| February Meetings in Council Chambers at City Hall |
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City Council Meeting
Monday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Historic District Commission
Wednesday, February 28 at 7:00 p m.
Wednesday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Site Review Technical Committee
Wednesday, February 7 at 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, February 14 at 10:30 a.m.
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Wednesday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m.
School Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, February 19 at 7:00 p.m.
School Board Budget Workshop
Monday, February 5 at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m.
School Board Budget Presentation
Monday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m.
School Board Hearing on Budget
Monday, February 19 at 6:45 p.m.
Mayors Community Forum-Ward 1
Saturday, February 17 at 9:00 a.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.
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 Stay in touch with City Happenings.
- Business Email List
- City e-Newsletter
- Recreation Department
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The Mayor's Corner
Inaugural Address January 11th, 2018
How does one define success?
How does one define community?
A community is more than a thriving economy, low crime, and modern infrastructure. A community is more than quality schools, recreational opportunities, and dedicated city employees. A community is more than heroic first responders; fire, police and EMT's. A community is a place where you can feel its heart, its breath, its soul.
For 289 years, a small community continued to write its chapters in history. Each page brings forth its epic tale, from its rise during the industrial age, to leading the way in the shoe and meter market. This while Illuminating the guiding light of freedom and the American dream to all distant lands for those who yearned to bask in the warmth of liberty. Our Hilltop city attracted dedicated citizens who would add to the mosaic of our rich cultural heritage, carrying with them their language, culture and traditions which would define our uniqueness and begin our dedication to tolerance and understanding.
Through each step, we would celebrate our successes, and own our failures. Our pride and resilience would continue to be engrained in every citizen, each generation who would define themselves as a Hilltoppers. Through our brightest hours we would lead the state and nation in commerce and politics, through our darkest days we would continue to struggle to search for our place and sense of purpose amongst our surrounding city neighbors. Yet, the hope which has defined the meaning of Somersworth never dissipated. Our place as leaders did not fall victim to extinction, nor did the hope of our rise again. For one cannot lead others, until one leads themselves. One cannot offer a sense of meaning, understanding and purpose until one embraces their own.
We are a community! 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.
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| NEW In the City Council Chambers~~
Fred Herbert Brown
Major League Baseball player for the Boston Beaneaters, 1901 and 1902
11th Mayor, City of Somersworth, 1914-1922
29th United States Attorney for the District of New Hampshire, 1914-1922
59th Governor, State of New Hampshire, 1923-1925
United States Senator from New Hampshire, 1933-1939
United States Comptroller General, 1939-1940
"Fred Brown defined Hilltopper values through his commitment to excellence in public service. It was with honor that he now takes his rightful place within the Council Chambers". ~Mayor Dana Hilliard
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Free To Use at the Library 
With more than 4,000 interactive books, educational games, puzzles, and other learning activities, ABCmouse.com's award-winning online curriculum is a comprehensive online educational resource for young learners (ages 2-7+). It is now free for use on the library's public access computers.
February Art Exhibit Featuring Margaret Twitchell
Margaret Twitchell, a Somersworth resident and 50 year member and officer of the Woman's Club of Somersworth, will have her art on display at the library during the month of February. Her exhibit may be seen at the library during the regular hours of Tuesday - Thursday, 11:00 am - 7:00pm and Friday - Saturday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Her art will hang throughout the building.
Margaret Twitchell began painting and sketching when she was 17 years old. She was a member of both the Great Bay Art Association and the Durham Art Association, often participating in their exhibitions. Three times she won first place in the GFWC-NH art contest and represented New Hampshire at the national level.
What Somersworth is Reading in February 2018
Gentlemen of the Road
by Michael Chabon
In the Kingdom of Aran, in the Caucasus Mountains in 950 A.D., two adventurers wander the region, plying their trade as swords for hire, until they become involved in a bloody coup in the medieval Jewish empire of the Khazars as bodyguards for a fugitive prince. Pick up a copy at the library t
o read, and then join the group for a casual discussion of this book on February 28
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at 7:00PM at the library!
Story Times for February 
The library offers story time three times weekly; on Tuesday evening at 6:00pm, Wednesday morning at 11:15 am, and Friday morning at 10:00 am. Each story time offers book readings, a simple craft and the opportunity to borrow more books to take home all on the same theme. The story time themes for February are Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, Hedgehogs, Dr. Seuss, and Song Birds! No registration is required and the program is free. Come join the fun!
 It's Tax Season!
2017 tax forms and instruction booklets will be available online at
www.irs.gov
after the official opening of the tax season on January 29th. Due to the late passage of the tax reform bill in December, the paper forms will be delayed arriving at the library. The library staff will be happy to assist you in printing forms from
www.irs.gov
, you may call 1-800-829-3676 to request the forms you need and the IRS will mail them directly to your home, or call the library at 692-4587 to check on the status of the paper forms.
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Somersworth Police Department
Community Policing
Community & Somersworth Police Department working together in January.
was discussed at the Albert J. LaBonte Homes on January 18th. The Presentation was given by Captain McLin and Officer DeFrancesco. Topics included identify theft and how to avoid being a victim of a scams.
Navigating through Social Media
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School Resource Officer Colton Deschenes and Somersworth Youth Connection (SYC) gave a presentation to parents and guardians of Somersworth Students grades K-8 at the Somersworth Middle School on internet safety, cyber-bullying, cell phone safety and scams on January 18th.
On January 8th, Officer DeFrancesco visited Somersworth Head Start to talk to the children about safety.
 Thefts from Motor Vehicles
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Our area continues to see valuables taken from cars. Unlocked vehicles with valuables inside are an easy target. Make sure you lock your car doors and do not leave any valuables inside such as wallets, purses, any electronics, etc.
 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. Your vehicle can be towed during a Snow Emergency and you will have to pay the tow charge to get it back. Snow emergencies are 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 or go to
www.Somersworth.com. To receive news of parking bans via email, go to
www.Somersworth.com and click "Subscribe-City Email" Avoid the parking ticket and the tow (at your expense) by paying attention to snow emergency information.
Somersworth Police Facebook Page
Check out Somersworth Police Department's Facebook page. We use itto let you know about important community information including crime information, road closures, snow emergencies/ parking bans, and community events. Here is the link:
We send out Nixle alerts for parking bans and other important information to cell phones
Somersworth Crime Line
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You can leave anonymous information at 692-9111
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FIRE SAFETY
Please Remember these Fire Safety Practices during the Holiday and Winter Season.
1. If you have a power venter on your oil or gas furnace, be sure to keep your exterior vent free from snow. Often drifting snow can temporarily block the vent, and if does not clear itself from snow upon firing, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up in your home.
2. The winter months often cause wood burning stoves and furnaces to build creosote layers in chimneys and manufactured stovepipes. Burn your initial fires hot each day to clean out any lingering effects of creosote build-up and avoid soft woods, if possible.
3. Winter storms sometimes cause power failures. If you have a portable generator, be sure to follow directions on the methodology to connect it to your home's power source. If you connect it incorrectly, the generator may power the electrical lines outside your home - endangering anyone who could contact them, including power company linesmen.
4. Citizens living adjacent to fire hydrants are requested to "adopt a hydrant" for the winter and keep it clear after snowstorms. City personnel are tied up with other storm duties and often do not get around to fire hydrant clearing immediately. The property you save may be your own!
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Information from Public Works
692-4266
No change to Residential Trash and Recycling Collection Services on Presidents Day, Monday, February 19
There will be no delay in the collections for trash and recycling during the week of February 19, 2018. Reminder for residents to have your trash and recyclables out on the curb side in front of your residence no later than 7am on the day of your scheduled collection and no sooner than 24 hours in advance of this time.
Use Caution while driving in winter conditions
While spring is around the corner, we still are experiencing winter storm conditions. Motorists are asked to use caution when driving in snow and ice conditions, allow plenty of time to get to your destination, adjust speed for the conditions and avoid tailgating vehicles especially City plow trucks as you will be in the operators' blind spots. Reminder to check the City's Winter Ban Parking Information Phone (603) 692-9131 during snow events to confirm if a City parking ban is in effect; check the City's website for updates and or signup for alerts to receive emails when an emergency parking ban is in effect. The sign-up is under the Resident section of the web page and you select signups for the City newsletter. The City website is
www.somersworth.com.
Frozen Pipes - Be Aware!
With the recent stretch of very cold weather we have had several reports of frozen pipes bursting and causing extensive water damage. Here are a few reminders:
* Keep building temperatures as consistent as possible, never less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Insulate areas where water supply lines are located and eliminate drafts.
* If you have water pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or outside walls, insulate the pipes, using pipe-sleeves or other insulating material.
* Allow warm air to circulate by opening up doors to closets and cabinets where pipe chases are located.
* If you suspect that a pipe is particularly susceptible to freezing, as an emergency measure, leave water running at a trickle to prevent freezing. This is never recommended as a permanent measure and should be monitored frequently.
* Never use torches or devices with open flames to thaw frozen pipes.
If you have any questions or concerns during the day please contact us at 692-9523 or you may email our Chief Water Distribution Operator, Scott McGlynn at smcglynn@somersworth.com.
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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!!
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SMS Students Do the Right Thing
with Farm to School and SYC
The Somersworth School Board had some special guests at their Jan. 23, 2018 meeting: Kaeden Cassell and Kylia Dodier shared their positive experiences with composting at SMS and how it's benefitted not just their school, but their environment, and ultimately the school budget's bottom dollar. The middle school's beefed up food sorting efforts has resulted in increased recycling efforts. Given that a recycling dumpster costs one tenth of what a trash dumpster costs for pick-up, the less that lands in our schools' dumpsters, the fewer pick-ups required, which translates directly into more $money$ for your school, and more opportunities for Somersworth kids!
Thank you Kaden and Kylie for participating in our governmental process. You are the brave young people who will grow into courageous, active citizens of the world. High five!
8th grade math teacher Daryl Dunbar is as busy as ever. In January Mr. Dunbar received a NH Ag. in the Classroom grant toward the building of a maple syrup evaporator. Also in January he and 10 of his students tapped the first tree of 2018, right out in front of the Middle School. More trees to be tapped in the coming months in the wooded area connecting the Middle School and Maple Wood, as well as on a kindly abutting neighbor's property. Sweet rewards to come.
If you're interested in learning more, or getting involved in the numerous Farm to School projects in Somersworth, contact Wendy at wberkeley@sau56.org.
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City Hall will be closed on Monday February 19 for the President's Day Holiday
Be Safe...Happy Holidays!
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Quality Service, Quality Schools
Quality Somersworth
Vision 2020
"We Believe in Somersworth"
Proud Past, Bright Future
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