DHRC Minutes

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION The Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) met on January 22, 2025, at 6:11 p.m. with Chairwoman Hall presiding. Members present were Mr. Simmons, Dr. Mishoe Sudler, Mr. Faust, and Mr. Fleming. Mr. Lott, Ms. White and Ms. Mullen were absent. Staff members present were Mrs. Walls. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Fleming moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Faust and unanimously carried. (Lott, Mullen and White absent) ADOPTION OF MINUTES Mr. Faust moved to adopt the minutes from the Dover Human Relations Commission meeting on October 16, 2024. The motion was seconded by Dr. Mishoe Sudler and unanimously carried. (Lott, Mullen and White absent) COMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES Assessment Chairwoman Hall announced that there was no report to present at this time. Community Programs Mr. Faust stated that due to not meeting for two (2) months, the committee is at a standstill. Dr. Mishoe Sudler added that they are awaiting training before proceeding with any activities. School Programs Dr. Mishoe Sudler stated that the committee is awaiting training before proceeding with any activities. By-laws Chairwoman Hall stated that the committee is awaiting training before proceeding with any activities. Regarding intake forms, Mrs. Walls explained that they are submitted to the City Clerk's Office, forwarded to the City Solicitor for jurisdiction verification, and then the DHRC is notified of the status. Dr. Mishoe Sudler discussed the by-laws' flow chart and suggested that the committee should have access to submitted intake forms regardless of jurisdiction. Mr. Simmons requested the number of intake forms both referred and not referred to the Commission. Mrs. Walls stated that a letter is sent to the submitter after the City Solicitor's jurisdiction determination. Mr. Faust confirmed receiving an email with a letter stating the denial of an intake form and the reasons for the denial. Dr. Mishoe Sudler stated that the committee will address their process within the DHRC by-laws and requested Commissioners to review the by-laws for potential changes or amendments.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF JANUARY 22, 2025 PAGE 2 Finance Chairwoman Hall reported that the DHRC Annual Report is due to be submitted to Council. She confirmed that she has received previous reports and will use them as a basis for preparing the current report. She also noted that she will consult with experienced Commissioners on the DHRC for guidance. Responding to Mr. Faust, Mrs. Walls confirmed that their budget year goes from July 1st to June 30th. Responding to Chairperson Hall, Mr. Fleming stated that he is unsure of how much the shirts will cost at this time. He has met with Delaware Correctional Industries regarding the shirts and their design. The shirts will be green, and the design will consist of the City’s seal and the Commissioner’s names. Mr. Fleming stated that he needs the last names of the Commissioner’s and their sizes. The Commissioners provided Mrs. Walls their shirt sizes. Mr. Faust made a motion to obtain price quotes for the purchase of Commissioners' shirts, not to exceed $30 per shirt. The motion was seconded by Dr. Mishoe Sudler and unanimously carried. (Lott, Mullen, and White absent) Responding to Mr. Simmons, Mrs. Walls stated that the DHRC's annual budget is $3,000, and that she would verify whether any funds had been earmarked, though she did not believe so. Mr. Faust discussed in the future receiving three (3) quotes, that way the process is already set in stone. Responding to Chairwoman Hall, Mrs. Walls stated that they already have a template for their business cards and a company that they use. Ms. Simmons reminded members that they will need to follow the City of Dover’s purchasing policy as far as quotes. NEW BUSINESS Discussion of Meeting Structure Chairwoman Hall reported that she is in communication with the Delaware Division of Human & Civil Rights (also known as Delaware State Human Relations) regarding training for the DHRC. She proposed allocating 30 minutes at future meetings for this purpose and will contact them to confirm availability for the February 19, 2025 meeting. Chairwoman Hall emphasized the availability of multiple training opportunities and the importance of completing training before recommending bylaw changes. Responding to Mr. Faust, Chairwoman Hall stated that the trainings are free. Responding to Dr. Mishoe Sudler, Chairwoman Hall stated that she believes the Delaware Division of Human & Civil Rights will also provide Ethics training for them. Mr. Faust moved to allocate time at the next monthly DHRC meeting for training provided by the Delaware Division of Human & Civil Rights. The motion was seconded by Dr. Mishoe Sudler and unanimously carried. (Lott, Mullen, and White absent)

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF JANUARY 22, 2025 PAGE 3 Mr. Faust discussed the appropriate waiting time for a quorum at the beginning of meetings. He suggested a 15-minute waiting period as an example. Mr. Faust discussed making up previous meetings when they are canceled because he believes that they should not go two (2) months without a meeting. Responding to Mr. Faust, Dr. Mishoe Sudler expressed support for making up meetings when there is an intake form or pending matter, suggesting the option of virtual attendance for these makeup sessions. Responding to Mr. Faust, Chairwoman Hall clarified that meeting cancellations are publicly posted and suggested announcements could include instructions for individuals with urgent matters to contact the Clerk's Office to request a DHRC hearing. Responding to Chairwoman Hall, Mr. Faust stated that he does not want the public to think that they do not take their concerns seriously or that they are not being heard. He expressed the importance of providing the public with an opportunity to voice complaints and bring forward concerns. Mr. Simmons discussed President Trump’s executive order suspending DE&I initiatives and expressed concern that the effects may leak down to state and local governments. Responding to Mr. Simmons, Mrs. Walls stated that she would contact Council President Anderson to check his availability to attend the February meeting. Mr. Simmons would also like the city to make a public statement surrounding DHRC’s mission and vision statements. Responding to Chairwoman Hall, Mr. Simmons stated that he tries to make a conservative effort to make sure his schedule is clear for DHRC meetings but sometimes he does have other meetings to attend. Mr. Simmons stated that Tuesdays are fine with him as long as he knows beforehand. Discussion of Annual Report Chairperson Hall discussed the Annual Report during the Finance Committee report earlier in the meeting. Open Discussion No topics were discussed during the open discussion. ADJOURNMENT BY 7:00 P.M. Ms. Hall moved for adjournment of the Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC), hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. Donyale Hall Chairwoman DH/aw