Regular Meeting, Oct 14, 2026

Public Hearings

• A public hearing was held for changes to Chapter 141 regarding parking ordinance definitions and winter parking streets. No public comments were made.
• A public hearing was held for Chapter 145, the solid waste ordinance transitioning the city to a toter collection program. Multiple residents from condominium associations and private roads testified against the proposed three-unit limit for collection eligibility. Speakers cited long-standing service, taxes paid, and practical hardships for elderly residents, requesting the Council reconsider the unit limit and evaluate site-specific access rather than strict numerical cutoffs.

Public Forum

Residents of a specific neighborhood spoke extensively about severe traffic safety and speeding issues on Portland Ave., highlighting a dangerous mid-block crosswalk where recent severe accidents and a fatality occurred. Speakers requested upgraded protections, a permanent solution to reduce speeds, and a comprehensive plan to improve pedestrian safety.

City Manager’s Report

• The City Manager recognized several employee anniversaries across city departments.
• An update was provided on a new state law that authorizes the City Manager to issue trespass orders to ban disruptive or unsafe individuals from city facilities.
• The City Manager addressed the Portland Ave. safety concerns raised during the Public Forum, noting that a rectangular flashing beacon has been ordered for the location and explaining the logistical and staffing constraints regarding continuous traffic enforcement.
• A brief update was provided regarding a 2025 tax abatement application from Liberty Mutual Insurance and the Superior Court action it filed, noting an ongoing review regarding the property’s assessed value versus its recent sale price.

Mayor’s Report

• The Mayor shared updates on attendance at local events, including a business celebration, Apple Harvest Day, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
• An update was provided on the construction of the county warming center, stating that the opening may be delayed from mid-November to late November or December due to utility hookup delays and backordered equipment. Contingency plans involving alternative locations were discussed, which prompted concerns from Councilors regarding space suitability and the prolonged timeline.

Committee Reports

• Updates from the Arts Commission and Conservation Commission were deferred.
• A Councilor reported that the Planning Board approved moving forward with ordinance changes to make data centers a conditional use permit. A subcommittee will be formed to further review data center guidelines.
• A Councilor reported that the School Board addressed energy contracts, accepted grant dollars, and received a presentation on a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS).
• A Councilor provided an update from the Energy Commission regarding an energy safety performance contract and potential participation in an energy coaching program.

Consent Calendar

• AUTHORIZATION FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR B25013 SIXTH STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – VHB: Passed. Authorization for bridge construction services.
• AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD B27012 CRACK SEALING SERVICES TO SEALCOATING, INC.: Passed. Authorization to award a contract for crack sealing services.
• AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL B27007 COMMERCIAL PROFESSIONAL REAL-ESTATE SERVICES TO SELL 30 WILLAND DR. SOMERSWORTH, NH: Passed. Authorization to award a contract for real estate services.
• AUTHORIZATION TO ENDORSING CITY’S APPLICATION FOR DRINKING WATER AND GROUNDWATER TRUST FUND (DWGTF) SOURCE WATER PROTECTION GRANT FOR PURCHASE OF CONSERVATION EASEMENT: Passed. Endorsement of a grant application for source water protection.
• APPROVAL OF LIGHT UP DOVER AGREEMENT WITH COMMUNITIVELY, INC. AND CONFIRMATION OF SAME AS GOVERNMENTAL SPEECH WITH RESPECT TO CITY PROPERTY: Passed. An item pulled for a brief question regarding the organizing group before being voted on with the consent block.
• APPROVAL OF PUBLIC ART AT NEBI PARK: Passed. Approval to install public art at the specified park.

Legislative Actions & Business Items

• CHAPTER 141, SECTIONS 14 & 48: Passed. An ordinance updating definitions and winter parking streets.
• CHAPTER 145, SECTIONS 1-6 & 9-16: Tabled. An ordinance transitioning the solid waste program to a toter system.
• APPROVING COST ITEMS IN DOVER PARAEDUCATORS’ ASSOCIATION (DPA) MASTER AGREEMENT (COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT): Passed. A resolution approving the cost items for the paraeducators’ contract.
• APPOINTMENT OF CHRISTOPHER G. PARKER AS DOVER CITY MANAGER EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2027 AND APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT: Passed. The Council approved an amendment to include the employment agreement, followed by the appointment of a new City Manager.
• AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD B26071 REPLACEMENT OF SIXTH STREET BRIDGE TO SARGENT CORPORATION: Passed. Authorization to award the bridge replacement bid, with construction expected to start in the spring.
• ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK FOR DREDGE CELL CLOSURE WITH VERDANTAS, LLC: Passed. Authorization for additional groundwater sampling and monitoring programs required by the state.
• ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DOVER 9/11 MEMORIAL CHARITABLE TRUST FUND AND ACCEPTANCE OF DOVER SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL: Referred to Public Hearing.. An item to establish a trust fund and accept the memorial.

Council Correspondence

• A Councilor noted receiving emails regarding the toter ordinance and another local issue.

Council Matters of Interest

• A Councilor reminded the public of the upcoming voter registration deadline, ballot machine testing date, and general election voting hours.
• A Councilor mentioned the upcoming trick-or-treat date — October 30, 2026 — for the city.

Action Items

• City staff were tasked with assessing the logistics and financial impacts of expanding toter collection eligibility to properties with four or more units, as well as evaluating a potential petition process for excluded properties.
• A Planning Board subcommittee will be formed to evaluate additional ordinance guidelines for data centers.