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Page 1
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting was held on February 23, 2015,
at 6:00 p.m. with Chairman Slavin presiding. Members present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hare (arrived
at 6:01 p.m.), Mr. Shevock, and Mr. Sudler. Members of Council present were Mr. Dixon and
Mr. Hutchison. Mayor Christiansen was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Sudler moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously
carried.
Replenishment of Uninsured Expenses Related to the Settlement of Dover Police Department
Grievances
Mayor Christiansen reminded members that, during their meeting of February 9, 2015, they
considered Proposed Ordinance #2015-05 - Fiscal Year 2015 Second Budget Amendment which
included a proposed transfer of $300,000 to the Contingency Reserve Fund to replenish the funds
expended related to the settlement of Dover Police Department grievances.
Mayor Christiansen questioned why the insurance company rejected the City’s claim to cover the
cost of the grievances with the police officers. Responding, Mr. Scott Koenig, City Manager,
explained that the insurance company decided not to reimburse the City for these expenses because
they felt that the City resolved the issue too quickly. The insurance company’s preference would
have been to go beyond the grievance process to some type of suit and defend the City in accordance
with their lawyers.
Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Mr. Koenig stated that Council’s decision was advised by the
City Solicitor. He stated his recollection that City Council felt that it was imperative to resolve these
grievances as quickly as possible and avoid potential lawsuits.
Mayor Christiansen questioned whether it was possible for the City to further appeal to the insurance
company if it was decided not to replenish these funds via a budget amendment. In response,
Mr. Koenig stated that all of the City’s appeals to the insurance company had been exercised and the
insurance company’s decision was final. He explained that Mr. Glenn Mandalas, Baird Mandalas
Brockstedt, LLC, was involved in the discussions with the City’s brokers.
Mayor Christiansen questioned the funding sources for replenishing the General Fund. Responding,
Mr. Koenig explained that Proposed Ordinance #2015-05 Fiscal Year 2015 Second Budget
Amendment indicated that there was approximately $385,000 leftover from FY 2014 and staff
recommended replenishing the $300,000 in the Contingency Reserve Fund and transferring $85,000
to the Capital Asset Reserve. However, the Committee recommended amending the ordinance to
include the transfer of $300,000 from surplus funds into the Contingency Reserve Fund, and to
allocate $60,000 of the remaining $85,000 to the Capital Asset Reserve for the President's Counsel
on Public/Private Partnerships and the Future of City Hall, Weyandt Hall, Former Dover Library,
and Other City Properties and $25,000 to the Parkland Reserve Fund, to be taken out of the Parkland
Reserve Fund at a later date if approved by Council.
Page 2
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 23, 2015 PAGE 2
Mr. Koenig advised that staff’s recommendation was to use FY2014 carryover money to replenish
the reserve because the grievances were settled in FY 2014 and the majority of that expense,
$250,000, was paid in FY2014. He noted that the final $50,000 payment was paid in FY 2015.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mr. Koenig stated that, to his knowledge, this was the first scenario of
a grievance of this kind with the Dover Police Department.
Mayor Christiansen questioned what this $330,000, including the $30,000 legal expenses, would
equate to in terms of a tax rate increase. In response, Mr. Koenig stated that, as part of the FY 2015
budget presentation, the City recognized $0.01 on the tax rate as approximately $316,000 in General
Fund revenue, so $330,000 would represent approximately $0.015.
Mayor Christiansen asked what $330,000, or $0.01 on the tax rate, could be used for, other than
paying out legal fees. Responding, Mr. Koenig explained that adding $0.01 to the tax rate would
result in an annual increase of $316,000 and this was only a one-time expense. However, he noted
that $300,000 was a substantial sum of money for the City’s General Fund and could be used to
purchase police cars and trash trucks, or to fund road paving programs.
In response to Mayor Christiansen, Mr. Koenig confirmed that it was not possible for the City to
recoup these funds.
Mr. Slavin asked, based on an average home value of $150,000 and a tax rate of $0.32, how much
a $0.01 tax increase would increase those tax bills and how many homes would have to be billed to
raise $300,000.
Civilianization of the Police Accreditation Manager Position
Members were advised that the purpose of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement
Agency, Inc.’s (CALEA’s) accreditation program is to improve the delivery of public safety services,
primarily by: maintaining a body of standards, developed by public safety practitioners, covering a
wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives; establishing and administering an accreditation
process; and recognizing professional excellence. Specifically, CALEA’s goals are to:
• Strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities;
• Formalize essential management procedures;
• Establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices;
• Improve service delivery;
• Solidify interagency cooperation and coordination; and
• Increase community and staff confidence in the agency.
The CALEA Accreditation Process is a proven modern management model; once implemented, it
presents the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), on a continuing basis, with a blueprint that promotes
the efficient use of resources and improves service delivery—regardless of the size, geographic
location, or functional responsibilities of the agency.
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LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 23, 2015 PAGE 3
By recent City Council votes, the Police Department’s authorized strength is 102 officers.
Corporal Jeffrey Matthews has announced his intention to retire and began his terminal leave on
February 17, 2015. In lieu of filling his position with a new police officer, staff is proposing to
civilianize the Accreditation Manager position, which is currently being held by a Patrolwoman First
Class, whose annual salary is $62,774. The Police Department has been Nationally Accredited since
2000 and the standards set forth by CALEA are essential in maintaining its professionalism.
Chief Bernat has agreed to allow the authorized strength of the department to decrease from 102 to
101 in exchange for civilianizing the Accreditation Manager position at an estimated annual salary
of $45,000, which will be a substantial cost savings.
Members were advised that the City Manager and Police Chief have discussed adding additional
duties to the position, to include a Crime Analysis function. A job description must be proposed by
the Police Department and reviewed by the Human Resources Department to appropriately place the
position within the City’s pay system. Based on the request of the Police Department, it is likely that
the proposed position will be titled Crime Analyst/Accreditation Manager. The job description and
pay grade will be finalized after authorization from City Council to civilianize the position.
Staff recommended the civilianization of the current Police Accreditation Manager position and
allowing staff to revise the duties of the new position and place in the City’s pay scale in accordance
with the assigned duties and responsibilities.
Police Chief Paul Bernat stated that the Accreditation Manager’s position is very important;
however, it does not do any enforcement so it could easily become a civilian position. He informed
members that the Police Department went through the reassessment process in December and the
assessors suggested the civilianization of the position.
Referring to the Dover Police Department Accreditation Manager Payroll Cost Comparison
Summary, Chief Bernat stated that the civilianization would result in an approximate savings of
$114,730 over a 5-year period. He explained that the current Accreditation Manager was making
$62,774 and the proposed salary base would be in the $45,000 range.
Chief Bernat stated that he had discussed this matter with the City Manager and they agreed that the
Crime Analysis/Accreditation Manager could perform the duties of both positions and would benefit
the City. Chief Bernat stated that the Police Department is very good at solving crime; however, the
Department is not good at predicting or stopping crime, explaining that crime analysis would enable
the Department to predict and stop crime before it happens.
Chief Bernat stated that the accreditation process is extremely important and must be maintained.
He explained that the recent retirement of Corporal Matthews provided an opportunity to save the
City money by civilianizing the accreditation position instead of replacing a police officer. This
proposal would reduce the Department to an authorized strength of 101 officers and increase the
number of civilians from 34 to 35. Chief Bernat stated that, over a 20 year career, there would be
a substantial savings.
Page 4
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 23, 2015 PAGE 4
Mr. Sudler questioned what the general cost for a Crime Analysis position would be, separate from
an Accreditation Manager. Responding, Chief Bernat stated that staff was working with the Human
Resources Department to determine the salary ranges. Chief Bernat informed members that grant
funding is available for crime analysis positions, software, etc., and they would actively seek these
grant funds, which would provide additional savings.
In response to Mr. Hutchison, Chief Bernat confirmed that this position would continue to assist with
training.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Bernat explained that this position is responsible for all of the files,
ensures that policies are followed and manages the documentation to prove that the policies are being
followed. He stated that the Accreditation Manager shares an office with and assists the Planning
and Training Sergeant.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend acceptance of staff’s recommendation for the civilianization
of the current Police Accreditation Manager position and allowing staff to revise the duties of
the new position and place it in the City’s pay scale in accordance with the assigned duties and
responsibilities. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Proposed Resolutions
Resolution No. 2015-02 Requesting the General Assembly to Amend Article V - Miscellaneous
Provisions, Section 53 - Mayor to be the Conservator of the Peace with Companion Ordinance
#2015-06 Amending Chapter 62 - Law Enforcement, Article II - Police Department, Section 62-32
- Chief of Police Generally and Section 62-38 - Special Police
Mayor Christiansen, referring to the previous discussion of the Replenishment of Uninsured
Expenses Related to the Settlement of Dover Police Department Grievances, expressed his opinion
that the selection process for the chief of police needed to be examined to guarantee transparency.
He stated that the proposed amendment would establish a committee to advise the mayor on the
nomination of the police chief, noting that this process was previously used to hire city managers,
planners, etc. Mayor Christiansen expressed his feeling that this process would protect the citizens.
Responding to Mr. Hare, Mayor Christiansen stated that the proposal would not change anything
related to the current discussion regarding the form of government. Mayor Christiansen explained
that the proposed police chief selection committee mimicked the city manager selection committee
which he and Mr. Hare participated in during their previous terms as Council members, and would
guarantee transparency and that the right person is selected.
In response to Mr. Hare, Mayor Christiansen explained that the police chief selection committee
would select the best nominee for the position, and the mayor would present the nomination to
council for approval.
Mr. Hutchison asked that the committee consider deferring Proposed Resolution No. 2015-02 and
No. 2015-03 until after the Regular Council Meeting of March 9, 2015.
Page 5
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 23, 2015 PAGE 5
Mr. Anderson stated that a nominating committee typically provides two (2) or three (3) names and
the mayor would pick from those qualified names, similar to the governor and the judicial
nominating committee. He stated his understanding that Resolution No. 2015-02 proposed that the
selection committee make a recommendation to the mayor; however, the mayor would not be
obligated to make a selection from the list recommended by the committee.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mayor Christiansen stated that the intent and purpose of the committee
is to choose from the best and most qualified applicants that come before them. He explained that
one (1) of the reasons that the Human Resources Director was included in the committee was to
guarantee that equal opportunity employment regulations are followed. Mayor Christiansen stated
that the committee would make the recommendation and the mayor would present that
recommendation to the council for their approval. He noted that there was very little change from
the current provision, other than incorporating other individuals into the process, to make sure that
the process is pristine and the City is not “saddled” with legalities at a later date.
Referring to the removal of the police chief, Mr. Anderson questioned why a two-thirds vote of
council members was recommended rather than a majority vote. In response, Mayor Christiansen
explained that he thought the two-thirds vote would guarantee the chief of police the opportunity to
be removed by consent of the entire council, not just by popular demand.
Mr. Hare questioned if this proposal would change the requirement for the candidate to be selected
from the Police Department. Responding, Mayor Christiansen stated that the candidate would be
selected from within the Department. Mr. Slavin stated that this proposed changed was “silent” in
that regard.
Mr. Slavin stated his opinion that this matter should be forwarded to Council, either with or without
a recommendation, so that everything can be discussed on March 9th.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend forwarding Proposed Resolution No. 2015-02, Requesting the
General Assembly to Amend Article V - Miscellaneous Provisions, Section 53 - Mayor to be
the Conservator of the Peace with Companion Ordinance #2015-06 Amending Chapter 62 -
Law Enforcement, Article II - Police Department, Section 62-32 - Chief of Police Generally and
Section 62-38 - Special Police (Attachment #1), to City Council without recommendation so that
it can be heard fully at the March 9, 2015 City Council meeting. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried.
Resolution No. 2015-03 Requesting the General Assembly to Amend Article I - Powers of the City,
Section 1.05 - Procedure to extend boundaries; and Article II - Mayor and Council, Section 5 -
Council to be legislative body; size; districts; terms of mayor and councilmen; qualifications,
Section 6 - Municipal election; dates, time, and place of elections, Section 7 - Nomination petitions
for candidates for council and mayor, Section 9 - Meetings of mayor and council-Generally, and
Section 10 - Meetings of Mayor and Council-Procedure
Mrs. Traci McDowell, City Clerk, reviewed Proposed Resolution No. 2015-03. She informed
members that when Charter amendments are proposed, staff likes to include amendments to clean-up
language so that all amendments can be considered by the General Assembly at the same time.
Page 6
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 23, 2015 PAGE 6
Mrs. McDowell stated that the change on Line 9 was a correction that was not picked up by the
General Assembly the last time the Charter was amended.
Referring to Lines 19-37, Mrs. McDowell explained that there was a transition period when the
length of terms was changed from two (2) to four (4) years and the transitional language can now
be removed.
Mrs. McDowell stated that references to councilmen and councilman were changed to reflect gender
neutral language. Referring to Line 57, she explained that the spelling of biennially was changed
to correct a typographical error.
Mrs. McDowell informed members that Mayor Christiansen suggested that the filing deadline could
be the same for mayor and council, since council members who run for mayor do not have to resign
their seats; however, that was not the proposed change. She explained that, for example, if
Mr. Slavin were to file a petition for mayor at the 4:30 p.m. deadline and ran unopposed, he would
automatically win the mayoral seat and his council seat would inevitably be vacant. The proposed
amendment would make the filing deadline for mayor the last working day in January and the filing
deadline for council the last working day in February, which would provide time for a vacancy to
be posted for 20 days and included on the regular election ballot.
Responding to Mr. Slavin, Mrs. McDowell confirmed that this amendment would prevent a special
election, explaining that the City is required to post a vacancy notice 20 days in advance of the filing
deadline, and this would provide adequate time to meet that requirement and include the vacancy
on the regular election ballot.
Mr. Hare expressed his opinion that this proposed change provides too much time and that the filing
deadlines should be the same, noting that he does not like that a council member does not have to
give up his/her seat to run for another office. He sated that an additional 30 days would “tie
everything up.” Responding, Mrs. McDowell noted that it would only be approximately two (2)
additional weeks.
Mr. Hare stated that he would prefer to maintain the current deadlines or make both deadlines the
end of January. Noting that people begin filing before Christmas, it was his feeling that people do
not need that much time. In response to Mr. Hare, Mrs. McDowell noted that petitions have
previously been filed in October, and explained that the proposed amendment included a start date
of the first working day in January.
Responding to Mr. Hare, Mrs. McDowell questioned whether he wanted to reinstate the requirement
that members must resign their seat to run for another office. Mr. Anderson stated that he would not
want to reinstate that requirement. Mr. Hare stated that he would not want to reinstate the
requirement that members must resign their seat to run for another office; however, it was his feeling
that the deadlines should be the same.
Mr. Slavin explained that this amendment would avoid having a special election.
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LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 23, 2015 PAGE 7
Mrs. McDowell reminded members that when Mayor Speed left, Councilman Carey ran for mayor,
and there were four (4) elections in one (1) year. This amendment could prevent a similar situation
in the future.
Mr. Hare suggested that the mayor’s filing deadline be the last Friday in January and council’s the
first Monday in February. Responding, Mrs. McDowell explained that there would need to be a
20-day difference in order to avoid a special election.
Mr. Hare stated that there was not currently a 20-day difference, and expressed his opinion that the
deadlines remain the same and, if necessary, the City can have a special posting without having a
special election. Mrs. McDowell explained that State election law requires that a vacancy for a
mayoral or council seat be publicly posted for 20 days in advance of the filing deadline; therefore,
a special election would be required if there were not 20 days to post the vacancy notice.
Mr. Hare stated that if Mr. Slavin were to file for mayor and run unopposed, he would lose his
council seat and a vacancy notice could be posted on the first Monday in February for 20 days.
Mrs. McDowell explained that by that time, absentee ballots would be prepared and people would
have already voted. She noted that when the requirement to step down was eliminated, the deadlines
could have been made the same; however, the proposed filing deadlines could solve a current
problem. If members want one (1) filing deadline, between the first working day in January through
the last working day in January for all seats, that amendment can be made.
Mr. Hare stated that he would like one (1) filing deadline.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mrs. McDowell explained that the proposed amendments beginning
at Line 178 would provide clarity regarding the filling of vacancies.
Mr. Anderson questioned if the proposed amendments maintained the council organization and
annual meeting. In response, Mrs. McDowell informed members that Mr. Slavin had previously
pointed out that there would be no annual meeting since there was no longer an annual election.
Referring to Line 117, Mrs. McDowell explained that the phrase “following a regular municipal
election” was removed to allow for the annual meeting on the second Monday in May each year.
Mr. Anderson questioned whether council should be organized for two (2) years instead of one (1).
Responding to Mr. Hare, Mrs. McDowell explained that currently the filing deadline for mayor and
council are different; therefore, if Mr. Slavin had run unopposed for mayor, there was time for
someone else to run for council; however, if no one ran for the vacant seat, a special election would
have to be scheduled and it would run concurrent with the regular election.
In response to Mr. Hare, Mrs. McDowell stated that a councilman has never run unopposed for
mayor; however, since the requirement to step down was eliminated, there have been many special
elections.
Page 8
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 23, 2015 PAGE 8
Mr. Hare felt that there should be one (1) filing deadline for everyone, noting that there are no special
deadlines for the legislature or congress.
Mr. Slavin noted that another potential remedy would be to leave vacant positions vacant until the
next election or council could choose to fill a vacancy by appointment. He stated that these potential
remedies could be discussed during the review of the form of government.
Mr. Sudler stated his understanding that the best way to offset the need to have a special election,
if a council member were to run unopposed for mayor, would be to make the filing deadlines the
same for mayor and council. Responding, Mrs. McDowell explained that if the filing deadlines were
the same, it would automatically trigger a special election because State law requires the City to post
the vacancy for 20 days.
Mr. Hutchison questioned the timetable for submitting the proposed amendments to the General
Assembly. In response, Mrs. McDowell stated that after the adoption of the Resolutions, she
generally sends everything to the General Assembly within a day or two (2); however, she noted that
if Council were to make a lot of changes, it would take more time to revise the documents.
Mr. Hare stated that he did not want to send this proposal to the General Assembly because it was
based on a scenario that may never happen. He felt that the mayor or members of council should
only be able to run for either mayor or council and, if they run for one (1), they resign the other.
Mr. Anderson informed members that the requirement to step down was previously implemented
because there was a mayor who wanted to eliminate competition from council. However, council
removed that requirement because it did not make sense to eliminate a pool of some of the most
informed people of City government from running for mayor.
Mr. Anderson stated that the current proposal had merit because it would eliminate the need to hold
a special election approximately two (2) weeks following the regular election, if someone holding
office were to run unopposed for a separate office. He did not like the idea of leaving a seat vacant
for years.
Mr. Hare stated that he liked the idea of council filling a vacant term by appointment.
Mrs. McDowell reminded members that this option was previously discussed when Mr. Anderson
was being deployed and it was not favored. Responding, Mr. Hare stated that Mr. Anderson’s seat
was still occupied at that time; if Mr. Anderson had resigned for deployment, then it might have been
valid.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend forwarding proposed Resolution No. 2015-03, Requesting the
General Assembly to Amend Article I - Powers of the City, Section 1.05 - Procedure to Extend
Boundaries; and Article II - Mayor and Council, Section 5 - Council to be Legislative Body; Size;
Districts; Terms of Mayor and Councilmen; Qualifications, Section 6 - Municipal Election; Dates,
Time, and Place of Elections, Section 7 - Nomination Petitions for Candidates for Council and
Mayor, Section 9 - Meetings of Mayor and Council-generally, Section 10 - Meetings of Mayor and
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LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 23, 2015 PAGE 9
Council-procedure, and Section 13 - Vacancies; Forfeiture of Office; Filling of Vacancies, to City
Council without recommendation so that it can be heard fully at the March 9, 2015 City Council
meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shevock.
Mr. Anderson suggested deferring this matter for one (1) month, pending the outcome of the
discussions regarding the form of government during the City Council meeting of March 9, 2015.
He stated that this would allow for all of the Charter changes to be made at the same time.
Mr. Hare noted that Council would discuss all of these matters at the same time on March 9, 2015.
Responding, Mr. Anderson stated that the March 9, 2015 Council meeting was going to be long, and
he was not as concerned with these technical changes as the form of government.
The motion to recommend forwarding proposed Resolution No. 2015-03, Requesting the
General Assembly to Amend Article I - Powers of the City, Section 1.05 - Procedure to Extend
Boundaries; and Article II - Mayor and Council, Section 5 - Council to be Legislative Body;
Size; Districts; Terms of Mayor and Councilmen; Qualifications, Section 6 - Municipal
Election; Dates, Time, and Place of Elections, Section 7 - Nomination Petitions for Candidates
for Council and Mayor, Section 9 - Meetings of Mayor and Council-generally, Section 10 -
Meetings of Mayor and Council-procedure, and Section 13 - Vacancies; Forfeiture of Office;
Filling of Vacancies (Attachment #2), to City Council without recommendation so that it can
be heard fully at the March 9, 2015 City Council meeting was carried by a vote of four (4) yes
(Hare, Slavin, Shevock, and Sudler) and one (1) no (Anderson).
Mr. Anderson moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Timothy A. Slavin
Chairman
TAS/TM/dd
S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Committee-Minutes\2015\02-23-2015 LF&A.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Proposed Resolution No. 2015-02 with Companion Ordinance #2015-06
Attachment #2 - Proposed Resolution No. 2015-03
Page 10
ATTACHMENT #1
LF&A Committee Meeting of 02/23/2015
City of Dover
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
1 DRAFT PROPOSED COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2015-02
2 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL
3 MET:
4 That the Mayor and Council have determined that the Charter of the City of Dover should be amended to
5 establish a police chief selection committee comprised of the mayor, council president, chair of the safety
6 advisory and transportation committee, city manager, and the human resources director. Therefore, the Mayor
7 and Council of the City of Dover respectfully request the General Assembly of the State of Delaware to amend
8 Article V - Miscellaneous Provisions, Section 53 - Police; Mayor to be conservator of peace, of its Charter,
9 which amendments, if adopted by the General Assembly, would be as follows:
10 ARTICLE V. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
11 Sec. 53. Police; mayor to be conservator of peace.
12 There shall be a city police force, the number thereof and their salaries shall be determined by the council, but
13 they shall be chosen and appointed by the mayor. The mayor is hereby vested with all the powers of a
14 conservator of the peace within the city limits. A police chief selection committee comprised of the mayor,
15 council president, chair of the safety advisory and transportation committee, city manager, and human
16 resources director shall advise the mayor on the nomination of the police chief. The mayor shall appoint
17 nominate a chief of police, whose appointment shall be effective upon confirmation by the city council.
18 The chief of police shall be subject to removal at any time by the mayor, with the affirmative vote of two-
19 thirds of the members elected to the city council, in accordance with applicable laws. The members of the
20 police force shall be subject to his/her the direction and orders of the chief of police delivered through the
21 proper chain of command and in accordance with applicable laws and ordinances. They shall preserve peace and
22 order, and compel obedience within the city limits to the ordinances of the city and the laws of the state. They
23 shall have such other duties as the council and the mayor mayor and the city council shall prescribe by
24 ordinance.
25 Each member of the police force shall be vested with all the power and authority within the city limits and
26 within one mile outside of said limits, (and, in the case of the pursuit of an offender, without limit) of a constable
27 of Kent County.
28 ADOPTED: *
29 S:\RESOLUTIONS-PROCLAMATIONS-TRIBUTES\CHARTER AMENDMENT RESOLUTIONS\2015\RESOLUTION NO. 2015-02 Sec. 53 - Mayor to be the Conservator of Peace\Resolution No. 2015-02 Proposing
30 the Establishment of a Police Chief Selection Committee.wpd
31
32 ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN DAVID L. BONAR
33 MAYOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT
34 Actions History:
35 February 23, 2015 - Scheduled for Introduction at Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee
P.O. Box 475 Dover, Delaware 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
Page 11
CITY OF DOVER PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2015-06
1 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL
2 MET:
3 That Chapter 62 - Law Enforcement, Article II - Police Department, Section 62-32 - Chief of police
4 generally, and Section 62-38 - Special police, be amended by deleting the text indicated in bold, red strikeout
5 and inserting the bold, blue text, as follows:
6 ARTICLE II. - POLICE DEPARTMENT
7 Sec. 62-31. - Generally.
8 (a) Established. There shall be a city police department, which shall preserve peace and order and,
9 within the city limits, compel obedience to all city ordinances and the law.
10 (b) Officers. The city council shall, upon adoption of the annual budget, designate the number and
11 salaries of the individual police officers who shall comprise the police department. The mayor shall
12 choose and appoint the police officers.
13 Sec. 62-32. - Chief of police generally.
14 (a) Designation. One of the regular members of the police department shall be designated by the
15 mayor to serve as chief of police. A police chief selection committee comprised of the mayor,
16 council president, chair of the safety advisory and transportation committee, city manager,
17 and human resources director shall advise the mayor on the nomination of the police chief.
18 The mayor shall nominate a chief of police, whose appointment shall be effective upon
19 confirmation by the city council. The chief of police shall be subject to removal at any time by
20 the mayor, with the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to the city council,
21 in accordance with applicable laws.
22 (b) Functions. The chief of police shall have the authority to supervise and direct the police department
23 and, pursuant to such authority, he shall promulgate police department rules and regulations, three
24 copies of which are on file at the police department.
25 (c) Reports. The chief of police shall submit monthly reports to the city council giving the number of
26 arrests and other pertinent information required by the city council.
27 Sec. 62-33. - Oath of police officers.
28 Every police officer, before entering upon his duties, shall be sworn by the mayor to perform his
29 duties faithfully.
30 Sec. 62-34. - Enforcement of laws and ordinances.
31 It shall be the duty of each police officer to diligently inquire into the observance of the laws and
32 ordinances within the city and, in case of a breach, to cause the offender to be legally proceeded against.
Page 12
Proposed Ordinance #2015-06 - Chapter 62 - Law Enforcement Page 2
33 Sec. 62-35. - Authority to preserve order at fires.
34 The police department shall have the authority, upon an alarm of fire, to report to the scene of a fire
35 to preserve order and render any assistance to the fire department that may be practical.
36 Sec. 62-36. - Disciplinary authority of chief of police.
37 (a) Generally. The chief of police shall have final disciplinary authority and responsibility within the
38 police department, subject to appeals to the mayor, and shall promulgate and carry out such
39 disciplinary procedures as may be needed within his command. The chief of police shall, where
40 cause exists, have the authority to suspend from duty an employee for a period of time not to exceed
41 30 days, to reduce employees in rank or pay grade, to place employees on probation and to suspend
42 such sanctions as the need arises, or to dismiss an employee from service.
43 (b) Appeal. Any employee so disciplined has the right to appeal, on the record, to the mayor.
44 (c) Subpoenas. The chief of police, with approval from the mayor, shall, for the limited purpose of
45 compelling the appearance of witnesses before the professional standards board of the city police
46 department, sitting for the purpose of affording due process to members of the city police department
47 in disciplinary matters, have the power to issue subpoenas for that purpose.
48 Sec. 62-37. - Mayor to advise council of personnel changes.
49 The mayor shall advise the city council of any change in the personnel of the police department at
50 the next regular city council meeting following the change.
51 Sec. 62-38. - Special police.
52 (a) Appointment. Whenever, in the opinion of the mayor, an emergency exists, he shall have the
53 power to appoint one or more special police officers, with all the powers and authority of
54 regular police officers, during the period of the emergency.
55 (b) Term. The special police officers shall not serve for a term of more than 30 days without the
56 approval of the city council.
57 Sec. 62-39 38. - Sale of property.
58 (a) Authorized. The chief of police shall have the authority to hold a sale of personal property held by
59 the police department for a period in excess of one year, which said personal property shall be
60 unclaimed evidence, lost and found articles, confiscated articles and any other items of personal
61 property which have come into the hands of the members of the police department and have been
62 held for a period of one year, if the owner or owners of the same shall be unknown or said property
63 has been unclaimed.
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64 (b) Auction. The chief of police shall cause to be sold the said property at a public auction and shall
65 advertise by publishing notice of said sale in one issue of a newspaper circulated in the city at least
66 ten days before the date of the sale, which said notice shall merely state that a sale of unclaimed
67 personal property shall be held by the police department, giving the date, time and place of said sale
68 without specifying any of the items to be sold. The proceeds of said sale shall be retained by the
69 police department to be used solely for pensions of the police department.
70 Secs. 62-40 39 - 62-70. - Reserved.
71 ADOPTED: *
72 S:\ORDINANCES\2015\DRAFT\Ordinance #2015-06 Amending Ch 62 - Law Enforcement, Art II - Police Department, Sec 62-32 - Chief of police generally .wpd
73 SYNOPSIS
74 The amendment reflects the charter amendment that established a committee to advise the
75 mayor on the nomination of the police chief. It also removes the requirement that the police
76 chief be selected from among one of the regular members of the police department and
77 removes the appointment of special police.
78 (SPONSORS: LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE)
79 Actions History
80 02/23/2015 - Scheduled for Introduction at Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee
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ATTACHMENT #2
LF&A Committee Meeting of 02/23/2015
City of Dover
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
1 DRAFT PROPOSED COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2015-03
2 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL
3 MET:
4 That the Mayor and Council have determined that the Charter of the City of Dover should be amended to make
5 corrections/include gender neutral language, remove outdated language, set a time frame for accepting
6 nominating petitions, extend the filing deadline for council nominations, and revise the parameters for filling
7 a vacancy, which amendments, if adopted by the General Assembly, would be as follows:
8 Section 1.05. Procedure to extend boundaries, (2)(b) - For the annexation election, the polls shall open at
9 11:00 a.m. to and remain open until each eligible voter has cast their vote or until 8:00 p.m., whichever occurs
10 first.
11 Sec. 5. Council to be legislative body; size; districts; terms of mayor and councilmen; qualifications.
12 The council shall be the legislative body of the city and composed of nine (9) members nominated and elected
13 as herein provided.
14 The city shall be divided into four (4) election districts, the boundaries of which shall be established by council
15 so that they are nearly equal in population based on the latest federal decennial census information. The district
16 boundaries established for municipal elections shall be used for the next regular municipal election and shall
17 continue in effect until the next succeeding federal decennial census is made available for use by municipalities
18 in the State of Delaware.
19 At the regular municipal election held in April of 2012, the mayor shall be elected at-large. The term of
20 mayor elected at the April 2012 regular municipal election shall be for a period of three years,
21 commencing on the second Monday in May following his/her election and continuing for a term of three
22 years until the second Monday in May 2015, or until his/her successor has been duly elected and qualified.
23 Thereafter, cCommencing with the regular municipal election to be held in April of 2015, the term of mayor
24 shall be for a period of four years commencing on the second Monday in May following his/her election and
25 continuing for a term of four years until the second Monday in May, or until his/her successor has been duly
26 elected and qualified.
27 At the regular municipal election held in April of 2012, four councilmen shall be elected by district voting
28 from each of the districts of the city. The term of the councilmen elected at the April 2012 regular
29 municipal election shall be for three years, commencing on the second Monday in May following their
30 election and continuing for a term of three years until the second Monday in May 2015, or until their
31 successors have been duly elected and qualified.
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DRAFT PROPOSED COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2015-03 PAGE 2
32 At the regular municipal election held in April of 2013, five councilmen shall be elected, four by district
33 voting being from the districts and one at-large. The term of the councilmen elected at the April 2013
34 regular municipal election shall be for a period of four years, commencing on the second Monday in May
35 following their election and continuing for a period of four years until the second Monday in May, or
36 until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.
37 Thereafter, cCommencing with the regular municipal election to be held in April of 2013, the terms of the
38 councilmen members shall be for a period of four years, commencing on the second Monday in May following
39 their election and continuing for a term of four years until the second Monday in May, or until their successors
40 have been duly elected and qualified. The mayor and at-large councilman member shall be elected at alternating
41 biennial regular municipal elections.
42 In order to be eligible to be elected as mayor or as a member of council, the person must as of the date of the
43 election be:
44 (1) A citizen of the United States and of the State of Delaware;
45 (2) A resident of the city and having continuously resided therein or in an area annexed to the city
46 during the two (2) years immediately preceding the day of the election;
47 (3) A resident of the election district from which they are seeking election, unless they are seeking
48 election as an at-large councilman member or mayor;
49 (4) Eighteen (18) years of age or older; and
50 (5) Nominated therefore, as hereinafter provided.
51 Holding Other Office. Except where authorized by law, no council members shall hold any other elected public
52 office, city office, or city employment during the term for which the member was elected to the council. No
53 former council members shall hold any compensated appointive office or employment with the city until one
54 year after the expiration of the term for which the member was elected to the council, unless granted a waiver
55 by the Board of Ethics (Ethics Commission).
56 Section 6. Municipal election; dates, time, and place of elections.
57 Regular municipal elections shall be held biennally biennially on the third Tuesday in April. All other
58 municipal elections that may be held shall be known as special municipal elections. At each such municipal
59 election, the polls shall be opened at 7:00 a.m. and closed at 8:00 p.m. The council may designate the places of
60 election and make all necessary rules and regulations not inconsistent with this Charter or with other laws of
61 the State of Delaware for the conduct of elections, for the prevention of fraud in elections, and for the recount
62 of ballots in case of doubt or fraud. At alternating biennial regular municipal elections held on the third Tuesday
63 in April, five councilmen members shall be elected for a term of four years, four of whom shall be elected by
64 district voting from each of the districts as designated by council and one of whom shall be elected by at large
65 voting by all voters of the city, as provided in section 5 of this Charter. At the next biennial regular municipal
66 election held on the third Tuesday in April, four councilmen members shall be elected by district voting from
67 each of the districts as designated by council for a term of four years, and a mayor shall be elected by the voters
68 of the city for a term of four years, as provided in section 5 of this Charter.
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69 Sec. 7. Nominationng petitions for candidates for council and mayor.
70 The mode of nomination of candidates for the council and for mayor shall be by petition, signed by not less than
71 ten (10) nor more than twenty-five (25) electors of the city, filed with the clerk of council. In the years when
72 a mayor is to be elected, nominating petitions for candidates for mayor shall be accepted no sooner than
73 the first working day of January and no later than the last working day of January on or before 4:30 p.m.
74 on the second Friday of February bienially Nominating petitions for candidates for council shall be
75 accepted no sooner than the first working day of January and no later than the last working day of
76 February biennially on or before 4:30 p.m. on the last working day in January biennally for candidates
77 for mayor in the years when a mayor is to be elected. Should the second Friday of February fall on a legal
78 holiday, the filing date shall be 4:30 p.m. on the next working day thereafter which is not a legal holiday.
79 Whenever a petition nominating a person for the office of mayor or councilman member shall have been filed
80 as above prescribed, the name of such person shall be printed on the ballot for the regular biennial municipal
81 election as a candidate for the office for which they were nominated, provided they possess the qualifications
82 prescribed by this Charter for a candidate for such office.
83 No nominating petition shall designate more than one person to be voted for as a member of council or as mayor.
84 The signers of a nominating petition for a member of the council must be electors of the city residing in the city
85 election district in which the nominee resides; but the signers to the nominating petition for the mayor and for
86 the at-large councilman member may be city electors residing in the city at-large.
87 There must be attached to each nominating petition an affidavit of the circulator thereof, stating the number of
88 signers and that each signature appended thereto was made in their presence, and is the genuine signature of the
89 person whose name it purports to be, and that all of said signers are entitled to vote at the regular municipal
90 election referred to; and, in the case of a petition nominating a candidate for councilman running from a
91 particular district and to be elected by district voting, that the circulator of the petition verily believes that each
92 signer of said petition is a resident of the same city election district in which the nominee resides.
93 With each signature shall be stated the place of residence of the signer, giving the street and number or other
94 description sufficient to identify the same. The form of the nominating petition shall be substantially as follows:
95 We, the undersigned, electors of The City of Dover, hereby nominate ________________, who resides in the
96 ________________ City District of the said City of Dover, for the office of Councilman (or for the office of
97 Mayor as the case may be) to be voted for at the regular municipal election to be held in the said City, on the
98 ________ day of _________ in the year ________; and we individually certify that we are qualified to vote for
99 a candidate for the office named, and that we have not signed any other nominating petition for that office, and
100 that our places of residences are truly stated after our signatures.
101 Name __________
102 Street and Number address __________ (Space for Signatures)
103 STATE OF DELAWARE
104 KENT COUNTY
105 SS.
106 ________________ being duly sworn (or affirmed) deposes and says that they were the circulator of the
107 foregoing petition paper containing ___ signatures, and that the signatures appended thereto were made in
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108 his/her presence, and are the signatures of the persons whose names they purport to be, and that they verily
109 believes the residence of each signer thereof to be truly stated, and that all of said signers are entitled to vote at
110 the regular municipal election referred to in said paper; and, in case the petition is nominating a candidate for
111 councilman to be elected from a specific district by district voting, that each signer of said petition is a resident
112 of the same city election district in which the nominee resides.
113 (Signed) __________
114 Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me this ________ day of _________
115 __________Justice of the Peace (or Notary Public)
116 Sec. 9. Meetings of mayor and council--Generally.
117 At 7:30 p.m. on the second Monday in May following a regular municipal election, the mayor and council
118 shall meet at the usual place for holding council meetings and the newly elected officers shall assume the duties
119 of office, being first duly sworn or affirmed to perform their duties with fidelity. Such meeting shall be called
120 or known as the annual meeting. Thereafter, the council shall hold regular meetings at such times as may be
121 prescribed by ordinance, but not less frequently than once each month. Special meetings may be called and held
122 as prescribed by ordinance. All meetings of the council shall be open to the public except scheduled executive
123 sessions.
124 At the annual meeting held on the second Monday in May, the members of council shall elect one of their
125 members to serve as council president, such term to be in effect until the next regularly scheduled annual
126 meeting or until a successor is elected. The council president shall serve as vice-mayor. Council president shall
127 preside over regular and special council meetings.
128 The mayor shall preside over the annual meeting and quarterly town meetings, and at the annual meeting present
129 a state of the city message and offer mayoral appointments for council confirmation. The mayor, upon
130 recommendation from the council president, will present council appointments for council approval.
131 In the event of absence of the council president, then the senior member of council in terms of continuous or
132 total length of service as a councilmanmember shall assume the duties of the council president and shall be
133 designated council president acting. In the event that two (2) or more members of council have the same
134 seniority in terms of length of service as a councilmanmember, then the members of council shall vote and elect
135 one of those as council president acting. Council president acting shall fulfill all of the duties and
136 responsibilities of council president during his/her period of unavailability or absence.
137 Sec. 10. Meetings of Mayor and Council--Procedure.
138 Five (5) of the members elected to the council shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a less number may
139 adjourn from time to time and may compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such
140 penalties as may be prescribed by ordinance.
141 No ordinance, resolution, motion or order shall be valid unless it shall have (1) the affirmative vote of a majority
142 of the members elected to the council, and (2) the written approval of the mayor, or the vice-mayor in those
143 cases where the vice-mayor is authorized to act as mayor as provided in section 15 hereof, provided that in the
144 absence of such approval by the mayor, or the vice-mayor as the case may be, the council may, after not less than
145 seven (7) days nor more than thirty-five (35) days after the prior vote, pass or adopt the said ordinance,
146 resolution, motion or order which did not receive the approval of the mayor, or the vice-mayor, by the
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147 affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to council.
148 Whenever the council shall adopt an ordinance, resolution, motion or order, it shall be the duty of the mayor,
149 or the vice-mayor, to signify his/her approval or disapproval thereof in writing to the clerk of the council within
150 seven (7) days thereafter. The clerk of the council shall forthwith notify the members of the council of such
151 approval or disapproval.
152 Motions to adjourn meetings of council and orders to compel the attendance of absent members shall not require
153 the approval of the mayor or vice-mayor.
154 A councilman member shall abstain from voting on a matter that he/she feels would involve the consideration
155 of his/her own official conduct, on a matter in which he/she has a financial interest, in a matter in which he has
156 a conflict of interest or in accordance with a policy adopted by council.
157 The yeas and nays shall be taken upon the passage of every ordinance and resolution and entered together with
158 the text of the ordinance or resolution upon the journal of the proceedings of the council. The journal shall be
159 deemed conclusive evidence of the facts stated therein except in the case of fraud.
160 The city council may adopt any standard code of technical regulations by reference thereto in an adopting
161 ordinance. The procedure and requirements governing such an adopting ordinance shall be as prescribed for
162 ordinances generally except that:
163 (1) The requirements for distribution and filing of copies of the ordinance shall be construed to include copies
164 of the code of technical regulations as well as of the adopting ordinance, and
165 (2) A copy of each adopted code of technical regulations as well as of the adopting ordinance shall be
166 authenticated and recorded by the city clerk.
167 Copies of any adopted code of technical regulations shall be made available by the city clerk for distribution or
168 for purchase at a reasonable price.
169 Section 13. Vacancies; Forfeiture of Office; Filling of Vacancies
170 (a) Vacancies. The office of a council member shall become vacant upon the member's death, resignation, or
171 removal from office or forfeiture of office in any manner authorized by law.
172 (b) Forfeiture of Office. A council member shall forfeit that office if the council member:
173 (1) Fails to meet the residency requirements,
174 (2) Violates any express prohibition of this charter,
175 (3) Is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, or
176 (4) Fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the council without being excused by the
177 council.
178 In the case of any such vacancy or of any vacancy created by death, resignation or otherwise for which said
179 vacancy shall be less than six months in duration from the next regular or special election, the office shall
180 remain vacant vacancy shall be filled at the next regular or special election. If such vacancy should be in
181 excess of six months in duration from the next regular or special election, a special election shall be held to
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182 fill such vacancy, this special election to be held no sooner than 30 days from the date of the vacancy, but said
183 special election to be held no later than 60 days after the date of the vacancy. If council fails to call for a special
184 Election, the special Election shall be called by the Election Board.
185 *
186 ADOPTED: *
187 S:\RESOLUTIONS-PROCLAMATIONS-TRIBUTES\CHARTER AMENDMENT RESOLUTIONS\2015\RESOLUTION NO. 2015-03 Proposed Charter Amendments\Resolution No. 2015-03 Proposed Charter
188 Amendments.wpd
189
190 ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN DAVID L. BONAR
191 MAYOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT
192 Actions History:
193 February 23, 2015 - Scheduled for Introduction at the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting
P.O. Box 475 Dover, Delaware 19903
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