Dover Council moves forward on projects

Dover Council approved two emergency ordinances at its Oct. 2 meeting aimed at replacing a bridge and extending sidewalks to improve safe pedestrian access for the residents of approximately 160 housing units on the west side of Dover.

Emergency Ordinance 19-23 will authorize the director of public service or his designee to apply for the state fiscal year 2024 Ohio Department of Transportation grant cycle of the Transportation Alternatives Program for the extension of sidewalks from the downtown area to the west along West Third Street.

Emergency Ordinance 20-23 authorizes and designates the mayor or the service director as the local officials with the authority to execute the project agreement known as TUS Dover 20th St. Bridge. Council authorizes the additional expenditure of $45,500 in addition to the $240,090 for bidding, design and acquisition costs previously authorized in Ordinance 4-23.

In his mayor’s report, Shane Gunnoe recognized the employees of the Dover Light and Power and Electric Distribution for their work during Public Power Week, which runs Oct. 1-7.

Gunnoe gave updates on other projects within the city.

“Construction is underway for the auxiliary salt shed in the general services department. The cement base has been poured, and we are now waiting for the top of the structure,” Gunnoe said. “We expect this project to be completed this fall.”

Demolition of two houses at 504 River St. and 516 Broad St. will begin this week, and they are expected to be completed by the end of next week.

“In order to help with water drainage in front of field No. 3, the parks department is working with Gor-Con Construction to install catch basins between part of the walking path and the field,” Gunnoe said. “Once this work is completed, the city will seek to have that area paved.”

The light plant is working with the city engineer on proposals to eventually replace well No. 3 with a new water intake well.

“This project has been budgeted for in the light plant budget, and once design is completed in the near future, I will likely request a committee assignment to bid this project,” Gunnoe said.

The water department continued fire hydrant flushing throughout the city through Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 a.m.

The police department has completed reviewing possible vendors for the mobile data terminals for their police cruisers.

“The department has selected Getac as the hardware supplier and TAC Computing for the software supplier,” Gunnoe said. “We plan to purchase eight units — one for each road cruiser — and look forward to the implementation of this program, which will enhance officer safety and allow officers to spend more time out on patrol.”

City administration is working to create an anti-nepotism policy for all departments.

“We are currently in the process of requesting and compiling similar policies from other cities,” Gunnoe said. “Our goal is to have a policy in place shortly after all the information received has been reviewed.”

Gunnoe provided some reminders of upcoming activities in the city.

Food Truck Thursdays will change for the next couple of events. On Thursday, Oct. 12 and Thursday, Oct. 26, food trucks will be at Dover City Park from 4-7 p.m.

The first annual Parktober Fest will be at Dover City Park on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 3-6 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Dover Parks Community Foundation, and more information is available at Dover’s website or Facebook page.

The Dover Lions Halloween Parade is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25. The parade will start from Dover High School at 6:45 p.m. The deadline for entries is Monday, Oct. 23. Forms are available at Dover’s website or Facebook page. There is no charge to enter the parade.

Trick or treat in Dover is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 28 from 5-7 p.m.

Gerry Mroczkowski, safety director/human resources director, officially thanked members of law enforcement and others for their help in finding a 5-year-old boy, who is autistic, recently.

The Dover Police Department received the call at 8:39 a.m. about the incident, and they immediately requested assistance from the Dover Fire Department, New Philadelphia Police Department and their canine, and the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Department and their drone. The boy was found unharmed at 9:07 a.m. and reunited with his mother.

“The City of Dover would like to thank all the agencies involved and the citizens who assisted with the search,” Mroczkowski said.

At the end of the meeting, council went into an executive session to discuss details relative to the security and arrangements and emergency response protocols for a public body or a public office. No action was taken.

The next Dover Council meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 16 in council chambers, 121 E. Second St., Dover.