Dover Download

Latest Episodes:

Back to School in Dover: A Conversation with the Superintendent Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Harbron about starting up another school year in Dover. They discuss Dr. Harbron's seven years as Superintendent, changes being implemented this year, such as further development of multi-tiered systems of support, meeting students' social-emotional and mental health needs, teacher recruitment challenges amid a nationwide teacher shortage, and further affected by the pandemic. Dr. Harbron expresses his continued passion for making a positive difference in students' lives after 50 years in the profession.

In This Week in Dover History, we take a short jaunt back in time to the opening of Dover's new public middle school.

Managing Traffic and Pedestrian Safety in a Growing City Aug 22, 2023

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Dover Police Lt. Marn Speidel about pedestrian and traffic safety in Dover. They discuss the role of the Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) in fielding requests and concerns from residents about traffic issues, the role of crosswalks, criteria for new crosswalks, traffic calming measures like speed awareness signs and refuge islands, speed limits, and balancing neighborhood traffic concerns with the public's right to use public roads.

In This Week in Dover History, we remember when President Theodore Roosevelt visited the city. He arrived by train and gave a stirring speech at Franklin Square to a massive crowd. Roosevelt emphasized the need for honesty, courage, and common sense in American life before departing to great fanfare.

What is a Stormwater Utility and How Would it Work in Dover? Aug 15, 2023

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Deputy Mayor Dennis Shanahan and the City of Dover's Environmental Projects Manager Gretchen Young about the city's efforts to establish a stormwater utility. They discuss how stormwater is currently managed and funded in Dover, as well as the need for a dedicated funding source to improve stormwater infrastructure and flood resilience.

This week's guests also discuss what a stormwater utility is and how it would assess fees based on impervious surface area to more equitably distribute costs. They outline the recommendation of the Ad-Hoc Committee for Stormwater and Flood Resilience to create a utility and the ongoing process of developing a potential ordinance to establish it. Also discussed are the benefits of improving water quality, credits for on-site stormwater management, and increasing public outreach and education.

In This Week in Dover History, we explore the enigmatic life of a Civil War veteran whose melodies once resonated through Dover's streets.

From Scraps to Soil: The Benefits of Composting Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker discusses the benefits of composting with Dover's Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Moore, and Resilience Manager Jackson Kaspari. Composting diverts organic waste from landfills and reduces methane emissions. Dover collects over 1,000 tons of yard waste and thousands of pounds of food waste each year. Moore and Kaspari explain the environmental benefits of composting, including reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. But it can also reduce costs by diverting waste from landfills. The city provides composting resources to residents and hopes to continue improving access and becoming a leader in these efforts. For more information about composting in Dover, visit https://bit.ly/3KMQmOH.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back at the 1951 film "The Whistle at Eaton Falls," parts of which were filmed in Dover.

Getting to Know Dover: Reflecting on a Year in the City Aug 01, 2023

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In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker catches up with Aaron Daniel Williams, a resident of Dover for about a year. Williams also recently concluded the third season of his Your City podcast, which features Dover. Williams reflects on his first year in Dover and what he learned about the city from his podcast. The podcast is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCymzv6aioviTBh0EDH75p6A or wherever you get your podcasts.

In This Week in Dover History, we return to the devastating fire that destroyed Dover's third City Hall.

Planning for Tomorrow: Master Plan Offers Vision for City's Future Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Erin Bassegio, the Planning Department's Outreach Coordinator, and Steve Whitman of Resilience Planning, about the recently completed draft of the Vision chapter of the city's Master Plan. The Vision chapter of the Master Plan captures the community's long-term view of Dover. The Planning Board will review the draft chapter at their July 25 meeting. To view the draft Vision chapter of the Master Plan or for more information, visit https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/planning/master-plan/distinctly-dover/.

In This Week in Dover History, we revisit one of Dover's most notable women, who this week announced a bid for governor.

Decades of Dedication: Stories from Dover's Longtime Employees Jul 18, 2023

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In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Colleen Bessette, the Executive Assistant to the City Manager, and Ann Legere, the city's Deputy Finance Director, about what it's like to work for the city for more than two decades. Both women have worked for the City of Dover for about 25 years.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back at a Civil War veteran who was also a well-known gatekeeper for the Dover mills.

The View from a Longtime Volunteer Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Otis Perry, a longtime volunteer who has served on a variety of Dover's many boards and commissions, including the City Council. He currently serves on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back at the history of the annual fireworks display in Dover.

A Preview of the 2023 Cochecho Arts Festival Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Hope Anderson from the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce about this year's lineup for the Cochecho Arts Festival. The popular summer concert series begins this week and is teaming up with Dover400 to help continue Dover's 400th-anniversary celebration.

In This Week in Dover History, our final look back to 1923, when Dover was celebrating its 300th anniversary, we revisit Dover's Independence Day celebration.

Navigating the Road to Affordable Housing Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Ryan Pope, who the Planning Department recently hired as a housing navigator. The new position is funded by a grant from InvestNH and aims to increase the housing supply by helping communities overcome barriers to regulatory reforms. The housing navigator provides financial and technical assistance to municipalities, working towards affordable and diverse housing options, and collaborating with stakeholders, and align local regulations with community housing goals.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back 100 years to a special reunion held at Three Rivers Farm.

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