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City Council Regular Meeting, Jul 22, 2026

By Bret Carmichael
Jul 24, 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 Council approved several infrastructure contracts and denied a motion to extend polling hours, while receiving updates on the upcoming Henry Law Park reconstruction project and National Night Out event. The meeting also featured proclamations recognizing the Portsmouth Christian Academy softball team, National Parents’ Day, and the Cocheco Waterfront Development Advisory Committee.

Citizen’s Forum

No residents spoke during the public forum.

Agenda Items

  • City Manager’s Report: The City Manager highlighted a job fair held to fill vacant positions, announced a public information session for a major street reconstruction project, and reminded residents of the annual National Night Out event.
  • Committee Reports: The Solid Waste Advisory Committee is preparing a workshop on the transition from trash bags to toters. The legislative liaison reported the governor vetoed two insurance-related bills and signed a law requiring a ballot question related to the school tax cap.

Resolutions

  • 13B1 – Waterfront Improvements: Passed. Authorized additional scope of work with Northeast Earth Mechanics for the dredge cell and McGlaris Park soil contouring.
  • 13B2 – Ambulance Billing Contract: Passed. Authorized contract with Digitech Computer LLC for third-party ambulance revenue cycle management services.
  • 13B3 – Insurance Pool Membership: Passed. Authorized continued membership in the New Hampshire Public Risk Management Exchange (Primax) for property, liability, and workers’ compensation insurance.
  • 13B4 – Debt Management Software Renewal: Passed. Authorized renewal of DebtBook (Fifth Asset Inc.) for FY27-FY29.
  • 13B5 – PILOT Agreement: Referred to a public hearing and vote on August 12, 2026. Not voted on at this meeting.
  • 13B6 – Highway Safety Grant: Referred to a public hearing and vote on August 12, 2026. Not voted on at this meeting.

Legislative Actions

  • 13A1 – Setting Voting Hours for September 8, 2026 State Primary Election and November 3, 2026 State General Election: Passed. A motion to change polling start time from 7:00 am to 6:00 am for both the September primary and November general election was denied. A subsequent motion to apply the 6:00 am start only to the November general election was also denied. The Council discussed feasibility concerns including school facility access, poll worker burden, and costs, while noting that absentee ballots remain available for shift workers. The original motion and consent calendar item establishing polling hours from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm for both elections was approved.
  • 13A2 – Downtown Decorative Lighting Contract: Passed. Authorized award to True North Management LLC.
  • 13A3 – Tree Removal Services Contract: Passed. Authorized award to SavATree, LLC.
  • 13A4 – Water Transmission Project Oversight: Passed. Authorized Amendment No. 3 for Underwood Engineers.
  • 13A5 – Catch Basin Cleaning Services: Passed. Authorized award to Boston Green Fuel Company, LLC.
  • 13A6 – Hot Bituminous Concrete (Asphalt): Passed. Authorized award to Brox Industries, Inc.
  • 13A7 – Vehicle Purchases: Passed. Authorized purchase of three Nissan Rogue vehicles via state contract.
  • 13A8 – Fleet Parts Purchase: Passed. Authorized purchase of fleet parts via state contract.