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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Council Committee of the Whole met on July 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. with Council President
Neil presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Anderson, Ms. Arndt, Mr. Boggerty, Ms.
Hall, Mr. Lewis (arrived at 6:06 p.m.), Dr. Pillsbury, and Dr. Sudler. Mr. Rocha was absent.
Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members present for their Committee meetings
were Mr. Garfinkel (via WebEx) and Mr. Shevock (Legislative, Finance, and Administration).
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Dr. Sudler moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury and unanimously
carried.
Council Reports – June 2025
First District
Dr. Pillsbury reported attending the Fourth of July Parade and the City of Dover Police Department
Virtra Training System demonstration. She explained that it was a remarkable system, and she
believed it would help in training officers.
Mr. Rocha was absent; no report was given.
Second District
Ms. Hall reported attending the Fourth of July Parade and the City of Dover Police Department’s
Virtra Training System demonstration. She also spoke with several constituents regarding ongoing
complaints surrounding Barrister Place. She explained that potential solutions have been identified
to address the fencing issue, clarify the city’s right-of-way, and fulfill the promises made to the
concerned residents. Additionally, Ms. Hall shared that she has identified a possible method to
generate revenue for the city without placing additional financial burdens on the taxpayers.
Mr. Lewis reported overseeing the completed paving project on Elm Terrace, which he and the
local residents had been anticipating for several months. He noted that he had received numerous
complaints about vehicle damage being caused by a large ditch at the end of the road. With support
from Sharon Duca, Assistant City Manager, and the Public Works Department, the project was
completed, the ditch was leveled, and the resident’s expressed satisfaction. Mr. Lewis also
addressed constituent concerns about rising utility bills and ongoing frustrations related to
Barrister Place, noting that many residents are upset with both the police and elected officials. He
reported assisting Clearview Meadows with the completion of their Neighborhood Watch
Program, which is expected to be finalized soon. He concluded by emphasizing the widespread
discontent among residents regarding local elected officials and law enforcement.
Third District
Ms. Arndt reported attending many of the same events as her colleagues. She shared that a
constituent had reached out to inform her that the new principal of the soon-to-be Central
Elementary School (formerly Central Middle School) was interested in connecting with the
neighborhood to establish a line of communication. This outreach led the constituent to express
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 15, 2025 PAGE 2
interest in reestablishing the neighborhood association, which has been dormant for the past few
years. Ms. Arndt also reported that the link downtown would be returning with a broader scope.
This, in turn, raised the question of whether there is an updated list of neighborhood associations
within Dover. She stated she would be willing to work with the City Clerk’s Office to update the
list, as she felt it would be a valuable tool for sharing information about programs and volunteer
opportunities, helping neighborhoods come together and support one another.
Fourth District
Mr. Anderson reported addressing several constituent concerns and expressed his appreciation to
city staff for their timely responses. He thanked Mr. Jason Lyon for his diligence in investigating
a significant issue on Cecil Street involving the water and sewer lines. Mr. Anderson noted that he
had received inquiries regarding the Neighborhood Watch Fund and emphasized the importance
of moving forward with its implementation. He also attended the Fourth of July Parade and
extended his gratitude to the Fourth of July Committee, stating that this year’s fireworks display
was the best yet. He explained that he is looking forward to positive things for the 250th
Celebration.
Dr. Sudler reported attending the Fourth of July Celebration on Legislative Mall and noted that the
fireworks were amazing. He also shared that he had been meeting with family members of the
victims of gun violence in the community to hear their concerns, give them condolences, and look
at what can be done in the future to prevent gang activity with the youth in the community.
Additionally, Dr. Sudler reported working in collaboration with the mayor to secure Housing
Choice Vouchers (HCV) to help address housing-related concerns in the community.
At-Large
Mr. Boggerty reported attending the Fourth of July Parade and fireworks. He shared that he met
with the Chief of Police to review the viral video that had been circulating, in order to understand
the incident and identify opportunities for improvement. Mr. Boggerty also commended a city
employee named Sean, who was seen at 6:00 a.m. walking along Loockerman Street, picking up
trash and cleaning the area. He explained that it was hot and muggy that day, and there are more
employees like Sean who represent Dover. He acknowledged their heart and dedication to the area
they serve and the city. He expressed his gratitude to all the city employees. He attended the Capital
Green Community Day to show support for residents closely connected to the area, particularly in
light of the tragic incident that occurred there last year. He emphasized the importance of
supporting positive community efforts and concluded by noting it had been a very busy month,
during which he engaged with numerous constituents.
Council President Neil
Council President Neil reported attending the African American Festival and the Fourth of July
Parade. After the Barrister Place shooting, he organized a meeting at Manchester Square, with
Dover Housing Authority (DHA) staff, Chief Johnson, and two of his staff. He also reviewed the
full camera footage of the car reported stolen by the New York Police, which was stopped by
Dover Police along with Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Rocha, and Mr. Anderson. Mr. Neil reported attending
the Habitat for Humanity Ceremony at 223 South Cecil Street and a meeting with the mayor, Mr.
Anderson, and the Kent County Economic Partnership (KEP) to discuss potential economic
development. He was a guest speaker along with State Senator Eric Buckson at the James H.
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 15, 2025 PAGE 3
Groves Adult High School graduation at Del-Tech. He attended a library board meeting along with
the City of Dover Police Department Virtra Training System demonstration. He reported receiving
a complaint regarding a food truck illegally parked on North New Street with lots of trash around
it. He thanked Eddie Kopp for acting immediately in addressing the issue. He drafted a column for
the July edition of the Modern Maturity Center Bulletin that was set up originally by Mr. Anderson.
He asked Mr. Rocha to draft a column on the new Efficiency Smart Program for the August edition
and Ms. Arndt to draft a column on Parks and Recreation for the September edition. He reported
drafting commentary on the police department, which was published in the Delaware State News,
where an organization has tried to paint the city council and police department in a bad light. He
attended the Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals meeting in June along
with Mr. Boggerty and Mr. Rocha. He received a written letter from a Nimitz Road homeowner
expressing traffic complaints and problems with a student during the school year. He shared her
letter with Chief Johnson and the Capital School District Superintendent. On behalf of Ms. Arndt
and himself, he sent a Third District alert to the civic leaders. He reported exchanging emails with
the Mayor of Little Creek the morning after the budget was passed concerning the electric rate
increases. He addressed emails from a constituent on group homes and thanked Eddie Kopp for
his help in addressing the concerns as well. Lastly, he consulted with the new president of the
Delaware Manufactured Homeowners Association at her request and published a four-page
newsletter for Wild Meadows Homeowners Association at the request of the president.
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman Anderson presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Ms. Hall moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously
carried.
Evaluation of Proposals – Boggs Drive Drainage Improvement Engineering Support (Jason
Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director)
Mr. Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the
Evaluation of Proposal for the Boggs Drive Drainage Improvement Engineering Support.
Staff recommended awarding the contract to Verdantas for the Boggs Drive Drainage
Improvement Engineering Support, RFP #25-0022WW, for the amount of $67,600.
Ms. Arndt moved to recommend approving the staff recommendation to award the contract
to Verdantas. The motion was seconded by Ms. Hall and unanimously carried.
Mr. Anderson moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration
Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m.
Mr. Johnathan Flamer, 514 S. Greenberry Lane, Dover, Delaware, questioned the PowerPoint
presentation from the previous Monday in relation to electricity usage. He asked what the
estimated average home usage of electricity was. He stated that they explained that the average
home would only increase by twenty to thirty dollars. After looking at the number they presented
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 15, 2025 PAGE 4
and looking at his own home, his usage is almost three times lower than what the average house
was using in the presentation. He explained that he asked Dr. Sudler to look into what housing
developments they were looking at when they came up with the projected numbers for the
increases that had been scheduled to begin on the first of August for the residential areas.
Responding to Mr. Flamer, Mr. Neil stated that he would have to take Mr. Flamers question back
to the experts of that department and report back with an answer. He also mentioned the new
Efficiency Smart Program that will be featured in the Modern Maturity Center Bulletin. He stated
that they will come in and directly help Mr. Flamer because the more he saves, the less the city
must pay to get the electricity to his home.
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting, hearing
no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.
Fred A. Neil
Council President