City Council Regular Meeting, May 27, 2026
AI Assisted: Summary created with the help of artificial intelligence.
Disclaimer: These are unofficial notes. Refer to the City of Dover for the formal record.
Summary
The meeting addressed resident concerns over privacy and property rights related to drone use, resulting in the cancellation of drone operations for stormwater surveys. Key infrastructure and public safety projects were advanced, including pedestrian safety improvements, a fire department training lab, and wastewater system upgrades.
Citizen’s Forum
- Residents expressed strong concerns about privacy and constitutional rights, particularly regarding proposed drone use over private property for stormwater investigations. They emphasized adherence to the Fourth Amendment and New Hampshire’s Article 2-B.
- Advocates supported the Downtown Pedestrian and Vehicle Improvement Project, citing safety benefits from recent bump-out installations and the need to address dangerous crossing conditions on Central Avenue.
- A resident questioned the lack of clarity around the $45,000 simulation system purchase for the fire department and urged greater transparency in spending.
- Concerns were raised about repeated failures to notify property owners in advance of city activities, referencing a 2004 tree removal incident on Back Road as a precedent for rights violations.
Agenda Items
- Pedestrian Safety: Support was voiced for installing bump-outs at 1st and 2nd Streets to improve crosswalk visibility and prevent multiple-threat pedestrian crashes.
- City Manager’s Report (Drone Use and Privacy): The city acknowledged miscommunication in a public release suggesting drones would survey private property. The flight was canceled. A drone would have only flown over public property. The city will use conventional methods instead.
- Fire Department Training: The simulation system will enable in-house EMS training using adult and pediatric mannequins, monitors, and scenario-based software, reducing reliance on costly external courses.
- Wastewater Solar Project: A $67,000 increase was needed to reinforce the roof for solar panel installation. Debate centered on the extended payback period of over 15 years.
- Housing Initiative: A supportive housing project for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is under construction at 105 Durham Road, with a completion target of June 30.
- TDR Program: The planning board reported increased activity in Transfer of Development Rights applications, with a subcommittee nearing completion of regulatory review.
Legislative Actions
- Resolution 13A1: Passed. Clarifies that union employees receive cost-of-living adjustments on July 1, while non-union employees remain on anniversary-based merit pay schedules.
- Resolution 13A4: Passed. Authorizes $45,000 for a reality simulation system to enhance EMS training at the fire department’s North End Station.
- Resolution 13A5: Passed. Authorizes $45,000 for the purchase of a Reality 3660 simulation system, including adult and pediatric mannequins, monitors, ventilator, and software, to enhance in-house EMS training at the fire department’s North End Station.
- Resolution 13B1: Referred to public hearing. Proposes bump-outs at 1st and 2nd Streets using CDBG and reallocated funds; public hearings set for July 8 and July 22, 2026.
- Resolution 13A10: Passed. Approves $67,000 for structural reinforcement to support solar panels at the wastewater treatment plant, citing federal tax credit eligibility.
- Resolution 13B5: Passed. Allocates $10,000 to develop a comprehensive user manual for inflow and infiltration control, required under the new EPA permit.
- Resolution 13V5: Referred to public hearing. Reauthorizes bonding for waterfront development due to a prior procedural error in publication; hearings scheduled for June 3 and June 10, 2026.
- Resolution 13V6: Referred to public hearing. Authorizes bonding for the FY2027 Capital Improvements Program, including reinstatement of the geothermal heating project for the school; hearings set for June 10 and July 8, 2026.
- Council Correspondence: Accepted. Includes a letter from residents opposing the conversion of 679 Central Avenue into a Dollar Tree store.
Action Items
- Provide a detailed explanation of the city’s maternity and paternity leave policy to the council.
- Finalize the public safety training facility dedication date and communicate it to the council.
- Distribute information on the pending community trail extension grant (Phase 4/5A) to the council.
- Ensure the Willard Pond milfoil removal contractor adheres to NH DES requirements.
- Continue leading the Downtown Pedestrian and Vehicle Improvement Project.
- Begin setup of the fire department’s new simulation lab at North End Station.
- Finalize the TDR regulation review and bring recommendations to the council.