Dover K-9 memorial to be dedicated Nov. 4
Kerry Metzger, with Empower Tusc, said if Issue 2 passes it would have disastrous effects in schools. Here he helps answer a question from council. Standing in the background is Jodi Salvo of Empower Tusc, who made a presentation to council on the issue.
Council member Sandy Moss announced a project she oversaw, the K-9 Police Officers Memorial, which honors the police dogs that serve the City of Dover, is ready to be installed. The city will have a public dedication service Nov. 4 at 11 a.m.
The program was funded by donations that covered all expenses related to the project. It will be installed on the square near the police office.
Mayor Shane Gunnoe announced the city has received notification the residents of Dover and New Philadelphia are now eligible for the USDA Rural Housing Development Program.
“This is a significant development as the USDA Rural Housing Program allows for safety grants to income-eligible individuals for home improvements, as well as low-interest loans for purchasing or repairing a home,” Gunnoe said. “The program also allows for additional federal resources for new housing development in our area.”
The change marks the first time in 48 years that the two cities are eligible for the federal resources. Residents, social workers, healthcare workers, senior advocates, home-repair contractors and others are invited to a public meeting to hear about opportunities available to them through the rural housing program on Nov. 2 from 10-11 a.m. at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center. The meeting will explain the programs and give information on how to identify people who may be eligible for home loans and home-repair programs.
There also will be a meeting on Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center for construction leaders, real estate investors, developers, realtors and others to discuss the USDA Rural Development Program to assist with housing development and explore solutions to the housing shortage.
The meetings are being sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corp. and Tuscarawas County Senior Center. The senior center is located at 425 Prospect St. in Dover.
Gunnoe announced Dover Light and Power received an AMP safety award in the generation category in recognition of no time lost due to reportable accidents or injuries during the 2023 American Municipal Power annual conference.
“We are proud of the hard work and dependable service provided by Dover Light and Power and the electric generation department, as well as their commitment to safety,” Gunnoe said.
He said the plant just received a new NPDES water permit by the Ohio EPA that will cover plant operations for the next five years.
Gunnoe gave several other updates on projects around the city. General services expects to have the construction of its auxiliary salt storage shed completed this week, just in time to begin filling for the winter season.
Demolition has been completed at 504 River St. and 516 Broad St., and the structures have been removed and the areas have been filled and seeded.
The new mobile data terminals for the police cruisers are scheduled to arrive in about six weeks. The public Wi-Fi project at Dover Park should be completed in the next week.
“We are currently in the process of completing installation of eight security cameras with the Wi-Fi system to help prevent vandalism in the park,” Gunnoe said.
There also are many opportunities for fun coming up in the city.
Food Truck Thursday will be held Oct. 26 from 4-7 p.m. at the Dover City Park.
The Dover Lions Halloween Parade will be Wednesday, Oct. 25 and will leave Dover High School at 6:45 p.m. The deadline for entries is Oct. 23.
Dover trick or treat will take place Oct. 28 from 5-7 p.m.
Trick or Treat on the Trail will be held Sunday, Oct. 29 from 1-3 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Dover Community Parks Foundation. Participants will be able to walk on the paths around the pond and the wooded path to the Deis Hill Amphitheater for treats. There also will be face painting, crafts, music and games.
In the audience participation portion of the meeting, Jodi Salvo of the Empower Tusc Coalition spoke to council about Issue 2. According to Salvo, the language of the issue provides for higher concentrations of THC levels in products if marijuana use is legalized.
“This is what happens with recreational legalization — the products change and the potency changes. Anytime you see infused products, those are going to be higher potency than plant matter,” Salvo said referring to gummies, edibles and other products that will contain the drug. “So what older adults think marijuana use looks like is very different than what happened.”
Salvo showed council the packaging from edible products containing marijuana that resembled packages of candy. She purchased these recently in Michigan.
“Why this is concerning is when we look at addiction, we look at youth use. It's all about perception of harm and access and availability. When our young people look at these products, this does not look like a drug anymore. This normalizes use, it changes societal norms and it sends a message that marijuana is not harmful,” Salvo said.
If Issue 2 passes, Salvo said it will negatively impact youth, businesses and public safety.
Council went into executive session at the end of the meeting for discussion of public infrastructure improvements and the extension of utility services directly related to an economic development project. No action was taken.
The next Dover Council meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 6 in council chambers, 121 E. Second St., Dover.