Dover to settle lawsuit with Dover Chemical, moves forward on major projects and public safety upgrade
Council approves settlement agreement, celebrates economic development award, advances infrastructure planning, and joins New Philadelphia to purchase armored vehicle.
New construction areas added at the back of the future Dover City offices will house an elevator and a wheelchair assessable restroom.
Teri Stein
Dover Council approved Emergency Resolution 22-25 at their Oct. 20 meeting authorizing the city of Dover to enter into a mutual release and settlement agreement with Dover Chemical Corporation.
The two parties have been engaged in litigation in the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 2021 CV 02 0097 concerning a dispute over electrical service surcharges and related matters.
According to the resolution, the parties desire to fully and finally resolve all claims between them, including those that were or could have been asserted in litigation, and to avoid further litigation and expense.
The parties have negotiated and agreed to the terms of a mutual release and settlement agreement, which includes mutual releases, dismissal of all claims with prejudice, and a joint statement affirming that the litigation has been resolved amicably. No other details were discussed.
Mayor Shane Gunnoe is authorized to execute, on behalf of the city, the agreement. The resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the mayor.
In his mayor’s report, Gunnoe announced Oct. 16, the Schaeffler Project was named Project of the Year at the 2025 Ohio Economic Development Association annual summit.
“The award celebrates outstanding projects that drive job growth and innovation across Ohio, and this is an incredible honor for our community,” Gunnoe said. “The Schaeffler project received this honor due to strong partnerships and collaboration between local government and industry as well as a shared commitment to supporting our workforce and community’s future, qualities which make Dover special.”
Dover continues to work with state partners in regard to several state-grant funded pedestrian improvement projects.
“The city engineer is in the process of finalizing a submission to the Ohio Controlling Board for approval of the Riverfront Park paving project, which is slated for completion in 2026 using $350,000 in state capital funding,” Gunnoe said.
Another meeting was held with ODOT representatives on upcoming ODOT Transportation Alternatives Program grant awards. One project will extend sidewalks down West Third Street in 2027, and another will involve the next phase of completion of the Towpath Trail from Canal Dover Park towards New Philadelphia in 2028.
The Ohio Department of Development announced another round of building demolition grant funding, and the city will take applications for the demolition of unsafe, blighted or vacant buildings to prepare those sites for future use. Those interested in applying should contact John McFadden, building administrator, at 330-343-6740.
The result of the changes implemented in the past few years regarding contracts at the power plant has saved taxpayers $1,990,706 in recurring costs from vendors in the last four years versus the 2021 baseline.
A recent report showed customers in Dover paid just 14.1 cents per kilowatt hour in 2024.
Important dates to remember:
-Trick or Treat on the Trail, at Dover City Park hosted by the Dover Community Parks Foundation, Oct. 26 from 1-2 p.m., weather permitting.
-The Dover Lions Club annual Halloween parade will be Oct. 29. The step off is at 6:45 p.m.
-Dover trick-or-treat will be Oct. 30 from 6-8 p.m.
In legislation, council also approved Emergency Ordinance 43-25 authorizing the mayor and director of public safety to enter into a joint agreement with the city of New Philadelphia for the purchase of a Lenco Bearcat for the Special Response Team. Members of law enforcement from both cities already participate in a joint S.W.A.T. team known as the Special Response Team. The cost of the Lenco armored vehicle is not to exceed $385,402.
Each city will pay 50% of the cost. New Philadelphia City Council has already approved their share of the cost. It is essential to order the vehicle now to avoid a price increase.
Council agreed they need to provide the police department with the tools needed to do their job in the safest way possible.
The Lenco Bearcat is a widely used armored vehicle known for its durability, off-road capability, and ballistic protection. The vehicles allow law enforcement to respond effectively in dangerous situations while keeping them protected.
The next Dover Council meeting will be held Nov. 3, in council chambers, 121 E. Second St., Dover.