Dover Download

January in Review: New Council, New Goals, New Beginnings

Dover Download

Show Notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Mike Gillis, the city's Director of Media Services, to recap highlights from January's board, committee, and commission activities.

The conversation begins with the Jan. 5 inauguration of the City Council, including four new city councilors and a new mayor, with Lindsey Williams unanimously selected as deputy mayor. The School Board also took the oath of office, retaining Robin Trefethen as chair. The new Council quickly got to work with a workshop and goal-setting session.

The School Board adopted a proposed budget of approximately $102.8 million that will continue existing programs without staff cuts. Parker and Gillis discuss the Planning Board's annual land use meeting, which brought together volunteers from various boards for networking and updates. A significant milestone was the Planning Board's adoption of the new land-use chapter of the Master Plan.

Other key Council actions included approving phase one of the Central Avenue water main replacement project, declining a state grant for milfoil treatment at Willand Pond due to PFAS concerns, and approving additional funding for the permanent 9/11 memorial. The Council also discussed Community Power rate changes and decided to move some city accounts back to the default energy provider.

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