Friday Updates - September 2, 2016

Friday, September 2, 2016

A view from the Alaskan Railroad between Anchorage and Seward. Courtesy Todd Selig

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Having returned from a six-week sabbatical in Alaska and Hawaii this past weekend, Administrator Selig and his family found that a woodchuck family had moved in under the front steps of their home on Nobel K. Peterson Drive!  Neighbor Dick Lilly was able to loan a Have A Heart trap.  

WHEN TRAVELING AFAR, NEW HAMPSHIRE REMAINS A WELL-KEPT SECRET
Coming from New Hampshire, I tend to take it for granted that everyone out there knows something about our state: beautiful, great quality of life, four seasons, maple syrup, foliage, skiing, lakes, lobsters, First in the Nation, UNH, Durham. The list goes on.

Not so. Whether in Alaska or Hawaii, the majority of people with whom we came in contact had little to no idea where the Granite State is located or what it is like.

“New where?” asked one family traveling with us on the Alaska Railroad to Fairbanks. “New Hampshire,” I said. “In England?” they asked.

In Seward, a man shook his head affirmatively when I began to talk about where we were from. “Near Iowa, right?”  I raised my eyebrows.  Iowa???

Sometimes people try to make you feel they know where you’re from when they actually don’t.  Then they go a little too far.  On the 6-hour airplane ride from Anchorage to Honolulu, I made conversation with my seatmate as one does.  “So, where are you from?” my seatmate asked. “We’re from New Hampshire,” I said.  “Oh, you’re a long way from home,” said my seatmate. I felt good that he knew at least something about our great state. Then he added, “That’s near Delaware, right?”    

On the Island of Oahu, the waiter one night asked about our home state. “New Hampshire,” said we. “Oh yea, near Rochester, NY!” said he, before walking off to get us some water.

My family and I took surfing lessons on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Out on the water, one of the students made conversation while we waited for the right wave.  I explained we were from Durham, New Hampshire, which is part of the Great Bay Estuary, a beautiful 6,000-acre tidal area leading out to the Atlantic Ocean near Portsmouth. “We’re just north of Boston,” I said.  “Is that part of the Chesapeake Bay?” asked the student. The Chesapeake Bay!  Oh my.

On a positive note, when the surf instructor learned I was from New Hampshire, she shook her head in a slow, affirming way as only a super cool, super tan, super talented surf instructor can. “Live Free or Die, right?”

We signed up for a follow up lesson.
 

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
A final reminder that all Town Offices will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 for the Labor Day holiday.
 
There will be NO CHANGE to the regularly scheduled refuse and recycling pick up next week. As always, please have all items out by 7AM. There will also be NO CHANGE to the Transfer Station hours. It will be open on Saturday and Tuesday from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM.  

To view the 2016 recycling and holiday schedules, click HERE.
 

NO FARMERS' MARKET ON LABOR DAY - Monday, September 5, 2016

Due to the Labor Day holiday, there will be no Farmers' Market at Jackson's Landing on Monday, September 5th.  The Farmers' Market will resume on Monday, September 12th, at 2:15 PM.

SUMMARY CONCERNING TROPICAL STORM HERMINE
At this time the greatest threat to NH this weekend is the strong possibility of rip currents along the coast for beachgoers.
 
As of 1400 EDT, Hermine is a tropical storm centered over the southern portion of the Georgia/South Carolina border. It is moving northeast at 18 mph with a maximum sustained wind of 50 mph. It is projected to continue moving northeast along the eastern seaboard, reaching North Carolina by 8 AM Saturday. It is then expected to turn northward off the Virginia coast and experience a period of brief strengthening, possibly becoming a hurricane by Monday morning. It will then weaken and become a tropical storm once again by early Tuesday morning. Current projections have Hermine stalling off the Mid-Atlantic coast, likely sparing New England from the storm’s worst impacts.
 
Some scattered showers are possible across southern half of NH on Monday into Monday night with Hermine’s outer bands. The greatest threat exists along the coast due to the strong possibility of Rip Currents.
 
Rip Currents will be present along the coastline throughout the weekend beginning on Friday and continuing early into next week.  Coastal swell is expected to increase as Hermine approaches New England.  Given the long, holiday weekend, these coastal conditions will pose a threat to the increased number of beachgoers who are likely to visit the area.  In addition, weather conditions will be sunny and warm leading up to the potential rain/wind that southeastern and coastal NH may see from Hermine towards the end of the long-weekend and into the start of the work week.
 

DCAT BROADCSAST AVAILABLE REGARDING EVERSOURCE SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT PUBLIC HEARING – Background Concerning the Eversource Project and the State of NH Review Process
Perhaps it was too hot for you to attend the Eversource Seacoast Reliability Forum on July 14 in the Oyster River High School (it was very warm inside).  Fortunately, interested residents can watch from their air conditioned homes as DCAT 22 Studios was there to record the event.  This video is available for replay on DCAT Cable Channel 22 and on our On Demand site.  Total run time: 1:16 – Monday at 4:00 PM, Tuesday at 1:30 PM, Wednesday at 10:00 AM, Thursday at 10:00 PM & Friday at 8:30 PM.  

An additional public hearing was held this week at the ORHS on Thursday night, September 1st.  

Both forums were organized by the NH Site Evaluation Committee, not the Town of Durham.   The Town of Durham has no regulatory oversight over this project.  

On April 12, 2016, Eversource, filed an Application for a Certificate of Site and Facility with the NH Site Evaluation Committee (SEC). Eversource seeks the issuance of a Certificate of Site and Facility approving the siting, construction, and operation of a 115 kV transmission line from their Madbury substation through Durham and Newington to the company’s Portsmouth Substation.

The project will be approximately 13 miles in length and is comprised of a combination of above ground, underground, and underwater segments. The project will be located in the communities of Madbury, Durham, Newington, and Portsmouth.

Durham and UNH working together have filed and been granted intervener status as part of the state application process.  Durham/UNH have also been in active discussions/negotiations with Eversource for more than a year working to address project concerns.  The current proposal before the state represent the outcome of months of negotiations.  

On April 29, 2016, pursuant to RSA 162-H:4-a, the Chairman of the SEC appointed a subcommittee in this docket. On June 13, 2016 the Subcommittee issued an order finding that the Application contained sufficient information to carry out the purposes of RSA 162-H.

RSA 162-H:10, I-a, required that within 45 days after acceptance of an application for a certificate, that the applicant hold at least one public information session in each county – in this case Strafford and Rockingham -- where the proposed facility will be located.

The purpose of the public information sessions noted above was to provide the public with information on the proposed project, to provide an opportunity for comments and questions from the public, and to explain the process the SEC subcommittee will follow in reviewing the application.  

The application and all other filings in this docket are located on the SEC’s website.

Last year, the project was estimated to cost in the range of $70 million with more than half of the route in Durham within existing Eversource rights-of-way that already carry above ground power lines.

The NH Site Evaluation Committee review process typically takes around a year to complete.

COURT DISMISSES DURHAM MARKETPLACE, INC. V. TOWN OF DURHAM SUIT REGARDING WATER BILLING
The plaintiffs Durham Marketplace, Inc. and Charles O. Cressy filed a suit on April 12, 2016.

They claimed that the Town of Durham overbilled them for water and sewer services between approximately the late 1990’s and 2011 in an amount in excess of $39,000.  The plaintiffs made myriad claims, including unjust enrichment, conversion, unconstitutional taking, fraudulent concealment and negligence.  

The Town moved to dismiss the plaintiffs’ claims on the basis that the three-year statute of limitations expired in 2014, nearly two years before the suit was filed.  

The Strafford County Superior Court held a hearing on the matter on June 30, 2016.

After considering the parties’ arguments, the factual circumstances alleged in the complaint, the other record evidence, and the applicable law, the Town’s motion to dismiss was granted by the Court.

View the Court’s August 11, 2016 ruling in its entirety HERE.

Rendering of proposed expansion/renovation of Durham Police facility.

DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPANSION/RENOVATION PROJECT
The Durham Police has been located at 86 Dover Road since 1997 having converted the building from its use as the former Clipper Affiliates business office to that of a police facility.  In that year, the Town purchased and renovated the facility for $440,000 and it has served the community well during that period.

Over the last two years, the Police Department has begun the process of developing plans to expand and renovate the existing police facility to meet the demands that have been placed on it over the past 19 years relative to the lack of adequate space for evidence retention, equipment storage, women's locker room space, and general record retention needs.

In the 2015 Capital Improvements Program, the Council authorized the expenditure of $45,000 to obtain engineered drawings and a complete design portfolio that will be "shovel ready" and allow the Town to determine costs for the addition.

In early March 2015, the Durham Police developed an RFP and hosted an open house and tour of the facility to discuss with potential bidders the parameters, needs, and desire(s) of the police department.  Ultimately, the department selected Schoonmaker Architects of Durham NH/Bauen Corporation and brought award of the contract to the July 20, 2015 Council meeting for approval. At that meeting the Council voted to award the Architectural/Design Phase 1 contract for the addition and renovations to the Durham Police facility to Schoonmaker Architects in the amount of $45,000 and authorized the Administrator to sign said contract with the funds coming from Account # 07-1595-601-36-000.

Throughout the end of 2015 and into 2016, the Town Council received periodic updates and progress reports from Architects Bill Schoonmaker and Walter Rous, as well as Andre Kloetz from Bauen Corporation, relative to the design phase of the police facility project.

On August 15, 2016, after receiving the latest presentation and progress report from Messrs. Schoonmaker, Rous, and Kloetz, the Council, by consensus, agreed to move forward with placement of a referendum question for the police facility renovation project on the March 14, 2017 Town Election Warrant in the amount of $1,960,000.

The proposed 2017 Capital Fund Budget and proposed 2017 Capital Improvement Plan to be approved by Council in December will contain the above funding amount for the police facility project.

Section 5.12 “Borrowing procedure” of the Durham Town Charter allows for the “issuance of bonds of the Town or other evidence of indebtedness therefor and may pledge the full faith, credit and resources of the Town for the payment of the obligation created hereby; provided that no bonds shall be issued by the Council in excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) per issue except by a two-thirds vote of the Council, and not exceeding one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) except by a two-thirds vote of the Council and a two-thirds vote at a regular town election or special ballot called by the Council

The referendum question, still under development and subject to further review by legal counsel, will read as follows:  

“Are you in favor of authorizing the issuance of not more than $1,960,000 of Bonds or Notes, issued in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33) for the expansion/renovation of the Durham Police Facility and to authorize the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon?   2/3 vote required.”
 

BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS UNDER WAY FOR FY 2017
Over the course of the summer, Durham’s department heads as well as the Town’s various boards, committees, and commissions (as well as external organizations to which the Town makes payments for services such dispatch, ambulance, social service agencies, etc.) have been preparing their proposed budgets and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) requests for FY 2017 for consideration by the Administrator as he works to prepare a formal FY 2017 budget proposal for the Town Council as part of the annual budget development process.   

Business Manager Gail Jablonski has organized budget meetings with each of the Town’s department heads to enable herself and Administrator Selig to meet with departments and better understand budget requests, as well as departmental Capital Improvement Program requests.  

Members of the Town Council have been notified of each of these meetings and have been invited to attend if they have an interest in doing so.  
 
One of the Town’s Council’s approved goals for FY 2016-2017 states:  “Task the administrator with developing a budget for 2017 that holds General Fund expenses at current levels except for contractual increases including wages and benefits and a cost of living adjustment for non-unionized personnel.  Develop a Capital Fund budget using increases in revenue projected and any increase in the tax rate if necessary.  Specific itemized expenses for initiatives or projects that exceed this budgetary threshold but are deemed by the Administrator to increase efficiencies over time, are consistent with other Council goals, or are important for the general welfare of the community as part of the proposed budget shall be highlighted and include itemized rationale, as well as offsetting revenue as appropriate, for the Council’s discussion and consideration as part of the annual budget process.”

The Administrator, Business Manager, and departments are endeavoring to accomplish this goal.  
 
Per Town Charter, the Administrator is charged with the development of the annual budget and CIP program.  The proposed annual budget must be submitted to the Town Council by the last business day in October.  The Town Council by Charter then has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget or the Administrator’s budget becomes the budget of the Town by default.

The requested CIP projects will be presented to and discussed with the Planning Board during its meeting on September 28, 2016.  Interested members of the public should view that meeting to learn more about requested projects from departments, boards, committees, and commissions.
 

New replacement wagon at Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy Mike Lynch

NEW WAGON AT WAGON HILL FARM

The Department of Public Works recently received a letter from Mr. & Mrs. Howard Brooks regarding the deteriorating condition of the Wagon at Wagon Hill Farm. Mr. Brooks inquired what it would cost to replace the aging current wagon with a newer reconditioned wagon. For the past 25 years, Mr. & Mrs. Brooks have donated $300 annually for the upkeep of the wagon.

Parks & Recreation Director Rachel Gasowski and Public Works Director Mike Lynch teamed together to locate the perfect reconditioned wagon. Rachel found it in North Dakota, an authentic, newly reconditioned John Deere Farm Wagon. Mike contacted Mr. & Mrs. Brooks with a plan to purchase the wagon pictured above with the annual $300 funding source and an additional generous contribution from the Brooks family of $1,000. Mrs. Brooks is a member of the Tirrell family who previously owned Wagon Hill Farm prior to the Town purchasing the Farm in 1989. Mr. & Mrs. Brooks graciously approved the purchase of the new wagon and Public Works was happy to install the new wagon on August 29th.

NEW POSITION RECOMMENDED for 2017 TO MANAGE TOWN OPEN SPACE LANDS
Over the last several years, it has become increasingly difficult for the Town to properly manage the increasing array of conservation and other open space lands in which the Town holds and interest.  

This year, more and more residents have written to the Town suggesting that more be done to address invasive plants on Town lands, in private yards, along roadsides, etc.  

To obtain some guidance, Durham reached out to Ellen Snyder of Ibis Wildlife Consulting with whom the Town has developed stewardship plans for many of its holdings.  Ms. Snyder responded, in part, as follows:

“Given the large inventory of conservation and other town-owned lands in Durham, I strongly recommend that the Town create a position that is focused on natural resources/vegetation management.  I envision someone with experience in natural resource planning, invasive species, tree care, working with volunteers and contractors.  In other words, not an entry-level position.  Perhaps the position could be shared with other towns, as they have the same need.  Such a person could oversee and coordinate projects on conservation lands, work with consultants, organize and manage volunteer work days, meet with homeowners, write grants, collaborate with other landowners including UNH, NHFG, and local land trusts.  Without such a position, it will be hard for the town to keep up with its stewardship obligations and responsibilities and respond to community requests to take action.”

The idea of creating such a position will have to be addressed during the upcoming budget process for 2017.
 

SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST

The Supervisors of the Checklist will meet at the Durham Town Hall on Tuesday, September 6, from 7:00 – 7:30 PM, to make corrections to the checklist and to accept new voter registrations.  This will be the last chance to register before the State Primary Election on September 13.  Please note that changes in party registration cannot be made at this time.  The last date to do this was May 31, which was well advertised. 

At the Primary, voters entering the polling place as Undeclared voters may change their status back to Undeclared before they leave. They will be the only voters allowed to change party on election day.  

To check your voting status, go to http://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/PollingPlaceSearch.aspx

Prospective voters are required by law to show proof of identity, age (18 by election day), domicile in Durham, and U.S. citizenship.  A driver’s license and a birth certificate or a passport are most useful.  Affidavits of domicile, citizenship, and identity may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking. Remember to bring to the polls on September 13 a photo ID both for registering to vote as well as to obtain a ballot.  
 

STATE PRIMARY ELECTION - Tuesday, September 13th

The State Primary Election in Durham will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, at the Oyster River High School. Polling hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Voters will park in reserved spaces along the front of the school and use the Multipurpose Room entrance.
 

Voter Registration Applications, Information & Sample Ballots can be viewed HERE.
 

TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS IN SEPTEMBER
Due to the Labor Day holiday, the Town Council meetings in September will be held on Monday, September 12th and Monday, September 26th instead of the usual 1st and 3rd Mondays.
 

INFORMATION FOR OWNERS OF RENTAL UNITS/PROPERTIES

There is a new page on the Durham website devoted to State and Local regulations and information for owners of rental units and/or properties.  If you are a landlord, please take a moment to review the information HERE.
 

FINAL INSPECTIONS FOR BUILDING PERMITS

Individuals that received a building permit this past year and the project is done need to make sure they have had a final inspection and received a final Certificate of Occupancy/Certificate of Approval. Final inspections can be scheduled by calling Karen in the Building Inspector’s Office at 603-868-8064 to schedule this inspection as soon as possible.

Rendering of the proposed front facade for Applied GeoSolutions building at 15 Newmarket Road.

HISTORIC DISTRICT/HERITAGE COMMISSION APPROVES RENOVATION PLANS FOR THE FORMER TOWN HALL BUILDING AT 15 NEWMARKET ROAD

On Thursday evening this week, the Durham Historic District Commission approved the renovation plans for the old Town Hall at 15 Newmarket Road.  Bill and Carrie Salas, proprietors of Applied GeoSolutions, purchased the property from the Town to serve as the new home for their consulting business which they will relocate from Newmarket.  The Salases are working with the architectural firm Cowan and Goudreau, preservation consultant Christine Beard, and Peter Michaud of the New Hampshire Division of Historic Resources, to obtain the federal historic rehabilitation investment tax credit (ITC) for the project. 

The ITC allows the owner of an income-producing building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places to receive a 20% credit back for the total cost of the rehabilitation provided the interior and exterior work is done in accordance with the U. S. Secretary of the Interior’s rigorous standards for rehabilitation.  While the investment tax credit has facilitated the renovation of thousands of historic buildings across the country, this is the first application in Durham. It’s use requires commitment, sensitivity, and business savvy. 

Congratulations to the Salases who also learned that their plans were just approved by the National Park Service, which administers the program.  According to their website, “Applied GeoSolutions (AGS) uses cutting-edge geospatial tools and Earth system models to answer the most pressing questions of agriculture, climate change, public health, and resource management. [They] create customized tools using biogeochemical modeling, remote sensing, and GIS mapping, collecting and synthesizing crucial information to help [their] clients make effective, informed decisions.”

ADMINISTRATOR SELIG TO ATTEND UPCOMING International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, September 24-28
Todd Selig will be attending the102nd ICMA Annual Conference from September 24-28, 2016. This year, the conference will be held in Kansas City, Missouri.  

As in past years, the conference features daily keynote sessions, educational and solutions track sessions, roundtable discussions, ICMA University workshops and forums, field demonstrations, and numerous demonstrations of technology. In addition, there is opportunity for professional networking.  
 

This year's keynote speakers include:

• Award-winning journalist, documentarian, news anchor, producer, and philanthropist Soledad O’Brien.
• New York Times columnist and PBS commentator David Brooks and author of The Road to Character, where he explains why selflessness leads to greater success.
• Bob Chapman, chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, and author of a new book Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for your People Like Family in which he shares the story of Barry-Wehmiller’s transformation into a thriving people-first organization and provides insight into transforming your own workplace into someplace extraordinary.
• Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour. A model of passion, focus, and commitment, Vernice propelled herself from beat cop to combat pilot in a record-breaking three years, becoming the U.S. Marine Corps’—and America’s—first African-American female combat pilot.

Mr. Selig will also participate in a few field demonstrations/tours, including:

• Repurposing Municipal Farm: Partnership Supporting Urban Agriculture: Kansas City, Missouri, has owned Municipal Farm since 1911. Comprising over 400 acres, the farm has been the home of the city’s tuberculosis hospital, women’s reformatory, and municipal correctional institution. After the jail was demolished in 2009, city staff embarked on a planning initiative to outline the community’s vision for the farm’s future. The outcome—the Municipal Farm Sustainable Reuse Plan—involved an integrated development strategy that embraced agriculture as a viable option. Because prior uses also included a working farm, this strategy was fully supported by the neighborhood. Through partnerships with Kansas City Community Gardens, BoysGrow, Hy-Vee, Heartland Conservation Alliance, EPA, and others, the city is working toward fully implementing the community’s vision.
• Leadership in Storm-Water Management: Green Infrastructure in KCMO: Kansas City’s Overflow Control Program has been recognized for its innovative focus on green infrastructure to address the city’s combined sewer overflow issues. Learn how Water Services collaborated with city departments and utilities to transform an 80-year-old neighborhood by installing more than 130 green infrastructure solutions to capture storm water. Through the construction of rain gardens, bioretention, cascades, and pervious pavement, Water Services not only addressed storm-water issues but also improved the safety, aesthetics, and walkability of the neighborhood. The project, which highlights ways to foster community involvement, neighborhood revitalization, and natural resource education, was designated Kansas City’s first “Green Neighborhood.”
• The Ennovation Center: Culinary and BizTech Incubator: The Independence Regional Ennovation Center stands as an excellent example of the rebirth of a community’s stranded and vacant property into a viable and vibrant business incubator. Opened in 2010, the Ennovation Center currently hosts over 55 companies and features commercial kitchen and business-technology incubators. This community redevelopment and business support translates to any size community.

MCGREGOR MEMORIAL EMS TO RECEIVE AWARD
The NH Bureau of Emergency Medical Services has announced that McGregor Memorial EMS has been selected as the 2016 recipient of the Pamela Mitchell/Richard Connolly Memorial Emergency Medical Services Achievement Award.  Named after these two EMT’s who were tragically killed in an ambulance they were riding in, the award recognizes an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to the Emergency Medical Services System of New Hampshire.

McGregor was an active contributor to a major upgrade to the NH Bureau of EMS’s TEMSIS Elite system database in which patient care reports (PCR’s) are entered.  McGregor personnel provided valuable input that allows for excellent statistical compilation.  Governor Hassan also thanked McGregor personnel at an event on June 14th in the Executive Council chambers.

The award will be presented in Concord at the annual EMS Awards ceremony on September 26th.
 

Pictured front to back: Holly Malasky, Katie Callahan, Pam Donley, Dave Kurz, CJ Young, Brett Pastena, and Tom Kilroy

OYSTER RIVER FRESHMAN ORIENTATION
Each year Oyster River High School has a half-day orientation for the incoming freshman class.  While the students navigate through the high school for the first time, Durham police officers take this opportunity to say hello by serving the new Freshmen lunch.  For the past ninteen years, the Durham Police have taken this opportunity to interact with the kids at this exciting time in a very non-law enforcement way!  What better way then to provide them with food!  Working with the Durham House of Pizza, police officers don serving gloves and provide a variety of pizza with bottled water as they end their orientation events and begin their high school career. Thanks to the officers who volunteered their time and the Durham House of Pizza for their outstanding assistance!
 

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING WRONG, ODD, OR NOT QUITE RIGHT, PLEASE CALL THE POLICE
The very essence of community policing is that the community and the police work together to confront crime and the fear of crime.  The vast majority of Durham residents understand that the police cannot be everywhere simultaneously to observe criminal or suspicious activity as it occurs and the department finds it difficult to patrol residential areas with the frequency residents, businesses and the police prefer.  So Chief Kurz urges you to contact the police at 868-2324 or 911 if you see, hear or sense something is not quite right.  An officer will respond quickly and resolve what may or may not be a criminal activity.  When law enforcement works directly with residents and businesses we collectively are going a long way toward reducing crime, improving quality of life, and enhancing public safety.  
 

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - Morning of Saturday October 1, 2016
The 2016 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive.  As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only, between 8-11:30AM.  To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us.  Remember - 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.
 
LATEX AND OIL BASED PAINTS , MOTOR OIL, AND ANTI-FREEZE ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY!  These items can be brought up 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  up  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:

AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION WEEKLY MINI FILM SERIES
Durham's Agricultural Commission's has begun featuring a Mini Film Series in the weekly "Friday Updates".  Each week a short video on an agricultural topic will be posted that Commission members hope subscribers will enjoy and find helpful.
 

This week's Mini Film is How One Man is Reviving the rare California Pipevine Swallowtail in his backyard.  

Durham's Food Friendly Yard program encourages residents to make their properties nurturing places for people and wildlife. Even a small backyard can become a productive place and a haven for stressed species. 

MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the upcoming week.  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. Click on the meetings listed below to view agendas and other information.

Land Stewardship Subcommittee - Thursday, September 8, 2016 (3:30 PM)

Conservation Commission - Thursday, September 8, 2016

All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

DCAT CABLE CHANNEL 22

DCAT 22 Studios & EDC Director, Mary Ellen Humphrey stopped by Durham Geeks to film the latest episode of “In the Biz” Durham Business Spotlight.  The episode is currently in production and is expected to be released in the next few weeks.  Pictured are: Louis Halle, Mary Ellen Humphrey, Kadhim Alrubaye, and Stanislav Mozolevskiy in background

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DCAT 22 now has an aerial drone. The drone craft will be used in many different municipal capacities where an aerial view is necessary. The drone has HD video and HD still shot capability.  Due to the size and weight of the drone, it’s necessary for it to be registered with the FAA, tail numbers: FA3ECN9RR3.  

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New video from DCAT 22 Studios
Learn a wee bit more about the Durham Farmer’s Market and the vendors that shelp their delicious wares from town to town on a weekly basis. This is a video short and runs a total of 7:00 minutes.  Phil also recorded the most recent and ever popular “Music on the Lawn” series from the Durham Public Library’s green and comfy lawn.  Performing artist, TJ Wheeler.  TJ enjoys regaling his listeners with stories of the blues and jazz.  Run time: 33:37  Both videos are available on our DCAT 22 On Demand site: dcat22.viebit.com (DCAT Studios folder).  Thanks to DCAT 22 volunteer, Phil Kincaid for recording and editing these videos.
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DCAT is Live Streaming
Please join DCAT for any of our regularly scheduled meetings live-streamed directly to the device of your choice . It’s easy, all you have to do is go to: live-stream.com and follow the prompts to set up your live stream account.  You’ll receive email updates as to when the meeting will be held and the start time.  All you have to do is click and watch.  Live-stream works on any PC (just remember to update your Adobe Flash player), Apple or Android device.  Please contact dcat@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF DURHAM FOR NEW WEBSITE
In the next month the Town will be launching a new website. Visitors to the website should find it much easier to navigate via desktop, laptop, or mobile device. Although most of the background pictures are in place, we are open to adding a picture or two submitted by residents capturing what they think is Durham's "identity" (i.e., the people of Durham, conservation lands, farmers' market, the community's connection to Great Bay, etc.).

All pictures should be submitted in the highest quality possible and must be "landscape" fashion. Please send photographs to dcat@ci.durham.nh.us.  Questions should be directed to DCAT Coordinator Craig Stevens at the same email address. Any photos submitted will be used at the Town's discretion. The deadline for submission is Friday, September 2.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS - BE A STEWARD OF THE DURHAM HISTORY

The Historic District/Heritage Commission currently has one vacancy with a term expiration of April 30, 2018.

The Durham Historic District/Heritage Commission helps administer the Durham Historic District Ordinance, as described in the Zoning Ordinance, the purpose of which is to preserve and promote the historic, cultural, educational, economic, and general welfare of the community.

The Commission meets the first Thursday of every month at 7PM in the Town Council chambers.

Interested residents may complete a board appointment application and submit it to Jennie Berry at jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. The form can be found HERE,
then click on "Application for Appointment".

Questions concerning the HD/HC may directed to Michael Behrendt at 603-868-8064 or email at http://mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.

Officers Young and Kilroy ran into an unexpected challenge as they changed the flat tire of an incoming Freshman during move-in weekend. Courtesy Durham PD

MOVE-IN WEEKEND BUSY FOR DURHAM!
It was a busy weekend with UNH and Durham Police assigned to critical locations guiding incoming Freshmen and their relatives to the appropriate dorms.  With 2,900 families arriving in Durham during the course of a single day roadways and downtown sidewalks were very busy with vehicles and pedestrians.  This year was significantly better as last year all four new student housing complexes were completed simultaneously further challenging the Town’s infrastructure.  However Officers Young and Kilroy ran into an unexpected challenge as they changed the flat tire of an incoming Freshman!   In spite of these challenges, including flat tires, it is an exciting time for students and their parents with many Moms and Dads appearing anxious and their children wondering when their folks will be heading home!  
 

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

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.

Fall Programs and Registration
Please visit us HERE for a full list of fall programs, including detailed information and online registration.
 

Durham Day at Wagon Hill Farm
Saturday, September 17th from 12:30-3:30pm. Enjoy a community celebration of Durham with  FREE BBQ, live music, informational booths from community organizations and includes many historic spots nearby. Some spots included are: The Chapel, 3 Chimney’s Inn, the oldest house in Durham, and the Raid on Fort William and Mary. The guided walk will conclude at Sullivan Graveyard. Register HERE.

Rain Date for Durham Day-Sunday, September 18th 12:30-3:30pm.

Coyote Club Session 1
Mondays- September 12th-November 7th 3:30-5pm at the Moharimet Sugar Shack and surrounding wood.  Transportation is available from Mast Way Elementary School to Moharimet. Register HERE by Monday, September 5th.
NEW- Coyote Club Sessions are now 8 weeks vs. 6 weeks.
Coyote Club introduces children to nature-based studies, native crafts and environmental stewardship. This program will get kids out of the house and into the woods, connecting them to their environment.  
 

After School Paddle & Pedal
DPR has teamed up with Seven Rivers Paddling to offer some exciting & adventurous after school activities this fall. Join us Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-5:00pm for a four-week combination of kayaking on the Oyster River and mountain biking at Madbury Woods/Kingman Farm. After School Paddle & Pedal begins September 12th and will run through October 5th.  $100/pp.  Pre-register HERE by September 8th.
 

Sunset Yoga Hike
Friday, Sept. 16th from 5-6:30pm.  Celebrate the Harvest Moon by taking a yoga hike at Wagon Hill Farm. Instructor Colleen Kendall-Piel is sure to relax your muscles while the moon begins to rise. $15/for pre-registers/ $17 for drop-ins.  Register HERE.

Historic Walking Tour
Sunday, Sept. 18th from 1-2pm.  Join the Durham Historic Association for insight into the history of Durham! This free tour begins at the Durham Parks and Recreation/ DHA building and includes many historic spots nearby. Some spots included are: The Chapel, 3 Chimney’s Inn, the oldest house in Durham, and the Raid on Fort William and Mary. The guided walk will conclude at Sullivan Graveyard.  Register HERE.

Teeter TOTers Playgroup-Begins Sept. 16th
Teeter TOTers Playgroup is a partnership program with Oyster River Parents for Preschoolers (ORPP), which allows children and parents the opportunity to gather together for free play, time to socially interact, and the choice to participate in an age appropriate activity.  

The Playgroup meets on Fridays at 10:00am at various locations throughout the year.  Please visit us at: durhamrec.recdesk.com to see where to meet and what we have planned!  Participation is FREE!
 

Pick-Up Pickleball at Jackson’s Landing/Churchill Rink
Join us Tuesday nights from 6-8pm at Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing for Pick-Up Pickleball. This is a low-impact doubles racket sport that blends tennis, badminton and ping pong. Pick-up style play for all levels and abilities.  All equipment is provided, participation is FREE.
 

FREE Yoga at Wagon Hill Farm
Thursdays from 5-6pm. Bring a mat or a blanket and meet at the wagon.  Participation is FREE.  Class is canceled in the case of inclement weather.

Adult Fitness Classes
Durham Parks & Recreation offers a variety of weekly Adult Fitness Classes that are welcoming, affordable and fun!  Our current class schedule includes, Bootcamp, Pilates, Strength & Stretch, Zumba, Traditional Tai Chi & Tai Chi Balance and Qigong, Yoga classes and Restorative Yoga Workshops.  For details on class times and schedules, please visit us HERE.

DPW Director, Mike Lynch guides the UNH PrOVES group with clean-up instructions before they begin their community service project at Old Landing Park. Last week, UNH PrOVES assisted Durham Parks & Recreation and Public Works with clean-up and brush removal at Old Landing Park. The rotation of groups worked hard for three days at the park, and we appreciate all of their hard work and dedication to community service. Courtesy Rachel Gasowski
 

Save The Date:

• Music with Benji - Wednesdays at 9:45AM - DPR Building
• Tentative Churchill Rink Opening Day- Tuesday, October 11th.  
• Spooktacular Day- Friday, October 28th 4-6pm
• Tree Lighting Celebration- Saturday, December 3rd

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

All Church Fall Fest/Yard Sale - Saturday, Sep 10, 2016, 8:30AM - 2:30PM, Community Church of Durham, 17 Main St. Featuring Echo Community Thrift Shop, selling clothing and quality housewares; BBQ; cake walk, flower & veggie sale (including venus fly traps), face painting, live music, sale of books, puzzles, and furniture. Yard Sales also being held at St. George’s Episcopal Church & St. Thomas More. Contact Maggie Morrison, 603-659-6355,  mgemorrison@comcast.net, or Audrey Drogseth, 603-868-1230, office@ccdurham.org

Active Retirement Association General Meeting, Monday, Sep 12, 2016, 1:30 PM, Durham Evangelical Church (lower level). ARA offers programs reflecting the many interests of people 50+ years old, retired or not. Contact Carol Caldwell, 603-343-1004, info@ara-nh.org.  Visit the ARA website HERE.

Oyster River Chinese Program 2016-2017 Classes Begin September 26. Visit http://orcsdcp.weebly.com/ for more information about new offerings (1-day/week classes at both Moharimet & Mast Way). All ORCP classes are taught by professional teachers and are engaging, fun, and affordable. Register soon.

Emery Farms is now serving Annabelle's Ice Cream and White Heron Coffee and Tea, along with expanded offerings in its market.  Extended hours starting Monday, 7AM to 7PM.

The Freedom Café “New England Patriots Big Game Raffle Fundraiser”. One winner receives two Putnam Club tickets with valet parking to the New England Patriots game against the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Nov 13, 2016, 8PM. Raffle Tickets: $25 each; 5 for $100; 12 for $200. Maximum of 1000 tickets will be sold. Purchase on line HERE; The Freedom Café, Durham; and DSquared Java, Exeter. Drawing is Wednesday, Sep 14, 2016, 7PM, at The Freedom Café, 10 Mill Road. You do not need to be present to win. More information, contact (603) 815-4916, http://info@thefreedomcafe.org
Growing Places Openings. This year, due to some of the children going to all day public kindergarten, Growing Places has some openings (especially for 2,3 and 4 years old). More information can be found HERE.
Durham Farmers' Market at Jackson's Landing - Every Monday now through October 3 (2:15 - 6PM) (No market on Monday, Sep 5th)

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

the Library will be closed for Labor Day, Monday, September 5th.

Children’s and Young Adult Programs:
Fall Programs start Sept. 6th!
Storytimes begin Tues. Sept. 6th and Thurs. Sept. 8th at 10:30 am.  “Mice!”
Saturday Family Programs begin Sat. Sept. 10th at 10:30 am “Marble Mazes”
Baby Lap-sit begins Weds. Sept. 14th at 10:30 am
Young Adult Drop-in Monday (ages 10 & up) starts Monday 2:45-4pm “Duct Tape Lab”
New Jack & Annie Book Club (K-2)  starts Tuesday, Sept. 20th 4-5 pm (register for this monthly book club at the Children’s Desk).
Knitting Club is back for 3rd-5th graders and will start Weds. Sept. 21st 4-5 pm (register at the Children’s desk).
Lego Club (K-4th grade) begins again on Thurs. Sept. 22nd at 3:30-4:30 pm!
Our monthly PJ Storytime with ORPP and the Durham Library begins Thurs. Sept. 22nd 6:30-7:30 pm “Fall Carnival!”
Home-schooler’s Group will start on Friday, Sept. 23rd at 10:30 am.  “Tall Tales!”
Meet us at Durham Day at Wagon Hill for a fun craft!  Sat. Sept. 17th 12:30-3:30 pm
Tales for Tails – Read to a therapy dog, Cynder, North or Tango!  Ages 1st-4th grade.  Sign-ups have begun.
Seacoast Reads – Sign-ups have begun.  Read with a Seacoast Reads UNH tutor.  1st-4th grade. Will start in October.
Raccoon Readers, 2nd-4th grade book group, Tues. Oct. 4th , 6:00-7:00 pm – Join us for our monthly book group.  This month’s book is “Half a Chance” by Cynthia Lord.  We talk about the book, play some games, make a fun craft and enjoy a snack.  Books are available at the Circulation desk.
YA Monthly TAB (Teen Advisory Board) for ages 10 & up, Group, Mon. Oct. 3rd, 6:30-7:30 pm – Join our monthly group where you decide what books and programs the library should have.  This month:  Come and make a stained glass mosaic with art teacher Kitri Doughtery from Ways of Color.  Registration is required and space is limited.  Pizza is served.
YA Iron Chef (ages 10 & up), Tues. Oct. 4th, 6:00-7:30 pm – Join us for this new fun program.  Will you be crowned the first DPL Teen Iron Chef?  This month’s theme:  School lunch.  Choose from a selection of ingredients and prepare a prize-winning dish that fits the theme… Just don’t forget the Secret Ingredient.  What is the Secret Ingredient, you ask?  You’ll have to come to find out!  Register in advance at the Children’s desk.
Patch Program begins again Sept. 1st!

Adult  Programs:
Upcoming Author Talks and Book Signings
Climbing: From Sport to Traditional Climbing (How to Climb) by Nate Fitch & Ron Funderburke.  Thurs. Sept 8, 6:30 pm
The BIG Trip: A Family Gap Year by Martha McManamy with Evan, Conor, & Laura McManamy.  Thurs. Sept 29, 6:30 pm
In the Gallery Aug 25 thru Sept 17 - Debbie Mueller, Late Bloomer Artist View her work on display in the Durham Public Library Gallery.
Book Donation Week Aug 29 thru Sept 3 -   Accepting gently used books and DVD's
Oyster River KnittersTues. Sept. 6,  7-9 pm -  Join in for a couple of hours of knitting relaxation and conversation.  It is a great time to pick up that knitting project you've been wanting to finish.  There's no need to pre-register: just show up.  New participants of all skill levels are welcome. Contact Janet jadoty&comcast.net
First Aid Class - Mon. Sept. 12, 6-8 pm -   Offered by McGregor Memorial EMS. Contact Sean 603-862-3674 Register http://cprsafe.org
Oyster River ASD Friends Tues. Sept. 13, 6:30-8:30 pm - Parent group for people with teens & young adults with autism spectrum disorder.  Monthly topic and guest speaker TBA. Contact Julie jsmithnh@icloud.com
Friends of the Durham Public Library monthly meeting Wed. Sept. 7, 1:00 Social time, followed by the meeting at 1:30
Friends of the Library - Summer Big Read 2016 - Please join Jennifer Lee and other summer read stalwarts for a discussion of Our Mutual Friend by Dickens,Tuesday, September 20, 10:30.There will be no inquiry re completion. For more information, contact Luci Gardner lucigardner@comcast.net
Trustee Board Mtg. Wed. Sept. 14, 6:45-8pm
From the Interim Director:  Since beginning my work with the Durham Public Library on August 1st, I have been very impressed by the manners of the children and teens that I have met during the course of the day.  They are polite, well-spoken, and make eye contact (in addition to often shaking my hand).  Parents, teachers and other caring adults, your efforts are appreciated keep up the good work!  Best,  Judy Haskell    

                                  
The library offers help for people who need assistance using technology: computers, iPads & cell phones, eReaders (Nook, Kindle, etc.) Call to check on availability of the volunteers and set up an appointment. 868-6699 or email  durhampl@gmail.com

For more information, visit the Durham Public Library website.

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

*Academic year commenced August 26th and will be measured through graduation at UNH in May.

This matrix marks the beginning of the UNH Academic year consequently it makes sense to discuss how the Durham Police measure arrest data.  It is accomplished via three specific categories, weekly, academic year and calendar year. Each category is designed to assist in the planning process of allocating police personnel at appropriate times and in the appropriate places.  The arrest data for the first week of the academic year began anew on Friday which is why the week statistics does not match with the start of the academic year.  As UNH begins their academic year on different weeks each year, the statistics from this exact week in several years data would appear out of context and/or skew comparisions to those of previous years.  Consequently the above matrix does not include data for some years as the academic year would have started another week.  In any event, the weekly arrest data will begin anew with this report!  

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