JULY 2025 SLC MINUTES

Silver Lake Commission July 30, 2025 5:30 PM In person & Via Weblink **DRAFT** Members Present Staff & Guests Kathy Doyle Carolyn Courtney, Parks & Recreation Staff Michael Lewis Nichole Arnold, Parks & Recreation Staff Anthony Morris Bryn Wambaugh, City of Dover Environmental Scientist John DeMarie Aireal Vickers, City of Dover Environmental Scientist Charles Salkin 3rd District Resident WELCOME & CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM MEMBER & STAFF INTRODUCTION Brief Introductions around the table. MEETING MINUTES Minutes were approved with minor changes, with said changes applied the minutes will be recorded accordingly. CALL TO ORDER/VACANT POSITIONS Kathy Doyle stepped up as acting chair for tonight’s meeting. The commission has should have 7 active members with city staff support. One seat remains open. Doyle asked about meeting outside with members to discuss changes, Ms. Courtney looked into this and found the commission cannot conduct any official business without a quorum. No decisions can be made, and no votes can be taken. Mr. DeMarie had a recommendation to fill the vacant spot and recommended William Ardito. An e-mail will be sent to him to discuss this position. DOVER POLICE – PARK REPORT UPDATE Dover Police were unable to attend the meeting; however, they sent Ms. Courtney an e-mail stating that they had no concerns at that time about the park. Attachment A. STORMWATER AND EARTH DAY UPDATES Bryn and Aireal presented to the group more information on Earth Day. There was a Storm water day that was hosted for the week with informative information about storm water day, how to join the next years Earth Day event, and a thank you to the presenters. The events that were hosted throughout the week were a nature walk, which was a guided walk, the screening of the Lorax film at the Dover library, and litter pick up day. The community joined in on the fun and there were around 63 attendees that played the games and around 50 city employees that showed up for the fun. On April 28th, 2025, the Mayor awarded Bryn and Aireal a proclamation. Bryn and Aireal were excited about the community coming together for Earth Day and look forward to doing it again next year and hoping to have more volunteers. RIPARIAN BUFFERS UPDATES Mrs. Doyle explained to the group what a water shed was and exactly how riparian buffers work. They are grasses and not turf, they work to reduce run off which is the major cause of pollution in the water shed. Mrs. Doyle noted that approximately a month ago, the city ordinances were amened to requirement riparian buffers on new construction around bodies of water. Ms. Courtney responded to Mrs. Doyle that at this time, the city is not in violation of city or state ordinances as they do not have any new construction projects on or near the lake shoreline. SILVER LAKE AND ST. JOHNS RIVER UPDATES Mrs. Doyle inquired about testing of the water and lake. It was agreed staff will reach out to DNREC divisions that may be helpful with testing procedures and latest data for the lake. Ms. Courtney will reach out to Fisheries and report back. SILVER LAKE MASTER PLAN The Silver Lake Master plan has been approved through council for FY26. The amount approved was for $75,000.00 and this would include fitness stations along paved trail, woodlands assessment, plans to preserve the

old African American cemetery, consideration of current and future park facilities such as: the lake, beach and indoor bathrooms. Discussion took place on how the master plan would move forward. Ms. Courtney noted as staff begins to work on this project, open houses/workshops etc would be opened for the public to offer their input to the master plan. It is likely the city may apply for ORPT grants to assist with project funding. There is a probability staff will work with a consultant to facilitate the master plan project along with community involvement. However, at this time, staff is focused on completion of the Dover Park Community Building/Spray Pad, All Inclusive Playground and the Skatepark. The Silver Lake Master Plan will be addressed as the year moves forward. The commission members will be kept updated. SILVER LAKE DRAW DOWN The City of Dover drawn down week will be October 6th through October 17th, 2025. Notice of Intent letters will be mailed to licensed boaters and lakeside property owners within the next few days. WATERSHED MAP Ms. Doyle shared watershed maps and reviewed their importance. Attachment 2. ENDING COMMENTS Mrs. Doyle was nominated to serve as Chair of the committee. The group would still like to meet quarterly, and our next meeting is scheduled for November 5th. (AN ERROR OCCURRED DURING THE TAPING OF THE MINUTES, THE SOUND WAS NOT AVAILABLE)