER THE TOWN COUNCIL'S SEPT. 13TH 7-2 DECISION, DPW HAS SUBMITTED WATERSHED ASSISTANCE GRANT PRE-PROPOSAL AND RECEIVES NOTICE OF POTENTIAL RIVER RESTORATION FUNDING GRANTS THROUGH US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
The Oyster River Dam, also known as the Mill Pond Dam, is located on the Oyster River as it flows through the Town of Durham prior to its discharge into the Great Bay. Constructed in 1913, the dam is a concrete Ambursen-style dam consisting of a spillway, a set of gated outlets at the right abutment, and a fish ladder at the left abutment. It is approximately 140 feet long, with a maximum structural height of approximately 13 feet. Due to its age, engineering significance, and association with local history, the dam is listed on the NH Register of Historic Places.
The NHDES Dam Bureau has identified several safety deficiencies associated with the current dam, including concerns with its overall structural integrity and stability. The Town was notified of these problems in multiple Letters of Deficiency, most recently in February 2018.
The dam impounds the Oyster River, forming the 9.5-acre “Mill Pond” as well as portions of the Oyster River and Hamel Brook upstream of the Pond. The impoundment is used for numerous recreational activities such as fishing, paddling, birdwatching and ice skating. Over the years, water quality in Mill Pond has declined and portions of the pond have filled with sediment, converting much of the former open water area to emergent wetland habitat. The pond is listed by NHDES as an impaired water body.
A detailed Feasibility Study published in November 2020 described several alternatives for addressing the dam safety issues, including detailed discussions of “Alternative 3 (Dam Stabilization)” as well as “Alternative 5 (Dam Removal).”
Following publication of the Feasibility Study, the VHB team was asked by the Town Council, following public input and hearings, to conduct a Supplemental Analysis of Alternative 3 (Dam Stabilization) without Option 1 (Pond Restoration Dredge), as well as to explore additional analysis of the effects of Alternative 5 (Dam Removal). These analyses address questions related to watershed management actions that could improve Mill Pond water quality, the effect of upstream water withdrawals on Mill Pond, and whether Alternative 3 could be modified to improve fish passage and water quality. That report is dated July 2021.
The public had until the end of July to submit written questions/comments about the July 2021 VHB report to the Town Engineer. At the August 16th Town Council meeting VHB presented the main themes of the questions received and there was a discussion amongst councilors and VHB was directed to provide a written memo answering those questions received by the public. Members of the public provided feedback during the public comment portion of the meeting.
The Council acted Monday evening, 9/13/21, by a vote of 7-2, to move forward with dam removal of the historic, head of tide Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River.
Additionally, during the same meeting, the Council approved the Final Design Contract for Alternative # 5 - Dam Removal to Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. for the sum of $284,226.
On Friday September 17, 2021, Durham Public Works submitted a 2022 pre-proposal for the FY22 Watershed Assistance Section 319 Grants. This is the same grant program that the Town received for the Littlehale Culvert/Dam Removal Project on Bagdad Road. If the project is selected, a final proposal would be due by the end of December 2021. Once approved, funds would be available in the spring of 2022. Funding could support design, permitting, and construction. Non-federal match is required.
DPW also received notification of a fish passage grant funding opportunity through US Fish and Wildlife Service with a maximum grant amount request of $100,000.
To view the July 2021 VHB report, and to view additional information about the Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River, click HERE.
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DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PLANS TO COMPLETE REINSPECTION OF MILL POND DAM THIS FALL WITH VHB AND PARE CORP AS RIVER FLOWS ALLOW
The Department of Public Works plans to perform a minimal drawdown of the Mill Pond (only so that there is little/no flow going over the dam), during the week of October 11th (on or around October 13, 2021) to perform a dam inspection. This work is weather dependent and will be rescheduled if there is significant rain in the forecast. Letters were mailed out to abutters this week notifying them of the upcoming drawdown.
The Mill Pond Dam was last inspected in December of 2019. The pictures below show significant structural deterioration of the concrete, primarily one of the ribs nearest the gate structure.
Questions and comments should be directed to Town Engineer April Talon at (603) 868-5578, or atalon@ci.durham.nh.us
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DID YOU KNOW?
Many of your old phones are packed with components containing rare metals that are difficult to find and pull out of the ground. Once those components wind up in the landfill, there’s no easy way to recover them, so the limited supply we already have shrinks even further.
Reuse your old smart phones.
Rather than letting your old smart phones just sit around collecting dust,consider finding a way to re-use them. Here are some ideas:
- Smart alarm clock: Apps such as “Alarm Clock for Me” can turn old iPhones and Android devices into helpful bedside clocks. And if those phones support always-on voice commands for Siri or Google Assistant, you could also use them to control some of your smart home gadgets without getting out of bed.
- Security camera: Apps such as Alfred can turn old phones into makeshift security cameras you can check remotely from your current phone or from the web.
- Smart TV remotes: Rokus and Apple TVs come with tiny remotes, and they’re very easy to lose track of around the living room. With the right apps, though, your old phone could become a remote for your media streaming device — and one you can type names of shows into, no less.
Stay tuned until next week to find out how and where you can recycle your old cell phones.
Source: The Washington Post
Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee
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PARCEL MAPPING PROJECT - FINAL PHASE
CAI Technologies, the company contracted by the Town of Durham to update Durham’s tax maps, is in the final phase of the project where notices have been mailed to taxpayers indicating their new tax map and lot numbers and any acreage changes that may have resulted from their research.
To date, an aerial “flyover” of Durham has been conducted, allowing CAI Technologies to develop of a planimetric base map from orthophotography. The company then conducted research that included gathering available deeds and survey plans from the Strafford County Registry of Deeds and from the Town’s archives with strict attention to the intent of conveyance. This information was then applied to the base map and creating a preliminary/draft map for review.
The company will be holding informal reviews to explain the mapping process to taxpayers and to gather additional information and supporting documentation. Therefore, if you have questions regarding your property’s acreage change or dimensions, you are encouraged to attend the informal review and bring any supporting documentation you may have to assist the mappers to complete the project more accurately. The project is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2021.
The informal reviews will be held at the Durham Town Hall on the following dates:
Friday, October 29th from 10:00am to 6:00 pm
Saturday, October 30th from 8:00am to 12:00 noon.
These are “open reviews”, meaning no appointments are scheduled for these days and on a first come, first served basis. There will be several representatives from CAI Technologies available to assist you on these dates, so the wait time will be minimal. Mask wearing is encouraged, but not required. Seating will be available in the foyer and socially distanced.
If you are uncomfortable attending the open reviews and prefer an appointment, scheduled appointments will be held at the Durham Town Hall on Thursday, October 28th from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Please call the Durham Assessor’s Office at (603) 868-8064 to schedule an appointment.
If you are unable to attend any of these times, there will be another process in place to notify the Assessing Office and CAI Staff regarding any discrepancies on the new tax maps. Simply contact the Durham Assessor’s Office after January 1st, 2022 and a form will be mailed to you. Please complete the form and mail it to CAI Technologies and any supporting documentation you may have.
For general questions regarding the mapping project, please call the Assessing Office. All other questions regarding the company’s work product (i.e.) acreage change, should be directed to a CAI representative during the informal reviews.
Additional Information and Links:
CAI Technologies
https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/assessing/tax-map-update
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ANNUAL RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW INFORMATIONAL SESSION SCHEDULED FOR OCT. 14TH - Durham, Lee, Madbury, and ORCSD board members and citizens alike invited to watch the presentation.
Each year the Town of Durham organizes a Right-to-Know Informational Session for Durham’s elected officials, board/committee members, and Town staff. An invitation is also extended to the ORCSD School Board members and the Towns of Lee and Madbury.
This year the Right-to-Know Law presentation will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2021, from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Council chambers at Durham Town Hall. It will also be shown live over DCAT, as well as taped for rebroadcast.
It is especially important that newly appointed Chairs, Vice Chairs, and Secretaries attend this session, as well as new members to the various town boards and committees.
Town attorney, Laura Spector-Morgan, will hold the session and has asked that we provide her with the number of anticipated attendees so that she can have an appropriate amount of handouts available.
Please RSVP to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us by Friday, October 8, 2021.
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DURHAM POLICE ATTEND OPEN HOUSE AT UNH SHARPP (Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program)
UNH SHARPP is a vital resource to the UNH campus and broader community for prevention, education, and response during times of crisis. The Durham Police Department is proud of their partnership and relationship with an outstanding and critical organization to survivors of sexual assault crimes and the community. On Tuesday of this week, officers attended an annual open house at SHARPP to meet with staff, advocates, get tours of the building, and participate in fun activities. Pictured at the “official” SHARPP photo booth are Officer Rob Keith, Detective Carrington Cazeau, POP Officer/Detective Emily Festa, and School Resource Officer Michael Nicolosi.
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IT’S BUDGET SEASON, SO PLEASE EXCUSE THE DELAY IN MR. SELIG FOLLOWING UP ON EMAILS, VOICEMAILS, LETTERS, ETC.
Budget season is upon us in Durham and as such, Administrator Selig is actively working with the Business Office and our various department, boards, committees, and commissions in formulating a proposed budget for consideration by the Town Council. By Town Charter, Mr. Selig has until the last business day in October to propose a budget to the Council. The Council then has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget of its own, or the Administrator’s proposed budget becomes the FY 2020 budget by default.
At this time of year, Mr. Selig is in constant budget meetings, in additional to normal responsibilities, and as such responding to correspondence and calls/inquiries, is typically delayed. Urgent matters should be sent to the attention of Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry, jberry@ci.durham.nh.us
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JOIN THE FALL 2021 COMPOST CHALLENGE - Sponsored by the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC), Town of Durham Department of Public Works, and Durham Parks and Recreation
Looking for a small way to make a big difference in our community? Composting is an excellent way for you to be a part of fighting back against Climate Change in our community and our world! Learning to compost is a great way to teach your kids the importance of being sustainable. Sign up for our next Durham Compost Challenge!
October 16 - November 20
View details about what you can compost HERE.
Challenge participants receive a compost bin and compostable bags. Participants are asked to weigh each bag of their compost and household trash and keep records to report weekly. You may choose to compost the organic waste in your yard, have it picked up by Mr. Fox, or drop it off at the Transfer Station. Register for the Challenge with Durham Parks and Rec. The registration fee is $10.00.
Have questions? Contact Julie Kelley at ricjulkelley@comcast.net
Register with Parks & Rec HERE.
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VIRTUAL INPUT SESSION REGARDING DURHAM'S CLIMATE ADAPTATION MASTER PLAN CHAPTER - VIA ZOOM
A virtual input session has been scheduled for residents to share their feedback on Durham's climate adaptation master plan chapter on either Thursday October 21, 2021 from 4:30 - 6PM OR Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 8:30 - 10AM.
The Town of Durham is preparing for impacts from hotter temperatures, flooding from more intense rainfall events, and rising sea levels. At this public input session, you will have an opportunity to discuss the draft recommendations addressing climate change impacts on a variety of issues - from critical infrastructure and natural resources to local economy, public health, energy, housing, and more. Your feedback can help Durham prioritize recommended actions to build resilience to these impacts.
View registration information HERE.
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8TH ANNUAL STRAFFORD COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARM STYLE BREAKFAST - COMING UP OCTOBER 17TH
The 8th annual Strafford County Farm Bureau/ Lee and Durham Agricultural Commissions sponsored Farm Style Breakfast Fundraiser for the Strafford County Farm Bureau " Youth in Agriculture Grant Program" is scheduled for October 17, 2021 at the Jeremiah Smith Grange Hall in Lee.
The grant program provides scholarships or grants to youth interested in pursuing further education in the field of agriculture,or funding youth agricultural projects and agricultural outreach programs.
If you would like to donate to the grant program in lieu of the breakfast, please send checks to Strafford County Farm Bureau, c/o Ruth Scruton, 504 Meaderboro Rd, Farmington,NH 03835.
Thank you for your consideration and understanding, and hope to see you in the spring of 2022.
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NHSAVES UTILITY PARTNERS HELP PROVIDE OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL THE PATHWAY TO ENERGY SAVINGS
Construction is underway for the new Oyster River Middle School located in Durham. The four-story school is being built behind the existing Oyster River Middle School, currently serving students in grades 5–8 in the communities of Durham, Lee, and Madbury. The district is working with NHSaves utility partners Eversource and Unitil to incorporate energy-saving measures that the entire community will benefit from, with the goal of zero net energy (ZNE), meaning it will have very low energy use, and will be able to cover 100% of its energy needs with clean, renewable energy.
To learn more about the project HERE.
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DRIVEWAY PAVING SCAM
Durham Police are warning residents to use caution and report unusual activity following several residents reporting that a paving crew allegedly tried to scam them. Durham police are cautioning people not to fall for a common bait-and-switch scam in which a promise of cheap driveway paving through the use of “extra asphalt” turns into an expensive fraud.
Chief Kelley urges residents to contact the Durham Police Department at 603-868-2324 if they see suspicious or unusual activity in town, or if they’re unsure if someone attempting to sell something door-to-door is legitimate.
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LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE FALL 2021 NEWSLETTER
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee's fall Newsletter is now available and can be viewed HERE.
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Firefighter Robert Rosselli
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DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT WELCOMES FIREFIGHTER ROBERT ROSSELLI
Please join us in welcoming Robert Rosselli to the position of probationary firefighter at the Durham Fire Department effective September 27, 2021. The firefighter vacancy was created as a result of the promotion of Brendan O’Sullivan to Fire Marshal. In filling the position, the department faced many challenges and unanticipated delays which resulted in significant overtime expenditures to backfill the vacant position.
Rob was previously employed as a full-time firefighter at the Pease Fire Department and also previously served as a volunteer firefighter at the Rollinsford Fire Department.
Rob attended Lakes Region Community College for Fire Science and holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Arson Explosion from Eastern Kentucky University with a minor in Fire and Life Safety Engineering Technology.
If you see Rob around town, please feel free to say hello and welcome him to our community!
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FROM SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The Supervisors of the Checklist for the Town of Durham will hold a session for the purpose of accepting applications for new voter registration, as well as requests for corrections to the checklist and/or change of political party affiliation:
Date: Wednesday, October 13
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Durham Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Rd, Durham, NH
Applicants for registration should bring with them proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile. Driver’s license and passport are helpful. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
Residents who are not registered to vote may do so at this session or at the Town Clerk’s office any time they are open. These registrations are actually applications for registration and must be accepted by a majority of the Supervisors at one of our sessions/meetings. Anyone who has filled out a registration form in this way between August 9 and October 13 will be officially put onto the Checklist at this session.
Many of you know that this year all communities across the state had a state-mandated (RSA 654:39) Verification of the Checklists, better known as a Purge. As a result, our checklist has been cut nearly in half. For this process, a list of people who had not voted in 4 years was generated by the Secretary of State’s office. A letter was then sent to each of those people, giving them nearly 60 days (30 days was mandatory) to re-register with us. Very few did that. Most of the people removed were UNH students, of course, but there were also a number of people who have moved out of state or died without our knowledge. There were some who still live here in Durham, but have not re-registered. An updated checklist (as of August 9) is at the Durham Town Hall in the Clerk’s office. If you believe it has been a few years since you have voted, you might want to check out this book. It may be looked at, but cannot be removed from the office.
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FULL-TIME RECYCLING & SOLID WASTE COLLECTION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR NEEDED
The Town of Durham in New Hampshire’s seacoast region is one of the most beautiful and desired locations in the State and is home to the University of New Hampshire. The Durham Public Works Department, a recognized leader in the Public Works field, is fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals. The Department is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Recycling and Solid Waste Collection Equipment Operator.
The successful candidate will undertake meaningful and challenging work involving the collection, transportation, and final disposal of municipal solid waste and recycling in an effort to achieve the Town’s sustainability goals while protecting public health. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Public Works Director.
This full-time position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. Salary range for this position is from $22.30 to $25.15/HR, depending upon qualifications.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of (2) years of experience in operating commercial vehicles and related equipment. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent. The successful candidate will also possess an NHDES Solid Waste Operator License or the ability to obtain within (6) months of hire. This position requires strenuous physical work, emergency response on a 24/7 basis for winter storm events and performing work in adverse weather conditions.
Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.
Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Janice Richard, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to jrichard@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on October 8th, 2021.
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WAGON HILL LIVING SHORELINE EFFORTS SERVING AS REGIONAL EXAMPLE OF RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION TECHNIQUES/STRATEGIES
The recently constructed Living Shoreline Project at Wagon Hill is more than an on-the-ground restoration project; it is now the site of educational programs for restoration design professionals throughout New England. Today, the Great Bay Living Shoreline Project hosted a workshop of thirty living shoreline professionals to help them advance the state of the practice of designing, engineering, and constructing living shorelines to support coastal resilience throughout the Great Bay area. In addition to the Wagon Hill site, four additional projects have been selected in Durham, Dover, and Newmarket, and the design teams have begun working on collecting baseline data and other information, using knowledge and insight they’ve gained from today’s program. View more information on the project HERE.
Similarly, on November 2nd, the National Association of Conservation Districts (Northeast) and the NH Association of Conservation Districts will host a tour of Wagon Hill’s Living Shoreline and meadow habitat (that supports species such as the Monarch butterfly and a nesting population of Bobolinks) for attendees of their conservation conference. This will expose a different suite of conservation professionals to the practice of living shoreline design and construction, and stimulate the further use of these techniques on projects throughout the greater Seacoast area and beyond.
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DURHAM JOINS COMMUNITY POWER COALITION OF NH TO BRING MORE ELECTRIC POWER CHOICES TO RESIDENTS
At the September 27th meeting, the Durham Town Council unanimously approved joining 13 other NH communities in the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH). CPCNH was formally incorporated and recognized by the State Attorney General at a ceremony in Concord on October 1, and has appointed its first slate of operating officers. Durham has selected Nat Balch (Chair of the Energy Committee) as primary, and Todd Selig as the alternate representatives on the Board of Directors to represent their community’s voice in the new organization, which will operate with open meetings according to the NH Right To Know law.
How will this organization affect Durham’s residents? The purpose of CPCNH is to unite the voices and purchasing power of the member communities in the electric power marketplace, to provide lower cost and greener purchasing options for power to their residents. The initial member communities represent more than 210,000 residents, or 15% of the population of NH, and is similar in size to Liberty Utility, New Hampshire Electric Coop, and Unitil power distribution utilities. In the coming months the Durham Energy Committee will continue to update the town residents with the CPCNH’s progress, and will be reaching out to the community with information, and requesting your input on what types of choices people would like to see for electric power plans. The full text of the CPCNH press release can be found at http://www.cpcnh.org/
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LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIPS CONTRIBUTE TO A SAFE HOMECOMING WEEKEND
Community members driving through the downtown this weekend may have thought they drove off course if they happened to see a Laconia or Greenland Police Officer standing at an intersection. Durham and UNH Police Officers partnered with various agencies, to include; the Barrington Police Department, Laconia Police Department, Dover Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire State Liquor Enforcement, Newington Police Department, and the Rockingham County, Grafton County, Belknap County and Hillsboro County Sheriff’s Departments, in an effort to make sure all community members enjoyed a safe and memorable University of New Hampshire Homecoming Celebration.
Officers remained busy throughout Friday and Saturday, making a total of 22 arrests for various violations and misdemeanor charges. Although it was not without its challenges, overall the weekend was a success. Participating first responding agencies will conduct after action meetings in the coming weeks in an effort to improve services for future celebrations.
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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY – Morning of Saturday, October 23, 2021
The 2021 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Dept. of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive on Saturday morning, October 23, 2021. As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only between 8 – 11:30 AM. To register, you must call the Dept. of Public Works at 603-868-5578 or email publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. THE MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS.
NO EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS, RADIOACTIVE WASTE, ASBESTOS, SILVEX OR INFECTIOUS/BIOLOGICAL WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Consider reducing your purchase of products with hazardous ingredients; read labels thoroughly. Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully to prevent any accidents at home. Never store hazardous products in anything other than their original containers and never remove labels. Never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible products might react, ignite, or explode, and contaminated HHW might become un-recyclable. Remember to follow any instructions for use and disposal provided on product labels. NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY – LATEX AND OIL BASED PAINTS, MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE. These items can be brought to the Transfer Station with your permit throughout the year. Latex paints must be dried out first--motor oil, anti-freeze and oil based paints can go to the Transfer Station as-is. Typically, hazardous waste is categorized as toxic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive or otherwise hazardous. Please check the manufacturer’s label.
Common Household Hazardous Waste
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A peaceful moment on the Oyster River looking down from the Kenny Rotner footbridge. Courtesy Carol Birch
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BUCKTHORN BLITZ WORKDAYS! - Oct. 14TH, 17TH, AND 21ST
Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive species from Durham’s Thompson Forest and Doe Farm Preserves to help native woodland regeneration. We have partnered with Nature Groupie to schedule four workdays during the month of October. Join Durham’s Land Stewardship Coordinator Tom Brightman, and Ellen Snyder of Ibis Wildlife Consulting to help pull buckthorn from the preserves.
Dates and Times:
Thompson Forest Preserve: October 14th and 21st from 2-4 pm.
Doe Farm Preserve: October 17th from 1-3 pm, and October 20th from 2-4 pm.
Get all the details for each date, and sign up (space is limited) on the Nature Groupie website HERE.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWNS TO PHASE OUT EASYPARKUSA SERVICE
The in-vehicle parking payment device EasyPark that works with Dover, Durham, Manchester and Portsmouth parking systems will be phased out by the end of the year. Existing customers have the option of adding funds to their EasyPark device until December 31, 2021.
New Hampshire municipalities that had EasyPark are phasing out the devices due to decreased use. Sales of new EasyPark devices ended earlier this year.
After December 31st, on-line and phone support will no longer be available. No annual or monthly service fees will be charged once the account is closed by the customer. When deciding how much to add for the final reload, users should understand that the device can only hold approximately 30 parking sessions in its memory. Users will be unable to download the memory once the on-line support is no longer available and no refunds will be issued.
EasyParkUSA will be alerting New Hampshire subscribers to the program's end via their account emails.
For more information, contact the Durham Police Department at (603) 868-2324.
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Find the spider. Courtesy Carol Birch
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HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SOUGHT - FULL-TIME
The Town of Durham in New Hampshire’s seacoast region is one of the most beautiful and desired locations in the State and is home to the University of New Hampshire. The Durham Public Works Department, a recognized leader in the Public Works field, is fully integrated and progressive using modern equipment and facilities to achieve its goals. The Department is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Heavy Equipment Operator.
The successful candidate will undertake rewarding and challenging work involving the maintenance and construction of roads, sidewalks, and drainage conveyance systems to ensure the safety and functionality of the Town’s multi-modal transportation network. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Public Works Director.
This full-time position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. Salary range for this position is from $22.30 to $25.15/HR, depending upon qualifications.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in heavy equipment operation. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis, a rotational stand-by schedule, and performing work in adverse weather conditions.
Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.
Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Janice Richard, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to jrichard@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on August 16, 2021.
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THOMPSON FOREST PRESERVE NATURE WALK - Sunday, October 17, 2021 from 9-11 AM
Discover the Durham's Thompson Forest Preserve with Land Stewardship Coordinator Tom Brightman. This casual walk will wind through meadow, young successional forest, and older woodland areas. Tom will describe how the property is being stewarded, and discuss various flora and fauna along the way. Please wear good walking shoes. Rain or shine (other than a heavy downpour or threat of thunderstorms). Please RSVP by October 16th to Tom at stewardship@ci.durham.nh.us Parking will be at the Thompson Forest Preserve parking lot on Wednesday Hill Rd. Space for parking is limited, so please carpool if possible.
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TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT SOUGHT - PART-TIME
The Town of Durham is seeking a part time Transfer Station Attendant. The position is part-time with no 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 until the position is filled.
Applications are available at the Public Works Office, contact: Janice Richard, Assistant to the Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824. Telephone 603-868-5578.
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COMMON MILKWEED POD COLLECTION UNDER WAY
Help support milkweed restoration for the Monarch butterfly in New Hampshire! Two of Durham’s conservation partners, NH Fish & Game and UNH Cooperative Extension, are calling on New Hampshire residents for milkweed pod collections through October 30th! The seeds from the milkweed plants' seed pods will be sown by the NH Department of Transportation into conservation corridors, designated areas along highways that are planted with native perennials to benefit pollinators. Please see all the details on how and when to collect the seeds (please only collect from properties from which you have permission to harvest) and where to drop them off HERE.
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MILL POND ROAD OVER OYSTER RIVER CULVERT “NHDOT Red Listed” (Br. No. 097/109)
Durham Public Works continues work with project consultant GM2 Engineers to complete a feasibility analysis of concrete lining of the invert of the existing metal pipe-arch culvert to increase the NHDOT condition rating from a Poor (4) to a Satisfactory (6) or greater resulting in removing the structure from the NH Municipal Bridge “Red List”. GM2’s work consists of wetland delineation, mapping, file survey and base plan development, Hydrologic and Hydraulic studies, rehabilitation and replacement alternative analysis that satisfy the NHDES stream crossing guidelines, scour study and cost estimates.
The deliverables provided within this scope of work will allow the Town to determine the most effective solution for this deteriorating metal arch-pipe and advance a design for construction. Construction for this project is proposed to be included in the Fiscal Year 2022 capital budget.
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STORMWATER MS4 NPDES PERMIT
Year 3 Annual Report is due September 28, 2021 - Durham Public Works in conjunction with its MS4 Permitting consultant, Environmental Partners, Inc., completed dry weather screening of all outfalls and interconnections as well as enhanced system mapping as required in the Year 3 permit, which began on July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The public is encouraged to review the Town’s stormwater management plan and associated documents HERE. Comments about Durham’s stormwater program can be sent to ATalon@ci.durham.nh.us.
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THE TECCE FAMILY
"Our family has been in farming in Durham since 1903. We started as a dairy farm that evolved into a potato farm. From potatoes we evolved into the fruit and vegetable farm that serves you today."
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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NEWCOMERS UNLIMITED BEGINS THE SEASON ON OCTOBER 15TH
Newcomers Unlimited is starting the season on October 15, 2021 with a 9:00AM social, 10:00AM program in the Community Church of Durham, 17 Main Street. Marek Bennett will present a program titled, "Comics in World History and Culture". This is a NH Humanities Council and is open to the public.
Masks will be required per guidelines of the CDC and we will adhere to the policies of the Community Church of Durham regarding social distancing. Your health and safety are a primary concern. Call Brenda Sargent 868-7355 for more information. You do not have to be new to the community, that’s why we are Unlimited.
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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The library will be closed on Monday, October 11th in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day. We will be open as usual on Tuesday at 10:00 am. Join us on Tuesday, October 12th for That the People May Live: the Life and Legacy of Nicolas Black Elk, Holy Man of the Lakota .And stay tuned for more info. about Outdoor Halloween Movie Night at the library on October 27th! Do you have a job seeker or recent/impending grad. in your family? Register now for The Art of Networking or A Guide to Interviewing (for graduating high school and college students) live on zoom with employment expert Gary Gekow! And Meditative Yoga is back in person! JiongJiong Hu will be guiding weekly meditative yoga class on Mondays at 10:00 am in the upstairs Oyster River Room at DPL in November and December! Space will be limited so please register HERE.
See What's New This Month in Youth Services!
All programs require registration and are either outdoor or virtual at this time.This year's fall programs include Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, STEAM Saturdays to go, Raccoon Readers (2nd-4th grade book group.) Sign up for our YA (ages 10 and up) programs including, Drawing Monsters with Corinne Roberts! And get ready again for our Joint Library programs with Lee and Madbury featuring McAuliffe Shepard Stellarium on Saturday, October 16th at 10:30 am. Finally, the Patch Club has begun again! This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the DPL.
Discover DPL online!
Did you know that DPL offers free access to a great number of digital resources including: ebooks and audiobooks, language and CE courses, streaming films and music, daily digital newspapers, job search and business marketing databases as well as much, much more? All you need is your library card! Stop by the circulation desk any time during our open hours to sign up today! Questions? Check out our website at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/! And as always, the library staff is available by phone during business hours at 603-868-6699 or by email at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com.
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1785 - When there were 8 school districts there was no busing problem. By 1805 there were 10 districts and for the next 80 years the duty of providing teachers was imposed on a prudential committee in each district. Durham Point and Packers Falls school buildings still stand.
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Have a very nice weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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