Show Notes
In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Media Services Director Mike Gillis about key actions taken by Dover's boards, committees, and commissions during March. The two discuss the City Council's decision to pursue diver-assisted mechanical removal of milfoil in Willand Pond, a state-owned waterbody shared with Somersworth, opting against herbicide treatment despite the state's recommendation. They review the FY27 budget process, noting that public hearings have been held and final deliberations are expected in early April. Parker and Gillis also cover the reprogramming of surplus Capital Improvements Project funds toward the Horne Street reconstruction design and First and Second Street crosswalk enhancements, updated property tax exemptions, and the SchoolCare health insurance assessment issue, for which a joint Council-School Board meeting with the Secretary of State is planned. On the planning front, they highlight conditional approval of a Marriott hotel at the former Burger King site on Central Avenue and ongoing Transfer of Development Rights discussions. They also pay tribute to the late Cliff Blake, a dedicated community volunteer.
Parker then speaks with Deb Clough of Don't Trash Dover about the annual "Power of an Hour" cleanup event on April 25. Clough explains that volunteers check in at their ward locations by 9:15 a.m. and spend an hour picking up litter citywide. The event features a friendly ward-versus-ward competition with handmade "trash trophies," and last year volunteers collected a ton and a half of litter.
More from Dover Download
In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Dian Maruca, executive director of the Dover Housing Authority, as part of the podcast's continuing look at local nonprofits and social service agencies. Maruca, who has led the authority since March 2026 after joining as deputy director in 2023, shares how a teenage landscaping job at the Newmarket Housing Authority grew into a career in subsidized housing. She says that hands-on experience shapes her respect for her maintenance and administrative staff.
In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Director of Planning and Community Development Donna Benton about the FY28-33 Capital Improvements Program, presented to the City Council and Planning Board on Oct. 7.
In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Director of Media Services Mike Gillis about September's board, committee and commission meetings.
In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Margaret Joyce and Jed Allen of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce about the 42nd annual Apple Harvest Day. What began as a small craft fair on Orchard Street with about a dozen crafters has grown into a signature event often described as Dover's homecoming, with roughly 250 vendors, two food courts, a road race, an apple pie contest and entertainment on two stages. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the 5K road race starting at 8:30 a.m.
In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Kathy Beebe, executive director of Haven, as part of the podcast's continuing look at local nonprofits. Haven is the Seacoast's domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and support agency. It was formed through the merger of A Safe Place and Sexual Assault Support Services. Beebe explains that the new name was chosen deliberately to make clear its services are for anyone affected, including men, teens, adult survivors of childhood abuse, and family members.