Residents Find Solutions for Virtual Council Meeting

It was the hottest day of the year, but everyone kept their cool during Tuesday's Dover Town Council.

That was no small feat considering that 10 residents who wanted to attend the meeting in person had to sit in the shade of the Town Hall steps as temperatures hovered around 90 degrees. The doors to the public building were locked for the first time since a May 27 meeting in which Council members and Mayor James P. Dodd felt threatened and voted to close in-person attendance by residents.

So, for the first time since COVID-19 made virtual meetings part of people's daily lives, residents sat through the computer glitches, tinny in-and-out audio, awkward photos, and "can you hear me?" moments to execute their civic right to participate in local government. There were 72 attendees for the virtual meeting.

"I am here in solidarity with our community," said resident Karol Ruiz, "to ensure that we remain a safe and welcoming community."

Daniella Mendez, winner of the Democratic seat for Town Council in the First Ward, said she was there "to be a voice for the folks who the folks in power have ignored in the past 17 months."

A group of 10 activists was turned away from trying to attend the June 24 Dover Town Council meeting. They attended virtually. (Photo/Sophie Wiss)

EDITOR'S NOTE: Due to the spotty nature of the audio, DOVERNOW will review the transcript to ensure we get all the details of actions, discussions, and comments correct. Check back for more news.