City Council Regular Meeting, Sep 23, 2026

Proclamations and Awards

• Proclaimed September 13–19, 2026, as Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Week.
• Proclaimed October 8, 2026, as Children’s Environmental Health Day.
• Acknowledged a friendly mayoral wager regarding a high school football rivalry.

Public Forum

• A representative from a civic organization proposed establishing a POW/MIA memorial using an existing black bench in front of the administrative building, which the organization offered to coordinate for a November 11 unveil.

City Manager’s Report

• Reported that city financial funds show no concerning trends, though rising fuel prices are being monitored.
• Thanked 45 volunteers who surveyed 2,000 downtown parking spaces over three days to inform the master plan update.
• Confirmed that the upcoming Apple Harvest Day will feature a shuttle service to mitigate downtown construction impacts.
• Provided clarifications on safe sharps disposal methods for the impending Totor waste collection system.
• Announced the city’s selection to participate in the national Housing Supply Accelerator Challenge.

Mayor’s Report

• Highlighted a recent 25th-anniversary memorial event commemorating 9/11 and recognizing local first responders.

Committee Reports

• COAST: Noted a 70% year-over-year increase in fuel costs impacting the transit budget.
• Joint Building Committee: Construction on the new athletic field is advancing, with the track binder installed and drainage completed on the multi-sport field.
• Conservation Commission: Tabled a proposal to designate Pine Hill Cemetery as a registered arboretum and discussed ongoing bans on bicycles in the cemetery.
• Dover Utilities Commission: Highlighted ongoing voluntary water restrictions due to state-wide drought conditions and encouraged residents to use the “Eye on Water” leak detection app.
• School Board: Approved a generative AI use plan for classrooms, a math research study, and ratified the paraeducators’ contract.
• Arts Commission: Announced the selection of sculptures for the Riverside Sculpture Walk and new art designs for local bus stops.
• Planning Board: Extended the public hearing regarding proposed zoning ordinance changes, which include transfer of development rights and accessory dwelling units, to allow for more review time.

Consent Calendar

• AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD B25044 RFP27-002 FOURTH STREET SIDEWALK RECONSTRUCTION TO S.U.R. CONSTRUCTION, INC.: Passed. This item authorizes the contract for sidewalk reconstruction on Fourth Street.
• AUTHORIZATION TO APPROVE FIRE INSTRUCTOR COURSE WITH REGIONAL ALLIANCE FOR FIREFIGHTING TRAINING: Passed. This item approves a training course for regional fire instructors.
• ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL OF ESTABLISHING MEMORIAL AT CITY HALL FOR AMERICAN PRISONERS OF WAR (POW) AND THOSE MISSING IN ACTION (MIA): Passed. This item formally establishes a designated bench memorial at City Hall.

Legislative Actions & Business Items

• APPROVING COST ITEMS IN DOVER PARAEDUCATORS’ ASSOCIATION (DPA) MASTER AGREEMENT (COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT): Tabled. The Council voted to table the item to the first regular meeting in October to gather more granular cost data comparing the contract to current status quo costs.
• AUTHORIZATION TO WAIVE ORDINANCE 29-4 DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS CITY PROPERTY AND SELL TWO FORD EXPLORERS TO STRAFFORD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: Passed. This resolution waives the standard bidding process to directly sell two high-mileage surplus police vehicles to the county.
• AUTHORIZATION TO APPROVE ADDITIONAL DESIGN SERVICES FOR B18013 DESIGN SERVICES FOR COMMUNITY TRAIL EXPANSION PHASE IV – FUSS & O’NEILL: Passed. This item, which funds design services for the trail expansion, was amended to increase the finance table amount by $2 before passing.
• CHAPTER 141, SECTIONS 14 & 48: Passed. This ordinance, related to parking updates, was referred to a public hearing and vote scheduled for October 14, 2026.
• CHAPTER 145, SECTIONS 1-6 & 9-16: Passed. This ordinance, encompassing solid waste management changes for the new Totor system, was referred to a public hearing and vote on October 14, 2026.

Council Matters of Interest

• Councilors emphasized the upcoming Apple Harvest Day, calling for volunteers to manage waste stations.
• Concerns were raised regarding a neighboring city’s parking program changes and the resulting spillover effects caused by regional housing and parking imbalances.
• Acknowledged receipt of constituent feedback concerning the upcoming Totor solid waste system, encouraging residents to continue sharing their questions and concerns.
• Noted anticipated spikes in winter heating oil prices, directing residents toward state fuel assistance programs and local food pantries for financial relief.