Dover Download

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Public Meeting Roundup: May 2024 Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Brian Early from Media Services and Erin Bassegio from the Planning Department to discuss the recent activities of various boards and commissions in the city of Dover. Early shares updates from the City Council agenda, including budgetary resolutions, the acceptance of a grant for an electric vehicle, and the completion of the Pudding Hill Water Treatment Plant. Bassegio provides updates from the Arts Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Conservation Commission, Planning Board, and Community Housing Needs Committee. Topics covered include local art projects, trail improvements, wetland buffer impact proposals, site plan amendments, a new telecommunications facility, and a regulatory audit on current land use policies.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn that in June 1792, Dover served as the capital of New Hampshire, with the state legislature seated at the courthouse on the corner of Court and Hanson streets. The historic courthouse hosted notable figures like Daniel Webster and served as both the Strafford County courthouse and the United States District Court.

Summer Construction Projects in Dover May 28, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Community Services Director John Storer and City Engineer Ken Mavrogeorge about the various construction and infrastructure projects happening in Dover during the summer months. Storer highlights the new Pudding Hill Water Treatment Plant, a $15 million project that has brought the Pudding Hill aquifer back into service, and the construction of a new 1 million gallon water tower. Mavrogeorge discusses the Fifth and Grove Street reconstruction project, the Portland Avenue retaining wall project, and the annual street paving program. They also touch on sewer projects, including a $9 million upgrade to the River Street Pump Station and efforts to consolidate and reduce the number of pump stations in the city.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn that on May 28, 1927, Dover celebrated Poppy Day, a special observance to honor and support disabled and needy veterans and their families, organized by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts.

Connecting Communities: A Conversation with COAST's Rad Nichols May 21, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Rad Nichols, the Executive Director of COAST Bus, a public transit system serving Dover and the Seacoast region. Nichols shares that after years of driver shortages, COAST is now fully staffed, allowing them to restore services that had been temporarily suspended, resulting in a 38% increase in ridership. They discuss COAST's plans for a new $20 million facility, with $14 million already secured through federal funding. Nichols highlights the value COAST provides in connecting people to employment, education, and essential services, emphasizing its role as an economic driver and lifeline for many. Parker commends COAST's recognition as the Greater Dover Chamber's 2024 Nonprofit of the Year and the community's strong support for the organization.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Foster's Daily Democrat's 50th anniversary in 1923, which coincided with Dover's 300th anniversary. The newspaper published a special edition commemorating both milestones, providing a comprehensive look at Dover's past and present.

Celebrating Public Works Week in Dover May 14, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Engineer Ken Mavrogeorge and Director of Community Services John Storer to celebrate Public Works Week. They discuss the behind-the-scenes work involved in maintaining the city's infrastructure, such as streets and sidewalks, and ensuring safe drinking water and proper sewage treatment. Mavrogeorge and Storer highlight the importance of the diverse team of professionals required to keep the city running smoothly. Storer and Mavrogeorge also invite listeners to attend the Public Works Open House on Saturday, May 18th, where interactive displays and activities will showcase the various aspects of their work.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a 1923 event where prominent Dover residents shared reflections on their mothers in honor of Mother's Day.

National Police Week: Celebrating Dover's Commitment to Public Safety May 07, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Police Chief Bill Breault and Police Lt. Alex Mitrushi about National Police Week and the changing role of law enforcement. The chief and lieutenant discuss how policing has evolved from primarily responding to crimes to addressing social issues like mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness. They highlight the department's social work unit, which connects people with services, and the importance of mental health training for officers. Breault emphasizes treating people with respect and improving their quality of life. Mitrushi encourages community members to attend events, do ride-alongs, and engage with officers to learn about the job. They also share how the new police facility accommodates their expanded roles and programs.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a controversy in 1887 where a student newspaper accused the School Board of corruption and discrimination. The accusations sparked a heated public meeting and an investigation.

Celebrating Firefighters and Public Meeting Round-Up for April Apr 30, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Fire and Rescue Chief Michael McShane and staffers Erin Bassegio and Brian Early.

Parker and McShane discuss the evolving role of firefighters, from traditional firefighting to a broader emergency response and community health support. McShane highlights the challenges of staffing and recruitment, as well as the increasing demands on firefighters due to climate change and severe weather events. They also touch on the history of the Dover Fire Department, including the oldest active fire station in the state, and celebrate International Firefighter Appreciation Day on May 4.

Later, Bassegio provides updates from various boards and commissions, including the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Energy Commission, Community Trail Advisory Committee, Conservation Commission, and Planning Board. Early covers City Council meetings, discussing topics such as a milfoil treatment grant for Willand Pond, waterfront development resolutions, a cease-fire resolution, merging advisory committees, and the annual street paving program. He also mentions the School Board's adoption of new curriculums.

Serving the Community: Gary Bannon's Legacy in Dover Recreation Apr 23, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Gary Bannon, who is retiring after 34 years as the Director of Recreation for the City of Dover. They discuss Bannon's decision to retire now and his reflections on his long career with the city. Bannon shares how he ended up in Dover, initially applying for the job after seeing an ad in the newspaper while working in Rhode Island. He talks about the various programs, facilities, and infrastructure improvements he has overseen during his tenure, highlighting how community input and partnerships were crucial in making many of these projects a reality. Bannon emphasizes the importance of embracing the public, serving people, and providing opportunities for quality of life.

In This Week in Dover History, in 1997, Gary Bannon announced plans to launch the city's July 4th fireworks from Garrison Hill instead of the traditional location at Dover High School's football field, as part of the city's 375th anniversary celebration that year.

One Hour, One Community: Deb Clough and Volunteerism Apr 16, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Deb Clough, a local volunteer who leads the Dover Doers group focused on beautifying downtown Dover through projects like planting and maintaining flower boxes on the Central Avenue Bridge and along the Community Trail. Clough shares how the group started modestly with just a few flower boxes, but grew in popularity and support from the community. She emphasizes the importance of volunteerism in building a sense of community and bringing people together for a common purpose. Clough welcomes anyone to get involved, even if it's just for an hour a month, and stresses that volunteering is a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about an incident in 1923 when the bronze sword held by the sailor figure on the Soldiers and Sailors Civil War Monument was found bent, leading to a police investigation.

Business Development: Collaborating for Success in Dover Apr 09, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the final in a series on the regional economy, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with James Burdin from the Office of Business Development in the City of Dover. Burdin shares his experience working with local businesses during his first year in the role. He discusses the importance of understanding a business's vision and providing guidance through city processes and available resources. Burdin emphasizes the value of collaboration with regional economic development professionals, leveraging their expertise and data-gathering capabilities. He also highlights the significance of housing availability in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce for local businesses. Burdin touches on initiatives like surveys and newsletters aimed at gathering community input and promoting engagement.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a raucous event in 1904 involving University of New Hampshire students at the Boston and Maine Train depot in Dover. Freshmen and sophomores engaged in a premeditated melee to mark the freshmen's arrival, with coats torn, hats trampled, and police intervention required to restore order.

Public Meeting Roundup: March 2024 Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Brian Early from the Media Services Department and Erin Basseigio from the Planning Department about the activities of Dover's boards, commissions, and committees in March.

Brian Early highlights the City Council's approval of the Fifth and Grove reconstruction project, updates to tax exemptions, and the purchase of a solar array for the Indoor Pool and Children's Museum of New Hampshire. Erin Basseigio talks about the Planning Board's ongoing work on impact fees, the Open Space and Conservation chapter of the Master Plan, and initiatives by the Community Trail Advisory Committee, Arts Commission, and Conservation Commission, including tree-planting efforts.

Parker also offers updates from the Parking Commission and the Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee. Additionally, they touch upon the City Council's budget review process, the School Board's new English language arts curriculum, the Joint Building Committee for the Dover High School Athletic Complex, and the search for a new Recreation Director.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the Flying Yankee, a pioneering streamlined passenger train that debuted in Dover in 1935, representing the latest innovation in rail transportation technology at the time.

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