Acta

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING A Special Council Meeting was held on June 25, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Bonar presiding. Members present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Dixon, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Perza, Mr. Slavin, Mrs. Williams, Mr. Hare, and Mr. Hutchison. Council staff members present were Police Chief Bernat, Mr. Koenig, Mrs. Townshend, and Ms. Devine. Council staff members absent were Mrs. Mitchell, Fire Chief Carey, City Solicitor Rodriguez, and Mrs. McDowell. Mr. Bonar noted that Robin R. Christiansen had served the City well over the years and expressed his pleasure in welcoming him back as Mayor, noting that this would be a new chapter for the City. The invocation was given by Vy. Reverend James S. Lentini, V.F., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS Mr. Hutchison moved for approval of the agenda as presented, seconded by Mrs. Williams and unanimously carried. Oath of Office Administered by The Honorable Kenneth S. Clark, Jr., Judge, Court of Common Pleas The Honorable Kenneth S. Clark, Jr., Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, administered the Oath of Office to Robin R. Christiansen. Mr. Bonar congratulated Mayor Christiansen and commented on their history of working together, along with Mr. Hutchison, and expressed his appreciation for the service so many give to the City. He stated his pleasure at having Mayor Christiansen in office and noted that he was looking forward to working together with the Mayor’s Office for the betterment of the City. Mr. Bonar also acknowledged that the campaign had been “tough” but noted that, once the election is over, everyone works as a team. Photographs (Mayor and Council) There being no objections, Council President Bonar declared that the meeting would recess for photographs of the Mayor and members of City Council. Meeting recessed at 7:38 p.m. By unanimous consent, the meeting was reconvened at 7:45 p.m. Mayor Christiansen recognized his mother in the audience, stating that without her and his father, he would not be where he is today. He indicated that he had learned a lot from his parents, noting in particular their motto of “service to others” which he had passed on to his children, hoping that they would do the same. Mayor Christiansen stated that he moved to Dover from Philadelphia when he was a child and fell in love with the City, and it was this love affair with the City that motivated him to return to serve in office. In closing, Mayor Christiansen again applauded his mother, stating that all that he is or ever will be was because of her.

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 25, 2014 PAGE 2 Mr. Lynn addressed Mayor Christiansen, reflecting fondly on time that their respective families had shared together. Mr. Lynn thanked Mayor Christiansen, stating that he would be coming into an office that had a cloud over it that was not his doing. He expressed his hope that, as Mayor of the City of Dover, Mr. Christiansen would be able to bring honor, integrity, and service back to the office and his confidence, having known him his entire life, that he would be able to do so. Mr. Slavin congratulated Mayor Christiansen and welcomed him back to the City. He recounted a conversation he had with his father-in-law on the evening preceding the election as they shared some thoughts on the various candidates. Mr. Slavin pointed out Councilman David Anderson’s service to his country, as well as to the City, and his father-in-law commented that there were two (2) true patriots running in this race, Mr. Robin R. Christiansen and Mr. David L. Anderson. He stated that this was a good way to summarize the candidates, noting that his father-in-law had known Mr. Christiansen for a long time and that he had been a patriot to the City for many years. Mr. Slavin thanked Mayor Christiansen and all of the candidates who ran in the race, stating that it was a race marked by its civility, and he expressed his hope to continue that course as everyone works together for the City. Mrs. Williams welcomed Mayor Christiansen, noting a job well done. Mr. Hare welcomed Mayor Christiansen, noting his history of working with Mr. Christiansen in the 1990s. Mr. Hutchison welcomed Mayor Christiansen and stated that he was confident that, with the Mayor’s leadership and the participation of staff and the citizens of Dover, everyone working together could move the City forward in meeting the challenges that lie ahead. Responding, Mayor Christiansen thanked Mr. Hutchison and expressed his belief that the City will do great things with everyone working together and following the City’s motto of “Community Excellence through Quality Service.” Mr. Christiansen expressed his hope to make this next year one of the greatest. Mr. Dixon stated that, although he was a newcomer to the City, as former City Chaplain, he was familiar with Mayor Christiansen’s contributions to the City and thanked him for being on board. Mr. Perza welcomed Mayor Christiansen, congratulated him on his election, and wished him success in accomplishing all of his goals. Mr. Anderson congratulated Mayor Christiansen, stating that he was looking forward to working with him for the betterment of the City. Mr. Anderson said that he was familiar with the work Mayor Christiansen had done and recognized his wealth of experience and the value that he would bring to the City. Council President Bonar welcomed the Kent County Levy Court Commissioners who were present, Mr. Terry Pepper, At-Large Commissioner, and Mr. Allan Angel, Third District Commissioner, as well Mrs. Nancy Wagner, former State Representative and active member in the community.

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 25, 2014 PAGE 3 Mayor Christiansen thanked his wife, children, cousins, and all of his family for attending the meeting. By unanimous consent, the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. DENISE L. DEVINE ASSISTANT CITY CLERK All orders, ordinances, and resolutions adopted by City Council during their Special Meeting of June 25, 2014 are hereby approved. ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN MAYOR /DD S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Council-Minutes\2014\06-25-2014 SPECIAL.wpd