Tracy Zurfley sworn in to become first female firefighter

At a public hearing prior to the July 17 Dover City Council meeting, Dover officials heard concerns from Dover residents about a proposed housing development. Residents are concerned rainwater runoff from the new development to Goettge Run could flood their properties and basements. Some residents said they had already experienced flooding on and in their properties.

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

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.

Bill Gibson, a sales manager for Lawver Homes, spoke at the meeting about the development and the company’s commitment to the area. The meeting was originally scheduled to address Emergency Ordinance 14-23 to establish a tax increment financing agreement.

Through the TIF, the city would reimburse itself and the developer for work it completes on adding infrastructure to the project. It has been shown the costs of adding infrastructure to the development is reduced by about 30% when the developer does some of the work, although there will be some things the city must do itself.

“The purpose of Emergency Ordinance 14-23 is it creates a structure whereby we utilize new property tax revenue, new tax revenue from the parcels on that site, to repay public expenditures for public utilities, water, sewer, roads, other items that are identified in the legislation as public infrastructure,” Mayor Shane Gunnoe said.

The tax money would be diverted to the city until the infrastructure costs are paid off, which Gunnoe estimated to be around eight years.

School district and county approval also is needed to create a TIF.

The infrastructure needed includes roadways, parking, water/sewer, environmental/health, utilities, stormwater, demolition if needed, parks, streetscape/landscape, real estate and the professional services that would benefit the parcels.

Gunnoe also addressed concerned residents who live nearby.

“It's not our intention to allow for any development that would threaten your property,” Gunnoe said. “Developments have come a long way in terms of requirements and standards.”

The development is still conceptual. Engineering and studies will need to be completed. Assuring no additional flooding downstream will be a priority for the city.

“Along those lines, we're also committed to additional funding for debris removal on Goettge Run. We currently appropriate $30,000 a year, which some years does not really get expended because of lack of access to private property further down the run,” Gunnoe said. “But we're committed to working with anybody who's interested in having the city assist with debris removal, to ensure the flow on Goettge Run, to get the fallen trees out of there and any other debris that might cause obstruction.”

An amended version of Emergency Ordinance 14-23 was introduced, and council voted to hold it for another reading.

Prior to the regular council meeting, a first occurred for the Dover Fire Department. Tracy Zurfley of Dover was sworn in to become the first female firefighter/paramedic on the department. Zurfley’s father Shawn did the honor of pinning her with a DFD badge.

“I know she doesn't want to make a big deal about it, but it's kind of a big deal for the history of the Dover Fire Department,” Capt. Brooks Ross said while introducing Zurfley.

Zurfley is a 2021 graduate of Indian Valley High School and previously worked for the Strasburg Fire Department.

In his mayor’s report, Gunnoe announced Sunday, Sept. 3 as the date for the annual End of Summer Celebration at Dover City Park. Activities will include live music, vintage base ball, a car and motorcycle show, food vendors, free train rides for children, free swimming at Dover Pool, a cornhole tournament, and fireworks.

“Last week contractors were onsite at Dover Light and Power rebuilding a 2.7 megawatt diesel generator, which is used for auxiliary peaking power during high-demand times,” Gunnoe said. “A new stack and cooling tower have been installed onsite, and the contractor is continuing work rebuilding the remainder of the unit.”

There also was good news on road paving.

“I’m happy to report that our paving to date has come in about $66,000 under the current appropriations,” Gunnoe said. “With that in mind, we will have our paving contractor back this fall to do some additional paving in the area of Broad Street and the surrounding areas.”

Service Director Dave Douglas and Gunnoe are working to apply for state grant funding to install sidewalks from the downtown area toward the west on West Third Street.

“Adding pedestrian sidewalks in that area would increase public safety and improve pedestrian access to the downtown,” Gunnoe said. “Depending on the grant funding that could be awarded, the state could cover up to 95% of eligible project costs.”

Repairs are in the works for the city K-9 police cruiser.

“Ford Motor Company finally decided that they're going to replace the engine,” said Gerry Mroczkowski, human resources and safety director. “That was pretty monumental because the K-9 vehicle is different than the rest of the cruisers.”

Repairs should be made within about a week, and two new cruisers are expected to become operational by mid-August, which will put the police department vehicle situation back in good shape.

Rachael Molk, a member of a small group of softball enthusiasts, gave a report to council on fundraising efforts to install turf at the girls softball field. The project is expected to cost around $190,000, and they are about halfway to their goal. Donations may be sent to the Dover auditor’s office, attention Nicole Stoldt, 122 E. Third St., with softball field in the memo. Stoldt will then send a receipt back so the donation is tax-deductible.

Council went into executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss public infrastructure improvements or the extension of utility services that are directly related to an economic development project with no action to be taken.

The next Dover Council meeting will be held Aug. 7 in council chambers, 121 E. Second St., Dover.