Town of Durham ANNUAL TOWN REPORT · 2012. 6. 27. · 3 DEDICATION Durham has had more than its...

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Photo by Alicia Fonash-Willett

Town of Durham

ANNUAL TOWN REPORT Year ended June 30, 2011

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ANNUAL REPORT

Town of Durham

Connecticut

For Year Ending

June 30, 2011

Report Compiled by the Durham Board of Finance

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DEDICATION

Durham has had more than its share of iconic figures. This year’s Town Report is dedicated to one such

man, George Planeta. George was born in March 1933, the son of Nellie and George Planeta and

graduated from Durham High School in 1952.

In September 1956 George married Nancy I. Rau. Together they raised four children including George

III, Robert, Kathleen, and John. He is now the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren. George is an

electrician by trade. In 1968 he became the Durham Fair Association’s electrician in 1968 and in 1970

he started his own electrical contracting business in Durham. His son John presently operates the

business and continues performing electrical contracting work for the Durham Fair.

George joined the Durham Volunteer Fire Department in June 1951 and was a member until 1956 when

he married Nancy, and moved to Middletown, CT. In 1960 they returned to Durham. In May 1963

George rejoined the fire department. In 1971 he was elected Fire Chief and served thru 1972. In 1979-

1981 and 1984 he was again elected Chief. He became a life member of the Durham Volunteer Fire

Department after being a member of the department for 53 years.

George is and has been a member of many fire associations. These include the Middlesex County Fire

Chiefs, The International Association of Fire Chiefs (1980-Present), The New England Association of

Fire Chiefs (1980-Present), Past Sergeant in Arms for the Connecticut Fire Chiefs, The Connecticut

Association of Fire Marshals, and as Forest Fire Warden (from 1970- until the State of CT did away

with them). In the 1970’s George became the Open Burning Official for the Town and still serves in this

capacity. George is a dedicated volunteer and still serves the town in many ways. We thank George for

his many years of service to our Town and applaud his commitment to our Community.

GEORGE PLANETA

Durham has had more than its share of iconic figures. This year’s Annual Town Report is dedicated to one such man,

George Planeta.

George was born in March 1933, the son of Nellie and George Planeta. He graduated from Durham High School in 1952.

In September 1965 George married Nancy I. Rau. Together they raised four children, George III, Robert, Kathleen, and

John. He is now the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren.

George is an electrician by trade. In 1968 he became the Durham Fair Association’s electrician and in 1970 he started his

own electrical contracting business in Durham. His son John presently operates the business and continues performing

electrical contracting work for the Durham Fair.

George joined the Durham Volunteer Fire Department in June 1951 and was a member until 1956 when he married Nancy

and moved to Middletown, CT. In 1960 they returned to Durham and in May 1963 he rejoined the fire department. In

1971 he was elected Fire Chief and served thru 1972. In 1979-1981 and 1984 he was again elected Chief. He became a

life member of the Durham Volunteer Fire Department after being a member of the department for 53 years.

George is and has been a member of many fire associations. These include the Middlesex County Fire Chiefs, the

International Association of Fire Chiefs (1980-Present), the New England Association of Fire Chiefs (1980-Present), Past

Sergeant in Arms for the Connecticut Fire Chiefs, the Connecticut Association of Fire Marshals. He served as Fore Fire

Warden from 1970 until the State of CT did away with the program. In the 1970s George became the Open Burning

Official for the Town of Durham and still serves in this capacity today. George is a dedicated volunteer and serves the

town in many ways.

We thank George for his many years of service to our Town and applaud his commitment to our Community.

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IN MEMORIUM

JANE CHURCHILL

Jane Churchill, 80, of Middletown, CT died suddenly on Monday, Oct 17, 2011. Jane loved learning, art, music, her

family and the beauty of nature. But most of all, she loved helping others. Gentle, humble and perpetually cheerful, Jane

could not believe her good fortune to serve the community in the Durham Public Library until her last day.

Jane Churchill touched many lives during her long career of almost 30 years at the Durham Library. Her appreciation for

the beauty in life was boundless and contagious. Whether admiring the flowers on her daily walk or strolling on her

beloved Hammonassett beach, she always took time to notice the wonder and beauty of the world she lived in, and helped

others do so as well.

Born in York, PA in 1931, Jane was the daughter of teacher Ann Kauffman and banker George Ebaugh. When her

mother remarried, Jane was adopted by her beloved stepfather, H. Clay Lindermuth. An adventurer and real estate

investor, Clay moved the family to California where Jane spent part of her childhood alternating between a farm in

Garden Grove and a thatch-roofed hut in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

After graduating from Stanford University in 1954 with a major in Journalism, Jane worked in Palo Alto, CA as a writer,

editor, photographer and occasional model for the western living magazine, Sunset. Jane met her husband, fellow writer

William Churchill, at Sunset and in 1965 they moved to Middletown, settling in Durham in 1966. While raising four

sons, Jane supported countless school projects, band concerts, Little League games, Durham Fair entries and other

community activities. During the 1980’s she reentered the workforce, eventually landing her dream position at the

Durham Public Library.

Jane believed emphatically in the worth and dignity of every individual. She insisted that there was something special in

everyone and through her work and service and encouragement over the years, she helped many of those she came in

contact with to find it. For almost 30 years, Jane was the public face and institutional memory of the Library. We mourn

her loss and cherish her life.

A memorial celebration of Jane’s life was held on December 17th 2011, fittingly at her beloved library. Scores of friends

joined her family and for once, Jane couldn’t stop the fuss on her behalf.

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IN MEMORIUM

LEO WILLETT, JR.

Leo V. Willett Jr. MD, 82, of Durham, husband of Dorothy Sullivan Willet for 56 years, died on Tuesday, October 25th at

his home.

During a Naval career spanning 17 years and culminating with the rank of commander, Dr. Willett, in the early 60's,

deployed to Malaysia, to assist with establishing the public health system, and researching the effects of food deprivation.

In 1969, during the Vietnam War; he deployed as Chief of Orthopedic surgery to the hospital ship, USS Repose. He

concluded his Naval career as a leader of the assistant chief of the orthopedic service and head amputee ward at the

Philadelphia Naval Hospital.

Dr. Willett moved his family to Durham in 1971 where he worked as an orthopedic surgeon with his colleagues from the

Meriden Orthopedic Group. "It is most important to pay attention to what's going on locally, "It's very easy to travel all

over the world'' said Willett. `It's much harder to stick around and solve local problems.''

"Doc" served Durham residents for 35 years as Health Director, as well as commission member of Cemetery and Inland

Wetlands; resident directors of the Durham Fair Foundation for 17 years, Durham Fair Association for 25 years; and

Medical Services Director for the Durham Fair Association for 14 years. Doc was always willing to help improve the

quality of life for the residents of Durham. So many families were touched by his presence or willingness to help those in

need. Along with Dorothy, he sponsored the Leo and Dorothy Willett scholarship for graduating Durham seniors. They

also were instrumental in the multiple library building additions and with all of the countless residents and staff who help

make the Durham Library one of the model town libraries in the state. He was a voracious reader, golfer, fisherman,

beachcomber, Red Sox and Celtics Fan and our friend.

God Speed Doc.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Town Boards, Commission, and Elected Officials ...................... 7

Board of Finance ........................................................................ 19

Town of Durham Financial Summary ....................................... 20

Board of Selectmen .................................................................... 21

Office of the Town Clerk ........................................................... 24

Town Clerk Update .................................................................... 25

Vital Statistics ............................................................................ 26

Election, Primary and Referenda Results .................................. 27

State and Federal Elections ........................................................ 29

District 13 Referenda Results .................................................... 31

Synopsis of Town Meeting Actions ........................................... 32

Office of the Tax Collector ........................................................ 33

Report of Tax Collector-Property Taxes .................................... 34

Transfer of Suspense Tax........................................................... 35

Registrar of Voters ..................................................................... 39

Planning and Zoning .................................................................. 40

Durham Public Library .............................................................. 41

Durham Senior Citizens Board .................................................. 44

Economic Development Commission ........................................ 45

Conservation Commission ......................................................... 45

Durham Cemetery Company ..................................................... 46

Independent Auditor’s Report.............................. Separate Report

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TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, ELECTED AND OTHER OFFICIALS

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

GENERAL TOWN ELECTION

4 years/1st Monday, December 4, 2007

Laura L. Francis, First Selectman, R, 2011

John T. Szewczyk, Jr., R, 2011

James W. McLaughlin, D, 2011

TOWN CLERK


4 years/1st Monday, January

Kimberly D. Garvis, Town Clerk, R, 2011

Alicia Fonash-Willett, Assistant Town Clerk

TAX COLLECTOR


4 years/1st Monday, December

Martin French, D, 2011

Diane Breton, Assistant to Tax Collector

TREASURER


4 years/1st Monday, January

Wendy Pedersen Manemeit, R, 2011

Barbara Miller, Assistant, 2011

TAX ASSESSOR

John S. Philip

Margaret Helterline, Assistant Assessor

BOARD OF FINANCE



6 members (4 members constitute a quorum)

Francis E. Korn, R, Chairman, 2013

Helen Larkin, R, 2015

Renee Primus Edwards, D, 2015

Loraine Coe, R, 2013

Rosemarie Naples, R, 2011

Laurie Stevens, D, 2011

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Maryjane Malavasi

Diane Breton, Finance Clerk

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AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION

APPOINTED BOS 7/24/09

5 MEMBERS, 3 ALTERNATES

Warren Herzig, U, 7/1/2012

Melissa Greenbacker, U, 7/1/2012

Vivian Caturano, U, 7/1/2012

Roger Passavant, U, 7/1/2011

Richard Porter, R, 7/1/2011

Alternates

Geraldine Lombard, D, 7/1/2012

Joseph Pasquale, U, 7/1/2011

Fred Mastele, R, 7/1/2011

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

END OF YEAR APPOINTMENT, BOS

2 years to 12/31/11

Bruce Rau, R

Martha Rau, U, Assistant

April Leiler, D, Assistant

John Miller, R, Assistant

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS



6 members

Robert T. Raney, Chairman, R, 2011

Jay Berardino, R, 2015

Katharine Forline, D, 2013

BOARD OF EDUCATION, REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT #13 www.rsd13ct.org

ELECTED AT ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING – MAY

3 YEAR TERM BEGINNING JULY 1. (6) FROM DURHAM, (4) FROM MIDDLEFIELD.

According to town charter must be elected 30 days prior to the end of their terms

DURHAM MEMBERS:

Norman Hicks, D, Secretary, 2014

Kerri Flanagan, D, 2014

Robert Fulton, D, 2014

Mary Jane Parsons, R, Treasurer, 2013

Elizabeth Gara, R, 2013

Thomas Hennick, D, 2012

MIDDLEFIELD MEMBERS:

Nancy E. Boyle, 2011

Joseph Ochterski, U, 2013

Merrill Adams, D, 2013

William Currlin, R, 2011

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Susan Viccaro, Superintendent of Schools

BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS


5 year term

William Thody, U, 2014

Chris Flanagan, D, 2013

Roger Kleeman, D, 2011

Richard Parmelee, R, 2012

Pat Dinatale, R, 2015

BUILDING OFFICIAL/INSPECTOR

Richard McManus

BURNING OFFICIALS

George Planeta, Jr., R

Kurt Bober, U

CEMETERY COMPANY (DURHAM)

3 YEARS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSISTS OF 15 DIRECTORS.

Ken DiVito, D, 2011

Gerry Brown, President, 2011

Richard Olsen, R, 2011

B. Robert Atwell, Sr., 2011

Bruce Tubby, 2011

Gregory J. Burritt, 2012

Kimberly Garvis, Secretary, R, 2012

Laura Francis, R, Asst. Secretary, 2012

Barbara Olsen, R, Vice President, 2012

Simone Howe, 2012

Mary G. DiMella, R, 2013

Tom Palmieri, Treasurer, U, 2013

Maggie Peterson, 2013

Dolores Caturano, U, 2013

Margaret S. Atwell, U, 2013

Kenneth Jay, Sexton

CHIEF OF POLICE

Effective 12/4/07, 4 YEAR TERM

Laura L. Francis, R, First Selectman

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CLEAN ENERGY TASK FORCE

APPOINTED BOS, Original appointment date Feb 11, 2008

3 year term, staggered

Katherine Conroy, U, Secretary, 2014

Susan Michael, D, 2014

Paul Griese, U, 2013

Michael Gaffney, R, 2013

Paul Magnotta, D, 2012

Vacancy, U, 2014

Vacancy, R, 2013

Vacancy, R, 2012

COMPENSATION REVIEW/PERSONNEL POLICY COMMISSION

ELECTED AT ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - OCTOBER

5 year term, 5 members

Vacancies filled by election at a Town Meeting per charter

Fred Raley, R, 2011

Lisa Stafford, U, 2012

Martin Anderson, Chairman, D, 2014


Dick Spooner, D, 2011

CONSERVATION COMMISSION


3 years, 9 members

Casey Cordes, U, 2011

Mark Smolley, D, 2011

Rick Terrill, R, 2011

Ralph Chase, Vice Chairman, R, 2012

Frederick Huntley, D, 2012

Robert Melvin, Vice Chairman, U, 2013

William LaFlamme, Secretary, R, 2013

Joseph Dattilo, R, 2013

Bob Thody, R, 2013

DURHAM-MIDDLEFIELD INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT

ADVISORY BOARD

ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING - MAY OR AT LEAST 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE END OF THEIR TERMS

2 year term, begin July 1, (8) members - 4 from each municipality

DURHAM MEMBERS:

Dominic DelVecchio, Chairman, R, 2012

Ronald Capozzi, D, 2012

Robert Czarnecki, R, 2013

Chris Flanagan, D, 2013


Katie Hughes, 2012

Frank Petrella, 2012

Al Raczka, 2009

James Gibbons, 2009

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DMIAAB TASK FORCE

APPOINTED BY BOARD OF SELECTMEN JUNE 21, 2010

9 Members, 5 from Town of Durham, 4 from Town of Middlefield

Quorum=5 members

DURHAM MEMBERS:

Anthony DeFilio, R

Chad Spooner, R

James Hempel, D

Bruce Chaplin, D

Dominic DelVecchio, R


Tom Archer

Frank Petrella

Bill Warner

Howard Weisberg

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION


2 years, 7 members

Ona McLaughlin, D, 2011

Brenda Eddy, R, 2011

Clifford Colwell, U, 2011

Alana Simlick, R, 2011

Carol Douglass, D, 2012

Diane Moore, D, 2012

Deborah Huscher, U, 2012

EMERGENCY 911 COORDINATOR

Scott Wright, Communications Officer, U

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

APPOINTED BY BOS

Francis Willet, Director, R (4-14-08)

Frank Giantonio, Deputy Director (appt 6-23-08)

Steven A. Levy, Deputy Director (appt 5-9-11)

Chris Soulias, Deputy, R

Daniel Murphy, Deputy, D

Committee Members

Susan Wimler, EMS

Dan Geary, Communications

Ralph Chase, Shelter

Cathy Chase, Shelter

Sue White, Animal Shelter

Town Office Officials

Rob Chadd, Fire Chief

Tom Wimler, EMS Chief

Bill Witecki, Fire Marshal

David Steele, Deputy Fire Marshal

Kurt Bober (or representative), Public Works

Brad Wilkinson (or Bill Milardo), Health Department

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ETHICS COMMISSION

BOS APPOINTMENT - MAY 1ST

APPOINTMENT DATE

Original Appointments BoS 4/28/08

5 Regular Members, No more than (2) members from any one party

3 Alternate Members, No more than (1) member from the same party

Members shall serve for three years and shall be eligible for no more than two consecutive terms.

Jim Kowolenko, D, 2014

Ellen Piotrowski, R, 2014 (2nd

consecutive term)

Linda Maffei, U, 2013 (2nd consecutive term)

Clark Kearney, R, 2013

Simone Howe, D, 2012

John Lacashu, Alternate, R, 2014

Jennifer Fowler, Alternate, U, 2013 (2nd

consecutive term)

Maureen Dooley, Alternate, D, 2012

FIRE COMPANY TRUSTEES


3 year term, 6 members; 3 members Durham, and

3 trustees elected by the Durham Volunteer Fire Company

Town:

Sue Wimler, U, 2011

Greg Hanks, D, 2011, Vice Chair

Peter Cascini, R, 2013

Fire:

Jim Ledford, Chairman, 2012

David Heer, 2015

Frank Giatonio, 2014

FIRE MARSHAL

APPOINTED - BOS

Bill Witecki, Fire Marshall, R, 2/7/2012

David Steele, Deputy Fire Marshall, 2/19/2011

Jonathan Handley, Fire Inspector, D, 7/12/2010

GREATER NEW HAVEN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

APPOINTED - BOS

Leonard Baginski, D, 12/31/2012

HEALTH DEPARTMENT


4 YEAR TERM BY CT GENERAL STATUTE

Bradford W. Wilkinson, MD, Director of Health, R, 12/31/2013

William R. Milardo, Jr., Assistant DOH/Sanitarian

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HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION


5 years, 5 regular / 3 alternates

In District

Tom Woodson, R, 2015

Duncan Milne, R, Acting Chairman, 2011

Norm Jason, R, 2015

Out Of District

Diana McCain, D, 2013

Gordon Wolfgang, R, 2014

Alternates

George (Chip) Williams, R, 2015, out of district

Linda Bertelsen, R, 2013, in district

Ona McLaughlin, D, 2014, in district

INLAND WETLANDS & WATERCOURSES AGENCY


3 year staggered terms

7 members / 3 alternates, 1 Chairman, 1 Vice Chairman, 1 Secretary

Robert MacDuff, R, 2011

Robert Czarnecki, Vice Chairman, R, 2011

Gene Riotte, D, 2011

Pat Dinatale, R, 2012

Peter Cascini, R, 2012

Chris Meisenkothen, Secretary, D, 2013

Richard Eriksen, Chairman, R, 2013

ALTERNATES

Frank DeFelice, R, 2011

Tim Larkin, R, 2013

Karen Cheyney, D, 2013

Geoffrey Colegrove, U, Enforcement Officer

Tina Hurlbert, Recording Secretary

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

ELECTED DURING 2008 ELECTION

4 year term, 1/5/09-1/7/13

18 Justices per Town Ordinance

Kurt Bober, U

Judy Caturano, U

Pat DiNatale, R

George Eames, III, R

Richard G. Eriksen, R

Ethel Heyl, R

Geraldine A. Lombard

Ronald Markham, D

James W. McLaughlin, D

Lisa Mentlick, U

Diane C. Moore, D

John Michael Norko, U

Nicholas Nyhart, D

Helen Pearce, D

Robert Poliner, R

Frederick O. Raley, R

Henry Robinson, D

Scott Wright, U

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NEW ENGLAND NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

BOS APPOINTMENT

NO TERM

Frederick J. Mastele (appointed 7-13-2009)

Cheryl Mastele (appointed 1-11-2010)

197 Maiden Lane

Durham, CT 06422

William LaFlamme (appointed 1-11-2010)

217 Dinatale Drive

Durham, CT 06422

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION


4 years, 9 regular members / 3 alternates

1st Monday, Dec.

George Eames, III, Chairman, R, 2011

Richard Eriksen, Vice-Chairman, R, 2011

Frank DeFelice, R, 2011

David Foley, R, 2011

Ralph W. Chase, Jr., R, 2013

Lisa Davenport, R, 2013

Joseph Pasquale, D, 2013

Christopher Flanagan, D, 2013

Catherine H. Devaux, Secretary D, 2013

Alternates

Campbell Dugan Barrett, D, 2013

Steven DeMartino, R, 2011

Michael S. Geremia, R, 2011

Geoffrey Colegrove, Town Planner, U

Janice Melnik, Recording Secretary

PUBLIC LIBRARY, BOARD OF TRUSTEES


3 Year Term, 9 Members

Jane Eriksen, Chairman, R, 2011

Anne Mueller, Treasurer, D, 2012

Rosemarie Naples, R, 2012

R. David Turley, R, 2012

Mark McLaughlin, D, 2011

Lynn Stanwood, R, 2011

Mary Ryan, D, 2013

Lynn Johnson, D, 2013

Robert Booz, R, 2013

Valerie Kilmartin, Librarian

PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY RENOVATIONS COMMITTEE

APPOINTED BOS 11/27/08 FOR DURATION OF CHARGE

11 Members, 3 Ex-Officio Members

David Heer, Co-Chairman

Andy Meiman, Co-Chairman

Edward Mik, Jr.

B.J. Joyce

Duncan Milne

Frank Behrens

Rick Parmelee

Peter Lowe

Sue Wimler

Chris Flanagan

Tom Wilt

Ex-Officio

Scott Wright

Harry Hall

Francis Willett

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RECREATION COMMITTEE


2 year term, 9 regular/2 alternate

1 director who is an ex-officio member of the committee, 12/31/07

Mark Dionne, D, 2012

Pam Carey, D, 2012

Adam Poturnicki, U, 2012

Lisa Szymaszek, U, 2012

Cheryl Salva, Chairman, R, 2011


Sharon Criscuolo, R, 2011

Vacancy, R, 2012

Vacancy, D, 2012

Vacancy, R, Alternate 2012

Vacancy, D, Alternate 2011

Sherry Hill, Director, U

REGISTRARS OF VOTERS

ELECTED IN EVEN NUMBER OF YEARS

FOR 4 YEARS

1st Monday, January

4 year term beginning 1/5/09-1/7/2013

Karen Cheyney, Deputy, D, 2013

Carol L. Wray, Assistant, D

Robert Schulte, Republican Registrar, R, 2013

Lucinda Schulte, Deputy, R

RESIDENT STATE TROOPER

Trooper Peter A. DiGioia

Troop F Westbrook:

Commanding Officer: Lieutenant J. Paul Kenefick

SENIOR CITIZEN BOARD


3 Year Term, 9 Members

First appointments made 11/19/02 by BoS

Anne Cassady, D, 2011

John Hogarth, D, 2011

Henry Coe, R, 2011

Beverly Pedersen, R, 2012

Karen Thody, R, 2012

Shari Slight, U, 2012

Elaine Melvin, Chairman, D, 2013

Stuart Keating, D, 2013

Norm Hicks, D, 2013

Vacancy, Ex-officio member

Sherry Hill, Ex-officio member, U

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SKATING POND COMMITTEE

5 Members. No term.

Dave Monroe, D, Chairman

Steve DelVecchio, U

George Frick, U

Mark Andrews, D

Don Guenther, U

Tim Larkin, R

Lisa Bruno, U

STREET NAMING COMMITTEE

(Effective 12-31-07 through 12-31-11)

Vacancy (Town Engineer)

Scott Wright, Ambulance Corps. U

Harry Hall, Fire Chief, U

James W. McLaughlin, Selectman, D

Laura l. Francis, First Selectman, R

John T. Szewczyk, Selectman, R

TOWN COUNSEL

APPOINTED BOS 1/14/08

4 YEAR TERM

Executive Counsel:

Poliner, Poliner, Antin & Cienava Rocco, P.C.

Poliner Building

516 Main Street

Middletown, CT 06457

Special Counsel:

Halloran & Sage, LLP

Attorney Vincent Marino

300 Plaza Middlesex

Middletown, CT 06457

TOWN ENGINEER (FIRMS)

Nathan Jacobsen Assoc.

Wright-Pierce

Firms are on-call engineering service.

TREE WARDEN


2 year term, 12/31/2011

Tim Larkin, R, 2011

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VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORPS, INC.

ELECTIONS HELD ANNUALLY IN OCTOBER

Active membership of this corporation is limited to 35 years.

Tom Wimler, Chief of Service, U

Andy Meiman, 2nd

Lieutenant

Nate Ravid, First Lieutenant, R

Patricia Collis, Secretary

Marshall Bragg, Treasurer, R

William Palmisano, Training, R

Susan Wimler, Schedule, U

Maureen Turcotte, Vehicle/Building, D

Scott Wright, Communications Officer

VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

ELECTIONS HELD ANNUALLY IN JANUARY

Rob Chadd, Fire Chief

Dave Greenbacker, 1st

Assistant Chief

Terry Wall, 2nd

Assistant Chief

Matt Forline, Senior Captain

Brian Szymaszek, Captain

Bill Curtis, 1st Lieutenant

Dan Geary, 2nd

Lieutenant

Allen Fritts, Secretary

Jen Kinzel, Treasurer

Ann Stoneberg, Steward

TJ Finley, Engineer

Trustee, David Heer

Quarter Master,

WATER COMMISSION


3 year term, 5 members (2 ex officio)-(3 public), 3 alternates (2 ex officio)

Ex officio members

Brad Wilkinson, Health Director, R, Vice Chair, ex officio, 2012

Laura L. Francis, R, ex officio 2011

Ex officio designated alternates

William Milardo, Sanitarian, Secretary,

ex Officio Alternate Member

James McLaughlin, D, 2011,

ex Officio Alternate Member

Public Members

Raymond Bahr, R, Public Member 2012, Chairman

Patricia Crowley, U, Treasurer, Public Member 2013

John Hogarth, Trinity Corp Member 2011

Alternate:

Marilyn Keurejian, U, Public Member 2011

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ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS


4 year term / 1st Monday, Dec.

5 regular / 3 alternates

John F. Hogarth, D, 2011, Vice Chairman

David Lee Heer, R, 2011

Bill LaFlamme, Chairman, R, 2011

David Slight, R, 2013

Chris DiPentima, R, 2013

Alternates:

William W. Martin, Jr., R, 2011

Mark Jungels, D, 2011

Pamela Lucashu, R, 2013

ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Geoffrey Colegrove

Alan Johanson, Assistant

MISCELLANEOUS POSITIONS

ADA Coordinator Vacancy

Community Development Coordinator: Francis Earle Korn

Emergency Medical Service Council of the South Central Region:

(To Dec. '05)

Tom Wimler

Flood and Erosion Control Authority: Board of Selectmen

FOI Liaison: Laura Francis

Jurisdiction Administrator for the Town of Durham:

For the Purpose of Preparing the "Weapons of Mass Destruction" Plan Chris Soulias

Memorial Day Parade Chairman: Robert Francis

Middlesex Industrial Council: Geoffrey Colegrove

Municipal Agent for the Elderly: Vacancy

Recycling Coordinator: Vacancy

Representative to Regional Mental Health Council: Reg II, Catchment #10;

(2 year appointment to 5/2011) Judy Hurlbert

Representative to CAGM: Vacancy

Representative to Council of Governments: Laura Francis

Task Force for Elderly Housing: Trinity Corps

Town Historian: Francis Earle Korn

Traffic Control Authority: Board of Selectmen

Veterans Advocate: Vacancy

Washington Trail Road Race Sponsors: Exchange Club

Water Pollution Control Authority: Board of Selectmen

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BOARD OF FINANCE

The Board of Finance held regular meetings on the third Tuesday of each month in the 2nd

floor conference room of Town

Hall. Special meetings were held as needed, especially when the Town budget was being formulated between January

and April. From July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 the Board of Finance met 21 times.

The 2010-2011 Town budget was presented at a Public Hearing on April 12, 2010. The total budget included:

Total Town Budget $ 5,310,983

Less anticipated state and local receipts - 1,335,848

Net Town Budget $ 3,975,135

This reflected a mil rate of 5.13. A complete budget summary is included in this Town Report.

The Board of Finance applied $100,000 of fund balance and surplus to the budget to help reduce the overall tax impact

and $128,573 to offset Senior Tax Relief reductions.

Reserve Fund appropriations totaled $270,650. Of this amount $125,000 was designated for Fire Company Equipment

and $100,000 for Highway Equipment. Other Reserve Fund appropriations for FY 2010-2011 included $10,000 each for

Planning & Zoning POCD and the Library Roof, $8.000 for Server Replacement at Town Hall; $7,850 for Radios &

Pagers, $5,000 for Old Indian Trail Water Tank; and $4,800 for Barn Maintenance.

We would like to thank everyone involved in the budget process including elected officials, members of boards and

commissions, and town employees for their many hours of work in formulating the Town budget.

Respectfully submitted,

Francis E. Korn, Chairman

Loraine Coe, Vice Chairman

Renee Edwards

Helen Larkin

Rosemarie Naples

Laurie Stevens

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TOWN OF DURHAM FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Including Shared Regional Expenses

000's 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011

Gross Town Expenditures w/DMIAAB; not

Reg.13

5,378 5,520 5,623

5,209

5,311

Percent Growth +/- +2.5% +2.6% +1.9% -7.4% +1.9%

Durham's Gross Share of Reg. 13

18,577 19,506 20,377

20,596

20,773

Percent Growth +/- +5.3% +5.0% +4.5% +1.1% +0.9%

Educational Expense as % of

Gross Durham Budget

77% 78% 79%

80%

80%

% of Region 13 Budget Paid By:

- Durham 65.97 65.64 65.90 66.00 65.10

- Middlefield 34.03 34.36 34.10 34.00 34.90

Durham Share of DMIAAB Operating Expense

362.9 346.6 346.6

362.1

348.6

Percent Growth +/- -0.5% -0.4% 0.0% +4.5% -3.7%

DMIAAB Expense as % of

Total Town Budget

6.5% 6.3% 6.5%

7.0%

6.6%

Fund Balance Actual

- Undesignated

- Designated

- TOTAL

2,633

176

2,809

2,841

403

3,244

2,439

90

2,529

2,608

75

2,683

2,016

56

2,702

Growth in Budgetary Grand List 51.87% 1.9% 2.5% 1.3% +.07%

(Reval)

Mil Rate 26.25 26.25 26.25 26.20 26.81

21

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

The Board of Selectmen met on the second and fourth Mondays at 7:00pm at the Durham Town Hall.

First Selectman attended monthly RSD13 meetings.

July 2010

Request from Brian Ferris for approval of bond reduction for Crooked Hill Road reconstruction project there was

an $80,000 bond balance and the Town would be paying two remaining expenses directly from the bond on his

behalf; $11,391 to be paid to V&F Paving, $2,500 and $842.70 for landscaping estimates for residents Ryan,

Backus, and Donovan. After discussion it was determined that a 10% retainer would also be held.

Appointed Jonathan Handley as Fire Inspector.

Entered into an agreement with Workforce Alliance for Youth@Work Program, July 1- Sept 30, 2010

Passed Resolution on Regional Energy Initiatives

Town Clerk was awarded a 3,000 Historic District Preservation. Grant to be used to scan land records.

Applied for 2010 STEAP Grant for construction of a new culvert on Pickett Lane by Allyn Brook Park.

Applied for ARRA JAG Grant in partnership with DMYFS to address teen dating violence.

Extended the Farmers Market through the end of October and allowed the expansion of vendors from 15 to 20.

Passed Statement of Management Commitment to Risk Management.

Town earned Clean Energy Community designation from State of Connecticut.

August 2010

Entered into an agreement with State of CT DEMHS FFY2009 State Homeland Security Grant Program.

ARRA-Maiden Lane Project bid awarded to Charles Pasteryak.

Set STM for August 23, 2010 for (4) transfers.

Released final bond balance to Brian Ferris for reconstruction project.

Entered into agreement with State of CT DEP for STEAP Pickett Lane Culvert Project Grant.

Set Public Hearing date 9/20/2010 to discuss proposed Stormwater Ordinance.

Set STM date of 9/13/2010

o 09-10 transfers, carryovers.

o Approved an amendment to the Ordinance to Provide Property Tax Relief for ES Volunteers

Grand Opening of Durham Activity Center 9/19/2010.

September 2010

Coginchaug Watershed Based Plan Implementation Committee appointments.

ARRA Teen Dating Violence Intervention Demonstration Project Grant in the amount of $50,000 received.

FEMA funds $11,080.69 received for Guire Road Culvert repair.

Approved Call to ATM 10/4/2010.

Natural Resources Conservation Service staff are to conduct a preliminary survey of Allyn Brook at Whites Farm.

October 2010

Proclamation Eagle Scout Tyler Gray.

Proclamation Susan VanDerzee.

Source One chosen as Regional Energy Manager.

Korean War Veterans honored on 10/15/2010.

Town will receive 150,000 STEAP grant Pickett Lane Culvert.

Adopted Stormwater Ordinance “Best Management Practices”.

Approved Call to STM 11/8/2010 for (2) transfers.

FEMA funds $31,179.56 received storm related repairs to Guire Road, Johnson Lane, White’s Farm, Haddam

Quarter Road.

Detention pond at PW facility completed.

Maiden Lane paving completed.

22

November 2010

Revaluation started.

Proclamation Sheehan Michael Eagle Scout.

CRT approved (2) days of senior lunch service at Durham Activity Center.

Skating Pond grant closed out; dam and berm in place.

December 2010

Entered into agreement with Mercedez-Benz Financial Services for a 2010 Freightliner MS-106V Plow Truck

with 2010 Tenco body.

Entered into agreement with Environmental Tank Technology for purchase and installation of above ground tank

at PW facility.

Brian Ferris Lawsuit filed. Sent to CIRMA for defense.

Received fy2010 Emergency Management Performance Grant $7,456.

Received DUI Grant $27,000.

Disbanded Complete Count Committee and Youth in Government.

January 2011

Proclamation Paul A. Van Steenbergen Eagle Scout.

Level 1 energy audits started at Library and Town Hall.

Senior Luncheon program started.

February 2011

Proclamation Girl Scout Week, March 6, 2011.

Received 2010 revaluation results.

Entered into agreement with Fuss & ONeill for Engineering Services to prepare and provide public presentation-

Water System Ext. Feasibility Study.

PW Salt and Storage Shed collapsed/demolished due to extreme winter storms.

Testified proposed Bill 42; An Act Concerning Gun Safety Standards for Firing Ranges.

Town qualified for $240,400 grant under the Local Road Accident Reduction Program for Bear Rock Road.

Applied for FEMA funds for storm Jan 14-16th’ eligible for $70,000-90,000.

Level 2 energy audits completed. Capital Improvements have been recommended.

March 2011

Public Hearing 3/8/2011; EPA presentation of the upcoming soil excavation at Merriam Mfg. Company.

Proclamation 100th Anniversary of the National Exchange Club.

Town Times named agent of record.

Appeal filed for January 12th FEMA disaster declaration.

PW Building planning meetings started.

Interviews for Asst Assessor position conducted, Margaret Helterline hired.

Public Hearing 3/23/2011; Presentation Fuss & O’Neill on findings of the Water Extension Feasibility Study

Update and Env. Impact Evaluation.

Public Safety Committee disbanded.

Formalized Chiefs Council.

Peggy Helterline start date April 13th

Town approved for CERT Team grant; twenty students and packs.

Town received LEEF Program Grant $1,700 for new energy efficient lawn equipment.

USDA NRCS completed study on Allyn Brook rehabilitation.

Joint Boards/Commission meeting 3/30/2011.

April 2011

Designated April as National Donate Life Month.

23

Janet Muraca, Human Services Coordinator retired.

EMS moved to town hall office.

Set 5/9/2011 ABM date.

Entered into two-year extension with the Union with concessions.

Final report of Level 2 energy audits given to Selectmen.

May 2011

ABM 5/9/2011.

EM Deputy Director appointed; Dr.Steve Levy.

PW Bid awards; Catch basin cleaning, traffic guidelines, sweeping service.

Audit services bid award.

Eligible for 18,000 Summer Youth Employment Program.

Attended first Main Street Water Planning Committee meeting 4/27/2011.

Moderated Woman in Politics Forum for the Middlesex Businesswomen’s Alliance.

Proclamation Kyle Backus Eagle Scout.

Approved Call to STM 6/13/2011

o (2) transfers

o Approve tax abatement Hobson & Motzer Inc.

Interviews for Social Services Coordinator.

Application to replace culvert on Higganum Road under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program was ranked 7 out

of 16 applications; cost benefit analysis to determine benefit to cost ratio.

Joint Boards/Commission meeting rescheduled to Sept 19th.

June 2011

Amanda Astarita hired as Social Services’ Coordinator.

Pre-bid meeting salt/sand vehicle bldg held.

Bid opening 6/17/2011 (18) bids purchased (4) returned.

Draft DEP Flood Management application for Pickett Lane culvert replacement project submitted for comments.

(25) Youths approved for Youth Employment Program.

Proclamation honoring Larry Smith.

Approved Call to STM 7/11/2011 for (2) transfers.

Town Clerk received Historic Preservation Grant $3,500 for index survey maps.

New fiscal policy developed for the Recreation Department.

$30,000 bequeathed to the Town of Durham by the late Frances Gemma to set up a trust fund to be known as the

Gemma Fund.

Respectfully Submitted,

Laura L. Francis

First Selectman

24

OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK

The laws of the State of Connecticut designate the Town Clerk as Keeper of the Town Seal, Election official, custodian of

the town records, Registrar of Vital Statistics, purveyor of fish and game, as well as dog licenses. In addition to these

traditional responsibilities the Durham Town Clerk is also in charge of the following duites and responsibilities(*):

Board and Commission Agenda and Minutes: Maintaining agenda and minute file; minute notebooks

including yearly schedule of all board and commission meeting dates as required by state law; and posting of

same to the town website.

Dog Licenses. Must be purchased as soon as a dog becomes SIX MONTHS of age and annually thereafter during

the month of June. Penalties are incurred on late registration. WARNING: if the Dog Warden has occasion to

find your dog unleashed or unlicensed, you are liable for a hefty fine! Rabies certificates and spay/neutering

proof must be presented at time of licensing.

Education*: Durham Town Clerk’s office welcomes Korn School Third graders every year to educate the

students about town government. Historical snippets are provided to all of the students about how Durham’s

heritage came to be.

Elections, Primaries and Referenda: Work closely with the Secretary of the States office and Registrars of

Voters in managing all elections, primaries and referenda. Town Clerk office responsible for swearing in election

moderator, publishing notice, issuing Absentee Ballots and verifying Moderator’s return.

Fish and Game Licenses. Good for the calendar year and may be purchased at any time. Purchasers of hunting

licenses must have proof of owning a license at some time within the preceding five year period, or hold a

Connecticut Safety Course Certificate for the same. New computerized licensing system went into effect January

1, 2009. Citizens may now purchase these licenses online, however, the Durham Town Clerk’s office continues

to provide these licensing services to the public.

FOI Liaison*: The town clerk serves as the Freedom of Information liaison for the town and assists in the

resolution of Freedom of Information requests.

Government Intern Program*: Town Clerk manages this program including advertising position, receiving

applications, scheduling interviews and managing work schedule.

Technology Coordinatior*: responsible for coordinating I.T. consultant onsite and offsite work schedule;

replacement of computer equipment, computer software, server equipment and server software.

Land Records: Receiving, recording and preserving all original deeds in computerized and book format for

public access viewing. Preservation via microfilm format.

Marriage Licenses: There is no waiting period and no blood test requirement. Identification is required, such as

a driver’s license or passport. The current fee is $30.00.

Notary Public*: The town clerk and assistant town clerk are registered notaries with the State of Connecticut.

At this time notary services are offered free of charge to Durham residents and Durham businesses. A fee of

$5.00 is charged for non-residents.

Passports*: This function transferred this year to the Finance Department

Passport Pictures*: This function transferred this year to the Finance Department.

Permit Issuance*: o Peddler and Solicitor Permits: applications and instructions are available in the Town Clerk’s office or the

town website. All completed applications must be submitted to the Town Clerk. Background checks are

required of all applicants. Permit is issued by the Town Clerk upon approval of the application.

Approved permits are posted on the town website. Initial permit fee of $15.00 for four month period is

renewable twice for a fee of $5.00.

o Liquor Permits: permittee is required to provide original state issued permit that is recorded in the Town

Clerk’s office for a fee of $2.00.

Registrar of Vital Statistics: Responsible for maintaining birth, death and marriage records and issuance of

marriage licenses.

State Reports: State of Connecticut monthly reports for all fees collected relating to dog licensure, DEP (hunting,

fishing, deer and turkey permits, duck stamps, pheasant tags sold), marriage licenses, Historic Document

Preservation fees and PA 09-229 Community Investment Account fees.

25

Town Meetings: The town clerk or assistant town clerk attends all Town Meetings and records the proceedings

of such meetings.

Voter Registration. Daily registration as an elector is available in the Town Clerk’s office. Application forms

are available at all Motor Vehicle offices, post offices, the Durham Public Library and the town’s website.

Registrars of Voters hold special sessions prior to each primary, election or special election.

Website*: Daily management of the town’s website including posting of agendas, minutes, news, upcoming

events and online calendar.

TOWN CLERK UPDATE

Summer Intern: Under the guidance of Town Clerk Kim Garvis, Erin Curtis, a junior at the University of Connecticut,

was chosen as the Government Intern this year. The Town continues to be fortunate in having very skilled and dedicated

students. Erin assisted in various departments which allowed her to discover the many facets of local government. She

worked extensively on the Town Proceedings Book and assisted Assistant Town Clerk, Alicia Fonash-Willett in

reorganizing the office and vault. Thank you Erin and Alicia!

Historic Grant Program and Preservation Funds: The Preservation Grant program was cut again this year and the

town was only eligible for $3,000, however, the application was made and the grant was awarded to the Town Clerk’s

office. Along with Preservation funds we were able to continue the land records back-filing project which now provides

both index and images of land records back to 1967 via the public access computer in the town clerk’s office. This multi-

year project has accomplished the goal of:

a. easy and quick accessibility to land record index and images via computer in the town clerk’s office

b. allowing printing of deeds to the town clerk printer which has brought much of the dollar money back to the town

c. preservation of the deed books from the constant wear and tear of being handled every day by the searchers

d. allowing easier replacement of deed pages that are stolen or misplaced which will save time and money for

customers and staff.

New state laws affecting Civil Unions: A new law became effective October 1, 2010 converting civil unions

automatically to marriages.

Server Installation and Conversion: Under the supervision of the Town Clerk’s office the installation of two new dell

servers was completed this year by our IT vendor, IT Resources, LLC.

The new servers will keep data more secure and increase employees day to day efficiencies, while allowing us to store and

organize data in one central location which is a key factor in sharing access to files or programs across a network.

Land Record Online Portal: Durham land records can now be viewed online through the Connecticut Town Clerk

Portal. This portal is provided by Cott Systems Inc. The index is viewable free of charge at any time of the day or night.

There is a small subscription fee to view the images online and the copy charge of $1.00 per page is still in force. Copies

may be requested from the town clerk for the standard charge of $1.00 per page. The link to this information is located on

the Durham website homepage under “Online Services.” We will be working over the next year to provide a notification

system that will alert property owners when a deed is filed on the Durham land records.

Passports: The Town Clerks Office for the last 12 years has been processing passports. Due to recent regulation changes,

the U.S. Department of State no longer allows an agency that produces vital records to be a passport agent. The passport

service is still provided to our residents and is now managed by the Finance Department.

Dog Licenses and Rabies Clinic: We had another successful year licensing dogs, setting another new record for number

of licenses sold. The third annual Rabies Clinic was held on June 5, 2011. We thank the following personnel for all of

their assistance with the clinic this year: Bruce and Marty Rau, Mark Albin, Durham resident and veterinarian; Sue White

and the D.A.R.T team; as well as the Durham Fair Association for the use of the Medical Building. Proceeds benefit

D.A.R.T. (Durham Animal Response Team – subcommittee of Department of Emergency Management). The Durham

Top Dog Contest was held again and the winner this year for Top Dog #1 was Duncan Zettergren owned by Brenna

Zettergren. Very close second was #2 dog, Mary Dahlmeyer, owned by Rachel Dahlmeyer.

26

United Way: Alicia volunteered once again as the United Way Coordinator and though this was another difficult

economic year, participation and contributions were commendable. Alicia also participated in the Live United Diaper

Drive which provides diapers and wipes to 3,000 babies in Middlesex county for young families who can’t afford to buy

adequate supplies of diapers to keep their babies healthy.

Education: Alicia began training with IIMC (International Institute of Municipal Clerks) this summer. She attended

NEACTC (New England Association of City and Town Clerks) school in Vermont for one week. This is a very intensive

training course that takes three years to complete. Alicia received a full scholarship to attend this program and with

credits earned from this program as well as additional credits from work experience, etc. Alicia will be able to apply for

CMC (certified municipal clerk) status. Alicia was awarded scholarships again in December and January to attend the

2011 summer session.

Alicia and Kim attend classes on a continual basis with CTCA (Connecticut Town Clerks Association) at Central

Connecticut State University, CTCA spring and fall conferences, CCM (Connecticut Conference of Municipalities)

training and both participate in other educational opportunities throughout the year. Ongoing education is vital to staying

current with the constant change in state laws and technology, and adds to the skills, knowledge and experience necessary

to run the town clerk’s office.

Assistant Town Clerk Alicia continues to be an extremely valuable asset to the Town Clerk’s office. Her commitment

and dedication to the office and our town is much appreciated and her assistance in all aspects of the office is invaluable

to me.

We welcome your visits and suggestions. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with

additional late hours on Tuesday evenings, until 7:00 p.m. In keeping with the tradition Town Clerk Marge Hatch

instituted, free copy use (with the exception of land records) is available on Tuesday evenings between 4:30 and 7:00 p.m.

Alicia and I can be reached via e-mail: [email protected] and [email protected].


Kim Garvis, CMC, CCMC, Durham Town Clerk

VITAL STATISTICS

JULY 1, 2010 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2011

BIRTHS: DEATHS: MARRIAGES:

54 52 38

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

27

ELECTION, PRIMARY and REFERENDA RESULTS

OFFICIAL RETURNS

STATE AND FEDERAL PRIMARY – TOWN OF DURHAM

AUGUST 10, 2010

GOVERNOR CONGRESSIONAL TOTAL

DIST 2 DIST 3 CD2 + CD3

Tom Foley*(R) 169 40 209

Michael Fedele (R) 106 31 137

Oz Griebel (R) 49 26 75

Dan Malloy*(D) 193 47 240

Ned Lamont (D) 130 53 183

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR CONGRESSIONAL TOTAL


Mark D. Boughton*(R) 128 41 169

Lisa Wilson-Foley (R) 174 46 220

Nancy Wyman *(D) 205 53 258

Mary Messina Glassman (D) 114 47 161

UNITED STATES SENATOR CONGRESSIONAL TOTAL


Linda E. McMahon *(R) 135 39 174

Peter David Schiff (R) 61 19 80

Rob Simmons (R) 138 40 178

REPRESENTATIVE IN

CONGRESS CONGRESSIONAL TOTAL

DIST 2 DIST 3 CD2

Daria Novak *(R) 119 119

Doug Dubitsky (R) 44 44

Janet Peckinpaugh (R) 153 153

Congressional District

3 NONE

SECRETARY OF THE STATE CONGRESSIONAL TOTAL


Denise Merrill *(D) 205 58 263

Gerry Garcia (D) 101 38 139

COMPTROLLER CONGRESSIONAL TOTAL


Kevin Lembo *(D) 230 71 301

Michael J. Jarjura (D) 75 24 99

28

ATTORNEY GENERAL CONGRESSIONAL TOTAL


Martha Dean * (R) 189 47 236

Ross Garber (R) 119 45 164

CD2

DEM

CD3

DEM

CD2

REP

CD3

REP

Total number of names on the official

check list 888 336 977 339

Total number of names checked on the

official check list as having voted by

absentee ballot 18 14 13 3


official check list as having voted in

person (This will NOT be the same as

public counter 295 87 324 96


official check list as having voted 313 101 337 99

Percentage Turn out: 35.25% 30.06% 34.49% 29.20%

29

STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTION – TOWN OF DURHAM

NOVEMBER 2, 2010

OFFICIAL RETURN: ELECTION - NOVEMBER 2, 2010

TOWN OF DURHAM, CONNECTICUT

70.36% 67.48% 69.56%

CD2 CD3 TOTAL

Total number of names on the official check list. 3623 1387 5010

Total number of names checked on the official checklist as having voted by

absentee ballot 149 57 206

Total number of names checked on the official checklist as having voted. 2549 936 3485

OFFICE AND CANDIDATE PARTY CD2 CD3 TOTAL

GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Tom Foley and Mark D. Boughton REPUBLICAN 1393 536 1929

Dan Malloy and Nancy Wyman DEMOCRATIC 1014 344 1358

Dan Malloy and Nancy Wyman WORKING FAMILIES 39 15 54

Thomas E. Marsh and Cicero B. Booker, Jr. INDEPENDENT 52 26 78

Paul Copp & Joshua K. Hinckley WRITE-IN VOTES 1 1 2

P. Robert Thibodeau & James Francis Farrell WRITE-IN VOTES 0 0 0

UNITED STATES SENATOR

Linda E. McMahon REPUBLICAN 1180 488 1668

Richard Blumenthal DEMOCRATIC 1247 407 1654

Dr. John Mertens

CONN. FOR

LIEBERMAN 12 3 15

Richard Blumenthal WORKING FAMILIES 54 19 73

Warren B. Mosler INDEPENDENT 25 11 36

Brian K. Hill WRITE-IN VOTES 1 0 1

Jeff Russell WRITE-IN VOTES 0 1 1

Todd Vachon WRITE-IN VOTES 1 0 1

Carl E. Vassar WRITE-IN VOTES 0 0 0

Dave Olszta WRITE-IN VOTES 0 0 0

John Traceski WRITE-IN VOTES 0 0 0

Jay J. Giles WRITE-IN VOTES 0 0 0

Matthew Coleman WRITE-IN VOTES 0 0 0

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS: CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2

Janet Peckinpaugh REPUBLICAN 1141 1141

Joe Courtney DEMOCRATIC 1254 1254

G. Scott Deshefy GREEN 24 24

Joe Courtney

WORKING

FAMILIES 55 55

Muriel P. Bianchi

WRITE-IN

VOTES 0 0

Daniel Reale

WRITE-IN

VOTES 2 2

Matthew Coleman

WRITE-IN

VOTES 0 0

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS: CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 3

Jerry Labriola, Jr. REPUBLICAN 393 393

Rosa L. DeLauro DEMOCRATIC 474 474

30

Charles A. Pillsbury GREEN 14 14

Rosa L. DeLauro

WORKING

FAMILIES 28 28

Boaz Itshaky

WRITE-IN

VOTES 0 0

STATE SENATOR: 12TH DISTRICT

Lisa Davenport REPUBLICAN 1379 522 1901

Edward Meyer DEMOCRATIC 1072 380 1452

STATE REPRESENTATIVE: 100TH DISTRICT

John Szewczyk REPUBLICAN 1372 534 1906

Matt Lesser DEMOCRATIC 996 349 1345

John Szewczyk

CONN. FOR

LIEBERMAN 33 8 41

John Szewczyk LIBERTARIAN 32 8 40

Matt Lesser

WORKING

FAMILIES 47 14 61

John Szewczyk INDEPENDENT 43 15 58

SECRETARY OF THE STATE

Jerry Farrell, Jr. REPUBLICAN 1181 452 1633

Denise Merrill DEMOCRATIC 1117 401 1518

S. Michael DeRosa GREEN 23 12 35

Ken Mosher LIBERTARIAN 22 9 31

Denise Merrill

WORKING

FAMILIES 47 11 58

Michael J. Telesca INDEPENDENT 21 8 29

TREASURER

Jeff Wright REPUBLICAN 1146 457 1603

Denise L. Nappier DEMOCRATIC 1185 399 1584

S. David Bue GREEN 28 11 39

Denise L. Nappier

WORKING

FAMILIES 45 12 57

Andrew Grant White INDEPENDENT 23 14 37

COMPTROLLER

Jack Orchulli REPUBLICAN 1106 421 1527

Kevin Lembo DEMOCRATIC 1127 390 1517

Colin D. Bennett GREEN 29 12 41

Joshua Katz LIBERTARIAN 16 9 25

Kevin Lembo

WORKING

FAMILIES 39 14 53

Hugh Dolan INDEPENDENT 37 16 53

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Martha Dean REPUBLICAN 1142 467 1609

George Jepsen DEMOCRATIC 1166 389 1555

Stephen E. D. Fournier GREEN 31 12 43

George Jepsen

WORKING

FAMILIES 50 10 60

Stephen E. D. Fournier INDEPENDENT 31 14 45

JUDGE OF PROBATE

Joseph D. Marino DEMOCRATIC 1669 581 2250

31

REGIONAL DISTRICT 13 REFERENDUM

MAY 3, 2011

OFFICIAL RESULTS

QUESTION 1:

"SHALL WE ACCEPT THE PROPOSED BUDGET OF $35,011,224 FOR THE 2011-2012 FISCAL YEAR AS

PREPARED AND PRESENTED BY THE REGIONAL DISTRICT 13 BOARD OF EDUCATION?”

Regional School District 13

Referendum Results May 3, 2011

QUESTION 1:

TOTAL

VOTES

CAST

Durham YES - 747 NO - 669 1416

Middlefield YES - 320 NO - 478 798

Total YES - 1067 NO – 1147 2214

REGIONAL DISTRICT 13 REFERENDUM

MAY 26, 2011

OFFICIAL RESULTS

QUESTION 1:

"SHALL WE ACCEPT THE PROPOSED BUDGET OF $34,786,974 FOR THE 2011-2012 FISCAL YEAR AS

PREPARED AND PRESENTED BY THE REGIONAL DISTRICT 13 BOARD OF EDUCATION?”

Regional School District 13

Referendum Results May 26, 2011

QUESTION 1:

TOTAL

VOTES

CAST

Durham YES: 733 NO: 555 1288

Middlefield YES: 320 NO: 372 692

Total YES: 1053 NO: 927 1980

32

SYNOPSIS OF TOWN MEETING ACTIONS

JULY 1, 2010 - JUNE 30, 2011

Special Town Meeting – August 23, 2010

Approved the transfer of $20,363 from #6020 contingency to #1520-124 Building & Health Town Engineer

Consultants in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

Approved the transfer of $33,844 from #6020 Contingency to #6010 Tax Refunds in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

Approved the transfer of $42,869.62 from #9685 Reserve for Highway Equipment to #3005 Capital Equipment

Lease in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Approved the transfer from Undesignated Fund Balance $23,050 to line #3007-119 Summer Intern [Workforce

Alliance to provide summer employment as part of the Youth@Work Program] Salaries and $2,638 to line

#3007-345 Grant Program in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Special Town Meeting – September 13, 2010

Approved the transfer of $287.00 from #6020 Contingency to #5505 Recreation Expenses in the 2009-2010 fiscal.

Approved the transfer of $166.00 from #6020 Contingency to #7510 Household Hazardous Waste in the 2009-

2010 fiscal year.

Approved the transfer of $8,651 from #9760 Skating Pond Repair Reserve Fund to #2566 Skating Pond Repairs;

$2,845 in the 2009-2010 fiscal year and $5,806 in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Approved the transfer up to $81,705 from #9200 Building Maintenance Reserve to #6700-469 Public Works

Project for Stormwater Permit Site Improvements in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Approved the following carryovers totaling $75,043.00 into the fiscal year 2010-2011 budget :

4085-124 Emergency Services Facility 66,873.00

6700-496 Maintenance 6,758.00

8999-345 Clean Energy Task Force Grant 1,412.00

Approved an amendment to the Ordinance to Provide Property Tax Relief for Emergency Service Volunteers.

Annual Town Meeting – October 4, 2010

Presented Proclamation to Eagle Scout Tyler Gray

Presented Proclamation to Susan VanDerzee

Set the date for the Annual Budget Meeting for May 9, 2011.

Elected Roger Kleeman to 2015 term on the Compensation Review/Personnel Policy Commission.

Elected Mary Ryan, Bob Booz and Lynn Johnson to 2013 term on the Library Board of Directors.

Elected Peter Cascini as town representative to the 2013 Term on the Board of Trustees of the Durham Volunteer

Fire Company, Inc.

Approved Stormwater and Citation Procedure Ordinances

Special Town Meeting – November 8, 2011

Approved the transfer of $20,000 from #9580 Reserve for fire equipment to #6700-494 CIP-Fire Department for

the purchase of turn out gear and boots.

Approved the transfer of $29,439 from fund balance to#6700-491 Information Technology for the purchase of

two servers.

Annual Budget Meeting – May 9, 2011

Elected Kerrie Flanagan, Norman Hicks and Bob Fulton to a three-year term on the Regional School District #13

Board of Education, said terms to expire June 30, 2014.

33

Elected Chris Flanagan and Bob Czarnecki to a two-year term on the Durham-Middlefield Interlocal Agreement

Advisory Board, said term to expire June 30, 2013.

Authorized the Board of Selectmen to accept any and all Town Aid highway funds (Transportation Infrastructure)

which may be due and available to the Town of Durham for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2011.

Adopted a total town budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 in the amount of $5,377,918 less State and local revenues

of $1,155,009 for a net town budget of $4,222,909.

Adopted a five-year Local Capital Improvement Plan.

Special Town Meeting – June 13, 2011

Approved the transfer $9,334 from #9760 Skating Pond Repair Reserve Fund to #2566 Skating Pond Repairs to

complete the project.

Approved the transfer up to $25,000 from #9620 Reserve for Fire Trustees – Building Maintenance to line #6700-

508 CIP – Fire Department Building Maintenance for the installation of air handlers at the Fire Department.

Approved a resolution granting tax fixing to Hobson & Motzer Inc.

OFFICE OF THE TAX COLLECTOR

In Fiscal Year 2011 we collected $20,885,386 in local property taxes. An addition, $118,355 in fees and interest was also

collected. On June 30, 2011 the total collected including back year collections surpassed the Town’s budgetary revenue

requirements.

Our office strives to accommodate the needs of the citizens of Durham by establishing and adhering to policies that ensure

equal treatment of all taxpayers, friendly customer service, and the timely deposit and secure handling of receipts for use

by the Town.

As of July 1, 2011 the Town has only three real estate accounts delinquent more than two years and one of those is part of

an E.P.A. Superfund site limiting possible enforcement remedies. All three accounts consist of only vacant land.

In May 2006 we began working with an attorney specializing in Connecticut real estate who does not charge the Town

any fees. Of the first 74 cases assigned to him 71 have been resolved as of June 30, 2011. We have received partial

payments on the other three.

In November 2010 we assigned the delinquent motor vehicle accounts from tax year 2008 and some from 2009 to our

collection agency. They resolved 50% of the bills in the next six months at no cost to the Town.

About 190 senior residents applied and qualified for the senior tax relief programs. Of those who qualified:

Over 180 chose the “freeze” program allowing the amount of taxes they pay annually to remain the same

as last year.

Three chose the deferral program. The amount deferred for the year is $12,400.

Over 80 of these seniors also qualified for the state “circuit breaker” program which has lower income eligibility levels

than our local programs. The state reimburses us for the relief we give under the CB program.

Finally, I would like to thank Assistant Tax Collector Diane Breton and the people of Durham for making this a successful

collection year despite continuing uncertain economic times. Your suggestions as to how we can better serve you are

appreciated.


Martin French, CCMC

Tax Collector

[email protected]

34

REPORT OF TAX COLLECTOR – PROPERTY TAXES

TO

WN

OF

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RH

AM

, C

ON

NE

CT

ICU

T

SC

HE

DU

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OF

PR

OP

ER

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AN

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UT

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TO

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TE

FO

R F

ISC

AL

YE

AR

2011

Gra

nd

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lle

cte

d T

ax

es

Tra

ns

fers

T

ran

sfe

rs

Ad

just

ed

Un

co

lle

cte

d

Lis

t Ju

ly 1

, 2010 a

nd

Su

sp

en

se

To

De

ferr

ed

To

Aq

uir

ed

by

NS

F &

Re

fun

ds

Ta

xe

sL

ien

an

dT

ax

es

Ye

ar

Cu

rre

nt

Le

vy

Ad

dit

ion

sD

ed

ucti

on

sC

olle

cti

on

sS

us

pe

ns

eC

olle

cti

on

sD

efe

rre

dFo

reclo

su

reA

dju

stm

en

tsIs

su

ed

Co

lle

cti

ble

Ta

xe

sIn

tere

stO

the

r Fe

es

To

tal

Ju

ne

30, 2011

2009

20,9

42,7

19.8

3$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

20,9

42,7

19.8

3

-

-

-

-

20,9

42,7

19.8

3

2009

2008

253,6

93.9

3$

23,4

57.9

9

(84,6

73.0

1)

416.0

9

(1

,788.3

1)

-

(1

2,39

9.12

)

-

6,1

68.6

8

32,5

88.8

8

184,8

76.2

5

20,6

57,7

66.5

0

58,3

67.8

2

415.0

0

20,7

16,5

49.3

2

(20,4

40,3

01.3

7)

20

08

2007

112,8

27.0

7$

6,2

13.1

1

(1

9,7

22.4

3)

-

(3,2

15.1

5)

-

-

-

7,48

1.45

1,3

02.4

7

103,5

84.0

5

146,3

64.0

0

27,3

96.7

5

816.0

0

174,5

76.7

5

(41,4

77.4

8)

2007

2006

15,1

15.8

3$

-

(2

,571.8

6)

12.6

5

(2,9

59.7

2)

-

-

-

-

482.2

2

9,5

96.9

0

77,0

55.9

9

28,1

56.0

6

384.0

0

105,5

96.0

5

(66,9

76.8

7)

2006

2005

8,5

41.5

0$

-

(148.3

1)

-

(1,8

25.9

7)

-

-

-

-

148.3

1

6,5

67.2

2

2,3

71.4

6

1,5

33.7

1

-

3,9

05.1

7

4,3

44.0

7

2005

2004

10,3

48.9

5$

405.3

0

-

-

(429

.93)

-

-

-

-

-

10,3

24.3

2

543.4

7

115.1

8

-

658.6

5

9,7

80.8

5

2004

2003

3,1

06.3

9$

-

-

54.7

2

(343

.90)

-

-

-

-

-

2,8

17.2

1

131.7

3

84.0

2

-

215.7

5

2,6

85.4

8

2003

2002

3,06

7.32

$

-

-

-

(991

.46)

-

-

-

-

-

2,0

75.8

6

-

3.2

8

-

3.2

8

2,0

75.8

6

2002

2001

1,93

4.86

$

-

-

510.8

1

(1

,243

.19)

-

-

-

-

-

1,2

02.4

8

510.8

1

-

-

510.8

1

691.6

7

2001

2000

261.

37$

-

-

276.2

6

(1

,330

.52)

-

-

-

-

-

(7

92.8

9)

276.2

6

393.6

7

-

669.9

3

(1

,069.1

5)

20

00

1999

176.4

2$

-

-

85.2

4

(261

.37)

-

-

-

-

-

0.2

9

85.2

4

143.2

0

-

228.4

4

0.0

0

1999

1998

189.

84$

-

-

100.1

3

(1

76.4

2)

-

-

-

-

-

113.5

5

100.1

3

186.2

4

-

286.3

7

13.4

2

19

98

1997

219.

91$

-

-

176.0

0

(1

89.8

4)

-

-

-

-

-

206.0

7

176.0

0

351.8

1

-

527.8

1

0.0

0

1997

1996

-$

-

-

4.7

6

(2

19.9

1)

-

-

-

-

-

(215.1

5)

4.7

6

9.1

4

-

13.9

0

(219.9

1)

1996

1995

-$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1995

21,3

52,2

03.2

2$

30,0

76.4

0

(107,1

15.6

1)

1,6

36.6

6

(14,9

75.6

9)

-

(1

2,3

99.1

2)

-

13,6

50.1

3

34,5

21.8

8

21,2

63,0

75.9

9

20,8

85,3

86.3

5

116,7

40.8

8

1,6

15.0

0

21,0

03,7

42.2

3

412,2

66.4

0

Actu

al

Ca

sh C

oll

ecti

on

s

La

wfu

l C

orr

ecti

on

s

35

TRANSFER TO SUSPENSE TAX BOOK OF UNCOLLECTED

PERSONAL PROPERTY AND MOTOR VEHICLE TAXES

As of June 30, 2011

Bill # Name Reason for Suspense Tax Amount

List of 1997 - Motor Vehicle - due 7/1/1998

1997-03-

0051908 Fortier, James A

Address Unknown/ Unable to

Locate $219.91


1998-03-



Locate $189.84

List of 1999 - Motor Vehicle Supplemental - due 1/1/2001

1999-04-



Locate $176.42


2000-03-



Locate $155.93

2000-03-

0053179 Keeling, Robert M Deceased $105.44


2001-03-

0051312 Costello, Frank J


Locate $972.95

2001-03-



Locate $202.57

2001-03-

0053253 Keeling, Robert M Deceased $105.59


2001-04-

0080242 Costello, Frank


Locate $49.41


2002-03-



Locate $1,078.37

2002-03-



Locate $164.82


2003-03-



Locate $896.93


2003-04-

0081089 Stewart, Clinton J


Locate $94.53

36


2004-03-

0055008 O Rourke, Brian M


Locate $8.40

2004-03-



Locate $254.60


2004-04-

0080019 Alfano, Alicia A


Locate $80.90


2005-03-

2050121 Almeida, Dawne L


Locate $114.84

2005-03-



Locate $148.84


2005-04-



Locate $38.25

2005-04-



Locate $23.18

2005-04-



Locate $45.02

2005-04-

0080555 Hofer, Renee M


Locate $59.80


2006-03-



Locate $95.03

2006-03-



Locate $130.25

2006-03-



Locate $306.86

List of 2006 - Motor Vehicle - due 7/1/2007 - Continued

2006-03-



Locate $561.75

2006-03-

0057725 Ahrens, Howard R


Locate $139.03

2006-03-



Locate $49.09

2006-03-



Locate $64.84

2006-03-

0061752 Legge, Richard G


Locate $240.19

2006-03-

0062009 Macintyre, Kelley H


Locate $59.33

2006-03-

0064538 Tehrani, Joann L


Locate $46.99


2006-04-

0080059 Bauer, Steven J


Locate $33.68

37

2006-04-

0080229 Cromer, Michelle T


Locate $54.89

2006-04-



Locate $12.99

2006-04-



Locate $31.05

List of 2007 - Personal Property - due 7/1/2008

2007-02-

0040157

Ulizio, Owen And Degennaro,

Ron Out of Business $292.82

2007-02-

0040348 RP Building Contractors, LLC Out of Business $682.76


2007-03-



Locate $90.56

2007-03-

0055919 Robarge, Brian M


Locate $12.65

2007-03-



Locate $454.91

2007-03-



Locate $222.34

2007-03-

0050057 Ahrens, Howard R


Locate $254.10

2007-03-

0050390 Bauer, Steven J


Locate $39.64

2007-03-



Locate $45.15

2007-03-



Locate $61.95

2007-03-

0051494 Cromer Flooring, LLC


Locate $121.54

2007-03-

0051495 Cromer Flooring, LLC


Locate $12.08

2007-03-



Locate $56.96

2007-03-



Locate $13.13

2007-03-



Locate $76.91

2007-03-



Locate $127.05

2007-03-

0053636 Jones, Amy M


Locate $233.88

2007-03-

0054356 Macintyre, Kelley H


Locate $56.44


2007-04-

0080551 Jacobs, Jonathan M


Locate $8.85

2007-04-

0080560 Jervis, Michael G


Locate $23.00

2007-04- Osvald, Susan E Address Unknown/ Unable to $73.00

38

0080783 Locate


2008-02-

0040231 RP Building Contractors, LLC Out of Business $979.36

2008-02-

0040269




2008-03-



Locate $322.00

2008-03-



Locate $173.44

2008-03-

0051498 Croog, Fred M


Locate $171.09

2008-03-



Locate $31.70

2008-03-

0052186 Escamilla, Juan M


Locate $37.47

2008-03-



Locate $118.69

2008-03-



Locate $34.06

2008-03-



Locate $50.04

2008-03-



Locate $196.24

2008-03-

0055167 Nelson, Owen R


Locate $318.72

2008-03-

0055371 Osvald, Susan E


Locate $94.58

2008-03-

0057148 Tzou, Jing Hwa


Locate $270.12


2009-02-

0040265




2009-03-

0051576 Crystal Wood Stables, Llc Out of Business $17.61

2009-03-



Locate $36.46

2009-03-

0053510 Housewright Development, Inc. Out of Business $318.50

2009-03-

0053511 Housewright Development, Inc Out of Business $97.59

2009-03-



Locate $33.78

2009-03-



Locate $49.33

2009-03-



Locate $165.69

39

2009-03-

0055233 Nelson, Owen R


Locate $344.78

2009-03-

0055463 Osvald, Susan E


Locate $94.91


2009-04-

0080869 Rae, Patrick M


Locate $19.36

Grand Total: 82 $14,975.69

REGISTRAR OF VOTERS

Much of July 2010 was focused on the Aug 10, 2010 primary for state and federal offices. There were three different

ballots with 4 different elections being held at one polling place in Korn School. Due to the number of candidates, cross

endorsements and districts, the election was complicated. Because these were the first primaries held under the new

campaign finance laws, we had an unusually high number of requests from candidates, party representatives, media

organizations and the general public concerning eligibility, registered voters, voter registration procedures, petitioning

procedures, and data on recently registered voters as well as election laws.

The Republican Registrar processed petitions from Republican candidates. The number of voters voting in the August

Primaries were:

District 2 Democrats 956

Republicans 878

District 3 Democrats 329

Republicans 337

Once again, Durham was one of the 10% of voting districts selected for auditing, requiring a hand count in two different

races in September. Our audit was completely accurate the first count, an amazing accomplishment.

We jumped from the audit directly to preparing for the November election. 1289 votes were cast In District 3 and 2549

votes were cast in District 2. We had a near record of 159 absentee ballots cast, for a total turnout of 3838.

Registrars supervise absentee voting at Twin Maples for every primary and election. Nearly 25% of the residents of our

local nursing home are registered voters, an unusually high number, most of whom are dedicated voters.

From January through April, we conducted our annual canvass to verify the accuracy of our elector data. We also have

been steadily working on ensuring our files reflect people who have moved or died, which requires verification before

removal from the voting lists.

In April, we held a voter registration drive at Coginchaug Regional High School. We attended the annual Town budget

meeting in May to count ballots for the Board of Education election.

In May we also held 2 referenda on the budget for Regional School District 13.

May 3, 2011 747 Yes 669 No

May 26, 2011 723 Yes 555 No

40

The Secretary of State had been paying for ballots and machine maintenance, so part of this year was spent in

investigating contracts and refinement of ordering ballots. The State has since decided to continue paying the costs of

tabulator maintenance for one more year.

Karen continued to serve on the state Board of the Registrars of Voters Association of Connecticut (ROVAC), spending

much of the spring working on changes to the Bylaws. The Registrars and Deputy Registrars attended the Fall and Spring

conferences, learning about changes in legislation, regulations, technology and state financing. The Registrars are co-

chairs of the Middlesex County ROVAC group, so held one meeting on petitions, one on Best Practices, and two on

proposed legislative changes. The state legislature passed 4 bills concerning Registrars, and we met with our legislator

and senator, ROVAC lobbyist and others regarding our experiences with vote attribution and proposed legislative

solutions. We continued work on our Registrars’ manual, increased poll worker training and drafted new materials.

Currently, the total number of Registered Voters is:

District 2 3579

District 3 1372

Total 4951

There were 238 additions, 459 removals and 684 changes officially made.


Karen Cheyney Robert R. Schulte

Democratic Registrar of Voters Republican Registrar of Voters

PLANNING AND ZONING

The Planning and Zoning Commission meets regularly on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

The past year was, again, a busy one due to the number of application received, workshop sessions held and site

inspections conducted.

Professional Staff

Town Planner and Zoning Geoffrey L. Colegrove,

Executive Director

Enforcement Officer: Midstate Regional Planning

Agency

Town Engineer: Brian Curtis, P.E., Jacobsen

& Assoc., Inc.

Legal Counsel: Steven Byrne, Esq.

Assistant Zoning

Enforcement Office: Alan Johanson

Recording Secretary: Jan Melnik

41

The Year in Review 2010-2011

The number of applications received by the Planning and Zoning Commission remains steady. A breakdown of the

applications reviewed by the Commission follows:

SPECIAL EXCEPTION/SPECIAL PERMIT

Regional School District #13, On-Site Screening of Topsoil and Earth Materials for Athletic Field, Pickett Lane.

8-24 REVIEW

Town of Durham, Replacement of Culvert at Allyn Brook, Pickett Lane.

SITE PLAN REVIEW

Tilcon Inc., Renewal of Earth Excavation and Removal Permit, South Side of Wallingford Road.

O’Neal Industrial Corporation, Construct Additional to Store Delivery Truck and Bobcat for Snow Removal, 105

Commerce Circle.

Regional School District #13, Scoreboard for Athletic Field, Pickett Lane.

Town of Durham, Construct Three Buildings at the Public Works Facility, 20 Cream Pot Road

Stonegate Springs, LLC, Operate a Preparatory School with Sports Camps, Instructions, and Leagues, 459R

Wallingford Road. Applicant: Aim High Sports Academy. Application: Withdrawn

DiNatale Rental, LLC, Automobile and Equipment Service in the Harvey Industrial Zone, 593 Wallingford Road.

Royalty Transportation Service, LLC.

ZONE CHANGES

Richard Kaika, III, Change of Zone from FR to C, 999R New Haven Road. Application Denied.

HOME OCCUPATION

Mark Shadle, Mobile Kitchen, 423 Haddam Quarter Road.

SUBDIVISIONS and RESUBDIVISIONS

Glen Yates, Resubdivision creating two additional lots, 155R Harvey Road.

MODIFICATION TO EXISTING SPECIAL PERMIT AND/OR SITE PLAN

Stone gate Springs, LLC, Modification to Special Permit for an amendment to include in the Durham Zoming

Regulations Section 05.01.01.01. #6 camps, day or boarding; #8 child and adult day care center and #28 Schools

and Colleges, private, including dormitories, 459R Wallingford Road.


George Eames, III, Chairman

Durham Planning and Zoning Commission

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

SERVICE

From the moment the doors open at 10:00 a.m. and close, most days, at 9:00 p.m., staff are ready, willing and able to

provide quality customer service to the community. In this year of several extended staff shortages, unpaid furlough days,

a record-breaking harsh winter, and an uncertain economic environment, the library has been here – consistent, reliable,

stable – providing our community with excellent collections, programs and services. The recipe for success is simple –

take commitment to quality customer service and mix well with dedication to staff recognition, empowerment, and on-

going training and development.

42

Circulation has always been and will always be the most basic indicator of library use. Tracking returns/check-ins gives

us an accurate picture of daily library activity and use of staff time. This past year 266,263 items circulated in and out of

the library. Although this represents a 0% change from last year’s numbers, there were big increases in some categories:

graphic novels 51%; large print 22%; YA books 27%; gentle reads 130%. Among the categories that saw a decrease were

science-fiction and media. We continue to monitor usage to ensure our collections stay relevant and current, with the goal

of providing collections that reflect our patrons’ interests and needs.

Our technology initiatives have seen great results. Self-check is consistently used by a broad cross- section of library

users, with and without lines at the circulation desk, and e-mail notifications account for more than 75% of overdue and

hold pick-up notices, saving postage and time, while providing information to patrons in near real-time.

BUDGET

We continually look for ways to save in all budget lines, and our efforts have been successful, closing out the year with

more than $10,000 in unexpended funds. Despite the Town’s financial challenges, the library was deemed important

enough to the quality of life in Durham that it was spared major cuts. We are fortunate that the town boards and officials,

and the voting public, understand and appreciate the importance of the public library to the community.

The following cost/benefit analysis demonstrates the dollar value of the library’s collection to the community:

Number of annual circulations per capita: 27

(based on FY 10-11 circulation)

Library materials budget per capita: $7.00

(based on FY 11-12 budget)

Cost per capita for each circulation: $0.26

Number of new items per capita purchased in 2010: 1.07

Average per capita cost if items were purchased by individuals: $835.46

(i.e. not borrowed from library)

Size of collection (total items): 70,828

Building capacity (total items): 62,000

Number of items checked out in June, 2011: 18,741

PROGRAMS

Our 2010-2011 Summer Reading Program was an outstanding success, as the numbers below indicate:

SUMMER READING

PROGRAM

Participants 10/11 09/10

Adults 154 140 10%

Children 484 433 12%

43

Young Adults 95 66 44%

Total Participants 733 639 15%

Books Read

Adults 432 427 1%

Children 7,520 5,836 29%

Young Adults 419 224 87%

Total Books Read 8,371 6,487 29%

During the past year, the library applied for a grant from the NEH to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.

There was only one grant awarded per state, which went the Avon Library. However, we did not give up on the idea of

presenting a series of programs that would acknowledge Connecticut’s role in the War, highlight issues and ideas that led

to the war, and portray what life was like for ordinary people during this traumatic conflict. Among the program

presenters is Matthew Warshauer, a CCSU professor of history, who will discuss his new book, Connecticut in the

American Civil War: Slavery, Sacrifice and Survival. To fund these events, the library has applied for a CVEF grant. Most

of the programs are geared to families; we will also offer book discussions and other events specifically for children and

teens.

PARTNERSHIPS

During the school year our children and young adult librarians make frequent visits to area schools, participate in school

events and share bibliographies with teachers and school librarians. Teachers alert our librarians to assignments, so we can

gather material ahead of time to support students in their reading and projects. This close tie has been furthered by the

participation of the library director in the Wellness Council, which brings together RSD officials, social service providers,

town residents and officials. We will use these connections to promote our Civil War series and complement the

curriculum.

TECHNOLOGY & THE FUTURE

There was a time when most libraries had “Technology Plans,” some libraries were even mandated by statute to provide

them. Amazingly, those documents were designed to be five year plans. Now, when technology changes/morphs almost

daily, it is ludicrous to think that a library can plan what their technical footprint and service model will be in the future.

Size, budget, mission and staff training often combine to limit what a library can or even should provide in the way of

technical innovation. Yet, we are charged with staying abreast of new developments and trying to forecast when the wave

will hit our libraries and what the service and budget implications will be.

Now we have the phenomenon of e-books. The impact on publishing and book stores has been enormous and is still

reverberating. Remember Borders? Going one step further, some writers, including the ubiquitous James Patterson, are

testing the net self-publishing route. But what is the impact of e-books on libraries? and what is the potential? Right now,

the jury is deadlocked on those questions. At the moment, Overdrive is the only vendor offering multiple e-book titles to

libraries. The service is extremely expensive, but the shared cost within LION makes it possible for Durham to

participate.

Like downloadable audio books before it, you cannot download from Overdrive to the most popular e-book reader,

Kindle, although Amazon and Overdrive have announced a future collaboration. At least one other vendor is in the beta

testing of a similar service, with the same high fees. Along with the high cost, there are numerous restrictions and

inconveniences for the borrower. Furthermore, some publishers won’t sell their e-books to Overdrive, while others limit

the total number of circulations a library e-book can have (HarperCollins’s limit is 26 before it disappears.) Some libraries

are taking the route of buying Kindles, purchasing e-books and lending the loaded Kindles. That is a very expensive and

limited business model. What’s next, buying iPads and lending them with e-books? As it happens, Durham’s circulation

of e-books is not even a fraction of our book and media circulation: 21 is the average e-book circulation per month vs.

15,000 books and media. So we watch, monitor, read the professional literature and listen to our patrons. And wait for the

Next New Thing.

44

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Our dedicated PALS put promethean energy into fundraising activities for the benefit of the library. From the Taste of

Durham, everybody’s favorite party, to the flamingo flocking and book sale, their tireless efforts make the Summer

Reading Program, special programming through the year and new initiatives possible. This year, they provided funding

for new board book shelving. By the way, PALS is always on the lookout for new members to continue and expand their

work.

Thank you too, to the Board of Trustees for their continued support, confidence and encouragement. Their dedication and

involvement make my job, not only possible, but a joyful experience.

In closing, I would like to acknowledge our terrific staff:

Cyndi Shirshac, Jane Churchill, Melissa Albin, Carol Herzig, Elizabeth Dougan, Diana St. Pierre, Patti Holden, Karyn

Gardiner and Jessica St. Pierre. They make it all happen.


Valerie R. Kilmartin

Director

DURHAM SENIOR CITIZENS BOARD

At last the Durham seniors have a central place to meet for exercise, recreational games, meals, and interesting programs

and to renew their friendships and acquaintances. The Durham Activity Center, located in the Carolyn Adams building, 2nd

floor, is the site for this happening. Senior lunches are now served on Mondays and Wednesdays to those who are 60 and

over. The luncheons are very nutritional and tasty. At least 30 people attend on a regular basis and on special occasions

we have had more than 60. Mystery prizes are given out at many of the luncheons which bring sounds of laughter

throughout the room. Our wonderful volunteers are enthusiastic, welcoming and make it a fun place to be.

We are hoping to attract more people to attend our new program which is called conversations with local talent. A popular

one was Ralph Chase storytelling around a pot belly stove after one of the lunches. Some of the programs were offered in

the early evening and the committee has more scheduled for the coming year. These are open to everyone in the

community, not just seniors.

Our current programs are very successful such as yoga and exercise class. Our Wii games are looking for more people so

that we can have challenge games. Bingo games are well attended and the card games are growing. Once again the water

class was successful and we were delighted to have another Senior Show Case with the Coginchaug senior artists. Our

Spanish and computer classes were held at the high school and were well received. The Spring Fling was bitter sweet this

year as we also said goodbye to Jan Muraca who retired after more than 30 years as our social services coordinator. Jan

was very instrumental in getting many of the programs up and running and was always ready to help our seniors. Our

new social services coordinator is Amanda Astarita who brings her own strengths to the position. We are looking forward

to working with her and to offer more new programs to our seniors. At this time we are excited about offering a foot

health clinic to our seniors. We hope to begin this sometime in the fall. It is the senior board’s mission to promote the

health, safety and well being of our town's seniors.


Lainy Melvin, Chairperson

45

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

The EDC is excited to announce the fall launch of an online database of all businesses located in Durham. The new

Durham Business Listing will be categorized like the yellow pages to help potential customers find local businesses. All

Durham businesses, including home occupations, are eligible to participate.

Business owners can participate by providing the Commission with basic information about their business. The

information will be published online on the “Business & Commerce” tab on the Town of Durham’s website and may be

used to promote the businesses through other communication vehicles.

The EDC has not only concentrated its efforts on business retention/expansion, but also with business attraction, and

marketing of the community/region. In this regard, during the past year, First Selectman Laura Francis and I attended a

free training workshop held by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. The topic was on the “Best Practices for a

Vibrant Economic Future”.

One of the speakers at the workshop was Tom Marano, whose presentation on Development Ready Communities tied into

the EDC desire to bring new businesses to the Main Street Historic District and for the other opportunities available

within our industrial/commercial areas/commercial areas. The Commission has begun production of a video for the

town’s website with the theme of “Discover Durham”.


Cliff Colwell, Chairman

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The Conservation Commission had a busy year highlighted by the continued flooding of the White Farm property. The

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources

Conservation Service provided an analysis of what would be required to rechannelize Allyn Brook on the White Farm

property. At a subsequent public forum in May the sentiment was to restore this brook in a channel that follows it's former

course. Other flood issues also affected the White Farm property including damage to the road network, erosion of

streambanks, deposition of sediment on grassland areas and loss of trees.

The Commission, aided by volunteers and the Public Works Dept.,was able to clean some drainageways and remove

debris from the White Farm property. New Bluebird houses were also placed on some open-space properties.

Organizations and individuals continued to use our open space for hiking, hunting, horseback riding, flying model

airplanes and rockets and other recreational activities. The Commission and members of the Agriculture Commission also

explored use of part of the Curtis Woodland open space for a community garden site.

The Commission also lost two members, Brian Ameche and Mike Doyle. Brian had served as chairman for many years

and will be sorely missed. New members appointed to the Commission are Mark Smolley and Bob Thody. We look

forward to addressing some of the outstanding restoration and maintenance problems in the coming year.

Robert Melvin, Co-chairman

46

DURHAM CEMETERY COMPANY

Gerald Brown, President

Barbara Olsen, Vice President

Tom Palmieri, Treasurer

Kim Garvis, Secretary

Laura Francis, Assistant Secretary

Kenneth Jay, Sexton

Peg Atwell Mary DiMella

Robert Atwell Simone Howe

Greg Burritt Bruce Tubby

Dolores Caturano Maggie Peterson

Ken DiVito Richard Olsen

Throughout the year we continue the task of major brush clearing at Mica Hill Cemetery including landscape repair,

planting and pruning. We thank Greg Burritt for his hard work and dedication to this project.

The stone wall at Center Cemetery was redesigned and repaired due to two large trees and one area where the roots of the

tree were causing the wall to crumble.

Extra meetings were held this year to do a site walk of both Center Cemetery and Mica Hill Cemetery to review broken

stones in Center Cemetery and to view overgrowth of vegetation at Mica Hill Cemetery. Many stones were repaired and a

great deal of additional brush clearing along the stone wall occurred at Mica Hill Cemetery.

I became a member of the Connecticut Cemetery and New England Cemetery Associations this year and attended the

New England Conference in June. Joining these associations is an important resource for our board.

In 2010-2011 there were 14 full and 6 cremation burials at Mica Hill Cemetery, and 2 full and 3 cremation

burials at Center Cemetery. Inquiries concerning the purchase of plots at Mica Hill Cemetery can be directed to our

Sexton or to any member of the Board of Directors.


Gerald Brown

President

47

Independent Auditors Report

Town of Durham

Connecticut

For Fiscal Year Ending

June 30, 2011

See Separate File Entitled “June 30, 2011 Final Audit”

Available online

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