Welcome to Lyman


NOTICES and ITEMS OF INTEREST

OFFICE CLOSINGS
The Town Offices will be closed Monday, September 1st, for the Labor Day holiday. The Selectmen will not meet that evening.

STATE VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS
The Town Clerk's office has some exciting news. The state portion of motor vehicle renewals can now be processed at the Town Clerk's office. Lyman achieved Municipal Agent status on August 11, 2008. Annual registration renewals can now be completed with one stop plus the vehicle inspection. The ability to renew by mail will also begin very soon. See details on the Town Clerk page.

SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST SESSION
Tuesday - September 2, 2008 - 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm - Lyman Town Hall

This is the last day for additions or corrections to the checklist after this session until State Primary election day - September 9, 2008.

NEW LAW IN EFFECT REGARDING OUTDOOR WOOD BOILERS
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services wants to make people aware of a new law that applies to outdoor wood boilers (also known as outdoor woodfired hydronic heaters). If you already own an outdoor wood boiler or are thinking about purchasing one, you should know about HB 1405 (Chapter 362, Laws of N.H. 2007) of which certain provisions went into effect on August 10, 2008. The law establishes requirements for the sale, installation and use of these devices.

As of August 10, 2008, only clean wood and wood pellets made from clean wood may be burned in these devices. In addition, outdoor wood boilers that are purchased and installed after August 10 and before January 1, 2009, and do not meet certain particulate emission standards as certified by the U.S. EPA, must meet two conditions. First, they must be installed no closer than 200 feet from an abutting residence. Second, they must have a permanent attached stack that is at least 2 feet higher than the peak of the roof of a residence or place of business (not served by the unit) located within 300 feet of the outdoor wood boiler. Also effective August 10, all distributors and/or sellers of outdoor wood boilers are required to provide prospective buyers with a copy of the new law.

Effective immediately, owners of existing outdoor wood boilers that are deemed a nuisance or injurious to public health by either the municipality or the Department of Health and Human Services will be required to abate the nuisance. DES will provide technical assistance to the municipality and the Department of Health and Human Services if this situation arises.

In addition to the requirements listed above, after January 1, 2009, the only outdoor wood boiler models that can be sold in New Hampshire must be certified by the U.S. EPA as meeting a Phase I particulate matter emission limit of 0.6 pounds per million British Thermal Units input or a stricter Phase II particulate emission limit of 0.32 lb/MMBTU output. Effective April 1, 2010, all units must meet the Phase II standard in order to be sold in the State. Units that meet the Phase I or Phase II EPA standards will be labeled accordingly.

Phase I units must be installed no closer than 100 feet from the nearest property line and have a permanent attached stack of 2 feet higher than the peak of the roof of a residence or place of business (not served by the unit) located within 300 feet of the unit. Phase II units must be installed no closer than 50 feet from the nearest property line.

DES recommends that individuals who currently own and operate an outdoor wood boiler follow best management practices for operation. People considering purchasing an outdoor wood boiler are urged to purchase the newest and cleanest burning units available. A complete list of certified makes and models can be found at the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/woodheaters/models.htm.

For questions about New Hampshire’s requirements and how they might apply to you, please call Pamela Monroe at DES, 6032710882.

INVENTORY OF TAXABLE PROPERTY FORMS
The Board of Selectmen voted last fall to discontinue using the PA-28 Inventory of Taxable Property forms. They felt the cost to prepare, mail, and process the returned inventories was not worth the small amount of new information gained each year.

Keep in mind that building permits are required for ALL new construction, modifications to dwellings, additions, decks, porches, barns, woodsheds, garages, sheds, etc. If you remove a building, you must also notify the town so your valuation can be adjusted.

NEW TOWN CLERK HOURS - EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2008
Monday and Wednesday 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Thursday 8:00 am - 1:30 pm
Monday evening by appointment
Town Offices are closed Tuesday and Friday.

2007 PROPERTY TAX RATE = $19.14

DHHS INFORMATION ON NOROVIRUS

What is Norovirus?

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the “stomach flu,” or gastrointestinal (stomach and digestive) illness. Norovirus infection occurs occasionally in only one or a few people or it can be responsible for large outbreaks, such as in long-term care facilities.

Who gets Norovirus?

Norovirus infects people of all ages worldwide. It may, however, be more common in adults and older children.

How does someone get Norovirus?

Norovirus is spread from person to person via feces, but some evidence suggests that the virus is spread through the air during vomiting. Good hand washing is the most important way to prevent the transmission of Norovirus. Outbreaks have been linked to sick food handlers, ill health care workers, cases in facilities such as nursing homes spreading to other residents, contaminated shellfish, and water contaminated with sewage.

What are the symptoms of Norovirus?

Serious illness rarely occurs. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Diarrhea may occasionally accompany vomiting. Fever is usually low grade or absent. Infected people generally recover in 1-2 days.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?

The incubation period for Norovirus is 1-2 days.

How is Norovirus infection diagnosed?

Laboratory diagnosis is difficult but there are tests that can be performed in the New Hampshire Public Health Lab in situations where there are multiple cases. Diagnosis is often based on the combination of symptoms and the short time of the illness.

What is the treatment for Norovirus infection?

No specific treatment is available. People who become dehydrated might need to be rehydrated by taking liquids by mouth. Occasionally patients may need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous fluids.

How can Norovirus be prevented?

While there is no vaccine for Norovirus, there are precautions people should take: For specific concerns about Norovirus, call the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Communicable Disease Control Section at 603-271-4496 or 800-852-3345 x4496. For further information, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov or the NH Department of Health and Human Services website at www.dhhs.state.nh.us.

DHHS INFORMATION ON STAPH INFECTIONS

What is a Staph skin infection?

Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) bacteria are commonly found on the skin of healthy persons. A Staph skin infection can be a pimple, rash, boil, or an open wound. Staph infections often begin with an injury to the skin. Symptoms of Staph infection may include redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness of the skin. Sometimes it does not cause any problems; sometimes it causes minor infections, such as pimples or boils. If left untreated, it can cause serious skin infections or worse.

How do Staph skin infections spread?

Staph lives on skin and survives on objects for 24 hours or more. Staph can rub off on the skin of an infected person onto the skin of another person during rigorous skin-to-skin contact. Or, the Staph bacteria can come off of the infected skin of a person onto a shared object, and get onto the skin of the next person who uses it. Examples of commonly shared objects include towels, soap, razors, and athletic equipment.

How can I prevent myself or my family members from getting infected?

Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Keep cuts and scrapes clean with soap and water. Avoid skin contact and sharing personal items with anyone you suspect could have a Staph skin infection. When using protective gloves to the treat infected area, remove and dispose of properly; wash your hands with soap and water after removing them. Do not share personal items with other persons who might have skin infections.

What should I do if I think I have a skin infection?

Consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you think you have a skin infection. Early treatment can help prevent the infection from getting worse. Be sure to follow directions from your doctor or healthcare provider closely, even when you start to feel better. Not taking all of your pills may lead to stronger, antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

If I was told by my healthcare provider that I have a Staph skin infection, how do I keep others from getting infected?

For specific concerns about Staph skin infections, call the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Communicable Disease Control Section at 603-271-4496 or 800-852-3345 x4496. For further information, refer to the Centers for Staph Skin Infections, 129 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301 800-852-3345 www.dhhs.nh.gov; Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov; or the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services website at www.dhhs.nh.gov.

DHHS ENCOURAGES NH RESIDENTS TO GET A YEARLY FLU VACCINE

The annual influenza (flu) season is about to start and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is encouraging all residents to consider getting immunized against the flu, especially those who are at increased risk of complications from the flu. Influenza results in about 36,000 deaths annually and 200,000 hospitalizations.

"DHHS has just started shipping vaccine to providers for children who are served under our immunization program," said Nicholas Toumpas, Acting Commissioner. "It's important for people to know that there is enough flu vaccine this year, and we are encouraging people to get vaccinated."

Influenza is a very serious disease of the lungs, nose and throat. The illness is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Typical flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches.

The flu season can last from October through May, so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are encouraging people to be vaccinated whenever they can, even if it is after the initial push in October and November. The vaccine is available in the traditional shot form for people six months of age and older. Flu vaccine in a nasal mist form is available for people aged 2-49 years who are not pregnant.

"It is important to understand that the vaccine itself does not give you the flu," said Mary Ann Cooney, Director of Public Health. "It is especially important that certain targeted groups be vaccinated for their own safety, however other groups, such as health care providers, should receive the vaccine to protect others. If you won't do it for yourself, get vaccinated for someone you care for or about."

The at-risk groups that should receive a flu vaccine every year are listed below:

People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu should also be vaccinated every year, including:

Those who should not be vaccinated are:

For more information on influenza and the vaccine, contact the NH Immunization Program at 800-852-3345 ext. 4482 or 603-271-4482 or the Communicable Disease Surveillance Section at 800-852-3345 ext. 0279 or 603-271-0279. You can also visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov. For more New Hampshire information, visit the DHHS website at www.dhhs.nh.gov. To find out a flu clinic close to you, visit www.flucliniclocator.org or www.findaflushot.com, which are run by the American Lung Association.

ABOUT THE WEBSITE

This website is intended to be a way for Lyman residents to get information about the town and foster a sense of community within the town.

The navigation bar along the left-hand side of the screen lists the main topic categories currently available and allows you to easily find information. You can always return to the home page by clicking on the website address in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.

The first section of the navigation bar contains links to pages that concern the town government. Here you will find names and positions of elected officials, office hours for the Administrative Assistant and Town Clerk, meeting minutes, and other information.

There are various email links on the detailed pages of the site and also a link to the webmaster on every page, both in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and at the very bottom of the page.