SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING A Special City Council Meeting was held by video conference on May 4, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. with Councilman Slavin presiding. Council members present via video or telephone were Mr. Hare, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Sudler, Mr. Neil, Mr. Cole, Mr. Polce, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Lindell. Staff member present via video or telephone was Mrs. McDowell. Mayor Christiansen was absent. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Slavin requested the addition of Discussion of Voting Procedure to the agenda. Mr. Neil moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Anderson and unanimously carried. COUNCIL PRESIDENT CANDIDATES Mr. Slavin reviewed the agenda and stated that questions were submitted by himself, Mr. Lindell, and Mr. Taylor and they would ask their questions in that order. Opening Statements Mr. Sudler thanked the previous and current Council Presidents and stated it was a privilege to observe, learn, and serve under their leadership during his 15+ consecutive years with the City and that they had afforded him the opportunity to serve in numerous leadership positions. Mr. Sudler stated that the purpose of his candidacy was not to ridicule the current one, but to offer his colleagues an alternative leadership style that embraces all Council members to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their position on an agenda item or affiliation or non-affiliation with any subgroup. He noted that recently he has watched Council members deliberately not speak to one another or display disrespectful behaviors which ultimately affects the moral and impacts their ability to be the most effective. He noted that he has encountered and been a part of some of the most difficult, combative, and challenging periods and realized that collaboration and mutual respect allows them to work through their difference. Mr. Sudler stated that if he was chosen as the next Council President, his fundamental goal would be to help rebuild a unity among Council members so that they can accomplish goals collectively rather than in subgroups. He also noted that he would seek continuous growth, development, training and exposure for all Council members in relevant areas of interest, necessary to conduct the most productive meetings and to make informed decisions for the citizens and the City of Dover. Mr. Sudler stated that this would force every Council member to be prepared for serving as Council President whenever necessary or requested. Mr. Sudler stated that based on his community action and academic experience, that a transformational leadership style would benefit City Council and the City of Dover, which denotes a leader who not only shares his vision, goals, and intentions as Council President, but also supports and empowers members to achieve Council goals and leads through teamwork and trust. He stated that those virtues reflect his own style of leadership which serves as the focal point for a responsible and transformational leader. Mr. Sudler stated that his proposed leadership style is not only aligned with the City mission statement that postulates a balanced growth and opportunity where diversity is valued, but reflects the demographic population that drives economic development and home

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 2020 PAGE 2 ownership through the City of Dover. Mr. Sudler noted that members may have previously committed their vote to one of the candidates and asked if their vote and commitment aligned with their constituents’ best interests rather than someone else. Mr. Hare stated that the nation, the State, and the City have all taken unprecedented economic blows from the COVID-19 virus recently. He stated what they can do and how they can do it depends on what Governor John Carney decrees during this time of emergency. Mr. Hare noted that the citizens of the City have been severely impacted just as the anticipated income flowing into the City coffers has dropped significantly. He stated that they must prepare a budget recognizing that and hopefully no tax increase and no cuts in services will be needed while keeping their residents and visitors out of harm’s way. Mr. Hare stated that he sought to serve as president of Council to continue even handed continuity and service with them, Council, the Mayor, and the City's management team during this crisis and the aftermath. He noted that the aftermath is bringing the City up and running as safely and quickly as they can. Mr. Hare stated that he is able to devote his full efforts to the task they face and asked Council to permit him to continue doing so as Council President. He stated that he will continue to make sure each of them is fairly represented, respected, and that they follow the Charter in which they took their oath. Mr. Hare thanked Council members and noted that he believes working together in solidarity and consistency, they will grow even more together. Questions and Answers Mr. Slavin stated that the position of City Council President is one which demands a consensus-building approach to issues facing Council. He asked both Mr. Sudler and Mr. Hare if they could provide examples of how they have successfully achieved consensus-building in their career. Responding, Mr. Sudler provided the following examples of how he has successfully achieved consensus-building for issues facing Council in his career: • Concentration on criminal activities in the downtown and surrounding areas of Dover, such as Dover Elks Lodge 1125 located on Kirkwood Street. It was the focal point of public nuisances and safety concerns and under his leadership the Mayor, Dover Police Department, Council Members, Code Enforcement, Department of Justice, Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Faith-based Social Action committee, Kirkwood Neighborhood Watch Committee, NCALL, members of the community, and State Representative of the 31st District, Sean Lynn, all joined an initiative to address public safety issues. He noted that due to that demonstration of consensus building, the crime on Kirkwood Street has diminished by at least 80% or more. • The Fourth District Meetings he has conducted with topics such as cessation of illegal gang formation in the City of Dover. He noted that under his chairmanship of the Dover Human Relations Committee, they orchestrated a resolution to address the pandemic of gang activity in the City. He stated with citizens of the Dover Human Relations Commission, Code Enforcement, Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee, the Finance and Administration Committee and City Council, they have

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 2020 PAGE 3 all worked together to not only adopt a City Resolution to address this matter, but have witnessed the strength of consensus building through the temporary closing of the Fulton Deli Market in 2018-19, consequently, decreasing criminal activity in that way, which can be evaluated and verified today. • His last example was the Fourth District meeting concerning the opioid epidemic in the City of Dover. He stated that faith-based agencies, mental and public health agencies, local and State officials were drawn together to examine the severity of the epidemic. He noted that Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long was the main speaker on that topic and helped to support the need for City Council to join a class action lawsuit against doctors who over prescribe patients resulting in an opioid addiction. Responding to Mr. Slavin, Mr. Hare noted that Mr. Sudler hit on a couple of good notes, but stated that there is more to consensus building. He stated that consensus is not easy, it cannot be done quickly, it requires effort and is a process. Mr. Hare noted that they have to develop a sense of trust to get the consensus. He advised that he has done many years of union negotiations with the labor market and years as an arbitrator. Mr. Hare stated that they can build consensus in a lot of different ways, but thought it was something that all of Council has to do and thought that they have done it very well in the last many years. Mr. Slavin asked what particular strengths each candidate feels qualifies them for the position of City Council President. Responding Mr. Sudler stated that what qualified him for the position of City Council President is centered on at least two vital qualities, the ability to be a great facilitator and the ability to be a great consensus builder. He noted that Council President is the focal point of the Council members, who facilitates dialogue and ideas that stimulate creative thinking for new and improved innovative best practices for conducting City business. Mr. Sudler stated that, based on his training as a mediator for the Delaware Center for Community Justice integrated with his local and State human relations skills, he feels confident that he possesses these qualities and therefore would be able to unify Council members through methods of mediation and active listening skills. He noted that it will allow him to pinpoint and reflect the problems between two or more opposing parties that typically stunt the growth of the body, thus enabling Council to move forward as a progressive governing body. Responding to Mr. Slavin, Mr. Hare stated that his strengths would be 15 years, going on 16 years, as a City Council member. He noted that he has a great working relationship with the Staff and all divisions. Mr. Hare stated that when there are issues, they need to go to Staff and they are the ones that have to deal with it. Mr. Hare stated that he respects the Charter and tries to follow it. He noted the primary thing is having that relationship with Staff and hopefully have their respect and trust. Mr. Slavin stated that the vision for the City of Dover guides the discussions and actions of the City of Dover and that vision is a balance of ideas gathered from citizens, property owners, business owners, non-profit agencies, churches, and others, as well as City Staff, the Mayor, and City Council members. He asked what ideas they would add to the vision for the City of Dover.

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 2020 PAGE 4 Responding, Mr. Sudler stated that his vision ideas would be contingent upon those individuals mentioned earlier. He advised that once a consensus from the majority had been reached, then his decisions would be based upon what is ethically sound and in the best interest of the City of Dover and not his own. Responding to Mr. Slavin, Mr. Hare noted that the Dover vision says the City of Dover is a place where people want to live through the effort of its elected officials, employees and citizens, Dover's clean and safe community with a future of balanced growth and opportunity where all citizens are heard, enjoy a high quality of life and diversity is valued. He stated it is a good vision and has been in place for many years and it is behooving on them to build on that, respect it, and increase the diversity as the City grows and work towards that. Mr. Lindell stated that the Council President is the first point of contact for the Council appointed staff. He asked how candidates would build or have built a culture of trust with such contacts. Mr. Sudler asked for an example in regards to an issue, like a major emergency issue. He noted the reason for his question was because he knows that there is an ordinance that prohibits City Council members from being included or there is a restriction on the amount of input they can put on daily activities and daily input from the Staff. Mr. Sudler stated if something was to come about, then his first responsibility would be to the Council and to get that out to all members. Transparency is the best key for making sure that everyone is on the same page so they can come to a consensus in regards to how they are going to move forward. Responding to Mr. Lindell, Mr. Hare stated he somewhat agreed with Mr. Sudler but noted that this was for Council appointed Staff and not the regular daily employees. Mr. Hare stated that the City Manager probably would reach out to the Council President with any questions and he would relay everything that was discussed to Council. Mr. Hare stated that a lot of times it is just a question about an agenda item, whether it should be on the agenda or the next meeting agenda. He stated there are a lot of things that you do not burden everybody with. Mr. Hare concurred with Mr. Sudler regarding Council’s need to know and noted that the Council President does not need to be talking to the appointed Staff because they do not want to give them an impression that what you say is representing Council because it is not. Mr. Hare stated that the Council President is the first point of contact to determine what should be done with this, then if it is a decision they can make and if not that is when they decide it has to run through Council. Mr. Lindell asked how the candidates will build and maintain trust with their fellow Council persons. Responding, Mr. Sudler stated that he would build and maintain trust by having some social events where they can congregate and get to know each other a little bit more personally than just seeing each other at City Hall. He noted that if permissible by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), he would like to see some more social activity amongst Council members so they can build that sense of trust. Mr. Sudler stated that trust is not something that you vote in, it is something that has to be established and you establish that through communication and building a relationship with an individual or individuals.

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 2020 PAGE 5 Mr. Sudler stated that, in this case, as Council President they would have to establish a relationship amongst everyone. He stated that he would have more social activities and training, and bring in somebody that will bring City Council members together collectively outside of the heavy load that they lift at times on these agenda items. He noted that there has to be a balance and that there is a time and place for everything, but it is also a time and place for them to work on establishing a trust relationship. He stated that as a leader one must have the respect and trust among their followers in order for them to buy into their leadership style. Responding to Mr. Lindell, Mr. Hare stated that building and maintaining trust is something one earns, they do not just get it. He stated one earns it over time and a lot of it is based on your word. Mr. Hare stated that when you say something and you follow up on it that is what you are learning. When a decision is made, whether you agree or disagree, you support it because that is all of what Council decided, then you will earn their trust that way. Mr. Hare noted that you do not go behind somebody to do things when it does not agree with you, and you have to be there answering the questions, leading the crew, and still remembering that you are just one person of nine, no more important than any of the other people there. He noted that everyone has to realize even if they are not the Council President, they are still just as important as anyone else in that Chamber, even the Council President. Mr. Lindell asked how a leader differs from a micro manager. Responding Mr. Sudler stated that micro managers are poor leaders in his view because they do not allow the employee, subordinate, or follower to establish trust. He stated that to stay away from micro managing, they have to allow the individuals to lead and allow them to come to them if they are having a dilemma or difficulties in their leadership style. Mr. Sudler stated that as Council President, he would take more of an advisor role and allow them to reach their full potential individually in that leadership position, rather than constantly be behind their shoulder, looking over them because it does not allow them to grow professionally. He noted that he does not support micro managing. The best way to avoid micro managing is to allow the individual to make mistakes and he will be there as an advisor. Mr. Sudler noted that to make mistakes to the point where it is not going to harm Council collectively, but to make mistakes to the point where it allows that individual to mature into the full potential that they could reach as either a chair or an emergent leader. Responding to Mr. Lindell, Mr. Hare stated that he agreed with Mr. Sudler and that he does not profess to be a micro manager. Mr. Hare stated that he thought when people come with questions, a good leader is going to recognize that they might not be the one to answer that and direct them to someone who has the right direction. Mr. Hare noted that he is not a micro manager and has no problem directing someone to someone else if they have a question that he does not feel that he is the one to answer. Mr. Lindell stated that in the eyes of the media, oftentimes the Council President is seen as the spokesperson for Council. He asked the candidates to explain how they would conduct themselves when the media seeks their input in a situation or a vote where they disagree with the decision made by the majority of Council.

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 2020 PAGE 6 Responding, Mr. Sudler stated that he would say, "No comment," because as Council President they pretty much have to have a nonpartisan view, but that they do not have to relinquish their own personal view. Mr. Sudler noted that, depending on the situation, he believes that all Council persons, including the Council President, may have their own view or perception of how they may or may not have handled the situation, however, as the focal point for a City Council President, for City Council, that has to be set aside. He stated that because when they speak, especially in the paper, they are speaking and looking at them as the body. Mr. Sudler noted that as Council President they are speaking on behalf of the body, which sometimes they are not, but sometimes it can be perceived that they are. He noted he would refrain from answering any questions from the media unless he has a consensus from the body that says this is okay. Mr. Sudler stated that if he felt that strongly about something, maybe he would call an executive session with the Council members and vet it out and see if they would be amenable to him taking a position. If not, he would respect that and would not take the position of saying anything. Responding to Mr. Lindell, Mr. Hare stated that maybe he is seeing this different and provided an example where the media calls stating that Council voted against him, he would respond saying that it was the consensus of Council, so he agrees with it and that is the way they are going to proceed. He noted that he would not have time to tell the media that he would get back to them and call an executive session. Mr. Hare stated that he would support the Council position whether he agreed or disagreed. Mr. Lindell stated that they are all works in progress. He asked the candidates to explain a weakness in their own perceived leadership capabilities that they wish to improve. Responding, Mr. Sudler stated that at times he can be very assertive and his assertiveness does not come from a domain of aggressiveness, but from a domain of passion and dedication to what he has committed to do and has been doing for 15 years straight, serving the community and wanting authentic progress for the City of Dover. He stated his two flaws that were works in progress were being a little bit more patient and being a little less assertive at times. Responding to Mr. Lindell, Mr. Hare stated that the Council President oversees the meeting and that there have been times where he has let things go just a little too far, get a little too much out of hand without jumping in and stopping things. He stated that there have been times where he has not fought or kind of overlooked some things in the Charter instead of holding people accountable to it. He noted that Mr. Slavin was very, very good at it and he can only hope to someday get to that point, but he stated that it is one of the weaknesses he has seen in himself in this past year. Mr. Lindell stated that regardless of who becomes Council President, they are still all going to need to get along, and he asked Mr. Sudler why Mr. Hare would make a good Council President. Responding, Mr. Sudler stated that Mr. Hare’s experience would make him a good Council President, noting that he has seen the many transitions throughout the City of Dover and has a wealth of knowledge. He also noted that Mr. Hare knows the key players, principles and their characteristics that make up their personalities. Mr. Sudler stated that Mr. Hare is also well seasoned and regardless of the outcome, he would learn for Mr. Hare, as well as Mr. Hare would also embrace learning from what Mr. Sudler has to offer as a new season on the show.

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 2020 PAGE 7 Responding to Mr. Lindell, Mr. Hare stated that Mr. Sudler would be a great Council President and if it is the consensus of Council that Mr. Sudler be the president, Mr. Hare will back the Council consensus and Mr. Sudler 100%. He stated that he would do whatever he could to help Mr. Sudler if he is the Council President. Mr. Taylor thanked both candidates for all that they have done and what the candidates’ greatest accomplishments were since being on Council. Responding, Mr. Hare stated that his greatest accomplishments were: • Helping to acquire a new building for the Dover Police Department in the 1990s • Helping to acquire a second station for the Fire Department He stated that those are the accomplishments that stand out, but the majority of the accomplishment were not his but the result of working with all of Council to get things done. Mr. Hare stated that the new fire station and police station could not have been done without all of Council. He stated that they all have to work together. Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Sudler highlighted four of his greatest accomplishments since being on Council, as follows: • The Elks Lodge 1125 and the decrease of crime within more than 80%. • The adoption of the cessation of illegal gang formation when he was Chair of Human Relations Commission. • His collaboration on the apology for slavery • His service on the State’s Human Relations Commission Mr. Sudler stated his last accomplishment was just being a Council member and that it has been a great accomplishment being among great individuals, with different skill sets that have contributed to making him a better Council person as a whole. Mr. Taylor stated that communication is everything and that it has been suggested that Council Committee of the Whole (CCW) meetings be live streamed on social media. Mr. Taylor asked if the candidates supported this method of communication and why. Mr. Hare stated that if someone has a computer, they can watch the Council meetings and that he did not think he had a problem with putting the CCW meetings on there. He noted that there is a lot that has to be looked into to see if they have to have Staff in there to record. Mr. Hare stated it is not as easy as just saying, yes, but they have to look into it and see what Staff has to say about it. He noted that he would support it if it was something Council wanted to do. Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Sudler stated yes, if he were to be a Council President, or without being Council President, he was in support of live streaming the CCW meetings. He noted in addition to the 15 minutes from the presentations from the community. Mr. Sudler noted that

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 2020 PAGE 8 transparency is the key to representing or indicating and demonstrating that they are representing their constituents within their best interests and allowing them to vet their concerns. He stated his main concern with that is at times there are individuals that become a little unruly and rowdy during the open presentations from the community, however, with the strong presence of the Dover Police Department, the Chief, as well as the individual officer in attendance, he thinks that they can have an environment that is conducive for positive dialogue. Mr. Taylor stated that he was a firm believer in the hand washing and that precautions should be taken before our community reopens. He asked if they supported hand washing stations strategically located throughout the City. Responding, Mr. Hare stated that he could support it, but he needed more information on it. He stated that he agreed that hand washing was good, but he had questions about where they would be located. Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Sudler stated that he somewhat concurred with Mr. Hare with it being an environmental safety issue right now globally. He stated they would have to look into the logistics and to consider what the State is doing and try to align with them and incorporate their strategies. Mr. Sudler stated that there needs to be some more cohesiveness between the two municipalities, which ultimately will strengthen their finances and resources on a local level. He stated that he is in support of hand washing stations, however, the budget, other variables, and the consensus of Council as a whole would have to be considered. Mr. Sudler noted that if he was Council President, it is pretty much with Council as a whole to come up with, but he would support the initiative. Mr. Taylor asked what organizations the candidates have the strongest relationships with and how they can leverage these relationships to assist in the reopening of the City. Responding, Mr. Hare stated that he was a member of Colonial Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce and he noted that those organizations are struggling financially themselves right now and they are looking to Council for help. He noted Mr. Anderson has been a good advocate and a good leader in this to help support that cause with regard to the Chamber. Mr. Hare advised that he has strong ties with the military, but cannot commit to anything that they can do. He stated that right now with the crisis, there are going to be a lot of people looking to City Council to help them and a lot of this is going to just depend on Governor John Carney and when he says they can start getting back to normal. Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Sudler stated he has a good relationship with Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and noted that she is a champion when it comes to mental health, physical health, and health period. He stated that when they talk about opening up the City, they cannot forget about those individuals who are mentally challenged, physically challenged or socially distant. Mr. Sudler noted that he has looked at faith-based communities and the IMA Social Action Commission where they can also assist outreach. Mr. Polce noted that Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, is transitioning out of office in a few months and, as they maintain quarantine, he asked both candidates to share their thoughts and desires on how they as a City and under their leadership would conduct a search for new City Manager.

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 2020 PAGE 9 Responding, Mr. Sudler stated he embraces contemporary techniques for gaining data or knowledge or doing interviews and would be in support of a virtual search, meeting, and interview to start the process. He stated that time was of the essence, but they would want to do it in excellence. Mr. Sudler stated that if City Council members deem it necessary to move forward, he would be in support of it. Responding to Mr. Polce, Mr. Hare stated that he had no problem with virtual interviews but that they need to get moving forward with this. He suggested getting some advertising out there, maybe even consider a company to assist them, as well as try to find some people that are experienced that would be willing to help them review resumes and present them. Mr. Hare noted that he did not have a problem with some preliminary WebEx or Zoom interviews to get them started, but they need to get it started. DISCUSSION - VOTING PROCEDURE DURING THE ANNUAL MEETING Mr. Slavin stated that it was their tradition to elect their Council President at the Annual meeting. He noted that when there is more than one candidate, the tradition has been that Council members fill out ballots which are then submitted and counted by the legal counsel. Legal counsel announces the results of the election, then they accept those results without totals and they destroy the ballots so that when they leave the Annual meeting, the spirit is that they leave as one Council. Mr. Slavin suggested that, to honor that tradition, they have the election as an action item on the Annual meeting agenda, which is chaired by the Mayor. He stated they could simply recess the meeting at that moment and Mr. Nicholas Rodriguez, City Solicitor, could individually call each Council member to obtain their vote and then bring the meeting back into session and announce the results of the vote. Mr. Slavin stated that would honor the tradition that has been and that it was just one option. Mr. Hare moved to recommend Mr. Slavin’s suggestion of the voting procedure of Council President at the Annual meeting, seconded Mr. Sudler. Mr. Lindell asked if the idea was taken through Mr. Rodriguez for any and all legalities. Responding, Mr. Slavin stated that it was a valid question and they would make sure to obtain a legal opinion. Mr. Hare moved for approval of Mr. Slavin’s suggestion of the voting procedure for Council President at the Annual meeting, seconded Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried. By unanimous consent, the meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m. TRACI A. McDOWELL CITY CLERK

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 4, 2020 PAGE 10 All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Special Meeting of May 4, 2020, are hereby approved. ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN MAYOR /TM S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Council-Minutes\2020\05-04-2020 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL.wpd