Dover council seeks bids for water-tower circulator, accepts $30,000 donation for pickleball project; approves building repairs

The Dover City Council on Jan. 15 voted to seek bids for a circulator inside the city's water tower to reduce ice buildup that officials said could unbalance the structure. Clerk Melanie McGrath told the council the estimated cost is between $10,000 and $15,000 and that the city will solicit bids for the work.

"The city will be seeking bids for a water tower circulator (pump type mechanism) for inside the water tower. This is to prevent buildup of ice on one side or the other which could cause it to lean to one side and collapse. Cost could be estimated from $10,000-$15,000," the minutes record.

Separately, the council accepted a $30,000 private donation to build a combined court on the east side of the existing tennis court: half tennis, half pickleball. Council Members Chelsie Kiekbusch and Jodi Nicklay volunteered to serve on a design committee and said they are seeking other community members to participate.

The council also approved several facility repairs and purchases. Mayor Dave Iseminger reported purchasing a storage unit for ballfield equipment. Member Chelsie Kiekbusch moved, and Member Jodi Nicklay seconded, authorization to obtain bids and proceed with repairing a sagging ceiling in the gym; that motion carried. Member Jodi Nicklay moved and Member Chelsie Kiekbusch seconded approval of up to $5,000 to update water lines in both Community Center bathrooms to install soft-water service; that motion carried.

Clerk Melanie McGrath reported that fire-hall doors are on backorder with an expected delivery by the end of January per the contractor.