John’s Sweeper Service grows with move to larger facility in Dover

Dover council voted at their June 1 meeting to approve Ordinance 21-26 to require permits for the installation of lawn and irrigation equipment. When installing such equipment, it is important that a reduced pressure backflow device or a pressure vacuum breaker must be properly installed by a professional.

The devices are necessary to prevent cross-connection contamination and are an Environmental Protection Agency requirement. All lawn irrigation equipment is the responsibility of the homeowner. Any damage to the irrigation system located on city property (curb strip or public right of way) is the responsibility of the homeowner.

The devices are to be tested by the licensed person immediately after installation and at least once every 12 months.

In other legislation, council approved Ordinance 20-26 which establishes a Dover Tax Incentive Review Council. The council will meet annually to review all agreements granting exemptions from property taxation under the relevant code provisions, as well as any performance or audit reports required to be submitted under the agreements, and other statutory or contractual obligations for the property owners.

Tax Incentive Review Council members initially appointed are Perci Garner III and Don Maurer. Members will serve for two-year terms.

Council approved $5,000 of bed tax money for the Reeve’s Museum. The museum will use the funds for the renovation of the Reeve’s Manufacturing Company display in the carriage house. The entire project will cost around $28,000. The application was reviewed and recommended by the Architectural Review Board.

In his report, Mayor Shane Gunnoe, extended his congratulations to three local small businesses for locating or expanding, in the city.

“Advanced Ear Gear Audiology held a ribbon cutting this morning at their new location at the Heritage Square Plaza,” Gunnoe said. “John’s Sweeper Service has moved and expanded to a new location at 218 W. Third St. Additionally, the former Factory Street Tavern is in the process of being remodeled into the Tribute Bistro by new owners, Tracy and Jayme Foster.”

Gunnoe also provided an update on the North End construction projects, which are nearing completion.

“As we previously discussed, the public stormwater project is completed and came in significantly under budget. This will mean about $83,000 in state funding and approximately seven or $18,000 of county funding for the project will not end up being required,” Gunnoe said. “Those funds will be released, or in the case where we've received them, returned to the appropriate agencies once all of the financial paperwork is completed and the project is closed.”

The Crown Road traffic signal project is also virtually complete.

“The project is expected to come in approximately $80,000 under their authorized budget by council,” Gunnoe said. “When you add these two with the power line extension project, which was completed late last year, and which also came in under budget, it will mean three of our four projects related to the North End construction improvements will be completed significantly under initial projected costs.”

The Crown Road Widening and Reconstruction Project is expected to be completed in about two weeks.

Gunnoe recently attended a regional public power market update from AMP, along with other officials from Northeast Ohio Public Power Communities.

“We received updates on power supply, along with transmission and supply costs. The news is a continuation of our winter update as increased demand for power continues to push purchase power transmission and capacity costs higher,” Gunnoe said.

In information Gunnoe learned, the difference between the higher cost of purchased power versus Dover Municipal Light and Power generated power, saves Dover residents about $60 per month.

“We're somewhat protected from, at least part of these costs, due to having our own reliable, efficient, and local generation,” Gunnoe said. “So, in my mind, this continues to reinforce the importance of having our own city power generation facilities, and we appreciate the work that they're doing right now, completing their shutdown.”

Gunnoe reminded residents of two events. The Downtown Dover Chocolate Walk will be held June 13, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The city of Dover will have a stand in front of the new municipal center.

Registration are ongoing for the 2026 youth and adult camps being offered by Dover City Park. “There are many opportunities for everyone,” Gunnoe said.

In his report, Service Director Dave Douglas reported tat a pole has been sheared off at the same location again on S. Tuscarawas Avenue.

“We're going to be looking at putting a guardrail up or some type of barrier to keep them out of that pole, which, for some reason, is a target every couple years,” Douglas said.

The next Dover Council meeting will be held June 15 in council chambers, 121 E. Second St., Dover.