City Council Regular Meeting, Sep 9, 2026

Proclamations and Awards

Chef Evan Hennessey received a proclamation as recognition for his outstanding contributions to the community. Chef Hennessey recently received the James Beard Award. He owns Stages and Topolino Restaurant in Dover.

Public Hearings

• A public hearing for Chapter 141, Sections 14, 20, 23, 48, 51 was opened and closed with no public comments.
• A public hearing for Chapter 85, Sections 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10 was opened and closed with no public comments.
• A public hearing for the Fine Schedule was opened and closed with no public comments.

Public Forum

• A representative for Dover Main Street summarized the group’s contributions over the past 18 months, which included donations for sculptures and murals, funding for downtown banners, and a new matching facade program for local businesses. The representative also announced that the local local currency program is transitioning to a MasterCard gift card system and highlighted upcoming community events.
• A resident and committee chair provided an update on the upcoming 25-year 9/11 memorial ceremony, emphasizing that the memorial was funded entirely without tax dollars and encouraging public attendance.

City Manager’s Report

• The City Manager congratulated several municipal employees on reaching significant service anniversaries, ranging from one year up to 32 years of service.
• The City Manager urged residents to have patience regarding ongoing construction inconveniences, specifically noting water main replacements, corridor reconstruction, and road paving projects that will continue through the fall.

Mayor’s Report

• The Mayor detailed the logistical arrangements for the upcoming Friday morning 9/11 memorial ceremony, outlining specific street closures, VIP staging areas for visiting officials, and designated free parking locations.
• The Mayor expressed gratitude to a local property management company and several downtown businesses for donating land easements, labor, and landscaping materials to support the memorial.
• The Mayor reported attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new specialty motors facility and noted good resident participation during recent office hours.

Committee Reports

• The Legislative liaison noted the conclusion of the state primary elections and mentioned an upcoming municipal policy conference.
• The Ordinance Committee liaison reported that it had reviewed and endorsed the three ordinance changes on the current agenda and is anticipating future zoning changes.
• The Solid Waste Advisory Committee liaison discussed the ongoing transition to a new toter system and strongly encouraged residents to utilize the city’s free composting drop-off to reduce the weight and cost of solid waste disposal.
• The Transportation Advisory Commission liaison reported high public interest in pedestrian safety infrastructure, such as sidewalks and flashing beacons, alongside a strong desire for reduced vehicle speeds in residential areas.
• The Library Board of Trustees liaison highlighted a promotional partnership with downtown businesses for library cardholders, reported successful resolutions to minor plumbing issues, and noted the success of the summer reading program.

Consent Calendar

• ADOPTION OF CITY HALL TOWER LIGHTING POLICY: Passed. [This item establishes a formal tower lighting policy; it was pulled for separate discussion by a Councilor and amended to include Service Dog Awareness Month before being approved.]
• B26076 AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD SALE OF 39 TOFTREE LANE DOVER PARCEL M0125-000000 ΤO NORTHAM PROPERTIES, LLC: Passed. [This item authorizes the sale of a tax-deeded property; it was pulled for separate discussion to explain the city’s rare, state-mandated process for acquiring and selling abandoned properties with severe tax delinquencies.]
• AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW REPAIR AND PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT TO HACH COMPANY FOR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT – SOLE SOURCE: Passed. [This item renews a maintenance service agreement for the water treatment facility.]
• AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE RESIDENTIAL PAY-AS-YOU-THROW TRASH BAGS FROM BOXES AND BAGS UNLIMITED: Passed. [This item authorizes the purchase of inventory for the city’s municipal trash bag program.]
• AUTHORIZATION FOR ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR B25029 – DOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY RENOVATION – BONNETTE, PAGE AND STONE: Passed. [This item approves expanded work parameters for the ongoing library renovation project.]

Legislative Actions & Business Items

• CHAPTER 141, SECTIONS 14, 20, 23, 48, 51: Passed. This ordinance amends parking regulations, specifically clarifying that double parking in travel ways is prohibited.
• CHAPTER 85, SECTIONS 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10: Passed. This ordinance officially adopts the state food code, granting the local Health Officer the authority to enforce it regarding food service establishments.
• FINE SCHEDULE: Passed. This ordinance updates the city’s fine schedule to ensure municipal vehicle violations align with state statutes.
• B26018 AUTHORIZATION OF CENTRAL AVENUE URBAN CORE WATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT PHASE I INCREASE OF CONTINGENCY TO SUR CONSTRUCTION: Passed. This resolution appropriates an additional $500,000 to cover unknown conditions discovered during an ongoing water main replacement project.
• CITYWIDE 2026-2027 GROUNDWATER MONITORING PROGRAM WITH EMERY & GARRETT GROUNDWATER INVESTIGATIONS, LLC: Passed. This resolution renews a contract to investigate potential new sources of groundwater for the public water supply.
• PUDDING HILL AQUIFER MONITORING PROGRAM 2026-2027 WITH EMERY & GARRETT GROUNDWATER INVESTIGATIONS, LLC: Passed. This resolution renews a contract for monitoring existing wells and aquifers to guide proper management and rotation.
• AUTHORIZATION TO REPLACE AND INSTALL TWO SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE TANKS AT THE RIVER STREET PUMP STATION – WATERLINE INDUSTRIES CORPORATION: Passed. This resolution authorizes the replacement of chemical treatment tanks that were determined to be nearing the end of their lifespan during a recent pump station renovation.
• B25044 RFP27-001 AUTHORIZATION TO WAIVE FORMAL BIDDING AND AWARD HIGHLAND & ROLLINS WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT TO MACKINNON & SONS EXCAVATING: Passed. This resolution waives the formal bidding process to expedite an in-house designed water main project using existing contractor rates and city-supplied materials before the end of the construction season.

Council Matters of Interest

• A Councilor thanked the City Clerk, municipal volunteers, and voters for their participation and hard work during the recent state primary elections.
• A Councilor announced the intent to send a formal letter to the school district requesting a feasibility study on bringing out-of-district special education placements in-house to mitigate rising costs.
• Brief announcements were made reminding residents to drive safely as the school year begins and highlighting an upcoming puzzle swap at the library.
• The Mayor noted that the city is still awaiting guidance from the state Attorney General regarding the ballot structure for a new statewide tax cap initiative.
• The Mayor highlighted several upcoming fall events designed to stimulate downtown retail vibrancy, including a pumpkin stroll and a downtown mystery event series.

Action Items

The Mayor will meet with county commissioners to gather information regarding a potential county-led affordable housing development.