Matt Arnett hired as HR director in Dover

Matt Arnett was named as the City of Dover’s human resources director, effective March 18, replacing Gerry Mroczkowski, who previously held the combined position of human resources director and safety director. After Mroczkowski retired, the position was split into a full-time human resources position and a part-time safety director position. The safety director’s position has not yet been filled.

“Matt has over 32 years of service with the city police department and as IT administrator,” Mayor Shane Gunnoe said. “He is familiar with each city department’s operations and has completed HR training certification.”

Kyle Mizer, former assistant IT administrator, was hired to take Arnett’s place as Dover’s IT administrator.

“Kyle began working as our assistant IT administrator last year and has taken the lead role in many of our most recent technology projects,” Gunnoe said.

The city is now taking applications for the assistant IT administrator position. Those interested can pick up an application at the mayor’s office or online at www.doverohio.com.

When the City of Dover Planning Commission held its monthly meeting on March 12, a public hearing was held during the meeting to consider rezoning a parcel of property on North Wooster from residential (R-3) to business (B-2) at the request of ALDI. The request was denied.

“I am continuing to work with representatives from ALDI to look for other appropriately zoned properties in the city,” Gunnoe said.

The next planning commission meeting will be April 9 at 10 a.m. in council chambers and include a public hearing on the Crimson Cove subdivision.

Gunnoe announced the Dover-New Philadelphia area was again named to Site Selection magazine’s Top 100 Micropolitan Communities in the United States. The area was tied for 16th place. Gunnoe said last year the area ranked in 77th place on the list.

“The Dover-New Philadelphia ranking is a demonstration of the continued growth and success of our community,” Gunnoe said. “The award speaks to the economic success that both communities work hard to support our residents and businesses. We appreciate all of our city’s partners who work with us to help achieve this designation.”

Dover also has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a 2023 Tree City USA for its efforts to maintain effective urban forest management.

“Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand,” said Dan Bombay, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted and cared for by Dover are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education.”

There was good news on a Community Development Block Grant Revolving Loan Fund.

“Our request to utilize CDBG-RLF grant funding in the amount of $451,159.99 has been approved by the Ohio Department of Development,” Gunnoe said. “These funds will be used to install new curbs, sidewalks, and make street improvements along West Seventh Street and Center Street between Sixth and Seventh streets.”

Work was completed on the turf project on field seven, and the wind screen on field three has been installed. New Dover windscreens will be installed on fields seven and one next week.

After amending Ordinance 10-24 on the TIF agreement being set up to bring in the Schaeffler expansion project, the ordinance was held for another reading. The amendment clarified two wording issues. Gunnoe distributed a table of estimated income tax the project would bring in for the next 30 years.

Conservative estimates show Dover City Schools will receive a total of more than $6.6 million and Buckeye Career Center would receive $377,410.76 as a result of the Schaeffler project during that time. The city’s portion would gradually increase from $117,000 in the first year to $664,445.43 in year 30.

Dover is still looking for students who are interested in summer employment, specifically lifeguards for the Dover City Pool. Anyone interested should contact the parks department.

The next Dover Council meeting will be held Monday, April 1 in council chambers, 121 E. Second St., Dover.