Funds for many projects will improve city

Dover Elementary School students attended the Dover Council meeting on March 4. Some of the students involved in the Raise Craze project attended and led the Pledge of Allegiance before the meeting and distributed tissue paper flowers and red bracelets stamped with their hashtag, #Dover Makes A Difference.

Instead of having students sell a product to make money for the PTG, students are spreading kindness, picking up litter and helping their community. Along the way they are asking for donations that will be used by the PTG for educational resources and enrichment for students.

The program also focuses on community mindfulness by immersing the students in community service projects, supporting health and wellness initiatives, and focusing on social-emotional growth. The participants are known as superheroes. More information is available at www.doverelementaryptg.com.

This year is going to be a busy one for projects in Dover after city council members approved the 2024 budget. Dover auditor Nicole Stoldt reviewed the changes that were made to Resolution 9-24 after meeting with the city’s department heads.

Though funds were increased in some areas, the 2024 budget was a grand total of $72,191,421.26, which was at about the same level as the 2023 budget.

“Last year we ended up at about $72,800,000, so we're very close in line with where we were last year,” Stoldt said.

She also reviewed a list of upcoming projects that included two new mowers for the park, additional paving on the walking path, basketball court repair, refinishing of tennis courts, upgrades to four ball fields, funding put toward a new ambulance and the riverfront project at Canal Dover Park, and $1.1 million for paving.

“All in all there's a lot of good projects,” Stoldt said of the list that contained 44 items.

As much as city officials are excited about the park improvements and other projects, they had a favorite.

“$1.1 million is, I think, more than the city's ever set aside as its share of payment,” Mayor Shane Gunnoe said. “We've had some joint projects with the state two years ago that brought in a total higher number, but that's the most the city's ever set aside for its share of paving, so should be a busy year.”

In his mayor’s report, Gunnoe spoke about his trip to Washington, D.C. last week for the 2024 American Public Power Association Legislative Rally. He was able to meet with members of the Ohio Municipal Electric Association, attend informational work sessions regarding public power, and join discussions on federal policy and how it relates to public power plants.

“The trip was very productive and will help to keep the issues important to public power among our federal legislators' priorities as they craft future legislation,” Gunnoe said.

Gunnoe announced that following the news of the Schaeffler expansion last week, the Ohio Controlling Board met, and Dover was approved for $775,000 in state roadwork development grant funding for the improvement of Crown Road.

“The funds for this particular grant are coming from Jobs Ohio,” Gunnoe said. “We also have requested and expect to receive nearly $200,000 from the Ohio Department of Transportation, Jobs and Commerce section for the improvement of Crown Road as well. This will bring the state’s total contribution to $975,000 of the estimated $1.4 million project.”

The city submitted a request to the state legislature for $350,000 for an auxiliary equipment building for the fire department from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund.

“Having this building will provide better storage for some of the specialized response equipment that we provide for the entire county and will help extend the life of that equipment,” Gunnoe said, adding he will keep council updated on the status of the request.

The softball turf installation on field seven at the Dover City Park is nearly complete and should be finished within the week.

“Next week the city hopes to replace some outfield sod in preparation for the start of softball season,” Gunnoe said. “The city has ordered some new windscreens for fields one, three and seven and will be installing them before the start of play this spring.”

Two applications were received for the housing demolition program funded through the Ohio Department of Development. The applications will be forwarded to the county and the ODOD for further review.

Students interested in summer work with the city can contact the mayor’s office or the service director’s office with questions or to apply. Positions available are in parks and recreation such as lifeguards for the city pool and in the street, electric field, electric generation, water/wastewater and cemetery departments.

Gunnoe reminded residents the City of Dover Planning Commission will hold a meeting on March 12 at 10 a.m. The meeting will include a public hearing regarding the rezoning of property on North Wooster Avenue related to ALDI’s desire to place a store there. There will not be a public hearing on the Crimson Cove development this month.

In legislation council passed resolutions recognizing, commending and thanking former Dover council members and staff for their service to the city. Former council members Sandy Moss and Greg Bair attended the meeting. Also honored were Doug O’Meara, Robert Mueller and Gerry Mroczkowski.

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