Pedestrians have right of way in Dover

Dover Safety Director Bob Everett has some concerns with pedestrian safety in the city.

“It's come to our attention that we are having some motorists in the downtown area that are failing to stop for pedestrians who are attempting to cross in the crosswalk,” Everett said. “And as we near this holiday shopping season and increased traffic downtown, I must remind residents and motorists that by law you must stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.”

Motorists can be cited for failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian.

“Also, we've been having some problems at our school crossings, specifically at Sixth and North Tuscarawas, with people failing to stop for a crossing guard when they hold the sign up and signal for motorists to stop there,” Everett said. “Again, our most important commodity is our children. We cannot take a chance of them being injured or hit by a vehicle. You must stop when that crossing guard holds up that stop sign.”

Everett has been consulting with Gina Space, Dover’s law director, to find a stronger deterrent. Currently, the first offense of failing to yield is a minor misdemeanor with a fine of $150.

“We're trying to come up with a solution to elevate the fine, especially for (incidents around a) crossing guard,” Everett said. “We are consulting, and we haven't got anything definite yet, but it may end up coming in front of council to at least add a more severe fine for failing to pay attention and yield to the order of a crossing guard. We just can't afford to have a child hit, and if that's what it takes, I believe that's what we have to do keep the kids safe.”

In his mayor’s report, Shane Gunnoe had good news for fans of pickleball.

“I'm excited to announce that the City of Dover was recently approved for a $50,000 grant from the Reeves Foundation to be used in the construction of new pickleball courts,” Gunnoe said. “Thank you to the Reeves Foundation for their support of this project. Dover Parks Foundation board members will be meeting soon to plan additional fundraising efforts to help fund a portion of the remainder of the pickleball project.”

Dover is in the process of seeking grant funding for sanitary sewer line upgrades and a pump station replacement in the northwest portion of town.

“The approximately $3.2 million project is needed to add additional capacity to support additional future growth in the north end of the city,” Gunnoe said. “In the coming weeks, we expect to apply for $1.5 million in federal grant funding from the Economic Development Administration and approximately $500,000 in funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission.”

Planning for the new Schaeffler manufacturing facility is on schedule.

“I'm happy to report that all the TIF incentive agreements with the company have been executed, and the company has closed on the land purchase of the old Streb farm,” Gunnoe said. “Last week Parral Village Council gave its approval to an intergovernmental agreement with the city, which is necessary to facilitate required public stormwater and road work improvements needed near the site.”

In response council suspended the rules and passed Emergency Ordinance 42-24 on its first reading. It authorizes the mayor to enter into an agreement with Parral.

The general services department will begin picking up leaves on Oct. 23. Pickup will begin in Zone 1 in the area around Crater Stadium. Updates will be posted on Facebook and the city’s website.

Upcoming Dover Halloween activities include two trick or treat opportunities on Oct. 26. The Dover Community Parks Foundation Trick or Treat on the Trail will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the Dover City Park. There will be face painting, candy and crafts. On the same day, Dover citywide trick or treat will be from 5-7 p.m. The Dover Lions Club Halloween Parade will be Oct. 30. The parade will begin at 6:45 p.m.

In legislation council passed Resolution 25-24 authorizing the mayor to prepare and submit an application to participate in the Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement Program and to execute contracts as required and approved by the law director.

Council also passed Resolution 21-24 to recognize, commend and thank Bill Nedrow for his public service as a police officer for the city. Nedrow retired earlier this year.

Prior to the end of the meeting, council went into executive session to discuss pending litigation. No action was taken.

The next Dover Council meeting will be held Nov. 4 in council chambers, 121 E. Second St., Dover.