2022-05-25 DDP Board Revised Packet

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Revised agenda #2 (5-23-22) Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. In person: Kent County Levy Court (555 S Bay Rd, Dover, DE 19901 AND Via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85432918058 Meeting ID: 854 3291 8058 (Additional Zoom details on page 2.) ENTER BUILDING AT 8 A.M. AND PROCEED IMMEDIATELY TO ROOM 220 ON THE SECOND FLOOR AGENDA 1. Welcome 2. Agenda 3. Minutes April 2022 4. Executive Committee/Staff Updates i. Budget 5. Mosaic Development Partners Capital City 2030: Transforming Downtown Dover! master plan update presentation 6. Other Business 7. Public Comment 8. Adjourn Agenda items as listed may not be considered in sequence. Pursuant to 29 DEL. C. 10004(e)(2), this agenda is subject to change to include the addition or deletion of items, including executive sessions, which arise at the time of the meeting. Next DDP board meeting: Wednesday, June 22, 7:30 a.m. Location to be determined. Downtown Dover Partnership Board Meeting Agenda May 25, 2022 REVISED AGENDA #2 1

Diane Laird is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: DDP Board Meeting Time: May 25, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85432918058 Meeting ID: 854 3291 8058 One tap mobile +13126266799,,85432918058# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,85432918058# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 854 3291 8058 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kblXnhuMpI Downtown Dover Partnership Board Meeting Agenda May 25, 2022 REVISED AGENDA #2 2

MINUTES Wednesday, April 27, 2022 Board Meeting at 7:30 AM at Dover Caucus DRAFT BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF: Mayor Robin Christiansen, Todd Stonesifer, Codi Canasa, Kim Adams, Donny Legans, John Van Gorp, Jonathan Street, Councilman Fred Neil, Dawn Melson-Williams, Councilman Ralph Taylor, Diane Laird, Tina Bradbury, Jordan Resh, Dave Hugg COMMITTEE CHAIRS, PRESENTERS, AND OTHER ATTENDEES: Judy Diogo, Dina Vendetti Call to Order: President Stonesifer opened the meeting at 7:31 AM Stonesifer introduced and welcome Donny Legans to the DDP Board of Directors. Legans introduced himself as the owner of Rail Haus, a resident of Dover with his wife forthree years, and a veteran. Stonesifer proposed an executive session after the review of minutes. Canasa motioned to vote on the agenda with an added executive session, Councilman Neil seconded, and the Board unanimously approved. Mayor Christiansen motioned to approve the minutes from last meeting, Street seconded, and the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes. Street motioned to move into executive session, Councilman Neil seconded the motion, and the Board unanimously approved the motion. Canasa motioned to end executive session, Street seconded, and the Board unanimously approved to leave executive session. Property Updates Stonesifer shared that Restoring Central Delaware reviewed 28 applicants for the three months free rent at 136 W Loockerman and that the committee recommended Blush Spa. Street motioned to have Blush Spa enter 136 W Loockerman under the Unlock the Block Pop-Up Program. Councilman Neil seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved. Board Slate of Officers Laird explained that Street, Adams, and Parkowski are the nominating committee and would make the motion to approve the current slate of officers for an additional term [as follows]: • Stonesifer for President • Van Gorp for Vice President • Street for Secretary • Bradley for Treasurer DRAFT April 27, 2022 – DDP Board Meeting 1

Laird noted that there are no term limits, so the Board may keep consistent with roles of officers if everyone is available to serve for fiscal year 2023. Adams motioned to maintain the current Slate of Officers for Fiscal Year 2023. Councilman Neil seconded the motion, and the Board unanimously approved. Budget Bradbury shared an update on the budget: • DDP will end the fiscal year under budget. • The DDP’s tenants on Forrest Ave, Dover Interfaith, have not paid their $11,000 in rent yet for the year, which was expected in January to cover the expenses to maintain the property. Laird shared that she believes they have spent money for architecturals on a property they had planned to relocate to, and they may be short on funds as they navigate their housing situation. - $75,000 was awarded from the State for the Strategic Master Plan process this year, which was paid to Mosaic previously and is listed in expenditures [on the budget]. - Design committee approved funds to renovate the facade of buildings which was limited during the pandemic. Strategic Master Plan Stonesifer shared an update with Mosaic Development Partners, and their efforts in community engagement research. Stonesifer noted that still a few stakeholder interviews are planned. Stonesifer added that a survey will be opened to the public soon. Stonesifer invited the committee to the scheduled call with Mosaic on Thursdays at 2PM for updates. Stonesifer shared that Mosaic planned to have a preliminary set of plans available in June, which will be continued with community engagement for feedback in round two. Mosaic will then go back to the drawing board and make tweaks and will provide a finalized plan in September. Stonesifer shared that they are pursuing a total of $200,000 for the cost of the project. We have in hand $10,000 from City of Dover, $75,000 from State of De, and $25,000 from Kent County Levy Court. [DDP has provided $15,000]. He added that they are working with state legislators for contributions for this year. Mayor Christiansen asked if funding was available via a bond bill, and Stonesifer said there will be funding from bond bills for last year’s investment. Laird invited Board members to attend the 2PM calls with Mosaic, and noted that a progress report and PowerPoint were made available to share and she will share them after the board meeting. Legans asked if Mosaic oversees the parking plan, and Stonesifer responded that they are master planners for all of downtown, with specialist firms to address comprehensive needs of downtown, including parking. Stonesifer shared that Connect the Dots, the community engagement firm, was let go. Laird added that they were not committed to community engagement to the extent that DDP and Mosaic preferred. Melson-Williams shared that her stakeholder meeting has not occurred, and Laird responded that it is still on the schedule and Mosaic wanted to be prepared to ask the important questions to the city directors once they had received input from other stakeholders. DRAFT April 27, 2022 – DDP Board Meeting 2

Mosaic plans to hold a charette to discuss transportation largely, as well as several of the vacant parcels. There was an additional meeting planned for department heads, and Melson-Williams offered to share the contacts of additional directors that should be consulted in the master plan. Laird shared that if implementation is inconsistent, safety and parking concerns will continue to come up. She added that DAFB, Bayhealth and DSU graduate students, the population that would be more likely to move into apartments downtown if good quality, market rate apartments were available, and this will bring more business and after 5PM activity. Van Gorp responded that Bayhealth will have over 100 physician residents in their program that will be looking for housing in the next few years. Stonesifer asked about additional students, and Van Gorp responded that Med students doing rotations and undergraduates will need short term housing as well which will ideally be attractive and in a favorable location. Laird shared that they asked DSU if they will have students have the option to move off campus, and DSU responded that they anticipate that students will use housing in downtown. Additionally, DAFB is seeking apartments because currently some of their members nowstay at local hotels for long-term stays instead of finding stable housing. Grant Requests Stonesifer shared that the DDP is applying for community reinvestment funds through the State of Delaware, which is due May 15. Laird shared that several grants will be applied for, including building surveys and improvements (electric, gas, water) that will be needed for implementation of the strategic master plan in the fall. Laird added that it is a $350,000 ask and that the DDP will work with Dave Hugg to list what businesses need repair and how. If granted the funds, it will allow infrastructure changes to support new businesses, especially restaurants. Laird added that capital improvement grants for façade, which is set in precedent (Smyrna got ARPA funds for façade improvements in downtown buildings with low match to property owners) and even taking it a step further to extend to interior improvements (such as ADA improvements, sprinklers). Additionally, changes to include or allow for commercial kitchens would encourage restaurants. The funds would also allow property owners to make updates by supplementing the funds available to them. Laird shared that she will generate a list of what improvements are needed and how much it will cost to apply for an accurate amount of funds. Laird added that there is an opportunity for $3,000 from Kent MPO for a parklet.. Dave Hugg joined the meeting at 8:17AM. Committee Updates Economic Vitality Bradbury shared that La Hacienda is working on transitioning licensing from Rebel Cove to La Hacienda. Street asked if liquor license is last step to be opened, and Bradbury said she needs to ask the city if there is anything more needed. Melson-Williams responded that they may have inspections due if they had to make changes, as well as business licenses, and public occupancy. Street asked if they could receive a list of what they need to be opened, so that they can know when they will open once they receive their approvals. Laird responded that they have shared that they could open in two days after being approved. DRAFT April 27, 2022 – DDP Board Meeting 3

Bradbury did not have an update for Coney Island Hot Dogs, but they were working on connecting lines, which she thinks must be connected from North St. Stonerail Market 25, W. Loockerman received COI and business license and is planned to open without the liquor license with plans to apply for one later. She should be able to open in two weeks. Street asked about the Brunch N Lunch, which was formerly at the site of the Stonerail Market and is now open. Resh shared that he is open on Sundays consistently, but the other hours vary. Bradbury shared that Jackson House is meeting with the necessary parties to pursue opening. No date set for opening. Bradbury shared that the owners of El Azteca are moving across from McGlynn’s on the lake, at the old Schwartz place, but they are not going to open another Mexican restaurant, but rather American cuisine. El Azteca had shared that they wanted to open in July, but Bradbury told them it is unrealistic. Mr. Otis is open on New St as Tastee’s. Tomeka Homestead opened in Dover and was not able to work in downtown. Tomeka started at the Capital City farmer’s market. Bradbury shared that the site of Handyman Humphries will open a sneaker retail space with clothing and skateboard stuff from business owners from DC, and that they are seeking their business license. The company has a large social media following. Bradbury did not know the name. They plan to open in next three weeks and were waiting to get the inventory together. Marketing and Promotion Stonesifer discussed two big events – Dover Days festival and parade, and after History, Heritage and Hops from Destination Downtown Dover – craft beverage, food and truck and music festival on Loockerman St. Headliner is Tony Jackson and two local acts – Fazes ft. Greg Taylor, jazz and the Mad Dabbers, reggae. He added that there are activities for children in the Loockerman Plaza. Because there are two big events, it will be a great day for friends and family fun. The event is May 7 and is an all-day event. Stonesifer shared that First Fridays transitioned to First Saturdays. Laird added that D3 had First Fridays for three years, then DDP did it for three years, and has decided it was better to transition to another entity downtown. The DDP launched a survey and no organization wanted to take over planning. Laird added that downtown is not ready to host large events, given the lack of restaurants and stores, and DDP is not set up to provide events withalcohol. Laird added that First Saturday will start with Dover Days, and partners with nearby organizations. Resh headed up monthly meeting to plan the event with partners from the city and downtown organizations and worked to take advantage of things already happening. Laird added that Friday night and Saturday afternoon were reported to be equally favorable in the survey. Resh added that the program helps utilize free events and showcase merchants. Laird added that based on research, it was found that merchants are typically very engaged in First weekend events. CITY UPDATES Mayor He added that NASCAR is this weekend, the return of Dover Days is next, then the DAFB airshow, and the DRAFT April 27, 2022 – DDP Board Meeting 4

July 9th 100 Year Anniversary of Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association. Mayor Christiansen added that the July 9th Celebration will have parade and celebration in front of Town Hall, and that they invited President Biden and he may attend. Street asked date of airshow. Christiansen responded the dates are the 20th and 21st, 22nd (20th is family day for military). Street added that the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels will be there together, and that all three airshows are all the same each day. Street added that Delaware is the only state in the Union that state’s capital is protected by a volunteer firefighter association. City Manager Hugg reported that a vehicle charging booth will be installed in the Bradford lot and is considering the Dover Public Library, as well. He added that they are seeking state funding and will know more after start of next fiscal year. Hugg added that September 20th will be a celebration of Dover Public Library. Councilman Neil shared that the library is an economic development tool and connects many people to resources. City Council Councilman Neil shared that there was a robust commitment to provide something regarding safety in downtown – whether mobile or permanent. He asked that we consider terms of money and budget and look at the advice from Police Chief Johnson of the cost of the program to determine what is next. Councilman Neil added that each police officer costs $200,000 because of pensions and additional costs and added that there should be a commitment to do that. He continued that everything dealing with downtown, they have to make sure that they are aware of and make input in, because they are the experts, and then determine how do they fit in to make the jigsaw work: bringing people downtown, housing in different categories (from low luxury), safety in numbers when people are together, and lighting. He added that the city had two million dollars to install smart lighting all over city and starting with downtown, but that the software is not working. He anticipated a kickoff in June for the lighting system and suggested waiting to see what the relationship with police becomes. Councilman Taylor added that business owners are feeling the brunt of inaction in terms of policing, and that he was not happy with the results of the last council meeting and hopes to see something positive come soon. Mayor Christiansen shared that Chief Johnson got the message that the DPD needs to be stepped up, and thinks that something instantaneous will happen in the next day or so, and that efforts were not gone unnoticed. Stonesifer thanked the Council for their work. Councilman Neil shared that he was disappointed because the report from the police department showed homicides, and did not mention that Dover PD saved four lives including a one-year-old baby last year. He added that it is important to utilize language that would permit dignity of someone while taking action. Mayor Christiansen shared that the 25-million-dollar project for the family court building will create a downtown with DSU on north, State buildings to the east, Bayhealth in the south, and then the Family Court Building and USPS. He suggested that all we need to do is fill in the gaps. Stonesifer said we are poised for a perfect storm, including the Riverfront on the East side. Interim Planning Director DRAFT April 27, 2022 – DDP Board Meeting 5

Melson-Williams shared an updated on the rezoning of Kent County family court into historic district. The historic district zoning commission just saw the project to review building and parking structure and will head to city planning commission on May 16 to review plan. She added that hopefully we will see activity later this summer with property, with site demolition and prep that could occur. She added that this a huge project, and that is expensive and impactful for downtown. Melson-Williams added that the office is involved for NASCAR, Dover Days, and the airshow. She added that for enforcement, grass is growing throughout the city, and asked everyone to please cut grass appropriately. She added that there will be a structured giveaway of tulips, and that people should not pick them. OTHER REPORTS Bayhealth Van Gorp shared that there will be 24 new residents to program for family practice, general medicine, and surgery. The program will start in July and go for 4 year and will include physicians in training. Legislative Stonesifer shared that was no formal legislative update because no representatives were present, but that Diogo had some insight. Diogo updated for small business: 1. DE relief grant: Recipients must get into portal and make update before April 30, or the grant becomes a loan. 2. FMLA - family paid medical leave bill passed both house and senate, waiting for Governor’s signature. Diogo added that if you are 0-10 employees, you do not have to participate, 10-24 employees you have to participate in the paternal plan (6 weeks of paternal plan), 25+ paternal medical family care leave, up to 12-24 weeks. She added that it does not start until 2026, but that you and employees would start paying for the program in 2025. The bill is sitting on the Governor’s desk and will likely be signed. 3. DE Earns bill – pension plans etc., for small businesses. Diogo shared that the chamber is opposed to the bill because the state does not need to be in financial planning or banking business and gets in the way of the people whose careers are in financial planning and banking. 4. Marijuana bill – affects everyone, split into two bills: Bill 371 (legalization), which Diogo shared a belief that it will pass, and Bill 372 (regulation part). She added that Bill 372 had an amendment placed to allow you as a business owner, if you have a policy for not allowing or accepting drug behavior in facilities, to remain those policies. Diogo recommended adding to HR policy before bill is passed. Diogo shared that the legislature is in bond and doing joint finance now, and will be in all session in June. She added that the transfer tax is going to go through likely, which will drop from 4% to 3% on property tax. Diogo added that the legislature has access to a lot of funds (billions of dollars in reserve, not including ARPA funding), and is trying to make sure that they put money away for infrastructure needs for various municipalities. With the money they can fund project goals of DDP/small businesses, if the money is distributed and saved appropriately. Diogo recommended being in touch with the legislature, because in the State of DE five phone calls can make a difference. DRAFT April 27, 2022 – DDP Board Meeting 6

Diogo added that the ARPA application has closed, but that they are still giving out money. Diogo shared that they gave out 74 checks and have 79 left to distribute. Laird asked if the application will remain open until funds are depleted, and Diogo said that because funds are not depleted it may reopen, but that she would wait to hear from other partners. She added that some have received as much as $50,000 in grant money to as little as $5,000, and experienced much gratitude from all levels of recipients. Diogo shared that two other plans in additional funds will be available for the business community soon. OTHER BUSINESS Stonesifer shared that Lucy Finley of Partners in Design, passed away suddenly. He added that a memorial will be installed in front of clock on Loockerman St and gave thanks to DDP staff for their work. PUBLIC COMMENT None ADJOURN Christiansen motioned to adjourn, and Councilman Neil seconded. The board voted unanimously to adjourn. Next meeting: Wednesday May 25, 2022, at 7:30 a.m. in City Conference Room at Dover City Hall. JR/DJL DRAFT April 27, 2022 – DDP Board Meeting 7