Dover Download

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Building Trust: A Conversation on Local Government and Transparency Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the first of two parts, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Nate Bernitz, a field specialist for Community and Economic Development at the University of New Hampshire's Cooperative Extension, about transparency and public trust in local government. The conversation explores Dover's various approaches to building trust through outreach and engagement, including the Dover Download podcast itself, which Parker notes reaches a surprisingly diverse audience. They discuss Dover's commitment to transparency through detailed budget documentation, accessible staff contact information, and clear communication practices. Parker emphasizes the city's focus on customer service, particularly in "high-touch" departments like the City Clerk's office and inspection services. The discussion also covers how Dover adapted during COVID-19 by streamlining processes and creating more online services, such as permit applications and outdoor dining approvals. Throughout the conversation, both speakers highlight the importance of making local government more accessible and understandable to residents while maintaining effective service delivery.

Community Development in Focus: The CDBG Program and December Meeting Updates Dec 24, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Dave Carpenter, Community Development Coordinator, and Ryan Pope, Housing Navigator, about Dover's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the upcoming five-year consolidated plan. Carpenter explains that Dover has been an entitlement community since the 1970s, receiving direct federal funding to address community needs, particularly in housing and economic development. Pope discusses their current community engagement efforts, including surveys and public listening sessions, to gather input for the new consolidated plan. They highlight emerging themes such as housing affordability, housing quality, and economic development. Carpenter notes the challenges of working with limited funding and the importance of prioritizing needs effectively. The plan will go through public hearings before the Planning Board and City Council in early 2025, with final approval expected by spring.

In the second segment, Parker speaks with Brian Early of Media Services and Erin Bassegio of the Planning Department about recent city developments. Early reports on the School Board's budget preparation, the Joint Building Committee's work on the Dover High School Athletic Complex, and City Council actions on the waterfront pavilion project. Bassegio details the Planning Board's December meeting, which included approvals for the Library renovation project, various residential developments, and discussion of a Court Street project. She also mentions updates from the Arts Commission and Conservation Commission, including new staff members joining the planning department.

Preserving Dover's Natural Heritage: A Conversation with Conservation Leaders Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Bill Hunt, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, and Anna Boudreau, founding member of the Open Lands Committee, about their combined 40-plus years of volunteer service preserving Dover's natural resources. Hunt, a retired teacher and farm owner, discusses the Conservation Commission's role in providing environmental guidance to the Planning Board for development projects. Boudreau explains how the Open Lands Committee works with willing landowners to preserve land through conservation easements, emphasizing that properties must meet specific criteria for conservation value. Both guests highlight Dover's balanced approach to development and conservation, with Boudreau noting the importance of meeting housing needs while protecting natural resources. The conversation concludes with Hunt discussing the Commission's urban tree initiative to replace and maintain trees in downtown Dover, and Boudreau expressing the Open Lands Committee's need for volunteers to help with outreach, education, and easement monitoring.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover's oldest hook and ladder fire company, formed on Dec. 21, 1831. Initially called the Volunteer Hook and Ladder Company, it later became known as the Lincoln Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. The company was famous for its annual banquets and became the oldest horse-drawn fire apparatus in New England before transitioning to its first motorized ladder truck in 1924.

A New Chapter in Dover Recreation: Merging Boards, Building Community Dec 10, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Rick Mikulis and Heather Twombly about recent changes to Dover's Recreation Advisory Board. They discuss how the board has been restructured to combine three separate entities - the Recreation Board, Arena Commission, and Pool Committee - into one comprehensive board. The consolidation aims to streamline operations, reduce duplication of efforts, and create a more cohesive approach to recreation in Dover. They also discuss the transition from former Recreation Director Gary Bannon to new director Kevin Hebert, noting how Hebert brings fresh energy and ideas while maintaining a strong community focus. The conversation highlights upcoming initiatives, including plans to enhance the annual tree lighting ceremony and the revival of the Heyliger Awards, which recognize community volunteers in sports and recreation. Both guests emphasize the board's openness to new members who have a passion for recreation and community involvement.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover's 1921 initiative to become a winter recreation destination. Through the formation of a winter sports association led by the Chamber of Commerce and mayor-elect Charles G. Waldron, the city aimed to promote activities like hockey, ski jumping, snowshoeing, and skating. This organized approach marked Dover's early development as a winter recreation hub.

Getting the Lead Out: Dover's Water Service Line Inventory Dec 03, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Utilities Superintendent Mike Nadeau and City Engineer Ken Mavrogeorge about Dover's ongoing lead service line inventory initiative. The discussion centers on a federally mandated program requiring cities to document the materials used in water service lines, with particular attention to identifying potential lead pipes. They explain that water service lines connect main water pipes to individual properties, with ownership split between the city and property owners. The conversation covers the historical use of lead in water infrastructure, particularly during World War II material shortages, and the health risks associated with lead exposure. The officials detail Dover's efforts to inventory these lines, including a public survey. They discuss strategies for completing the inventory, options for homeowners with lead services, and available funding programs that could cover up to 70% of replacement costs.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the Boston and Maine Railroad's 1927 decision to relocate its divisional headquarters to Dover. The move brought about 60 employees and their families to the city and included plans to expand the existing passenger station with two additional floors for offices. The decision highlighted Dover's strategic importance as a transportation hub in New England.

Shopping Local: Dover Businesses Choose Community Over Competition Nov 26, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Doug Glennon from Jewelry Creations and Shelby Meyrowitz from Hip Finds Company about upcoming holiday shopping events in downtown Dover. They discuss several initiatives including Plaid Friday (Dover's version of Black Friday), Small Business Saturday, Artists Sunday, and a Holiday Stroll. The guests emphasize the importance of shopping local and highlight that downtown businesses also offer online shopping options. They announce free parking in downtown Dover on select Saturdays through the end of the year and discuss their organization's efforts to build community through events and collaboration rather than competition.

In the second segment, Parker speaks with City Planner Erin Bassegio and Media Services Administrator Brian Early about November's municipal activities. They discuss the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) workshop, including potential changes to Fire Department equipment purchases and updates on the Dover High School Athletic Complex project. Early notes that the School Board has begun its FY26 budget process, with adoption planned for January. Bassegio provides updates on various planning initiatives, including progress on a solar array at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, the Conservation and Open Space chapter update of the Master Plan, and the Community Housing Needs Committee's upcoming recommendations. Parker concludes with updates on the Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee.

The Unique Role of Dover's Transportation Advisory Commission Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) Chair Michael Williams and Police Lt. Marn Speidel about the unique structure and function of Dover's TAC. The commission consists of nine members, including three voting staff liaisons and six citizen appointees, making it distinct from other city boards. They discuss how the TAC handles both specific transportation concerns (like crosswalk placement and speed limits) and broader policy issues affecting Dover's transportation infrastructure. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing immediate resident concerns with long-term planning, especially given budget constraints and technical requirements. They explain how the TAC differs from the Parking Commission and discuss the evolution of truck traffic regulations in Dover. Williams and Speidel emphasize the importance of having both technical expertise from staff members and community perspective from citizen representatives to make informed decisions about transportation issues.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Saint George Maronite Catholic Church, which celebrated 53 years of service in 2001. The church, established by Lebanese immigrants in 1948, originated from the Saint George Maronite Society formed in 1939. The building, formerly Lothrop Memorial Hall, was purchased in 1941 and continues to serve Dover's Lebanese American community while preserving both its religious traditions and cultural heritage.

Full Circle: Fire Chief Perry Plummer Returns to Dover Fire & Rescue Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Perry Plummer, Dover's new Fire Chief, who is returning to the role after previously serving as Fire Chief from the late 1990s to early 2000s. Plummer discusses his extensive career, including his time as director of New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management and assistant commissioner for the state Department of Safety. He reflects on the changes in firefighting and emergency services over his career, particularly noting the evolution of EMS services from basic transport to advanced life support with 23 paramedics now providing hospital-level care in the field. Plummer addresses the challenges of leading a modern fire department, including longer wait times for equipment, staffing difficulties, and the increasing importance of emergency management. He also discusses his experience with the North End Fire Station project, which he helped shepherd through during his first tenure and has proven successful over nearly two decades of operation. Throughout the conversation, Plummer emphasizes the importance of effective communication, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement in emergency services.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a tragic incident from November 1856, when a celebration of James Buchanan's presidential election turned deadly. During the festivities atop Garrison Hill, a War of 1812 cannon accidentally discharged, killing two men, John Foss and George Clark. The cannon was later moved to the Woodman Museum after years of vandalism on Garrison Hill.

Meet Kevin Hebert, Dover's New Recreation Director Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Kevin Hebert, Dover's new Recreation Director, who replaced longtime director Gary Bannon in April. Hebert discusses his 25-year background in education and athletics, including roles as Athletic Director at various schools, including Somersworth High School and Spaulding High School in Rochester. As a Dover resident with three children in the school system and a wife teaching at Dover High School, Hebert brings both professional expertise and a local perspective to his new role. He shares his vision for regional recreation collaboration, plans to evaluate and potentially expand programs (including youth volleyball), and thoughts on better coordinating with local sports leagues and school athletics. Hebert emphasizes Dover's impressive recreation infrastructure, including two ice sheets, indoor and outdoor pools, and numerous parks. He discusses current projects, including the Jenny Thompson Pool renovation and waterfront development, while highlighting the importance of maintaining strong relationships with staff and being responsive to community needs. The conversation touches on his background as a local sports coach and his approach to strategic planning and program evaluation.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Earl Goodwin, who was named New Hampshire Municipal Association's Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in 1999.

Democracy in Action: Dover's Election Process and City Updates Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Clerk Jerrica Vansylyvong-Bizier about voting in the upcoming General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. They discuss Dover's six polling locations, voter registration processes, absentee ballot procedures, and ballot counting methods. Vansylyvong-Bizier explains the rigorous checks and balances in place for vote counting. She also details the crucial role of poll workers, with some wards having up to 45 volunteers working from early morning until after the polls close at 7 p.m.

Parker then speaks with Brian Early of Media Services and Erin Bassegio of the Planning Department about recent city government activities. They discuss several developments, including parking rate adjustments, the completion of the Dover High School construction project (coming in under budget at $87.6 million), and the approval of a public art installation on traffic control boxes in collaboration with Dover High School's National Arts Society. They also cover updates to the city's Master Plan, including the upcoming Land Use chapter revision and the near-completion of the Conservation and Open Space chapter.

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