In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Dover City Councilor John O'Connor about his time serving on the council from 2014-2017 and 2020-2021. This episode is the fifth and final in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades. O'Connor discusses running for City Council, the steep learning curve in understanding the city budget and Capital Improvements Program, passionate debates over issues like sidewalk construction, what he enjoyed about meeting constituents, and his advice for future Council candidates on connecting with all facets of the community. O'Connor also shares perspective on working alongside other councilors, collaboration with the School Board, infrastructure needs, stormwater/wastewater issues, and more from his time in office.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn that the city's oldest hook and ladder firefighting company was formed on Dec. 21, 1831. Originally the Volunteer Hook and Ladder Company, it later became known as the Invincible and Lincoln hook and ladder companies over its decades of service. The company was renowned for its lively annual banquets that brought together local dignitaries. It began using horse-drawn and later motorized trucks, remaining active for over 100 years.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Jason Hindle, who served on the Dover City Council from 2000-2008. This episode is the fourth in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades. Hindle reflects on major events and policy decisions during his tenure, including the city's response to 9/11, transportation and infrastructure investments, zoning changes to enable future development, the creation of the McConnell Center, and new fire and schools facilities. Hindle explains why transparency and staff support are critical for good governance. He decided not to run again in 2008 due to career demands but applies lessons from his council service in his current federal government role.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn how in 1790, as legislators proposed moving parts of Strafford County to Rockingham County, a committee formed to lobby for preserving Strafford’s unity.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Parks "Skip" Christenbury, a former Dover City Councilor and lifelong Dover resident. This episode is the third in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades. They discuss the issues facing Dover in the 1990s when Christenbury served on the City Council, including financial struggles and the need for strong leadership. Christenbury reflects on policies and projects from that time, like expanding Enterprise Park, enhancing ambulance services, and laying the groundwork for the current waterfront development. He shares his perspective on the collaborative yet debates-driven dynamic on the 1990s City Council. Christenbury and Parker also delve into the relationships between City Council and staff at that time, the extent of local media coverage of local issues then versus now, and the value of being actively engaged in the community before seeking election.

In "This Week in Dover History," we learn about the appointment of Captain Thomas Wiggin as a commissioner on Dec. 10, 1641 to help enact a new governance structure for the Piscataqua region, which had the authority to ensure peace, order, and justice in Dover's early days.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Donna Benton, Director of Planning and Community Development, about Dover's Capital Improvements Program (CIP). They discuss what the CIP is, the process for creating it each year, how projects are financed, the timeline for approval, and how residents can provide input. The CIP will be presented to a joint session of the City Council and Planning Board on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Thanksgiving celebrations in Dover in 1905, gleaned from old newspaper ads.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Dover Mayor Jesse Andrew Galt about his time as a policymaker in Dover during the 1980s. This episode is the second in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades.

Galt served on the Dover City Council beginning in 1983, and then as mayor. Galt explains that he first got involved with local politics to oppose zoning changes on Central Avenue that would have transformed the residential neighborhood into an office and commercial area. After speaking out at public meetings, Galt was asked to join the City Council, representing Ward 1. As mayor, Galt focused on building consensus among the diverse Councilors to make decisions that benefited the whole community. Key issues he worked on included moving the downtown sewage treatment plant to rejuvenate the waterfront, passing a sprinkler ordinance for new multifamily housing, and rewriting the outdated city master plan and zoning laws to better manage rapid growth and development in the 1980s. Galt also reminisces about starting the tradition of the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Henry Law Park and cutting ribbons for many new businesses opening in Dover during his tenure.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a boxing match in 1900 that took an unexpected turn.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Dover Mayor Jack Buckley about his time as a policymaker in Dover during the 1970s. This episode is the first in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades.

Parker and Buckley discuss Buckley's various roles in Dover, including as a city councilor, mayor, and director of the Dover Housing Authority. They reflect on major events and policies from the 1970s that impacted Dover, such as urban renewal, reconstruction of a key bridge, and Buckley's work to establish a code of ethics for the City Council. Buckley shares perspectives on hiring a city manager, Bob Steele, and working to preserve historic downtown buildings. He and Parker also talk about the changes Dover has undergone and Buckley's continued community involvement.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a tragic accident that occurred in 1856 involving a celebratory cannon on Garrison Hill.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Leah Garnett from the Finance Department and Patty Moniello from the Office of the City Attorney. Garnett and Moniello discuss their backgrounds and what brought them to work for the City of Dover. They talk about the learning curve coming from different sectors into government work, the surprises and day-to-day aspects of their roles, starting their jobs during COVID-19, and their career plans going forward.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the founding of Franklin Academy, Dover's first public brick building.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Clerk Jerrica Vansylyvong-Bizier and Deputy City Clerk Annie Baker about the upcoming municipal election in Dover on Nov. 7, 2023. They discuss voter registration, absentee ballots, polling locations, hours, ID requirements, and more.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about three boys from Dover who encountered the notorious hermit of Goat Island in 1912.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Kristian Theodore, co-owner of Forward Merch, a Dover-based entertainment merchandising company. Theodore discusses the history of his company, which prints T-shirts, hoodies, flags, and other merchandise for bands, Broadway shows, and immersive experiences. He shares how his business has grown over the years, including expanding into a larger facility in Dover and recently adding a second location in Somersworth. Theodore talks about the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages, and quick turnarounds to meet clients' needs. He expresses his passion for the entertainment industry and love for operating his business in Dover.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover residents petitioning the King of England in 1677 to remain part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony rather than come under direct English rule.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Jamie Stevens, the Cochecho Waterfront Development project manager, and John Storer, Director of Community Services, about infrastructure projects around Dover.

Stevens provides an overview of the multi-year waterfront redevelopment project, including installing new municipal infrastructure like water, sewer, and stormwater systems and public spaces like trails, picnic areas, and a potential pavilion. Storer discusses several road and utility projects on Court and Union streets, Fifth and Grove streets, the River Street Pump Station, and a new water storage tank being built off Webb Place to provide redundancy and additional storage capacity.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back at the Spartan Hotel and Sweetland Restaurant, a former downtown mainstay for decades.