City Connection  
                                                          Proud Past, Bright Future

                                                                                                                                                                 

January                                               
2018                     
 
 
January Meetings in Council Chambers at City Hall


 
January 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Inauguration for Elected Officials
 
 
City Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 16 at 7:00 pm
 
 
Site Review Technical Committee 
Wednesday, January 3 at 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, January 10 at 10:30 a.m.


Traffic Safety Committee
Wednesday, January 17 at 2:00 p.m. 
 

Zoning Board of Adjustment 
Wednesday, January 3 at 7:00 p.m.  
  

School Board Meeting 
Tuesday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m.  


School Board Budget Workshop
Tuesday, January 30 at 7:00 p.m. 


Planning Board 
Wednesday, January 17 at 6:30 p.m.


Historic District Commission 
Thursday, January 24 at 7:00 p.m.
 
  
 
  
 

  To view Agendas of City Council meetings please visit City website  www.somersworth.com/calendar/


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City of Somersworth 
City Hall 
One Government Way
Somersworth, NH 03878 
(603) 692-9555

City Hall Hours: 
Monday - Friday  
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday 
City Hall is open until  
6:00 p.m.


 
___________________ 

Stay in touch with City Happenings. 
  • Business Email List
  •  City e-Newsletter
  •  Recreation Department





City of Somersworth  
125 Years & Counting...  
Photo courtesy of Jenne Holmes

The Somersworth 125th Commission will begin the celebration of Somersworth as a City on January 16 at 4:00 p.m. when we raise the 125th Flag at Citizen's Place.     The artwork for the flag was designed by Somersworth Student Ryan Drouin and will fly high above the City throughout the year.  
 
The 125th Commission will also be unveiling a murual at the Career Technical Center at 5pm on January 16th at 5pm. The murual has been designed and created by all the students of Somersworth and features scenes from Somersworth proud past as we look to her bright future. 
 
 
 
125th Apparel For Sale
Show your Somersworth Pride! The 125th Commission has a variety of apparel that will allow you to show off your Somersworth Pride. Tee Shirts, Hoodies and Tote Bags featuring our chosen design are available for purchase on line  thanks to Blue Dolphin Screen Printing and Embroidery. 
Please follow the link below for more details
 
A limited number of Tee Shirts are also available at  
The Gathering Place, 70 High Street in Somersworth. 
 
 
Please join us as we begin the journey of a year long celebration. 

 

The Mayor's Corner
  
The True Spirit of the Holidays is Hope.
HOPE, that despite our differences, that during this Holiday Season, as we gather to celebrate our secular and non-secular traditions, we will continue to find the common thread which binds us all...love. It is through the Christmas and Holiday lights which illuminate our homes, business and cities that we are reminded of our love of life and shared human experiences; that during the darkest days of winter, light will overtake darkness; love will prevail over hate; and that Peace will overcome war. 
                          
           
The True Spirit of the Holidays is HOPE.
HOPE, that the magic which is displayed during this Holiday Season will be planted, cultivated and harvested throughout the year. HOPE that the next generation will move forward with our successes, and learn though our failures, to create a society where all who embrace democracy, diversity, and tolerance will be celebrated and honored.
 
As we gather this Holiday Season and celebrate the return of light, let us celebrate ourselves and honor our traditions through peace and understanding. May the light of centuries shine through you; May love grace your households, families and friends; May the spirit of the holidays grace you this season and throughout the year; May you, and all who grace this earth, continue to work towards a world where our future generations will live in Peace.
 
Happy Holidays.
 
 
 
 
We are a community, we are on the move, and we are achieving progress and greatness.
 
WE ARE SOMERSWORTH!
 
                                    Mayor Dana Hilliard 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Mayor's Winter  
Office Hours

Monday:   5:00 p.m.  - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday:  5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Friday:  4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
 
People are welcomed to stop by during these times.  Or, if you prefer, you can make an appointment by calling Brenda at 692-9503 or email Brenda.

  

 
 
Photo Courtesy of Jenne Holmes
L-R Mayor Hilliard, Jessica Paradis, Jennifer Soldati 
 
The City Says Good-bye to 2 City Councilors    
Mayor Hilliard thanking Councilor Jessica Paradis and Councilor Jennifer Soldati on behalf of the City of Somersworth for their dedicated service and love for the Community.   
 

  
 

 
     

 
 
Dog License

All dogs living in the City of Somersworth, including puppies who have received their first rabies shot, must be licensed, annually, on or before April 30, in accordance with RSA 466.     
 
Dog licenses are issued by the City Clerk's Office during normal office hours. Remember to bring the dog's current rabies certificate, if not on file, and spaying/neutering certificate, if applicable.    
 
 
   
Fees
  • Puppy (older than 3 months, younger than 7 months): $7.50
  • Male and female dogs (not spayed or neutered): $10.00
  • Spayed or Neutered dogs: $7.50
  • Group License for 5 or more dogs: $20.00
  • Commercial Kennel License for 5 or more dogs: $20.00
  • Senior Citizen (65 or over): $2.00 (for 1 dog. Additional license(s) shall be at the regular fees)
In addition to the regular licensing fee listed above, a charge of $1 per month will be assessed if fees are not paid before June 1.
Owners of dogs that are not licensed by July 15 may also be subject to a civil forfeiture fee of $25.00 in addition to the fees as noted, due within 15 days of receiving notice.
 
If you have moved or no longer have your dog, please notify the City Clerk's Office at 603-692-9511 or by email at  tharris@somersworth.com .

   
 

 
     


Library News

 
      
 
What Somersworth is Reading in January 2018
 
 "Dig ging to America" by Anne Tyler
Two families meet at the Baltimore airport while waiting for their baby girls to arrive from Korea. The Iranian-American Sami and Ziba Yazdan, with Ziba' s elegant and reserved mother, Maryam, in tow, wait quietly while brash and all-American Bitsy and Brad Donaldson, plus extended family, are armed with camcorders and a fleet of balloons proclaiming "It's a girl!" After they decide together to throw an impromptu "arrival party," a tradition is born, and so begins a lifelong friendship between the two families. As they raise their daughters, the Yazdan and Donaldson families grapple with questions of assimilation and identity. When Bitsy's recently widowed father sets his sights on Maryam, she must confront her own idea of what it means to be other, and of who she is and what she values. Rich, tender, and searching.
 
Please join our book discussion series this month on Wednesday, January 24, at 7:00PM at the library. The books are available at the library for loan and ask for the book group series schedule for 2018 at the Front Desk.
 
 
Story Time Programs in January
The Children's Room weekly Story Time programs will resume on January 9th with programs on Tuesdays at 6 pm, Wednesdays at 11:15 am, and Fridays at 10 am.  These programs include several stories and an easy craft or activity based on weekly themes.  January's themes include night birds, picnics, and school buses. No registration is required, and the 2018 schedule of Story Time themes for January, February and March is now available at the library.
 
 
It's Tax Season Again
Once again the library will be a distributor for the 1040 series of tax forms and instruction booklets. The forms and booklets are ordered and we may receive them as early as late January and early February. The library staff can also assist you in printing forms from www.irs.gov , and don't forget you may call 1-800-829-3676 to request the forms you need and the IRS will mail them directly to your home.
 
  
 
Holiday Closings
The Library will be closed Monday, December 25, and Tuesday, December 26 for Christmas, and Monday January 1, 2018 for the New Year's Holiday.   
 
We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! 
  
 







Somersworth Police Department 


   
   
 
Meet our New Parking Enforcement Officer - Josh Beede
You will see Parking Enforcement Officer Beede throughout the City enforcing our parking ordinances. He has been issuing tickets and warnings to allow for residents and visitors to get re-acquainted with the City's parking and traffic regulations.  If you have a specific parking concern in your area, please reach out to him for assistance. He can be reached directly at 841-2908 or email him at Jbeede@Somersworth.com.   
                                                                            
 
Somersworth Police Association Fundraiser
 
Come out and watch your Police Officers take on the New England Patriots Alumni in a charity basketball game on January 27, 2018. Game time is 6:00 pm at the Somersworth High School gym. Proceeds go directly to the Somersworth Police Association, a 501(c)3 organization that gives to many groups throughout the City. The event always promises laughs and some good basketball too.  For information call Captain Timmons 841-2912.                                       
   
 
2018 Alarm Permit Renewals
Notices will be mailed out in December. If you own a fire alarm or security system alarm, you are required to obtain a permit. To renew your permit the fee is $10.00 if paid before the end of January, 2018 or $20.00 thereafter. If the alarm is for a residence and you are 65 or older, your permit is free. If you have questions, please call Karen at the Somersworth PD at 841-2917 or email: kcantrell@Somersworth.com.   

 
Snow Emergencies/Winter Parking Ban
During Snow Emergencies, a Parking Ban is in effect. Always be aware of overnight weather forecasts and have alternative parking plans when snow is predicted. Should you park in violation of the Parking Ban your vehicle will be towed during a Snow Emergency and you will have to pay the tow charge to get it back. The purpose of the parking ban is to enable Public Works to safely plow the roads.  Snow emergencies are generally announced on the following stations: WTSN, WOKQ, WERZ, WSHK, WHEB, WMUR Channel 9 and Local Cable Station Channel 22. You may also call the Winter Ban Hot Line at 692-9131; in addition, t o receive news of parking bans via email, go to   www.Somersworth.com and click "Subscribe-City Email"

Somersworth Police Department also uses our Facebook page to give important community information and we send out Nixle alerts for parking bans and other important information to cell phones and emails. You can sign up for Nixle at
www.Nixle.com    
 
 
   



Somersworth Crime Line
:
You can leave anonymous information at 692-9111








 What's going on at the School?
   
 
 
What Happens in Winter for Farm to School?
The gardens are put to bed, so what do we do now?  The Farm to School Team has been busier than ever, applying for the USDA Farm to School grant!  Every year the USDA releases millions of dollars in grant money for Farm to School programming, and this year Somersworth was ready to apply.  With the help of many teachers, administrators, NH Farm to School, the Somersworth DPW, and several local businesses and organizations, SAU 56 submitted its application for nearly $50,000 worth of programming needs in December.  These include Farm to School staffing needs, continued support for composting efforts and school garden needs, SYC Farm to School initiatives, and FTS Professional Development for school staff.  Awards will be announced in June of 2018.  
 
Maple season is just around the corner and we are excited to announce that NH Agriculture in the Classroom(NHAITC) will be helping out with a new evaporator!  As a successful recipient of the NHAITC Maple Equipment Grant, Middle School teacher Daryl Dunbar will be receiving a $200 check towards the purchase of supplies to build the evaporator.   Maple Season we are Ready!!! 
 
Farm t   o School will also be presenting at the Jan. 23 School Board meeting. With sever al new board members this election cycle, we're excited to get to know our new public service champions, and invite them into the fold of all that Farm to School has to offer our students.  
 
Want to know more about Somersworth Farm to School? Get on our email list by contacting Wendy at wberkeley@sau56.org
 
Learn about upcoming meetings, volunteer opportunities, and events to participate in.   
Happy 2018!
 
 
 
SYC "Got Art?" Calendars for Sale Now!
Somersworth Youth Connection is selling calendars full of student artwork from their annual art contest at the middle school. These calendars make great gifts, and look beautiful hung up. Everyone could use a calendar and a little more art in their life! Calendars are $10 and proceeds support SYC's quality after school program sustainability.
 










 
 
HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY
 
Please Remember these Fire Safety Practices during the Holiday Season. 
 
Be prepared for winter storms. The New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency has a lot of good information at www.readynh.gov so pay it a visit!
 
Colder weather means that heating appliances will be working longer and harder. Furnaces should be serviced once a year to insure that optimal performance is being generated. In this light, those who have power venters attached to their oil or gas furnaces that exit through the basement wall to the outside should be sure that they are NOT blocked by snow and ice. If they are, carbon monoxide poisoning within the structure is a real possibility.
 
Chimneys also should be cleaned out to prevent creosote build-up in the flue which can cause a chimney fire. Fires in older un-lined flues can cause serious house fires as the flames are able to penetrate into the wood framing of the home. It is wise to burn the initial fire each day very hot and not to use soft woods if possible.
 
Homeowners who have fire hydrants adjacent to their property are asked to help the City and shovel out in front of them after snow storms. The Fire Department and the DPW appreciate your assistance.
 
For those homes that do NOT have street numbers on them, it is beneficial for owners to install at least two (2) inch numbers that are of a contrasting color to that of the home. During emergencies (police, fire, ambulance), quickly identifying the location of your building saves time and perhaps lives!
 
Candles are integral to the setting of mood and decoration in our homes. Candles also are a leading cause of fires in the home. If you must have lighted candles, use those that are in a sturdy base and surrounded by glass so hazards created by the device tipping over and spreading fire is minimized.
 
 
 




   
Information from Public Works

692-4266 
   
 
December-January Holiday Solid Waste Collection Schedule -delayed Solid Waste/Recycling Collection Services for New Year's Day; and other Solid Waste Updates.
 
New Year's Day is on Monday January 1 and is an observed Holiday by the City and our solid waste collection contractor, Waste Management, Inc. This will also result in your collection day moved to the following day during this week. Monday's Collection, January 1 will occur on Tuesday, Tuesday's collection will occur on Wednesday and Wednesday's collection will occur on Thursday of that week.
 
Reminder the next Metal/Electronics Curbside Collection
by Public Works crews will occur on Tuesday January 9, 2017.  Residents must call by Monday, January 8, 2017 to be placed on the pick-up list. Use of bulky waste stickers is required and can be purchased at City Hall, City Clerk/Treasurer office, Library (cash or check), and at the DPW building at 18 Lilac Lane (check only).
 
Christmas Tree Drop Program
Christmas Tree Drop off and collection services:  The Department of Public Works will provide Christmas Tree Drop off and limited collection services during the month of January. Somersworth residents may drop off their Christmas trees at the DPW Facility located at 18 Lilac Lane. All ornaments and decorations must be removed as Highway personnel grind up the trees for future composting. A designated location within the main parking lot will be provided for the drop off.
 
Public Works Highway crews will also collect Christmas Trees without ornaments and decorations the week of January 8. Following the standard trash and recycling collection services. Set out your tree by 7am which is the same time as you set out your trash and recyclables during this week and Highway personnel will collect and remove. As a reminder those dates are Monday January 8, Tuesday January 9, and Wednesday January 10.
 
New Solid Waste Program Guides are now available at the DPW Facility and at City Hall, City Clerks' office. Staff will be posting the program guide on the City's website as well. Refer to the City website and FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about other solid waste, recycling, bulky waste and electronic waste topics.   
 
Winter Parking Ban Alerts
During the winter, parking bans are called typically when snow or ice conditions makes it unsafe for vehicles to park while City winter plow equipment is clearing roads and sidewalks. Call the recorded snow line for winter snow parking ban information at 603-692-9131. In addition, sign up for the City Manager's monthly newsletter and receive regular email updates on a range of City informational topics, including parking bans. Check the City website www.somersworth.com for current postings on winter emergency parking bans .
 
 
   
   



 
Recreation Office Activities 
 
Recreation Volunteer Opportunities!
Community members and friends we need your help! We have special events coming up that takes the help from several volunteers to facilitate. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, build relationships, earn volunteer hours, and so much more. We have many different volunteer tasks so please reach out to see if there's something you can help with. If you have any special skills please reach out as we're always looking for new and creative ways to improve our special events. This is also a great way for high school students to receive volunteer hours.
 
Upcoming Recreation Special Event Dates:
 
  Father/Daughter Valentine's Dance
Thursday, February 8th
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Volunteer tasks needed: decorating, set-up/break-down, concession line, registration, and more.
 
Easter Egg-Stravaganza Egg Hunt
Friday, March 30th
4:30 p.m.
Millenium Park- 99 Stackpole Road
 
Volunteer tasks needed: decorating, set-up/break-down, hiding Easter Eggs, line attendants, and more!!
 
 
     



  
 
 




 
City Hall will be closed will be closed on Monday January 1 for the New Year's Day Holiday and  on Monday, January 15 for  
Martin Luther King  Day

   Be Safe...Happy Holidays!   

 

     


 

Quality Service, Quality Schools

Quality Somersworth                  

                                             Vision 2020

 

"We Believe in Somersworth"   

   

Proud Past, Bright Future