Dover to receive large donation for the Parks and Rec Department

Council learned of an unexpected donation to benefit the city’s parks and recreation department from the estate of Joanne M. Sullie in the amount of $111,220.71.

A Dover resident, Sullie, died April 25 of this year at the age of 87 according to her obituary. She was a dedicated registered nurse and worked for many years at Summa Health Care in Akron. She was described as compassionate and always there to lend a helping hand.

Resolution 15-25 accepting the donation was read for its first reading and council voted to hold the legislation for a second reading.

The city will look at ways to use the funds.

“It’s obviously incredibly generous. The city's blessed to have a lot of supporters from private individuals and businesses and nonprofits, foundations that help assist our park and make it as nice a place as it is, and we certainly want to put this money to good use somewhere in the park,” Mayor Shane Gunnoe said.

“We want to make sure that it’s honored and used for something that's very meaningful, that will last for years for people in the community,” Gunnoe said. “We just couldn't be more grateful to her and her family for making that substantial donation.”

Gunnoe announced the arrival of the city’s new ambulance. The vehicle represents a $330,000 investment and was authorized in 2022.

The annual paving project continues in the city. Streets paved so far include Grant, James, Liberty, Madison, McKinley, Prospect and Monroe. Avenues paved include Reeves, Shafer, Superior, Wills and South.

Once all approvals are met, Taco Bell would like to construct a new store at 121 Dublin Drive next to the Drug Mart Plaza.

“This would be the company’s second location in the city, and one of the first to feature their new exterior design,” Gunnoe said.

The final concert at the Deis Hill amphitheater will be held Aug. 14, the group Petty Cash will perform.

Gunnoe announced the date for Parktoberfest has been set for Oct. 11 at Hoodletown Brewing Co. from 4-7 p.m. Tickets will be available beginning Sept. 2 and all proceeds will benefit the Dover Community Parks Foundation.

In legislation, council approved Emergency Resolution 14-25 to increase the established monthly premium to be paid to the health insurance trust fund from various departments. The monthly premiums paid into the Health Insurance Trust Fund will be increased to $1,750 for all employees carrying family coverage and $875 for employees with single coverage.

“We are 100% self-insured, so we pay dollar for dollar every claim of every participant of the city,” Auditor Nicole Stoldt said.

The last time a resolution on established premiums was passed was in 2012. At the time their claims were around $2.5 million, since that time claims have increased and are now more than $3.2 million. City employees will pay approximately $290 per month for health coverage with the newly established monthly premiums, which are considered an average cost for Northeast Ohio.

The resolution will be retroactive to Aug. 1, 2025.

Emergency Ordinance 33-25 was passed and approves the acceptance of four parcels, totaling more than 32 acres, into the city of Dover from Dover Township for the purposes of a new housing development by Lawver Construction. The property is located on St. Peter’s Church Road.

The ordinance is the first step to getting the property annexed so the development can have city water, sewer and utilities.

“It would involve up to 59, I believe, is the number of villas, which are like standalone condos, and then up to 29 single family homes on about 30 acres,” Gunnoe said. “The next step is it'll go to the county commissioners and then they have to sign off. Then it comes back to city council for the final step of the process.”

The next Dover Council meeting will be held Aug. 18 in council chambers, 121 E. Second St., Dover.