City Council Regular Meeting, Mar 11, 2026

Citizen’s Forum

• Residents expressed strong opposition to using herbicide (ProcellaCOR) on Willard Pond, citing PFAS concerns, potential cyanobacteria blooms, and long-term ecological damage, advocating for mechanical removal methods as safer and more sustainable.
• A resident proposed efficiency measures for school budgets, including reviewing union contracts, utilizing capital reserve funds, and hiring outside contractors to reduce retirement cost burdens.
• A Don’t Trash Dover representative promoted a community litter cleanup event, emphasizing resident participation and environmental responsibility.

Agenda Items

• Public hearings were held on FY2027 budget appropriations, city property naming, graffiti committee dissolution, and a traffic safety grant, all closing without public comment.
• The public forum featured extensive discussion on Willard Pond treatment options, with residents and experts debating the ecological and financial implications of herbicide versus mechanical removal.
• The City Manager reported on audit progress, congressional funding requests, and the $1.7 million SchoolCare assessment, with a joint workshop scheduled with the School Board.
• The Mayor provided updates on the 9/11 Memorial progress, housing initiatives, and regional collaboration on workforce housing.
• Committee reports highlighted progress on the Downtown TIF, energy commission’s push for solar projects, and school board concerns about state legislation impacting education funding.

Legislative Actions

• Willard Pond Exotic Aquatic Plant Control: Passed. Authorized a $149,000 mechanical removal contract with C&D Underwater Maintenance using DASH divers and an eco-harvester, rejecting a $47,455 three-year herbicide contract.
• Graffiti Management Advisory Committee Dissolution: Passed. Voted to dissolve the inactive committee, acknowledging its original goals were met.
• City Manager’s Report Adoption: Passed. Included acknowledgment of employee anniversaries and approval to display the Irish and Olympic flags.
• Dover Housing Authority Appointment: Passed. Reappointed Councilor Granfield to continue service on the board.
• River Street Station Upgrades: Passed. Authorized additional funding for flood-related repairs not fully covered by insurance.
• Rock Salt Purchase: Passed. Authorized additional rock salt procurement due to excess snow. Any unused portion can be stored and used next year.
• Sidewalk Improvements: Passed. Authorized use of remaining budget funds for sidewalk repairs at approximately $251 per linear foot.
• Property Tax Exemptions, CIP Reprogramming, Bond Reprogramming: Referred. All three items were referred to public hearings on March 25, 2026, with final votes scheduled for April 8, 2026.

Action Items

• City Manager to identify and transfer funds within the budget to cover the $149,000 Willard Pond mechanical removal contract, likely by deferring non-essential maintenance projects.
• City Manager to coordinate with Wright Pierce and Waterline Industries to complete River Street station upgrades using additional funds approved in change orders.
• City Manager to proceed with purchasing additional rock salt from Morton Salt using funds from the existing snow removal budget.
• City Manager to schedule and facilitate a joint workshop with the school board and City Council on March 23, 2026, to discuss the $1.7 million SchoolCare health insurance assessment.
• Planning Department to review the Commercial PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) zone ordinance and report back to the Council.