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City seeks feedback on Conservation and Open Space Master Plan chapter update
posted on 7/23/2024
The City of Dover is updating its Conservation and Open Space chapter of the Master Plan and seeks public feedback about the project's work through an interactive, online visual story map available at rebrand.ly/DoverStoryMap.
The story map provides an overview of the chapter’s goals, defines the differences between conservation and open space lands, and utilizes geographic information system (GIS) mapping viewed through different lenses to tell a story about these lands in Dover. In addition to obtaining feedback, the story map seeks to inform the public about the chapter update that will help shape the city’s land protection and resilience priorities for the next 10 years. The Planning Board adopted the current Conservation and Open Space chapter of the Master Plan in 2012, which can be found with all other chapter updates at bit.ly/DoverNHMasterPlan.
The chapter update is also the topic of the city’s July 16 Dover Download podcast, available at bit.ly/461POxJ, with Planning’s Outreach Coordinator Erin Bassegio and Resilience Manager Jackson Kaspari....more
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Union contracts before City Council July 24
posted on 7/22/2024
At its Wednesday, July 24 meeting, the City Council will be asked to ratify seven union contracts representing most non-school city employees in Dover, from police officers and firefighters to City Hall and Community Services workers.
The three-year agreements will be effective retroactively to July 1, 2024, the beginning of the city’s fiscal year. The union contracts include the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Dover Police Administrators Association (DPAII), Dover Professional Employees Association (DPEA), Dover Municipal Employees Association (DMEA), Dover Professional Fire Officers Association (DPFOA), Dover Professional Firefighters Association (DPFFA), and Dover Police Association (DPA). Each contract resolution will be considered individually. The estimated cost of each contract, which may be affected by retirements, resignations, and new hires, is included in the agenda materials. Ratified collective bargaining agreements for the city and other government entities in the state are available on the New Hampshire Public Employee Labor Relations Board. Accompanying the bargaining agreement resolutions, the City Council will also consider adopting amendments to the city’s merit, classification and pay plans. ...more
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City Council honors local resident Jeff Bernstein and canine companion Mozy for community service
posted on 7/18/2024
The Dover City Council recognized local resident Jeff Bernstein and his dog Mozy for their contributions to the community during its July 10 meeting.
Mayor Robert Carrier read a proclamation honoring Bernstein and Mozy for their efforts to promote local businesses and foster a sense of community in Dover.
"Jeff, you're something else," Mayor Carrier said. "You really have a happy face. No matter how tough things get out there and how hot it is, you're always walking around and saying, 'Hey, do you have a minute? This is Mozy.'"
Bernstein, known on Facebook for his "Mozy and Me" posts, has spent the past four years visiting local businesses and organizations with Mozy to promote them on social media....more
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Mayor declares July ‘Plastic Reduction Month'
posted on 7/17/2024
Mayor Robert Carrier declared the month of July Plastic Reduction Month in Dover, as he has for the past few years, stating that the city is “determined to mitigate the adverse effects of plastic pollution mentioned above and align itself with international efforts to combat plastic-related pollution and health risks.”
“The City of Dover is committed to being a leader in sustainability, as demonstrated by the passage of a Resolution in April 2019 and a Proclamation in July 2021 and July 2022 calling for a voluntary reduction of the use and distribution of single-use plastics throughout the City,” Carrier said has read the proclamation. He urged citizens and the public to reduce their plastic consumption and waste and choose more sustainable alternatives.
The City Council in 2019 unanimously passed a resolution that supports a city-wide voluntary initiative to reduce the use and distribution of non-biodegradable, single-use plastic production within Dover.
Click here to read the resolution in its entirety. ...more
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Section of Mast Road to be single lane for eight weeks starting July 16
posted on 7/15/2024
Mast Road at 271 Mast Road, will be reduced to a single lane of alternating two-way traffic managed by temporary signals beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, July 16. The single lane is between the two driveways of the Pierre B. Bouchard Public Works Facility at all times for the next eight weeks.
Access to the public works facility and adjacent Recycling Center at 265 Mast Road will be maintained; motorists should anticipate brief delays.
The lane closure is needed to ensure the stability of Mast Road during the site excavation at 271 Mast Road due to the anticipated underlying soils. The city is constructing a building that will house the Inspection Services division.
For more information, contact Community Services at 603-516-6450....more
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Park Street Park closed for site work repairs starting Monday
posted on 7/12/2024
Park Street Park, which borders Park and Concord streets, will be closed for approximately two weeks for site work beginning Monday, July 15.
Site work includes walkway improvements and installing two new picnic table areas. The park will be reopened as soon as the work is complete.
For more information, contact Community Services at 603-516-6450....more
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Dover joins other Community Power communities in Green Energy Challenge
posted on 7/11/2024
The cities of Dover and Portsmouth, along with the towns of Newmarket and Durham, are challenging each other to see which community's residents can do the most to fight climate change.
The municipalities are launching a friendly competition to determine which town can convince the highest percentage of customers in their community power programs to "opt up" to greener electricity choices generated from more renewable sources.
All the cities and towns are members of the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH), which is now the default source of electricity supply for their residents and small businesses. Each town or city's Community Power program offers green energy options not previously available through Eversource. Customers can choose Granite Plus (33% renewables), Clean 50 or Clean 100.
"Providing more choices for electricity supply for everyone was a goal of CPCNH from the start. All customers in these communities can opt up to two of the three choices and still pay less than the Eversource rate," said Lisa Sweet, vice chair of the CPCNH board....more
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Streets paved, foundation work begins at Waterfront site
posted on 7/10/2024
Last month, a city contractor laid new pavement on the waterfront development’s new streets, enabling easier movement of contractors and equipment through the development site. The pavement of the new Seaport Way and the River Street loop follows the completion of underground utilities for water, sewer, and drainage systems and the underground electrical duct banks that will service the site.
Following the sale of three parcels of land from the city to the developer Cathartes on May 31, contractors for the waterfront developer began preparing the site for the foundations of their new buildings last month. The contractors will be installing upwards of 950 underground aggregate piers upon which the building foundations can be built. The contractors are utilizing a machine that digs holes 40 to 60 feet underground that are filled with concrete, creating the aggregate piers.
The private development plan includes constructing three mixed-use buildings, two multi-family buildings, and three clusters of townhouses. The mixed-use development will include approximately 26,000 square feet of commercial space and 418 residential units....more
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38th Cochecho Arts Festival underway
posted on 7/9/2024
The Cochecho Arts Festival kicks off its 38th year this with entertainment for all ages.The festival began with the Children's Series on July 9 featuring Rockin' Ron the Friendly Pirate at the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Henry Law Park.
The Headliner Series kicks off on July 12 at 6 p.m. with The Rebel Collective, also at Henry Law Park.
Established in 1986, the Cochecho Arts Festival is one of the most popular summer music festivals in the Seacoast. This summer-long festival, which is free and open to the public, takes place in Dover's Henry Law Park at the Rotary Arts Pavilion. It features a wide variety of local and regional performers and artists, drawing thousands of people to Dover....more
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Waterfront, Inspection Services building on Council’s July 10 agenda
posted on: 7/8/2024
At its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 10, the City Council will consider resolutions for additional work at the city’s waterfront site and building a new office for Inspection Services.
The waterfront resolution would authorize an additional contract work with Northeast Earth Mechanics totaling $571,958. Northeast Earth Mechanics is the firm the City Council awarded the contract to make public improvements to the waterfront site for $19,532,250 last year. The proposed work includes $162,150 to remove blasted ledge and replace it with structural fill on Parcel 1-6, in accordance with the Land Development Agreement. There is also $64,515 to perform additional test pits to ensure there are no more buried manmade obstructions within the footing layouts of the proposed buildings, as per a previous agreement with the developer. The other proposed work includes items related to the dredge cell closure: $338,771 to extend utilities and the roadway to 36 Seaport Way (formerly 1 River St., the private home that once was a jail) and $6,521 to remove fencing and dugouts at Maglaras Park to allow additional storage of soil materials from the waterfront site. This work will be paid through budgeted dredge cell closure funds....more
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Community Power announces new rates effective Aug. 1
posted on: 7/7/2024
The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) announced its new Community Power rates effective Aug. 1, 2024 through Jan. 31, 2025. The new base electricity supply rate will be 8.6 cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh), 1.858 cents or 17.8% less than Eversource’s default energy supply rate of 10.458 cents per kilowatt-hour.
The new residential and small business electricity base rate continues to be the state's lowest default rate. Based on the average residential usage of 650 kWh per month, the estimated monthly energy supply cost for Dover Community Power’s base supply rate is $56, an estimated savings of $12 per month compared to Eversource’s default rate.
“CPCNH empowers communities to better control their energy future with enhanced local control, greater customer choice, and low competitive rates,” said Brian Callnan, CEO of CPCNH. “We are excited to continue to deliver on these goals and create significant cost savings for our communities, including for those customers looking for more renewable energy.”...more
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Holiday hours for city offices and facilities
posted on 7/2/2024; updated: 7/3/2024
City administrative offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, 2024, for the Independence Day holiday. Regular hours will resume on Monday, July 8.
The Public Library will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5.
The Recycling Center on Mast Road is closed on Thursday, July 4.
The Fitness Center, located at the McConnell Center, will be closed on Thursday, July 4.
The Dover Indoor Pool and Jenny Thompson Outdoor Pool will be closed on Thursday, July 4.
Inspection Services, located at the Liberty North End Fire Station, will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5. Regular hours will resume on Monday, July 8....more
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City of Dover and surrounding towns to hold Hazardous Waste Collection Day
posted on 7/1/2024
The City of Dover, along with the towns of Rollinsford, Lee and Madbury, will hold a Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the City's Community Services facility, 271 Mast Road.The goal of Hazardous Waste Collection Day is to allow for the proper disposal of household hazardous materials. Residents of the four communities can bring household hazardous waste to Community Services for safe disposal.
The following household waste will be accepted: fertilizer with acids; bathroom cleaners; brush cleaner; pesticides; car waxes/polish; disinfectants; corrosives; fungicides; creosote; furniture polish paint/stain/finish; insect spray; driveway sealers/tar; metal polish (lead and oil-based); lighter fluid; flea powder; mothballs; rust preventatives; pest strips/traps; gasoline; oven cleaners; solvents; pesticides; radiator flush; photo chemicals; thinner/turpentine; poisons; roofing tar; rug cleaner; wood preservatives; pool chemicals; and wood strippers. Empty containers are not hazardous. Please dispose of them in your regular trash.
Explosives, asbestos, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, propane tanks, latex paint, waste oil and antifreeze will not be accepted....more
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Annual fireworks display to be launched July 6 from Garrison Hill
posted on 6/27/2024
The City of Dover will launch its annual fireworks display from Garrison Hill on Saturday, July 6 at dusk, around 9:15 p.m.
For best fireworks viewing, find a location where you can clearly see Garrison Hill and the Garrison Hill Tower. There are some places, such as Henry Law Park, where the site line to the hill and tower is blocked.
Before the fireworks, The Visitor Band of NH will play at Henry Law Park at the Rotary Arts Pavilion from 4 to 7 p.m.
Traditionally, the fireworks have been launched in Dover on the Fourth of July. However, the date change is due to the increased cost of launching the fireworks on the Fourth, as City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr., told the City Council recently. ...more
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New Portland Avenue retaining wall underway
posted on 6/25/2024
The city’s contractor rebuilding the Portland Avenue retaining wall has completed about 25% of the new structure so far, with plans to finish the wall near the Fourth of July holiday, weather and other conditions permitting.
When the retaining wall is complete, the contractor, G.W. Brooks & Sons, can begin other aspects of the project, including installing a sidewalk, guardrail and street lights on that section of Portland Avenue between Cochecho Street and Chapel Street. The new wall is being built further off Portland Avenue than the original one, allowing the installation of the new sidewalks, guardrail and lights. Work began earlier this month with excavation at the old wall and partially demolishing an old structure at the site.
The current traffic pattern of a single lane of alternating traffic by temporary traffic signals is projected to continue through the end of September, as the project remains on schedule. The signal timing was reprogrammed after the first few days of work, due to traffic at times backing up to Washington Street. The new timing has improved traffic conditions. ...more
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Library seeks readers for annual reading of Frederick Douglass speech
posted on 6/24/2024
The Dover Public Library will host a community reading of Frederick Douglass' speech "What to the Slave Is Your Fourth of July?" and seek readers to help deliver it. Readers and audience members are both needed to make this event a success.
The community reading is on Saturday, June 29 at 12 p.m. on the library's front lawn. In case of rain, it will be moved to the library's lecture hall. Readers should arrive no later than 11:50 p.m. to sign in and start lining up.
The abridged speech that Douglass delivered on July 5, 1852 in Rochester, New York, is broken up into 54 sections and takes about an hour to read. The goal of this reading is to create a dialogue on the meaning of the July 4th holiday, what it meant to the enslaved people then, and what it means to society today.
If you are interested in reading, please visit tinyurl.com/DoverFDRead to sign up....more
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Housing Needs Committee reviewing options to increase housing availability
posted on 6/21/2024; updated 6/25/2024
The City Council’s Ad-hoc Committee to Address Housing Needs is more than halfway through its charge to investigate and recommend options that would encourage more attainable housing within the City.
The City Council authorized the creation of the committee in 2023, charging it “to assist the City Council with reviewing data, options, and other information, and ultimately will recommend long-term strategies to City Council and City Manager to encourage and incentivize thoughtful development for residents of all incomes, ages, and abilities.”
It held its first meeting at the end of October after the appointment of a diverse membership of stakeholders, with representation from the City Council, Planning Board, Dover Housing Authority, Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, business and development communities, and Dover residents representing homeowners, renters, and landlords....more
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City Council recognizes Juneteenth with proclamation, flag raising
posted on 6/20/2024
The Dover City Council recognized Juneteenth, the annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, with an official proclamation and flag raising.
Mayor Robert Carrier read the proclamation at the June 12 City Council meeting, highlighting Dover's historic role in the anti-slavery movement dating back to the 1830s.
"Even though it is joyously celebrated, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the grief and anguish our nation has experienced over the lives lost and the dreams destroyed by acts of racially motivated violence, abuses of power, and injustice," the mayor said, reading from the proclamation....more
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Boat Regatta sets sail June 22
posted on 6/18/2024
Join the Great Bay Yacht Club for the 3rd annual Ned McIntosh Small Boat Regatta on Saturday, June 22. Merry Macs, Oyster River Cats, Handy Cats, Nutshell Prams, small sailing boats, and dinghies are all welcome.
The race is open to entrants of all ages. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at Hilton Park.
It was in the spring of 1954, when a group of sailors gathered with a simple purpose, “to organize and provide rules for racing this summer on Great Bay, or other places designated.” By 1958, Great Bay Yacht Club was officially registered with the State of New Hampshire as a non-profit organization whose purpose was “to foster the spirit of sailing in the community around the Great Bay area."...more
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Dover raises Pride flag, proclaims June as LGBTQ Pride Month
posted on 6/17/2024; updated 6/18/2024
The City of Dover officially recognized June as LGBTQ Pride Month by raising the Pride flag over City Hall and issuing a proclamation at last week's City Council meeting.
Prior to the council meeting on June 12, Mayor Robert Carrier was joined by members of the City Council, Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee, and community members to raise the Pride flag, which will fly over Dover City Hall throughout the month.
During the meeting, Carrier read a proclamation celebrating Pride Month and the LGBTQ community. "The mayor said, reading from the proclamation, 'Pride Month is a time to recall the trials the LGBTQ+ community has endured and to rejoice in the triumphs of trailblazing individuals who have bravely fought – and continue to fight – for full equality.'"
The proclamation recognizes the significance of June in commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, which helped spark the modern LGBTQ rights movement. It states that while progress has been made, "attitudes and injustice still remain" and encourages Dover residents to recognize, support and show pride for their LGBTQ family members and neighbors....more
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City to remove unauthorized temporary signs starting June 24
posted on 6/14/2024
The City of Dover Department of Planning and Community Development will conduct a clean-up to remove unpermitted signs placed on public property or within the public right-of-way during the week of June 24.
Zoning Administrator Paul R. Crouser said temporary signs are permitted in Dover only in selected commercial zones and must meet dimensional and liability rules. With few exceptions, temporary signs not located on the owner's property, known as "off-premise" signs, are prohibited citywide.
Sign clean-ups occur regularly to remove unpermitted signs placed without permission, such as those often found attached to roadside trees and utility poles, or on the ground along roadsides. ...more
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State property tax relief available for homeowners
posted on 6/13/2024
Low to moderate-income homeowners may be eligible to seek refunds from the state education property tax through the state’s property tax relief program. To seek tax relief for the current 2023 Tax Year, homeowners must apply with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration by June 30, 2024.
An eligible applicant for the tax refund is a person who is:
Single with adjusted gross income equal to or less than $37,000; or
Married or head of NH household with adjusted gross income less than or equal to $47,000; and
Owns a homestead subject to the state education property tax; and
Has resided in that homestead on April 1 of the year for which the claim is made....more -
Public hearings on the McIntosh West Apartments on June 17
posted on 6/11/2024
The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) has announced that two public hearings will be held on Monday, June 17 at the Dover City Hall Auditorium regarding financing the McIntosh West Apartments project.
The first public hearing will be from 7 to 7:30 p.m. on the proposal for the New Hampshire Housing Financing Authority (NHHFA) to finance the McIntosh West Apartments project using up to $6,200,000 in Affordable Housing Fund monies as part of the financing; however, the amount approved may be increased or decreased at the discretion of New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. The proposed $32,000,000 project will be located at 23 Cataract Ave., Dover, NH. The project will create 78 apartments of general occupancy, affordable housing.
The second public hearing will be from 7:30 to 8 p.m. on the proposal for the NHRA to issue bonds of up to $18,400,000 (out of a total anticipated project cost of approximately $32,000,000). The bonds are proposed to be issued to finance the McIntosh multi-family housing project, including the acquisition of a 2.63-acre parcel of land known as Condominium Lot B located at 23 Cataract Ave. and 61 Rutland St. (referred to as Map 13 Lots 23 & 24) in the City of Dover, and the construction, furnishing and equipping on such land of a 78-unit multi-family rental housing development (consisting of two 39-unit buildings with an aggregate gross square foot building area totaling approximately 92,560 square feet, and with all 78 units expected to be occupied by tenants having incomes no greater than 60% of area median income)....more
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Council to honor Dover Robotics Team; Renaming section of Locke Street, awarding bids also on agenda
posted on 6/10/2024
The Dover City Council will hold its first regular meeting of the month on Wednesday, June 12, at 7 p.m.
The Council will begin the meeting with a proclamation honoring the Dover Robotics Team, which won six awards in its inaugural season. The team is comprised of students in grades 7-12.
The Council will also hold a public hearing on a pending resolution that would rename the Class VI portion of Locke Street to Tranquility Way. The renaming of the road is part of a broader development of the area; the City Council passed a resolution in February to approve building permits for parcels that border the Class VI section of Locke Street.
Also on the agenda:...more
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Dover committee to host Athletics Reconstruction Project listening session June 11
posted on: 6/7/2024
Planning for the renovation and reconstruction of Dover High’s Dunaway Field and track is underway.
The Joint Building Committee overseeing the project is hosting a Community Listening Session on Tuesday, June 11 starting at 5:30 p.m. in the McConnell Center’s basement cafeteria.
The committee is tasked with rebuilding the high school’s track and main competition field, which dates to the old high school’s construction nearly 50 years ago. The renovation of Dunaway Field was included in the original scope of work for the new high school, but the project was deferred.
The purpose of the listening session is to gather input from the community about what people would like to see in a new facility. In addition to replacing the track and main competition field, the committee expects to recommend new grandstands and modern lighting....more
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City sells three waterfront parcels for development's first phase
posted on 6/5/2024
In another milestone in the long-planned Waterfront Development Project, the City of Dover sold three waterfront parcels to the developer, Cathartes, on Friday, May 31, for $1,316,751.58, as part of the first phase of the site's development.
The parcels are Lot 1-4, Lot 1-5, and Lot 1-6 and encompass more than five acres of 29-acre site. These parcels include the property within the River Street loop road and one parcel on the other side of River Street that borders Seaport Way, noted on the plans as buildings C, D and E.
The sale allows Cathartes to begin constructing its buildings, working alongside the city's contractor making the public improvements to the site. The city is responsible for creating streets, installing utilities, getting sites ready for development, and making the public park.
The private development plan includes constructing three mixed-use buildings, two multi-family buildings, and three clusters of townhouses. The Planning Board approved Cathartes' site plans in June 2022, which include mixed-use developments with approximately 26,000 square feet of commercial space and 418 residential units....more
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School Board names Lindsay Dube as Dover Middle School Principal
posted on 6/4/2024
The School Board approved the superintendent’s nomination of Lindsay Dube as the next principal of Dover Middle School at its May 13 meeting.
Dube, currently DMS’ interim principal, has been the school’s Dean of Instruction for the past three years. Before that, she was the Dean of Students for seven years, a high school English teacher for five years, with three years as the department chair.
“I am confident that Ms. Dube's leadership skills, enthusiasm, and experience will be a tremendous asset to the Dover Middle School community and the Dover School District SAU 11,” Superintendent William Harbron said in a memo to the School Board. “I am confident her skills and talents will continue to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the Dover Middle School community.”
Dube’s official start date is July 1, 2024, with a salary of $129,299.26. She will replace Kimberly Lyndes, whose last day with the school district is June 30. ...more
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Council to receive update on Community Power, energy projects at June 5 workshop
posted on 6/3/2024
The City Council will hold a workshop at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, on current and proposed energy projects.
The workshop will include a review of the Dover Community Power program, which first launched in October 2023. The Council will also review three energy-related proposals endorsed by the Dover Energy Commission: utilizing an energy-saving performance contracting agreement as a way to finance efficiency and weatherization upgrades; a proposal to install a solar array at the city’s wastewater treatment plant; and a proposal for the city to earn revenue through partnering with renewable power producers in the state.
The complete agenda can be found here: https://bit.ly/3VjwmZr....more
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Supervisors of the Checklist in Session June 4
posted on 5/31/2024
The Supervisors of the Checklist will meet on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 6 p.m., at the City Clerk's office at City Hall, 288 Central Ave.
During this session, supervisors will register new voters, record changes of address, name and party affiliation, and make other necessary corrections to the checklist.
This session is the last day to change party affiliation before the September Primary Election.
For more information, contact the City Clerk's office at 603-516-6018....more
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Deadline to change party affiliation before state primary election is Tuesday, June 4
posted on 5/31/2024
The last day a registered voter can change their political party affiliation before the 2024 State Primary Election is Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Per state law, voters may not change their party affiliation 90 days before a primary.
The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, with the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. At the election, voters will cast ballots for county, state and federal offices.
Voters domiciled in Dover may change their party affiliation at the City Clerk's Office, or any scheduled meeting of the supervisors of the checklist except for during the period between the first day of the filing period for the primary election and the date of the primary election itself. ...more
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City paving operations begins May 31
posted on 5/29/2024
Weather and other conditions permitting, Brox Industries, Inc., the city's paving contractor, is scheduled to begin paving operations on Friday, May 31 on Barry Street, Tanglewood Drive, and Berkshire Lane.
The work includes removing curbing, lowering street structures, trimming driveways, reclamation and grading, followed by paving. Reclamation is the process of grinding the existing pavement in place and mixing it with the existing base gravel material to improve the strength of the base. The reclaimed material can be shaped to re-establish the roadway cross-section and improve drainage.
The work is anticipated to last for three to five weeks. Parking will be prohibited on the above-listed streets Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. until paving operations are completed. Violators may be ticketed and towed....more
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City Council proclaims June as Alzheimer's Awareness Month
posted on: 5/28/2024
The City Council recognized June as Alzheimer's Awareness Month during its May 22 City meeting with a proclamation read by Mayor Robert Carrier.
Betsy Bowman, a resident of Spring Village, an assisted living facility in Dover, gaveled the City Council meeting to order before Carrier read the proclamation detailing the devastating impacts of Alzheimer's disease.
"Whereas Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, causing profound cognitive decline and impact on families and communities," the mayor said, reading from the proclamation. "And whereas research into Alzheimer's disease is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies and treatments and ultimately finding a cure for this challenging condition."
After receiving the official proclamation document, Bowman thanked the city, saying, "Dover has been very kind to me, and I've enjoyed being here and meeting all you people. You've got a good run city."...more
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Proclamation honors Jewish American Heritage Month
posted on: 5/26/2024
Dover Mayor Robert Carrier issued a proclamation at the May 22 City Council meeting recognizing May as National Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrating the countless contributions of Jewish Americans to society.
"Jewish Americans have enriched our nation's cultural and intellectual life with their creative talents and have made significant contributions in areas such as medicine, science, education, law, business and government," the mayor said, reading from the proclamation.
The proclamation also noted that Jewish Americans "have been at the forefront of many social justice movements advocating for equality, civil rights, religious freedom, and contributing to the betterment of our communities."
Carrier presented the proclamation to Ward 2 Councilor Robbie Warach, who thanked the mayor and council for the recognition.
"I just want to thank the Council and Mayor Carrier for recognizing this month," Warach said. "With all that's going on in the world right now, it's extremely important that we recognize the contributions of Jewish Americans and separate Jewish Americans from what's going on abroad and fight against antisemitism."...more
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City Hall closed Memorial Day; Trash pickup delayed by one day all week
posted on: 5/23/2024
City administrative offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, May 28, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Dover Public Library will also be closed on Monday, May 27.
Dover Recreation facilities, including the McConnell Center, Dover Indoor Pool, Jenny Thompson Pool, and the Dover Arena, are closed on Monday, May 27.
In addition, there is no trash pickup and curbside recycling on Monday, May 27, 2024. Trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day the week of May 27.
Memorial Day is also one of several parking holidays each year, during which time motorists are not required to pay for parking....more
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Memorial Day ceremony to be held at Pine Hill Cemetery on May 27
posted on: 5/23/2024
A Memorial Day ceremony will be held on Monday, May 27, 2024, beginning at 11 a.m. at Pine Hill Cemetery and hosted by Dover's Woodman Museum.
The event will begin with a ceremony to honor Dover’s fallen soldiers. It will include opening remarks by Woodman Museum Executive Director Jonathan Nichols, a Memorial Day address by Dover Mayor Robert Carrier, a wreath laying, the playing of Taps, a massing of colors by Dover High School's Naval Junior ROTC, and guest speakers.
The ceremony will be held at the Veterans Circle, which can be accessed from the East Watson Street entrance to New Pine Hill Cemetery. ...more
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Curbside weed control spraying begins next week, May 29
posted on 5/21/2024; updated 5/22/2024
The city's contracted and licensed weed control applicator will begin operations on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at targeted locations throughout Dover.
The city will utilize organic weed treatments in most locations but will target specific streets with a one-time application of Esplanade, a non-glyphosate pre-emergent weed control.
Property owners that do not want the Esplanade treatment area may opt out of its application by contacting Community Services at 603-516-6450 by Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 4 p.m.
Click here to view a map of the planned curbside weed control areas.
The City of Dover is utilizing the following weed control strategies for 2024:...more
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City Council seeks public comments on free parking for veterans, pending budget resolutions
posted on 5/20/2024
The City Council is slated to hold five public hearings at its Wednesday, May 22 meeting.
The public hearings include:
Updates to the Vehicle and Traffic codes. The Council made slight changes to the proposed ordinance at its May 8 meeting, prompting a second public hearing. The proposed ordinance would allow three hours of free parking in the municipal parking garage for those with Veterans plates, except for electric vehicle charging stations. The proposed changes would also make a section of Fifth Street one-way as part of the Fifth and Grove Reconstruction Project;
Authorizing the dissolving previous Capital Improvement Project funds into the General Fund. This resolution would transfer the remaining CIP fund balances from FY 2009, 2013 and 2015 totaling $417,915 into the General Fund at the close of FY2024 on June 30, 2024;
Transferring unassigned funds to the Tolend Road Landfill Closure Fund to cover the fund’s deficit. Approval of this resolution would authorize the transfer of $824,404 from the General Fund to the landfill fund. The City Council had budgeted $529,044 for FY204; however, there were higher sampling costs than anticipated, leading to the deficit, the background materials state;...more
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Mayor, City Council issue proclamation for Public Works Week
posted on 5/17/2024
Dover Mayor Robert Carrier and the City Council issued a proclamation at the May 8 City Council meeting declaring May 19-25, 2024 as National Public Works Week in Dover. The proclamation honors the contributions of public works professionals in the city's Community Services Department.
"Public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life, and well-being of the people of the City of Dover," the mayor said, reading from the proclamation.
National Public Works Week, sponsored by the American Public Works Association, is being celebrated for the 64th year in 2024. The proclamation calls upon Dover's citizens to join activities and ceremonies designed "to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and advancing quality of life for all."...more
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Dover Fire and Rescue celebrates National Military Appreciation Month by honoring department veterans
posted on 5/16/2024
This month, Dover Fire and Rescue is celebrating National Military Appreciation Month by recognizing its members who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The honored members are:
- Firefighter Jeffrey Hudick, U.S. Army
- Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Kilday, U.S. Army
- Firefighter William Carey, U.S. Marine Corps
- Firefighter Taylor Denio, U.S. Army
- Firefighter Lilah Cherim, U.S. Marine Corps
- Firefighter Connor Morris, U.S. Marine Corps
- Division Chief Keith Irwin, U.S. Army
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Dover Police investigate thefts from motor vehicles
posted on: 5/13/2024
The Dover Police Department is conducting an investigation into thefts from motor vehicles that occurred on Sunday, May 12. The Police Department received two reports of thefts that occurred at the Longhill Dog Park, 42 Longhill Road, in Dover. In both incidents, victims reported that wallets were stolen which contained identification cards, checks, credit and debit cards, and other personal information. During one of the thefts, the suspect smashed the vehicle’s window to gain access.
The suspects were reportedly driving a dark blue sedan, possibly a Nissan Altima, and displaying a vanity plate with some variation of “TR SLAYER” or “T1RESLYR”.
It is believed that the perpetrators are part of an out-of-state organized crime group that is known for “smash and grab” thefts with the intent of stealing personal and banking information to commit financial frauds. Thefts of this nature typically occur at gyms, recreation areas, or other locations where citizens will leave their purse or bag in the vehicle for a brief time....more
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Pudding Hill Water Treatment Plant begins operation
posted 5/13/2024
The new Pudding Hill Water Treatment Plant has pumped its first million gallons of water into the city’s drinking water system since it came online earlier this month, utilizing the Pudding Hill aquifer for the first time since 2019. Once fully operational, which could be as early as next week, the treatment plant is capable of adding a million or more gallons of water daily into the city’s water system, providing 40% of the city’s daily water needs.
“Pudding Hill puts us back where we need to be with plenty of water,” said Community Services Director John Storer. “Unless we have a substantial region-wide massive drought, we should be fine meeting all city demands moving into the future.”
The city will be providing tours of the new water treatment plant during its Open House on Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m....more
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Dover Mayor, City Council proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month
posted on 5/10/2024
At the May 8 City Council meeting, Dover Mayor Robert Carrier issued a proclamation declaring May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the city. The proclamation was presented to Suzanne Weete and Melissa Lesniak, members of the Dover Mental Health Alliance.
"Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, impacting youth, families, individuals, and those who work in or own businesses across Dover," Carrier said, reading from the proclamation. He noted that one in five American adults and one in six adolescents experience mental health conditions each year.
The proclamation stated, "Despite its prevalence, mental health remains shrouded in stigma, preventing many from seeking help." It encouraged residents to "educate yourself and others about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available resources" and "challenge stigma by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health."
Before reading the proclamation, Carrier asked Weete what individuals can do to raise mental health awareness. ...more
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City, plaintiffs appeal redistricting lawsuit to state supreme court
posted on 5/9/2024
The City of Dover and its co-plaintiffs are appealing a superior court decision that dismissed their redistricting lawsuit against the Secretary of State. The plaintiffs allege the state’s redistricting law violates the New Hampshire Constitution.
In late 2023, both parties filed for summary judgment, with Strafford Superior Court Judge Mark Howard holding a hearing on Feb. 7, 2024. In an April 8 ruling, Howard denied the city’s motion for summary judgment and granted the state’s. Last week, the city and the other plaintiffs appealed the decision to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
The lawsuit centers around how state legislators drew redistricting maps following the release of the 2020 Census data in 2021. House Bill 50, signed into law on March 23, 2022, groups Dover’s Ward 4 residents into two districts combined with other towns. The complaint alleges that Dover’s Ward 4, along with other municipalities, including Barrington, Hooksett, Lee, New Ipswich, Rochester, and Wilton, had combined representation with neighboring municipalities despite New Hampshire Constitutional requirements requiring a dedicated district for political wards and towns with sufficient population....more
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Tax bills mailed May 1
posted on 5/8/2024
The City Clerk and Tax Collector's Office mailed tax bills to all property owners on May 1. It’s the second half of the annual tax bill, due Monday, June 3, 2024.
As calculated and certified by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration, the City of Dover's property tax rate for fiscal year 2024 (tax year 2023) is $18.70 per $1,000 assessed valuation.
In addition to mail, property tax payments can be paid online by clicking the "Pay My Bill" button on the home page of the City's website at www.dover.nh.gov. Payment of property tax bills is only available for current year tax bills and is not available for properties with a prior year's tax lien. There are online payment transaction fees collected by the payment processing company.
For more information, contact the City Clerk and Tax Collector's Office at 603-516-6018. The City Clerk and Tax Collector's Office, located at City Hall at 288 Central Ave., is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m....more
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Utility bills to be mailed this week with water service line materials survey
posted on 5/7/2024
Quarterly water and sewer utility bills will be mailed to customers in the coming week. The utility bill again 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.
If you have already taken the survey, there is no need to complete it again.
The Water Service Line Inventory Survey, available at https://bit.ly/service-line-survey, requests water users 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 images of pipes and their descriptions, 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.
The picture should be of the service pipe coming into the water meter through the wall (though sometimes the floor). It is usually located in the basement. The survey can include up to five photos....more
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City Council to consider free parking for veterans
posted on 5/6/2024
The City Council meets on Wednesday, May 8, for its first meeting of the month.
The Council will hold a public hearing on the pending resolution that would provide three hours a day of free parking in the city’s metered spaces for vehicles with veteran license plates, provided the person who qualified for the veteran plate is using the vehicle. This change was endorsed by the Parking Commission at its Feb. 20, 2024 meeting in a 3-2 vote. Currently, three hours of free parking is available to those with Purple Heart, Gold Star, Prisoner of War and Pearl Harbor Survivor license plates.
The resolution would also make Fifth Street one-way from Chestnut Street to Fourth Street, which is part of the Fifth and Grove Reconstruction Project. The one-way traffic pattern was reviewed and unanimously endorsed by the Transportation Advisory Committee at its Aug. 22, 2022 meeting.
Also on the agenda, the Council will be asked to approve a resolution that authorizes the City Manager to move appropriations between non-school departments to cover shortfalls. The appropriations were already approved, and the resolution does not increase appropriations. This is an annual budget housekeeping item....more
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Last chance to participate in Dover Housing Survey
posted on 5/3/2024
The City of Dover, in partnership with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) and the University of New Hampshire, is conducting a regulatory audit to learn what barriers and opportunities are present in the housing choices available in Dover.
As part of this project, the team continues to collect information by survey about individual housing journeys in Dover. Whether you are a renter, homeowner, business owner, student, or have any other type of connection to Dover, all are encouraged to participate in the Dover Housing Survey to share your story and impact the future of housing in Dover. The survey will close next week.
To access the Dover Housing Survey, click here....more
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Dover Library's annual book sale underway
posted on 5/3/2024
The Friends of the Dover Public Library's annual May Book Sale is now underway, through May 6, in the library's Lecture Hall.
The sale will offer hundreds of donated books, DVDs, and other items for $1-3. Categories include fiction, nonfiction, biographies, children's books, and cookbooks.
Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. All remaining items will be free on Monday, May 6.
Cash, checks, and Square payments will be accepted. Proceeds support library programs, the Summer Reading Program, museum passes, and other services....more
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Dover Senior Center to tour Historic Boston and Cambridge “By Land & By Water”
posted on 5/2/2024
Join the Dover Community Senior Center on a tour of Boston with a local guide and Charles River Boat Cruise on Thursday, July 18, 2024.
The bus will depart at 8:30 a.m. from the Park & Ride lot by the Dover Ice Arena, 150 Portland Ave., Dover on a deluxe Yankee Line motorcoach to Boston.
Participants will tour Boston via motorcoach with a local guide that includes highlights of the Revolutionary War sites. Lunch at the Cheesecake Factory includes entrée, cheesecake and a non-alcoholic beverage. After lunch, enjoy a 70-minute fully-narrated sightseeing cruise along the Charles River. The captain and crew will entertain and educate while pointing out historic and cultural sights of Cambridge. Sights include Beacon Hill, Esplanade Park the Back Bay, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University....more
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Community Services to hold open house May 18 for Public Works Week
posted on: 5/1/2024; updated: 5/15/2024
The City of Dover's Community Services kicks off Public Works Week with an Open House and Touch-A-Truck event at its 271 Mast Road headquarters on Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event will display numerous public work trucks for the kids and the public to check out. In addition, there will be vehicles and equipment from Dover Police and Fire departments, Strafford County Sheriff Department, Grappone Ford, Equipment East, Herc Rentals, Pete’s Tire Barn, United Ag & Turf, MB Tractor & Equipment, Moore’s Crane Rental, United Construction and Rochester Motor Sports.
Staff will hold demonstrations, such as how crews tap a water line, and provide shuttled tours of the new Pudding Hill Water Treatment Facility. There will also be Paint-A-Plow and ice cream for kids, among other events.
Dover's Community Services Department oversees public works functions, including water and sewer utilities, streets and highways, parks and recreation facilities, and more....more