Friday Updates - September 24, 2021

Friday, September 24, 2021

The sky and waves at the airshow at Adam's Point

Courtesy Carol Birch

WHILE THE NH COVID-19 POSITIVITY RATE CONTINUES TO EXCEED 5%, UNH'S UNIVERSAL TESTING PROGRAM IS YIELDING A POSITIVITY RATE OF .40% -- Due to the high positivity rate across NH and the Seacoast area, it's recommended that 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.

Once again, UNH and Durham officials continue to monitor the situation closely.  

MAIN STREET TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGES PLANNED FOR UNH HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2021

It's that time once again for the University of New Hampshire to host their Homecoming festivities scheduled for the weekend of Friday, October 1st and Saturday, October 2nd. The Durham Police Department wants to make community members aware that on Saturday, October 2nd, the University of New Hampshire will be hosting many of the participants in A-Lot. In turn, the traffic pattern on Main Street will be altered to allow 2 lanes of traffic to flow towards town from the direction of Mast Road. One lane will allow for traffic to turn right into Boulder Field and the other will allow for traffic to continue through the traffic circle and towards the downtown area. Additionally, traffic coming from the downtown area towards Boulder Field will be forced to turn on to Sage Way and will be detoured to Mast Road. The Mast Road gate will be open all day to allow for traffic to flow in that direction. North Road will be shut down to all traffic in both directions except for emergency vehicles. Traffic delays are anticipated for anyone traveling in the area of Main Street and College Road and alternative routes are recommended for anyone planning to travel in the downtown on October 2nd. 

Should you have any questions regarding the homecoming traffic pattern, please feel free to reach out to Deputy Chief Holmstock at 868-2324. 

ROUTE 108/4 OFF RAMP INTERSECTION LIGHTS TO GO "LIVE" SEPTEMBER 29TH

As you travel to and from Durham , you may have noticed that the new traffic signals/mast arms have been erected at the intersection of Route 108 and Route 4 Off Ramps.

The traffic lights have been blinking caution since this week and this is intentional! NHDOT requires that traffic signals be placed on this warning flashing mode for a period of time, likely at least a week, in order to acclimate motorists to the new lights before it becomes an active signalized intersection.

Please be cautious moving through this intersection and be sure to be aware of cyclists as well as pedestrians.

METERED PARKING LOT EV CHARGING STATION UPGRADES NOW IN EFFECT

The Durham Public Works Department’s Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, Nick Bennion, completed upgrades to the Chargepoint EV charging station in the Metered Parking Lot on Pettee Brook Lane this week. The cellular network was upgraded from 3G to 4G. This station was installed in 2015 during the reconstruction of the parking lot and has become increasingly popular in recent years. The Chargepoint application for smartphones allows users to conveniently charge their EV’s with the click of a button.

ATTENTION DURHAM MAIN STREET BUSINESSES -- GOFERR LAUNCHES NEW CARES ACT FUNDED COVID-19 BUSINESS EXPANSION PROGRAM

On Sept. 9, the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery (GOFERR) launched the COVID-19 Expenses Relief Program to assist New Hampshire for-profit Main Street businesses with COVID-19 related business expenses in 2020 and 2021.

Eligible businesses can apply for reimbursement of a portion of their eligible expenses until 4 PM on October 1, 2021, via the GOFERR portal. Awards will be issued following the application deadline, on a capped, pro-rata basis dependent upon total eligible expenses.

Eligible expenses for reimbursement include but are not limited to the following categories:

Costs incurred while closed due to COVID-19 (such as prorated rent, mortgage payments, and utilities);

Costs incurred as a result of reopening after COVID-19 related closure (such as PPE, workforce safety training, and installation of physical safety measures); 

and Increased costs of doing business as a result of COVID-19 (such as HVAC improvements, creation or addition of indoor or outdoor space for social distancing purposes, and increased costs due to supply chain disruptions or increased demand).

More information on the program, including eligibility information, can be found HERE.

UPDATES FROM DURHAM DEPARTMENTS

The Lee waterline extension project has begun. This effort will bring potable water from the Durham/UNH water system to the Lee Traffic Circle utilizing state funding to address MTBE contamination for affected properties there.  

Parks & Recreation has been busy with the start of its after school programs coinciding with the beginning of the ORCSD school year.

Circulation of materials and visits at the Durham Public Library are up significantly this year over the past driven in part by gaggles of middle school aged children, as well as the other demographics in Durham – including many patrons who live at Riverwoods Durham. There are some good humanities programs coming up at the DPL, as well as joint program opportunities with the Lee, Madbury, and UNH Libraries. Stay tuned!

Three police officer vacancies exist at the Durham Police Department. This has placed a real strain on staffing for our officers – in essence being shorthanded during one of our busiest seasons.  

UNH Homecoming is next weekend. This will impact traffic on Main Street in the vicinity of the Field House so be sure to read below for more information.

Departments continue to evaluate whether there are hybrid or electric vehicles that could be put to use at the Fire Department, Public Works Department, etc. At present, such heavy duty vehicles for our specific needs are not in production. We’ll continue to monitor.

An initiative from the Energy Committee and the Administrator’s Office for Durham to join (and become one of the founding members of) the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire will be considered by the Town Council on Monday evening, Sept. 27th. You can learn more about the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire HERE but in short, it is a mechanism now allowed under NH law for local communities to work together to purchase green power on the open market for residents as the default energy provider for a community. It offers real opportunity to move Durham and other participating communities toward a more sustainable future.  

Gail Jablonski from the Business Office reports her department is quite busy with budget development and the annual audit.

The Town Council will receive a report from Durham’s external auditors concerning FY 2020. In short, it was a clean audit and things look good.

The Town Council will be asked to ratify a successor Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Town and the Durham Professional Firefighters Association on Monday evening, Sept. 27th. In addition, negotiations will kick off shortly for a successor bargaining agreement for Durham’s police officers.  

66 Main Street is just one step away from opening. All we need is for Eversource to hook up the lighting for nighttime safety. DPW Director Rich Reine indicates this is in progress.

Public Works is also coordinating the installation of a privacy fence for the abutter as planned on the Thompson Lane side of the new Kenny Rotner pedestrian bridge. Looking ahead to an October/November installation.  

BUDGET AND CIP DEVELOPMENT PROCESS UNDER WAY FOR FY 2022 – A $1,198,165 (or 7.06% increase) in new spending requests received.

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 2022 for consideration by Administrator Selig and the Business Office as part of the annual budget development process.

Beginning earlier this month Business Manager Gail Jablonski and Mr. Selig began to meet with each of the Town’s department heads and members of their department, as well as many board/committee/commission/trustee members to better understand budget requests, as well as departmental CIP requests. Members of the Town Council were invited to each of these meetings so they could attend if they have an interest in doing so.

One of the Town’s Council’s approved goals for FY 2021-2022 states: “Task the administrator with meeting the following budget goals for 2022. Hold the municipal tax rate at the 2021 level or less. For the medium and long-term, the Town will continue to make an effort to control its spending, broaden the tax base, and explore innovative ways to stabilize or reduce the municipal tax rate.”

A second goal states: “Pursue opportunities to broaden the tax base that are consistent with Council goals and be mindful of the economic impact they may have on the Town’s operational and long-term fiscal health.”

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 from departments (not what the Administrator is ultimately recommending) will be discussed with the Planning Board on Sept. 29th to solicit input/feedback/guidance from the board as part of the process.

The budget development and review process is a long, detailed, cumbersome, and time-consuming effort.  

Most of the focus to date has been on the expenditure request side of the ledger with $1,198,165 (a 7.06% increase) in new spending requests. $892,299 of the request pertains to wages and benefits while $305,965 consists of non-personnel items such as supplies, materials, equipment, etc. This amidst a year in which revenues are flat to weakening and the tax base remains flat.  

At this point the community can only be assured of one thing: It will be an interesting budget year!  

Sweet Trail in Durham. Amazing job by the beavers! Courtesy Frank Birch

FALL 2021 WATER MAIN FLUSHING TO COMMENCE NEXT WEEK, SEPT. 27TH

The UNH/Durham Water System will be conducting semi-annual distribution maintenance hydrant flushing starting Monday, September 27th through Friday, October 8th. Flushing will be done at night between the hours of 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM.  

These procedures are necessary to ensure isolation of water main breaks and to remove sediments from the pipes respectively. Flushing of the mains and gate valve exercising may cause temporary discoloration of the water however the water remains safe for drinking. This discoloration will disappear with normal household use. It is suggested that sensitive laundry not be washed if the water is obviously discolored. Try not to draw water if you observe flushing in your area.

Any questions or concerns should be directed to Rich Reine Public Works Director at 603-868-5578.

8TH ANNUAL STRAFFORD COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARM STYLE BREAKFAST - COMING UP Oct. 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" scheduled for October 17, 2021 at the Jeremiah Smith Grange Hall in Lee has been postponed mainly due to rising Covid concerns. The event has been tentatively rescheduled to early spring .

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, 540 Meaderboro Rd, Farmington,NH 03835.

Thank you for your consideration and understanding, and hope to see you in the spring of 2022.

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 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.  

DPW UNDERTAKES CULVERT PIPE MAINTENANCE/CATCH BASIN CLEANING

The Durham Public Works Departments contractor for its Catch Basin Cleaning Program, Eastern Pipe Service, recently completed work on several culvert pipes which had become plugged with sediment and debris. A cutting blade powered by a high-pressure water hose was snaked into two culvert pipes on Woodridge Road and Pinecrest Roads, clearing obstructions and allowing water to flow freely again.

DURHAM ROAD PROGRAM UPDATE -- Projects are all proceeding on schedule and within established budgets.

The Durham Public Works Department Roads Team and paving Contractor, Continental Paving, remain hard at work on the 2021 Road Program. A fresh 1.5” wearing course of asphalt was applied this week to the driveway aprons on Mathes Cove, Sullivan Falls, Foss Farm, Kelsey, and Tall Pines Roads. Gravel will be added to the shoulders of each roadway over the next few weeks, completing this year’s program.

DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATES IN UNIVERSITY DAY

On Wednesday, September 22, 2021, members of the Durham Fire Department participated in the University Day (UDay) Picnic and Student Activities Fair on the Thompson Hall Lawn of the UNH Campus. UDay brings together students, staff, faculty and Durham Community members to learn about the wide variety of student groups and local vendors.  

Attendees at UDay were given the opportunity to try their hand using a Fire Extinguisher Prop which simulates extinguishing a range fire. Fire Marshal O’Sullivan and Captain Brown were on hand to field questions while Firefighters Blatchford, Campbell, Davis, Jautaikis, Lundberg and Wilder assisted attendees with the use of the simulator. 

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.

ROADSIDE MOWING AND SIGHT DISTANCE MAINTENANCE UNDERWAY

The Durham Public Works Department’s Highway Team continues to work hard on its roadside mowing program utilizing the Town’s rubber tire excavator with a rented roadside boom flail mower attachment. Targeted areas this year include intersections, roadway corners, bridges, and cul-de-sacs.  

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. 

For her ongoing series of Durham icons, Ellie Lonske produced this image of Emery Farm, located on Route 4.  The building and the cider donuts sign were photo-shopped but the rest is watercolor.

Emery Farm was established in 1660 and is considered to be the oldest continuously-operated family farm in the country.  David Hills is the 10th generation on the farm.  Emery Farm sells its own seasonal fruits and vegetables; offers perennials, annuals, hanging plants, and soil in the garden center;  welcomes the public to pick-your-own blueberries in the summer; and this time of year offers pumpkins, mums, weekend hayrides, and a corn maze.  The farm sells Christmas trees, wreaths and roping for the holidays.  When you visit, you will be greeted by friendly goats and chickens and Bunny in the petting barn.

The Emery Farm Market & Café, open seven days a week, is now a much-appreciated establishment in the community.  The market and café, operated by Holly Philbrick, features a wide range of food and craft products (many locally sourced), a great lunch menu, Annabelle’s Ice cream, and irresistible apple cider donuts.