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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on October 9, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President
Slavin presiding. Council members present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Sudler, Mr. Neil, Mr. Lewis,
Mr. Cole, Mr. Polce, Mr. Hare, and Mr. Lindell.
Staff members present were Police Chief Mailey, Ms. Peddicord, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Hugg, Fire
Chief Carey, City Solicitor Rodriguez, and Mrs. McDowell. Mayor Christiansen (departed at
7:47 p.m., returned at 7:57 p.m.; and departed at 8:03 p.m.) was also present.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 7:00 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting.
Council President Slavin declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that
Council was not in official session and could not take formal action.
Mr. Richard Kepfer, Hartly Road, advised members that his frustration regarding the lack of roadway
markings at Rustic Lane and Crawford Carroll Avenue had finally been solved. He explained that
he came upon an car accident that occurred there early in the spring as a result of there being no lines
on the road and he went to the Public Works Department three (3) times asking what was going to
happen. He indicated that the first time he was told that it was too cold to paint, the second answer
was that it was not in the budget, and the third time he was told that the City was looking for money.
Mr. Kepfer noted that he spoke only to the secretary and no one from the office called him. He
stated that he never heard from anybody from the City until he put his name on the agenda to speak
and he was rather disappointed with the lack of response. Mr. Kepfer informed members that he was
retired now; however, he had worked for the railroad for 35 years and it was public safety, so he
knows how important this is. He stated that he went to a lot of accidents, so this kind of fires him
up. Mr. Kepfer explained that in the past week he found out that the City asked for and was granted
transportation money from Senator Brian Bushweller and the project was going to get done. He
stated that hopefully it would be done before it gets too cold to paint again.
Mr. Slavin extended his apologies to Mr. Kepfer. Responding, Mr. Kepfer stated that it was just a
lack of response, which was not just here but everywhere. Mr. Slavin noted that he had asked
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, Acting City Manager, to follow up with Mr. Kepfer. Mr. Kepfer stated that
she had called him earlier in the day.
In response to Mr. Neil, Mr. Kepfer stated that he does not live in the City but owns property in the
City, and he does not personally know any City Council members. Mr. Neil asked if Mr. Kepfer
would mind reaching out to Council when he sees something like this, as they may be able to get
something done. Responding, Mr. Kepfer stated that there was a lack of response and nobody would
really tell him what they were going to do about it. He advised that he had to keep coming into the
office to relay his concern to the secretary, who pulled it up on the computer. Mr. Kepfer stated that
he never got angry at her, it was not her fault, and she was just doing her job. He noted that after his
third trip there, he went up and saw the City Manager in August, which evidently started the wheels.
Mr. Kepfer indicated that he did not receive a response from anybody until the day after he signed
up to speak, when the Public Works supervisor called and gave him an update.
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Mr. La Mar Gunn stated that he has an office at 11 North State Street in a building that he owns. He
thanked Council President Slavin and Mr. Kirby Hudson, Assistant City Manager, for their prompt
response regarding improving areas around the City, mainly the gardens. Mr. Gunn advised that he
had watched the gardens grow to about four (4) feet high and he understood that there was an issue
with being understaffed. He stated that they were doing a pretty good job, especially once he noticed
them of the situation.
Mr. Gunn stated that, as a much more important matter, he had provided the City and
Mrs. Traci McDowell, City Clerk, with an affidavit of truth as to an Ethics Commission investigation
request pertaining to members of the citizenry having to encounter or be engaged with intoxicated
councilmen. He stated that, at some point, the Ethics Commission and the City have to send a
message. Mr. Gunn noted that under Section 30-73 the City has an obligation to report these to
federal, State, and local authorities. He advised that, in his affidavit of truth, he had requested the
dates and times that this process was done since it is required by the Code. Mr. Gunn indicated that
he had asked several things throughout that affidavit of truth as to what type of reprimand or fine
goes along with what appears to be substantial evidence as required by the Code. He indicated that
he wanted it on the record, had submitted it in writing, and Mrs. McDowell had it in her office this
evening. Mr. Gunn asked where the City stands in its position on the level of accountability for
members of its own body. He stated that he personally believes that when you are appointed or
elected to office you have a higher level of accountability to the citizenry and subject yourselves to
public scrutiny, and if you cannot handle that, you probably should not be in those chairs. He stated
that it was time to send a message that it is not okay for members of Council to encounter citizens
throughout this City in an intoxicated manner, especially one that could end in death. Mr. Gunn
stated that he would greatly appreciate this matter being addressed.
Mr. Eric Abernathy stated that he was present to advocate for the homeless. He advised that he had
noticed that people are getting helped, noting that it seemed like, on average, one (1) person at a time
was being helped, which he thought was okay as long as it was getting somebody off the street.
Mr. Abernathy stated that he had also noticed that for every person that gets off the street, three (3)
to five (5) more show up on the street, so it is a situation that does not seem to be changing. He
indicated that all they want is some help so that they can get these people off the street.
Mr. Abernathy advised that they were still going out and offering food and drinks to everyone every
day, and were now doing this twice a day, but it is not enough. He stated that they need a place to
lay their heads and rest and something needed to be done. Mr. Abernathy indicated that he was
asking for help so everyone can work together to get this done. He stated that he commended folks
because he had seen a big change from the first time they came to a City Council meeting.
Mr. Abernathy noted that he was seeing hearts and minds change, noting that only God can do that.
He stated that they appreciate any help they can get and, as they go forward, they will keep on doing
what they are doing because it is all about the Lord and getting people off the street, because
everyone deserves to have a place to live.
Pastor Aaron Appling stated that he was glad to hear about the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Panel transition
and the Task Force coming into fruition and things starting to happen. He noted that the definition
of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over again, expecting a different result. Pastor Appling
stated that this State and country have been dealing with homelessness in the same way for years and
it has not been effective. He noted that this did not mean that all the old things were bad; however,
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he suggested that there needed to be some new things placed into the agenda that had not been tried
before, and not to just repeat the same things over again. Pastor Appling stated that, as
Mr. Abernathy had noted, after you get one (1) off the streets, then five (5) more come back on. He
encouraged City Council and also the Task Force, as it is being directed by City Council and the
Mayor, to look at some innovative, new ideas. Pastor Appling noted that they do a plethora of things
in other states that had been very effective, like tiny homes and other ideas that had been presented
at different times, and he offered to present other ideas as well. He advised that the most important
thing that he wanted members to know was that they may butt heads with members and may not
always agree, but deep down what they care about is getting these guys off the street, and this is the
reason why they show up to every City Council meeting and do what they do. He stated that there
are young guys in their teens and early 20s living on the streets who do not know about life, and there
is no safety net in place to catch them. Pastor Appling encouraged and thanked the Mayor and
members of Council for taking the effort to go down this road. He indicated that he supports
anything to get these guys off the street and was here to help in any way.
Pastor Appling noted that they were continuing their efforts and doubling down to feed more people.
He stated that he had advised Mr. Anderson earlier that they had been feeding seven (7) days a week,
twice a day; however, they are not on the resource agenda for meals for the homeless. He stated that
he did not know why they were not on there and had not known there was such an agenda, and this
was another area where he thought that the old guard and new guard were not mixing together well.
Pastor Appling indicated that he thought those little things and bridging the gaps would help to get
further along the road of getting these guys off the street.
Mr. Hare stated that he does what he can to help. He indicated that Pastor Appling had stated that
they ran out of water, and Mr. Hare noted that they would have to get together again. Mr. Hare asked
if Kent County had done anything and if they had been to the County to ask what they could do to
help. Responding, Pastor Appling advised that they had attempted to work with the County and it
was a much more complicated system for them to figure out all the meetings. He stated that the
County had not offered any help and, when they do go to the County, they pretty much say it is a City
problem. Mr. Hare noted that the County meets every Tuesday, and Pastor Appling indicated that
they might have to get it on their agenda soon to go over there.
Mr. Slavin stated that both Victory Church and Ms. Sue Harris had been placed on City committee
agendas for the discussion of two (2) separate issues and thanked Mr. Anderson for bringing them
forward. Pastor Appling thanked members for including those items on the agenda.
Ms. Katrina Stubbs stated that she had finally gotten her own apartment and was really excited about
it. She advised that when she stood before members in January or February of this year, she was
homeless. Ms. Stubbs explained that she had gone to every available resource and no one would do
anything because she did not fit their criteria or list. She thanked Victory Church, which had been
there for her from the very beginning, as well as Interfaith Mission Church and Calvary Assembly.
Ms. Stubbs also thanked Mr. Lewis, whose heart went out to her when he first heard her story and
who did everything he could to help her with different resources. She noted that, if she remembered
correctly, he personally went that same week to Shepherd’s Place and spoke with an individual to
explain her situation and that she needed a place to get off the street. Ms. Stubbs stated that she
knew Victory Church cares and thanked Mr. Lewis for being an actual politician who cares. She
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noted that the average person does not think that politicians really care, but Mr. Lewis went out of
his way and he and his family gave her different items for her new home. Ms. Stubbs stated that she
is very excited about that and has pictures and an actual tour of her apartment on her blog, including
the different items that Mr. Lewis had given. She noted that even though she is off the street, there
are others still out there. Ms. Stubbs stated that her situation was a little different and was all about
income and having a good, permanent, full-time job to be able to pay the $700 - $800 in rent. She
advised that not everyone’s situation is the same and asked members to remember, when they have
meetings regarding homelessness, that one (1) solution is not for everyone.
Mr. Slavin noted that members of Council had received two (2) separate pieces of correspondence
regarding item #9 - Proposed Resolution No. 2017-13 Censure of Councilman Brian E. Lewis: 1) an
email from Ms. Lorraine O. Gloede, dated October 9, 2017 (Exhibit #1), and 2) a letter from
Mr. Ronald G. Poliquin, Esquire, dated October 6, 2017 (Exhibit #2).
The invocation was given by Reverend Dr. Douglas L. Griffin, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Anderson moved to amend the agenda to delete item #9 - Proposed Resolution No. 2017-13
Censure of Councilman Brian E. Lewis, stating his belief that procedurally with due process it
should first go to the Ethics Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler and failed by a
roll call vote of six (6) no (Neil, Cole, Polce, Hare, Lindell, and Slavin), and three (3) yes (Anderson,
Sudler, and Lewis).
Mr. Neil moved for approval of the agenda, as presented, seconded by Mr. Lindell and carried
by a roll call vote of six (6) yes (Neil, Cole, Polce, Hare, Lindell, and Slavin), and three (3) no
(Anderson, Sudler, and Lewis).
Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Consent Agenda, seconded by Mr. Hare and carried by
a unanimous roll call vote.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2017
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 25, 2017 were unanimously
approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Hare and bore the written approval of
Mayor Christiansen.
PUBLIC HEARING/FINAL READING OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2017-12 WITH
STAFF AMENDMENT #1 (SA#1) AND PLANNING COMMISSION AMENDMENT #1
(PCA#1)
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider proposed amendments to
Appendix B - Zoning, Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, and Article 6 - Off-Street Parking,
Driveways and Loading Facilities.
Mr. Neil moved that the Final Reading of Proposed Ordinance #2017-12 be acknowledged by
title only, seconded by Mr. Lindell and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the
Proposed Ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of August 28, 2017.)
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Mr. David Hugg, Acting Director of Planning and Community Development, reviewed Staff
Amendment #1 (SA#1) and Planning Commission Amendment #1 (PCA#1) for Proposed Ordinance
#2017-12. He advised that the most important component of SA#1 was a recommendation from the
Public Works and Electric Departments to amend language relating to landscaping plans and designs
that may create future obstacles for either underground or overhead utilities or infrastructure.
Referring to PCA#1, Mr. Hugg explained that during the Planning Commission’s review of the
proposed ordinance, there was a concern that the City did not have a significant amount of
predictability in the determination of where multi-use pathways would be required as a project
component. As a result, the Planning Commission directed staff to prepare new language that sets
forth a process for ensuring that consideration of the possibility of multi-use pathways versus regular
sidewalks is conducted at the very beginning of the process and that it has some criteria, including
roadway classification, presence and type of existing pathways, and the general character of the area
where the development is going to occur.
Mr. Anderson, referring to PCA#1, asked if this would be required if it were determined to be paved
by private funds by the developer or if it is something the City would do. He questioned how it
would work in practical operation. In response, Mr. Hugg explained that these considerations,
including the amendment proposed by the Planning Commission, are part of the site plan
development process that a developer would go through and would determine both other items and
in this particular case, determine whether standard sidewalks or pathways were to be included in the
site plan.
Mr. Anderson asked if there had been any feedback from the real estate development community.
Responding, Mr. Hugg stated that there had not been feedback in specific terms. He advised that
staff tries very hard to have very early communications with developers, engineers, and architects
involved in development processes and work through these kinds of considerations that include the
landscaping plan, the signage plan, sidewalks, and a variety of topics. Mr. Hugg noted that, in this
particular case, he thought that the question from the Planning Commission was a legitimate one
regarding the criteria to be used to determine on behalf of a request of the developer, when the City
would want something other than standard sidewalk.
Council President Slavin declared the public hearing open. There being no one present wishing to
speak, Council President Slavin declared the public hearing closed.
Mr. Sudler moved for approval of Staff Amendment #1 (SA#1), seconded by Mr. Neil and
unanimously carried.
Mr. Sudler moved for approval of Planning Commission Amendment #1 (PCA#1), seconded
by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
Mr. Sudler moved for adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2017-12 as amended by Staff
Amendment #1 (SA#1) and Planning Commission Amendment #1 (PCA#1), as recommended
by the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and, by a unanimous roll
call vote, Council adopted Ordinance #2017-12 (Exhibit #3).
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PRESENTATION - 2017 MAYOR’S ARTS AWARDS
The Mayor’s Arts Award was established to recognize the importance of the arts in Dover and to
honor groups and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the artistic and cultural
life of our great City. The award honors visual and performing artists, arts educators, arts
organizations, arts volunteers, and supporters of the arts. The recipients of this prestigious award
exemplify excellence, inspire the community through their artistic pursuits, and ensure a cultural
legacy for future generations. Mayor Christiansen presented the 2017 Mayor’s Arts Awards, as
follows:
Teresa Emmons
Teresa Emmons, a graduate from the prestigious Juilliard, has guided thousands of budding
ballerinas and damsel dancers since opening her dance school, The Dance Conservatory, over 30
years ago. Her dance company has performed countless recitals and ballets for Dover audiences.
She presents her talents to students enrolled in the Dance Academy Program and the Visual and
Performing Gifted and Talented Program at Dover High School.
Teresa has dedicated her life to dance education and has been sharing her expertise with the Dover
community for decades. She has made a significant contribution to the arts in the greater Dover area
and has made a profound impact on the culture of our community. She is described as a wonderfully
positive and delightfully artistic person that is justly deserving of this recognition and honor due to
her demonstration of artistic and technical excellence in the field of dance.
Ms. Emmons thanked members of Council and Mayor Christiansen for their continued support. She
stated that she had lived in this beautiful town for 35 years, noting that when she first came here she
thought it was a sleepy old town, until she saw the young people who are really awesome.
Ms. Emmons stated that it had been a privilege for her to be able to help them fulfill their dreams
and she hopes she can continue doing it for many more years to come.
Jackie McCabe
Jackie McCabe, who will always be Ms. Jackie to us, has entertained children of all ages in the
Dover community for over three (3) decades. As one of the Children’s Librarians at the Dover
Public Library, Ms. Jackie leads the Story Time and Toddler Time through songs, crafts, and
activities to get the children motivated. She is a local favorite at community and private events,
playing her guitar or autoharp while cheerfully singing classic children’s songs and folk tunes. She
also dedicates her time and talent at Kids Cottage Learning Center and local events such as Dover
Days and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Ms. Jackie is described as educating with a warm personality, infectious smile, and generous
performances that make her well-deserving of this recognition and honor due to her demonstration
of artistic and musical excellence in the field of arts education.
Mayor Christiansen thanked all of the members of the Greater Dover Arts Council for coordinating
this wonderful recognition.
Ms. McCabe thanked everyone for the beautiful award. She noted that she started her career playing
the guitar and singing in smoky bars; however, after she got married and had children, she did not
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sing for a while. Ms. McCabe stated that a friend of hers came over for her son’s birthday party and
suggested that everyone sing “Wheels On The Bus,” which she had never heard of before, and now
she has gotten more mileage out of that song and it’s just been wonderful, noting that she has had
a great career that she has enjoyed.
Ms. McCabe thanked the individuals who were kind enough to nominate her and the others who
responded to the nomination, explaining that it takes time to write letters, and she appreciates that.
She thanked her mentor, Jane Richter, explaining that although she could not thank her in person,
she could thank her in heaven someday. Ms. McCabe stated that, most of all, she had to thank her
husband Mike who had been driving Ms. Jackie for 22 years.
CO UNCI L C O M M I T T E E O F T H E WH O L E REPO RT -
SEPTEMBER 26, 2017
The Council Committee of the Whole met on September 26, 2017 at 6:00 p.m., with
Council President Slavin presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Anderson
(arrived at 6:01 p.m.), Mr. Neil, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Cole, Mr. Polce, Mr. Hare, and
Mr. Lindell. Mr. Sudler was absent. Mayor Christiansen (arrived at 6:01 p.m.) was
also present. Civilian members present for their Committee meetings were
Mr. Garfinkel and Mr. Shelton (Safety Advisory and Transportation), and
Mr. Shevock and Dr. Stewart (Legislative, Finance, and Administration).
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman Hare
presiding.
Proposed Ordinance #2017-13 Amending Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3 -
District Regulations; Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations; and Article 12 -
Definitions (Adult Day Care Provisions) (Sponsors: Neil and Hugg)
Mr. David Hugg, Acting Director of Planning and Community Development,
informed members that the proposed ordinance was a result of the Planning
Department’s continuing process of looking at ordinances and identifying things that
need to be fixed as well as omissions. He explained that a couple of months ago a
woman inquired about opening an adult day care center and staff’s first reaction was
that it was a pretty good idea; however, staff then determined that there was no way
that she could open an adult day care center under the existing City Code of
Ordinances. Mr. Hugg noted that, while drafting the proposed ordinance, staff
reviewed the State law to determine how it relates to the City’s ordinance. Mr. Hugg
stated that the proposed ordinance would create a new section to address adult day
care facilities and clarify language in the existing ordinance as it relates to day care
facilities for children.
Staff recommended adoption of Ordinance #2017-13.
The Committee recommended adoption of Ordinance #2017-13.
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By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Hare and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (The First Reading of the
ordinance will take place during the latter part of the meeting).
SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee met with Chairman Lewis
presiding.
Request for Letter of Support - Seatbelts for School Buses (Janetta Guinn)
Ms. Janetta Guinn, 749 Slaughter Street, expressed concern that there were not
seatbelts on school buses, noting that she hears about accidents on school buses every
day on the news. She informed members that she had been trying to get somebody
to help her with this proposal.
Mr. Slavin reminded members that Ms. Guinn had attended a recent Council meeting
to request Council’s support in sending a letter to the legislature, and this item was
placed on the Committee’s agenda for that purpose. Mr. Slavin stated that he thought
that it was a wonderful idea and something that he supports.
Mr. Slavin moved to recommend that Council proceed with drafting a letter of
support for seatbelts for school buses to the City’s delegation in both the State House
of Representatives, and the Delaware State Senate, seconded by Mr. Garfinkel.
Mr. Neil stated that he was concerned because it had not been done and he thought
that safety issues for vehicles had been looked at for many years. He explained that
he was not certain that he would have the expertise to say that there was a reason not
have seatbelts, noting that he thought that there would be complications in terms of
whether children would be able to get in or out of the safety belts, in case of
emergency. Mr. Neil stated that he thought that this matter should be looked at by
safety experts who deal with vehicles. He noted that, while he thought it was a
wonderful idea to do anything to protect school children riding in public buses, it is
something that may be beyond members’ expertise to decide.
Mr. Anderson informed members that, when he had looked at this particular issue
years ago, there was a lot of controversy because school buses are made with
compartmentalization, which has worked extraordinarily well. He stated that they
are the safest vehicles in America, noting that buses over 10,000 pounds have the
lowest injury rate of any form of advanced transportation. Mr. Anderson advised that
there is an argument that compartmentalization works better than seatbelts, without
the hassle. He stated that one (1) of the reasons why the National Transportation
Safety Board did not require seatbelts on larger buses or make that recommendation
was because there were concerns that students may be in a position to be strangled
if a bus overturned, explaining that there would not be enough time for one (1) adult
to go through and get all of the students off the bus. Mr. Anderson indicated his
belief that some states had adopted seatbelt requirements for buses anyway, and he
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did not think that there had been any evidence that having seatbelts on the buses
increased the risk, particularly if there are at least three (3) points. He stated that he
had not seen any reason to believe that they increase the danger; however, he would
personally like to find out what the experts at the Delaware Department of
Transportation (DelDOT) think. Mr. Anderson indicated that if seatbelts do not
increase the danger, he thought that the matter would be worth looking at. He stated
that it is an interesting subject; however, it is not a slam dunk because of the way
school buses are designed.
Mr. Slavin stated that the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration
did make a recommendation, in late 2015, that all new school buses should have
seatbelts. He informed members that currently 19 states had legislation before their
legislatures debating this issue. Mr. Slavin noted that he did not want to get lost in
the bureaucracy, compartmentalization, and whether cars or buses are safe,
explaining that he wanted to focus on whether the kids are safe. He stated that the
import of this conversation was about a letter from this body saying that they are
interested in this issue because children in the community ride on its roads, and
members want to make sure that the community has the safest possible way to do
this.
Mr. Polce advised members that he also did some research on this topic and found
that 19 states do in fact have legislation in front of them, six (6) currently require
seatbelts and three (3) of those six (6) have provisions in the language that would
simply state “when we have the money.” He stated that, on average, it costs $7,000 -
$10,000 for every bus to be equipped with seatbelts, and the average total cost of a
bus is approximately $80,000 - $120,000, noting that he did not like the $30,000
variance when talking finance.
Mr. Polce suggested that the appropriate entity to send the letter to would be the local
education agencies (LEAs), since the LEAs are truly tasked with issues such as this.
He explained that Capital School District is the school district that all the schools in
Dover fall in; however, that does not necessarily mean that, for instance, Lake Forest
or Milford School Districts would take up the same cause. Mr. Polce noted that
Delaware has numerous LEAs, including 19 public school LEAs, as well as those for
charter schools, and he thought it would be an appropriate course of action to include
them in the City’s letter.
Mr. Hare expressed concern regarding who would be responsible for ensuring that
five- and six-year old children get strapped in when they get on the bus. He asked
if the parents or the bus driver would be responsible. In response, Ms. Guinn stated
that when her granddaughter was three (3) years old she knew how to unbuckle and
buckle her seatbelt, noting that most three-, four-, and five-year old children know
how to buckle and unbuckle their seatbelts. Mr. Hare explained that his
granddaughter is special ed and did not really know how to buckle and unbuckle her
seatbelt until she was nine (9). He stated that this was his only concern and he did
not have a problem with recommending it; however, he noted that there would be a
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lot of issues that would come up. Ms. Guinn noted that there is always an aide on
that particular bus and no more or less than 10 or 12 kids. She stated that the
majority of the other school buses do not have aides on them.
Mr. Lindell stated that he agreed with the concept for safety purposes; however, he
was concerned about not starting at the local education district level in pursuing this
issue, because they are the ones who ultimately have to foot the costs of the bill. He
indicated that he thought that Mr. Polce’s solution of addressing the letter to the local
education agencies would be a good start and a reasonable compromise.
By unanimous consent, the motion was amended to reflect that the letter would be
addressed to the local education agencies.
Mr. Shelton stated that he thought this was a great idea. He advised members that
he had an opportunity to talk to a few bus drivers who worked at the Lake Forest
School District to get their opinion on this, and everyone thinks it is a great idea;
however, a couple of questions came up about who would make sure that everybody
is buckled up. Mr. Shelton indicated that the bus drivers he spoke to said that
making sure everyone is buckled up would be an issue because most bus drivers do
not have a second person on their bus, so someone would have to be hired to make
sure that all of the students are fastened and buckled in. He noted that another issue
that was raised was how the bus drivers would be able to get to each student and get
them out if there was an accident, especially if the bus was on fire, because young
people get very anxious trying to get out. Mr. Shelton indicated that the bus drivers
thought that the seatbelts may cause more of a problem than they are actually taking
care of. He advised that the bus drivers were concerned about how they would
manage seat belts, in addition to their current responsibilities. Mr. Shelton indicated
that he thought that the matter really needed to be looked at on the local level, and
that the City should make the local level aware and have them come back and
possibly make a recommendation from there.
Mr. Garfinkel informed members that his granddaughter is small, so by law he has
to put her in a car seat, explaining that it is very dangerous for a small child to be in
a seatbelt. He noted that school districts are going to transport pre-K through second
grade children who are all about that same size and, by law, need car seats.
Mr. Garfinkel asked Ms. Guinn how her observation would reconcile with that and
if she was talking about actually having car seats. In response, Ms. Guinn stated that
they would have safety seats on the bus too, and noted there are normally aides on the
buses for pre-K, kindergartners and toddlers, who can help out with unbuckling
seatbelts. She reiterated that regular buses do not have aides but that most five- and
six-year-old children know how to unbuckle and buckle a seatbelt. Ms. Guinn stated
that her granddaughter comes home every day singing the safety song about fire and
buckling up her seatbelt, noting that kids are smart these days and know these types
of things.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2017 PAGE 11
Mr. Lewis stated that he agreed with Mr. Slavin, explaining that he thought that
members needed to put the safety of children first. He reminded everyone that this
was only a letter of recommendation and things would probably be ironed out as it
progresses.
The Committee recommended that Council proceed with drafting a letter of support
for seatbelts for school buses to the local education agencies.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Hare and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Prioritization of City of Dover State Capital Transportation Program (CTP)
Projects
Mr. David Hugg, Acting Director of Planning and Community Development, advised
members that each year City Council develops priorities for road improvements to
be forwarded to the Secretary of Transportation and the Dover/Kent Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO) for consideration in the department’s Capital
Transportation Plan (CTP). He noted that sometimes the projects that the City
believes are a high priority show up in the list and sometimes they do not, but each
year the City is offered an opportunity to suggest some projects. Mr. Hugg informed
members that the way that the process works is that the City Manager and the City
Planning Director compose a list, consult with the Public Works Department and the
Police Department, and then bring a recommendation to the Safety Advisory and
Transportation Committee and, ultimately, City Council, which gets forwarded to the
MPO.
Mr. Hugg reviewed the 2017 Transportation Priorities, noting that, in most cases, the
list was the same as the previous year; however, there were a couple of changes. He
advised that the Crawford Carroll Avenue Extension was moved up in the priority
list, from number eight (8) on the City’s 2016 list, to number four (4). Mr. Hugg
explained that this change reflected a lot of the new activity that is going on at
Delaware State University, as well as some activity that staff believes will occur in
that general corridor. He stated that staff also added West Street to the priority list
to make DelDOT and the MPO aware that it is an important road segment, noting
that it was not on the City’s list last year, although it is in the CTP. Mr. Hugg
informed members that project #7 - Kings Highway/Route 13 Intersection
Improvements was also added to the list, explaining that it is an intersection that is
going to be much more heavily impacted as the commercial development from
Division Street to Kings Highway occurs in that general area.
Staff recommended approval of the recommended priority ranking for the coming
year.
Mr. Hare noted that the curbs were complete on Wyoming Avenue and asked when
paving would begin, noting that he had been receiving a lot of calls. Responding,
Mrs. Mitchell advised that they were getting ready to begin paving.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2017 PAGE 12
Mr. Lindell stated that he only had one (1) concern. He explained that he was happy
to see the Kenton Road Corridor Upgrades up to number two (2) on the list; however,
he recalled that when the Kenton Road Corridor was discussed during a previous
meeting, Mr. Sudler brought up College Road, from McKee to Kenton Roads as well.
Mr. Lindell explained that he was concerned that the Kenton Road Corridor
Upgrades was listed as number two (2) on the City’s priority list; however, the
College Road Corridor Upgrades (Kenton Road to McKee Road) was listed as
number six (6). He noted that the College Road Corridor Upgrades was in the CTP
as priority #77; however, the City’s fifth priority on the list was in the CTP as priority
#100. Mr. Lindell indicated that he thought that the Kenton Road and College Road
Corridor Upgrades would be more closely linked together.
In response to Mr. Lindell, Mr. Hugg stated that the priority numbers are the
priorities that the MPO assigns through their rating system which includes a variety
of things, such as traffic volume, safety, accident numbers, sight distance, the age of
the road, as well as economic development opportunities. He explained that the
MPO ranking and the City’s ranking do not always correspond. Mr. Hugg stated that
he thought that the rationale behind putting Kenton Road where it was on the list was
that the City is seeing a lot of development on the west side of the City. He
explained that while College Road is also an impacted road, the traffic volumes and
safety issues are greater on Kenton Road. Mr. Hugg informed members that it is a
subjective process. He stated that there is no guarantee that DelDOT or the MPO
will do anything other than thank the City for sending its list, noting that at least the
City has the opportunity to have specific input, in addition to the normal
transportation planning process.
Mr. Lewis thanked Mr. Hugg for his vigilance in putting this together.
The Committee recommended approval of the priority ranking for the coming year,
as recommended by staff.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Hare and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council Committee of the Whole
Report, seconded by Mr. Hare and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
MONTHLY REPORTS - AUGUST 2017
By motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Hare, the following monthly reports were accepted
by consent agenda:
City Assessor’s Report Controller/Treasurer’s Budget Report
City Council’s Community Enhancement Fund Report Fire Chief’s Report
City Manager’s Report Police Chief’s Report
City Planner’s Report
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2017 PAGE 13
ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL - HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING
(HVAC) CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR DOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Members were advised that the purpose of this operational level program is to provide planned
preventative maintenance services to the Control Systems of the City of Dover Public Library’s
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. For each year of the proposal, various
items will be serviced biannually and others will be serviced annually. Each year a control system
software subscription is included. Staff recommended that this three-year contract for planned
services to the HVAC Control Systems for the Dover Public Library be awarded to Johnson
Controls, Inc., due to the fact that Johnson Controls is the original equipment manufacturer and
therefore can be the only provider to make the necessary upgrade to subscriptions which are
proprietary to Johnson Controls and the Metasys product brand. The contract is necessary to
guarantee the efficient operation of the HVAC system as well as the building.
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, Acting City Manager, advised members that, although the contract would only
cost approximately $8,000 per year, it is above the purchasing policy threshold; therefore, it was
brought forward for Council approval.
Staff recommended awarding the Planned Service Contract for the HVAC Control Systems for the
Dover Public Library to the sole vendor, Johnson Controls, Inc., for a three-year amount of $25,363.
Mr. Neil moved for approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Anderson and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY OF DOVER AND THE DELAWARE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DELDOT) AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF
DOVER AND NCALL ALLOWING RIGHTS-OF-WAY USE - PLACEMENT OF
ARTWORK ON DELDOT TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AND CITY OF DOVER
ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT
Mr. David Hugg, Acting Director of Planning and Community Development, advised members that
the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has a program that allows artwork to be
installed on their traffic control devices, which are the relatively large silver boxes located at various
intersections. He indicated that this initiative was brought to staff’s attention by Council President
Slavin and the National Council on Agricultural Life and Labor Research Fund, Inc. (NCALL).
Mr. Hugg stated that DelDOT submitted a proposal to the City in the form of a State of Delaware
Highway Right-of-Way Use Agreement, the purpose of which is to allow the City to, either on its
own or through a third party, allow artwork to be placed on DelDOT equipment.
Mr. Hugg advised that NCALL was very much involved in this process and stepped forward to run
the program. He explained that in order for NCALL to run the program, a memorandum of
agreement or contract between the City of Dover and NCALL would be required for the purpose of
allowing the City to delegate the DelDOT relationship to NCALL. Mr. Hugg noted that this
agreement was drafted as NCALL Agreement #1.
Mr. Hugg informed members that, during discussions regarding this program, it was realized that
the City of Dover also has a number of large pieces of equipment at various locations throughout the
City that are under the control of the Electric Department. He stated that it was determined that it
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2017 PAGE 14
would be in the City’s best interest to also allow those facilities to be part of this program. Mr. Hugg
explained that this would only involve the City and NCALL, not DelDOT, and would necessitate
a additional agreement between the City and NCALL, which was drafted as NCALL Agreement #2.
He advised that NCALL Agreement #2 was developed in large measure with the input of
Mr. Paul Waddell, Engineering Services and System Operations Superintendent, and other Electric
Department staff, and has some specific requirements that go beyond the DelDOT provisions relating
to the numbering and warning labels, etc.
Mr. Hugg stated that, in all of these cases, the City retains the authority, for purposes of its
agreements, to discontinue or cause to be removed artwork that is placed on these facilities, and the
agreement with DelDOT also provides that DelDOT can ask that they be removed at any given time.
He noted that there is no expense to the City for being involved in this program, and the City will
look to NCALL to put together procedures and a process for determining which facilities and what
kind of artwork is appropriate.
Mr. Neil asked if the City is encouraging youngsters to do the artwork to indulge their feelings. He
noted that earlier in the meeting, members had honored two (2) people in the area of the arts, and he
hoped that it is either therapeutic or is going to be something that is going to encourage young people
to get involved in art. He questioned how this would be done. Responding, Mr. Hugg stated that
he did not have those details; however, Mr. Neil was correct that the intent of this program is to
provide opportunities for artists of all skill and age levels to participate in the program. He indicated
that specific categories of art or artists, etc. had not yet been determined with NCALL; however, it
will be a managed program where the artist will have to describe what they are proposing to do and
meet certain standards. Mr. Hugg explained that the standards will ensure that the artwork is not
offensive.
Mr. Hugg expressed his hope that the NCALL program will involve reaching out to the school
system as well as seniors and others, and the artists in the community who have expressed an interest
in helping to make the City more attractive.
Mr. Anderson asked how this would comport with the City’s existing corridor overlay zone and sign
ordinances, and if there would be any conflicts. In response, Mr. Hugg stated that there would be
no controversy or conflict, explaining that these are not considered signs. He advised that
advertising for a brand, business, or particular service would not be allowed. Mr. Hugg noted that
the idea would be to develop images that reflect the quality of life and the opportunities in the City,
and as long as they do not involve any advertising or solicitation for business or anything of that
nature, there would not be a conflict with the sign ordinance.
Mr. Lindell noted that earlier in the summer there was a concern in Bicentennial Village regarding
an electric box from which the paint was peeling. He asked if the City would still be required to
paint electrical equipment or if the citizens in the community would have to wait if there is a list of
equipment waiting for the art design. Responding, Mr. Hugg advised that the City’s maintenance
program for its facilities would continue pretty much as it is now scheduled, noting that this program
may actually provide an opportunity to catch up on some of the maintenance by virtue of taking a
neglected traffic control device or electric box that will otherwise need to be painted and having
artwork done on it that addresses that problem.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2017 PAGE 15
Mr. Neil expressed his hope that this could plant a seed for the City to have its own Dover Picasso,
Chagall, or Monet, explaining that it would be wonderful if it turns out that the City is responsible
for that by allowing these boxes to be painted. In response, Mr. Hugg noted that he personally
knows a number of very accomplished young and not so young artists in the City who he thinks
could really help send a message about living in the City of Dover.
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agreements between the City of Dover and DelDOT, and
the City of Dover and NCALL allowing rights-of-way use for the placement of artwork. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
FY17 EDWARD BYRNE JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM - JOINT GRANT
WITH SMYRNA POLICE DEPARTMENT AND KENT COUNTY - COBAN IN-CAR
CAMERA/COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Members were informed that the Dover Police Department recently received its annual allocation
from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) for the 2017 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). Similar to
previous years, Dover Police Department was identified as a disparate funding agency, along with
Smyrna Police Department and Kent County. This disparate condition requires the submission of
a joint grant application for the three (3) agencies.
Although no funds were designated for Kent County in the allocation document, a Memorandum of
Understanding will be completed and signed by all three (3) agencies and will state that Kent County
will waive any claim to funding on the grant. The Dover Police Department will serve as the fiscal
and administrative agent for the grant. Grant funds for the Dover Police Department, in the amount
of $48,071, will be used for the purchase of COBAN in-car camera/computer systems, and grant
funds for the Smyrna Police Department, in the amount of $11,210, will be used for the purchase of
evidence processing equipment and associated supplies.
Police Chief Marvin Mailey advised members the grant would go toward the purchase of 10 COBAN
in-car camera/computer systems that the City of Dover’s officers use to work out in the field and also
serves as a video log of all interactions that the officers have during traffic stops. He explained that
when an individual is stopped by a police officer, the in-car camera comes on and records video and
audio of the traffic stop. Chief Mailey noted that this would replace outdated systems that are
already in the car.
Staff recommended approval of the grant project, as requested.
Mr. Neil moved for approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Lewis and carried
by a unanimous roll call vote.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO. 2017-13 CENSURE OF COUNCILMAN BRIAN E. LEWIS
Mr. Slavin advised that this was not an issue that he took lightly in placing on the agenda, explaining
that, while the Resolution was directed toward Councilman Lewis, it was really directed also to the
larger issue of acceptable conduct, which generations of Council members before the current
members had established for them. Mr. Slavin stated that it was also the acceptable conduct which
members practice which influences the future generations of Councils that will come after them. He
indicated that, as Council members, it is their duty and obligation to police themselves, which is why
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2017 PAGE 16
they were here, and noted that specific authority had been granted in the City Charter for this
purpose.
Mr. Anderson moved to suspend the rules to allow Mr. Ronald Poliquin, Esquire, attorney, to make
a presentation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler and failed by a roll call vote of six (6) no
(Neil, Cole, Polce, Hare, Lindell, and Slavin), and three (3) yes (Anderson, Sudler, and Lewis).
Mr. Lewis stated that, since he was being accused, he would like to read a statement into the record
and read the following statement:
Good evening. It is unfortunate that I have been put in this position to defend myself
against allegations as our City is facing real issues, including violent crime, economic
growth, and racial strife. I thought we were elected to be problem solvers, not
problem creators. I am also deeply disappointed that our Council President did not
approach me first regarding the allegations listed in Resolution 2017-13 to allow me
the professional courtesy and opportunity to respond to these false charges.
In addition, if the Council President truly believes I committed an ethics violation,
I would welcome the opportunity to defend myself fully and vindicate myself through
a proper investigation by the Ethics Commission, which was set up and designed to
investigate this exact type of allegation without the distraction of personal vendettas
and petty politics. Unfortunately, I was denied the opportunity to respond to the
allegations prior to our Council President’s filing of this resolution.
The consequences of this resolution passing go far beyond any damage to my
reputation. It means any Council member with a simple majority vote can threaten
censure as a chilling effect to opposing voices, therefore creating an abuse of the
process. As far as the specific allegations themselves, let me make this clear. In no
way did I intend to mislead a news reporter or the citizens of Dover. The situation
we are here about occurred at a time when I recently returned from Florida, dealing
with the death of my mom and, to add, the day I buried her my father suffered a
stroke. I was balancing a family tragedy while still trying to serve my constituents.
In September, I was contacted by a constituent with concerns of a potential conflict
of interest held by Councilman Polce with his vote to sell the old Dover library
building to Wesley College for $1, since Councilman Polce is a current employee of
Wesley College. I forwarded that concern to the City Solicitor, Mr. Nick Rodriguez,
on September 13th. I received a short email from Mr. Rodriguez stating, since there
was no financial benefit, there was no ethical violation. To my knowledge, there are
more than just financial conflicts of interest. In addition, there can be a concern
about an appearance of a conflict of interest, even if it may not rise to the level of a
legal conflict of interest. I did not believe Mr. Rodriguez’s short email of a
paragraph constitutes an official legal opinion since it did not address all of my
concerns and since, in the past, official legal opinions are usually drafted in letter
form and disseminated to the Mayor and all members of Council, including the City
Clerk; therefore, I was still awaiting Mr. Rodriguez’s official legal opinion. I do not
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2017 PAGE 17
mean this statement to be viewed as attacking Mr. Rodriguez in any way, whom I
have the highest respect for.
I deny telling a reporter, Mike Finney, that no legal opinion had been issued. In my
experience, and I am sure the experience of all Council members and news reporters,
it is not unusual for there to be inadvertent miscommunications issued in a news
report. However, in retrospect, with the benefit of hindsight, I would have disclosed
the email I received from Mr. Rodriguez to Mr. Finney in the spirit of full disclosure
and regret any confusion that was caused by such an omission. This wasn’t the first
and will not be the last miscommunication between a member of this Council and the
press. It is unfortunate this miscommunication is being used as a political
opportunity to slander my good name. We are better than that as a Council, and the
people of Dover deserve better. I strive every day to serve my constituents at the
highest level and will continue to do so. It is my hope we can move on from this
matter and be a better Council. Thank you.
Mr. Anderson stated that, not far from here, Delawareans made a difficult decision to break from
Mother Britain and there were a number of reasons for this break, not the least of which were ex post
facto laws and a bill of attainder. He stated that ex post facto law has to do with the idea of
something becoming punishable or changing the penalty after the fact. Mr. Anderson noted that a
bill of attainder is something that has to do with basically an organization passing a resolution
declaring a person to be tainted, and without trial through sheer fiat declaring guilt. He advised that
those items were part and parcel to why we became the nation we became. Mr. Anderson stated that
members now see the denial of charges being represented by someone’s rightfully and lawfully
obtained counsel. He indicated that these three (3) things put together make this Resolution and the
process that is being followed truly a throwback to a time that members do not want to see.
Mr. Anderson stated that members were bypassing the due process afforded in the Ethics Code to
make a judgment with no investigation or request for explanation. He noted that members are the
author of the Resolution, want to be the accuser, and sit as judge over the proceedings and the
alleged offense was one (1) that had never been considered an ethics offense before.
Mr. Anderson reviewed a document entitled “Examples of Behavior Justifying Censure for Local
Elected Officials” (Exhibit #4). Mr. Anderson noted that the City of Dover’s former
Councilman Robert Ritter was censured for the very defined item of divulging confidential
information regarding executive session and violating the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws.
He advised that these were all clear violations that would have been clear before the offense, not
afterwards. Mr. Anderson noted that the alleged offense was one that had never before been
considered an ethics violation. He stated that if members presume guilt based upon hearsay
evidence, it would become an offense after the fact, based on how the spirit of the Code moves the
majority, guilt not based on a hearing or investigation but a bill of attainder, a fiat Resolution hurried
onto the agenda, bypassing the committee process like it is some sort of emergency. Mr. Anderson
requested members to ask themselves, as fair-minded persons, if this is the type of body they want
to be and the type of society they want to lead. He noted that there had been talk about future
generations and expressed his opinion that this was not the type of example members want to set for
the future. Mr. Anderson indicated that this was not how the ethics process was used in the past.
He stated that, admittedly, it had been used against people unpopular with the process, but at least
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2017 PAGE 18
they waited until there was a longstanding rule violated and broken in a clear way. Mr. Anderson
advised that the ultimate question was whether members wish to be better than the past or do they
want to sink to a new low. He asked if they would listen to the better angels of equal treatment and
fair play defined by the rules or sink to arbitrary rule. Mr. Anderson stated that he knew not what
course his colleagues would take but, as for him, he would stand on the side of the cherished
American values that founded this country and worked over centuries, imperfectly, but to make us
a more perfect union.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Slavin stated that he had verified the information in the Proposed
Resolution.
Mr. Neil read the following statement into the record:
Whether the Resolution passes or fails, the basic issue deals with the Integrity of both
the individual and the Integrity of this body as it is presently constituted. At the heart
of this question is “Did a Member of this body seek publicity on an issue that was a
non-legal issue when he already had an informal but authoritative, legal opinion from
the City Solicitor in hand?” What was the purpose of seeking that publicity?
Why use a news reporter as means of creating a story making it Fact rather than write
a letter to the Editor with an Opinion?
For instance, had the Council member said, “Even though I have a legal opinion that
a member of this Council did not recuse himself in this vote, I believe the
Councilman should have”, we would not be having this discussion today. The
accuser could have taken up the matter with the Ethics Commission before we came
here today.
For the record, the measure would have passed overwhelmingly minus the two votes.
I am offended with the charges of politics playing a role to persecute an individual
who has been given a mere two days to defend himself as IF we were a Court of law.
Censure seems to say, “I am holier than thou and thou has not been censured, so
therefore, I have done no wrong if given more time to explain.”
So, who is playing politics and why?
In the defense Sound and Fury designed to cover the Integrity issue, is it OK for
elected officials to fudge a little? Is this an issue of a member who was charged with
a DUI and pled guilty not brought before an Ethics Committee? Why is it being used
as a defense of a member who could have issued a Mea Copula, or claimed he was
simply not quoted correctly in the newspaper article. He could have also said, “I
disagree with the legal ruling.”
I believe that elected officials should have integrity, and if having integrity makes me
an elitist, then I am an elitist.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2017 PAGE 19
As a former newsman, I never engaged in “Fake News”, as I believe the news media
is the great defender of democracy in this nation. I will defend the right of free
speech even when it comes to votes in this body...but I believe, we as elected officials
should be held to a standard by separating fact from opinion within the scope of free
speech.
Shouldn’t those of us who are extended the title of “The Honorable” by our elections,
earn the right by our actions in how we comport ourselves within this body?
Mr. Sudler read a statement entitled “Councilman Sudler’s Final Statement Regarding Resolution
2017-13 October 9, 2017” (Exhibit #5). He stated that the biggest concern that came to his mind
was that, if members move forward with this Resolution, they will be compared to an Oprah Winfrey
show where everyone gets a censorship and he did not see that for the great City of Dover.
Mr. Hare stated that he had read the letters from Mr. Lewis’ attorney and heard Mr. Lewis’
statement. He advised that the letter indicated that, if President Slavin truly believes an ethics
violation occurred, then the proper procedure would be to file a charge with the Ethics Commission.
Mr. Hare indicated that he guessed that this did not apply to Mr. Lewis, because Mr. Lewis’ attorney
told Council members that this is what they should do; however, did not advise his client to do this.
Mr. Hare noted that the letter stated, “Although not legally mandated in this context, the principles
of due process and fundamental fairness necessitate that anyone accused of charges be given notice
of the charges.” He stated that he guessed this did not include contacting Councilman Polce and
saying, “Hey, I have a problem. Maybe we can talk about this and you explain it to me.” Mr. Hare
stated that he guessed that did not happen. Mr. Hare noted that the letter stated that if the Council
and Mayor agree the ethics violation is serious, then any accusation should be thoroughly vetted by
a qualified panel. He stated that he guessed that this did not apply either in the other case.
Mr. Hare stated that he wondered, when Mr. Lewis makes a request of the City Solicitor, which costs
the City money, and is going to do something about it, why Mr. Lewis does not vet it with the City
Solicitor. He asked why Mr. Lewis does not call to ask for a formal letter, if he does not like the
answer he gets or if he has not received what he is waiting for. Mr. Hare indicated that if this had
happened and then it came out that Mr. Lewis got an opinion from the City Solicitor that this was
not a conflict but that he did not agree with it, Council would probably not be here, as Mr. Neil said.
Mr. Hare advised that they were saying that Mr. Lewis should have been approached, and that
Mr. Polce was not approached. He stated that there was not a proper investigation done prior to
going into this. Mr. Hare asked who was denied. He indicated that there had been things that came
up, and he had issues with some Council people in the past and had sat down, talked to them, and
they worked it out, and did not need to run to the newspaper. He indicated that, to him, it is a basic
issue. He noted that Mr. Lewis had stated that it was a rough time in his life and he should have
vetted it a little better and checked things out. Mr. Hare stated that, to him, the bottom line was four
(4) items: 1) Do your due diligence and make sure you have checked everything out before you
make accusations; 2) courtesy for your fellow Council people; 3) respect the other Council people
and don’t just jump out there; and 4) the fairness that was brought up and respect, which he did not
see here. Mr. Hare stated that he supported the Proposed Resolution.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2017 PAGE 20
Mr. Hare moved for the adoption of Resolution No. 2017-13, seconded by Mr. Neil.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Slavin stated that he could not yield his comments to his attorney,
Mr. Poliquin. He explained that members had voted earlier not to suspend the rules and he could
not yield his comments under the terms of the rules.
Mr. Lewis stated that he felt his rights had been violated because he was entitled to due process.
Mr. Anderson stated that because the person is counsel and the Code specifically gives Mr. Lewis
the right to due process, he would have the right to yield. Mr. Anderson appealed the
decision of the Chair and asked that the City Solicitor be asked for his opinion. Responding,
Mr. Nicholas Rodriguez, City Solicitor, stated that it was clear that Council voted not to suspend the
rules and he thought that was the answer to the question.
Mr. Lewis asked Mr. Rodriguez if he did not have the right to legal representation since he was being
accused of something. In response, Mr. Rodriguez stated that he always has the right to legal
representation, but tonight Council voted, as he had already mentioned to Mr. Anderson, and that
vote disqualifies Mr. Lewis from having anyone from the audience, or an attorney, to speak on his
behalf at this time.
Mr. Lewis stated that once again his rights had been violated.
Mr. Hare called for the question, seconded by Mr. Lindell.
Mr. Slavin noted that it was not a debatable motion.
The motion to call for the question was carried by a roll call vote of six (6) yes (Neil, Cole,
Polce, Hare, Lindell, and Slavin), and three (3) no (Anderson, Sudler, and Lewis).
Mr. Anderson, referencing Section 30-72(e) raised a point of order that Mr. Lewis had evoked his
right to a hearing from the Ethics Commission; therefore, this should be referred to that Commission.
By a roll call vote of six (6) yes (Neil, Cole, Polce, Hare, Lindell, and Slavin), and three (3) no
(Anderson, Sudler, and Lewis), Council adopted Resolution No. 2017-13, as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN
COUNCIL MET:
WHEREAS, Councilman Brian E. Lewis, through his actions and words, promoted an unfounded
allegation of a potential ethics violation against a member of Council, a method which violates the
spirit and purpose of City Ordinance Chapter 30 - Code of Conduct and Ethics Commission, Article
III - Ethics Commission; and
WHEREAS, Councilman Brian E. Lewis requested and received a legal clarification from City
Solicitor Nicholas Rodriguez on September 13, 2017 as to whether a conflict of interest relating to
the above referenced Council member existed; and
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2017 PAGE 21
WHEREAS, on September 13, 2017, Councilman Brian E. Lewis received a legal clarification from
City Solicitor Nicholas Rodriguez that there was no conflict of interest in the matter; and
WHEREAS, according to published reports on September 26, 2017, on September 16, 2017 and
again on September 19, 2017, Councilman Brian E. Lewis contacted the Delaware State News to
encourage news coverage of the perceived conflict of interest; and
WHEREAS, according to published reports, Councilman Brian E. Lewis did not disclose to the
Delaware State News reporter that he had received a response from the City Solicitor that no conflict
of interest existed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Members of Council, in Council
met, that Councilman Brian E. Lewis is publicly censured for violating the spirit and purpose of City
Ordinance Chapter 30 - Code of Conduct and Ethics Commission, Article III - Ethics Commission
and, furthermore, for conducting himself in a manner which violates the spirit and purpose of his
oath of office administered on May 11, 2015.
ADOPTED: OCTOBER 9, 2017
FIRST READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2017-13
Council President Slavin reminded the public that copies of the proposed ordinance were available
at the entrance of the Council Chambers, on the City’s website at www.cityofdover.com under
“Government,” or by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 736-7008 or cityclerk@dover.de.us.
Since the ordinance amends the Zoning Code, a public hearing is required. Staff recommended
referral of the amendments to the Planning Commission on November 20, 2017 and that a public
hearing be set for the Council Meeting of December 11, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., at which time final
action by Council will take place.
Mr. Sudler moved to refer the amendments and set a public hearing before City Council for
December 11, 2017 at 7:30 p.m., as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
In accordance with Section 1-9 of the Dover Code, Council acknowledged the First Reading of the
Zoning Ordinance Amendments as read by the City Clerk, by title only, as follows:
PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2017-13 AMENDING APPENDIX B - ZONING, ARTICLE 3 -
DISTRICT REGULATIONS; ARTICLE 5 - SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS; AND
ARTICLE 12 - DEFINITIONS (ADULT DAY CARE PROVISIONS)
ACTING CITY MANAGER’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, Acting City Manager, reminded everyone that the Silver Lake draw-down
started earlier in the day, and work would begin on the dam once the lake is down to the right level;
leaf collection would start on October 16, 2017; and the water system flushing process which began
on Sunday, October 8, 2017 was continuing.
Página 22
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2017 PAGE 22
COUNCIL MEMBERS’ ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Anderson announced that the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Panel to End Homelessness final report and
the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness would be at the Dover Public Library for a public hearing
on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. He encouraged everyone interested in the issue to attend that meeting
or the meeting on October 24, 2017. Mr. Anderson indicated that these meetings would deal with
some important issues in this City, and thanked the Mayor for the work that he has been doing on
bringing a very diverse group of people together, noting that he can make things happen.
Mr. Anderson announced that the Adult and Juvenile Expungement Clinic would be held on Friday,
November 3, 2017, with free legal assistance. He indicated that if financial assistance had been a
barrier for individuals to get a second chance and they had been law abiding for years, they had no
more excuses and should call Mr. Duncan at (302) 233-6462. Mr. Anderson noted that this
information was also available on his Facebook page, DavidAndersonforCouncil, and he would
make it available to the City offices as well. He stated that a clinic is held every Monday morning,
except for holidays, at the City of Dover Public Library; however, the Clinic being held on
November 3, 2017 was special because it has certain grants available to give people free legal
assistance and help people with filing their background checks. Mr. Anderson noted that he was
pleased to announce that the City’s Fourth District fund would help some City residents who are not
necessarily covered by those grants. He asked that people not let the past hold them back because
in some places they can get a second chance.
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
TRACI A. McDOWELL
CITY CLERK
All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular
Meeting of October 9, 2017, are hereby approved.
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
MAYOR
/TM
S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Council-Minutes\2017\10-09-2017 Council Minutes.wpd
Exhibits
Exhibit #1 - An email from Ms. Lorraine Gloede, dated October 9, 2017, regarding censure of Councilman Brian Lewis
Exhibit #2 - A letter from Mr. Ronald G. Poliquin, Esquire, dated October 6, 2017, regarding Proposed Resolution
No. 2017-13
Exhibit #3 - Ordinance #2017-12 Amending Appendix B - Zoning, Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, and Article 6
- Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities
Exhibit #4 - A document entitled “Examples of Behavior Justifying Censure for Local Elected Officials”
Exhibit #5 - A statement entitled “Councilman Sudler’s Final Statement Regarding Resolution 2017-13
October 9, 2017”
Página 23
EXHIBIT #1
Regular Council Meeting of 10/09/2017
McDowell, Traci
From: McDowell, Traci
Sent: Monday, October 09, 2017 12:44 PM
To: City Clerks Office
Subject: FW: CENSURE OF COUNCILMAN BRIAN LEWIS
Members of Council,
Please see message below from Lorraine O. Gloede regarding Resolution No. 2017-13. She is unable to attend
the meeting this evening.
Traci A. McDowell, MMC
City Clerk
City of Dover, Delaware
e-mail: tmcdowell@dover.de.us
Ph: (302) 736-7009
Fax: (302) 736-5068
This e-mail has been blind copied to the Mayor and Council.
From: Lorraine Gloede [ ]
Sent: Monday, October 09, 2017 11:36 AM
To: McDowell, Traci <tmcdowell@dover.de.us>
Subject: CENSURE OF COUNCILMAN BRIAN LEWIS
Ms. McDowell:
It has come to my attention that there is a possibility of Councilman Brian Lewis' being
censured at tonight's City Council meeting. Since I am unable to be at tonight's meeting
to show support, I would like to enter some comments into the record via this email.
I have known Mr. Lewis since before he became a Capital School Board
member. Although I did not attend many meetings, the one thing that stood out at
those I did attend, was that he was the only one on the Board who asked how proposed
actions would affect the taxpayers. If he felt that something was not right, he was not
afraid to speak his mind. Many times he was a lone voice. Both of these qualities are
admirable and in short supply today among those who govern.
Councilman Lewis was not present at the one Dover City Council meeting I attended
since his election; but, knowing his integrity, I am sure he continues to bring concern for
the citizens he represents and lack of fear in doing so to the table. He is also a tireless
volunteer, doing a lot of positive things for the community.
I urge you not to censure Councilman Lewis. I believe that doing so would result in
unintended negative consequences.
1
Página 24
Thank you.
Lorraine O. Gloede
126 Stone Ridge Drive
Dover, DE 19901
2
Página 25
EXHIBIT #2
Regular Council Meeting of 10/09/2017
BROWN, SHIELS & BEAUREGARD, LLC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
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148 S. Bradford Street (1925-1995)
DOVER, DE 19901 ROY S. SJJJELS
(302) 734-4 766 (1939-2015)
ROK\LD C. POLIQUIN (302) 734-4877 (FAX) IL CUBB.\GE BRO\v'N, JR
Olctiircd) -
October 6, 2017
Mayor and Council Members
P.O. Box 475
Dover, DE 19903-0475
RE: Proposed Resolution No. 2017-13
Dear Members of Council and the Mayor,
I am responding on behalf of Councilman Brian Lewis regarding the above proposed
resolution No. 2017-13 seeking censure for an alleged violation of the Ethics Ordinance which
he received notice of yesterday. It is extremely disappointing that President Slavin would bring
this resolution prior to allowing Councilman Lewis an opportunity to respond and without a
proper investigation into the alleged ethics violation. In other words, President Slavin didn't do
his homework before taking such an extreme measure.
Although not legally mandated in this context, the principles of due process and
fundamental fairness necessitate that anyone accused of charges be given notice of the charges
and a meaningful opportunity to both respond to the charges and sufficient time to prepare a
meaningful defense. The timing of President Slavin's proposal (4 days and only 2 business
days) was obviously designed to blindside Councilman Lewis and give him the shortest
opportunity to respond.
If President Slavin truly believes an ethics violation occurred, then the proper procedure
would be to proceed by filing a charge with the Ethics Commission where an independent
committee could hear the charges and allow Councilman Lewis an opportunity to refute such.
President Slavin is circumventing this process because he doesn't truly believe that an ethics
violation occurred.
It should be noted that President Slavin points to no specific portion of City Ordinance
Chapter 30 - Code of Conduct and Ethics Commission, Article III - Ethics Commission which
Councilman Lewis violated. It is highly inappropriate for President Slavin to make some vague
allegation regarding ethics violations without pointing to the specific section of the ordinance
which was violated.
Página 26
As what usually happens when someone rushes to judgement, the facts laid out in the
proposed ordinance are both incorrect and incomplete. If President Slavin would've given
Councilman Lewis the opportunity to respond to his concerns, he would've found the mistakes
in his assumptions of what happened and perhaps not hastily filed the proposed resolution.
I am sure the Council and Mayor agree that any ethics violation is serious and any
accusations should be thoroughly vetted by a qualified panel rather than being contested in the
media and as a last minute resolution to a Council meeting. It is transparent that this alleged
ethics violation is more motivated by President Slavin's desire to silence Councilman Lewis
regarding policy differences rather than any supposed violation that was committed.
Ironically, President Slavin didn't feel a need to propose a public censure when
Councilman Tanner Polee was recently convicted of the serious crime of Drinking Under the
Influence (DUI) which actually caused injuries and endangered lives. Any quick google search
of censure would demonstrate that Councilman Polce's conduct is much more appropriate for
receiving a censure than what Councilman Lewis is accused of doing.
Censures should not be passed to score cheap political points. If this ordinance is passed,
it will mean anyone who happens to disagree with President Slavin could be subject to censure.
Councilman Lewis is proud of the work he has done for his constituents and will not be
intimidated by these sorts of tactics. I look forward to speaking on behalf of Councilman Lewis
at Monday night's meeting. Please feel free to contact me to discuss this issue further.
Very truly yours,
I
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//··-\ /
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i)
Ronald G. Poliquin, Esquire
RGP/np
cc: Nicholas Rodriguez, Esquire
Brian Lewis
Página 27
EXHIBIT #3
Regular Council Meeting of 10/09/2017
CITY OF DOVER ORDINANCE #2017-12
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN
COUNCIL MET:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, Section 1 – Supplementary
Regulations Applying to Residence Zones, Subsection 1.8 – Buffers Along Arterial Streets of the Dover
Code be amended to read as follows:
ARTICLE 5. - SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS
Section 1. - Supplementary regulations applying to residence zones.
1.8 Arterial Street Buffers. Where residential zoned property fronts on a principal arterial street, as
designated by the comprehensive plan, a landscape buffer shall be required in addition to normal
landscaping of the street right-of-way. This landscape buffer shall be required when the property is
subject to site development plan review or site development master plan review by the planning
commission according to Appendix B – Zoning, Article 10 – Planning Commission. Arterial street
buffers shall be a minimum of 30 feet in depth, measured from the right-of-way line of the arterial street.
1.81 Landscaping of arterial street buffers. At the time of development of the property, the arterial
street buffer shall be planted with a variety of trees, shrubs and ground cover. The landscape design
and planting plan for these arterial street buffers shall be subject to the approval of the planning
commission as an integral part of the site development plan.
1.82 Standards for arterial street buffer landscaping. Landscaping in arterial street buffers shall
follow the landscape guidelines outlined in Appendix B – Zoning, Article 5 – Supplementary
Regulations, Section 15 – Landscape Guidelines of this ordinance. Landscaping shall be designed to
enhance the appearance of the arterial street, complement the architecture of buildings on site, and
integrate with adjacent landscape areas. Landscape designs and planting plans which would pose a
hazard to traffic on the arterial street, obstruct underground or overhead utilities or infrastructure, or
significantly impede visibility of properties from the street shall be prohibited.
1.83 Planning commission waiver. The planning commission may approve a buffer less than 30 feet
in depth. In approving a lesser amount of buffering, the planning commission shall consider the
following factors:
a) Whether there are specific constraints related to existing lot size, lot configuration or the
orientation of existing buildings on adjoining properties that would severely limit the
development potential of the property if a deep buffer was required.
b) Whether a deep or shallow buffer would cause the property to be out of character with the
surrounding built environment.
c) Whether there is significant landscape area within the right-of-way of the arterial street itself
that can contribute to the buffer, and whether future road improvement activities are likely to
reduce the depth of this area.
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Ordinance #2017-12 - Appendix B – Zoning, Article 5 – Supplementary Regulations,
and Article 6 - Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities Page | 2
d) Whether the landscape design and planting plan for the buffer achieve the standards of
subsection 1.82 – Standards for arterial street buffer landscaping.
(Ord. No. 1-78, 1-24-1978; Ord. of 12-14-1992; Ord. of 4-25-1994; Ord. of 6-13-1994; Ord. of 1-10-
1996; Ord. of 5-22-2000; Ord. of 10-23-2006; Ord. of 1-14-2008; Ord. No. 2011-21, 10-10-2011; Ord.
No. 2011-26, 12-12-2011; Ord. No. 2015-13, 10-12-2015 )
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, Section 6 – Supplementary
Regulations Applying to All Zones Other Than Single-Family Residence Zones of the Dover Code be
amended to read as follows:
Section 6. - Dumpsters for trash and recycling.
6.1 Location of trash receptacles. In all zones of the City of Dover (except in residential zones
where standard City of Dover 90-gallon trash containers are used), all trash receptacles and bulk
recycling bins (excluding publicly operated recycling drop off centers), which shall be referred to
collectively as "dumpsters" in this ordinance, are to be situated in order to allow safe and efficient
access by trash collection vehicles, and shall be screened from public view. All dumpsters must
comply with the following regulations:
6.11 Location and screening required. All dumpsters must be located in approved locations on the
lot. Dumpsters must be placed on hard, paved, dust-free surfaces and may not be placed in
designated parking spaces, fire lanes, or access ways. Outside storage of trash, cardboard, or
shipping pallets is prohibited. A dumpster enclosure is required to screen the dumpster from view
whenever these units are situated so that they will be visible from any public right-of-way or from
an adjacent property.
6.12 Minimum dumpsters required.
Use Dumpsters Required
Two required for the first 3,000 square feet of gross building area; one
Restaurant required for each additional 3,000 square feet of gross building area or
fraction thereof
Shopping center (excluding Two required for the first three stores; one required for each store
supermarkets or anchor tenants) thereafter
Supermarkets & anchor tenants
Two required in addition to requirements for shopping center
in shopping centers
Two required for the first 16,000 square feet of gross floor area; one
Office & retail less than 50,000
required for each additional 16,000 square feet of gross floor area or
square feet
fraction thereof
Two required for the first 50,000 square feet of gross floor area; one
Office & retail greater than
required for each additional 24,000 square feet of gross floor area or
50,000 square feet
fraction thereof
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Two required for the first 80,000 square feet of gross building area;
Industrial, warehousing &
one required for each additional 40,000 square feet of gross building
institutional
area or fraction thereof
Two required for the first 48 apartments; one required for each
Apartment complex
additional 24 apartments or fraction thereof
6.13 Selection of trash service. Applicants for site development plan approval shall specify the
proposed method of trash collection (side load or front load) at the time of application. A change in
the method of collection may require an alteration of the site plan, subject to approval of the city
planner or the planning commission.
6.14 Maneuvering space. Adequate off-street truck maneuvering space shall be provided on-lot
and not within any public street right-of-way or other public lands. Internal site circulation lanes are
to be designed with adequate turning radii to accommodate the size and efficient maneuvering of
trash collection vehicles.
6.15 Minimum dimensions for dumpster enclosures. All dumpster enclosures must be adequate to
screen dumpsters from public view. Enclosures for private collection must be no less than seven
feet in height. The height of enclosures for City of Dover collection may be no less than five feet
high.
6.16 Enclosure construction. All dumpster enclosures shall be constructed of durable materials
that will withstand the normal use and wear expected in trash removal operations. Whenever a
dumpster, in its enclosure, will be visible from a public right-of-way, the appearance of the
dumpster enclosures shall complement the architecture of the principal building on the lot, and be
constructed with the same or similar exterior materials.
6.17 Gates. Gates are required whenever a dumpster, in its enclosure, will be visible from a public
right-of-way. Gates must be designed to swing back behind the front of the enclosure and lock in
the open position. If City of Dover trash service is provided, it is the responsibility of the property
owner or occupant to open and securely lock back the gates to allow for trash pick up. The gates
may be opened 12 hours prior to pick up, and must be closed within 12 hours after pick up.
6.18 Reduction of dumpster requirement. When a use is required to provide dumpsters as part of
site development plan approval, the required number of dumpsters may be reduced under the
following circumstances:
a) Dumpster pads reserved for future use. An area of the site reserved for a dumpster may be
substituted for an actual dumpster. The provided area must be large enough to accommodate a
dumpster and must be accessible to trash collection services. The city planner may require that the
owner of record of the property provide a dumpster in the reserved location, together with any
enclosure required, upon determining there is need for the additional dumpster.
b) Trash compactor substitution. Trash compactors may be substituted for ordinary dumpsters at a
two to one ratio. The city planner may approve a higher substitution ratio if specifications are
provided indicating the machine will achieve a correspondingly higher trash compaction ratio.
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Ordinance #2017-12 - Appendix B – Zoning, Article 5 – Supplementary Regulations,
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Trash compactors must meet the same location and screening requirements as other dumpsters.
Sites providing trash compactors must still provide separate receptacles for recycling.
6.2 Location and screening approval required. The locations of new dumpsters on a site and any
screening necessary shall be approved through the site development plan approval process,
according to the type of review required in Article 10 of this ordinance.
6.3 Unauthorized dumpsters. Any dumpster not previously approved through the site development
plan approval process may be required by the city planner to be moved, removed, or screened if said
dumpster is a nuisance to neighboring properties by virtue of its current location.
(Ord. of 9-13-1999)
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, Section 7 – Supplementary
Regulations Applying to All Non-Residential Zones of the Dover Code be amended to read as follows:
Section 7. - Supplementary regulations applying to all non-residential zones.
7.1 Lighting. Lighting of commercial uses shall provide no less than 1½ footcandles at grade. Light
shall be deflected away from adjacent residential areas and shall not be distracting to traffic on
adjacent roads.
7.2 Opaque Barrier. Visual and sound screening shall be provided on a non-residential use when
abutting a residential use, except in front yard areas. The screening shall be required to be installed
on site as part of planning commission or administrative site plan approval. Where required,
screening shall consist of an opaque barrier at least six feet in height, accompanied by landscaping.
7.21 Opaque barrier options. The requirement for the opaque barrier may be met by choosing one
of the following:
a) An opaque fence made of durable materials such as wood, vinyl, composite, etc.
b) A wall constructed of masonry materials, either stucco, brick, split-faced block, or
decorative concrete. If the principal structure on the lot is of masonry construction, the
wall shall match the exterior of the building.
c) An earthen berm (3:1 slope maximum).
d) An earthen berm (3:1 slope maximum) with either an opaque fence or wall constructed
on top. Materials of the fence or wall shall be as specified in options a) and b). The total
height of the barrier may be no less than six feet high.
7.22 Landscaping options. The required opaque barrier must be accompanied by one of the
following:
a) A durable and continuous evergreen planted screen, six feet in height at the time of
planting. In the case of an earthen berm, the evergreen screen may be on the top of the
berm.
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Ordinance #2017-12 - Appendix B – Zoning, Article 5 – Supplementary Regulations,
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b) A hedge that will grow to a height of at least six feet at maturity. The hedge shall be
interspersed with evergreen trees at least six feet high at the time of planting. The hedge
shall be at least four feet high at the time of planting.
7.23 Parking lots. Whenever a parking lot is located across the street from a residential use, it shall
be screened from view of such land by a thick hedge located along a line drawn parallel to the street
such hedge to be interrupted only at points of ingress and egress and to meet the corner visibility
standards of Appendix B – Zoning, Article 5 – Supplementary Regulations, Section 1.31. The
open area between such hedge and the street shall be landscaped in harmony with the landscaping
prevailing on neighboring properties fronting on the same street. The hedge shall be at least two feet
in height at the time of planting and shall grow to no more than four feet in height at the time of
maturity. While the hedge is growing to a suitable height, an adjacent four foot high fence may be
required by either the planning commission or city planner, according to the type of review required
by Appendix B – Zoning, Article 10 – Planning Commission.
7.24 Planning commission waiver. The planning commission may waive the requirement for the
opaque barrier (wood fence, masonry wall, or earthen berm) and require only landscaping as
required by section 7.22 – Landscaping options in cases where noise is not a concern and the
vegetation alone is considered a desirable aesthetic alternative.
7.3 Arterial Street Buffers. Where nonresidential zoned property fronts on a principal arterial street,
as designated by the comprehensive plan, a landscape buffer shall be required in addition to normal
landscaping of the street right-of-way. This landscape buffer shall be required when the property is
subject to site development plan review or site development master plan review by the planning
commission according to Appendix B – Zoning, Article 10 – Planning Commission. Arterial street
buffers shall be a minimum of 30 feet in depth, measured from the right-of-way line of the arterial
street.
7.31 Landscaping of Arterial Street Buffers. At the time of development of the property, the
arterial street buffer shall be planted with a variety of trees, shrubs and ground cover. The landscape
design and planting plan for these arterial street buffers shall be subject to the approval of the
planning commission as an integral part of the site development plan.
7.32 Standards for Arterial Street Buffer Landscaping. Landscaping in arterial street buffers
shall follow the landscape guidelines outlined in Appendix B – Zoning, Article 5 – Supplementary
Regulations, Section 15 – Landscape Guidelines. Landscaping shall be designed to enhance the
appearance of the arterial street, complement the architecture of buildings on site, and integrate with
adjacent landscape areas. Landscape designs and planting plans which would pose a hazard to
traffic on the arterial street, obstruct underground or overhead utilities or infrastructure, or
significantly impede visibility of properties from the street shall be prohibited.
7.33 Planning Commission Waiver. The planning commission may approve a buffer less than 30
feet in depth. In approving a lesser amount of buffering, the planning commission shall consider the
following factors:
a) Whether there are specific constraints related to existing lot size, lot configuration or the
orientation of existing buildings on adjoining properties that would severely limit the
development potential of the property if a deep buffer was required.
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Ordinance #2017-12 - Appendix B – Zoning, Article 5 – Supplementary Regulations,
and Article 6 - Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities Page | 6
b) Whether a deep or shallow buffer would cause the property to be out of character with the
surrounding built environment.
c) Whether there is significant landscape area within the right-of-way of the arterial street itself
that can contribute to the buffer, and whether future road improvement activities are likely to
reduce the depth of this area.
d) Whether the landscape design and planting plan for the buffer achieve the standards of
subsection 7.32 - Standards for Arterial Street Buffer Landscaping.
7.4 Outdoor storage trailers. Storage trailers accessory to an approved use shall be prohibited on a
site, except when meeting the following conditions:
1. The total floor area of storage trailers shall be less than two percent of the gross floor area of the
principal building.
2. All storage trailers shall be placed in accordance with all zoning regulations regarding permanent
structures, including setbacks, parking, and other bulk regulations.
3. All such trailers shall be screened from public streets, and shall not be located between the
principal building and the public road right-of-way.
4. Trailers placed during approved construction phases or those used as collection facilities for non-
profit, governmental or philanthropic organizations shall not be calculated into floor area totals
used to determine parking requirements, but must conform to setbacks and all other bulk
regulations.
5. Storage trailers accessory to an approved use are to be temporary features on a site. No such
trailer shall be in place for more than 18 months, except for those trailers to be used during
construction or those used as collection facilities for non-profit, governmental or philanthropic
organizations.
7.5 Fences. Fences or walls shall be limited to a maximum height of four feet above the ground
when situated within front yard areas, and shall be limited to a maximum height of eight feet above
the ground when situated within side and rear yard areas. Fences situated on corner lots shall be
subject to the provisions of article 5, section 1.3. For the purposes of this provision, on lots with
dual street frontage that are not corner lots, a fence situated to the rear of the principal structure
shall be limited to a maximum height of eight feet above ground. Fences or walls with a height in
excess of eight feet above the ground shall conform to the setback requirements for dwelling
buildings as set forth in article 4 of this Appendix. Fence material commonly referred to as "barbed
wire" and/or "razor wire," or any similar material shall be prohibited along property lines which
adjoin residential zones.
(Ord. of 3-24-1986; Ord. of 12-14-1992; Ord. of 4-25-1994; Ord. of 9-13-1999; Ord. of 5-22-2000; Ord.
No. 2011-26, 12-12-2011)
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, Section 15 – Landscape Guidelines
of the Dover Code be amended to read as follows:
Section 15. - Landscape guidelines.
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Ordinance #2017-12 - Appendix B – Zoning, Article 5 – Supplementary Regulations,
and Article 6 - Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities Page | 7
The following guidelines shall be used in the design of site landscape as required in other sections of this
ordinance and shall be followed unless it can be demonstrated through the site plan review process that
such features would be impractical or incompatible with a particular land use or site development
proposal. Failure to maintain required landscaping shall constitute a violation of this ordinance and is
subject to, as specified in article 8, section 4, violations and penalties:
15.1 Trees of substantial size shall be provided to create a sense of scale and an overhead canopy.
Where trees are set in paving, flush tree grates or open planters shall be used to protect root zones
without interrupting the ground plane.
15.2 Large shrubs, small trees and evergreens are most effective for foundation planting around
buildings, emphasizing major vehicular entrances and areas requiring visual screening. Avoid using
large, dense plant material where maximum visibility is imperative.
15.3 Security and visibility are important considerations in landscape design along commercial
corridors. Understory plant materials shall be confined to 36 inches or lower and trees shall be limbed to
above 12 feet at maturity to allow for visual surveillance.
15.4 Color and specimen material shall be targeted to a few key locations. A few highly visible masses
of color will be more effective than numerous small patches dispersed over the entire site.
15.5 Massing of plant material, or large groups of a single species is preferred over planting a large
area with numerous species. Trees and shrubbery shall be used in scale with corridor development and
large open spaces to create visual balance.
15.6 Grading shall be level, except to allow for necessary surface drainage and earth berms used for
screening purposes.
15.7 Lawn areas shall be contained and separated from landscaped beds with defined edging such as
concrete walks, steel edging or curbing.
15.8 Entrances shall be provided with landscaping to define the entrance location and to establish the
site entrance as part of the overall landscape.
15.9 Landscape plantings shall be placed at least 10 feet away from all underground utilities and
infrastructure, as measured from the trunk of the planting. Plantings located within 10 feet of overhead
utilities or infrastructure shall be of a species that does not grow to the height of the lowest equipment
overhead. Placement of all plantings must minimize conflict with required servicing of utilities and
infrastructure.
(Ord. of 3-18-1992)
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, Section 16 – Tree Planting and
Preservation of the Dover Code be amended to read as follows:
Section 16. - Tree planting and preservation.
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16.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish standards and requirements for the protection
and planting of trees and woodlands because it is recognized that woodlands and trees are not only
desirable, but are essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the population in that they provide
oxygen, reduce carbon dioxide, stabilize soil, cleanse the air by transpiring clean water into the
atmosphere, cleanse water passing into the ground through the root system, provide protection for
wildlife and their habitats, provide shade, reduce noise and glare, increase property values, and
provide an important physical, aesthetic, and psychological balance to the built environment.
16.2 Definitions.
Caliper dimension. The term "caliper dimension" means an outside diameter measurement of the
trunk of a tree measured at a vertical distance of three feet above grade.
Clearing. The removal of trees from an area of 5,000 square feet or greater, whether by cutting or
other means. The term "clearing" shall not include the removal of trees for landscaping purposes by
individual lot owners.
Development Area. The area containing all new site features (buildings, parking and drive areas,
pedestrian walks, stormwater management areas, buffer areas etc. but not underground utilities)
proposed by a plan. The development area shall be delineated using property lines and lines run straight
across the property from one property line to another without bending or curving.
Design professional. The term "design professional" shall be any person licensed as a landscape
architect or architect, or Delaware certified nursery professional.
Dripline. A line on the ground established by a vertical plane extending from a tree's outermost
branch tips to the ground, i.e., the line enclosing the area directly beneath the tree's crown, from which
rainfall would drip.
Tree. Any self-supporting, woody perennial plant, usually having a main stem or trunk and many
branches and at maturity normally attaining a trunk diameter greater than three inches at any point and
height of over ten feet.
Tree protection area. Any portion of a site wherein are located existing trees which are proposed to
be retained in order to comply with the requirements of this section. The tree protection area shall
include no less than the total area beneath the tree canopy as defined by the dripline of the tree or group
of trees collectively.
Woodland. An area of contiguous wooded vegetation (7,500 square feet or greater), where trees
exist at a density of at least one tree with a caliper dimension of six inches or greater per 375 square feet
of land and where the tree branches form a contiguous canopy.
16.3 Applicability. The terms and provisions of this section shall apply to any activity on real property
which requires conditional use, site plan or subdivision approval of the planning commission as set
forth in article 10, except the provisions in subsection 16.4 which shall apply to all real property.
16.4 Tree preservation.
16.41 Trees required by planning commission to be replaced. Trees required by the planning
commission as a part of a conditional use, subdivision, or site plan approval shall not be removed
unless they are diseased or infested, or present a danger to life and property. In cases where such
trees are removed, they must be replaced with a tree planting in accordance with the table of trees
standards kept in the office of the city planner.
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16.42 Trees of special value. Trees having an historic value, as determined by the state historic
preservation officer, or that are of an outstanding nature due to type or species, age, or other
professional criteria, may be required by the planning commission to be preserved. Such trees may
be prohibited from being removed by the city planner until such time that the planning commission
has granted approval to remove such trees.
16.43 Tree preservation in wetlands. No portions of wetland areas shall be developed or cleared of
vegetation unless granted permission under state and/or federal permit; and they shall remain as
essentially undisturbed areas protected under the provisions set forth in subsection 16.7.
16.44 Clearing prohibited without approval. Clearing, as defined by this section, for any purpose
whatsoever, except the establishment of trails and pathways (not greater than eight feet in width)
and open yard areas, shall be prohibited unless approved by the planning commission through the
site plan, conditional use, or subdivision review process.
16.5 Woodland preservation.
16.51 Tree preservation and selective clearing plan required. All site development proposals
which involve the development of woodland areas and require planning commission approval shall
include a tree preservation and selective clearing plan as part of the submission plan. The tree
preservation and selective clearing plan shall be prepared in accordance with the provisions of
subsection 16.5, subsection 16.7 and subsection 16.8 of this section.
16.52 Limited clearing for site development allowed. Generally, site development plans for the
construction of a new building within existing woodland areas shall limit clearing of the land to
those areas necessary to provide for the placement of the building or group of buildings, adequate
access onto the property and to the proposed building or group of buildings, utility placement, off-
street parking and yard areas to allow for daylight infiltration and building maintenance. When
woodland areas are proposed to be cleared to allow for new construction, clearing within the area of
the proposed construction shall be limited to an area of 30 feet from proposed building foundation,
and 15 feet from off-street parking lots, and utility placement.
16.53 Maximum clearing requirement. Specifically, no more than 50 percent of a lot, parcel or
tract of land occupied by woodland vegetation may be cleared for any purpose.
16.54 Reserved.
16.6 Tree preservation and planting in nonwoodlands.
16.61 Tree preservation and planting plan required. All developments requiring approval of the
planning commission shall be required to submit, with its application and plans, a tree preservation
and planting plan as set forth in subsection 16.8, and shall conform with the following provisions.
16.62 Tree density. For each property required to submit a tree preservation and planting plan, a
development area as defined in this section shall be delineated within the nonwoodland area of the
property. Within this development area, existing trees may be retained and new trees shall be
planted such that the development area shall attain or exceed a tree density of one tree per 3,000
square feet or fraction thereof.
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16.63 Minimum standards for new trees. For new trees to be counted toward the required tree
density, they must be of a species and size as set forth in the table of trees approved by the planning
commission and kept on file in the office of the city planner, or be of an alternate species found
acceptable by the commission.
16.64 Minimum standards for existing trees. For existing trees to be counted toward the required
tree density, the tree shall have a minimum caliper dimension of two inches. No trees over eight
inches in caliper dimension shall be removed unless within an area of 30 feet from the proposed
building foundation, off-street parking lot, and utility placement.
16.7 Tree protection and planting requirements.
16.71 Application. The following guidelines and standards shall apply to activities regulated under
article 5, section 15 of this ordinance:
16.72 Protection required. To protect the required trees or woodland and their critical root zone, a
tree protection area delineated by the dripline of a tree or group of trees to be retained, shall be
established. The protection area shall not be disturbed by site utility and grading work, by
construction activities such as parking, material storage, concrete washout, sedimentation intrusion
or erosion, or other activity. Damage to trees or woodlands and their critical root zones shall require
tree plans to be revised to compensate for the loss as determined by the building inspector.
16.73 Protection measures. Tree protection areas shall be protected by fencing, staking, or
continuous ribbon and, where necessary, silt screens which shall be situated to coincide with the
dripline of the tree or group of trees to be preserved. Protection measures shall be erected prior to
construction, and must remain until final landscaping is installed.
16.74 Planting requirements. New trees proposed to be planted for credit toward the density
requirement shall have spacing that is compatible with the spatial site limitations and with
responsible consideration toward species size when mature. Species selected for planting must be
ecologically compatible with the specifically intended growing site. Trees selected for planting shall
be free from injury, pest, disease, and disorders.
16.8 Tree preservation, planting and selective clearing plans.
16.81 Plan specifications. A tree preservation and planting plan or a preservation and selective
clearing plan, prepared by or in conjunction with a design professional, shall be shown on a copy of
a preliminary plat, sketch, or site plan, as appropriate to the proposed development, drawn to the
same scale and covering the same area as the other plan documents prepared for the planning
commission hearing. The plan may be combined with a required buffer and landscape plan for the
project, at the option of the developer. The plan shall provide sufficient information and detail to
clearly demonstrate that all applicable requirements and standards of this section will be fully
satisfied. The plan shall contain, but need not be limited to, the following:
a. Project name, zone, parcel number, north arrow and scale.
b. Developer's name, address and telephone number.
c. Name, address, and telephone number of the design professional responsible for the
preparation of the plan.
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d. Delineation of all lot lines, minimum yard areas, buffers, and landscape areas as required
by the zoning ordinance [this appendix].
e. Total acreage of the site and total lot area for each lot delineated.
f. Delineation of all wetlands and woodlands.
g. Designation and delineation of all lots in nonwoodland areas expected to retain existing
trees to meet the tree density requirement.
h. Approximate location and description of the protective tree fencing, staking, or
continuous ribbon to be installed which, at a minimum, shall follow the dripline of all trees
to be retained along adjoining areas of clearing, grading, or other construction activity.
i. The location, spacing, caliper dimension, and species of new trees proposed to meet tree
density requirements.
j. Measures to be taken to avoid sedimentation intrusions and erosion in tree protection
areas, and the location of such devices.
k. A summary table of the number of new trees to be planted and minimum number of
existing trees to be retained to meet the tree density requirement, if any, along with
calculations showing that the tree density requirement has been achieved. Groupings of
trees in the tree protection areas for new trees may be keyed to the summary table by area
rather than having each tree individually labeled on the plan.
l. There shall be a note on the plan indicating that a one-year full price replacement
guarantee on all new trees planted is held by the applicant.
16.9 Tree mitigation.
16.91 Planning commission waiver. The planning commission may waive the provisions of
subsections 16.52, 16.53, and 16.62, and require replacement planting for mitigation purposes
should the planning commission determine, after demonstration by the applicant, that due to
physical limitations of the land which would otherwise prohibit the reasonable use of the land, or
for purposes of preserving, protecting and promoting the interest of public health, safety, welfare
and/or public convenience. All tree mitigation plantings must occur within the corporate limits of
the City of Dover. Tree mitigation may occur off-site in accordance with the provisions listed below
in this ordinance:
(a) If a waiver is sought from the provisions of subsection 16.62, new tree plantings are
required at a rate of 1:1. All new tree plantings shall meet the minimum size at planting
requirements of the City of Dover table of trees.
(b) If a waiver is sought from the provisions of subsection 16.52 and/or subsection 16.53,
then mitigation must be in the form of newly created woodland areas. New woodlands
shall be created at a rate of 1.25 times the amount of woodlands to be removed. A
woodland mitigation plan shall be prepared by a licensed forester, landscape architect, or
certified nursery professional, for the consideration of the planning commission.
(c) All tree mitigation must occur on-site unless an off-site location is specifically approved
by the planning commission. When considering off-site locations for tree mitigation, the
commission shall consider:
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1) A physical hardship related to the land which would otherwise prohibit
compliance on the subject site;
2) Whether the mitigation plan proposed by the applicant is superior in terms of
environmental benefits, tree quantity, or aesthetic qualities compared to strict
compliance with the ordinance on-site.
16.92 Tree mitigation required for unauthorized clearing. In the event that trees or woodland areas
to be preserved under this ordinance or as a condition of a site plan, subdivision, or conditional use
approval are illegally removed, tree mitigation shall be required. All tree mitigation plantings must
be placed on the same lot, parcel, or tract on which the illegal clearing occurred, except as noted
below. All replacement trees must be of the same or a similar variety as the trees illegally removed.
(a) If trees have been removed from non-woodland areas, new tree plantings shall be
provided in accordance with the table below:
Caliper Dimension Number of Caliper dimension
of Trees Removed Trees Required at Planting
25″ or larger 5 trees 3″
17″ to 24″ 3 trees 3″
9″ to 16″ 3 trees 3″
8″ or less 2 trees 3″
* Note —All trees replanted must be guaranteed to survive a minimum of one year.
(b) If trees have been removed from woodland areas, then mitigation must be in the form of
newly created woodland areas. New woodlands shall be created at a rate of 1.75 times the
amount of woodlands that were illegally removed. The woodland unlawfully removed
must be replanted to satisfy a portion of this requirement. A woodland mitigation plan shall
be prepared by a licensed forester, landscape architect, or certified nursery professional, for
review and approval by the city planner.
(c) If the applicant wishes to provide replacement plantings on any property other than the
one on which illegal clearing occurred, the mitigation plan must be reviewed and approved
by the planning commission. When considering off-site locations for tree mitigation, the
commission shall consider:
1) A physical hardship related to the land which would otherwise prohibit
compliance on the subject site;
2) Whether the mitigation plan proposed by the applicant is superior in terms of
environmental benefits, tree quantity, or aesthetic qualities compared to strict
compliance with the ordinance on-site.
(Ord. of 7-13-1992; Ord. of 7-12-1993, § 4; Ord. of 9-13-1999; Ord. of 4-28-2008(2); Ord. No. 2010-25,
11-8-2010)
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BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, Section 18 – Sidewalk Requirements
of the Dover Code be amended to read as follows:
Section 18. - Pedestrian, bicycle, and multi-modal access requirements.
18.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish standards and requirements for the construction
of transportation networks for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other users of non-motorized forms of
transit, in order to ensure safe and convenient multi-modal access to all development within the
City of Dover. Sidewalks, multi-use paths, and other hard paved trails, whether adjacent to a
roadway or not, shall be referred to collectively as “pathways” within this section. It is the intent of
this section that all new pathways installed shall be designed to a standard commensurate with
existing and expected future multi-modal traffic volumes, recognizing that the convenience of a
growing network of such pathways citywide will encourage residents and visitors to use non-
motorized means of travel to reach their destinations.
18.2 Applicability. Sidewalks or other pathways according to the requirements of this section shall be
installed on a property by the property owner or developer under the following circumstances:
a) When the property is part of a development proposal which is subject to planning commission
site development plan review.
b) When the property is part of a development proposal which is subject to planning commission
site development master plan review.
c) When the property is part of a request for a conditional use permit which also requires site
development plan review or site development master plan review.
d) When the property is part of a development proposal which is subject to administrative site plan
review, provided the proposal involves construction of an entire new building.
18.3 Pathway design standards and location requirements. Pathways shall meet the following minimum
standards and requirements in order to allow for pedestrian access:
a) Public street frontage. Standard City of Dover sidewalk, as per chapter 98, article IV of the
Dover Code of Ordinances, shall be required to be installed along the entire public street
frontage of a property. Where frontage sidewalk exists but does not meet the standards of
chapter 98, article IV, the sidewalk shall be re-laid to meet the standards. Sidewalk shall
include barrier-free access ramping at points of intersection with street crossings and at other
locations so as to afford reasonable barrier-free pedestrian movement and site access.
b) Private street frontage. Wherever a private road within a development is proposed, whether
planned for future subdivision or not, Standard City of Dover sidewalk, as per chapter 98,
article IV of the Dover Code of Ordinances, shall be required to be installed on both sides of
the cartway of the private road. Such sidewalk shall include barrier-free access ramping at
points of intersection with street crossings and at other locations so as to afford reasonable
barrier-free pedestrian movement and site access.
c) On-site linkages. Within all nonresidential developments and all multifamily residential
developments, sidewalk at least five feet wide, constructed of concrete or good paving brick
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laid substantially in concrete, shall be installed to make pathways between street frontages,
parking areas, building entrances, and any other site features needing pedestrian access. Such
pathways shall be designed to provide reasonable travel times between these features and
disincentivize taking shortcuts across areas inappropriate for pedestrians. Where such pathways
must cross drive lanes, standard City of Dover crosswalk shall be installed.
18.4 Alterations to pathway design standards. The planning commission or city planner, according to
the type of plan review required by article 10 of this ordinance, may alter the minimum pathway
design standards under the following circumstances in order to allow for multi-modal access:
a) Where vehicular traffic on adjacent roadways is of sufficient speed and volume to pose a
potential danger to bicyclists and other non-motorized forms of transport using the roadway, or
where pedestrian and multi-modal traffic is expected in sufficient volumes to cause conflicts on
a narrower sidewalk, a ten-foot wide multi-use path made of concrete or asphalt may be
required instead of standard City of Dover sidewalk along the public street frontage.
b) Where it is determined by evaluation of the characteristics of the nearby transportation
networks including roadway classification type, the presence and type of existing pathways,
and the general character of the area in terms of development, future development potential,
and zoning district, a ten-foot wide multi-use path made of concrete or asphalt may be required
instead of standard City of Dover sidewalk along the public street frontage.
c) Where an adopted plan recommends installation of multi-modal facilities for a specific site,
those facilities may be required to be constructed according to the standards of the agency
implementing the plan.
d) Where it can be shown that pathway materials alternate to those specified in this section
would be more durable to multi-modal traffic, be more environmentally desirable, or be more
in keeping with the overall design of the development, use of these alternate materials may be
authorized.
18.5 Waiver of pathway location requirements. The property owner or developer may request a waiver
from the planning commission or city planner, according to the type of plan review required by
article 10 of this ordinance, under the following circumstances in order to reduce or eliminate the
requirements for pathway installation:
a) When the property is isolated from the existing pathway network, with no existing pathways
within the immediate vicinity of the property.
b) When the proposed use would not generate or attract additional pedestrian, bicycle, or other
non-motorized trips.
c) When physical characteristics of the property are such that pathway installation is impractical
or impossible.
18.6 State Law Requirements. Where state laws or regulations of the Delaware Department of
Transportation applying to right-of-way design conflict with the provisions of this section, the
state laws and regulations shall prevail.
(Ord. of 6-13-1994; (Ord. of 9-13-1999)
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BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, Section 19 – Building and
Architectural Design Guidelines of the Dover Code be amended to read as follows:
Section 19. - Building and architectural design guidelines.
The following guidelines shall be used in design of buildings and their architectural characteristics for
the purposes of meeting the intent of Appendix B – Zoning, Article 10 – Planning Commission, section
2, subsection 2.27:
(1) Physical orientation and facade.
(i) The principal building facade of proposed buildings shall be oriented toward the primary
street frontage, and in the same direction as the majority of existing buildings on the
frontage street. Proposed buildings on corner properties shall reflect a public facade on
both street frontages.
(ii) Consideration shall be given to the dominant architectural features of existing buildings,
but do not necessarily have to mimic those styles. Large expanses of blank walls are to be
avoided, and consideration shall be given to windows and entrance ways along frontage, as
well as projecting elements such as eaves, cornices, canopies, projecting bays, shadow
lines and overhangs.
(2) Architectural characteristics.
(i) Building proportions. Consideration shall be given to proportional attributes, including
overall height-to-width ratios, of existing building facades, doors, windows, projecting
canopies, and other architectural features, found in adjacent existing buildings.
(ii) Building mass. Facades of new buildings shall consider, but not mimic, the sense of
lightness or weight of existing buildings on neighboring properties and consider similar
proportions of solids (i.e., siding, blank walls, etc.) to voids (i.e., windows, door openings,
etc.).
(iii) Materials. Proposed buildings shall incorporate durable exterior surface materials similar
to and complementary with the color, texture, size, and scale of exterior materials reflected
on existing buildings in the immediate vicinity.
(iv) Roofs. Consideration shall be given to general shape, ridge and eave heights, and material
characteristics expressed in existing buildings along the subject street.
(v) Visible utilities. Outside HVAC equipment and visible utility connections shall be designed
to minimize impact on adjacent property owners, by reducing their overall visible presence
and if necessary screening them from public view. Consideration must also be given to
equipment placement in proximity to loading areas and public facades of the buildings.
(3) Exemptions.
(i) Building additions. Proposed building additions which will be designed to match the
architectural characteristics and exterior material treatments of the existing building to
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which the addition is being made shall be exempt from the requirement to submit elevation
drawings or other graphic representations.
(Ord. of 9-25-2000)
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 6 – Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities, Section 1
– Permitted accessory parking of the Dover Code be amended to read as follows:
Section 1. - Permitted accessory parking.
1.1 Off-street parking spaces. Off-street parking spaces, open or enclosed, are permitted accessory to
any use. One commercial vehicle may be parked on a lot in any residence zone only if less than one ton
in carrying capacity.
1.2 Trailers and boats. The long-term use of a recreational vehicle as a residence by any person or
persons is prohibited in all zones. A boat with its trailer or a utility trailer, under 31 feet body length or
an unoccupied recreational vehicle, may be parked within a garage or anywhere behind the setback line
if screened from adjacent lots. However, none of the vehicles shall be parked in a required side yard if
alley parking adjacent to the lot is available.
1.3 Driveways. No driveway shall provide access to a lot located in another zone, which lot is used for
any use prohibited in the zone in which such driveway is located.
1.4 The minimum width of a residential driveway shall be nine feet.
1.5 Access drives. In areas under the joint or overlapping jurisdiction of the Delaware Department of
Transportation and the City of Dover, the regulations of the Delaware Department of Transportation
relating to ingress and egress drives shall apply.
(Ord. of 9-12-1983; Ord. of 1-10-1996; Ord. of 11-13-2007; Ord. No. 2016-16 , 8-8-2016)
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 6 – Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities, Section 3
– Required Off-Street Parking Spaces, Subsection 3.6 – Drainage and Surfacing of the Dover Code be
amended to read as follows:
ARTICLE 6. - OFF-STREET PARKING, DRIVEWAYS AND LOADING FACILITIES
Section 3. - Required off-street parking spaces.
3.6 Drainage and surfacing.
(a) All open permanent parking areas and access drives shall be properly drained and all such
areas shall be provided with paved asphalt, concrete or other hard, paved, dust-free surface.
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(b) All permanent parking areas shall be enclosed with upright concrete curbing at least six
inches in height. The city planner may relax this requirement for a portion of a parking area
when there is a demonstrated need to convey stormwater to a proposed or approved
stormwater management area. Curbing shall not be required for loading areas, handicapped
access and for parking spaces accessory to a one-family or two-family residence (see also
article 6, section 5.3).
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 6 – Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities, Section 3
– Required Off-Street Parking Spaces, Subsection 3.9 – Adjustments to Parking Requirements of the
Dover Code be amended to read as follows:
3.9 Adjustments to parking requirements. The planning commission or city planner, according to the
type of plan review required by Appendix B – Zoning, Article 10 – Planning Commission, may
reduce, in an amount not to exceed 50 percent, the number of parking spaces required when, in the
opinion of the commission, it has been demonstrated that the use is adequately served by
transportation and parking alternatives, including but not limited to:
(a) Site plan proposals within the downtown redevelopment target area, as described in
appendix C of the Dover Code of Ordinances, may be granted a 20 percent reduction in the
amount of off-street parking normally required, due to the availability of mass transit,
municipal parking and existing pedestrian amenities.
(b) Designated off-street parking reserved for car pools, van pools, and bicycle parking
facilities, in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) Each carpool space shall be equivalent to three standard parking spaces.
(2) Each vanpool space shall be equivalent to five standard parking spaces.
(3) Every group of five bicycle parking spaces shall be equivalent to one standard
parking space.
(c) Employer participation in a traffic-mitigation plan approved by the Delaware Department
of Transportation.
(d) Cash-in-lieu of parking contributions toward the capital construction or improvement of
municipal parking facilities that are proposed. The cash-in-lieu of parking contribution shall be
in a monetary amount equivalent to the estimated cost of construction for the number of
standard surface parking spaces for which the reduction is sought. To take advantage of this
option, the developer shall submit to the city engineer a cost estimate for the parking requested
to be waived. The city engineer shall examine the estimate for accuracy in current prevailing
costs of construction at the time of proposal and shall report to the planning commission his/her
findings.
(e) Proposals involving superior urban design which contribute to an enhanced pedestrian
environment and which include such features as pedestrian plazas and pocket-parks, pedestrian-
way connections with existing sidewalk systems and community facilities, park benches and
other street furniture, mass transit connections and shelters, and landscaping and shade tree
plantings.
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In all areas, except the downtown redevelopment target area, the planning commission or city planner,
according to the type of plan review required by Appendix B – Zoning, Article 10 – Planning
Commission, may require the development plans to have an area of open space designated where
parking could be constructed less than or equal to the number being reduced. In such cases the plan shall
bear a note which explains that the petitioner, in accepting a parking reduction, agrees to construct such
additional parking as is otherwise required under the provisions of this appendix, if the planning
commission, after a hearing, determines that the reasons for granting said reduction no longer exist. In
all such instances where the planning commission determines that the reasons for granting a reduction
no longer exist, the owner of record for the subject property for which a reduction was previously
granted must construct the parking required to meet the regulations of the city during the next
construction season.
(Ord. of 12-14-1992(2); Ord. of 4-25-1994; Ord. of 9-13-1999; Ord. of 4-23-2007(4); Ord. No. 2009-12,
9-14-2009; Ord. No. 2009-30, 3-8-2010; Ord. No. 2011-29, 1-9-2012; Ord. No. 2011-29, 1-9-2012)
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 6 – Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities, Section 5
– Supplementary Regulations for Parking and Loading Facilities of the Dover Code be amended to read
as follows:
Section 5. - Supplementary regulations for parking and loading facilities.
5.1 Access near street corners. No entrance or exit for any accessory off-street parking area with
over ten parking spaces, nor any loading berth shall be located within 50 feet of the intersection of
any two street lines.
5.2 On lots divided by zone boundaries. When a lot is located partly in one district and partly in
another district, the regulations for the district requiring the greater number of parking spaces or
loading berths shall apply to all of the lot. Parking spaces or loading berths on such a lot may be
located without regard to district lines, provided that no such parking spaces or loading berths shall
be located in a residence zone, unless the use to which they are accessory is permitted in such zone,
or by special permission of the board of adjustment.
5.3 Supplementary parking regulations for multiple dwellings. No parking space shall be located in
any front yard or within three feet of any lot line in side or rear yards. The parking of motor vehicles
within 15 feet of any wall or portion thereof, is prohibited. Except for electric vehicle charging
stations, no automobile service shall be permitted to be extended to users of the lot, including sales,
repair or fueling, and no gasoline, oil, grease, or related supplies shall be stored or sold in any such
lot or in any garage on such lot.
5.4 Supplementary regulations for any parking lots adjacent to residential lots.
5.41 Whenever space is provided for the parking of ten or more vehicles in the open, such spaces
shall be individually identified by means of pavement markings.
5.42 Reserved.
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5.43 Parking lots. Whenever a parking lot is located across the street from a residential use, it
shall be screened from view of such land by a thick hedge located along a line drawn parallel to the
street, such hedge to be interrupted only at points of ingress and egress and to meet the corner
visibility standards of Appendix B – Zoning, Article 5 – Supplementary Regulations, Section 1.31.
The open area between such hedge and the street shall be landscaped in harmony with the
landscaping prevailing on neighboring properties fronting on the same street. The hedge shall be at
least two feet in height at the time of planting and shall grow to no more than four feet in height at
the time of maturity. While the hedge is growing to a suitable height, an adjacent four foot high
fence may be required by either the planning commission or city planner, according to the type of
review required by Appendix B – Zoning, Article 10 – Planning Commission.
(Ord. of 4-25-1994; Ord. of 9-13-1999; Ord. of 10-12-1998; Ord. No. 2009-28, 3-8-2010; Ord. No.
2016-14, 5-9-2016 )
ADOPTED: OCTOBER 9, 2017
S:\ClerksOffice\Ordinances\Ordinance #2017-12 - App B - Zoning, Art 5 - Supp Reg and Art 6 - Off-Street Parking.wpd.doc
SYNOPSIS
The ordinance updates sections of Articles 5 and 6 of the Zoning Ordinance in order to enhance the
flexibility of the code in several areas, including dumpster requirements, screening and buffer
requirements, tree planting requirements, and curbing requirements. The proposed ordinance also adds
requirements for recycling to Article 5, Section 6 and rewrites Article 5, Section 18 to allow the City to
require multi-use path instead of frontage sidewalk under specific circumstances.
The staff amendment provides for a series of technical corrections and clarifications to ordinance #2017-
12. The amendment also addresses Public Works staff concerns about landscaping planted near utilities
and infrastructure. The amendment also expands a restriction on parking within 15 feet of buildings with
multiple dwellings.
The Planning Commission amendment provides clarification of the requirements for determining when
“multi-use” pathways would be required as a project component instead of standard sidewalks. The
concept for the amendment was recommended by the Planning Commission upon their review of
Ordinance #2017-12 and review of the proposed provisions for pedestrian, bicycle, and multi-modal
access requirements.
(SPONSORS: HARE AND SLAVIN)
Actions History:
10/09/17 - Public Hearing/Final Reading – City Council
09/18/17 - Public Hearing/Recommendation – Planning Commission
08/28/17 - First Reading – City Council
08/14/17 - Introduced – Council Committee of the Whole/Legislative, Finance, and Administration
Committee
Página 46
EXHIBIT #4
Regular Council Meeting of 10/09/2017
Examples of Behavior Justifying Censure for Local Elected Officials
Name Allegations Date
Samuel Guy, Councilman On multiple occasions, accused fellow 4/07/1 7
City of Wilmington, DE 1 council members of stealing, and "abusive,
berating, degrading and threatening"
comments to staff and council.
Jonathan Merritt, Onslow Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) 3/31/17
County School Board
member, North Carolina2
Brooklyn Supreme Court Driving Under Influence (DUI) 1/7116
Justice Carl Landicino,
New York 3
David Q. LaBarre, Using offensive and denigrating behavior 5/5/17
Durham County District during DUI arrest.
Attorney and Superior
4
Court Judge
Tony Thomas, Used expletives and vulgar remarks to a 5/31/17
Alderman female reporter. Also, appeared intoxicated
Savannah, Georgia5 at parade.
Ulysses Curie, Accepting bribes from a grocery store 11/10/11
State Senator, State of chain.
Maryland 6
Robert Ritter, Divulged confidential information from 03/13/06
City Council, Executive Session. Violated FOIA laws.
City of Dover, DE 7
1
http://www. delawarcon Ii nc.co111/st01y/ncws/20 I 7/04/06/wi hnington-ouncil-prcsi dcnt-movcs-ccnsurc-sam-guy/ I 00 I I9828/
2
h11 p:l/www.j dnews. co minewsi20 I 70405/merri t t-censure-d iscussed-by-schoo I-board-pub Iic-asks-for-his- resignation
' hltps://www.law360.com/a11icles/744935/ny-judge-cens11rcd-over-drunken-dri vi ng-cpisode
4
h t1p://www.11ewsobserver.co111/11ews/local/counties/durham-c01111ly/article14 88465 84. htm I
~ http://savannahnow.com/news/2017-05-31 /savannah-city-council-cens11res-condemns-tony-thomas-contcntious-meeting
6
https ://www. wash ingtonpost. com/b logs/ma rylan d-po Ii tic s/post/mat)' land-sena tc-cc11sures-ul ysses-
c urri e/20 I 2/02/ 17/glQ ANb30JR_blog. html?utm_temF. decd8660db I a
7
hups:i/www.cityof<lover.com/regular-city-council-meeting-4-4
Página 47
EXHIBIT #5
Regular Council Meeting of 10/09/2017
C()1JNCIL1\i1AN SlJJ)Ll~R'S ~-,INAL STA~l'J~MJ£NT
RJ~("tAI~I)IN(i- I~ESOLlJTJ()N 2017-18
OCT()BJ£R 9, 2017.
Council President Slavin,
For the record,
would like to acknowledge that I consider You and Tanner Polee not 011.l
a friend, but a highly respected Council Collea e, that I admire and
respect.
In fact, what is unique about our relationship is that you and I have
recognized that we have not always agreed on matters pertaining to the
Public's Business and have made a pledge to one another to always disagree
respectfully without affecting our personal friendship.
My Council President and Friend, there is no doubt in my mind of your
commitment and dedication to serving this great City of Dover and all of
the Council-Members that you represent.
However, I am greatly sadden and truly disappointed in the alternative
conflict resolution method, which you are proposing tonight for all of
Council to endorse.
Council-President, with all due respects my fiduciary duty to the Public
Pu suant to Article II.
Section 30-31(B) 1 titled Public Trust.
Will not allow me to be muzzled while in my opinion, an unlawful and
undeserving reprehensible censorship is being sanctioned upon my fellow
2°d District Councilman, Brian Lewis.
Página 48
C()lJNCIL~IAN SlTDLER'S FIN-AL STATE1\1EN~l1
l~J~(JAI~DINC} RJ1JSOJ._..lJ'11 ION 2017-18
()CTOBEI~ B, 2017.
In fact,
I believe that if an investigation was conducted upon each and every
current and past councilperson or mayor, then it would be discovered, that
from time to time, we ourselves are guilty of violating the public's trust by
not avoiding conduct that creates a justifiable impression among the public
that such trust is being violated because no-one is flawless.
After conducting extensive research pertaining to a Conflict of
Interest versus Potential Conflict of Interest,
I have come to a resolution of my own, and that is, there is no merit,
exhibits or guidelines that has navigated me to endorse Resolution 2017-13.
I n Conclusion.
According to Article III. Section 30-31(B) 5 titled "FAIRNESS"
I believe that if City Council does not set-aside this resolution and refer
this matter to the Ethics Commission pursuant to
Article III. Section 30-73(E) titled "RIGHT OF PERSON CHARGED"
Then City Council should prepare at least one or two more Resolutions
for Malfeasance of Public Office,
Due to Slander, Defamation of Character by Statement, and
Misrepresentation of Facts made publically in Delaware State Newspaper
or other media resources with the possible intent for personal and or
political gain.
~Thank You My Fellow City Council Members for your time and
consideration to set-aside resolution 2017-13