DHRC PACKET

CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 6:10 PM City Hall Council Chambers, 15 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, Delaware AGENDA Public comments are welcomed on any item and will be permitted at appropriate times. When possible, please notify the City Clerk's Office at 302-736-7008 or cityclerk@dover.de.us should you wish to be recognized. OPEN FORUM - 10 Minutes Prior to Official Meeting (6:00 p.m.) The “Open Forum” segment is provided to extend the opportunity to the general public to share their questions, thoughts, comments, concerns, and complaints. Discussion of any item appearing on the agenda is prohibited during the Open Forum as an opportunity will be provided during consideration of that item. Citizen comments are limited to five (5) minutes. The Commission is prohibited from taking action since they are not in official session; however, they may schedule such items as regular agenda items and act upon them in the future. ADOPTION OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Dover Human Relations Commission Meeting of October 16, 2024 COMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES 2. Assessment (Ms. Hall, Ms. Mullen and Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I) 3. Community Programs (Mr. Faust and Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I) 4. School Programs (Mr. Lott, Ms. White and Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I) 5. By-laws (Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I and Ms. White) 6. Finance (Ms. Hall and Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I) NEW BUSINESS 7. Discussion - Meeting Structure 8. Open Discussion 1

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - November 19, 2024 PAGE 2 ADJOURNMENT BY 7:00 P.M. To assure that there will be a quorum, please RSVP by contacting the City Clerk's Office by email at cityclerk@dover.de.us or by calling 736-7008 as soon as possible. THE 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 THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS, WHICH ARISE AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING 2

Item 1. DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION The Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) met on October 16, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. with Vice- Chairperson Hall presiding. Members present were Mr. Simmons, Ms. Mullen, Dr. Mishoe Sudler, Mr. Faust, Ms. White, and Mr. Lott. Mr. Fleming was absent. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Lott moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Simmons and unanimously carried. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Mr. Simmons moved to adopt the minutes from the Dover Human Relations Commission meeting on July 17, 2024. The motion was seconded by Mr. Faust and unanimously carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES Assessment Vice-Chair Hall stated that they did have some lengthy conversations, and they did have an opportunity to get some feedback on the training. Community Programs Dr. Mishoe Sudler discussed an upcoming 'Meet the Candidates' event, scheduled at Delaware State University on October 28, 2024, at 5:30 pm, noting that seating will be limited. Dr. Mishoe Sudler noted that the event will be a candidates' forum hosted by student organizations from Delaware State University in collaboration with the NAACP Central Branch. School Programs Dr. Mishoe Sudler discussed a small initiative in development between Professors at Delaware State University and students, aimed at supporting summer programs. By-laws Ms. White and Dr. Mishoe Sudler stated that there was no report. Finance Vice-Chair Hall stated that Mr. Fleming will present shirt pricing at the November meeting and that training will be discussed later in the meeting. OLD BUSINESS Proposed Revisions to DHRC Brochure Dr. Mishoe Sudler moved to recommend Council’s approval of the amended tri-fold brochure. Mr. Faust seconded the motion, and it was unanimously carried. 3

Item 1. DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF October 16, 2024 PAGE 2 NEW BUSINESS Replacement of Chairperson Vice-Chair Hall stated that Chairperson Gaddis had resigned from the Dover Human Relations Commission. Vice-Chair Hall opened the floor for nominations for Chairperson. Mr. Lott moved to nominate Ms. Hall to serve as the Chairperson. The motion was seconded by Dr. Mishoe Sudler and unanimously carried. There being no further nominations, Ms. Hall closed the floor for nominations. By unanimous consent, Ms. Donyale Hall was elected to serve as the Chairperson. Vice-Chair Hall opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chairperson. Mr. Simmons moved to nominate nominated Dr. Mishoe Sudler to serve as the Vice- Chairperson. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lott and unanimously carried. There being no further nominations, Ms. Hall closed the floor for nominations. By unanimous consent, Dr. Travis Mishoe Sudler was elected to serve as the Vice-Chairperson. Future Training – Delaware Department of State Division of Human and Civil Rights Discussion and Announcements Chairperson Hall highlighted several training opportunities offered by the Delaware Department of State Division of Human and Civil Rights. She noted that the training sessions are free and expressed interest in scheduling at least one (1) session in the coming months. To determine the preferred topic, Ms. Hall mentioned that a survey would be sent out to members. Discussion and Announcements Chairperson Hall discussed shifting from monthly to quarterly meetings with the commission. Lachelle Paul, 501 Silverside Drive, stated that she believes that it is crucial for everyone on this commission to understand its origin and purpose. This commission was established after a tragic incident involving the death of a community member, and it was created in his name. The intention was to give the community a voice and allow them to choose the path they want to take for addressing complaints. Ms. Paul emphasized that the city currently faces significant issues, including ongoing concerns about police conduct. She noted the importance of creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable coming forward, even when not all details are clear. The Dover Human Relations Commission and the Chief’s Advisory Committee exist to provide community members a platform for open dialogue, and it is essential that people feel assured in bringing their concerns to these bodies. 4

Item 1. DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF October 16, 2024 PAGE 3 Ms. Paul expressed concern that meeting only every three (3) months may not effectively convey the commission’s presence or responsiveness within the community. Acknowledging that their roles are voluntary and minimally compensated, she stressed the importance of being available to meet as needed, so the community feels that options for addressing concerns are accessible. She emphasized that residents should feel acknowledged and supported when they bring forward issues, as many solutions can be resolved locally without the need for escalation. As commission members, their role is to offer accessible support and address community issues promptly. When people are in distress, even minor issues can feel overwhelming, so the commission’s presence and active engagement are essential. By fulfilling this role, they serve a vital purpose for their city and constituents. Dr. Mishoe Sudler proposed extending meeting times from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM and requested that this item be added to November’s agenda. Mr. Simmons moved to continue holding the Dover Human Relations Commission meetings monthly. The motion, seconded by Dr. Mishoe Sudler, was unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT BY 7:00 P.M. Ms. Hall moved for adjournment of the Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC), hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m. Donyale Hall Chair DH/aw 5