2023-09-27 Downtown Dover Partnership Board Meeting Packet

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ANNUAL MEETING Wednesday, September 27, 2023 7:30 a.m. City of Dover Conference Room 1. Welcome 2. Agenda 3. Minutes (June, August 7, August 28 Meetings 2023) 4. Police Report 5. Executive Committee/Staff Updates i. Memorandum of Agreement – Department of State (Community Reinvestment Fund) 6. Property Updates i. Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing ii. Site Readiness on DDP-owned sites iii. Loan refinance (120 S. Governors/22-24 W. Loockerman St.) 7. Downtown Dover Master Plan Priorities i. RFQ process to select developer for redevelopment site (120 S. Governor’s Ave.) ii. Related redevelopment initiatives iii. Arts and Creative Placemaking iv. Transportation Linkages (Dover Kent MPO Assessment) 8. Legislative Updates i. Delaware House Bill 2 - Delaware Marijuana Control Act (Initial discussion regarding whether to allow marijuana sales in Dover.) 9. Other Business 10. Board member updates (as time allows) 11. Public Comment 12. Adjourn Next DDP board meeting: Wednesday, October 25, 7:30 a.m. City of Dover Conference Room 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. Downtown Dover Partnership Board Meeting Agenda – September 27, 2023

Board Meeting 6/28/23 City of Dover Conference Room MINUTES ATTENDANCE: Mayor Robin Christiansen, Mary Ellen Gray, Donny Legans, Codi Canasa, Councilman Fred Neil, Todd Stonesifer, Pete Bradley, Linda Parkowski, Sergeant Jennifer Lynch, Chelsia Douglass (ICMA Fellow with the City), Dina Vendetti, Stacey Downing, John Van Gorp, Councilman Gerald Rocha, Kim Adams, Bobby Wilson STAFF: Jordan Resh, Diane Laird, Tina Bradbury CALL TO ORDER Stonesifer opened the meeting at 7:30 a.m. AGENDA Mayor Christiansen motioned to approve the agenda. Councilman Neil seconded the motion. Unanimous approval. MINUTES Mayor Christiansen motioned to approve the previous meeting minutes. Councilman Neil seconded the motion. Unanimous approval. POLICE REPORT Sgt. Lynch offered to share the downtown crime report of May 2022-May 2023 with the board after the meeting because the computer would not forward the statistics before. She provided a summary: May 2022 had 443 complaints and May 2023 had 524 complaints, noting the increase of <100 since last year with no major concerns. She noted that May 2023’s figure includes additional community outreach checks requested by organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and NeighborGood Partners (formerly NCALL). Stonesifer asked if calls were placed to check on occupied houses. Sgt. Lynch responded that the calls are for vacant properties to ensure that no one is there unauthorized. She added that the outreach organizations have had a significant and meaningful impact by supporting ownership of properties and locating people who care about the downtown. Stonesifer shared that the CenDel parking lot was formerly used after hours as a hangout, and that since the gate was installed, people have migrated to the Wells Fargo lot behind the Moving Experience. Sgt. Lynch responded that the camera footage of the CenDel lot revealed no activity, and that it was likely the trouble migrated. Stonesifer noted that the crowd migration may help to consolidate the issue to a more manageable size. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE/STAFF UPDATES FY24 Annual Budget Board Meeting 6/28/23 Downtown Dover Partnership Draft 1

Board Meeting 6/28/23 City of Dover Conference Room Bradbury shared that the DDP will likely be under budget with a revenue increase and spending below revenue. She added that the balanced FY24 budget was approved by the executive committee and was sent to the city for review. She noted that the budget will be amended pending the funding that may come from the legislature. She shared that the committee structure of the DDP is taking a hiatus to prioritize the implementation of the master plan and develop the committees. Councilman Neil motioned to approve the FY24 budget. Parkowski seconded the motion. Unanimous approval. Nomination Committee Parkowski shared that the DDP Board nominating committee (Jonathan Street, Kim Adams, and Parkowski) met several times to review candidates, and was excited to report those selected. Stonesifer thanked Carla Wilson for her three years of service on the Board and Rep. Bill Bush, who had to step down due to conflicts with his seat on the Bond Bill committee, and which resulted in two open positions. Parkowski shared that Sarah Kiefer, Planning Director of Kent County for several years and a resident, supporter, and leader of Dover is a candidate. She noted that given Kiefer’s extensive background and experience in planning, she would be a great addition to the DDP. Parkowski shared that Will Grimes, who has served on several DDP committees and is heavily involved with the community, the local churches, and is an employee at NeighborGood Partners is a candidate. She added that Grimes will provide a valuable community perspective to the board. Parkowski motioned to nominate Kiefer and Grimes to the FY24 DDP Board of Directors. Mayor Christiansen seconded the motion. Unanimous approval. FY24 Annual Documents Updates: Workplan Laird shared that changes were made to the committee structure as to meet in an ad hoc manner to best prioritize the master plan. She added that significant changes require change to operations as well and that the additional time will be committed to the master plan. She noted that the committee work plan is available in the annual board packet with more details about the guiding principles for the upcoming year. Mayor Christiansen motioned to approve the FY24 workplans. Canasa seconded the motion. Unanimous approval. PROPERTY UPDATES Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (DIMH) Laird shared that DIMH moved out of their rental property from DDP and that the buildings are emptied, but the building has not been ready for use. She added that the mobile resource center has received a permit to move to another center in Felton. The deadline to complete the move was updated from June Board Meeting 6/28/23 Downtown Dover Partnership Draft 2

Board Meeting 6/28/23 City of Dover Conference Room 2nd to June 28th. She added that DIMH is aware of their obligation to pay utility bills and other expenses until the key is returned and the DDP will proceed to demolish and ready the site for redevelopment. E-Z Pass Bradbury shared that the Commercial Moving Experience is assisting on developing a contract for the rental of EZ-Pass with Transcore and that Transcore received a verbal agreement that they will receive the contract to provide services for EZ-Pass. She added that once the agreement is finalized, Transcore will receive a written contract and sign the lease to continue to rent downtown. DOWNTOWN DOVER STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN PRIORITIES Stonesifer thanked the master plan priorities team for their efficiency and effort (Parkowski, Gray, Vendetti, Hugg, Scott Kidner, Laird, Bradbury, Resh, and himself) and shared that the group meets every Monday and determines next steps to move the master plan forward. Stonesifer shared that another RFP for a Property/Real Estate Development Director was released because the initial RFP sought a contractor and received a limited response. The new RFP includes a staff position to open the opportunity to people without a company that wants to be considered as an individual/employee of DDP. The deadline for responses is June 28. Laird shared that two applicants have submitted responses to date and that responses will be accepted until the position is filled. She added that the application is available on DowntownDover.com. Stonesifer noted that applicants who have experience in the planning process, financial opportunities, construction, and creative processes focused on economic development are encouraged to apply. Stonesifer noted that DDP is focused on receiving support and buy in for the master plan, resulting in 20+ presentation to various stakeholders, including Lt. Governor Bethany Hall Long most recently, who responded favorably. He added that a presentation also took place with DAFB, and the group discussed challenges to housing and how DDP can be a partner to provide housing downtown. Stonesifer shared that the City of Dover Planning Dept. has had several meetings. Gray shared that the department is working on streamlining the development process and providing ordinance revisions that cooperate with the master plan. Stonesifer noted the support in development from the city, planning department, and planners involved that are discussing what can and has to be done to planning, zoning, and code to support the master plan. Laird thanked Gray and her team and shared that Gray and Laird are hosting a zoom to hear new ideas from applicants to the RFQ. Stonesifer shared that the RFQ was shared for the former Acme site, 120 S. Governors to work in the absence of having someone leading development efforts, and who will continue to work with the priorities team. He added that the RFQ will be live for 60 days. Stonesifer shared that the painted crosswalks project is underway and seeking approvals through DelDOT. He added that the Biggs Museum of American Art is working on the project too. Laird shared that the selected streets are managed through DelDOT (the state) and so additional traffic management systems will be required, such as DelDOT flaggers, and the project will require more money. She added Board Meeting 6/28/23 Downtown Dover Partnership Draft 3

Board Meeting 6/28/23 City of Dover Conference Room that DelDOT submitted the closure permits on DDP’s behalf and is waiting for a response. She noted that the project’s target completion date is late September, and potentially sooner. Stonesifer shared that the contract with Dover Kent MPO is being finalized to research connectivity from DSU, Bayhealth, and DAFB. The studies and plans will then be approved by DelDOT and seek proposals from outside firms. He noted that this partnership is a direct result of the master plan. Mayor Christiansen noted the MPO’s commitment to assisting with the implementation of the master plan and asked to hear a public comment from Wilson now, since he had to leave early. Wilson asked what community engagement for the hiring process has taken place, specifically to hire community employees and provide diversity to contractors. Stonesifer shared that the master plan is available publicly on DowntownDover.com and that an essential pillar of the plan is diversity, inclusion, and retaining the community composition of Dover or in other words, no/anti-gentrification. Laird added that equitable development is the foundation of the plan and that Mosaic Development Partners, the contracted firm that wrote the plan, is diverse and shares a philosophy of equity, lean urbanism, and reducing the barriers to access. Wilson suggested contracting projects to smaller groups so more community members and small businesses/contractors can have opportunities too. Stonesifer responded that the master plan is a guiding document, and there is not a detailed process on how to administer contracts, but the DDP will develop a plan to move forward. Wilson suggested a process is made to connect sub-contractors with contractors, noting that there is inequality due to generational wealth access that places Black contractors at a disadvantage. He added that he would like to see the development resulting from the master plan to benefit diverse community. Adams suggested that opportunities are made available for small businesses to participate alongside larger contractors to allow for people in the community to have input in the development of downtown. Canasa noted that the master plan has a goal of keeping its profits within the community, and that connecting people downtown to the project will help keep profits local. Stonesifer emphasized the need to hire new development staff to help manage these requests. Stonesifer shared that the session at Legislative Hall is ending Friday and will determine the award from the Bond Bill. Last year, the DDP received $1.5 million and committed the funding to different projects in downtown. Stonesifer noted recipients in the room, Legans for Rail Haus, and Adams for several projects with anticipated results by next year. He added that DDP requested just over $3 million alongside the City’s request for $3 million. He noted that an update should be available within the next few days. LEGISLATIVE UPDATES Stonesifer shared that Sen. Paradee is working diligently in the legislature to encourage DDP’s initiatives, noting his significant influence as the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, which determines money allocations and bond bill disbursement. Laird added that approximately 400 applications were submitted for last year’s Bond Bill and that a similar amount is anticipated for this year, noting the process as highly competitive. She added that last year $4 million was requested and $1.5 million was received. She added that this year’s application is more competitive – offering a match from the DDP and other incentives Board Meeting 6/28/23 Downtown Dover Partnership Draft 4

Board Meeting 6/28/23 City of Dover Conference Room that are not required by the bill. Stonesifer thanked Scott Kidner for also working diligently with the legislature on behalf of the DDP. OTHER BUSINESS N/A BOARD MEMBER UPDATES Councilman Neil shared that the city had a $201 million budget and that the increase is less than inflation. He added that there is no increase in property tax and an increase of $0.26/kW for the electric rate starting August 1st. He added that the budget for this year was tight and challenging. Parkowski shared that the Kent Economic Partnership supports the master plan and is steering potential businesses to downtown to attract buy-in and provide jobs. Stonesifer noted that from a real estate perspective, the partnership’s effort to drive businesses downtown is apparent. Vendetti shared that the Chamber’s biggest event, the Awards of Excellence, will take place tonight and serves to uplift chamber members and celebrate successes. She added that in September, they are moving forward in master planning. Van Gorp shared that Bayhealth had some publicity a few years ago regarding the historic Scull Mansion on Bayhealth property. He added that Bayhealth worked with the Friends of Old Dover to retain the house, but the efforts were unsuccessful. He added that the Friends of Old Dover have been informed, and the property is scheduled for demolition next month. Laird asked if materials will be salvaged. Van Gorp shared that the Friends of Old Dover are invited to collect what they would like to keep and then the property will be used to provide additional parking to Bayhealth and will be enhanced with landscaping. Legans shared that issues with the sidewalk were resolved with the city and thanked them for their help since there was confusion regarding the ownership of that area of land. He added that a neighbor to the property had a distress call, and a contractor saved their life while working on Rail Haus. He added that Rail Haus is hoping to open in August and that walls and coolers are up and nearly ready for opening. He noted that Rail Haus received bike racks since the property is located on the Senator Bikeway path and will offer 36 bike spots, a public pump and a repair station off New St. He shared that this would allow more workers and patrons to visit Rail Haus and that support was provided by the MPO. Laird added that additional opportunities exist to place racks and repair stations along the bike trail. Legans noted that the bike racks provide a safe parking location and reduce the risks of biking. Canasa shared that Destination Downtown Dover (D3) hosts two annual block parties and that the flyer/save the date for OktDoverFest had over 20,000 impressions within 48 hours along with 2,000 responses to the event, indicating people’s interest in attending. She shared that she was encouraged by this response crediting the consistency of the events generating exponential excitement. Laird thanked D3 for their role in event planning, noting that the DDP cannot host large events nor serve alcohol. Board Meeting 6/28/23 Downtown Dover Partnership Draft 5

Board Meeting 6/28/23 City of Dover Conference Room SPECIAL THANKS Stonesifer shared a form with board members to receive a Downtown Dover Dollars gift card. ADJOURNMENT Canasa motioned to adjourn. Councilman Neil seconded the motion. Unanimous approval to adjourn the meeting. Next DDP Board Meeting: Wed. Sept. 27, 7:30 a.m. City of Dover Conference Room Board Meeting 6/28/23 Downtown Dover Partnership Draft 6

Special Board Meeting 8/7/23 Zoom MINUTES ATTENDANCE: Todd Stonesifer, Codi Canasa, Councilwoman Tricia Arndt, Councilman Fred Neil, Lorenzo Merino, Will Grimes, Sarah Keifer, Donny Legans, Linda Parkowski, John Van Gorp, Kim Adams, Stacey Downing, Jonathan Street, Mary Ellen Gray STAFF: Jordan Resh, Diane Laird, Tina Bradbury CALL TO ORDER Stonesifer opened the meeting at 4:31 p.m. Stonesifer welcomed new DDP Board Members, Grimes and Keifer to their first DDP board meeting. Stonesifer shared that Otis Brooks, downtown business owner, applied to the Dover Revolving Loan Fund (DRLF) and is the topic of the special Board meeting. AGENDA Councilman Neil motioned to approve the agenda. Street seconded the motion. Unanimous approval. DRLF Laird shared that the Dover Revolving Loan Fund (DRLF), is a program created by the DDP and the USDA that provides downtown Dover businesses access to $10,000 to be repaid over three years. The USDA provided $30,000 from the program matched by DDP with $8,500 ($5,000 cash and $3,500 in-kind). Funding from the repayment of the loan goes back into the DRLF, hence the name “revolving.” The DDP provides reimbursements from the USDA as the loans are awarded. Laird shared that Mr. Brooks is the first applicant to the DRLF and that the funds have a grant agreement with the USDA Rural Development and the DDP’s funding review committee, which was established to vet applications according to their need and to determine good standing as a business. Laird added that the committee consists of small business resource partners, such as True Access Capital, which Rick Ferrell, who has previously consulted the DDP’s Critical Improvements Program, works with. Laird noted the connection between Ferrell and the DRLF through the Critical Improvements Program, which provides funding for property improvements with funds disbursement at the completion of renovations. True Access Capital/Rick Ferrell is a resource partner that could provide bridge loans for the Critical Improvements Program. Merino shared that Brooks applied for the DRLF on behalf of Tastee’s Chicken & Seafood at 147 S. New St. to support its marketing efforts and to develop new food items. He added that Brooks has been a business owner since 2009, with 14 years of business at Caribbean Cuisine. Brooks purchased 147 S. New St., restoring a vacant and dilapidated building. He added that Brooks purchased the building in 2019, received setbacks in 2020 due to COVID, but opened in 2022. IN March 2022, a neighboring fire and its Board Meeting 8/7/23 Downtown Dover Partnership Draft 1

Special Board Meeting 8/7/23 Zoom demolition caused him to shut down entirely in November 2022, reopening in May 2023 and gaining popularity. Merino noted that Brooks recently purchased a third west-end property, 321 W. Loockerman St., with plans to renovate the building and open a first-floor ice cream parlor with two apartments for lease upstairs and a target opening of Spring 2024. Merino shared that Brooks received previous funding from the DDP – two grants from the Retention and Expansion Assistance Program for $3,500 to help cover the costs of inventory/staffing and tax payments to support the expansion of opening Tastee’s Chicken & Seafood, and $72,425 from the Critical Improvements Program to ready the 321 W. Loockerman St. space for the ice cream parlor and apartments. Marino recommended that the application submitted by Otis Brooks for $5,000 to support Brooks’ marketing efforts and to develop new food items for Tastee’s Chicken & Seafood at 147 S. New St. is approved. Laird noted that the area Brooks works in needs enhancement and new businesses, and that Brooks has demonstrated his commitment to do so. Councilman Neil motioned to approve Otis Brooks for $5,000 to support Brooks’ marketing efforts and to develop new food items for Tastee’s Chicken & Seafood at 147 S. New St. is approved. Grimes seconded the motion. The Board unanimously approved the motion. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Neil motioned to adjourn. Councilwoman Arndt seconded the motion. Unanimous approval to adjourn the meeting. JR Board Meeting 8/7/23 Downtown Dover Partnership Draft 2

Special Board Meeting 8/28/23 Zoom MINUTES ATTENDANCE: Todd Stonesifer, Dave Hugg, Councilwoman Tricia Arndt, Pete Bradley, Dina Vendetti, Mayor Robin Christiansen, Jonathan Street, Donny Legans, Sarah Keifer, Mary Ellen Gray, John Van Gorp, Linda Parkowski, Councilman Fred Neil, Senator Trey Paradee STAFF: Jordan Resh, Diane Laird CALL TO ORDER Stonesifer opened the meeting at 12:02 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION Arndt motioned to enter an executive session. Street seconded the motion. Unanimous approval. Executive session started at 12:04 p.m. Executive session concluded at 12:27 p.m. Those removed from executive session for not using their cameras rejoined. Sen Paradee motioned to hire Ken Anderson as recommended by the hiring committee for the Property Development Director position beginning on or about Sept. 18. Street seconded the motion. Unanimous approval. Stonesifer shared that he will meet with Anderson to present an offer letter this week with the expectation that he will be on board on or about September 18th. He thanked everyone for their work in the process. PUBLIC COMMENT None. ADJOURNMENT Councilwoman Arndt motioned to adjourn. Senator Paradee seconded the motion. Unanimous approval. Meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m. Board Meeting 8/28/23 Downtown Dover Partnership Draft 1