City Council Regular Meeting, Oct 28, 2026

Proclamations and Awards

The Mayor designated the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of indigenous peoples.

Public Hearings

A public hearing was opened regarding the establishment of the Dover 9/11 Memorial Charitable Trust Fund. A resident addressed the City Council to thank the community for raising over $200,000 to construct the memorial, noting the trust fund will ensure its long-term maintenance and care.

City Manager’s Report

• The city budget is tracking well overall, but unbudgeted increases in fuel and shipping costs will require future fund transfers to balance accounts.
• A tax-deeded residential property on Toftree Lane will be put back out to bid because title issues prevented the original buyer from securing financing.
• The fire department is hosting an all-hazards fire safety festival for elementary students in recognition of Fire Prevention Month.
• The recent Household Hazardous Waste Day processed 413 vehicles at a total cost of $42,000, which was partially offset by a $7,000 state grant.
• A six-week leaf collection program is currently underway, requiring residents to use biodegradable brown paper bags.
• The city is partnering with university students on a highly competitive pilot program to test new granular activated carbon media for PFAS filtration at the water treatment plant.
• The engineering department is designing traffic safety bump-outs for Portland Avenue to improve pedestrian visibility, with implementation planned for the spring.
• The police department has responded to complaints regarding groups of teenagers causing disturbances in traffic and near local businesses.
• Due to officer shortages, police liaison officers have been required to fulfill regular patrol responsibilities.

Mayor’s Report

• The Mayor attended a state traffic safety meeting, noting that legislative changes regarding DWIs have shown moderately promising results in improving safety.
• A meeting was held with a federal transit official to review regional transit compliance and funding strategies.
• The regional transit authority expects fuel costs to run $120,000 over budget, but finished the previous fiscal year with a surplus despite a 6% reduction in routes.
• The Mayor participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new city-wide fiber optics installation project.
• The Mayor attended a local school board session discussing a ballot question, as well as a state housing council meeting regarding funding uncertainties.

Committee Reports

• A Councilor reported that the Parking Commission discussed building height limits, underground parking costs, and parking requirements for a proposed multi-family housing project.
• A Councilor reported that the Board of Health met the new health officer, reviewed local ordinance changes for food safety compliance, and discussed a new state law limiting municipal regulation over homestead food operations.
• A Councilor provided a waterfront update, noting that fundraising for a new center is roughly $3.5 million short, with bidding targeted for 2028.
• A Councilor reported that the Transportation Advisory Commission reviewed requests for stop signs and crosswalks, while expressing doubts about the ongoing necessity of the commission.
• A Councilor reported on the athletic complex project, stating that the new multi-sport field turf is nearing completion and will be turned over to the school district shortly.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Amended Welfare Guidelines: Passed. The item was approved unanimously in a single block.
• Approval of City of Dover Policy Governing No Trespass Orders on Public Property: Passed. The item was approved unanimously in a single block.
• B26013 Downtown Pedestrian and Vehicle Improvement Project: Passed. The item was approved unanimously in a single block.
• Authorization to Approve Additional Scope of Work for B23006: Passed. The item was approved unanimously in a single block.
• Authorization to Award B27018 Segregation and Recycling of Construction and Demolition Debris to Wheelabrator Holdco 1, Inc.: Passed. A Councilor pulled this item for separate discussion to clarify that the “sealed request” bidding process evaluated vendor services before reviewing project costs.

Legislative Actions & Business Items

• Chapter 145, Sections 1-6 & 9-16: Tabled. It was noted that the solid waste ordinance on the transition to toters would remain tabled based on a prior workshop.
• Approving of the Dover 9/11 Memorial Charitable Trust Fund and Acceptance of Dover September 11 Memorial: Passed. A trust fund was formally established to hold excess fundraising money for the memorial’s future maintenance.
• Authorization to Award B25037 RFP27-003 Design Services for Horne Street Neighborhood Reconstruction Project to Woodard & Curran: Passed. The approved bid will fund the evaluation and design of infrastructure, sidewalks, and roadway layouts for the neighborhood.
• Adoption of FY2028-FY2033 Capital Improvements Plan: Referred to Public Hearing. The plan was referred to a public hearing scheduled for November 18, 2026.
• Appropriation for FY2028 Capital Improvements Program – Non-Debt Financed Projects: Referred to Public Hearing. This appropriation was advanced to a public hearing on November 18, 2026.
• Appropriation for FY2028 Capital Improvements Program and Authorization for Bonding: Referred to Public Hearing. This bonding authorization was advanced to a public hearing on November 18, 2026.
• Chapter 170 Zoning, Sections 6, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 24, 25, 29, 32, 46: Referred to Public Hearing. This zoning amendment incorporates a decrease in mandatory parking space units to align with state legislation.
• Chapter 125 Streets and Sidewalks, Section 17: Referred to Public Hearing. The ordinance amendment was advanced to a public hearing on November 18, 2026.

Council Matters of Interest

• A Councilor reported that the local housing authority is experiencing a 64% non-response rate from applicants on the elderly and disabled public housing waitlist, urging residents to update their contact information.
• A Councilor spoke at length against a proposed school tax cap on the upcoming ballot, arguing that capping the school property tax levy to consumer inflation would fail to cover rising required costs and force cuts to public education.
• A Councilor reminded residents that municipal trick-or-treating will take place on October 30th.
• A Councilor encouraged residents to exercise patience and kindness while driving, and suggested leaving autumn leaves in gardens to promote natural firefly habitats.

Action Items

• The City Manager’s office will re-issue a public bid for the sale of the Toftree Lane residential property.
• The engineering department will design and implement traffic safety bump-outs on Portland Avenue in the spring.