2022-04-27 Downtown Dover Partnership Board Meeting Packet

Sf lk, DOWNTOWN y =—\ f PARTNERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 7:30 a.m. AGENDA Dover City Hall — Conference Room THIS AND FUTURE DDP BOARD MEETINGS WILL BE HELD AT DOVER CITY HALL - CONFERENCE ROOM There will be NO ZOOM CALL-IN OPTION for this meeting. Handouts will be provided electronically. It is recommended that board members print a copy, if needed. 1. Welcome 2. Agenda 3. Minutes March 2022 4. Executive Committee/Staff Updates i. Board: Slate of Officers ii. Budget iii. Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan iv. Grant requests underway 5. Property Updates i. 136 W. Loockerman 6. Committee Updates 1s Economic Vitality ii. Marketing & Promotion 7. Legislative Updates i. Senator Trey Paradee ii. Senator Bill Bush 8. City Updates i. Mayor ii. City Council iii. City Manager iv. Interim Planning Director 9. Other Reports i. DSU ii. Kent County Tourism iii. Kent Economic Partnership iv. Bayhealth 10. Other Business 11. Public Comment 12. Adjourn Agenda items as listed may not be considered in sequence. Pursuant to 29 DEL. C. 10004(e)(2), this agenda is subject to change to include the addition or deletion of items, including executive sessions, which arise at the time of the meeting. Next DDP board meeting: Wednesday, May 25, 7:30 a.m. on site in City Conference Room. Downtown Dover Partnership Board Meeting Agenda April 27, 2021

\ DOWNTOWN yy SDOVER f PARTNERSHIP MINUTES Wednesday, March 23, 2022 Board Meeting via Zoom at 7:30 AM DRAFT BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF: Jonathan Street, Pete Bradley, Dave Hugg, Councilman Fred Neil, John Van Gorp, Mayor Christiansen, Carla Wilson, Codi Canasa, Linda Parkowski, Dawn Melson- Williams, Michael Casson, Senator Trey Paradee, Tina Bradbury, Jordan Resh COMMITTEE CHAIRS, PRESENTERS, AND OTHER ATTENDEES: Katie Tabeling DDP Vice President John Van Gorp led the meeting due to DDP President Todd Stonesifer’s absence. Call to Order: Vice Chair John Van Gorp opened the meeting at 7:38 am. Councilman Neil motioned to approve the agenda, Street seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously approve the agenda. Councilman Neil motioned to approve the February 2022 minutes, and Canasa seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve the February 2022 minutes. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE/STAFF UPDATES Budget (Budget: See attached. Bradbury shared that the DDP has not received funds from DIHM nor the expected revenue from paid parking. Bradbury added that the payout to Mosaic Development Partners is included in the current budget expenses. Van Gorp asked when next year’s budget would be presented to the Board, and Bradbury responded that a draft would be available in April for Board approval. Board Nominations Nomination Committee: Jonathan Street, Linda Parkowski, Kim Adams Street summarized the progress of the Nomination Committee’s meetings with candidates.. Street shared that four candidates, including Donny Legans, Doug Ferris, Brad Pedigo, and Diana Welch, were interviewed. Legans has a business and military background, which could help bridge the relationship between Dover and DAFB. Street shared that Legans works with Becker and Morgan, and that he would not vote due to this conflict, but that he is a top candidate to him. Van Gorp shared the recommendations from the Nominations Committee:: Donny Legans for vacant Board position; Doug Ferris for Economic Vitality Committee; Diana Welch for Safety Committee; and Brad Pedigo for the Organization Committee. (The Organization Committee is not a traditional, active committee.) Neil motioned to approve recommendations and Canasa seconded the motion. The Board voted DRAFT March 23, 2022 — DDP Board Meeting fl

unanimously to approve the recommended nominations, except Street who abstained. Legislative Update Senator Paradee provided a legislative update due to his schedule. He shared the following: e Senate Bill 149 — an amended Law Enforcement Bill of Rights to create more transparency, has become controversial. e He has received a lot of emails about transgender sports. e He is focused on the budget, and noted that the revenue picture continues to improve, which is an opportunity for the legislature to do more capital projects next year. Senator Paradee shared that there is discussion of a tax rebate for Delaware families to better respond to inflation, and said to expect an announcement in the next several weeks after deciding who will receive it and how it will be rolled out. e He is aware that businesses in downtown are struggling to get licensing, such as liquor licenses, and that he has communicated the need to support local businesses in downtown. Farmer’s Market Bradbury shared that the USDA has provided new updates for licensing and labeling. Bradbury believes that they will not be able to obtain vendors, and that there is not enough foot traffic to support a market. Bradbury added that she is not able to administer the program without former employee, Voshell. Bradbury shared that EBT vouchers are received in the mail again this year, and that redemption rates decreased. Parkowski asked if Bradbury could have discussed the EBT vouchers to Senator Paradee, and she said she would only discuss privately with him her belief that the State needs to return to in office work. Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan Bradbury shared the following: ¢ $10,000 was received from City Manager’s Office and $25,000 from Kent Levy Court Commissioners. e The DDP’s annual $150,000 request from the City was changed to $175,000 to provide additional funds. e Stakeholder meetings are on-going and that a survey will be launched soon. She added that weekly meetings are held as well to discuss progress. Van Gorp shared that he met with Mosaic and complimented their hard work, attention to detail, and passion for the downtown district. Property Updates Bradbury shared that 136 W Loockerman St’s window is decorated for DSU. She further shared that Laird is advertising a three-month free rent program and they have vetted two applicants, one for a DIY shop that would host classes on nights and weekends, and a Children’s Spa. Canasa asked for information to share about the listing Resh responded with social media information/links. Van Gorp asked for an update on the property fire. Bradbury responded that six families were displaced and DRAFT March 23, 2022 — DDP Board Meeting 2

two businesses, neither of which had business insurance. Bradbury added that a fund was created with CenDel Foundation to raise donations for the victims of the fire. Councilman Neil responded that he has received a thank-you card for his donation from the Foundation. Mayor Christiansen added that there was a fatality, and the City of Dover has been helping plan for funeral arrangements. Mayor Christiansen thanked Kay Sass and the Red Cross for their quick response to the fire and addressing the needs of the families affected. Mayor Christiansen said he was upset that misinformation by officials was shared about the cause of the fire and clarified that no cause of the fire has been determined at the moment. Tabeling asked for a link to the fundraiser. Van Gorp asked if the building would be demolished, and Mayor Christiansen responded that it is still being determined. Mayor Christiansen shared that in the 1900’s the building was a stable, was renovated to apartments in the 1920s, and suggested that it would likely need to be demolished. He added that historic buildings nearby with beautiful fagades propose challenges to fire fighters. COMMITTEE UPDATES Economic Vitality Bradbury shared the following: Sozo has left downtown, La Hacienda will join when their liquor license is approved. Tastee’s Chicken and Seafood opened on New St by Mr. Otis, the owner of Caribbean Cuisine. Jackson House will be opened hopefully by the end of 2022 and is approved for eight outdoor events. e Street asked for an update on Coney Island Hot Dogs, and Bradbury shared that there are infrastructure issues, such as gas connections, that are preventing the business from opening. e Canasa asked the size of Sozo, and Bradbury shared that the rent is approximately $3,000 for the two buildings. Marketing and Promotions Bradbury shared the ads for Central Delaware and Kent County Tourism created by Resh for 2022. CITY UPDATES City Council Councilman Neil said $1.75M was approved in ARPA funds, mostly for housing. Councilman Neil added that there will be a second round of applicants to address those that did not fit into housing projects. There were six projects awarded funding directly involved with downtown — DIMH, Central Habitat for Humanity, partial for Leon Wyder Associates in relation to Dover Housing Authority, and Code Purple. Only $100,000 was given out to organizations that are not directly in the downtown area. City Manager Dave Hugg shared the following: DRAFT March 23, 2022 — DDP Board Meeting 3

e Additional funding was requested for wastewater systems. Hugg added that he will submit a request for the River Walk, supported by City Council and many other locals, with the goal to incorporate cleanup work down St. Jones and Mini House Branch Project to approve trail behind Del-One’s Downtown location. e He is working with businesses to extend outdoor dining now that restrictions that were waived during Covid are being reinstated. e Two additional projects were approved but could not provide an official announcement. Van Gorp asked for clarity regarding outdoor dining, and Street responded that La Baguette’s outdoor dining appears to work to him now. Melson-Williams responded that provisions to outdoor dining related to Covid were to expand alcohol sales. Melson-Williams added that city zoning provisions limit outdoor dining on private property (La Baguette). She added that some issues are dealt with using special events permits, but that it is more difficult when located in the “public way”, noting that all of sidewalk may not be private property. Melson-Williams added that provisions for City Planner to approve outdoor dining in certain zones is moving forward and will work with individual restaurants. She noted that these approvals would need to address building and fire code. Interim Planning Director Melson-Williams shared the following: e They are in the final stage for permit repayment; second reminders were sent out. e Thanked City Fire Department for coordinating response to fatal fire downtown. e They are on night three of flushing water and reminded the group that if they have discolored water, it is because system is getting better and can go online to see where they will be working each evening. e Now that it is Spring, grass maintenance is enforced by the City to below 8”. e The planning commission recommended approval to historic district to bring in balance of project area proposed for Kent County Family Court Site. Melson-Williams shared that the historic commission will consider approval tomorrow, and then City Council would vote on final approval. She added that the filing was made for the Family Court project and the group will see more updates and public meetings in the coming months. Canasa asked about parking along Bradford, which has been difficult now that markings on side of the road are removed after the recent repaving (of S. Bradford). Because paid parking signs are up, more people are parking on the side of the road. OTHER Kent County Tourism Bradley shared that 25 checks have gone out to hospitality and business grant recipients. Application portal closes March 31 and encouraged additional applicants. Public Comment Canasa thanked Bradbury for her help at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and that thousands of people were downtown. Canasa said that this year after the parade, people were shopping and hanging out downtown until 4pm, rather than leaving quickly after the event ended. Canasa shared that she believes people are DRAFT March 23, 2022 — DDP Board Meeting 4

ready to return to community events, post-Covid. Mayor Christiansen said that Canasa accomplished a successful parade and thanked their hard work to implement an important event to Downtown Dover. Call to Adjourn: Councilman Neil motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 a.m. Canasa seconded, and the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. DRAFT March 23, 2022 — DDP Board Meeting 5 JR

OOANDOaARWN = DOWNTOWN DOVER PARTNERSHIP STATEMENT OF ASSETS/BALANCE SHEET FISCAL YEAR 2022 March ASSETS: Cash - PNC Commercial Loan Account $ 636,517 Cash - PNC Operating Account _ ; __ 255,969 _ Total Cash & Investments _ 892,486 Prepaid Items _ - - _- Land & Buildings _ : Real Estate Holdings _ 5,196,863 Equipment. ; 6,424 Accumulated Depreciation (809,405) TOTAL ASSETS $ 5,286,369 LIABILITIES: Accounts Payable _ _ _ §$ 15,487 Deposits - Leases/Sales Contracts - 27,432 Misc. Payable - Accrued Payroll _ ; 5,610 _ Note Payable - 22-24 Loockerman St. | _ 984,737 Note Payable - Governors Ave. 964,381 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 1,997,647 FUND BALANCES: Invested in Land & Buildings $ 4,393,882 Current Year -NetIncome/(Loss) __ _ (4,449) Unreserved, Undesignated (1,100,711) TOTAL FUND BALANCES $ 3,288,722 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES $ 5,286,369 Real Estate Holdings 120 S. Governors Avenue - Acme site : $ 1,239,345 133-135 S.GovernorsAvenue | 174,500 139 - 143 S. Governors Avenue 369,429 222 Railroad Avenue a 56,746 238 Railroad Avenue - ; 186,137 East side of N. West Street parcel #1 __ 243,000 680 & 684 Forest St ; _ 451,636 22-24 West Loockerman Street : 1,858,785 _Loockerman & North Street Lots - Collegian 177,393 __136 W. Loockerman St. : 96,671 111 New Street — ; 331,366 Santa House 11,855 Total Buildings & Land $ 5,196,863

OONOAaARWN = DOWNTOWN DOVER PARTNERSHIP MONTHLY BUDGET REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2022 Year to Date Year to Date YTD Budget FY22 Budget March Actual Budget Variance Budget Received Beginning Budget Balance & Cash $ 906,637 $ - $ - $ - $ - Beginning Budget Balance - _ 279,810 _ - Scie Ae tesa. - PNC Commercial Loan Account ____ 626,827 -5 - Se - RECEIPTS: a s Parking Permits $ _- $ 27,720 $ 26,250 $ 1,470 $ 35,000 79% Parking Meters —_ 186 936 7,500 ——(6,564) 10,000 9% Parking Enforcement _ _ : 14 CHALDEE SES CHA) 5,000 0% Property Rental Income - Governors Avenue 13,936 89,012 87,975 1,037 117,300 76% Property Rental Income - EZ-Pass 26,728 234,582 220,800 13,782 294,400 80% Property Rental Income - Forest Street = - 7,500 (7,500) 10,000 0% Property Rental Income - 136 W. Loockerman - - 9)900 Serena (91/900) manne 13,200 0% FY22 Appropriation from City of Dover - 112,500 112,500 - 150,000 75% Miscellaneous Receipts : 76,515 14,250 62,265 19,000 403% TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 40,850 $ 541,279 $ 490,425 $ 50,854 $ 653,900 83% DISBURSEMENTS: Salaries - $_ 1g § 104,502 $ 110,625 $ 6,123 $ _—-147,500 71% Temporary Help ee _ _ 3,735 0/000 2,265 ___ 8,000 AT% FICATaxes : 926 8,032 8,250 218 11,000. 73% Health Insurance _ ee _- : 4,500 4,500 6,000 0% Unemployment Tax Exp _ — - _ 2,250 Bere 8 ee 0000) 2% Office Supplies 155 1,125 536 ————*1,500 39% Printing & Duplicating 456 3,000 931 4,000 52% Program Materials & Supplies ____ 283 a = 3,000 1,964 4,000 26% Computer Software Purchases _ 389 ropa eee 7.50) (1,754) 1,000, 250% Parking Materials & Maintenance 26,250 —s_—23,900 35,000 7% Ins - _ 26,250 (11,710) ___ 35,000 108% Property Maint _ — _ ___ 15,000 7,810 20,000 36% Telephone/FAX - Fire & Security Systems _ 2,625 (358) 3,500 85% Postage a _ _ TS Neb 120) 100 95% Electricity _ 375 (178) 500. 111% Advertising ee _ 15,000 10,576 20,000 22% St 2,325 355 Geers 100) 64% Ti Is 13,500 12,205 18,000 7% Consulting _ 8,250 ___ 8,250 11,000 0% Office Space Rental __ — 8,175 ___ (944) 10,900 84% Contractual Services 3 = (225) _ =Se ot 0% Legal Expenses _ _ 76) tee 469 1,000 28% Community Relations _ 3,750 700m 5,000 40% Organization Committee _ __7,500 5,131 10,000 24% Merchant Committee 7,125 6,081 9,500 11% Marketing & Promotions Committee 15,000 peeee N17 20,000 39% Parking Committee _ eee aeroay 20: 29,327 ___ 45,500 11% Design Committee — 10,500 7,702 14,000 20% Bank Fees - 9,900 9,338 13,200 4% Property Taxes _ : _ - 21,750 (4,934) 29,000 92% Economic Development Committee - 40 12,225 (87,929) 16,300 430% Construction - Westside & Other Projects oe 2 (55,635) 2 0% Facade Program _ 5,000 _ 22,500 (19,015) 30,000 138% Financial Charges - PNC Loan 30,974 147,975 8,590 197,300 71% TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS $ 60,702 $ 545,728 $ 550,425 $ 4,697 $ 733,900 74% NET INCOME/(LOSS) $ (19,852) $ (4,449) $ (60,000) $ 55,551 $ (80,000) Budget Balance ee 250,269 (4,449) (60,000) is (80,000) PNC Commercial Loan Account 636,517 - - - Ending Working Capital - Budget Balance $ 827,961 $ (4,449) $ (60,000) $ (80,000)