Recent News and Announcements

Below are the City of Dover's most recent announcements.

  • Ward 4 state representative special election March 12

    posted on 3/4/2024

    A special election will be held to fill the Strafford District 11 state representative seat on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. District 11 represents Dover Ward 4, Lee and Madbury.

    The polling place for Ward 4 is Garrison Elementary School at 50 Garrison Road. Polling hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Need an absentee ballot? Click here for an application or visit the Dover City Clerk's Office in City Hall's Customer Service Center, located on the ground floor.

    The two candidates on the ballot are Democrat Erik Johnson of Lee, and Republican Joseph E. Bazo of Madbury. Click here for a sample ballot. A special primary election was held on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. 

    The special election will fill the seat that became vacant after the death of Rep. Hoy Robert Menear of Lee in November 2023.

    For more information, contact the City Clerk's office at 603-516-6018, visit the city's dedicated election webpage, or the New Hampshire Secretary of State's election webpage....more

  • Upcoming budget workshop focuses on Police, Fire and Planning departments

    posted on 3/4/2024

    The City Council will hold its next budget workshop on Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. in City Hall's Council Chambers.

    At the workshop, the Council will receive budget presentations from the Police, Fire and Rescue, and Planning departments.

    Click here for the complete agenda. The workshop will be televised on Channel 22 and online at https://dovernh.viebit.com, where it will also be available for on-demand viewing.

    The final departmental budget presentation will be from Community Services on Wednesday, March 20. Immediately before that presentation, the City Council will hold a public hearing on the city portion of the budget, which includes all portions of the budget except the School Department's.

    Find all FY2025 budget related info on the FY2025 Budget Revealed webpage. ...more

  • School Board workshop with legislative delegation on Monday

    posted on 3/1/2024

    The School Board will hold a workshop on Monday, March 4 to receive an update from members of Dover's legislative delegation about education bills this legislative session that could impact Dover public schools. 

    Click here for the complete agenda.

    The workshop begins at 6 p.m. in School Board Chambers, Room 306 of the McConnell Center. It will be televised on Channel 22 and online at https://dovernh.viebit.com, where it will also be available for on-demand viewing....more

  • Free Irish music concert at the Dover Public Library

    posted on 2/29/2024

    The Dover Public Library welcomes musical duo “JuBilly” to the library for a performance of Irish and other traditional folk music on Wednesday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m., titled "Keeping Irish Heritage Alive Through Music with Hands Across the Ocean."

    JuBilly (Jules and Billy) enjoy playing traditional Irish music and international folk songs in Ireland and America. Jules, from the Dover area, met Billy in his hometown of Cobh County Cork in Ireland, while on a cruise bound for Iceland. Due to stormy weather, the cruise ship sheltered overnight in Cork, and Jules met Billy singing in a pub. Billy is a welder by trade and has recently written a book about his exploits around the world entitled “The Life and Times of a Hairy-Arsed Welder.”

    Billy (Buster) plays guitar and is famous for singing traditional Irish ballads, while Jules smiles and plays the accordion. The duo enjoys entertaining people of all ages, and Billy is renowned for his storytelling ability and jokes.

    The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at 603-516-6050. ...more

  • Mild winter accelerates site work for waterfront development

    posted on 2/28/2024

    The transformation of land into the Cochecho Waterfront Development at Washington and River streets continues at a rapid pace, and the building of the first phase of private developments is on the horizon.

    The relatively mild winter and lack of snow have helped these efforts, with crews from Northeast Earth Mechanics working on multiple fronts daily at the site: stabilizing the shoreline, building the public roadways, and installing the associated utilities, while also readying Pad C and D for private developer Cathartes to begin its construction, anticipated to start this spring. The installation of utilities includes water, sewer and a drainage system that includes a bioretention system that treats stormwater in its place, as well as installing electrical conduit and duct banks.

    In a little more than a month, the parcels on the site can be sold to Cathartes’ business entity, CPI Management, as detailed in the land disposition agreement and associated amendments between Cathartes and the City of Dover. According to the third amendment to the land disposition agreement between CPI Management and the City of Dover, two parcels are set to be transferred in the sale set to close by April 5, 2024. This date may be extended, pending sign-offs required from the State of New Hampshire and CPI’s financial institution....more

  • Weekday blasting at city's waterfront development site for the next month

    posted on 2/27/2024

    As part of preparing the city's waterfront site at Washington and River streets for private development, a crew will be blasting twice a day on weekdays for the next month. The blasting will remove ledge in the area of the private development's first phase.

    Blasting will occur at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning this week. See map below for the approximate blasting area.

    The crew utilizes a series of whistles before each blast to warn workers and the nearby public:...more

  • COAST Plans “Day It Forward” Campaign to Benefit Gather on Feb. 29

    posted on 2/26/2024

    In honor of 2024 being a Leap Year, COAST is planning a “Day it Forward” campaign in support of fellow nonprofit Gather. All fare box collections on February 29 and contributions made by COAST staff will be donated along with non-perishable food and personal care donations collected during a Leap Day Stuff-A-Bus event at Hannaford at 833 Central Ave. in Dover. In addition, COAST will match any bus tickets purchased and donated to Gather clients via COAST’s website now through Feb. 29.

    “This year we have an extra day to do something good and make the world a better place,” said Vanessa Polychronis, COAST Community & Employee Relations Manager. “COAST and Gather serve many of the same people and communities. This year’s ‘Day it Forward’ campaign is a chance to make sure that Gather can respond to those who are experiencing food insecurity this winter. Let’s work together to do something good with the extra 24 hours we have this year.”

    Those wishing to participate in the “Day it Forward” campaign can do so in three ways: Drop a cash donation in any COAST fare box on February 29; donate nonperishable food or personal care items during the Leap Day Stuff-A-Bus event between 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hannaford, 833 Central Ave. in Dover; or purchase bus tickets to donate to Gather clients, which COAST will match. Tickets can be purchased at https://coastbus.org/give....more

  • Budget sessions continue Feb. 28 with public hearing on school portion FY2025 plan

    posted on 2/23/2024

    The City Council will hold a public hearing on the public education portion of the proposed FY2025 budget at its Wednesday, Feb. 28 meeting. School Superintendent William Harbron and Business Administrator Michael Limanni presented the School Department’s budget at the Council’s Feb. 21 budget workshop. A video recording of the workshop and videos of the School Board’s budget review and associated school budget documents are posted to the FY2025 Budget Revealed online resource. The public hearing on all other aspects of the budget will occur at a City Council special meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

    Also at the Feb. 28 meeting, the City Council will receive a presentation on the fiscal year 2023 audit from an independent consulting firm and its annual comprehensive financial report compiled by the Finance Department

    The City Charter requires an annual independent audit of all the city’s financial accounts, and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) is published to fulfill the requirement for fiscal year 2023. The ACFR covers all funds the city has become obligated to administer in connection with its responsibilities for providing services. The ACFR’s financial statements have been audited by certified public accountants who will present their report to the City Council during the City Manager’s Report....more

  • Dover schools seek community input on strategic priorities

    posted on 2/23/2024

    The Dover School District seeks community feedback on the district's strategic priorities through an online survey. The 2.0 Strategic Plan Steering Committee, which has been meeting since last fall, developed the survey to update the priorities in the district's strategic plan.

    The survey asks community members to review several proposed focus areas and rank them in order of importance for the district's success.

    Take the survey at: https://app.sli.do/event/cbnZBzsc2buZSMgnepTams.

    In addition to the community survey, separate surveys have been sent to students, parents, and staff. 

    Community members are asked to complete the strategic plan survey before March 1, 2024. Feedback will help shape district priorities and decision-making in the years ahead....more

  • Joe B. Parks Riverwalk seeks garden tenders

    posted on 2/21/2024

    The Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Gardens seeks individuals to help tend to the gardens or help with special projects. Tenders are needed for weekly sweeping, trash pick-up, weeding, and general clean-up to keep these garden beds looking good—no gardening talent is needed.

    Volunteers may select a garden bed or task. Gardening tools are available onsite in the shed, and free two-hour parking is available near the Dover Post Office.

    To learn more and to sign up, visit: https://www.joeparksgarden.org/index.php/our-volunteers-caregivers/....more

  • Upcoming New Year's holiday hours for City facilities

    posted on: 12/27/2023

    City administrative offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, for the New Year's Day holiday. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

    The Public Library will be closed on New Year's Eve, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023; and New Year's Day, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

    The Dover Ice Arena will be closed on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 2023. The Arena is open for regular hours of operation on Jan. 1, 2024, New Year's Day.

    The McConnell Center Recreation facilities will be closed on New Year's Day, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

    The Dover Community Senior Center will be closed on New Year's Day, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024

    The Dover Indoor Pool will be closed on New Year's Eve, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, and New Year's Day, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

    Inspection Services, located at the North End Fire Station on Sixth Street, will be closed on New Year's Day, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

    Curbside trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day all week for the holiday....more

  • School Board continues FY2025 budget review; next workshop slated for Jan. 8

    posted on: 12/26/2023

    The School Board plans to adopt its proposed fiscal year 2025 budget at a special meeting on Monday, Jan. 16. The board will continue its budget review at a workshop on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at 6 p.m., before its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. It will also be the first meeting of the new School Board, which includes new members Elizabeth Goldman representing Ward 2 and Craig Flynn representing Ward 5.

    The School Board, with Superintendent William Harbron and Business Administrator Michael Limmanni, has reviewed and refined the proposed FY2025 budget since they introduced it to the School Board at its Nov. 20 meeting. Currently, the FY2025 proposed budget totals $85,507,439 in estimated revenue and expenditures. Of that, $58,022,509 is proposed to be raised by local property taxes, a $6,263,209, or a 12.1% increase over the adopted FY2024 adjusted budget. Based on the current estimated tax cap calculation, the School Department’s budget is an estimated $2,962,549 above the education side of the tax cap....more

  • Adopt a tree in Dover's Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Gardens

    posted on: 12/26/2023

    The Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Gardens offers an Adopt a Tree program, providing the opportunity to help rebuild the garden's tree canopy. The program makes for a meaningful last-minute holiday gift.

    The downtown riverside garden aims to address its decaying ash trees, which have fallen victim to the emerald ash borer beetle. By adopting a tree, individuals, families, and organizations can participate in a fundraising effort to plant new species along the garden's winding paths.

    Options include crabapples, elms, tupelos, river birches, red maples, and ginkgoes, carefully selected for their beauty and resilience. In all, nine trees remain available for adoption. An art installation is also slated for one garden area, pending sufficient funding.

    To adopt a tree or learn more, visit www.joeparksgarden.org and click on the Adopt a Tree link at the top of the page. Questions can also be directed to contact@joeparksgarden.org....more

  • Christmas holiday hours; Trash and recycling delay

    posted on: 12/21/2023

    City administrative offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holiday. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

    The Public Library will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 23; Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24; and Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25.

    The Dover Ice Arena will be closed on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25.

    The McConnell Center Recreation facilities will be closed on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24, and Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25.

    The Dover Community Senior Center will be closed on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24; and Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25.

    The Dover Indoor Pool will be closed on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24, and Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25.

    Curbside trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day all week for the holiday....more

  • Dover residents invited to free workshop on private well water safety

    posted on 12/21/2023

    The Seacoast Private Well Initiative invites residential private well users in Dover to a free
    workshop and water testing event. Aimed at educating homeowners on the health risks
    associated with common well water contaminants, this event is scheduled for Tuesday,
    Jan. 30, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Dover City Hall Auditorium, 288 Central Ave.

    Participants will learn about contaminants that may affect their well water, such as radon,
    arsenic, lead, and PFAS, and the importance of regular water testing. The workshop will
    cover the types of contaminants to test for, reasons for testing, and the process of
    collecting water samples. In addition, attendees will receive guidance on selecting the
    appropriate water treatment solutions if contaminants are found.

    The event is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety and health of the community's
    drinking water. Experts will be on hand to explain the testing process, and private well
    attendees will leave with a test kit and instructions for returning filled bottles for analysis.
    Please register for the workshop by sending an email to confirm attendance to Amy
    Hudnor, Private Well Coordinator for the New Hampshire Department of Environmental
    Services, at welltest@des.nh.gov....more

  • Tri-City mayors release holiday message with 'Santa' story time

    posted on 12/19/2023

    The mayors of Dover, Somersworth and Rochester have released a joint holiday video message for their communities.

    Mayors Robert Carrier of Dover, Dana Hilliard of Somersworth, and Paul Callaghan of Rochester took turns reading from the children's book "If I Were a Saint Nick: A Christmas Story by the Cat in the Hat."

    In the 5-minute video, the mayors playfully imagine what they would do if they were Santa Claus. Ideas include covering buildings in tinsel, making toys from children's letters to Santa, and using giant candy canes as Christmas decorations....more

  • Council adopts FY2025-30 CIP

    posted on 12/18/2023

    At its meeting on Dec. 13, the City Council approved three resolutions to adopt the FY2025-2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The CIP was first presented to the City Council and Planning Board in November. Following a public hearing, the Planning Board adopted the CIP on Dec. 12, recommending the proposal to the City Council. The City Council held a public hearing on the CIP on Dec. 6.

    The CIP prioritizes all capital spending of $25,000 or more for items with a useful life of three years or longer. Based on the City Council financial policies, funding for these items includes bonding, the annual operating budget, or other types of financing, such as grant financing. This six-year program links infrastructure spending to the goals and values outlined in the city’s Master Plan. Through this process, the city identifies projects within the six-year timeline based on the priorities established in the city’s Master Plan.

    The first year of the adopted CIP will be included in the proposed citywide operating budget, which will be presented to the City Council in February. As part of the CIP, the City Council authorized bonding $20,825,000 for debt-service projects beginning in FY2025. Some of the projects are multi-year projects, and the issuance of bonds will be done based on cash flow requirements per the projects’ proposed segments, as presented in the FY2025-2030 CIP. The City Council also authorized appropriating $3,812,694 for FY2025 non-debt financed projects and authorizing the transfer of capital reserve funds in the same amount to fund these projects....more

  • Council rejects stormwater utility

    posted on 12/15/2023

    The City Council voted down a proposed ordinance that would have established a stormwater and flood resilience utility at its Dec. 13 regular meeting. Councilors Dennis Shanahan, Lindsey Williams and Deborah Thibodeaux voted in favor of the proposed Municipal Stormwater Utility ordinance, which did not pass on a 3-6 vote.

    The Dec. 13 City Council meeting can be viewed here and on Channel 22.

    The vote on the ordinance stems from the passing of a Feb. 23, 2022 City Council resolution stating the Council’s intent to form a stormwater utility by ordinance; it passed on a 6-3 vote, with Councilors Michelle Muffett-Lipinski, Robert Warach and Fergus Cullen voting against. The same resolution also accepted its Ad-Hoc Committee to Study Stormwater and Flood Resilience Funding unanimous recommendation of funding stormwater infrastructure and maintenance through a stormwater utility....more

  • Jewish community joins Mayor Carrier to light menorah at City Hall for Hanukkah

    posted on 12/15/2023

    On Wednesday, Dec. 13, members of the Seacoast Jewish community, led by Rabbi Berel Slavaticki of the Seacoast Chabad Jewish Center, were joined by Mayor Robert Carrier for the ceremonial lighting of a menorah in Council Chambers at City Hall to mark the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

    Mayor Carrier lent his hand to Rabbi Slavaticki in lighting the shamash ("attendant") candle and reciting the traditional blessings during the lighting at City Hall. He was then presented with the menorah upon which his name is inscribed.

    "It was an honor to join Rabbi Slavaticki and members of the Jewish community to light the menorah for this important holiday," said Mayor Carrier. "Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over religious oppression and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The menorah lighting upholds this powerful tradition, which reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness, especially during these difficult times in the world today."...more

  • New state website helps public know how to properly dispose of waste

    posted on 12/14/2023

    Have questions about how to dispose of a certain household product?

    New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services’ Solid Waste Management Bureau answers those questions and more with its new “Managing My Waste” webpage. This is a site dedicated to helping the public know how to manage the waste they create.

    The page includes an A to Z list of recycling and disposal information for aerosol cans, different types of batteries, fireworks/flares, fluorescent light bulbs, medicine, propane tanks, smoke detectors, tires, and more.

    Find it at https://www.des.nh.gov/waste/solidwaste/managing-my-waste....more

  • City Hall clock back in operation

    posted on 12/12/2023

    The City Hall clock tower clock is back in operation as of the morning of Dec. 7.

    David Graf of Tower Clock Repair & Restoration of Kittery, Maine, installed the rebuilt Bodine Synchronous electric motor that drives the clock mechanism, which seized on Oct. 31. The total cost of the repair was $1,100.

    The E. Howard & Co. clock, made in Boston, is original to the 1935 City Hall building. It’s located within the clock tower that, using gears, moves the hands on the four exterior clock faces that keep the time. Originally, the clockwork mechanism was driven by weights but was later upgraded to utilize an electric motor....more

  • Utility infrastructure installation continues at city’s waterfront site

    posted on: 12/11/2023

    A city contractor continues the installation of utility infrastructure on the waterfront development site on River Street. The utility work includes stormwater, water and sewer utilities as well as duct banks for future electrical utilities.

    Workers have also cleared shoreline vegetation in preparation for the shoreline stabilization work needed before the buildings and park can be constructed. With most of the waterfront site now cleared, crews can be seen grading the site according to the contract plans.

    The first part of the project is public improvements, including constructing a new street system for site access and establishing necessary utilities for the upcoming buildings. The project includes a new 3.4-acre public riverfront park, shoreline stabilization, site grading for projected sea-level rise, and a new stormwater management system with green infrastructure....more

  • Public hearing, possible vote on proposed stormwater utility on City Council Dec. 13 agenda

    posted on 12/8/2023; updated 12/11/2023

    On Wednesday, Dec. 13, the City Council will hold a public hearing followed by a possible vote on a proposed ordinance to create a stormwater and flood resilience utility.

    Currently, funding for stormwater infrastructure is through the city’s general fund. Under the current funding approach, 55% of the property tax revenue used to fund the city’s stormwater costs comes from residential property owners though these properties account for only 25% of the city’s impervious cover area. If enacted, the proposed stormwater and flood resilience utility fee would be based on the amount of impervious cover area per parcel, to more accurately reflect each parcel's impact or contribution to the municipal stormwater system maintenance, water quality protection and flood resilience needs. The stormwater utility would affect all properties within the city, including residential, commercial, government and non-profit-owned properties.

    One key aspect of the utility is the fee credit system to encourage and financially incentivize property owners to implement various stormwater management practices on their property via various credit options which reduces the property owner's utility fee and reduces the stormwater management burden that Dover may have to do city-wide....more

  • Dover Police accepting names for Christmas Basket Program

    posted on 12/6/2023

    The Dover Police Department is now accepting names, addresses and phone numbers of needy families residing in Dover for the annual Christmas Basket Program. The Police Department conducts this program through Dover Police Charities each December to provide a Christmas dinner to families in Dover.

    Last year, 125 baskets of food were distributed to families throughout the community. In addition, a large quantity of food was provided to the Dover Children’s Home and My Friend’s Place.

    Those wishing to donate to this program may bring non-perishable food items, canned goods, or monetary donations to the Dover Police Department at 46 Chestnut St. (checks should be made payable to Dover Police Charities). If you cannot deliver your food donations to the police station, call 603-742-4646 and pick up will be arranged.

    Employees of the Dover Police Department and their families will prepare and deliver the baskets on Saturday, Dec. 16....more

  • State certifies Dover’s tax rate; tax bills to be mailed soon

    posted on 12/4/2023; updated 12/6/2023

    The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) certified the City of Dover’s property tax rate for fiscal year 2024 (tax year 2023) on Dec. 4, 2024, at $18.70 per $1,000 assessed valuation.

    Tax bills are being prepared and will be in the mail to property owners by Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, with the first half of the tax bill due Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 and the second half of the tax bill due on Monday, June 3, 2024.

    The tax rate set by the DRA represents a decrease of $1.14 or a 5.75% decrease over the prior year.

    The average residential property is now assessed at $458,334 ($418,706 last year), which includes all single-family, multi-family units, condos and manufactured housing, with a tax bill averaging $8,571, an increase of $264 or 3.2%. The average single-family residential property assessed at $513,892 ($471,406 last year) has a total tax bill of $9,610, an increase of $257 or 2.8%....more

  • City Council and School Board to hold joint fiscal meeting Wednesday, Dec. 6

    posted on 12/1/2023

    The City Council and School Board will meet jointly on Wednesday, Dec. 6, to discuss the development of the fiscal year 2025 budget and receive a preliminary calculation of the FY2025 tax cap.

    The joint meeting begins at 7 p.m. in Room 305 at the McConnell Center. Click here for the complete agenda.

    The School Board is in the process of creating its FY2025 budget, which is due to the City Manager by Jan. 15, 2024. The School Board met on Nov. 27 for its second budget workshop, where school principals and department directors discussed the changes to the non-wage portions of the School Department’s proposed FY2025 budget. The School Board’s budget discussions will continue on Monday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. in School Board Chambers, Room 306, of the McConnell Center....more

  • Santa’s Castle returns Dec. 15

    posted on 12/1/2023

    Dover Youth to Youth will host its 16th annual Santa’s Castle at the McConnell Center in downtown Dover for four days during the Christmas season. Each night, children and their families can walk through several rooms in Santa’s Castle and meet Santa and many of his elves.

    Youth to Youth students acting as elves will guide visitors through Rudolph’s stable, Santa’s toy room, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen and other parts of the Castle. The tour culminates with a visit with Santa. Along the tour, children will be entertained by the elves and will collect small gifts in each room. Families are welcome to bring a camera and take pictures or videos during the tour and with Santa. 

    During the first weekend, the event will be held on Friday, Dec. 15, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 16, between 2 and 6:30 p.m. The Castle will continue on Thursday, Dec. 21, and Friday, Dec. 22, from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

    To attend, pre-registration is required. Groups making a reservation must be no larger than six people and include family members only.

    To make a reservation, visit https://dovery2y.org/santas-castle-2023/....more

  • Capital Improvements Program presented to City Council and Planning Board

    posted on 11/30/2023

    City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr., presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) during a joint session of the Dover City Council and Planning Board on Wednesday, Nov. 29. The CIP, a crucial element of Dover's community planning, aligns with the city’s Master Plan, focusing on infrastructure investments reflective of Dover's goals and values.

    The six-year CIP outlines significant capital expenditures over $25,000 with a useful life of three years or more. This includes ongoing projects like street and sidewalk improvements, maintenance and upgrades to water and wastewater systems, procurement of police cruisers, and facility maintenance.

    The detailed CIP document is accessible online and available in hard copy at City Hall and the Dover Public Library. Additionally, the joint workshop is available for viewing online and on Channel 22. An informational video, "Understanding the CIP," provides further insights on the CIP webpage....more

  • Filing period for vacant Ward 4 state rep seat is next week, Dec. 4-8

    posted on 11/29/2023

    The filing period to fill the state representative seat representing Dover Ward 4, Lee and Madbury is next week.

    The filing period is from Monday, Dec. 4 through Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 with a Primary Election on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 and a General Election on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, New Hampshire Secretary of State David M. Scanlan announced Thursday. The special election is to fill the seat of Stafford District 11 after the recent death of Rep. Hoy Robert Menear of Lee.

    Candidates may file to run for the election at the Secretary of State's office, located in Room 204 of the State House, 104 N. Main St., Concord. Candidates may file with their local clerk's office on Monday, Dec. 4, and Tuesday, Dec. 5. The Dover City Clerk’s office is located in the Customer Service Center on the ground floor of Dover City Hall, 288 Central Ave. in Dover.

    In the event that no more than one candidate files for either of the recognized political parties, the Primary Election will not be held and the General Election will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024....more

  • Stay up to date with parking ban alerts

    posted on 11/28/2023

    Parking Manager Bill Simons reminds City of Dover drivers to sign up for parking ban alerts. Parking bans are declared during throughout the winter to facilitate snow removal and after storms for snow removal and clean-up.

    Users can receive text and/or email alerts if a winter parking ban is declared, which requires the removal of all vehicles from public ways to allow street and sidewalk plowing. To receive text alerts, visit https://bit.ly/dovercodered, or text "DoverNH" to 99411 from your phone. To receive email alerts, visit https://bit.ly/doverdownload.

    'As-needed' winter parking bans

    During winter storm events or post-storm cleanups, the Community Services Director may declare a winter parking ban to allow crews to clear roads efficiently. When a parking ban is declared, all vehicles must be off public ways by the time the ban goes into effect. If vehicles are not removed, they may be ticketed and/or towed....more

  • Capital Improvements Program before City Council and Planning Board Nov. 29

    posted on 11/27/2023

    City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. will submit and present his proposed FY2025-2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) to the City Council and Planning Board at a joint public workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 29. It begins at 7 p.m. in the McConnell Center’s Room 305.

    The CIP prioritizes all capital spending of $25,000 or more for items with a useful life of three years or longer. It includes cost estimates, recommended time schedules to complete projects, and financing methods, which include debt financing, the annual operating budget, capital reserve funds, and grant funding.

    After it is presented, the Planning Board and City Council will review the proposed CIP, and each body will hold a public hearing. The Planning Board reviews the CIP to ensure the proposed projects are based upon priorities established in the Master Plan and recommends whether the Council should adopt it. After its review, the Council will adopt the six-year CIP, authorize appropriations of capital reserve funds to finance the FY2025 non-debt financed projects, and authorize bonding and appropriations of debt-financed FY2025 CIP projects.

    The CIP page, found here, will be updated with the proposed FY2025-2030 CIP after the Nov. 29 presentation....more

  • School Board begins FY25 budget process

    posted on: 11/26/2023

    School Board members began their fiscal year 2025 budget planning recently with a brief review of next fiscal year’s estimated revenues and expenditures.

    At the Nov. 20 workshop, Superintendent William Harbron and Business Administrator Michael Limanni gave an initial, high-level overview of the School Department's FY2025 budget, including significant drivers on the revenue and expenditure sides of the FY2025 budget.

    The budget process will continue on Monday, Nov. 28, with a workshop that will begin to go into greater detail. Additional budget workshops are planned for December and January. By ordinance, the School Board must submit its budget request annually to the City Manager by Jan. 15. The City Manager will then incorporate the School Department’s proposed budget into the overall city-wide budget that will be presented to the City Council by Feb. 15. The City Council must adopt a final budget by April 15. The new fiscal year begins on July 1....more

  • Tax rate not yet certified by state

    posted on 11/21/2023

    The City of Dover 2023 property tax rate has not yet been certified by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration, and tax bills have not been mailed.

    Upon receiving the certification from NHDRA, the city will issue a public notice of the 2023 property tax rate. Tax bills will be calculated with the certified rate, printed and mailed to property owners. Last year, the NHDRA certified Dover’s 2022 on Dec. 7.

    For more information, contact the Finance Department at 603-516-6030....more

  • Upcoming holiday hours for City offices and facilities

    posted on: 11/20/2023; updated: 11/22/2023

    City administrative offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday Nov. 24, 2023, for Thanksgiving. In addition, city administrative offices will close at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

    The Public Library will close at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Friday, Nov. 24. The Public Library will also be closed on Sunday, Nov. 26, for the annual holiday parade.

    The Recycling Center on Mast Road will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. 

    All Recreation facilities will be closed on Thanksgiving. The Dover Arena and Indoor Pool will be open during regular hours on Friday, Nov. 24.

    The Dover Community Senior Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Friday, Nov. 24.

    Inspection Services, located at the North End Fire Station, will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Friday, Nov. 24.

    Curbside trash and recycling pickup will be delayed one day on Thursday and Friday only. Thursday's collections will occur on Friday, and Friday's collections will occur on Saturday.

    In addition, fall leaf collection is also delayed. Due to staffing shortages, Waste Management will remain two days behind schedule for fall leaf collection only for the duration of the pick-up cycle....more

  • City reminds public of Pine Hill Cemetery policy as winter approaches

    posted on: 11/19/2023

    The City of Dover's Facilities, Grounds, and Cemeteries staff is entering the final stages of this year's fall cleanup at Pine Hill Cemetery. In preparation for winter, the staff will begin the removal of all items from around monuments and gravesites starting Dec. 1.

    Family members, friends, and loved ones are kindly reminded to retrieve any keepsakes, flowers, wreaths or other memorial objects before Dec. 1.

    This fall cleanup is vital for maintaining the serenity and appearance of Pine Hill Cemetery. The City of Dover appreciates the public's understanding and cooperation....more

  • City Council calls for special election for vacant state representative seat

    posted on 11/17/2023

    The City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to request the Governor and Executive Council to order a special election to fill the state representative vacancy that represents Dover Ward 4 constituents.

    The special election would fill the seat of Hoy R. Menear of Lee, who died recently. Menear represented Strafford District 11, which includes Dover's Ward 4, Lee and Madbury.

    The City Council requests the special election occur before March 15, 2024, and preferably on March 12, 2024, which coincides with Lee’s Election Day.

    Click here to watch the meeting....more

  • Council workshop digs into proposed stormwater utility

    posted on 11/17/2023

    The City Council this week held a workshop on the proposed stormwater and flood resilience utility ordinance.

    A video of the Nov. 15 workshop can be viewed here and on Channel 22.

    At the workshop, city staff and consultants reviewed all aspects of the proposed ordinance, including the work and findings of the Council’s ad-hoc stormwater funding committee, the need for the ordinance, how it would work, utility fee structure and available credit options.

    Public hearing scheduled for Dec. 13

    The City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance at its Wednesday, Dec. 13 meeting, followed by a potential vote by the Council on whether or not to enact the ordinance and establish a stormwater utility. As currently proposed, the stormwater utility would begin on July 1, 2024, the beginning of the city’s 2025 fiscal year. ...more

  • Dover Holiday Parade is Sunday, Nov. 26

    posted on 11/16/2023

    Cochecho Friends, a local volunteer organization, will host this year's Dover Holiday Parade. This year’s theme is “Dover Lights Up the Holidays.”

    The parade will be held on Sunday, Nov. 26, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, beginning at 3 p.m. The parade begins at the intersection of Sixth Street and Central Avenue.

    The parade organizing committee is seeking volunteers, sponsors, and parade participants. Parade participants are limited to 100 entries, which must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 17. To submit a parade entry, visit https://bit.ly/3WMyLdS.

    To volunteer, or for more information, visit https://cochechofriends.com/dover-holiday-parade....more

  • Dover celebrates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with commemorative markers

    posted on 11/14/2023

    Two commemorative markers honoring Dover as the birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were unveiled in the city on Nov. 8.

    The events mark the 40th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise and the 400th anniversary of Dover. Mirage Studios, formed by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, was located at 28 Union St. in Dover, where the first TMNT comic book was created before the company moved to Northampton, Mass.

    Eastman and Laird’s wife, Jeannine Atkins, and members of Laird’s family were on hand for the celebrations. Eastman and Atkins spoke to the crowd about the history of TMNT. Dover resident James Lane, whose dedication to ensuring a marker at 28 Union St., also spoke.

    “This is home to us,” Eastman said. “This is where they were created.”...more

  • Council to review proposed stormwater utility at Nov. 15 workshop

    posted on: 11/13/2023

    The City Council will hold a workshop on the proposed stormwater and flood resilience utility ordinance on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

    The Council held a first reading of the ordinance, entitled Municipal Stormwater Utility, at its Nov. 8 meeting; the Council will hold a public hearing and possibly a vote on the ordinance on Dec. 13. The proposed ordinance was included in the Council’s Nov. 8 agenda materials. The proposed ordinance, as well as other stormwater and flood resilience utility information, is available on the city’s Stormwater Management webpage. Information on this page includes but is not limited to how a stormwater utility would work and its need, a link to frequently asked questions, and prior presentation materials.

    At the workshop, city staff and consultants will review all aspects of the proposed ordinance, including the work and findings of the Council’s ad-hoc stormwater funding committee, the need for the ordinance, how it would work, utility fee structure and available credit options.

    Click here for the complete agenda. The workshop will begin at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. It will be televised on Channel 22 and online at https://dovernh.viebit.com, where it will also be available for on-demand viewing....more

  • Dover Holiday Parade is Nov. 26

    posted on: 11/12/2023

    Cochecho Friends, a local volunteer organization, will host this year's Dover Holiday Parade. This year’s theme is “Dover Lights Up the Holidays.”

    The parade will be held on Sunday, Nov. 26, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, beginning at 3 p.m. The parade begins at the intersection of Sixth Street and Central Avenue.

    The parade organizing committee is seeking volunteers, sponsors, and parade participants. Parade participants are limited to 100 entries, which must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 17. To submit a parade entry, visit https://bit.ly/3WMyLdS.

    To volunteer, or for more information, visit https://cochechofriends.com/dover-holiday-parade....more

  • Veterans Day ceremony is Saturday

    posted on: 11/9/2023

    A Veterans Day ceremony will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 at 11 a.m., at Dover Veterans Park.

    The ceremony will include an opening prayer, posting of colors, the laying of the wreath, the Dover High School Band, and Dover High School's Navy Junior ROTC. There will also be remarks by City officials, including Mayor Robert Carrier, and a guest speaker.

    The ceremony will include an opening prayer, posting of colors, the laying of the wreath, the Dover High School Band, and Dover High School's Navy Junior ROTC. There will also be remarks by City officials, including Mayor Robert Carrier, and a guest speaker....more

  • City offices closed Nov. 10 for Veterans Day

    posted on: 11/8/2023

    City administrative offices, including City Hall, will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day. Regular hours will resume on Monday, Nov. 13, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    The Public Library will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day.

    Trash pickup and curbside recycling are not affected and will follow a regular schedule....more

  • City Hall clock to be repaired

    posted on 11/7/2023

    The clock that keeps the time on the City Hall clock tower stopped last week due to a faulty motor. A specialty clock repair person who does maintenance on the clock was notified, and he is scheduled to be onsite this week to determine if the motor, which is no longer manufactured, can be repaired.

    The E. Howard & Co. clock, made in Boston, is original to the 1935 City Hall building. It’s located within the clock tower that, by the use of gears, moves the hands on the four exterior clock faces that keep the time. Originally, the clockwork mechanism was driven by weights but was later upgraded to utilize an electric motor believed to have occurred in the 1940s or 1950s. The Bodine synchronous electric motor last seized up in 2013. David Graf of Tower Clock Repair & Restoration, the clock repair specialist, was able to have the repairs made to the obsolete motor along with other clockwork maintenance....more

  • Proposed stormwater utility ordinance gets first airing before City Council

    posted on 11/6/2023

    The City Council holds its first regular meeting of the month on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. in City Hall’s Council Chambers.

    On the agenda is a first reading of the proposed Stormwater and Flood Resilience Utility, which has been reviewed by the City Council’s Ordinance Committee and the Dover Utilities Commission and was the subject of two public informational workshops. The first reading of the ordinance refers the proposed ordinance to a Council workshop next Wednesday, Nov. 15, and a public hearing and possible vote on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Click here for a video of the Oct. 17 public informational workshop on the proposed stormwater and flood resilience utility.

    Also on the agenda is a resolution that would allow Chinburg Development, LLC., to make improvements to Old Oak Street, a Class VI road, as a part of their subdivision planned near Gulf Road and Oak Street. The resolution would allow Chinburg Development to petition the city to publicly accept the road in the future if the improvements meet the city’s requirements for public street acceptance. The Planning Board gave the development conditional approval for the project on July 6, 2023....more

  • Municipal Election is today, Nov. 7

    posted on 11/3/2023; updated 11/7/2023

    The City of Dover municipal election is today, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in all of Dover's six wards.

    At the election, voters from all wards will elect the Mayor, two at-large City Councilors, and one at-large School Board member. In addition, voters in each of the six Dover wards will elect a City Councilor and School Board member and election officers, including a Supervisor of the Checklist, a Moderator, three Selectpersons, and a Ward Clerk. All elected positions are two-year terms.

    For more information about the election, including how to register to vote, polling places, sample ballots, and more visit the city's online guide to the election here: https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/open-government/election-information/2023-municipal-election/. Election results will also be posted to this page once they've been tabulated and certified....more

  • COAST to offer free rides on Election Day

    posted on 11/6/2023

    COAST will offer free rides to anyone on their way to vote tomorrow, Nov. 7. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day in all of Dover six wards. 

    While the COAST public transit system does not provide transportation to each individual polling station directly, COAST encourages voters to get to the polls and participate in voting by eliminating the barrier of transportation costs.

    All passengers need to do is tell their driver that they are on their way to vote, or on the way back from voting, and they will not be charged for the ride. COAST will be following an honor system.

    Click here for information about the municipal election and polling locations, or contact the Dover City Clerk's Office at 603-516-6018. For schedules and trip information, visit https://coastbus.org/. ...more

  • Sunday hours at the Recycling Center

    posted on 11/2/2023

    Beginning Sunday, Nov. 5, and continuing through Sunday, Dec. 10, the City of Dover Recycling Center is open additional hours on Sundays, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

    The Recycling Center's regular hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

    For more information about the Recycling Center, call 603-516-6450....more

  • Indie Author Day at the Dover Public Library

    posted on 11/1/2023

    Are you trying to write a book? Do you have questions about publishing, finding a local writing group, or need tips to keep your imagination sharp? Find the answers to these questions and more at Dover Public Library’s Indie Author Day on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    The free, daylong conference features speakers from a range of writing backgrounds. Topics to be covered include e-publishing, writing query letters, local resources available, moving on to a second novel, and how to get the most out of setting. In addition, there will be a panel of local writers discussing the struggles of staying creative and connecting with others in the writing community. Time will be included at the end for networking and sharing strategies.

    Speakers include Dan Lawton, Greg Bastianelli, Autumn Siders, Jeff Deck, and Steve Carter....more

  • New water storage tank construction moves closer to completion with the lifting of the tank

    posted on 10/31/2023

    In a span of less than an hour, a hydraulic lifter jacked a million-gallon capacity steel water storage tank onto its concrete pedestal on Oct. 20. The empty steel tank weighed approximately 172,000 pounds when jacked into place.

    As part of the Smith Well Road Water Improvements capital improvements project, the city is building the tank to provide water storage in addition to the primary Garrison Hill water tank to improve fire flow capacity, volume and redundancy. Once operating the new tank will allow the four-million-gallon Garrison tank to be taken offline and rehabilitated for another planned CIP project. A future phase of work will include adding a water booster station in the new tank that will provide additional water pressure to the city's north end distribution system.

    The contractor, Caldwell Tanks, Inc. of Kentucky, began construction of the tank in late March, clearing the space and creating the foundation. Crews placed concrete rings to complete a 68-foot high concrete pedestal. The crew then fabricated the bulk of the steel storage tank on-site at ground level. Once completed, Caldwell’s specialized jacking began preparing the tank to be lifted into place. The crew began at 12 p.m. on Oct. 20, utilizing two alternating hydraulic jacks to lift the tank into the air and into position, followed by several hours of securing the tank into position....more

  • School Board to consider request to remove book from high school library

    posted on: 10/30/2023

    The School Board will hold a special meeting week on Wednesday, Nov. 1, to consider an appeal from a Dover resident regarding whether a book should continue to be available for students at the high school library.

    The appeal, made by resident Julie Porter, follows Superintendent William Harbron's denial of her initial request to have the book "Boy Toy" by Barry Lygra removed, alleging the material was acquired with public funds in violation of the law. She alleges the book promotes pedophilia and sexual assault of a minor, according to agenda background materials.

    As per School Board policy KEC, Harbron asked a staff committee to review the book. Assistant Superintendent Christine Boston, who chaired the committee, said they unanimously recommended keeping the book in place as "removing this book would prevent access to ideas, viewpoints and opinions for all students based on the opinions of some." Harbron agreed with and adopted the staff committee’s report, after which the appeal to the School Board followed....more

  • Property assessments updated following citywide valuation

    posted on 10/27/2023

    The City of Dover's Tax Assessment Office has completed its annual review of property valuations and mailed updated valuations to property owners whose valuations changed in the past tax year.

    As stipulated by state law, property valuations reflect market conditions as the property existed on April 1, 2023, the first day of the 2023 property tax year in New Hampshire. The city's overall assessed valuation for the 2023 tax year increased by $749,953,110 to $5,972,770,730, a 14.4% increase over the 2022 tax year, comprised of three categories: residential, commercial and industrial, and public utilities.

    Overall residential assessed values increased 10.3% to $4,282,040,420. Overall public utility valuations increased 7.5% to $108,946,700, and overall commercial and industrial properties valuations increased by 27.7% to $1,581,783,610. The commercial and industrial category includes apartment complexes, which increased by 14.7% to $334,098,400. General commercial and industrial properties, excluding apartment complexes, increased by 34% to $1,079,727,240....more

  • City Clerk to test voting machines ahead of Municipal Election

    posted on: 10/26/2023

    As the Nov. 7 Municipal Election approaches, City Clerk Jerrica Vansylyvong-Bizier will test the AccuVote Ballot Counting Devices on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, in the auditorium at City Hall.

    Testing will begin at 10 a.m. and will continue until complete, with a break from 12 to 1 p.m.

    Voting machine testing is open to the public.

    For more information, contact the City Clerk at 603-516-6018....more

  • Friends of the Dover Public Library book sale this weekend

    posted on 10/25/2023

    The Friends of the Dover Public Library will hold a book sale Friday, Oct. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 29 in the Library Lecture Hall. All leftovers will be free Monday, Oct. 30. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. New this year, shoppers can pay with a credit card via Square. Cash and checks are still accepted.

    Hundreds of items will be for sale, including fiction and nonfiction books, biographies, DVDs, CDs, children's books, cookbooks, and more. Prices range from 50 cents to $3, and all proceeds benefit the Friends of the Dover Public Library funds, which are used to help support the library in many ways.

    The Friends pay for programs throughout the year, support the Summer Reading Program, purchase all of the museum passes available to patrons, and more....more

  • Dover residents give high marks for quality of life in National Citizen Survey

    posted on 10/24/2023

    Results from the 2023 National Community Survey show Dover residents continue to rate their community as an excellent place to live, giving high marks for quality of life, public safety, and city services.

    The survey, conducted over the summer by the National Research Center for the City of Dover, polled residents on topics including the local economy, education, health care, infrastructure, and more. Out of nearly 120 categories, Dover ranked equal to or above benchmarks from other U.S. cities surveyed.

    Overall, 89% of respondents rated Dover as an excellent or good place to live, and 87% said they would recommend living here. Residents identified the economy, safety, infrastructure, and environment as top priorities.

    The survey found residents gave high ratings to public safety services like police, fire and EMS. Other highly-ranked services included public schools, parks, library services, drinking water and storm drainage. Lower ratings went to yard waste pickup, housing variety and availability, and cost of living....more

  • City Council to proclaim November as American Indian Heritage Month

    posted on 10/23/2023

    The City Council will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 25, for its second regular meeting of the month. At the meeting, Robert Carrier will proclaim November as National American Indian Heritage Month.

    Also, the council will consider whether to impose a special assessment on 4 Jackson Brook Terrace in relation to publicly funded sewer improvements. The Council will also take up a review of a water/sewer abatement appeal for 28- 30 Second St. and consider approval of a Department of Health and Human Services lease agreement.

    Click here for the complete agenda....more

  • Dover Chamber, NH Listens to host candidates’ forum before Nov. 7 election

    posted on 10/20/2023

    The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and New Hampshire Listens will host a candidates' forum for the competitive City Council races in the Nov. 7 Municipal Election on Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m. in Room 306 of the McConnell Center. The public is invited to attend. The forum will be broadcast live on Channel 22, Dover's government access television channel, and streamed live via the City's website.

    The evening will begin with Ward 1 candidates for City Council at 6 p.m., followed by Ward 2 candidates for City Council at 6:30 p.m., Ward 3 candidates for City Council at 7 p.m., Ward 4 candidates for City Council at 7:30 p.m., and the At-Large City Council candidates at 8 p.m.

    After brief introductions, candidates will answer a series of questions from the moderator. Time permitting, the moderator will also ask questions from the audience....more

  • Absentee ballot applications, sample ballots available for Nov. 7 municipal election

    posted on 10/17/2023

    Absentee ballot applications for the City of Dover Nov. 7, 2023 municipal election are now available online and at the City Clerk's Office.

    Any registered voter unable to vote on Election Day or who cannot make it to the polls because of a disability, religious observance, or employment obligations may request an absentee ballot from the City Clerk's Office in person or by mail.

    The City Clerk's Office is located in the Customer Service Center at City Hall. Its regular business hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The mailing address is 288 Central Avenue, Dover, NH 03820. The online absentee ballot application is available here.

    Sample ballots for all six Dover voting wards are also available on the City's 2023 Municipal Election online guide....more

  • Skate park grand opening pushed to Sunday, Oct. 22

    posted on 10/16/2023; updated 10/20/2023

    The Dover Skate Park's grand opening ceremony has been postponed to Sunday, Oct. 22, due to the forecast of rain on Saturday. The inaugural skate competition has now been postponed until Saturday, Nov. 4.

    The grand opening ceremony will occur at 12 p.m. on Sunday. Mayor Robert Carrier, Recreation Director Gary Bannon along with members of the Dover Skatepark Design Committee and Recreation Advisory Committee will be on hand for park dedication, which has been years in the making.

    Construction on the skatepark began in June, which followed work preparing the site for construction last year. In 2021, the City Council awarded the bid to construct the skatepark to Artisan Skateparks of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, for a cost not to exceed $500,000. There are a few remaining items to be completed at the site, such as landscaping, drainage system work and the installation of picnic shelter....more

  • Tri-City mayors seek new operator for Willand Warming Center

    posted on: 10/12/2023

    As the colder months approach, the Tri-City Mayors of Rochester, Dover, and Somersworth this week issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in collaboration with the Strafford County Commissioners to identify a qualified operator for the Willand Warming Center, located at 30 Willand Drive in Somersworth.

    Last year, SOS Recovery Community Organization was the sole respondent to the previous RFP to manage the Willand Warming Center. SOS provided management and staff, ensuring shelter and support for community members in need of warmth during extreme cold weather conditions. Recently, the organization regretfully communicated it is unable to continue due to staffing concerns and other logistical challenges.

    The key distinction between seasonal warming centers and year-round shelters is the emphasis on protecting individuals from life-threatening extreme weather conditions. Other shelters in Strafford County, such as My Friend's Place in Dover and the Homeless Center for Strafford County in Rochester, operate year-round and have different missions than the Willand Warming Center, which prioritizes harm reduction-oriented approaches with minimal barriers to access. These differences may include variances in intake processes, background checks, and alcohol and drug testing, among other variables.

    Support for the operation of the Willand Warming Center is provided by the cities of Dover, Rochester, Somersworth and Strafford County as part of a collaborative cold-weather safety plan. Contributions are a combination of operating funds and in-kind services....more