July Monthly Report

As August comes to a close, I thought it would be worth catching up on monthly happenings, so here is July's monthly report. The August one will come early in September, don't worry.

FY2012 CITY COUNCIL EXPECTATIONS OF CITY MANAGER

4. Continue to communicate with the community through hosting of periodic ward and neighborhood meetings such as quarterly Dover Discussions along with exploring new methods to increase interaction and participation by citizens in local governance and community forums.

The Department of Planning and Community Development continued to update its blog, face book page and twitter feed to communicate with the public. The Department of Planning and Community Development has 123 Facebook (City of Dover NH Planning) friends and 239 followers on Twitter @DoverNHPlanning).

During the month of July, four (4) Planning blog posts were drafted, including one on looking at summer planning projects one discussing the permaculture, one on the parking meter program in Dover, and one recounting the June monthly report.

The Department of Planning promoted the Dover Community Trail through the facebook fan page for the trail (with 275 fans), as well as a Sustainable Dover facebook fan page for the trail (with 108 fans). The Sustainability Coordinator promoted numerous events this month through facebook, as well as traditional media.

Finally, this month the Department of Planning and Community Development sent out 71 letters to new homeowners congratulating them on their purchase, as well as informing them of the current zoning for their property and alerting them to the various methods the department uses to inform and update the public.

8. Attend workshops and participate in other education opportunities to further continuing professional development.

The Director of Planning attended a one day session on Permaculture in a home. This hands on workshop was an opportunity to see how simple adding elements of permaculture to a residential lot.

12. Complete the implementation of the ongoing energy efficiency improvements and provide periodic reports of energy savings.

During the month of July, the last of the energy retrofit work was completed at the Ice Arena. The blowers were shipped and delivered to the Waste Water Treatment Plant. The Calgon system, which is an activated carbon and innovative treatment system for waste water effluent, was installed and the prep work and blower installation was started.

Johnson Controls is hoping to close out some of the Facility Improvements and start the monitoring portion of their contract and is waiting for the City to sign off on the completed work.

GENERAL DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

FOCUS/GOALS:


Ensure timely preparation and presentation of the FY13 – 18 Capital Improvements Program.
The Director of Planning updated the CIP schedule and submitted it, as well as project request forms to the various Departments. In addition, the Director of Planning met with the Media Services Coordinator to review the FY 2012 CIP presentation and coordinate the FY2013 presentation materials.

Coordinate update of Land Use and Transportation chapters of the Master Plan, through development and implementation of Speak Out Dover and associated survey programs.
Planning staff began the process of retaining an organization to conduct a survey of residents to assist in setting the tone and vision for the next Master Plan chapter updates. Additionally, staff reviewed the costs associated and resources required to conduct the Speak Out sessions. Finally, staff began to identify names of residents to approach to be on the steering committee for the project.

As part of the Master Plan update process, the Steering Committee for the Conservation and Open Space chapter has been soliciting input from various groups. On July 19, 2011, the Steering Committee held a joint meeting with members of the Conservation Commission and Open Lands Committee. During the meeting, the 15 to 18 people in attendance enthusiastically discussed the future goals for conservation efforts in the City. The Steering Committee will review the input received and incorporate it into the goals of the chapter. This updated chapter is intended to be a blueprint to guide the conservation work for both the Conservation Commission and Open Lands Committee over the next ten years.

Review, and update as needed, the Community Development Block Grant program to ensure compatibility with Best Management Practices.
Planning staff gathered the current standard operating procedures to begin the review of current practices for the Community Development Block Grant program.

Promote streamlining plan review through use of electronic means amongst internal staff (smart board at TRC etc).
N/A

Analyze the City Code to ensure that City regulations encourage sustainable practices in city operations and encourage green practices by residents and business owners.
In June, EPA consultants met with community members and staff to review the land use chapters of the code and in July Planning staff received a detailed report of the suggested areas in the code that should be reviewed for consistency with the promotion of sustainability. The Director of Planning and Community Development is developing a timeline to implement the suggested land use changes, and will work with the Planning Board to evaluate options.

Develop educational opportunities for staff and board/commission members that are low resource cost, whether through staff presentations to boards/commissions, or web based education.
The Director of Planning and Community Development is reviewing the workshop schedule for the Planning Board for the second half of 2011. This review will include opportunities for education and outreach.

Increase outreach and education to business and residents on benefits of infill development and transit oriented development as means to develop and redevelop in Dover’s urban core.
The Director of Planning and Community Development and the Zoning Administrator are considering opportunities for education and outreach on the values of transit oriented development. Some ideas include the Urban Land Institute, and Lincoln Land Institute. The Economic Development Director will also play a role in this effort.

Coordinate discussions and implementation of improved pedestrian and vehicular way finding signs in downtown Dover.
Notes and ideas from the May wayfinding meeting have been reviewed, by planning staff and are being coordinated for follow up.

DEPARTMENTAL COLLABORATION & ENHANCEMENTS

Planning and Community Development staff assisted the Community Services and Inspection staff with a review of outstanding issues on several projects, and took the lead on reaching out to the developers. The plans/projects are as follows:
• Newington Dover bridge
• Gladiola Way
• Cedar Cove
• Cornerstone Crossing

Planning staff worked with land owners of property at the following locations on development or redevelopment opportunities:
• Sixth Street, between Indian Brook Drive and Venture Drive
• Technical Review for intersection of Sixth Street and Indian Brook Drive
• Technical Review for 218 Knox Marsh Road
• Technical Review for gas station on Central Avenue
• Technical Review for congregate care facility on Grapevine Drive
• Basils Place
• Lilac Lane commercial project
• Sumner Drive property for reuse.
• 6 Beacon Circle
• 179 Henry Law Ave
• K9 Kaos
• 82/84 Central Avenue
• 67/75 Central Avenue
• Pre –TRC with Elderly Assisted Care Facility on Summer St
• Abutter to Pedestrian Bridge relocation on Washington Street
• 99 Columbus Ave
• 192 Durham Road