Dover Download

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Preparing for Winter Weather: A Look at Dover's Snow Removal Operations Jan 16, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with John Storer, Community Services Director, and Brian Landry, Public Works Supervisor, about winter preparations and challenges in snow removal. The conversation covers the extensive planning and preparation undertaken by the team before snowfall, including equipment readiness and crew briefing. They discuss the types of equipment used, like wing plow trucks, loaders, and sidewalk tractors, emphasizing the all-hands-on-deck approach during plowing events.

Storer and Landry detail the difficulties in handling different types of snow, especially wet snow, and the slow pace of clearing sidewalks in such conditions. They address the high expectations of Dover citizens and the logistical challenges they face, such as staffing shortages and equipment breakdowns. The discussion also includes how residents can stay informed about parking bans during storms.

Moreover, they discuss environmental concerns, particularly regarding the use of salt for de-icing roads. Efforts to reduce salt usage through brining equipment and more efficient application methods are mentioned. They also touch on the importance of community participation in clearing hydrants and catch basins post-storm.

In "This Week in Dover History," Mike Gillis discusses an event from 1924, where eight women employees from the Dover office of Twin State Gas and Electric attended a company meeting in Berlin, New Hampshire.

Home in Dover: Plans and Progress for Housing Access Jan 09, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Ryan Pope, the City of Dover's Housing Navigator. They discuss the state's ongoing housing crisis, emphasizing the complexity of housing issues, including infrastructure, transportation, and the need for more housing units, particularly smaller ones. Pope highlights the community's feedback, gathered through surveys, indicating a desire for increased housing availability. They explore the challenges of implementing higher-density housing and balancing development with environmental concerns. The conversation also touches on financial aspects of addressing the housing crisis.

In This Week in Dover History, Mike Gillis reflects on the retirement of Schools Superintendent Gerald "Gerry" Daley in 1999.

What's Ahead for the Dover Download Podcast Jan 02, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Mike Gillis about the evolution of the podcast over its first two seasons and what listeners can expect going forward. They discuss improvements in the podcast's production quality, as well as shifts toward more authentic, informative conversations that tell the story behind policies and decisions shaping Dover. Looking ahead, they plan to continue highlighting major policies and volunteers, while also diving deeper into city budgets, goals, and issues interconnecting Dover with surrounding communities. Parker and Gillis ask listeners to give feedback on potential live episodes, topics to cover, and personal stories to share.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the devastating fire that destroyed the Morrill Block Building, a large complex housing over two dozen businesses, apartments, and offices in downtown Dover on Jan. 3, 1932. The fire required firefighters from numerous surrounding towns and caused over $1 million in damage.

Down Memory Lane: Bob Steele on his Time as Dover City Manager Dec 26, 2023

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Dover City Manager Bob Steele about his time working for the city in the late 1970s and 1980s. Steele recounts growing up in Maine and falling into a career in city management after graduating from the University of Maine. He shares what drew him to take the Dover city manager position, including the challenges the growing community was facing at the time such as issues with the city-managed hospital, the Tolend landfill, and securing an adequate water supply. Steele describes working to educate a fractious City Council on their role in a council-manager form of government. After over a decade as city manager, Steele made a surprise career change by taking a management job with Waste Management. He shares his unexpected journey into the private sector and how he helped Waste Management innovate on landfill gas capture and making Turnkey Landfill into a showplace.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a remarkable Christmas Eve gathering in 1923 at the former Dover City Hall and Opera House. More than 700 underprivileged children were treated to a festive party and gifts courtesy of the generosity of Mayor Fred Beckwith and other community members. Dressed as Santa Claus, the mayor made a dramatic entrance to cheers from the children and presided over a joyous event focused on community spirit and giving.

Dover's Policymakers Through the Decades: The Last Decade Dec 19, 2023

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Dover City Councilor John O'Connor about his time serving on the council from 2014-2017 and 2020-2021. This episode is the fifth and final in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades. O'Connor discusses running for City Council, the steep learning curve in understanding the city budget and Capital Improvements Program, passionate debates over issues like sidewalk construction, what he enjoyed about meeting constituents, and his advice for future Council candidates on connecting with all facets of the community. O'Connor also shares perspective on working alongside other councilors, collaboration with the School Board, infrastructure needs, stormwater/wastewater issues, and more from his time in office.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn that the city's oldest hook and ladder firefighting company was formed on Dec. 21, 1831. Originally the Volunteer Hook and Ladder Company, it later became known as the Invincible and Lincoln hook and ladder companies over its decades of service. The company was renowned for its lively annual banquets that brought together local dignitaries. It began using horse-drawn and later motorized trucks, remaining active for over 100 years.

Dover's Policymakers Through the Decades: The 2000s Dec 12, 2023

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Jason Hindle, who served on the Dover City Council from 2000-2008. This episode is the fourth in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades. Hindle reflects on major events and policy decisions during his tenure, including the city's response to 9/11, transportation and infrastructure investments, zoning changes to enable future development, the creation of the McConnell Center, and new fire and schools facilities. Hindle explains why transparency and staff support are critical for good governance. He decided not to run again in 2008 due to career demands but applies lessons from his council service in his current federal government role.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn how in 1790, as legislators proposed moving parts of Strafford County to Rockingham County, a committee formed to lobby for preserving Strafford’s unity.

Dover's Policymakers Through the Decades: The 1990s Dec 05, 2023

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Parks "Skip" Christenbury, a former Dover City Councilor and lifelong Dover resident. This episode is the third in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades. They discuss the issues facing Dover in the 1990s when Christenbury served on the City Council, including financial struggles and the need for strong leadership. Christenbury reflects on policies and projects from that time, like expanding Enterprise Park, enhancing ambulance services, and laying the groundwork for the current waterfront development. He shares his perspective on the collaborative yet debates-driven dynamic on the 1990s City Council. Christenbury and Parker also delve into the relationships between City Council and staff at that time, the extent of local media coverage of local issues then versus now, and the value of being actively engaged in the community before seeking election.

In "This Week in Dover History," we learn about the appointment of Captain Thomas Wiggin as a commissioner on Dec. 10, 1641 to help enact a new governance structure for the Piscataqua region, which had the authority to ensure peace, order, and justice in Dover's early days.

Planning Dover's Future: Inside the Capital Improvements Program Nov 28, 2023

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Donna Benton, Director of Planning and Community Development, about Dover's Capital Improvements Program (CIP). They discuss what the CIP is, the process for creating it each year, how projects are financed, the timeline for approval, and how residents can provide input. The CIP will be presented to a joint session of the City Council and Planning Board on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Thanksgiving celebrations in Dover in 1905, gleaned from old newspaper ads.

Dover's Policymakers Through the Decades: The 1980s Nov 21, 2023

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Dover Mayor Jesse Andrew Galt about his time as a policymaker in Dover during the 1980s. This episode is the second in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades.

Galt served on the Dover City Council beginning in 1983, and then as mayor. Galt explains that he first got involved with local politics to oppose zoning changes on Central Avenue that would have transformed the residential neighborhood into an office and commercial area. After speaking out at public meetings, Galt was asked to join the City Council, representing Ward 1. As mayor, Galt focused on building consensus among the diverse Councilors to make decisions that benefited the whole community. Key issues he worked on included moving the downtown sewage treatment plant to rejuvenate the waterfront, passing a sprinkler ordinance for new multifamily housing, and rewriting the outdated city master plan and zoning laws to better manage rapid growth and development in the 1980s. Galt also reminisces about starting the tradition of the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Henry Law Park and cutting ribbons for many new businesses opening in Dover during his tenure.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a boxing match in 1900 that took an unexpected turn.

Dover's Policymakers Through the Decades: The 1970s Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Dover Mayor Jack Buckley about his time as a policymaker in Dover during the 1970s. This episode is the first in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades.

Parker and Buckley discuss Buckley's various roles in Dover, including as a city councilor, mayor, and director of the Dover Housing Authority. They reflect on major events and policies from the 1970s that impacted Dover, such as urban renewal, reconstruction of a key bridge, and Buckley's work to establish a code of ethics for the City Council. Buckley shares perspectives on hiring a city manager, Bob Steele, and working to preserve historic downtown buildings. He and Parker also talk about the changes Dover has undergone and Buckley's continued community involvement.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a tragic accident that occurred in 1856 involving a celebratory cannon on Garrison Hill.

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