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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular City Council Meeting was held on July 25, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. with Council President
Sudler presiding. Council members present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Neil,
Dr. Pillsbury, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Hare. Ms. Arndt and Mr. Rocha were absent.
Staff members present were Major Spicer, Ms. Peddicord, Mr. Hugg, Ms. Gray, Mr. Rodriguez,
and Ms. Bennett. Mayor Christiansen was present.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 6:15 p.m., prior to the commencement of the Official Council
Meeting. Council President Sudler declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present
that Council was not in official session and could not take formal action.
Hasan Kelly, 420 New Castle Avenue, Dover DE 19901 spoke to Council about concerns and his
efforts to clean up the City of Dover.
Matthew Alderman, City of Dover, spoke to Council regarding utility deposits for military
families. Mr. Alderman would like to see utility deposits capped at $150.00 for military families
and enlisted.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Elder Ellis B. Louden
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman David Anderson
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Taylor, and unanimously
carried. (Arndt and Rocha absent)
ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
All Consent Agenda items are considered routine and non-controversial and will be acted upon by
a single roll call vote of the Council. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a
member of Council so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent
Agenda and considered a separate item.
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the consent agenda, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury, and carried
by a unanimous roll call vote. (Arndt and Rocha absent)
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CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION – NATIONAL DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE
DAY The City Clerk read the following Certification of Recognition into the record:
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION
in recognition of
NATIONAL DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY
Thank you for ensuring all people have the same
rights and opportunities as everyone else
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – PURPLE HEART DAY
The City Clerk read the following Certification of Recognition into the record:
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
in honor of
PURPLE HEART DAY
Honoring the men and women who
bravely represented their country.
We thank you for your service.
PRESENTATION – HELP INITIATIVE, INC
Mr. Harold Stafford, Government Relations Director and Mr. Charles Kissler, Executive Director
from Help, Initiative, Inc gave an overview of the organization.
Mr. Stafford explained that he had a conversation with Mayor Christiansen a couple weeks ago,
and he shared that the city had imposed a 30% rate increase in the electric usage for citizens of
Dover. The mayor asked if the Help Initiative, Inc. could assist in helping the citizens of the city
who might be financially challenged by that 30% rate increase.
Mr. Stafford stated that for those of you who've been around for the last five years, you know that
the Help Initiative is a nonprofit company headquartered here in Dover. The Help Initiative, Inc
offices in the Cendel building and their signature program was the establishment of Lights On,
Dover Strong.
Mr. Stafford explained that they have done over 1200 light installations in the city of Dover, most
of those have occurred in low income, underserved marginalized communities. The Help Initiative,
Inc is open to assisting the city in ways of trying to help those low-income individuals address
their electric bills so that they can maintain their power source. They look forward to working very
closely with the customer service office. He explained that due to confidentiality the city cannot
give a list of those people who are in arrears or might be facing disconnection, however if they
could be referred to the Help Initiative, Inc from customer service, they may be able to look at
ways that those affected could reduce their energy usage.
Mr. Stafford further explained that they initially started this program by installing a simple light
bulb on the front or back of their home. Using American Rescue Plan Act funds (ARPA), the Help
Initiative, Inc has money to go beyond just installing the exterior lights, they can also use the
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money as part of our education initiative to go inside the home and look at ways that they can start
to convert incandescent lights inside homes to LED lighting as a way to address or reduce their
energy consumption.
Mr. Stafford explained that is one idea of how they might be able to address the problem. He
further explained that they have other programs that are funded under a grant that could also
discussed.
Mr. Boggerty explained that he wanted to emphasize is that at the time where I was living, every
light was changed, and his electric bill went down. He explained that he also received a credit
somewhere between one of the utilities. Mr. Boggerty also wanted to explain that you don’t have
to be low income to qualify.
Mr. Stafford explained that they can serve low- and moderate-income residents. The Energize
Delaware funds are the lights on program, but we have the capability now to expand beyond that,
to include low and moderate income.
Mr. Boggerty emphasized no matter what your income level is, call the Help Initiative, Inc.
because there may be a program that fits your needs. He further explained that business owners
can call to find out what type of programs that they can offer. He further explained that he did
notice a significant drop in his bill. Mr. Boggerty urged everyone to call and if they can help you,
then they will help you and they have excellent customer service.
Mr. Stafford explained that they have a merchant on program, where they can go and help small
businesses look at ways they can assess their energy usage by doing an audit of their energy usage
to look at ways that they can reduce their energy costs.
Mr. Stafford further explained that they just finished an audit of the E-ZPass office building on
Loockerman Street.
Mr. Anderson asked if Help Initiative, Inc has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the
City of Dover and the city utility.
Mr. Stafford explained they already have an MOU with the city.
Mr. Anderson asked if the MOU was sufficient to cover your expanded services or do, they need
any adjustments to it?
Mr. Stafford suggested they could take a look at it with the City Manager Hugg, and we could
review that just to make sure everything is covered.
Mr. Stafford introduced Charles Kistler, the Executive Director of the Help Initiative, Inc. Mr.
Kistler then explained that they will need to revise the scope of work for that Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the City of Dover.
Mr. Kistler explained that the Help Initiative, Inc is creating energy conservation kits, which
directly support these programs that Mr. Stafford talked about. He further explained that beyond
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the Lights On program they have Safety On, Education On, Merchant On, Jobs On, and
Windows On.
Mr. Kistler explained that they are going to fabricate windows and then they going to have a
community build. People would build, their windows under the Help Initiative, Inc and there
would typically be six to eight windows per house. He stated that is just one more element
toward the energy conservation approach that we're trying to take.
Mr. Kistler explained that Safety On is another program. Cameras are placed on the outside of
the house, supplemented by registering residents for the smart 9-1-1 service. The Help Initiative
would provide households with a kit. The kit includes a first aid kit, blanket, smoke detector,
carbon monoxide detector, night lights, registration for smart 9-1-1 emergency information
cards, family emergency communications plan, a fire extinguisher, and a lead test.
Mr. Kistler further explained that children are in homes built before 1978, and there are a bunch
of them in Dover, and if kids under the age of six are living in those houses, then there could be
problems. If they test and find lead, then they need to go into a full assessment of the house and
then remediate or abate the home.
Mr. Kistler explained that they have $2.5 million from the governor, and they are going to see
him in Seaford on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. He further explained that they want to make sure that
they contribute as much as we can to that grant for the city.
Mr. Kistler stated that they are going to start with the Wesley United Methodist Church because
they need flood lights, and they need cameras. Mr. Kistler explained that they would like to
work closely with the police department. Together we have a comprehensive coverage. We love
this city, and we are going to do everything we can to help continue to support, especially when
the mayor calls us into his office and says, we need to act.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Kistler gave the background of their program that builds
windows. Mr. Kistler explained that they drove up to Maine to see an operation that fabricates
6,000 windows. He further explained that seeing that program in Maine gave them a better
understanding.
Mr. Kistler explained that they are already in the house doing other services and while they are in
there, they can measure. The cost of doing that is a lot less than if you were just to dedicate
yourself to going out and measure windows. He further explained that they do that as part of a
holistic approach. The shop will build the all the frames as kits and then the kits are shipped to a
location. Mr. Kistler stated that part of it is the community building them and then the other part
is installing it and training the people on how to properly take them in and out.
Mr. Kistler explained that it is as simple as the light bulb, and they always tell everybody it is a
simple light bulb. He stated do not over complicate the solutions that we are talking about here.
This is not rocket science, but a window and a light bulb. Lights and leaks.
Mr. Neil stated that he has always referred to NCALL as a Swiss army knife of resolving a lot of
issues. He further stated that the Help Initiative, Inc is a Swiss army knife. He explained that they
have taken up in a certain area that is needed, and he has tried desperately to get a time when
council can be in the downtown area. Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) is going to have a
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presentation. He believes it is worthwhile listening to the presentation. To light up a $275,000
LED system of Smart lighting, and LED lighting as part of a $3 million system for the city.
Mr. Neil explained that most of it has been pushed back because of the cost at this time. He
stated that is lighting and he is trying to get that, however what he sees here is we have had code
inspectors go to a place, a lease land community where not only would you be able to help a lot
of these people who own homes in these facilities, because they are low income. The house was
rented to a family of four who were living there, not only had electrical problems that were
worse, but they also had to open the door to the house with a knife because there were no
doorknobs. The occupants had to leave the immediately because the home was condemned. Mr.
Neil stated there are many homes here that could be livable, and we have a desperate need for
livable home and affordability. It holds down the affordability, if the person owns the home and
it would be a tremendous help.
Mayor Christiansen asked if there any income limits on the windows and also do the properties
have to be owner-occupied or is it available to rental properties or landlords?
Mr. Boggerty responded that it is open for landlord, owner, or a renter/tenant. He further
explained that the income levels, really the intent in this program based on the contract from the
governor's office, was to serve those people that were deferred because they were just over the
income qualifications. He further explained from working poor to moderate income.
Mayor Christiansen asked about having a mass sign to put up in the Reed Street Customer
Service office. If you could check with Mr. Hugg about it, he is sure that we could give the space
to refer folks to your worthwhile operation.
Mr. Stafford asked if they should be working with City Manager Hugg on the details of how to
roll it out in conjunction with the customer service office.
Mr. Sudler responded to Mr. Stafford, Mr. Hugg will be the key contact person, and he will
provide you with additional information moving forward.
PRESENTATION – TRANSFORMING DOWNTOWN DOVER BY JOHN CHILDRESS
FROM MOSAIC CONSULTING
Mr. John Childress, Director of Business Development for Mosaic Development Partners
Director of Business Development and Mr. Todd Stonesifer, President of the Downtown
Dover Partnership Board, presented the Transforming Downtown Dover Update. (Exhibit #1)
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Childress explained he has not touched base with Port of Hope
but will check into the organization. He further explained that they have met with Habitat for
Humanity, NCALL, and Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing.
Mr. Anderson responded that they will get Help Initiative, Inc information for some people who
have been looking to start an entry, a community, or a tiny home community with all the services
that the people may need. Mr. Anderson further stated that there is a lot of creative opportunities
that could happen.
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Mr. Anderson stated that he is looking forward to hearing about the creative opportunities with
the experience that Mosaic has had and some of the solutions.
Mr. Anderson asked if anyone has talked with Mosaic about a Museum of Dover History? He
further explained that the Friends of Old Dover have some real interest in that, and it could
definitely be helping the blueprint with tourism. He further stated that he is a big fan of the idea
of a River Walk in Dover.
Mr. Childress responded to Mr. Anderson, that Mosaic met with the Biggs Museum and has
driven past the Agriculture Museum, however he did not know about a general Dover Museum.
Mr. Anderson explained that there is some movement about making a Dover Museum happen.
Mr. Anderson stated that if it is going to be done then this is the time to include it in the
discussion
Mr. Boggerty noted that he will attend the upcoming meetings. He further explained that he and
Ms. Bradbury, who works at the DDP, had an idea along with the river walk, and that would be
to include an amphitheater.
Mr. Boggerty stated that he had recently attended a concert at the Dell amphitheater in
Philadelphia. He explained that they have all types of shows and although it would not be able
to be as big and robust as the Dell.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Childress stated that on the water or on Loockerman Street but
somewhere where you can see the beauty of the city as well. They have many different types of
acts there. He noted that if you have 500 people and they get a membership, they are going to
want to go to most shows, because you've paid your money.
Mr. Neil stated that he is very impressed with what Mosaic has done and the other places where
they have had sections of land. Mr. Neil stated the key for downtown Dover is bringing mixed
housing not just low-income into the city. Mr. Neil stated that finding the money for that housing
basically you have built in that automatic audience. He stated that it is the audience that you
cannot get from Amazon, because they can walk to the restaurants and other places.
Mr. Neil explained that Councilman Taylor did a presentation on the river walk and has insisted
on saying it is something that has got to fit in, and it is in walking distance. Mr. Neil noted that
he has been extremely impressed. He further explained that he has participated in a charette, and
he hopes to participate even more. He explained he knows that the staff that has been brought in
on the project has the expertise and has been very impressive. He stated that keeping Council
informed is extremely important because this project is the future and he is telling anybody that
will listen to watch and see what is happening because good things are happening.
Mr. Neil explained that the one thing that Mosaic has done in every place they have gone and is
doing here, is getting buy-in from people, you are reaching out to them engaging them in the
process and getting feedback.
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Mr. Taylor stated that he has been a charette. He further stated that he is a visual learner and
Mosaic has shown the vision of what it could be. He explained that he sees the sights, but
Mosaic has helped him with the vision of what Dover can be.
Mr. Taylor explained that he has always been one of those people who says, “I remember when
Dover was that place.” He doesn’t want to totally recreate what it was, however, he is looking
forward to merging the future with the past and seeing exactly what we could do. Please keep up
the good work.
Mr. Taylor stated they are all walking in the same direction and trying to speak the same
language. We need communication.
Responding to Dr. Pillsbury concern about not being aware of when meetings are taking place,
Mr. Childress explained that a lot of the meetings were dedicated specifically for people who
were in planning and different areas that were relevant at that point in time. He stated they
certainly will make sure that members of Council are informed of all meetings going forward.
Mr. Childress stated that everyone is invited to the charette. He further explained that is a
member of council cannot make those dates, to give him a call and he will plan accordingly to
meet via Zoom or in-person.
Responding to Mr. Sudler about historical preservation of downtown dwellings, Mr. Childress
explained that the numbers must work. He further explained that you cannot just tell someone
they need to fix up their dwelling because it will be better. You need to show them the end result
and in order to make that happen you have to look at both sides. One is the revenue side. And on
the revenue side, what would your new place be able to produce in terms of rent and steady
tenants. It is really challenging on the expense side, because if you look at it from the standpoint
of, if you're a business owner and you own a property downtown in Dover, and then when you
look at the amount of money that it's going to take to bring it up to code or to make it ready, and
you look at that and you say, "There's no way. I can't afford to do that." So the business is going
to leave and they're going to go somewhere else.
Mr. Childress suggested one of the things that we have always done is created special tax
incentive zones. That is huge. The tax incentive zones are probably one of the leading
instruments which helped turn Allentown around. He stated that another key thing is for certain
buildings, depending upon their age, they may qualify for historic tax credits and funding. So
you can utilize that as part of your capital stack to help turn that around. A lot of it depends.
There's many conditions that go with that, but that's another tool that we have used in order to
take a building which is older and make that happen. And then third is a direct investment in
infrastructure, usually coming from the city or a quasi-city agency that is really looking to bring
in the dollars to turn that around. Because if that infrastructure in investment is done on a
citywide level or a block wide or neighborhood wide level, then that puts less of a burden on the
property owner. The property owner doesn't have to take all that on herself or himself. So now
you can start to make the numbers work.
Mr. Childress explained that they cannot tell someone to do something which is going to cost
them money. So what we look at are what are all of the incentives that comes in? Our COO,
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Leslie Smallwood-Lewis is just brilliant at that. She stays on something, even if it takes years to
find every single tax incentive you can, every type of grant, every type of funding vehicle that
you can. When you build a private, public partnership, what does that look like and how do you
make that happen?
Mr. Childress explained that one of the beauties here is we do have a really attentive and good
city government. We have the county government, we have the state government, and then
there's the federal government. Heck, we got to get something for having the president come
from here, but it really is that level of attention to detail and that hard work. We're not going to
come up with this great silver bullet recommendation. Everyone's, "Wow, that's it, it's so great."
Mr. Childress suggested that it really is many of those types of things, of really getting out here,
searching through every single tax incentive that's possible, going to meet with our elected
officials, showing them the merits of this and putting the work in. That's how I look at how we're
going to be able to change that and make that happen.
Mr. Childress stated to think about if we had a zoning overlay for the downtown district of, this
is the type of architecture we would like to see. These are the types of things we would like to
see. And if you're a developer and you're coming in and you're meeting these goals, guess what?
We're going to expedite your approval process, because you're building what we want to see in
our town. And that appeals to developers to get them to come into town and spend money,
because they're like, "I'm not going to get hung up for three years in zoning or two years here, as
long as I am doing what I'm supposed to do and following along with the codes that Dover has
established." So that's another way to expedite the process, is when you have those clear
guidelines.
Mr. Childress explained that a lot of times, owners will hear about, "Oh, there's too much red
tape," and there's too much this and this, but all that exists for a reason. It should be the goal of
the leaders, which I'm sure it is here as well, is that can we remove the unnecessary red tape, but
make sure we keep the things that are important for keeping our people safe? There was a
tragedy on Loockerman Street. We don't want that to happen again. He explained that they
understand the importance of these rules, but we want to make sure that the rules aren't hurting
development, so long as it's being done in the right way.
Mr. Sudler asked when they are dealing with specific or initial cities or municipalities, let's say,
for example, how you're dealing with the city of Dover, is one of your strategies to also reach out
to the county, let's say the county commissioners and say, "Hey, yes, this is the city of Dover, but
this is also going to improve the county, Kent County?" Do you plan on communicating with
them to see how they're going to partake or help to share the financial burden that we may or
may not accrue? Participate.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mr. Childress stated that as a matter of fact, yes, that is right on point.
They had that conversation last week in our meeting with Todd and Diane, and really talked to
them about all levels. We want to engage all levels, the city, the county and the state, and then
the federal dollars as well.
Mr. Childress stated it does make the county better when Dover is thriving, it makes the state
better when Dover is thriving. We are reaching out to all of the levels to see what types of
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solutions they can bring to the table. And what's important is really spending the time with folks,
so they understand the logic and the thinking behind it.
Mr. Childress explained that there is always the elevator pitch always, hated the elevator pitch
when I was teaching business courses here and stuff, because most of the really important things
really take a much deeper dive than that. They really take me clearing my calendar and sitting
with you for as many hours as it takes, for us to come to an understanding of, here's what we are
thinking. What are you thinking? And how does this match? And putting that level of time in
there.
Mr. Childress stated that is what we have been really good at, Mosaic. You can look up all of our
projects and they all went through to completion, because we will put that extra work in. Some
of you may not remember, there used to be a commercial all the time from Avis. They're like,
"We're number two. We try harder." Well, we try harder, because we honestly could not afford to
fail. Not too big to fail, too little to fail. So when you do that and you start finding that, you say,
"Okay, now we know how to make this happen."
Mr. Childress stressed that everyone they have come across has been extremely helpful,
extremely positive about building a re-energized downtown Dover.
Mr. Stonesifer explained that they have created a ton of momentum, and this is just the beginning
portion of this. However, this is 2030 and beyond.
Mr. Stonesifer explained that they have great partnership at the city. We've created great
partnership at the county. The county has contributed financially to help pay for the plan. We
have developed great partnership at the state. We wrote four grants this year for something called
the community reinvestment fund. It's through Bonneville, and we were lucky enough to enjoy
being awarded a significant amount of money.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 11, 2022
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 11, 2022, were unanimously approved
by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury, and bore the written approval of
Mayor Christiansen.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Council Committee of the Whole met on July 12, 2022, at 6:06 p.m., with
Council President Sudler presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Neil,
Dr. Pillsbury (via WebEx), Ms. Arndt, and Mr. Rocha. Mr. Anderson, Mr. Taylor,
and Mr. Hare were absent. Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members
present for their committee meetings were Mr. Lewis and Mr. Tholstrup (Parks,
Recreation and Community Enhancement), Dana Shelton (Utility), and Mr. Contant
and Mr. Shevock (via WebEx) (Legislative, Finance, and Administration). Mr.
McCutcheon (Utility) was absent.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
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Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Ms. Arndt and
unanimously carried.
PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
COMMITTEE
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee met with
Chairwoman Arndt presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Rocha and
unanimously carried.
Presentation of Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project (Joshua th,
Public Works Department)
Mr. Joshua Barth, Public Works Department, reviewed the presentation entitled
"Presentation of Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project."
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Barth stated that the two concrete areas are
clarifying rings left over from the wastewater treatment facility. Mr. Barth
explained they would act as a cap when they clean up the site because sampling
was not done under the concrete. Mr. Barth further explained that if they tear up
the rings or concrete, the city will have to sample and clean up whatever may be
under it. Mr. Barth stated leaving the concrete is an allowable cleanup option under
the state, the concrete acts as a cap or protective layer to the soil underneath.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Barth stated that the caps, like everything, have a
lifespan. Mr. Barth explained that it comes down to cost versus benefit. Mr. Barth
further explained that it is a matter of what resources and finances the city would
like to invest in a property to clean up. Mr. Barth stated everything has a lifespan
of 25, 30, or 40 years.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Barth confirmed that the presented cleanup options
would be the Delaware Department of Natural Resources that will decide the
cleanup options required given the land use. Mr. Barth stated the Delaware
Department of Natural Resources is aware the end land use will be a Drainage
Improvement Project and a potential park. Mr. Barth reassured that the state would
not approve of a cleanup option if it were inappropriate.
Mr. Neil stated they would be discussing this again when they make the AECOM
contract because this is the start of this thing. Mr. Neil explained that there were a
lot of options for this area. Mr. Neil explained one of the options was that they do
not do anything. Mr. Neil stated he believed if they are going to be dealing with the
remediation, it falls to the state to tell them what to do for this situation. Mr. Neil
stated that when they discuss the AECOM contract, which is starting the
remediation, to see what the expense looks like, it will be tremendous because of
the options they have given. Mr. Neil expressed there are still a lot of questions
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regarding crossing South Street, will there be a road or a bridge, or do they want to
use the south end of State Street to do that? Mr. Neil stated that all these things are
there, and he hopes they have the things that are not provided, which could add
additional costs.
Mr. Neil noted this would be an expensive project and hoped the attorneys look at
it to ensure that they cover all the grounds when preparing this contract. Mr. Neil
stated the agreement should go through quickly because they need it. Mr. Neil said
it would be a very interesting process, and everything done would affect what they
were discussing with Downtown Dover Partnership and Mosaic. Mr. Neil
suggested touching base with Downtown Dover Partnership because he believes it
is essential in terms of what the plans will be in the future for the downtown. After
all, this is the heart of downtown that's affected.
Responding to Mr. Tholstrup, Mr. Barth stated he did not feel comfortable
discussing the river walk. Mr. Barth noted there are no conceptual plans yet for the
park. However, Mr. Barth did explain that the plan to open the channel that was
once from State Street down to the St. Jones River is now a storm pipe that carries
stormwater to the river, and that essentially is where the Meeting House Branch
used to be. Mr. Barth further explained that the plan is to remove those pipes, allow
the water to flow more naturally, and restore the area to its original beauty, an open
stream. Mr. Barth noted that it would fit and compliment a park because there
would be a natural water feature. However, there are not any specific plans for a
park.
Responding to Mr. Tholstrup, Mr. Barth stated the property adjacent to the St. Jones
River, the city owns 4.5-5 acres of that property.
Responding to Mr. Tholstrup, Mr. Barth stated the area was analyzed by three
engineering firms PSC Engineering in 1989, Becker Morgan in 2009, and AECOM
in 2015. Mr. Barth noted the last report he reviewed was the Becker Morgan, and
they did a hydraulic analysis for the area based upon the drainage area and would
wipe out the 25-year storm event. Mr. Barth stated that it concerned him that
downtown floods during heavy rain would be a 10–15-year type flood event.
Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Mr. Barth stated the current plans do not
include the parking lot on the site of the old box outlet or the paving over the
northeast corner of Governors and Water Street. Mr. Barth noted once they are in
the final stages of completing the design, they can have those firms communicate
with one another to account for that within the latest analysis. Mr. Barth stated that
it sounded like they were going to cover how to manage stormwater at the family
courthouse and potentially store stormwater. Mr. Barth explained this would help
resolve the flooding issue downtown even more, as there would be less water going
down to the bottleneck.
Ms. Arndt suggested making sure the residents at Elm Terrace are involved in the
process. Ms. Arndt explained that if they know what is going on and why people
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are out there, it will alleviate any concerns they might have regarding potential
flooding on their properties.
NCALL Donation of 7,176 square feet of 235 North Kirkwood Street to the City
of Dover (David S. Hugg, III, City Manager)
Mr. David S. Hugg, III, City Manager, reviewed the background and analysis
regarding donating 7,176 square feet of 235 North Kirkwood Street to the City of
Dover.
The staff recommended acceptance of the donation.
Mr. Sudler moved to recommend acceptance of the donation, as recommended
by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Dr. Pillsbury, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (Arndt and Rocha
absent)
Mayor and Council Reports
Council President Sudler
Mr. Sudler reviewed Attachment #1 entitled "Council – President/District 4
Report".
First District
Dr. Pillsbury stated she attended the 4th of July Celebration. Dr. Pillsbury said she
received a complaint from a constituent in Bicentennial Village regarding their
electric bill. Dr. Pillsbury explained the billing cycle was for 6/1-7/5, and the rate
increase did not take effect until July 1st; however, they were billed for the increased
rate for the entire month. Dr. Pillsbury did not believe this to be fair. Dr. Pillsbury
stated the answer she received from staff is that is the way it has always been done.
Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Ms. Arndt stated they would have someone look into
this issue.
Mr. Rocha stated once Dr. Pillsbury returns; he would like to reach out to her about
a plan of constituent engagement in the First District. Mr. Rocha said they would
develop a platform where constituents or representatives of each housing area in
the First District can communicate with the councilpersons and bring issues to their
attention in one forum.
Ms. Arndt asked Mr. Rocha to keep them updated, and it may be something they
could use across all districts.
Second District
Mr. Hare and Mr. Taylor were absent.
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Third District
Mr. Neil stated he attended two special meetings, one on June 1st dealing with
Kings Cliff, and thanks to the staff, via WebEx, they were able to bring in the
Attorney General's office on June 9th with Councilman Boggerty. Mr. Neil also
attended a renter's rights discussion with a representative of NCALL, the
Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals hearing with
Councilman Anderson, Councilman Rocha, and civilians on June 8th. Mr. Neil
stated he testified twice at Legislative Hall on bills that affect lease land
homeowners in Dover. Mr. Neil noted he came out on the short end of it, but that
game will continue. Mr. Neil stated he attended two Habitat for Humanity meetings
during June. On June 10, 2022, the kickoff of the Restore event, and then on July
12, 2022, along with Mayor Christiansen, Dave Hugg, Councilman Taylor, and
Dawn Melson-Williams, dealing with the remediation, their progress to date, and
options that they put out for us.
Mr. Neil stated he spoke to Diane Laird, Director of Downtown Dover Partnership
(DDP), and relayed Dr. Pillsbury's request to have them report to council monthly
or as quickly as possible. Mr. Neil stated he and staff are invited to different
meetings so that they have input and can report to council themselves. Mr. Neil
explained that the DDP wants the council involved and to keep them informed
about what is happening.
Mr. Neil stated he attended the African American Festival on June the 11th, June
the 16th, the tourism meeting on June the 18th, Comic-Con Festival at the Dover
Public Library, the entire area around Legislative Hall, and to Downtown Dover
Partnership's meetings.
Mr. Neil also attended the July 4th parade, and on July 9th, he sat on the reviewing
stand of the Hundredth Anniversary of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter's
Association. Mr. Neil noted there were 10 council meetings from the beginning of
June through July 12, including the homework that goes into preparation for those
meetings and emails from constituents and staff.
Fourth District
Mr. Anderson was absent. Mr. Sudler included his Fourth District Report in
Attachment #1 - Council – President/District 4 Report
At-Large
Mr. Boggerty was absent.
Mayor Christiansen
Mayor Christiansen reviewed Attachment #2 - Mayor's Report.
Ms. Arndt moved for adjournment of the Parks, Recreation, and Community
Enhancement Committee; hearing no objection, the meeting adjourned at
6:50 p.m.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 14
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Rocha presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Ms. Arndt and
unanimously carried.
Engineering Support – Water Street and South Governors Avenue (Jason Lyon,
Director of Water Wastewater)
Mr. Jason Lyon, Director of Water Wastewater, reviewed the background and
analysis regarding the engineering design support to increase stormwater storage.
Staff recommended authorizing additional engineering design support to the
Office of Management and Budget, Division of Facilities Management to increase
stormwater storage for $16,500.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Lyon stated they cannot say if it would help with a
10-year or 25-year storm because the design has not taken place yet.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Lyon stated the entire area would drain to the
Meeting House Branch and eventually out to the Saint Jones River. Mr. Lyon noted
the stormwater would be held in the parking lot, which is slightly higher than the
road. Mr. Lyon explained the water would be let out, and the downstream piping
could handle it.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Mr. Lyon stated the design had not been completed, but
the idea is a storm tech system where the water goes under the pavement. Mr. Lyon
explained the sediment and other particulates that are carried with the water through
the pavement will get stored in the stone and will not be released out with the water.
Mr. Lyon noted it is like a stormwater pond where you have a stone, a veer that
filters out before it gets to the actual pond. Mr. Lyon stated this should help improve
the quality of water.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mr. Lyon stated he could not predict when it would need
to be cleaned without the completed design. Mr. Lyon explained that the system
has a monitoring port where they can open it like a manhole and use a back truck
to clean it out.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend authorizing additional engineering design
support to the Office of Management and Budget, Division of Facilities
Management, to increase stormwater storage in the amount of $16,500, as
recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Ms. Arndt and
unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council recommendation, seconded
by Dr. Pillsbury, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (Arndt and Rocha absent)
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 15
Mr. Rocha moved for adjournment of the Utility Committee, hearing no
objection, the meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Council
President Sudler presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Ms. Arndt and
unanimously carried.
Evaluation of Bids – Garrison Oak Technology & Business Park (GOTBP)
Substation Switchgear (Shawn Burgett, Engineering Services and System
Operations Superintendent, Electric Department)
Mr. Shawn Burgett, Engineering Services and System Operation Superintendent,
Electric Department, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the
Substation Switchgear.
Staff recommended awarding contract #22-0036EL to Siemens.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Burgett stated this is not part of the $5 million grant
received. However, Mr. Burgett explained this was approved in the budget for this
project.
Responding to Mr. Contant, Mr. Burgett stated he did not have the previous two
packages approved by the council. Mr. Burgett said he did not want to give the
wrong information and would get the information to council.
Mr. Contant requested a breakdown of all the authorizations for Garrison Oak
Technology & Business Park Substation Switch Gear by project number to include
the original amount authorized, the original amount that was budgeted, the
authorization they are seeking, and the amount that has been spent to date.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Burgett stated the $1.7 million is within the $7
million budget. Mr. Burgett explained that by the time the second vendor began to
progress, the price jumped drastically, and the Electric Department could not sign
off on the change order.
Mr. Contant suggested moving forward; the Committee Action Form states the
amount budgeted for the project and what portion of that budget is being requested
for approval.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Contant stated he believed the committee should not
wait to vote and approve this item. Mr. Contant explained that most suppliers are
securing 30-day contracts and are not entertaining anything beyond that due to
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 16
prices changing rapidly. Mr. Contant stated he would still approve this item tonight,
not to cause a delay but would like to see the breakdowns.
Ms. Arndt moved to recommend awarding contract #22-0036EL to Siemens,
as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and
unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council recommendation, seconded
by Dr. Pillsbury, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (Arndt and Rocha absent)
Proposed Budget Amendment to the 2019 CDBG Action Plan with the special
allocation authorized by the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act
(CARES Act) (Tracey Harvey, CDBG Program Manager)
Ms. Tracey Harvey, CDBG Program Manager, reviewed the background and
analysis of the Proposed Budget Amendment to the 2019 CDBG Action Plan.
Staff recommended the approval of the Proposed Budget Amendment totaling $91
931 for Fiscal Year 2019.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Ms. Harvey stated that there is no need to advertise
vouchers or assistance through Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing because there
is already a waiting list.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Ms. Harvey stated she did not know if there was a
preference for families over single individuals. Ms. Harvey explained she would
have to get that information from Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing. Ms.
Harvey noted the invoices she has received thus far it has been about 50/50.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend approval of the Proposed Budget Amendment
totaling $91,931 for Fiscal Year 2019, as recommended by staff. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council recommendation, seconded
by Dr. Pillsbury, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (Arndt and Rocha absent)
Consideration of School Resource Officer (SRO) requests (Chief Thomas Johnson,
Dover Police Department)
Chief Johnson reviewed the background and analysis for approving SRO requests.
Staff recommended the approval of School Resource Officer requests, contingent
on funding from requestors.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Chief Johnson stated he informed the charter school that
if this were authorized, to be advised he may not be able to fill the position on a
timetable due to finding the appropriate staff. Chief Johnson explained he has 13
applicants in a background investigation and four files from the first cycle of this
year's hiring process that would be suitable for police employment. Chief Johnson
noted these applicants would fill his attrition. Chief Johnson further explained he
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 17
still needs to fill the positions that council authorized for the downtown area. Chief
Johnson stated he would continue to work on the process of finding appropriate
members of the police department to fill these positions. Chief Johnson said he
would make it available for the October academy.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Chief Johnson explained the police department is
organized on missions, and all divisions, sections, and units, have a specific
mission, and they are either at strength or under strength; the SROs would be an
additional mission and would have to wait until staff was available.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson stated most retired Delaware Police
Officers are beyond the age of eligibility for hire as a Dover Police officer. Chief
Johnson also explained a mandatory year of service retirement piece that is pension-
related and age-related. Finally, Chief Johnson noted it was not impossible but more
improbable that a retired officer that made an entire career anywhere could come
and be a police officer for the Dover Police Department.
Responding to Mr. Contant, Chief Johnson stated he had discussed implementation
with the schools. Chief Johnson explained he would need to recruit and fill slots,
and attrition would take the first precedence as a priority. Chief Johnson noted the
Dover Police Department is in an SRO relationship with Capital School District. If
they requested more officers, they would also need to be filled and balance the
downtown mission. Chief Johnson stated that 85% of the children attending this
charter school live in the incorporated limits of Dover, and there is a waiting list.
Chief Johnson noted the school would continue to grow and needed to be included
in their safety program.
Responding to Mr. Contant, Chief Johnson stated they use a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) modeled after the state police that has existed for many
years. Chief Johnson noted revisions made as the law changed, but it is a basic
relationship agreement that is a fee for services.
Chief Johnson stated he would prefer the contact from an accounting standpoint to
match cost for expense in a particular budget year. Chief Johnson said the first year
is the heaviest because they must account for gear and uniforms for a new officer.
He stated that after those initial overhead costs are incurred, the cost is lower; in
years two and three. Chief Johnson further explained that year three is slightly
higher than year two because you must adjust for the Federal Order of Police
contract and anticipated raises.
Mayor Christiansen stated other schools had made inquiries, but they have not
formalized those inquiries and will return to the Legislative, Finance, and
Administration Committee for the approvals to facilitate the protection of our
school children.
Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Chief Johnson confirmed the new Gun
Legislation that the President signed does include provisions for funding school
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security and SROs. However, Chief Johnson noted there is no supplemental
guidance on what the process is to be followed or what the criteria will be.
Mr. Sudler asked for clarity on the staff recommendation compared to the
Committee Action Form. Mr. Sudler stated as a District 4 representative, the
constituents are concerned about the safety, and even though he supports SRO's he
does not feel comfortable supporting this with the shortage of workforce and the
need in his view for the community police officers and everything that the
community is calling for with the loitering issues. Mr. Sudler noted to extend their
workforce to charter schools could be a Public Relations nightmare; he believes the
timing is wrong. Mr. Sudler explained they are asking for more officers and
utilizing the officers they do have. Mr. Sudler further explained this is stretching
them thin, and officers are needed to address concerns in the downtown and
surrounding areas. Mr. Sudler stated he did not feel comfortable at this time
supporting staff recommendations, nor did he support the concept in theory. Mr.
Sudler noted that if the police department was at full strength and concerns
downtown, loitering, and business owners had decreased tremendously, he would
feel more comfortable supporting this initiative.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson stated that through regular attrition and
the two additional officers for downtown, the total is six officers, and then approved
SRO would be added to that number. Chief Johnson explained that after discussion
with the City Manager, he applied for a COPS grant to try and get additional federal
funding to accelerate the process of finding the money necessary to increase the
downtown officers to five.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson stated conceptually that the idea was to
have five officers for the downtown area; however, council approved two officers.
Chief Johnson explained the COPS grant would potentially add an additional
officer. Chief Johnson further explained that in the FY24 budget, if it allows, they
could discuss adding the extra two officers to reach the goal of five officers for
downtown.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson stated regarding an SRO; it would depend
on if the applicant was a certified officer or if they would need to go through the
academy. Additionally, Chief Johnson clarified a new officer would not be an SRO;
they would go into patrol, and they would find a veteran officer to fill the SRO
position.
Mr. Rocha stated he understood Council President Sudler's concerns, and it is
something to consider but at the same time, he is a proponent of taking care of our
children. Mr. Rocha noted in the school system we must realize that protections in
the schools based on the current climate are very needed and necessary to brace
ourselves for the protection of our children.
Mr. Neil stated they have a moral obligation to do this. Mr. Neil said this is mission
directed, and the last person coming in on this after the downtown commitment
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 19
would be the SRO's; it does not change downtown at all. Mr. Neil explained the
officers for the downtown area would be filled first, and the SRO would be a
separate mission from that, it would not detract from what had been promised for
downtown. Mr. Neil stated he supported the SRO's and morally did not feel they
could turn their back on any charter school or others, knowing that they would have
to wait until they had the talent and trained officers in those schools.
Mayor Christiansen stated he rarely disagrees with Mr. Sudler; he does understand
his position, but the media has helped identify one of the most vulnerable and soft
targets we have in our country, which is our children. Mayor Christiansen stated he
would not want to sit there with his fellow government officials and council
members and explain why they were reluctant to act on protecting the most valuable
asset we have in our community.
Mayor Christiansen stated he was not criticizing Mr. Sudler because he is a man of
his word. Mayor Christiansen explained they had instructed the Chief to take on a
mission of providing public safety downtown. He now has another mission to
protect the most vulnerable amongst us.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Dr. Michelle Marinucci, Head of the Academy of Dover
Charter School, stated they have not increased in troubling behaviors but have been
paying attention to what is happening across the nation. Dr. Marinucci said there
had been an increase in violent acts near or around them. Dr. Marinucci noted that
the school has grown to K-8 this year and is aware of the new experiences that
having older children may bring. Dr. Marinucci explained that when the shooting
in Michigan took place, their team came together and discussed how they would
handle the situation. Dr. Marinucci further explained they took many steps to be as
proactive as possible to provide a safe environment for their students.
Dr. Marinucci noted that several families reached out after the last school shooting
to ask about having police protection and adding an SRO. Dr. Marinucci explained
she had mixed feeling about it, but in the end, she did not want it on her conscience
that she did not take that extra piece of safety and action.
Dr. Marinucci explained they had lockdowns because of reports of shootings and
guns at Delaware State University. She further explained that it just makes sense to
be proactive and not wish they had taken those steps, but to take those steps now,
and they realized there is a funding component to it and are fully prepared to pick
that up and make that happen.
Dr. Marinucci stated that feeling safe is critical if you think about the hierarchy of
needs. She explained most of their students are Dover students, and many of their
students have sad stories. Dr. Marinucci stated she has one student that is going into
sixth grade, and she knows the Dover Police because they are the ones that have
locked up her three brothers. Dr. Marinucci further explained they have been able
to have the Dover Police in their schools to have the students see our police as what
they are rather than the person that comes and takes my sibling away or my parent
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away. Having the police presence in the school gives the kids a different example
of what our officers can do and creates those bonds and critical relationships. Dr.
Marinucci recollected the dare officers when she started teaching and how much
the students enjoyed that relationship; it was Officer Ralph Taylor when she was
teaching. She remembered the difference that the students had. Dr. Marinucci stated
her students live on New Street, Queen Street, and downtown, and they are living
things you would not watch on TV.
Dr. Marinucci stated she recognizes students have access to those items that cause
harm in a school, she did not believe their students or parents would do that, but
she could not guarantee it. She said she did not know that it would not be somebody
just coming in off the street. To be proactive, they requested the Dover Police
Department come in, do a walkthrough around their building, and discuss safety,
security, and the next logical step to ensure that they do not ever have something
tragic happening in their school.
Mr. Sudler commended Dr. Marinucci for her proactive approach.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Dr. Marinucci stated that 95% of the student population
is African American, and 70% is in high poverty and need.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Johnson confirmed the sex offender's unit is
retired officers working in a civilian capacity. Chief Johnson explained they lack a
specific enforcement authority and have sworn police powers, so they would not be
eligible as an SRO. Chief Johnson further explained the SRO's job is to be the
person who will take on active shooters, and they do not carry full complemented
equipment.
Mr. Rocha moved to recommend the approval of school resource officer
requests, contingent on funding from the requester, as recommended by
staff. The motion was seconded by Ms. Arndt and carried unanimously.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council recommendation, seconded
by Dr. Pillsbury, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (Arndt and Rocha absent)
Engineering Services required to complete the Meeting House Branch Drainage
Improvement Project design (Sole Vendor) (Mark Nowak, Public Works Director)
Mr. Mark Nowak, Public Works Director, reviewed the background and analysis
to use AECOM for engineering services.
Staff recommended using AECOM (Sole Vendor) for engineering services
required to complete the Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project
design.
Mr. Neil recommended having the attorneys look at the contract to make sure all
the i's are dotted and t's are crossed.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 21
Responding to Mr. Contant, Mr. Nowak stated the money was carried over before
becoming Public Works Director and was placed under construction. Mr. Nowak
noted the Committee Action Form said they would need to move the money out of
construction and into engineering. Mr. Nowak stated there is a State Bond Bill that
covers the construction of this project and pursuant to park place drainage.
Responding to Mr. Contant, Mr. Nowak stated it would cover from where the
Meeting House Branch ran, the parking lot at Bay Health, the hospital, across/under
State Street, and then down to become an open channel into the Meeting House
Branch.
Responding to Mr. Contant, Mr. Nowak stated this would cover the engineering
design; a portion will go towards the actual testing. Once that is complete, they will
receive a bill for remediation's expected costs.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mr. Nowak stated there was no bidding process; this is
a Sole Vendor due to their experience and expertise that handed in a proposal.
Mr. Sudler stated he was concerned with the perception. Mr. Sudler said he believed
they should open the bidding process to allow others to bid and show whether they
are qualified or not unless there is a time constraint or emergency that needs to be
done immediately.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mr. Nowak explained they have already done business
with AECOM. Mr. Nowak further explained that AECOM, formally known as
URS, had been on this project since the beginning, which is the reason for the
recommendation. Mr. Nowak stated he did not see the reason for the name change.
Mr. Sudler stated what the council is confronted with is that they have been
scrutinized for not making sure that minorities and minority contractors or other
groups of contractors had the capability, had the opportunity to bid, to show that
they are capable of being able to perform the work. Mr. Sudler stated he would not
vote to support this because it is a sole vendor and did not allow anyone else to
compete.
Ms. Arndt stated she believes it to be a substantial saving to the city because they
already have the designs and data associated with the project. She explained I think
at this point, if they were to go with a different vendor, then that vendor would have
to recreate all that information to move forward with a project unless AECOM
would just hand over all that information to a competitor.
Ms. Arndt stated she was comfortable with the justification for the sole source
because of the project's complexity. And because AECOM, a different company
from URS, has worked on this project since 2014.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Nowak stated that if they sent out to rebid, it would
be a significant delay to the project, and the price could be higher than AECOM.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 22
Mr. Rocha requested that in the future, the public bidding for construction, the
council be made aware of how the process will take place to ensure that a portion
of the bidding is offered to minority contractors. Mr. Rocha agreed with Ms. Arndt
that with AECOM being too deep in the project, it makes sense to continue the
progress of this portion of the project.
Mr. Contant stated that URS works with multiple state municipalities as their
contract engineer. Mr. Contant explained that AECOM, a global engineering firm,
bought them. Mr. Contant further explained that his experience with AECOM has
always been great to work with in reviewing projects and comments. Mr. Contant
stated he felt confident in their abilities to perform the work at hand, especially
considering that they are already in the process.
Mr. Contant stated in his experience that it would be very costly to switch engineers
mid-project and cause a delay. Mr. Contant explained lead time on materials could
be six to nine months on top of the delay. Mr. Contant agreed with Councilman
Rocha to approve the award with the caveat that as the construction goes out
through the bidding process, council has set forth notes to council before it is
published. This way council will be aware of the process, know the timeline, and
make them more comfortable with what is being done in the guidelines and
regulations that the city has set out.
Mr. Sudler stated that council must take a stand. Mr. Sudler explained they do not
know whether the process could stand scrutiny from its conception. Mr. Sudler
further said that Mr. Nowak does not know because it was before his time, which
is no fault that you cannot answer this question, but they do not know if it was an
open bidding process where other people had to compete from conception. Then
the same individuals initially awarded the contract switched to another agency or
were merged or bought out. Then, there still was no opportunity for other
contractors to compete.
Mr. Sudler stated that they do not know whether it was the initial conception or if
it was open to the public to compete for that bid in the bidding process. Mr. Sudler
stated he would assume not, and then they have the opportunity the second time
where it could be open for others to compete. However, instead of opening it for
others to compete, they went with who already was on there, who was no longer an
organization providing that service. Mr. Sudler stated in his view that there are two
opportunities that they could have had that the city could have provided to
competitors, to contractors to compete for this engineering bid proposal. Mr. Sudler
asked, when are they going to take a stand as City Council and say enough is
enough, whether it is your fault or someone else's fault, the perception is, and how
many years have they been dealing with this perception that minority contractors,
and this does not mean just African Americans or Caucasian women, Caucasian
women are also minorities, or Hispanics or Asians.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 23
Mr. Sudler stated the bottom line is the City of Dover has a perception that people
perceive them as not being fair in the bidding process and excluding certain groups
of individuals. So when is City Council going to take a stand?
Mr. Sudler acknowledged it might delay the project, they may get bids from
someone who is more qualified at a lesser price or may get a bid higher, but the
bottom line is the integrity of the process is not compromised. Mr. Sudler stated he
felt if he voted for this, he would subject himself to saying it is okay to compromise
the integrity of the process because they already had this contractor at one point.
They know all about the contract, and they know about the specifics of the work
and just rolled them over, even though they are a new agency with new leadership,
they rolled them over and handed it to them without allowing others to compete.
Mr. Sudler stated they must allow other groups or individuals to compete,
regardless of whether they are comfortable with certain contractors performing the
work because this is the go-to person they have been going to and are qualified. Mr.
Sudler noted there are other groups of individuals that may be qualified and groups
of contractors that may be qualified too. Therefore, Mr. Sudler explained they must
allow them the opportunity to compete.
Mr. Sudler stated this is not a scolding but a passion for hearing the contractors and
the people who have said to them an enormous number of times that they are not,
the City of Dover is not opening their bidding process for other individuals to
compete. Mr. Sudler wanted to ensure a fair and equitable process across the board.
Mr. Sudler stated sometimes you must go back and get it right; it may cost a little
bit of money, but if you don't go back and get it right, roll with the punches because
this is how it's moving, it may bite you in the end, and you may get hit with a class
action lawsuit. Mr. Sudler urged others part of the bidding process to please
consider the message and hear what he is saying because, as councilpersons
representing their constituents, staff does not listen to what they say. When he sees
an action like this one, he empathizes with them.
Mr. Sudler stated he was a minority contractor and understood where the
constituents came from. Mr. Sudler stated whenever they have an opportunity to
allow others to compete, to do it because, in the end, they can say they allowed
everyone to compete.
Mr. Rocha agreed with Mr. Sudler and stated that moving forward, he believes they
need to look at the process so that the council is informed of the process and can
monitor it before it gets to this point. Mr. Rocha recommended having provisions
put in place where the council is notified of when it goes out to bid and get a
demographic reading of who submitted for bid, so they are informed that this is the
process along the way.
Mr. Rocha stated they must work on a process that will enable minority contractors
to have a fair and equitable opportunity to compete without the rubber stamp. Mr.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 24
Rocha recommended providing provisions for minority contractors to work with
those larger companies, maybe as subcontractors, so that they can even improve
and learn on their craft and understand the overall business that may be eliminating
them as a grooming process so that there is a fair and equitable opportunity across
the board
Mr. Rocha moved to recommend using AECOM (Sole Vendor) for engineering
services required to complete the Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement
Project design, as recommended by staff. Mr. Neil seconded the motion.
Mayor Christiansen referred to the City of Dover Charter and stated they have an
enforcer to ensure policies and council's concerns are addressed, including the City
Manager. Mayor Christiansen said he believed if council instructed the City
Manager to do so, he would have the ability and the tenacity to follow through and
make sure that all contracts that go out are fair and equitable to the people that
would place bids.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mayor Christiansen stated the City's Central Service
Director currently handles most of the bids that the City of Dover puts out. Mayor
Christiansen suggested the City Manager reiterate council's concerns to the Central
Services Director would be sufficient instead of hiring another person.
Mr. Rocha moved to recommend using AECOM (Sole Vendor) for
engineering services required to complete the Meeting House Branch
Drainage Improvement Project design, as recommended by staff. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Neil and passed with a vote of 6 yes and 1 no.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council recommendation, seconded
by Dr. Pillsbury, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (Arndt and Rocha absent)
Adjustment to Police Promotion Process (Mayor Christiansen and Chief Johnson)
Mayor Christiansen stated this item was in response to council's desires to pursue
inclusion, diversity, and equity within the city departments across the board. Mayor
Christiansen explained the proposal Chief Johnson is bringing forward will increase
promotional opportunities within the Dover Police Department, across the board in
fairness and equity, and build future leadership for the Dover Police Department.
Chief Johnson reviewed the background and analysis of the proposed adjustment
to the Police Promotion Process.
Staff recommended approving the revised table as requested.
Tim Mullaney, Federal Order of Police (FOP) President, Lodge 15, Thanked the
Mayor, Chief Johnson, and the City Manager. Mr. Mullaney stated he had been
deeply involved in the sense that they want to build a relationship with the council
in the city, and they recognize the direction that council's going with recruitment
retention, maintaining a solid employee base, and making sure that it's fair and
equitable for everybody.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 25
Mr. Mullaney stated they have looked up and down the state and see other agencies,
the amount they are making, bonuses, and perks. Mr. Mullaney explained his job,
as well as Vice President Jake Rankin is to hone in on what they can do to maintain
what they have going forward. Mr. Mullaney further explained this was an
opportunity with some things that came up, working with the Chief. This scale was
a big topic mainly for recruitment, retention, and allowing people to promote
sooner. Mr. Mullaney stated there are only a certain number of spots, which is very
competitive.
Mr. Mullaney stated this would allow many people to promote themselves sooner
and apply themselves to be leaders, which is what they strive on; they want people
to excel and move to the top if they can.
Mr. Mullaney stated with this scale of change in the April and March timeframe,
when they first started this out, what the financial climate would be for the city,
they took that into consideration. Mr. Mullaney explained they held off and said,
"We'll work with the city," in the sense of when they can implement this. Mr.
Mullaney explained that when hiring the Chief, the FOP gave up a lot; they
understood that he would not come in and do a year or two and then leave. Mr.
Mullaney stated they knew it would be a long tenure and are happy that they could
work with the Mayor, the Chief, and City Manager on this.
Mr. Mullaney stressed that they would love to see this occur in a year or sooner.
Mr. Mullaney explained the reason for that is that everyday agencies even smaller
than theirs are coming very close to where they are at, if not over where they are in
certain positions, mainly the corporal positions.
Mr. Mullaney stated a town just north of Dover, in year five, will be much higher
than Dover in the position of where they are in an agency that is a third of the size
of Dover. Mr. Mullaney explained that the FOP wants to make sure that they are
maintaining and giving qualified people who want to apply to be a Dover Police
Officer because of the benefits they have and to come work for them. Mr. Mullaney
requested that if this can be implemented sooner than later, that's what the men and
women of the FOP Lodge 15 would like.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mr. Hugg stated he had been working with the Mayor,
Chief, and the FOP to look at this issue to make working for the City of Dover more
attractive and more equitable, and it is something that needs to be done.
Mr. Hugg stated in March that the city had a seven-and-a-half million-dollar deficit,
and at that point in time, they were unable to discuss this. Mr. Hugg said they closed
the year in a better position than they thought; with the council's support, they
implemented new revenue streams that gave a bit of a cushion. Mr. Hugg explained
since then; however, council has added police officers, some things for dispatchers,
and the promise of an across-the-board bonus for everyone, including police
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 26
officers. Mr. Hugg stated they do not have the money to be able to spend to
implement another $260,000 at this time.
Mr. Hugg did say he was optimistic that energy prices are down a little bit, and
things are looking a little better, and he would have no problem agreeing to look at
this issue moving forward in fiscal year 23. However, Mr. Hugg stated he did not
believe they could make that kind of financial commitment now, not with the other
things that council has asked them to do. Mr. Hugg reminded council they are
underway on the wage study, and some positions will need to be looked at mid-
year because they are clearly below the market.
Mr. Hugg stated conceptually that he agreed with this proposal and needs to be
done. However, Mr. Hugg said it is a question of timing and that tonight he asked
council not to commit to those monies immediately. Mr. Hugg stated he would
agree that they could look at it again as they move forward, just as he wants to look
at the energy costs, the electric rates, and things they promised our citizens.
Mr. Neil stated the first thing they will do what they need to do or the
recommendation as he sees it is to agree that this is something they will do at least
by FY24. Mr. Neil stated that is the case; they can always, as Mr. Hugg has
indicated, revisit this if they find out that the money is there and that they can do
that. Mr. Neil explained they made a commitment to the police department, and for
the entire salary structure that they are going to do this, so he is in favor of it since
it will not necessarily be this year, but it could be. Mr. Neil further explained that
they had committed the police department to attract and hold people and part of this
total salary review for the city.
Responding to Mr. Contant, Chief Johnson stated when they move more officers to
the rank of Corporal two years sooner, the positions above will change. Chief
Johnson explained by default; it would move every supervisor rank above that up
the equivalent number based on the chart steps and grades.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson stated there is a very narrow window of
time over the career band where an officer can take the non-competitive corporal
test. If they pass it, they are not competing with the organization. They will get that
second Stripe and the dollars that go with it. Chief Johnson explained that there is
a narrow band in that timeframe where they can take both tests and try and compete
for master corporal. Chief Johnson explained that the way the system is constructed,
and you bring in time and grade, time and service, evaluations, the written test, the
oral boards, all those things together, it is challenging to be a competitive candidate
for a master corporal the first year that they are eligible. Chief stated it is not
impossible, but the last time it happened was more than a generation ago, and it
was a weird year where nine people got promoted because guys retired. Chief
explained numerically that it is possible, and statistically, it's improbable.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 27
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Hugg stated that he believes the city could have the
funds in FY24. Still, Mr. Hugg cautioned council that they could not close the door
on possible revenue increases that may be asked to support to pay for the services
of the city employees. Mr. Hugg stated equity and retention would cost money.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Hugg stated it would be easier to look at this
simultaneously with the pay study and compensation because he needs to track
energy costs and revenues. Mr. Hugg mentioned if the State of Delaware builds the
new family court building in FY23, the city will increase revenue for FY24.
Mr. Hugg stated he agreed with Mr. Neil to implement the police promotion process
no later than FY24 with the option to implement earlier if funding is available.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Hugg stated he did not know how much it would
cost to increase salaries in the pay study. Mr. Hugg noted that 12-15 positions were
clearly below market value with high turnover. Mr. Hugg explained that these are
low to mid-level positions and will be a significant amount to market value.
Mr. Mullaney noted the initial conversation regarding the police promotion process
began in December 2021 and was well in advance of knowing what the current
climate was going to be financially and what the council's direction was going to
be as a city as a whole with all the other employees. Mr. Mullaney noted that the
FOP never tried to be ahead of any other union or employee; all staff is essential.
Mr. Mullaney explained all staff has one mission in the city: to make it successful
and make it a place where people want to come, live, and stay safe.
Mayor Christiansen stated that Councilman Neil made a great point that council
and committee should support this effort to implement it sooner than later. Mayor
Christiansen said he believes Mr. Hugg will do his due diligence. Mayor
Christiansen explained they need to make that commitment the same way they did
a study of all the job classifications. Mayor Christiansen explained they have a map
of where they need to go to assist the Dover Police Department in promotion,
developing leadership, and using it as a recruitment tool.
Mayor Christiansen noted that if somebody is going to join the Dover Police
Department, and it will take 6 to 8 years for them to become a corporal, that
certainly is no incentive to stop and pick up an application and become a Dover
Police Officer. Mayor Christiansen thanked Mr. Neil for his due process on that,
and they should endorse this concept and work with the City Manager and the Chief
to implement this sooner rather than later or as fiscally possible.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend approving the revised table as requested for
FY24, with the possibility if funds are available to implement sooner than that.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council recommendation, seconded
by Dr. Pillsbury, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (Arndt and Rocha absent)
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 28
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and
Administration Committee meeting, seconded by Mr. Contant and
unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole
meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Arndt and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council Committee of the Whole
Report, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (Arndt and
Rocha absent)
FINAL READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2022-07
The First Reading of the Proposed Ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of
July 11, 2022. Council President Sudler reminded members of the public that copies of the
proposed ordinance were available at the entrance of the Council Chambers or on the City’s
website at www.cityofdover.com under “Government.”
Mr. Hare moved that the Final Reading of the proposed ordinance be acknowledged by title
only, seconded by Mr. Anderson and unanimously carried with one abstention (Mr. Neil)
(Arndt and Rocha absent). (The First Reading of the proposed ordinance was accomplished
during the Council Meeting of July 11, 2022.)
By motion of Mr. Hare, seconded by Mr. Anderson, Council, by a unanimous roll call vote
with one abstention (Mr. Neil), Council adopted Ordinance #2022-07, as follows:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN
COUNCIL MET:
That Chapter 2 – Administration, Article II - City Council, Section 2-201 - Compensation and
expenses for mayor, council, and other elected or appointed officials to be amended as follows:
Sec. 2-201. - Compensation and expenses for mayor, council, and other elected or appointed
officials.
(a) Fees established. In accordance with section 12 of the Charter, authorizing the council to
establish compensation and expenses for the mayor, council members, and other elected or
appointed officials, the following fees are hereby established:
(1) Mayor. The mayor shall receive an annual salary of $52,000.00 (FY 2023). In addition,
the mayor shall receive an expense allotment of up to $5,000.00, to be included in the city's
annual budget for miscellaneous expenses, to be reimbursed upon submission of receipts or
proper documentation. Expenses in excess of this amount shall only be permitted by council
approval. The mayor shall be entitled to all benefits customary to an employee of the city,
except pension benefits, and sick and vacation leave.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 29
(2) Council members generally. Each council member shall receive an annual salary of
$18,000.00 (FY 2023) The council president shall receive an annual salary of $23,000.00
(FY 2023). Council members shall receive reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses
incurred when on official business as prescribed by ordinance or policy.
(3) Board of assessment appeals. Each appointed member of the board sitting to hear appeals
from the municipal assessment shall receive $75.00 per diem reimbursement for expenses
for the preparation and attendance at each meeting of the board of assessment appeals.
(4) Nonemployee election officers. Each person not a city employee appointed to serve as
an election judge for any municipal election shall receive $200.00 for per diem
reimbursement for each election attended. Each person chosen to serve as a clerical assistant
for any municipal election shall receive $150.00 for per diem reimbursement for each
election attended.
(5) Employee election officers. Employees of the city appointed to serve as election judges
or officials for any municipal election shall receive $150.00 for per diem reimbursement for
expenses for each municipal election attended in addition to their regular salary.
(6) Appointee to council committee. Each appointed member to any city council committee,
not serving an elected term to any city office, shall receive $75.00 for preparation and
attendance at each committee meeting to which the member is appointed.
(7) Employee on council committee. Any city employee appointed to a council committee
shall receive $25.00 for reimbursement for expenses per diem for each meeting attended
which is held after 5:00 p.m. on a scheduled workday or at any time on a weekend or city-
approved holiday.
(8) Planning commission. Each appointed member of the planning commission shall receive
$100.00 per diem reimbursement for expenses to be paid monthly for preparation and
attendance at each meeting of the planning commission.
(9) Board of adjustment. Each appointed member of the board of adjustment shall receive
$75.00 per diem reimbursement for expenses to be paid monthly for preparation and
attendance at each meeting of the board of adjustment.
ADOPTED: JULY 25, 2022
QUARTERLY REVENUE REPORT
Quarterly Revenue Report as of June 30, 2022
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Quarterly Revenue Report as of
June 2022, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Arndt and
Rocha absent)
APPOINTMENTS (REAPPOINTMENTS) - RECOMMENDED BY CITY COUNCIL
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 30
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the following appointments, seconded by
Dr. Pillsbury, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (Arndt and Rocha absent)
Building Inspector– One-Year Term to Expire May 2023
Mary Ellen Gray
APPOINTMENTS (REAPPOINTMENTS-RECOMMENDED BY
MAYOR CHRISTIANSEN
Ethics Commission – Five-Year Term to Expire July 2027
Lisa Enright
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the following appointments, seconded by
Dr. Pillsbury, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (Arndt and Rocha absent)
CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. David Hugg, III, City Manager, introduced Mary Ellen Gray, the new Planning and
Community Development Director. He explained she has been here a week, is still excited, and
she has rearranged her office. He stated that he believes she is here for a while, and he is glad to
have her in the position.
COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Anderson reminded everyone that the Thursday concert series on the green has started for the
summer. He suggested checking the City’s website and Facebook page for more information. Mr.
Anderson further explained that there is something of interest for everyone, all different styles of
music throughout the rest of the summer.
Mr. Anderson stated that he and Mr. Taylor attended a Supplier Diversity conference in Maryland.
Mr. Anderson stated that there are some very positive things that can come out of it and that it was
a pleasure riding along with Mr. Taylor.
There's been an important issue dealing with the electric rates. Not as much people know about
the changes, but I think a lot of people were surprised about the notice that they had, because the
electric rate changes were as of July 1st. And understandably, a lot of people thought that the bills
would... That would not... It would be the usage that started July 1st. And that's caused some
understandable confusion. I want to thank Mr. Hugg for the research he's done on that, dealing
with industry norms. That, as well as the past history, that is a normal industry practice. So I don't
blame the city or the city staff for that, but I do think it caught all of us by surprise, including those
of us on council.
We've been doing electric rate cuts for quite a while, and I don't think anybody noticed or cared
before then, but we all noticed the increase. I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of
some conservation initiatives. There are some very positive things. I know in the past, my church
took and did one of those and literally cut its electric bill by 2/3. We are talking real money,
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 31
particularly with an organization. And there are some very positive things that can be done, but
also, I want to assure the citizens that one of the reasons why we use the power cost adjustment is
because it allows us to adjust more quickly than a then a rate change and going through rate studies,
etcetera, to reflect the cost shifts that happen with fuel costs, with natural gas costs.
And so hopefully natural gas costs will go down, and we won't be having this same discussion next
year. I've been keeping track of natural gas costs every week, and I don't have a lot of good news
for you yet, unfortunately. It has gone down, but not by much. It's ticked down, but it's still about
almost triple what it was this time a year ago. And that just gives you some insight, because a big
part... The sole driver of this has been our fuel costs, and that's unfortunately a regional and national
issue. And that's something that is unfortunately beyond our control at this time, but we will keep
abreast of it. I'm hoping we'll be able to, in six months from now, we'll be able to sit down and
have a whole different conversation.
So I want to encourage... And especially if we can get the solar farm online and the credits that
came on that. When I say we, that we contracted, we don't run it, so it's not in our control. But that
was supposed to help blunt some of these increases that were coming, and it did not come on the
power grid, unfortunately, in time for us to be able to get the benefits from that. So we do have
things in line. We are not deaf nor blind, and I want to encourage the citizens on that. This is a
priority, too.
Dr. Pillsbury stated the reason I'm bringing it up is the people in our district have been complaining
to me, because their bill went from June 1st to July 5th, or June 3rd to July 6th, and they got
charged the higher rate for the month of June. And for some people, it was the entire month of
June. And it's difficult to justify when I thought the rate was supposed to increase July 1st. And I
understand I got the response from the director of the electric and so forth, but just because we've
done it in the past, the people didn't get a notice before it went into effect. They were very upset.
And if everybody didn't get billed the same time, then you're going to have some people who, half
of the month of June, was in their electric bill, and half of the month of July was in their electric
bill.
But these people that reached out to me had the entire month of June, and that seems unreasonable.
So I just want to bring that up and bring it to everyone's attention, because if the bills don't go out
at the same time for everybody... And I understand if you're reading meters, they're not going to
go out the same time for everybody, but if it really gets done on a weekly basis, then gee, I'm sorry.
My meter should have been read at the end of the month, not the beginning of the month. It's hard
to justify that increase to people who got billed for the majority of June.
Mr. Sudler suggested that maybe consideration should be given for some type of a relief for those
who did get the increase in cost during the time prior to July 1, 2022. Mr. Sudler suggested working
with Councilman Anderson as the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Chair, and
put that on the agenda for discussion, and see how we can do to bring some relief to our
constituents.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 32
Mr. Taylor thanked his colleagues, Councilman Anderson and Councilwoman Pillsbury. Mr.
Taylor thanked them for the detail in your explanation because he too has been inundated with
questions regarding the electric rate increase.
Mr. Taylor reminded residents of the Safety Advisory Transportation Committee meeting
scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at which time the Patel Investment Group is requesting a
waiver on Raymond Street as they attempt to continue going through the process of erecting a
large-scale apartment complex.
Mr. Taylor also explained that the Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement will be present at the
Safety, Advisory and Transportation Committee to discuss the Loockerman Street fire from March
16, 2022. He further explained that the building has been officially categorized as dangerous, and
there will be a robust discussion on the status and next steps.
Mr. Taylor stated that after putting it off for a while, Council is going to broach how to make the
community safer, whether that consists of an ordinance or something else that can be done. He
explained it is time to start the discussion. He explained Mosaic is here, and they were giving us
some great ideas, however, safety is still an issue. He further explained if it is not safe, it is not
going to work. Mr. Taylor stated that we really have to batten down the hatches, and make some
tough decisions, and get things done.
Mr. Taylor explained that as Councilman Anderson had alluded to, that they attended training in
Maryland on diversity in the marketplace. Mr. Taylor suggested next time that Mr. Boggerty also
attend. He further explained that he looked into an opportunity to get a building that actually builds
EV charging stations. He explained, unfortunately, Garrison Oak has been sold. He further
explained that when he states diversity in the marketplace training, that the training was 100%
revolving around women who are business owners and minorities who are business owners. Mr.
Taylor stated that the environment was so inviting and welcoming. He explained that the Small
Business Administration, Amazon, and Construction companies were there. There were so many
opportunities, whether it be faith-based, education, and medical were present. They covered
entrepreneurship and home ownership. They also covered revolving equal justice under the law.
Mr. Taylor explained that attending the training was invaluable and encourages his colleagues to
attend in the future. He stated that whenever there is a training that comes up, Council should
attend so they don’t get caught up only seeing what is in front of them.
Mr. Taylor finished by thanking Mrs. Gray for coming on board, stating that the city needs her.
He further stated that she doesn’t have to show Council everything she can do, just for her to do
what she does best.
Mr. Hare gave kudos to the police department. He explained that people in the area were afraid,
due to there being a homeless person camping out at Blackshear Park with a tent in one of the
trees. Mr. Hare explained that he went to the park at six in the morning, and there was a lady
camping out inside the tree with her tent, so he called the police, and they were there within five
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 33
minutes. He further explained that when they got there, he left and allowed them to do their job
and take care of the issue.
Mr. Hare explained that what was done with the electric rate increase is nothing that hasn't been
done since back in the 1990s. He further explained that he received the emails complaining about
the rate increase, and then pointed out that they didn’t complain when rates were decreased. He
explained it has been that way for years, and it is not any fault of customer service. Mr. Hare
explained that he has been over at the Customer Service Department and experienced the people
yelling. He further explained that they do the job they were hired to do and let people pay their
bills. Mr. Hare stated that the Customer Service Department isn’t to blame, it is Council’s fault.
It is Council’s fault it has not been fixed.
Mr. Hare also stated that they need the protective plastic barrier at the Customer Service
Department. Mr. Hare explained that if the city cannot do it, let him know and he will find a
contractor that will install it. He stated they need the plastic cover in customer service, just like
they have in the front of City Hall. He explained that he was there one day, and there was a nasty
customer, and the people were afraid, so the plastic barriers need to go up as soon as possible.
Mr. Sudler thanked Mr. Hare. He stated that he is sure that Council has expressed to the city
manager to look at any funding that we need to create those barriers so that our employees or
organizational citizens feel safe in the workplace. Mr. Sudler stated that they have tasked the City
Manager, with a lot of tasks, and he is doing a great job juggling all these tasks at one time, but
safety is imperative for our workforce moving forward.
Mr. Neil asked Mr. Taylor if he still has the contact for the people who are interested in building?
Mr. Neil explained that his understanding is that the city has agreed to sell what was available over
in Garrison Park (Garrison Oaks), but whoever buys it is interested in putting people in there, so
that space may be open. Mr. Neil referred to the city manager to make a contact, because if they
have sold it, and they're looking for customers, that means taxes for the city in the long run.
Mr. Taylor explained that he does still have the contacts and will call them again. He has made
contact once since the training, but he will speak to them again.
Mr. Sudler announced that he and the Exploratory Team members will convene a meeting with
the Delaware State University's Dr. Cherese Winstead-Casson, Dean of the College Agriculture,
Science, and Technology and professor of Chemistry at the Luna I. Mishoe Science Center on
Tuesday, July 26, 2022, from 9:00 AM to noon. Mr. Sudler explained that the purpose of the site
visit is to discuss a potential partnership to enhance water quality for Dover consumers and
constituents collectively. Mr. Sudler further explained that the intent is to have Delaware State
University's certified EPA water laboratory collect and analyze specific water quality data and
render a report. The report will be one of two independent water quality studies validated by a
national water testing laboratory for advancing our position and securing billions of federal funds
centered on water systems' infrastructure essentials for the capital of Delaware.
ADJOURNMENT
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 25, 2022 PAGE 34
Mr. Sudler moved for adjournment of the Regular Council meeting, hearing no objection
the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
ANDRIA BENNETT
CITY CLERK
All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular
Meeting of July 25, 2022, are hereby approved.
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
MAYOR
/AB
Exhibits
Exhibit#1- Mosaic Presentation