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City Council updates property exemptions for elderly, blind and disabled for FY2025
posted on 4/3/2024
The City Council increased the property tax exemptions for the elderly, blind and disabled at its March 27, 2024 meeting. The deadline to apply for these tax exemptions for the December 2024 property tax bill is Monday, April 15, 2024.
Elderly Tax Credit
The City Council increased the property tax exemptions for the elderly who meet the age, income, asset, and residency requirements to the following:...more
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Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Gardens to host tree planting workshop
posted on 4/3/2024
Members of the Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Gardens invite you to a tree-planting workshop on Wednesday, April 17, from 5 to 7 p.m.
New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands staff will educate the public about proper tree planting. Topics will include selecting the right tree for the right place, improving young tree survival rate, increasing species and genius diversity, establishing a watering schedule, and when to prune your tree.
This event is free and open to the public. The event will be held rain or shine. No registration is necessary.
Urban forester A.J. Dupere and other NH Division of Forests and Land staff will present at the workshop. ...more
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Dover Fire and Rescue invites public to budget open house
posted on: 4/2/2024
Dover Fire and Rescue will host a public open house on Tuesday, April 2 from 6-8 p.m. at the North End Fire Station, 262 Sixth St. Fire administration staff will be on hand to discuss the department's proposed fiscal year 2025 budget and operations.
The open house provides an opportunity for community members to learn more about the critical role of Dover Fire & Rescue and public safety.
"We encourage all Dover residents to attend this open house and engage with our team," said Fire Chief Michael McShane. "Our vision is to remain one step ahead of the community's needs through technology and engagement. This event allows us to share our plans and receive feedback."
The proposed FY2025 budget covers personnel, equipment, technology and other operational needs to ensure the department's overall state of readiness to serve the Dover community....more
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Council budget review continues this week
posted on 4/1/2024
The City Council began its general budget review at its March 27 workshop. The general budget review allows Councilors to ask additional budget questions to the city manager and department heads and begin shaping the budget into its final form.
Council members discussed what aspects they wanted to keep, add, or subtract from the proposed budget. The Council will continue its general budget review at a Wednesday, April 3 workshop, beginning at 7 p.m.
Following the workshop, if the Council is ready, it will call a special meeting to adopt the FY2025 budget. If the Council does not adopt the budget that night, it will do so the following week at its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 10.
Recordings of all budget-related workshops and meetings and all budget-related documents are available on the FY2025 Budget Revealed online resource....more
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City survey seeks experiences from those trying to obtain housing
posted on 3/29/2024; updated 4/1/2024
What is your journey to obtain housing in Dover? Tried to look for a place in Dover recently? Or trying to make room for an aging parent or college graduate? Please share your experiences in the City of Dover’s Housing Survey.
The city, in partnership with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) and the University of New Hampshire, is conducting a regulatory audit to identify the barriers and opportunities present in the available housing choices in Dover. The response from the Housing Survey will help inform the solutions recommended to help increase attainable housing in Dover. There is also an option at the end of the survey to leave your contact information if you would like updates on the project.
Access the Dover Housing Survey athttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZSPQRHG. The survey takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. ...more
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Wentworth-Douglass Hospital donates $150K for Dover Police youth outreach, substance misuse programs
posted on 3/27/2024
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has donated $150,000 to aid the Dover Police Department’s community outreach bureau and its efforts to achieve healthier youth and families.
The grant is part of the hospital’s continued support and advancement of ‘Dover Youth to Youth’ (Y2Y), the department’s after-school drug prevention program for Dover students in grades 6-12, as well as the department’s outreach social worker.
“These programs will have a meaningful impact on addressing the need for community-based outreach services and the need for both mental health and substance misuse treatment, and prevention services,” said Wentworth-Douglass community benefits manager Meaghan Heusler.
Dover Police say they are specifically aiming to reduce substance misuse, promote mental health wellness, address social determinants of health, and support individuals in accessing care – including primary care....more
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Citywide street sweeping begins April 1
posted on 3/25/2024
Community Services is scheduled to begin annual street sweeping operations on April 1, 2024, and will continue through early June.
Some sweeping may begin before April 1 and consist of cleaning sidewalks with blowers and brooms.
Downtown streets are scheduled to be cleaned first before moving to the rest of the city. Street sweeping typically starts at 3 a.m. and may require temporary parking restrictions.
Signage, email, and social media will provide advanced notice of any parking restrictions. To sign up for these and other alerts, add “Dover Alert: public safety alerts and special announcements” to your current email subscription list here: https://bit.ly/dovernewsletters.
In addition to beautifying the city, street sweeping helps reduce the number of pollutants entering the stormwater system. Throughout the year, the city estimates street sweeping reduces the annual nitrogen load that flows into the Great Bay Estuary by 43 pounds....more
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Council to award bid for Fifth and Grove project, purchase solar array
posted on 3/22/2024
The City Council holds its second regular meeting of the month on Wednesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. Some of the items on the Council’s agenda for consideration include:
Awarding the construction bid for the Fifth and Grove Reconstruction Project to N. Granese and Sons of Salem, Massachusetts, for $5,147,405. The project includes installing new storm drains, catch basins, maintenance holes, water mains, hydrants, street lighting, electrical conduit and duct banks, and reconstruction of streets and sidewalks. If approved, the project is slated to begin later this year. A related agenda item would authorize an additional scope of work with the project design consultant Woodward and Curran of Andover, Massachusetts for $436,000 for construction administration and a resident project engineer to oversee the reconstruction work.
Purchasing of the solar array atop the Dover Indoor Pool and New Hampshire Children’s Museum for $140,224 from Revision Energy, which installed the rooftop array in 2018. Per the power purchase agreement, the city has the opportunity to purchase the array outright. The purchase would come from the non-debt financed capital reserve funds, as authorized by the FY2025-2030 Capital Improvements Plan. ...more
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City Council budget deliberations continue in weeks ahead
posted on 3/22/2024
The City Council held its final public hearing on the proposed FY2025 budget at a March 20 special meeting. The public is invited to continue to provide input on the budget at the Council's upcoming meetings and budget workshops.
The City Council will hold its next budget workshop on Wednesday, March 28, at 5:30 p.m. to begin its general budget review. A regular City Council meeting follows at 7 p.m.
The Council will continue its general budget review at a Wednesday, April 3 workshop. If the Council is ready after the workshop, it will call a special meeting to adopt the FY2025 budget. If the Council does not adopt the budget that night, it will do so the following week at its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 10.
For more information, visit the Budget Revealed resource. ...more
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NHDES continues cleanup at site of diesel spill in Dover
posted on: 3/21/2024; updated: 3/22/2024
A truck carrying diesel fuel and heating oil overturned on the evening of Monday, March 18, on Route 16 northbound near the Dover/Rochester line, causing a significant spill. However, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) states there is currently “near zero risk” to public or private drinking water supplies in the area.
Approximately 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 800 gallons of heating oil were released, impacting the roadside and a nearby swale. Based on assessments of the spilled materials, site conditions, and timely response actions, NHDES does not expect any impact on drinking water supplies near the affected area.
The fuel company responsible for the spill has been proactive in coordinating the cleanup with its insurance providers, a remediation contractor, and an environmental consultant under NHDES oversight....more
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Dover Chamber to host State of the City March 28
posted on 3/20/2024
The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce will host the 2024 State of the City on Thursday, March 28, from 8 to 10 a.m. at 121 Broadway, Dover. A hot breakfast will be served and pre-registration is required.
City of Dover Recreation Director Gary S. Bannon will provide an overview of the Culture and Recreation Chapter of Dover’s Master Plan and discuss the role that recreation plays in the City’s overall development. Following his keynote address, Bannon will be joined by a group of panelists who will talk about some of the challenges that have arisen as Dover becomes an increasingly attractive place for both businesses and individuals to locate. Panelists include Ryan Pope, Housing Navigator for the City of Dover; Thomas A. Toye IV, Owner/Broker of Arthur Thomas Properties; and Toni Gooch, AVP Commercial Relationship Manager of Kennebunk Savings Bank.
Eversource and Kennebunk Savings sponsor the 2024 State of the City. The registration fee is $25, and the event is open to the public. Visit DoverNH.org/SOTC to register or for more information....more
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Community Services, Planning Department to hold budget open houses next week
posted on 3/19/2024; updated 3/21/2024
As the City Council continues to review the proposed fiscal year 2025 municipal budget, the Community Services Department and Planning Department will host open house sessions to provide information and answer questions about their budgets and departmental operations.
The Planning Department will hold an open house on Tuesday, March 26, at the Planning Department at City Hall, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Planning staff will be on hand to meet with the public and answer questions about the Planning Department's proposed budget, as well as any questions about planning and community development. For more information about the open house, contact the Office of Planning and Community Development at 603-516-6008.
The Community Services budget open house will be held on Thursday, March 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Community Services facility, 271 Mast Road. Attendees can tour the facility, speak with staff about department operations, and learn details about Community Services' portion of the fiscal year 2025 budget proposal.
Community Services oversees a wide range of municipal operations and public works functions in Dover. The department's responsibilities encompass areas such as water and sewer operations, facilities maintenance, cemetery operations, engineering, road repairs, snow removal, stormwater management, parks and grounds, solid waste and recycling, utilities, and more....more
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City Council budget deliberations continue
posted on 3/18/2024
The City Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, March 20, at 7 p.m. for a public hearing on the city portion of the proposed FY2025 budget. A public hearing on the school portion of the budget was held Feb. 28.
Immediately following the special meeting, the City Council will hold a workshop to receive the final budget presentations from the Community Services and Recreation departments and the Police Department's Parking Bureau.
The special meeting and workshop will be televised on Channel 22 and online at https://dovernh.viebit.com. They will also be posted on the FY2025 Budget Revealed online resource page, along with any budget documents presented at the meeting and workshop.
The Council will continue budget deliberations at a workshop on Wednesday, April 3. Following the workshop, if the Council is ready, it will call a special meeting to adopt the FY2025 budget. If the Council does not adopt the budget that night, it will do so the following week on Wednesday, April 10....more
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Warming Center open next two Sundays
posted on 3/15/2024
The Warming Center of Strafford County, located at 30 Willand Drive, Somersworth, will be open during the day and night on Sunday, March 17, and Sunday, March 24. If the Warming Center is not already open from a Saturday night activation, the Warming Center will open at 9 a.m. on Sunday and remain open through Monday morning.
On the next two Mondays, the Warming Center will be open from 8 to 11 a.m. for a service fair to connect clients to any needed services.
Those needing services can always visit the welfare office in the town/city where they live. Welfare offices are available to coordinate services for those who need and want emergency assistance, including shelter, food, and medical care.
The City of Dover’s Welfare Department is located a 61 Locust St., Dover, in Room 334 on the third floor of the McConnell Center. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 603-516-6500 or visit www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/public-welfare/. ...more
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River Street to be closed starting next month through summer
posted on 3/14/2024
River Street will be closed to through traffic 24 hours a day beginning in April and continuing through the summer. Currently, the target closing date is Monday, April 8, which is anticipated to last at least through Labor Day in September 2024.
The closure will allow contractors to install a new water main, stormwater drainage, and electrical duct bank related to the waterfront project and complete other roadway work. There is also work to repair the Cochecho River shoreline next to River Street which was damaged from recent storms.
When the River Street is closed, public parking will also be prohibited on the street. Public parking is available nearby, such as on Henry Law Avenue.
More information about the closure and any detours will be posted later this month.
For more information, contact Community Services at 603-516-6450....more
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City Hall financial system offline afternoon of Tuesday, March 19
posted on 3/12/2024
Due to the planned maintenance of the City Hall’s networking infrastructure, the financial system will be offline on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, starting at 3 p.m. The system will be back online when City Hall reopens at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20.
When the system is offline, customers not be able to pay their property taxes and water/sewer bills; City Hall employees will also not be able to tell customers what their balances are due for these items. However, the City Clerk’s Office will still be able to process motor vehicle registrations, dog licensing, vital records requests, and voter registrations.
For more information, contact the Finance Department at 603-516-6030....more
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City Council to name streets at waterfront development
posted on 3/11/2024
The City Council will consider naming the streets of the Waterfront development at its meeting on Wednesday, March 8. The pending resolution would also rename River Street to Payne Street, in honor of William Payne, the president of the Dover Manufacturing Company. River Street is proposed to become the name of the loop street within the new development.
The road that connects to Washington Street and the Makem Bridge would be named Seaport Way. The new public park would be named Nebi Park. Nebi is the Abenaki name for river/water and represents the heritage of the parcel. The Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee endorsed the names at its January meeting.
The City Council will hold also a public hearing on a proposed ordinance resolution that would eliminate the Pool Advisory Committee and increase the number of positions on the Recreation Advisory Board. The consolidating of the committee is part of the City Council’s ongoing effort to re-organize and streamline city boards and commissions....more
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Join three-time Iditarod participant Karen Land and her sled dog Noggin
posted on 3/10/2024
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to ride the runners behind a team of dogs, steering a loaded sled across the vast Alaskan tundra?
Find out on Wednesday, March 13 at 6 p.m. when the Dover Public Library presents “Mush! Noggin the Sled Dog (and her Human).”
Musher Karen Land, a three-time participant in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, will be accompanied by her Alaskan husky Noggin, Iditarod dog sled, mushing gear, and Arctic clothing to answer questions like what it takes to care for a team of Alaskan huskies and how you prepare for a highly competitive race through mountainous terrain.
Land is a writer and public speaker and has competed in many sprint and endurance races, including ones in Alaska, Canada, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Maine....more
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Daylight Saving Time a reminder for fire safety and prevention
posted on 3/8/2024
As clocks spring forward for Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2 a.m., fire safety experts emphasize the importance of using this annual event as a reminder to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.Dover Fire and Rescue encourages residents to take a simple step that could save lives by replacing batteries in smoke detectors and testing the devices during the time change. Officials also advise reminding relatives, friends, and neighbors to follow this safety practice.
"A staggering 80 percent of child fire fatalities happen in homes lacking functional smoke alarms," said Dover Fire Chief Michael McShane. "This heartbreaking statistic underscores why it's crucial to have an adequate number of smoke detectors installed and make changing the batteries a routine when you adjust your clocks. For hardwired units, swapping batteries periodically ensures they remain operational during potential power outages year-round. ...more
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Property tax credits and exemptions available for veterans, elderly, blind, deaf, disabled, and solar energy systems
posted on 3/6/2024
The City of Dover offers property tax exemptions for qualified property owners that include veterans, the elderly, the blind, the deaf, the disabled, and those with solar energy systems.
To qualify for tax exemptions, a person must apply and demonstrate they meet requirements set out by state law, such as residency, asset, and income limits. The deadline to apply for exemptions for the December 2024 property tax bill is Monday, April 15, 2024.
Applications for tax exemptions are available at the Tax Assessment Office in City Hall. The applications are also available online at https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/finance/tax-assessment/applications/....more
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Ward 4 state representative special election March 12
posted on 3/4/2024
A special election will be held to fill the Strafford District 11 state representative seat on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. District 11 represents Dover Ward 4, Lee and Madbury.The polling place for Ward 4 is Garrison Elementary School at 50 Garrison Road. Polling hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Need an absentee ballot? Click here for an application or visit the Dover City Clerk's Office in City Hall's Customer Service Center, located on the ground floor.
The two candidates on the ballot are Democrat Erik Johnson of Lee, and Republican Joseph E. Bazo of Madbury. Click here for a sample ballot. A special primary election was held on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024.
The special election will fill the seat that became vacant after the death of Rep. Hoy Robert Menear of Lee in November 2023.
For more information, contact the City Clerk's office at 603-516-6018, visit the city's dedicated election webpage, or the New Hampshire Secretary of State's election webpage....more
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Upcoming budget workshop focuses on Police, Fire and Planning departments
posted on 3/4/2024
The City Council will hold its next budget workshop on Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. in City Hall's Council Chambers.
At the workshop, the Council will receive budget presentations from the Police, Fire and Rescue, and Planning departments.
Click here for the complete agenda. The workshop will be televised on Channel 22 and online at https://dovernh.viebit.com, where it will also be available for on-demand viewing.
The final departmental budget presentation will be from Community Services on Wednesday, March 20. Immediately before that presentation, the City Council will hold a public hearing on the city portion of the budget, which includes all portions of the budget except the School Department's.
Find all FY2025 budget related info on the FY2025 Budget Revealed webpage. ...more
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School Board workshop with legislative delegation on Monday
posted on 3/1/2024
The School Board will hold a workshop on Monday, March 4 to receive an update from members of Dover's legislative delegation about education bills this legislative session that could impact Dover public schools.
Click here for the complete agenda.
The workshop begins at 6 p.m. in School Board Chambers, Room 306 of the McConnell Center. It will be televised on Channel 22 and online at https://dovernh.viebit.com, where it will also be available for on-demand viewing....more
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Free Irish music concert at the Dover Public Library
posted on 2/29/2024
The Dover Public Library welcomes musical duo “JuBilly” to the library for a performance of Irish and other traditional folk music on Wednesday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m., titled "Keeping Irish Heritage Alive Through Music with Hands Across the Ocean."
JuBilly (Jules and Billy) enjoy playing traditional Irish music and international folk songs in Ireland and America. Jules, from the Dover area, met Billy in his hometown of Cobh County Cork in Ireland, while on a cruise bound for Iceland. Due to stormy weather, the cruise ship sheltered overnight in Cork, and Jules met Billy singing in a pub. Billy is a welder by trade and has recently written a book about his exploits around the world entitled “The Life and Times of a Hairy-Arsed Welder.”
Billy (Buster) plays guitar and is famous for singing traditional Irish ballads, while Jules smiles and plays the accordion. The duo enjoys entertaining people of all ages, and Billy is renowned for his storytelling ability and jokes.
The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at 603-516-6050. ...more
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Mild winter accelerates site work for waterfront development
posted on 2/28/2024
The transformation of land into the Cochecho Waterfront Development at Washington and River streets continues at a rapid pace, and the building of the first phase of private developments is on the horizon.
The relatively mild winter and lack of snow have helped these efforts, with crews from Northeast Earth Mechanics working on multiple fronts daily at the site: stabilizing the shoreline, building the public roadways, and installing the associated utilities, while also readying Pad C and D for private developer Cathartes to begin its construction, anticipated to start this spring. The installation of utilities includes water, sewer and a drainage system that includes a bioretention system that treats stormwater in its place, as well as installing electrical conduit and duct banks.
In a little more than a month, the parcels on the site can be sold to Cathartes’ business entity, CPI Management, as detailed in the land disposition agreement and associated amendments between Cathartes and the City of Dover. According to the third amendment to the land disposition agreement between CPI Management and the City of Dover, two parcels are set to be transferred in the sale set to close by April 5, 2024. This date may be extended, pending sign-offs required from the State of New Hampshire and CPI’s financial institution....more
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Weekday blasting at city's waterfront development site for the next month
posted on 2/27/2024
As part of preparing the city's waterfront site at Washington and River streets for private development, a crew will be blasting twice a day on weekdays for the next month. The blasting will remove ledge in the area of the private development's first phase.
Blasting will occur at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning this week. See map below for the approximate blasting area.
The crew utilizes a series of whistles before each blast to warn workers and the nearby public:...more
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COAST Plans “Day It Forward” Campaign to Benefit Gather on Feb. 29
posted on 2/26/2024
In honor of 2024 being a Leap Year, COAST is planning a “Day it Forward” campaign in support of fellow nonprofit Gather. All fare box collections on February 29 and contributions made by COAST staff will be donated along with non-perishable food and personal care donations collected during a Leap Day Stuff-A-Bus event at Hannaford at 833 Central Ave. in Dover. In addition, COAST will match any bus tickets purchased and donated to Gather clients via COAST’s website now through Feb. 29.
“This year we have an extra day to do something good and make the world a better place,” said Vanessa Polychronis, COAST Community & Employee Relations Manager. “COAST and Gather serve many of the same people and communities. This year’s ‘Day it Forward’ campaign is a chance to make sure that Gather can respond to those who are experiencing food insecurity this winter. Let’s work together to do something good with the extra 24 hours we have this year.”
Those wishing to participate in the “Day it Forward” campaign can do so in three ways: Drop a cash donation in any COAST fare box on February 29; donate nonperishable food or personal care items during the Leap Day Stuff-A-Bus event between 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hannaford, 833 Central Ave. in Dover; or purchase bus tickets to donate to Gather clients, which COAST will match. Tickets can be purchased at https://coastbus.org/give....more
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Budget sessions continue Feb. 28 with public hearing on school portion FY2025 plan
posted on 2/23/2024
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the public education portion of the proposed FY2025 budget at its Wednesday, Feb. 28 meeting. School Superintendent William Harbron and Business Administrator Michael Limanni presented the School Department’s budget at the Council’s Feb. 21 budget workshop. A video recording of the workshop and videos of the School Board’s budget review and associated school budget documents are posted to the FY2025 Budget Revealed online resource. The public hearing on all other aspects of the budget will occur at a City Council special meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
Also at the Feb. 28 meeting, the City Council will receive a presentation on the fiscal year 2023 audit from an independent consulting firm and its annual comprehensive financial report compiled by the Finance Department
The City Charter requires an annual independent audit of all the city’s financial accounts, and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) is published to fulfill the requirement for fiscal year 2023. The ACFR covers all funds the city has become obligated to administer in connection with its responsibilities for providing services. The ACFR’s financial statements have been audited by certified public accountants who will present their report to the City Council during the City Manager’s Report....more
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Dover schools seek community input on strategic priorities
posted on 2/23/2024
The Dover School District seeks community feedback on the district's strategic priorities through an online survey. The 2.0 Strategic Plan Steering Committee, which has been meeting since last fall, developed the survey to update the priorities in the district's strategic plan.
The survey asks community members to review several proposed focus areas and rank them in order of importance for the district's success.
Take the survey at: https://app.sli.do/event/cbnZBzsc2buZSMgnepTams.
In addition to the community survey, separate surveys have been sent to students, parents, and staff.
Community members are asked to complete the strategic plan survey before March 1, 2024. Feedback will help shape district priorities and decision-making in the years ahead....more
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Joe B. Parks Riverwalk seeks garden tenders
posted on 2/21/2024
The Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Gardens seeks individuals to help tend to the gardens or help with special projects. Tenders are needed for weekly sweeping, trash pick-up, weeding, and general clean-up to keep these garden beds looking good—no gardening talent is needed.
Volunteers may select a garden bed or task. Gardening tools are available onsite in the shed, and free two-hour parking is available near the Dover Post Office.
To learn more and to sign up, visit: https://www.joeparksgarden.org/index.php/our-volunteers-caregivers/....more
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Deadline to order Veterans Park bricks in time for Memorial Day is Feb. 28
posted on 2/20/2024
The Recreation Department will order another round of engraved bricks for Dover Veterans Park to be added for Memorial Day in May. The deadline to have bricks included in that order is Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 4 p.m.
Orders collected after the deadline through Aug. 31, 2024 will be sent in the next batch to be installed in the park by Veterans Day. The cost is $100 for an 8-inch by 8-inch brick and $50 for a 4-inch by 8-inch brick. The only requirement to have a name engraved is for the person to be a veteran. All bricks are engraved consistently with a full name, military rank and branch, and years of service and/or conflict. Upon request, bricks may also be grouped by family or service time.
Orders can be placed online at https://polarengraving.com/cityofdovernewhampshire. Contact the Recreation Department at 603-516-6410 with questions or help with ordering.
The Dover Veterans Park was dedicated on Veterans Day 2017. It now has more than 900 engraved bricks honoring veterans....more
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Dover Police to hold open house March 4
posted on 2/19/2024
The Dover Police Department is hosting a community open house on March 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will take place at the Police Department, located at 46 Chestnut St.
The open house will allow residents to go behind the scenes of the police department and learn about its daily operations. Attendees will be able to explore the facilities, meet patrol officers and detectives, and learn about various divisions like the school resources unit and prevention services.
There will be no formal agenda. The goal is to foster connections between community members and law enforcement through informal interactions.
Police Chief William Breault will be available to answer questions about public safety, the department's policing approach, and any other topics. ...more
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City Manager presents proposed FY2025 budget to Council
posted on 2/16/2024
City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. presented the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget to the City Council at its meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. The presentation kicks off several weeks of budget meetings, workshops, and public hearings.
The City Manager's proposed budget includes the School Board's recommended budget for the School Department, which it adopted on Jan. 16, 2024. The proposed budget and a video recording of the City Manager's presentation are posted on the FY2025 Budget Revealed webpage. Other budget meetings, presentations, and associated budget documents will be posted to this page. Video recordings of the School Board's budget review and associated budget documents are posted on the Budget Revealed page. Physical copies of the complete budget are available for review at the City Clerk's office and Dover Public Library.
The total proposed FY2025 budget totals $198,713,177 across all funds, an increase of $12,036,666, or 6.4%. The General Fund budget totals $157,993,146, an increase of $8,432,880, or 5.6%. ...more
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City offices closed Feb. 19 for Presidents Day
posted on: 2/16/2024
City administrative offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, for Presidents Day. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
The Public Library and the Dover Community Senior Center will also be closed on Presidents Day. The Indoor Pool will close at 1 p.m. on Presidents Day.
Curbside trash and recycling pickup are not affected by the holiday.
Dover's public schools are in session on Presidents Day. The schools will close the following week for winter recess....more
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Trade your gently used puzzles for new-to-you puzzles at Dover Public Library’s Puzzle Swap
posted on 2/15/2024
Every lover of jigsaw puzzles has one: a shelf swamped with completed puzzles, gathering dust, waiting for a new set of hands to put them back together.
If you have one of these shelves, join the Dover Public Library at its first puzzle swap on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
For every puzzle donated, you will receive one ticket to trade for another new-to-you puzzle (up to five). Those with tickets can pick out puzzles between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. After 3 p.m., all leftover puzzles are free to take.
The Dover Public Library is currently seeking donations of adult puzzles with 250 pieces or more. Donations can be dropped off at the library’s front desk from Friday through 1 p.m. Saturday. Puzzles must be complete (to the best of your knowledge) and in good condition. The donation must have an image of the completed puzzle (either on the box or a picture with it). Donations of more than five puzzles are welcome. You do not have to participate in the swap to donate puzzles....more
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Dover celebrates Black History Month
posted on 2/14/2024
This month, the City of Dover proudly recognizes Black History Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the significant contributions of African Americans to the city, the state of New Hampshire, and the nation. Black History Month serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and the profound impact African American individuals have had on the fabric of American society.
The celebration started in 1926 and was expanded to a full month in 1976 when President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, every U.S. president has designated February as Black History Month, a period of reflection, education, and celebration of the resilience and achievements of the African American community.
The City of Dover encourages its residents to participate in Black History Month by engaging with the community through educational programs, events, and activities designed to promote understanding and appreciation for the contributions of African Americans.
One notable resource for residents and visitors is the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. This trail offers a journey through the state’s African American history, with stops in Dover that highlight the city’s unique contributions to the narrative of Black Americans in New England. The trail serves as an educational tool and a source of inspiration, showcasing the stories of resilience, courage, and community that define Black history in America. More information about the Black Heritage Trail can be found at https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/....more
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Proposed FY2025 budget before City Council Feb. 14
posted on: 2/12/2024
City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. will introduce his proposed fiscal year 2025 budget at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
The City Manager’s budget will incorporate the School Board’s recommended budget for the School Department, which the School Board approved on Jan. 16. The city-wide budget will also include the first-year projects in the latest six-year Capital Improvements Program adopted in December.
The introduction of the budget, which will occur during the City Manager’s report, begins two months of budget review by the City Council. In subsequent weeks, the City Council will hold workshops to review each department's budget. The Council will also hold two public hearings: one for the public education component of the budget, and one for all other city departments. By City Charter, the City Council must adopt its budget annually by April 15.
Once the budget is introduced, a digital version will be available on the FY2025 Budget Revealed webpage, which will also include video recordings of budget meetings and workshops, and any accompanying documents. A physical copy of the budget will also be available for review at the Dover Public Library and the City Clerk’s office.
During the budget season, City Manager Joyal will also release a weekly newsletter that recaps any budget-related presentations and a look ahead to what will occur the following week. Sign up for the newsletter at bit.ly/doverdownload, and select "Budget Revealed" from the list of newsletters....more
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Ekola family donates 11.19-acre conservation easement to Dover
posted on: 2/12/2024
The Ekola family of Cross Farm Road donated an 11.19-acre conservation easement to the City of Dover through its Conservation Commission earlier this month.Through the easement, the city will ensure this valuable conservation land will remain protected forever. The property is close to Blackwater Brook and is connected to an existing conservation easement. The area is known for its diverse wildlife, and the conservation easement will further expand the area’s wildlife corridor. In addition to wildlife, the conservation easement area contains prime farmland soils.
Earlier this week, Mayor Robert Carrier, Open Lands Committee Chair Anna Boudreau, and Resilience Manager Jackson Kaspari honored Nancy Ekola and the Ekola family this week for the donation. The Open Land Committee, a subcommittee of the Conservation Commission, oversees easement monitoring for the city.
The easement donation coincides with the Planning Board’s initial phase to update to the Conservation and Open Space Chapter of Dover’s Master Plan, which will establish objectives to further this type of work for the next ten years. The city greatly appreciates the Ekola family’s generosity and commitment to conservation....more
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Utility bills mailed with water service line materials survey
posted on 2/8/2024
Quarterly water and sewer utility bills are being mailed to customers this week. The utility bill includes a survey from the Community Services Department to identify the water service line material used to connect the home or business with the public water drinking system, per federal requirements.
The Water Service Line Inventory Survey, available at https://bit.ly/service-line-survey, requests water users to identify the water service pipe that comes into their home or building and connects with the water meter, take a picture of it, and upload it with the survey. Understanding that many people may not know the exact material, the city created a webpage with pictures and descriptions of the possibilities to assist, also included on the backside of the survey insert. City personnel are also willing to inspect the service line in person to help with the inventory efforts, usually taking 10 minutes or less. There is no cost for this service.
New U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements have been issued to require all water systems across the United States to create and maintain a public inventory of service line materials in compliance with the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revision....more
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Forensic Science Roadshow at Dover Public Library
posted on 2/7/2024
True crime lovers will not want to miss this event.
Join Dover Public Library on Monday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. for a “Forensic Science Roadshow” with Paul Zambella, a former forensic scientist at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory.
Venture into the world of CSI with this interactive program that introduces the fascinating subject of forensic science. Topics to be explored include the Massachusetts State Police crime lab, functions of a forensic scientist, blood, DNA, fingerprints, gunshot residue, footwear impressions, metal detectors and crime lights.
To add mystery to the program, there is audience participation to identify a “suspect.” Due to the nature of the subject matter, the program is recommended for people high school age or older. If the weather is poor, the event will be rescheduled to Wednesday, Feb. 28. Rescheduling decisions will be shared on the library’s Facebook (@DoverPLNH) and Instagram (@DoverPublicLibrary) pages....more
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Chamber forum offers snapshot of local, regional and nationwide economy
posted on 2/6/2024
The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce held its annual economic outlook forum on Jan. 31 giving attendees a glimpse of what to expect from the local, state, and national economies in 2024.
Brian Gottlob, director of the state’s Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau and principal of PolEcon Research, gave the keynote address, discussing interest rates, workforce woes, and housing challenges, among other topics. He believes the odds of a recession have declined sharply over the past several months due to much stronger-than-expected GDP growth, a strong labor market, a falling inflation rate, and an easing of credit. He predicts that job growth will be slower in 2024, but households will likely feel more confident about the economy this year due to slowing inflation and a likely mid-year cut in the Federal Funds interest rate.
Gottlob’s presentation included numerous slides of economic data, such as how consumer sentiment tracks with small business optimism and the latest info on year-over-year inflation-adjusted consumer spending. Gottlob also tracked New Hampshire's economy compared with other New England states and private sector job growth in the greater Dover area compared to the state and national averages. Gottlob said the Dover area has favorable demographics, as the area has experienced a much larger percentage increase in the 25-34 age range than the rest of the state....more
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City Council to hear update on Master Plan, city strategic plan
posted on: 2/5/2024
The City Council will hold a workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 6, to discuss the city’s master and strategic plans and a proposed amendment to the Littleworth Road/Industrial Drive development agreement.
Last year, the Planning Board adopted the Master Plan’s Vision Chapter, and work is underway now to update the Open Space and Conservation Chapter, with the chapter’s steering committee holding its first meeting this week. The update to the Council will include an overall overview of the Master Plan and a review of Master Plan action items. The City Council will also review the city’s departmental strategic plans.
The City Council will also discuss a proposed amendment to the Land Development Agreement with Westfield, LLC and Terra Nova, LLC to develop land lots adjacent to Littleworth Road. Westfield and Terra Nova LLCs are business entities of developer and Dover resident Chad Kageleiry....more
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Time to renew dog licenses
posted on: 2/5/2024
Dog licenses for 2024 are now available. All dogs must be licensed by April 30, 2024 to avoid a late fee. The cost for a male or female dog is $10, a neutered male or spayed female dog is $7.50 and puppies (3-7 months) are $7.50 for first licensing.
Residents 65 years of age or older may license one dog for $3, per household. Additional licenses require regular fees.
The City Clerk's office requires proof of rabies information and a certificate of spaying or neutering sent by email to j.bizier@dover.nh.gov or by mail to City of Dover, City' Clerk's Office, 288 Central Ave., Dover, NH 03820.
Late fees of $1 a month begin June 1, 2024....more
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City Council honors Dover native and Hall-of-Famer Brian Murphy
posted on 2/2/2024
Dover Mayor Robert Carrier and the City Council recognized Dover native Brian Murphy's induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in December by presenting him with a proclamation at the Jan. 24 City Council meeting.
Brian Murphy, a Dover High School and University of New Hampshire alumnus, has a storied career in hockey officiating, highlighted by over 2,000 regular-season games in the National Hockey League (NHL) and nine Stanley Cup finals. His international acclaim includes officiating at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the World Cup of Hockey. Murphy started refereeing games at the Dover Ice Arena while attending the University of New Hampshire. He also operated the Zamboni at the Dover Arena.
"Brian Murphy has achieved an extraordinary milestone as one of only eight individuals in the history of the National Hockey League to officiate over 2,000 regular season games during his illustrious 32-year career from 1988 to 2020," the mayor said, reading from the proclamation....more
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Dover Chamber accepting 2024 Annual Award nominations
posted on 1/31/2024
The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce (GDCC) is now accepting nominations for its Annual Awards in the following categories: Citizen of the Year, David K. Bamford Educator of the Year, Business of the Year, and Nonprofit of the Year. The GDCC also awards a $1,000 scholarship to a local area student pursuing higher education.
These awards allow GDCC member businesses to celebrate excellence in their companies and recognize individuals and non-profits who have made a lasting impact in the Greater Dover community. All awards will be presented at the GDCC’s Annual Awards Gala, scheduled for Thursday, May 9, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Red Barn at Outlook Farm in South Berwick, Maine. The 2024 Annual Awards Gala will be underwritten by Newburyport Bank.
The GDCC encourages businesses and residents to reflect on individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the community and consider nominating them for one of the Chamber awards. To submit a nomination, visit www.dovernh.org/awards. All nominations are due by Monday, March 18 at 5 p.m....more
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City Council recognizes Dover400 for yearlong anniversary celebration
posted on 1/29/2023
The Dover400 committee received recognition from the Dover City Council on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, for its work organizing events and activities to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Dover last year. Dover is New Hampshire's first permanent European settlement.
Mayor Robert Carrier praised the committee's tireless planning over the four years leading up to the 2023 anniversary.
"The strength of the Dover 400 board was its ability to be creative and mobilize small groups, volunteers to do great things," Carrier said.
Dover400 Chair Kevin McEneaney thanked the Mayor, City Council, committee members, city staff, and volunteers for making the celebration a success despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic....more
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Trash and recycling collection topic of Council workshop
posted on 1/26/2024
The City Council will hold a workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 31, on solid waste collection in the city.
At the workshop, Peter Engel, senior consultant of Kessler Consulting Inc., will provide an overview of the feasibility study the firm conducted over the past year on curbside solid waste and single-stream recycling collection and disposal. Last year, the City Council awarded the bid for the feasibility study to Kessler Consulting to identify future options for the city to consider regarding curbside trash collection and recycling.
Click here for the complete agenda and the feasibility study.
In its report that is available with the workshop agenda materials, the consultant reviewed current and predicted industry trends to help forecast future collection costs. Through that lens, the consultant provided analysis and cost estimates for the city to implement its own collection process or continue to contract the service out, as it does currently. The study also reviewed cost estimates and the feasibility of converting from the current bag collection to a toter collection that would reduce the labor needed for solid waste collection. The cost estimates also include procuring trucks, equipment, and sufficient personnel....more
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Primary election results, voter turnout available online
posted on 1/26/2024
The Presidential Primary Election was held on Tuesday, Jan. 23. For Ward 4 voters, there was also a special primary election that day for the state representative race to fill the vacant Strafford District 11 seat.Presidential Primary Election results and turnout information are available on the City’s 2024 Presidential Primary online resource. Election results for Strafford District 11 are available on its election page. The Strafford District 11 special general election will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
A total of 9,391 Dover residents out of 20,597 registered voters cast ballots in the Presidential Primary, a 45.6% turnout, down from the 53.8% turnout in the 2020 Presidential Primary. Ward 3 had the highest turnout of registered voters with 1,974 ballots cast out a total of 3,887 registered voters, a 50.8% turnout. ...more
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City Council honors girls golf champ Carys Fennessy
posted on 1/25/2024
Dover Mayor Robert Carrier recognized Dover High School junior and golfer Carys Fennessy's recent championships at the Jan. 10 City Council meeting, reading a proclamation praising her accomplishments.
Fennessy won her third consecutive state individual golf championship in October 2023. Last November, Fennessy won the New England Girls Golf Championship in Connecticut with a score of 67, five under par.
"She is an inspiration to our community, embodying the values of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship," Mayor Carrier said, reading from the proclamation.
The proclamation highlighted Fennessy's eight tournament wins in 2023, scoring an average of 73.5 strokes across all events. It noted that she has committed to attending the College of Charleston in South Carolina on a golf scholarship after graduation....more
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School Board adopts FY2025 budget
posted on 1/24/2024
The School Board unanimously approved the School Department’s fiscal year 2025 budget at its Jan. 16 special meeting. The budget will now be incorporated into the city-wide budget that will be introduced to the City Council next month.
The School Department’s general fund operating expenses total $85,142,799, an increase of $3,776,857, or 4.6%, over the current fiscal year. This amount includes $6,222,124 in debt service payments. The amount to be raised by local property tax would be $57,388,299, an increase of $5,628,999, or 10.9%, over the current fiscal year. As adopted, the budget is $2,328,339 above the education side of the estimated tax cap calculation.
The new budget does not add any new positions. Superintendent William Harbron and Business Michael Administrator Limanni have explained during the budget process that the request for additional money above the tax cap is to maintain current services due to the significant loss in state education funding, including a reduction of $2,254,464 in state adequacy education aid and a $183,412 reduction in the statewide education tax. There is also a significant increase in the estimated legally required special education costs. The FY2025 budget’s estimated special education cost increase is $2,569,369, which includes $1,123,000 in legally required special education transportation costs....more