Dover to hire consultant to review potential water issues

Mayor Shane Gunnoe reported the city administration had an initial meeting with Michael Shore, senior hydrologist with AECOM. The organization consults on infrastructure projects globally.

Shore will be retained by the city to review the proposed new development with regard to stormwater retention and flood plain issues.

The proposed development, Crimson Cove, would consist of about 30 lots for single-family homes on about 14 acres located off Ohio Avenue/County Road 80. Lawver Homes is the developer for the project.

There are still many phases to go through before the area can be developed. The developer is required to put no more water into Goettge Run than currently flows there from the area.

Plans to address water runoff will need to be approved by an independent organization with the final approval to be given by the EPA.

Two residents who live along Goettge Run spoke during the meeting and requested more information on how the city can assist them with problems such as blockages and other issues with the stream now.

Though council welcomes residents at meetings, Council President Justin Perkowski encouraged those present to call the mayor or the service director’s office during the week if they have questions.

“You don't have to wait two weeks to get questions answered or updates or anything like that. They're available, or somebody is going to make them available,” Perkowski said.

Gunnoe took the contact information of the residents so he can notify them of updates. They also planned to meet later to review the properties in question and decide what can be done to alleviate the issues.

In other news on proposed Emergency Amended Ordinance 14-23 to create a tax increment financing agreement: “The Tuscarawas County commissioners along with the Dover Schools Board of Education have approved resolutions of support authorizing the housing TIF legislation,” Gunnoe said.

Gunnoe announced the completion of the planning process for providing free Wi-Fi to Dover’s downtown and park.

“The project will be completed in two phases. Phase one will involve the implementation of free public Wi-Fi in our park system including the area around our ball fields, the pool and top of Deis Hill,” Gunnoe said. “This phase will include the addition of security cameras and parts of our park for improved public safety. The system includes a feature that allows for future optional cashless transactions at our concession stands and pools for resident convenience.”

The first phase is expected to be completed this fall.

“Phase two is projected to begin next spring and will involve the implementation of Wi-Fi in the downtown area,” Gunnoe said. “This includes the area from West Second to West Fourth, from Tuscarawas Avenue to Wooster Avenue and also Memorial Hall.”

The free public service is made possible in part from additional funding the city has received from pole attachment agreements with area fiber communication providers. Omni Fiber has agreed to supply the necessary fiber backbone to the city at no cost.

Gunnoe gave an update on two park projects.

“The parks department is nearing completion of the renovation of the Deis Hill bathrooms, and work began today renovating our ball fields,” Gunnoe said.

The work will close fields one, five, six and eight for the remainder of the year for field rehab.

Gunnoe invited residents to attend activities that are scheduled:

—Food Truck Thursdays at Dover City Park on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

—The City of Dover End of Summer Celebration on Sept. 3 at Dover City Park with a variety of activities.

—The Dover Farmers Market every Thursday at Dover City Park from 7:30-10:30 a.m.

—The last summer concert on Aug. 10 beginning at 7 p.m. with the Ron Retzer Trio.

For more information visit the City of Dover, Ohio Municipal Government Facebook page.

In legislation council suspended the rules and passed Emergency Ordinance 16-23, which authorizes the purchase of a Gardner Denver ash system blower at the power plant and the replacement of parts not to exceed $85,000. According to an email from Plant Superintendent Jason Hall, repairs on the present ash system blower would not be a good option.

Emergency Ordinance 17-23 was passed to make supplemental appropriations and authorize the transfer of funds to meet the current needs of the city. Some unanticipated increases and needed vehicle repairs contributed to the need for the appropriations.

The next Dover City Council meeting will be held Aug. 21 in council chambers, 121 E. Second St., Dover.