DOVER- The selectboard held a special meeting Tuesday to discuss the Dover Economic Development Committee business plan. DEDC members worked on the plan for the past few months and were given the opportunity to present their goals. Concerns between the DEDC and the selectboard have been building in recent weeks. Many of those concerns revolved around how tax money is spent and whether taxpayers are reaping the benefits. Many citizens were present at Tuesday’s meeting. Some supported the plan. Others did not. More important, an impassioned discussion over Dover’s economic future took place.

The DEDC went through the business plan section by section. They discussed beautification, trails and paths development, telecommunications, recreational centers, special events, and a marketing plan to promote town efforts. Selectboard member Adam Levine spoke first, suggesting that improvement of basic services be added as a primary goal. Levine specified services as anything from “getting an egg sandwich to having something repaired.” Levine said he has heard stories of poor service in the area and thought the matter should fall under the DEDC’s responsibilities. DEDC chair Lisa Coneeny said the issue was brought up before but they believe the chamber of commorce is more suited to take on the issue.

Charles LaFiura raised concerns related to beautification. LaFiura said retirees want to move to a place that appears vibrant. To improve Dover’s appearance, taking care of decaying machinery is necessary. “Any beautification plan must take into account getting decaying machinery (out of the town)” said LaFiure. He suggested the DEDC consider ordinances for their removal. The DEDC did not indicate if they would include it.

Telecommunications was also a major concern raised by Dover residents and second-home owners. Improving the town’s economic vitality includes high-speed Internet service, but only select areas of Dover have access to high-speed Internet, Wi-Fi or cellphone coverage. DEDC member Bob Edwards said they are working with local and national providers, but trying to get them to commit has been difficult. “We have to see what we can do to make it palatable for a company to come in because we’re too small for anyone to come in and look at us,” said Edwards.

The DEDC also discussed current efforts to locate a community recreation center. In a recent DEDC survey, 35% of Dover residents and 36% of second-home owners expressed a desire for a community center. LaFiura commended the DEDC’s efforts but he also suggested the venue be compatible with theatrical performances. He cited Wilmington’s Memorial Hall as an example and suggested the DEDC fund a position for a recreation center director. “This is what retirees want,” said LaFiura. Coneeny said the DEDC is looking for a site but more important, they are putting together a task force to develop a plan.

Marketing the town of Dover was another topic of discussion. Selectboard member Magnus Thorsson said the town needs to find ways to attract new businesses to the area. Kathy Martin, of Dover, pointed out that current zoning laws prevent businesses from coming in and suggested the laws be changed. Coneeny said the issue came up at a recent Tri-town Economic Development Committee meeting and other towns are having similar problems. Chris Walker, of the Dover Watch Owners Association, also chimed in expressing Dover Watch’s zoning frustrations and how current regulations prevent the property from building additional time-share units.

Discussion over whether to hire a DEDC administrator drew some concerns.The DEDC plan budgets the position at $42,500. Martin thought that was too much money compared to what other town employees make in a year. She thought if the job description was the similar to that of other town employees, then all of them should be paid equally. Coneeny said it was simply a ballpark figure and is subject to change.

Before the selectboard voted, Jim Martin expressed his overall concerns about the DEDC plan. To Martin, it remained unclear how the DEDC measures its results. He also asked if a plan like this could be sold to a banking or investment group. Then Martin claimed the DEDC lacks a unified voice. He said there were times the DEDC would say one thing to the selectboard while other members at the meetings would be shaking their heads in disagreement. “I’m not sure you’re all on the same page,” said Martin.

Coneeny said the DEDC has struggled to come to consensus on the issues. She assured Martin the entire committee supports the business plan. “We went through this line by line and we voted unanimously to support it. We’re all comfortable with it,” said Coneeny.

Cyndee Frere said she did not support the one-percent tax option but in the bigger picture, the DEDC is tapped in to the needs of the community. She supported the DEDC business plan and urged the selectboard to do the same. “We’re picking at tiny pieces. This is something that has a good sense of place,” said Frere.

The selectboard approved the DEDC business plan by a four to one vote. Selectboard chair Linda Holland, along with selectboard members Becky Snow, Thorsson, and Levine, voted in favor. Martin voted against.