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SPECIAL DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
A Special Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) meeting was held on January 19, 2017
at 6:00 p.m. with Chairman Henderson presiding. Members present were Ms. Bogle, Mr. Gaddis,
and Reverend Paige. Ms. Mullen and Mrs. Sadusky were absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Gaddis moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Ms. Bogle and unanimously
carried.
Election of Committee Chair - Government Policy, Programs, and Practices Committee
Mr. Henderson informed members that he had asked Mr. Gaddis if he was interested in serving as
Chair for the Government Policy, Programs, and Practices Committee and Mr. Gaddis indicated that
he was interested.
Mr. Henderson opened the floor for nominations for Chair of the Government Policy, Programs, and
Practices Committee.
Ms. Bogle nominated Mr. Gaddis to serve as Chair of the Government Policy, Programs, and
Practices Committee.
There being no further nominations, Mr. Henderson closed the floor for nominations.
By unanimous consent, Mr. Gaddis was elected to serve as Chair of the Government Policy,
Programs, and Practices Committee.
DHRC Committee Updates
Community Engagement Committee (Mullen)
No update was provided.
Communications Committee (Paige)
Reverend Paige stated that she had been reading over her responsibilities as Chair of the
Communications Committee and thinking about what she needed to do. She advised members that
she would have a report for the next meeting.
Reverend Paige stated her understanding that members were going to try to find out of it was
permissible for people outside of the Commission to serve on the Communications Committee,
noting that she had a couple of people with whom she may want to work on the Committee.
Mrs. Jody Stein, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk’s Office, suggested that Reverend Paige send
specific recommendations to determine how they would fit in with the Commission’s charge.
Mr. Henderson stated that DHRC meetings are open to the community and noted that he did not see
any harm in Commissioners enlisting resources from outside the Commission to do their jobs.
Responding, Mrs. Stein stated that the question would be whether these outside individuals could
actually be members in terms of voting, etc. Responding, Reverend Paige indicated that she was not
thinking that they would vote but would just be able to serve on the Communications Committee.
Mrs. Stein indicated that she believed there would not be a problem using outside resources, that she
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SPECIAL DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2017 PAGE 2
would discuss membership with the City Clerk, and that a legal opinion may have to be obtained
regarding whether there were any restrictions in terms of individuals being on the Commission and
how resources could best be used. Ms. Bogle asked if this would be the same case with the
Education Committee and Mr. Henderson indicated that he would think so, noting that he applauds
creativity. (City Clerk’s Office Note: Subsequent to the meeting, DHRC members were advised that,
in accordance with Sec. 58-31(3) of the Dover Code, members of the community may serve on
DHRC subcommittees in an advisory capacity only and would not be voting members of the
Commission.)
Education Committee (Bogle)
Ms. Bogle stated that she was personally involved with the Delaware Every Student Succeeds Act
(ESSA) Advisory Committee, which is a governor-appointed committee looking at the education
equity plan for Delaware. She informed members that she had been part of a discussion group within
the committee through other volunteer work that she was doing, and she felt that it would benefit her
work on the DHRC Education Committee. Ms. Bogle explained that the equity plan is a strategic
plan for education in Delaware, everything was up in the air with the new federal administration and
no one knew what funding would look like, and Delaware is scheduled to turn the equity plan in to
the federal Department of Education in April. She stated that she had not done anything specific to
the Dover community or her DHRC district.
Ms. Bogle recalled that members had previously discussed looking at the DHRC Strategic Plan and
narrowing down what they wanted to do before going back out to the community. She noted that
members had discussed setting some direct focus as a group and she was unsure if they would revisit
that conversation, but this was the reason why she had paused on everything. Ms. Bogle indicated
that she had a meeting with Dr. Dan Shelton, Superintendent, Capital School District, noting that the
district had mentioned wanting some support from the City regarding pulling together a focus group
addressing some of the violence and things that were going on with students and seeing how the City
could help. Ms. Bogle indicated that when this was previously discussed during the DHRC meeting
of September 21, 2016, members questioned whether this was the role of the DHRC and whether
this was something they should be helping to facilitate elsewhere. She explained that it was her
understanding that members had put this matter on hold until they took more time to dig into what
their focuses would be.
Old Business
DHRC Diversity Research Project
During the Dover Human Relations Commission meeting of November 17, 2016, members
considered the DHRC Diversity Research Project and agreed that Mrs. Sadusky, Mr. Henderson, and
Mr. Gaddis would get together before the next DHRC meeting to summarize the recommendations
and observations and put them together in a concise form.
Mr. Henderson advised members that he and Mr. Gaddis had met to summarize the
recommendations and observations for the report; however, Mrs. Sadusky had been unable to be
present.
Mr. Gaddis explained that he and Mr. Henderson had reviewed the information, conclusions, and
opinions provided by Mr. James McGiffin, Jr., former DHRC Commissioner, based on the answers
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SPECIAL DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2017 PAGE 3
to 20 DHRC Diversity Survey questions that were submitted by survey respondents and by
Mrs. Kim Hawkins, Human Resources Director. Mr. Gaddis stated that he and Mr. Henderson
developed nine (9) recommendations/conclusions that reflected Mr. McGiffin’s observations related
to the Diversity Survey questions. For example, he explained that Recommendation #1 reflected
Mr. McGiffin’s Observations #1, #2, and #5, and survey questions #13 and #16. Mr. Gaddis
indicated that he and Mr. Henderson had decided that Recommendations #6 through #9 were
procedural items and the DHRC would not have to do them directly but would have to see what goes
on with them. For example, Mr. Gaddis noted that Recommendation/Conclusion #7 indicated that
each department’s main page should reflect the City of Dover’s Mission and Vision Statements. He
stated that it would be up to the City and its departments to review what the DHRC submits to
Council to see if these items coincide with their Vision and Mission Statement. Mr. Henderson
reminded members that he and Mrs. Sadusky had put forth recommendations regarding the study,
and these were then matched to the observations that had been submitted by Mr. McGiffin.
Mr. Gaddis moved to submit the DHRC Diversity Research Project Report (Attachment #1)
to Council. The motion was seconded by Reverend Paige and unanimously carried.
In response to Reverend Paige regarding when the report would be considered by Council,
Mrs. Jody Stein, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk’s Office, stated that the report could possibly
go on the agenda for the Council meeting scheduled for February 13, 2017, noting that the current
meeting minutes must be completed.
Development of Concise Statement - Mission and Functions of DHRC
During the Dover Human Relations Commission meeting of November 11, 2016, members
considered the Development of a Concise Statement - Mission and Functions of DHRC and agreed
to establish a deadline of January 6, 2017 to provide input regarding a concise statement.
Mr. Henderson referred to the statement submitted by Reverend Paige, as follows:
The mission of the City of Dover Human Relations Commission is to make sure that
the City of Dover ensures equal opportunity and fair treatment for all people in the
City of Dover. The Commission will ensure that the City will not discriminate based
on race, color, age, religion, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, national
origin, gender, economic or persons with disabilities. The Commission will
investigate, negotiate and resolve discriminatory and unfair treatment complaints
within the city.
Mr. Henderson read the statement provided by Mr. Gaddis, as follows:
The City of Dover Human Relations Commission works to sensitize all, employees
and citizens alike, to the value of individuals whose cultures differ from their own
due to ethnicity, gender, religion, origin, appearance, or abilities. It promotes
acceptance of, respect for, and inclusion of all people utilizing varied means and
methods. By espousing an environment of fairness and respect, the Commission
promotes an appreciation of the benefits of diversity, inclusion, and positive
intergroup relations.
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Mr. Henderson expressed the need for members to know what their charter was, and what their
powers were and were not. He noted that the State Human Relations Commission (SHRC) has the
power to investigate and litigate matters and to listen to complaints; however, the DHRC is to advise
Council, in addition to monitoring human rights for all people. Mr. Henderson indicated that a
couple of years ago when the DHRC had a full commission, Mr. Nicholas Rodriguez, City Solicitor,
had advised members what their powers and charter were. Mr. Henderson suggested that when the
Commission had two (2) or three (3) vacancies filled, they could have Mr. Rodriguez come again
and advise members on the power of the DHRC and the difference between the DHRC and
the SHRC.
Responding to Mr. Henderson, Ms. Bogle indicated that having Mr. Rodriguez advise members in
this regard would be helpful, and she reminded members that the DHRC had previously discussed
holding a retreat. She stated that during a retreat members could hopefully dig into narrowing their
focus, noting that there was only so much that members can do during an hour-long meeting.
Ms. Bogle indicated that she had been on the DHRC for a year and had a hard time narrowing the
focus or figuring out what to do.
Reverend Paige stated that, when developing her statement, she thought that the DHRC’s mission
should be similar to the State’s but relate to the local level, so that residents of the City would come
to the City to be served and State employees or those eligible for the State would go to the State. She
stated that she thought those outside City limits would go to the County for help, as is done for
housing programs. Reverend Paige questioned who determines the power and charter for the DHRC,
what the City was looking for from a human relations commission, and if the Commission had to
stay as it was. She indicated that if members were coming up with a new vision statement, it seemed
to her that they were looking for change and asked if members had the ability to make the change
or who did.
Mr. Henderson stated his understanding that the DHRC had previously become bogged down in
listening to complaints and did not have the legal, financial, or other aspects to follow through on
them.
Mrs. Jody Stein, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk’s Office, noted that Mr. Rodriguez had advised
that the DHRC does not have the legal authority and resources that the State has to hear complaints.
She suggested that members review Chapter 58 - Human Relations, of the Dover Code regarding the
role and function of the Commission, noting that this had been determined by City Council.
Reverend Paige asked if the Code could be changed with the times. Responding, Mrs. Stein advised
that it was within the prerogative of the DHRC to make recommendations to Council and to provide
advice.
Mr. Gaddis indicated that he liked the last sentence of Reverend Paige’s suggested statement, which
stated that “the Commission will investigate, negotiate and resolve discriminatory and unfair
treatment complaints within the city,” noting that it reflected more than just a few people talking and
trying to make nice. He indicated that this would give members an opportunity to be more helpful
right off the bat or as needed; however, he questioned if it would be legal and whether Council
would approve it. Mr. Gaddis asked if the DHRC was a commission that was supposed to do
something or if they were window dressing to look nice. Responding, Mr. Henderson indicated that
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SPECIAL DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2017 PAGE 5
this was a challenge, noting that they had all asked that question because they were all people of
conscience.
Responding to Mr. Henderson, Mrs. Stein advised that Chapter 58 of the Dover Code outlines the
structure and function of the Commission and is available online, and she offered to email a link to
members to access it. Mr. Henderson requested that members review this information so that they
could start a discussion from there. He noted that he wanted to work with City Council but did not
want to be just another pretty face.
Referring to the suggested statement submitted by Reverend Paige, Mr. Gaddis suggested changing
the word “race” to “ethnicity”, stating that we are all one (1) race, whether one goes by religion or
science. Reverend Paige agreed and advised members that she had pulled this language straight from
the State.
In regard to the sentence in Reverend Paige’s suggested statement that “the Commission will
investigate, negotiate and resolve discriminatory and unfair treatment complaints” Mr. Henderson
stated that, under its current structure, the DHRC was not in a position to do this; however, they
could look for change if possible. Ms. Bogle asked if the DHRC was not doing this, what they were
doing exactly.
Reverend Paige asked what currently happens when City employees have complaints and where they
go. Responding, Mrs. Stein stated that employees would typically go to the Human Resources
Department, noting that there is a grievance procedure.
Mr. Gaddis questioned if members should choose one (1) of the statements submitted by him and
Reverend Paige as a concise statement. Responding, Reverend Paige expressed her opinion that the
statements walked together and were just stated differently, noting that Mr. Gaddis’ statement may
have been a little more specific.
Mrs. Stein indicated that it might be helpful for members to review the minutes of the DHRC
meeting when the City Solicitor spoke to members regarding the DHRC, as referenced by
Mr. Henderson. Mr. Henderson agreed, stating his recollection that Mr. Rodriguez had laid out and
made clear what he thought the Commission was. Mr. Henderson stated that he had found
participating in the DHRC Diversity Research Project developed by former Commissioners
Eugene Ruane and James McGiffin empowering and educational in finding out how the various City
agencies were dealing with diversity issues as reflected in the questions and discussions with the
department heads. He noted that former Commissioner S. Renee Smith had a lot of things going and
planned, and noted that members had met with the Police Department, the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and had helped to sponsor a feeding program.
Mr. Henderson advised that these are the types of events where the DHRC is out in the community,
establishes who they are, hears things, and interacts with people.
Ms. Bogle suggested merging the two (2) suggested statements because they were not completely
foreign from one another; however, she noted that members had discussed having the City Solicitor
come in and asked if members should wait until they were a little more informed about their roles.
Responding, Mr. Henderson reiterated that reviewing the minutes from the DHRC meeting that the
City Solicitor previously attended would be helpful. Ms. Bogle suggested that more information
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about what City Council was looking for would also be helpful so that the DHRC would not just be
spinning its wheels; however, she stated that she was unsure if this would be part of a meeting.
Mr. Gaddis suggested that he and Reverend Paige meet, put their statements together, and come back
within a week or two (2). Mrs. Stein reiterated that members may wish to review Chapter 58 -
Human Relations of the Dover Code, as well as the 2015-2018 DHRC Strategic Plan, and the
minutes of the DHRC meeting when the City Solicitor spoke to members regarding the DHRC.
Mr. Henderson suggested that Mr. Gaddis and Reverend Paige present a consolidated statement at
the next meeting.
Ms. Bogle moved to recommend that Mr. Gaddis and Reverend Paige present a
consolidated statement at the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gaddis and
unanimously carried.
Responding to Mr. Gaddis regarding the time frame, Mrs. Stein stated that this information would
need to be provided to the City Clerk’s Office approximately a week to 10 days prior to the
next meeting.
DHRC Vacancies
Responding to Mr. Henderson, Mrs. Jody Stein, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk’s Office, stated
that there were currently two (2) vacancies on the DHRC in the First District and one (1) in the
Fourth District. Mr. Henderson stated that he would take the lead on this, noting the need to
approach City Council members from those districts and tell them that people were needed. He
expressed the need to have a full Commission, for members to define themselves, and move forward.
Future Meeting Dates
By unanimous consent, members agreed to schedule the next meeting for Thursday,
February 23, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
Reverend Paige moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Gaddis and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Theodore A. Henderson
Chair
TAH/JS/dd
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Attachments
Attachment #1 - Dover Human Relations Commission Diversity Research Project Report
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ATTACHMENT #1
Special Dover Human Relations
Commission Meeting of 01/19/2017
THE DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
DIVERSITY RESEARCH PROJECT
I. Introduction
Commissioner Gene Ruane (2014-2015), Chair of the Government Policy, Programs and
Practices Committee, suggested to the Commission that an important first step in the
development of the reconstituted Dover Human Relations Commission was a study to determine
some fundamental facts about the City’s approach to diversity issues. As a model for this project,
he recommended the book, Reinventing Diversity by Howard J. Ross.
Upon Commissioner Ruane’s departure from DHRC (and from Dover), the task fell to
the successor Chair, Jim McGiffin, who drafted an interview instrument for use with senior staff
and a second instrument for an on-line survey available to all employees with email
addresses. The on-line survey was also made available in hard copy to those who preferred that
format.
Commissioners McGiffin and Ted Henderson conducted the interviews with nine
members of the senior staff on December 21, 2015 and January 11, 2016. The general staff
survey was available on-line and in the City Clerk’s office June 14 - July 1, 2016.
II. The Response
These are the questions asked in the staff interviews. Those marked with an asterisk (*)
are questions included in the on-line survey. With each question is a summary of the responses.
Question 1 Are diversity and cultural competency articulated as values in any
mission/vision/value statement developed by the City?*
Some interviewees and 60% of survey respondents correctly indicated that the values of
diversity and cultural competency are found in some of the City’s official documents (the
Budget, the purchasing policy).
Question 2 Is the City’s value regarding diversity and cultural competency
communicated to departments, staff, employees?*
Some interviewees recognized that diversity and cultural competency values are
communicated internally through the hiring/promotion process and through the actions of
City professional leadership. There was one observation that these values are not
communicated to staff from Council and another observation that the City does not
generally communicate to staff about events that have diversity and cultural competency
implications.
The Survey results indicate that 70% of respondents believed the City communicated
these values internally. This question also inspired some responses criticizing any
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attention to issues of diversity and cultural competency. The comment that, “the best
person should get the job” surfaced a few times in the survey.
Question 3 Does the City promote diversity, cultural competency and inclusion in the
community? Why and how? Or why not?*
Several interviewees mentioned the variety of festivals and cultural events that take place
in Dover as examples of the City promoting diversity in the community. The Library
programming was mentioned by some interviewees as well, as was the cadet program and
the attention fostered upon the downtown area. The City Manager was recognized as
someone who promotes diversity in the community.
The survey found that 78% of respondents thought the City promoted diversity and
cultural competency, and individual responses recognized the Library, the festival and
cultural events, partnering with minority groups, community meetings, and social media
as examples of this promotion. Other survey respondents suggested Asian-themed
events. Still others questioned the appropriateness of promoting diversity and cultural
competency at all.
Question 4 Does the City promote diversity, cultural competency and inclusion in the
workplace? Why and how? Or why not?*
Interviewees allowed that some of the City’s managers promote diversity in the
workplace, and some of those managers provide an outlet for staff with concerns. Other
interviewees recognized the staff involved in clean-up day, the Youth Advisory Council,
and the City Manager’s town meetings as examples of promoting diversity.
Most survey respondents (78%) indicated that the City promotes diversity in the work
place. Several made mention of the City’s record of non-discrimination in hiring as an
example of diversity promotion.
Question 5 Is there any history, event, symbol, figure that affects diversity and
cultural competency in Dover?*
Several interviewees could think of no particular event that effected diversity in
Dover. Others mention the Webster case. There was a report of negative feedback from
some community members when the Library scheduled an event at the Schwartz Center
for the Arts, suggesting that the history of that facility included some issues for people of
color. One interviewee noted that police activity was a positive event.
The survey likewise indicated only 57% of the respondents thought there was any
significant event that affected diversity. Individual responses mentioned the various
festivals. Two survey respondents used the answer to this question to criticize attention to
history and to diversity.
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Question 6 Does the City have a diversity recruiting plan, goals, record?
Several interviewees indicated that they did not know the answer to this question, and a
few indicated that it was “probably” the case that the City had a diversity plan, goal or
record.
This was not a survey question.
Question 7 Does the City inquire about or measure employee satisfaction?
Some interviewees were not aware of such an effort and some were sure there was no
such effort. Other interviewees suggested that some managers inquire about satisfaction
with employees. The Human Relations Department has an open door policy. The
Assistant City Manager meets with everyone to improve communication.
This was not a survey question.
Question 8 How does the City communicate with diverse populations?
According to interviewees, the City communicates with diverse populations through
these media:
*Parks and Recreation Department listserv
*program flyers in schools
*Facebook and Twitter accounts
*Town Hall meetings
*Through the Procurement process
*Library newsletter
*mailings in utility bills
*TV in the customer service waiting area
This was not a survey question.
Question 9 Is citizen/customer satisfaction measured? Is it tracked with diversity as a
factor?
According to interviewees, insurance claims are recorded and work orders are recorded,
which provides some measure of customer satisfaction. One interviewee thought that the
City once conducted a paper survey, and another believed there was a complaint
collection process.
The Library does a survey of customers every 2 years.
This was not a survey question.
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Question 10 Is there any request/demand/need from diverse groups for particular
services?*
Interviewees identified these entities in responses to this question: Habitat for Humanity,
Independent Resources (utility billing issues), and the Downtown Development
Partnership forum. Interviewees also identified these issues: complaints about police,
mentoring youth, meeting space for nonprofits, handicap parking spaces, and “ban the
box.”
Most of the survey respondents indicated that they were unaware of any such demand
(61% to 39%), and added these comments: Employment opportunities, increase
community policing, improve street lights, job assistance, budgeting assistance, housing
assistance.
Question 11 Are City services available in any language other than English?
According to interviewees, the answer to this question is “no,” although there is 1
Spanish speaking employee, the Library has an ESL collection and some items are
available with subtitles.
This was not a survey question.
Question 12 Does the City have diversity policies applicable to dealings with vendors?
One interviewee identified a 3% preference for minority vendors and explained outreach
efforts to minority vendors. Several other interviewees were unaware of these policies.
This was not a survey question.
Question 13 What does the City need to do more to promote diversity and cultural
competency within the organization and in the community at large?*
Interviewees had several suggestions:
* stop sending the message that people with political connections get preference;
* get deeper into all communities;
* provide training for all staff;
* make salaries more competitive;
* develop media to promote diversity;
* continue these efforts - cadet program, positive police activity, mentoring,
festivals.
Survey respondents had these ideas:
* work with Sankofa, Boys & Girls Clubs by providing mentors;
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* treat everyone equally;
* find venues that teach the value of diversity;
* support diversity and cultural events in schools;
* provide training in diversity frequently;
* be more proactive with groups and meetings;
* re-institute the Police Athletic League.
There were several responses that questioned the value of attention on the diversity issue.
Questions 14 - 20 were answered by the Human Resources Director, Kim Hawkins
Question 14 Does the City track demographics of job applicants?
Yes, and this information is reported monthly.
Question 15 Does the City publish clear criteria for jobs prior to interviews?
Yes.
Question 16 Are interviewers trained about issues related to unconscious bias?
No. Ms. Hawkins is aware of the availability of such training.
Question 17 Is hiring done by hiring panels? Are the panels diverse?
There is some effort to make the panels diverse, but we could do more.
Question 18 Are hiring patterns tracked? Retention patterns? Attrition patterns?
Hiring patterns are not tracked. HR tracks turnover, but not by demographics. Some exit
interviewing takes place.
Question 19 Are employee behavior expectations communicated to staff? Enforced?
Yes. The IT Department issues a document and an employee handbook exists.
Question 20 Does the City use Employee Resource Groups?
88% of the workforce is unionized. 12% is management.
III. Recommendations/Conclusions
1. The City Of Dover will provide stimulating, educational in-service training (about
four hours) annually for all members of its staff, including leadership. This can include
(but is not limited to) video presentations, (i.e. Cracking the Code), outside speakers,
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discussion and the like. (1)
2. Dover’s Human Resources Department will adopt a particular measure for
employee and customer satisfaction feedback for regular use. (2)
3. The City of Dover leadership will strive to make its services accessible to people
with limited English proficiency e.g. applications and regulations translated to other
languages as needed. (3)
4. More activities that promote diversity and cultural competence education like
Community Clean-up Day, the African-American Festival, and the disbanded Youth
Advisory Council should be initiated and well advertised. Members of at least one
Department should, on a rotating basis, be encouraged to attend these events. (4)
5. The Economic Development Department will develop a statement and goal that
reflects the value of fair hiring practices by contractors, exemplifying the diversity of
contractors in Dover, Kent County, and Delaware. (5)
6. The City of Dover’s Mission and Vision Statements should be visible on the first
page of the City of Dover’s website so that they are the first thing one sees when looking
up our fine city. (6)
7. Each Department’s main page should reflect the City of Dover’s Mission and
Vision Statements within its first page that tells about its department. The pages of the
City Clerk, the Human Resources Department and the City Clerk are fine examples. (6)
8. The Mayor’s page will have at least one statement that shows that he/she values
diversity within our city and strives to honor his/her part of the city’s Vision and Mission
statement. (6)
9. The city’s Mission and Vision Statements are to be prominently posted in City
Hall and within each department for all to read.
Footnotes:
(1) Reflects and includes observations* 1, 2, and 5 and survey questions 13 and 16.
(2) Reflects questions 6 and 7
(3) Reflects question and observation 11
(4) Reflects question/observation 4
(5) Reflects question/observation 6
(6) (6-9) are procedural after input from the Mayor.
*Observations are listed in Attachment #1 – Email from Mr. James McGiffin, Jr. dated October 6, 2016
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ATTACHMENT #1
The Dover Human Relations
From: James G. McGiffin, Jr. [mailto:jimmcgiffin@verizon.net]
Commission Diversity Research Project
Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2016 9:04 PM
To: Stein, Jody
Subject: DHRC Diversity Research Project observations/ 3rd District replacement for me
Observations
General observation - Only one of the senior professional leaders interviewed was a person of color, and
that person was the most recently hired person interviewed.
Question 1 - The professional leadership was surprisingly unaware of the published statements about
diversity.
Question 2 - Diversity is not universally valued among City of Dover employees. There is some sense
that this is a political issue inappropriate for City consideration. This observation surfaced in response to
several survey questions. Interviewees identified diversity in the Human Resources area as a source of
diversity messaging, but no other program or operational areas were identified.
Question 3 - The cultural programs supported by the City garnered recognition for diversity promotion,
as was library programming, the cadet program,community meetings and partnering with community
groups. Some survey respondents suggested expanding into Asian-themed events. The City Manager
was recognized for promoting diversity.
Question 4 - Community clean up day and the now disbanded Youth Advisory Council were mentioned
as good examples of the City’s efforts to promote diversity in the workplace.
Question 5 - No one who participated mentioned any event or individual from Dover’s history. The
NAACP law suit that changed Council composition, desecration of Delaware schools, the influence of
the Dover Air Force Base, the presence of Delaware State University and countless other historical
events, institutions and figures escaped mention in responses to this question.
Question 6 - Dover’s professional leadership was unaware of Dover’s efforts to quantify diversity hiring
efforts.
Question 7 - Most interviewees believe that Dover does not use any particular measure for employee
satisfaction.
Question 9 - Though the library surveys customers, the City does not otherwise measure customer
satisfaction.
Question 11 - City of Dover services are not accessible to people with limited English proficiency.
Question 12 - City professional leadership was generally unaware of Dover’s procurement policies that
promote diversity.
My neighbor Alan Gaddis has volunteered to succeed me on DHRC, if he can be appointed.
Jim McGiffin