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Politics & Government

Dover Town Meeting Passes School Budget And Centre Street Sidewalk Project

All articles passed except Articles 15, 19, 21 which were dismissed.

The Town of Dover held its Annual Town Meeting at the Lindquist Commons in Dover, Monday night. They approved the town’s budget, school budget, and $150,000 for the restoration of the historic Caryl House.

Articles were met with discussion but little opposition.

Resident Carl Lichen, inquired after the reading of Article 4 why the selectmen’s salary budget, which includes town hall’s salaries, has risen approximately 34% over the past five years. 

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Warrant Committee member Dave Melville said that the cost of living had gone up. Town Administrator Dave Ramsay said there was an increase in staffing, more responsibility among the staff, and the town salary was raised to the median.

Nancy Dougherty, president of Dover’s Friends of the Performing Arts, stated that although she did not want the Dover-Sherborn Regional School Committee to add $12,000 to the regional budget, cutting the district’s choral program, “left a significant gaping hole in the school system.”

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 She said there is “considerable interest” for the choral program at the high school. Dougherty added that she is hoping the regional school committee will consider the action in the coming months and she is looking forward to working with them to do so.

In the end, the entire Article 4 passed.

Article 14 was a citizens' petition to create a sidewalk on 1,245 feet of Centre St. east of Caryl Park for $22,900.

Resident Kate Faulkner noted that a similar article was voted down on last year’s warrant and asked what is different about it this year.

The progenitor of the article, Chip Spalding, said that last year they did not create a link between the east and west sides of the street.

Residents Kristen Dennison, Chris Mayer, Max Holmestead, and Selectman Jim Dawley spoke in favor of the sidewalk.

Holmestead, who lives right by the proposed crosswalk, said that the lack of a sidewalk is “very very dangerous.” He said cars often speed around the corner and cannot see people crossing.

Mayer said there used to be a school bus stop there but the bus driver felt it was too unsafe and had it moved.

Resident Randy Robinson said they may not need a sidewalk just better speed enforcement.

The article passed with a majority vote.

All articles passed except Articles 15, 19, 21 which were dismissed. 

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