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November 19th Select Board Newsletter

Posted on: November 23, 2021 - 1:37pm

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Dear Stratham Residents,

Please read below for news and notes from the Town of Stratham. In this edition:

  • Thanksgiving Trash Delay Only Affects Thursday and Friday Routes
  • Transfer Station - Seasonal Schedule Change Reminder
  • Tax Bills Are Coming
  • Future Elections Polling Locations Discussion
  • Stratham to Become a Purple Heart Community
  • Age-Friendly Steering Committee Opportunity 
  • Trail Management Advisory Committee Public Forum - Dec. 1
  • Rock Sampling at SHP
  • Survey of Stratham Historic Properties Underway
  • Scouts BSA Wreath Fundraiser
  • Library News

Please remind your neighbors about this resource for keeping on top of information from the Town.  To sign-up for these updates and other notifications, please visit: https://www.strathamnh.gov/subscribe.

The Select Board
Michael Houghton, Chairman            Joe Lovejoy, Vice Chair            Allison Knab

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY - DELAY IN PICK UP
According to the 2021-22 curbside collection calendar the Thanksgiving holiday will only impact Thursday and Friday pick-ups.  This means if your trash/recycling pick up is normally on Thursday, it will be Friday the week of Thanksgiving.  Friday's pick-up will be on Saturday.  Tuesday and Wednesday routes remain on their usual schedule.  If you have any questions, please contact Karen Richard 772-7391 x187.

TRANSFER STATION - SEASONAL SCHEDULE CHANGE
The Transfer Station will begin its winter schedule in December (Dec. 1 - March 31).  It will no longer be open on Thursdays and will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (it will be open on Saturday, November 27th).  Beginning December 1st, the Station will be open the first and third Saturday of the month from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  As always, please remember, checks only.  The Transfer Station attendant cannot accept cash or credit/debit cards.

TAX BILLS ARE COMING
We are proceeding through the steps of setting the 2021 tax rate for the Town.  This year, our process was again impacted by delays in completing utility values at the State level.  Please be on the look out for tax bills that will be due toward the end of December.

With the 2nd half of property tax season upon us, as a reminder, there are various ways that Stratham property owners can pay their property taxes. 

  • In order to help manage the number of in person transactions, we encourage the use of the drop box at the municipal center; residents looking for a receipt should please make a note on your envelope and one will be mailed to you.
  • Property taxes can be paid in the office with cash, check or money order. 
  • You can also pay your taxes online here, however transaction fees are incurred.

Upon receipt of your tax bill and, if you have a mortgage, it is suggested that you reach out to your lender if your taxes are escrowed.  Timely payment of taxes are the homeowner’s responsibility.  The Tax Collector’s Office does not send separate invoices to lenders.  Please feel free to contact us directly should you have any questions, (603) 772-4741 ext. 140.

FUTURE ELECTIONS POLLING LOCATIONS
At a recent Select Board meeting, the Board reviewed a joint memo recommending polling locations for future elections.  Following the succesful usage of Stratham Memorial School for the 2020 elections, the Board is reviewing the locations for all future elections.  So far, through the report back, the Board has solicited the feedback of the Supervisors of the Checklist and the Town Moderator and Deputy Moderator.  The Board welcomes additional feedback from the community and plans to revisit this discussion at its first meeting in December.  Please direct feedback concerning this issue to Town Administrator David Moore at dmoore@strathamnh.gov.

PURPLE HEART COMMUNITY DESIGNATION
At the December 6th Select Board meeting the Board will read a proclamation establishing Stratham as a Purple Heart Community, similar to other communities across the country. This is designed as a tribute to the men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal.  In addition to the proclamation, the Board intends to share word of the designation and erect a sign that Purple Heart Community organizers made available. To learn more reach out to Town Administrator David Moore at 603 772-7391 ext 187.

AGE-FRIENDLY STEERING COMMITTEE OPPORTUNITY
We received great feedback and interest in the Town’s participation in the Age-Friendly Communities Initiative following its mention in the November 5th newsletter.   The Board is welcoming those interested in participating in the Steering Committee to complete this application and submit it to the Planning Department at planning@strathamnh.gov by December 6th.  The Steering Committee's work will begin in January and include working with the Town staff and the Rockingham Planning Commission to provide input as part of an assessment and help organize an outreach forum for Stratham. 

TRAIL MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE PUBLIC FORUM - DECEMBER 1ST
Trail Management Advisory Committee will be hosting their second Public Forum, for the stewardship of the trails at the Stratham Hill Park trail network, Wednesday, December 1st at 6pm at Stratham Municipal Center, 10 Bunker Hill Avenue.  Committee presentation to members of the public and break out sessions focused on trail maintenance, use/signage and rules and regulations.  You can follow the Committee's work here.  Questions please contact staff, Parks and Recreation Director, Seth Hickey, shickey@strathamnh.gov . 

ROCK SAMPLING AT SHP
Rock sampling will be occurring this weekend at SHP in effort to better understand the timing and pattern of glacial retreat and marine regression associated with deglaciation in the Seacoast of New Hampshire following the Last Glacial Maximum.  For more information regarding the project and the projected scope of work, please visit this link on the Town website.

SURVEY OF STRATHAM HISTORIC RESOURCES UNDERWAY
The Town has hired a preservation consultant to prepare a town-wide historical resource survey.  In addition to using a wide range of public sources to research the development of Stratham, Lisa Mausolf will be driving along streets across town taking photographs of street-side views to document the historical and architectural patterns that characterize our town.

This project is identified in Stratham’s 2019 Master Plan as part of its goal of expanding knowledge, appreciation, and documentation of our architectural, cultural, and social heritage.  It is sponsored by the Heritage Commission and funded through the Town’s Heritage Preservation Fund.  For more information click here to read more.   

SCOUTS BSA WREATH FUNDRAISER
On Saturday, December 4th, Scouts BSA Troop 185 will be selling wreaths at the Fire Station from 8am to 1pm (or until we sell out).  Come by to purchase one and start your holiday decorating by supporting your local Scouts!  Pre-orders will also be taken through the Troop website at strathamtroop186.org after Thanksgiving.
 

wiggin library
WIGGIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY NEWS
Are you subscribed to the library's newsletters? There's something for everyone! The library is open and awesome Mondays through Thursdays 10AM - 6PM, Fridays 10AM - 5PM, and Saturdays 10AM - 2PM.  Check out our brand-new catalog!