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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on March 12, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President
Slavin presiding. Council members present were Mr. Anderson (arrived at 7:33 p.m.), Mr. Sudler,
Mr. Neil, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Cole, Mr. Polce, Mr. Hare, and Mr. Lindell.
Staff members present were Police Chief Mailey, Ms. Peddicord, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Hugg, Fire
Chief Carey (departed at 8:42 p.m.), City Solicitor Rodriguez, and Mrs. McDowell.
Mayor Christiansen was also present (departed at 8:44 p.m.).
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 7:00 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting.
Council President Slavin declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that
Council was not in official session and could not take formal action.
Apostle Marion Lott, Sr., Executive Director, House of Pride, advised that the nonprofit
organizations in the Fourth District have been working together over the last few years on a program
in the district, especially in the downtown area, to achieve revitalization and to help promote public
safety. He expressed concern that placing a public safety fee on nonprofit organizations would have
an adverse effect on other programs, such as Habitat for Humanity. Apostle Lott advised that
Habitat invests their money for building demolition and asbestos removal, which sometimes costs
$30,000 to $40,000 just to remove a building, and it is disappointing for them to have an additional
fee attached. He stated that it gives the appearance that the City is asking for help on one hand, but
then on another hand they are taking away from the overall effort of all of the nonprofit
organizations. Apostle Lott asked what the impact of the public safety fee would be on the 20
churches in the Fourth District and Interfaith Mission.
Ms. Maureen Feeney Roser, Interim Executive Director of the Downtown Dover Partnership,
advised that she had been working with the Partnership's staff and its committees over the last
several months, developing strategic work plans and prioritizing projects. She noted that, while she
is very new at her role with them, she has been very impressed with the can-do attitude of the staff
and the energy levels and dedication of the volunteers that surround the Partnership and help support
it. Ms. Roser noted that she has been extremely impressed with Dover’s absolute gem of the
downtown and all the great things that are already going on there, and that she is very excited about
its potential. She stated that she is happy to have participated in some of the strategic planning
process to help identify goals and aspirations for the future, and that she looks forward to spending
the next couple of months working with the organization and with the Dover community to lay the
groundwork necessary to implement work plans to help them reach those goals.
The invocation was given by Bishop Thomas L. Holsey, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Sudler moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Consent Agenda, seconded by Mr. Lewis and carried by
a unanimous roll call vote (Anderson absent).
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ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 26, 2018
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of February 26, 2018 we re unanimously
approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Lewis and bore the writte n approval of
Mayor Christiansen.
PRESENTATION - 2017 ANNUAL REPORT - DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Dave Hugg, Director of the Department of Planning and Community Development, reviewed
the 2017 Annual Report.
Mr. Sudler asked if there was currently a process in place for the Economic Development
Committee, in conjunction with the Planning and Zoning Department, to provide correspondence
to members of City Council regarding new projects, such as restaurants, businesses, etc., or if one
would be implemented and what the proposed implementation date was. Mr. Hugg advised that the
Department’s monthly report includes active projects. He noted that their tracking was not as
sophisticated as he would like and they are going to get better at tracking that information. Mr. Hugg
noted that he tries to share with members of Council which businesses are starting and when they
are expected to open. Mr. Sudler offered continued support and encouraged communication with
City Council members so that they can better inform their constituents about new construction and
businesses. Mr. Hugg pledged to provide a “progress in pictures” synopsis of current projects at
least quarterly.
Mr. Lewis thanked Mr. Hugg for doing an exceptional job in promoting Dover. He asked what some
of the goals were that he would like to see achieved in the near future. Responding, Mr. Hugg
advised that getting the message out about the City of Dover and making people feel that they can
come here with a proposal, a question, or an application, and be treated as friends and as somebody
that the City really wants to do business with. He stated that the Comprehensive Plan will need
serious attention in 2018, noting that there are major decisions facing the City in terms of investment
in City facilities, parking, and infrastructure. Mr. Hugg noted that another goal will be to improve
the way they report to City Council and others what is happening in Dover. He stated that he thought
they needed to have a more refined vision for what they want the downtown to be and they are
working with the Downtown Dover Partnership on the strategic plan that includes the vision for
downtown and committing to certain financing, proposals, and incentives. Mr. Hugg advised that
his biggest goal will be to look at the 75 or more goals and objectives in the Comprehensive Plan
to determine if they are still relevant.
Mr. Anderson stated that he thought Mr. Hugg was doing a terrific job and he thanked him and the
staff for the work that is being accomplished. He asked, when there is a zoning change that triggers
a notification to property owners, if Council members could be notified when the rezoning is
occurring in their districts, so that they could be informed when their constituents call them about
the letter and the rezoning. Mr. Hugg advised that he would notify members of Council when
property owners are notified of an application.
Mr. Anderson, referring to the slide about the work that Mr. Hugg was doing in coordination with
the homeless issue, asked him to provide more specific information about that work. Responding,
Mr. Hugg advised that he had been named the head of the development subcommittee of the Mayor's
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 3
Blue Ribbon Task Force to End Homelessness, which is focused on what they can do now that
begins to improve the situation for people who are homeless. He stated that the committee had done
research and determined that one of the ways that they could help was to give homeless people a
place to store their personal belongings. Mr. Hugg explained that, working with Ms. Jeanine Kleimo
of Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing, funding was identified, lockers were obtained, and a grant
was received through the neighborhood building block fund that was used to create shelters for the
lockers with security and lighting at the Interfaith location. He stated that, at least initially, they had
a lot of good discussions with Police Chief Marvin Mailey and were working on a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the Chief that outlines how to deal with the lockers, which are places
of residence for the homeless and have certain values and rights.
Mr. Hugg advised that they determined that there were a lot of people helping the homeless and
those with low incomes and they are developing a model for a new nonprofit central organization
made up of representatives of various boards, who would serve as a catalyst for communication
among these groups.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hugg stated that the Dover Housing Corporation will be a body
that has two (2) responsibilities: 1) policy and program development and coordination, and 2) having
the authority to own, operate, and manage housing, particularly for those at the very low to
affordable housing level, and being able to do that either in their own name or as an entity on behalf
of others. Mr. Hugg noted that the entire task force will be meeting on Wednesday afternoon and
will be introducing tentative by-laws, membership, and a mission statement.
Mr. Hare moved for acceptance of the 2017 Annual Report of the Department of Planning and
Community Development. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ande rson and unanimously
carried.
PRESENTATION - 2017 ANNUAL REPORT - POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Chief Marvin Mailey reviewed the 2017 Annual Report of the Police Department.
Mr. Sudler asked if the Police Department had any workshops or workplace psychotherapy to assist
officers with work-related stress, anxiety, or psychological challenges that may contribute to the
impairment of an officer's judgment on or off the job. Chief Mailey stated that every time there is
a traumatic incident officers are offered critical incident stress management training, noting that it
is mandatory for the officers who were directly involved in the incident to speak with a counselor,
and they are encouraged to continue speaking with the counselor.
Mr. Sudler asked if Chief Mailey had any statistical data regarding hate crime reports. Chief Mailey
advised that they track hate crimes and that he would provide that information.
Mr. Sudler asked if Chief Mailey had any statistical data on complaints against officers.
Responding, Chief Mailey stated that the Internal Affairs Unit tracks that data and a report is
provided annually. He noted that the information could be provided.
Mr. Polce asked if the federal partnership included High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
Responding, Chief Mailey advised that it included HIDTA through the Drug Enforcement
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 4
Administration (DEA). He noted that he meets with a HIDTA representative once a month at the
Kent County Chiefs of Police meeting.
Mr. Polce advised that the Overdose Fatality Review Commission issued their first report during the
previous week, tracking overdoses across the State, most often due to heroin. He noted that 191
individuals lost their lives to overdose in Kent County, which was a 9% increase. Mr. Polce stated
that there were 26 overdoses in 2016 and 28 in 2017. He asked if the number of overdoses resulting
in death are tracked. Responding, Chief Mailey stated that he did not think it was tracked internally;
however, the State does track it. He advised that the Dover Police Department has six (6) officers
trained to carry Narcan on patrol, noting that the State is currently providing the Narcan to them.
Mr. Polce asked, with regard to some of the movement around the State for introduction and pending
legislation that would legalize marijuana, what impact legalization would have on local police
jurisdictions with K-9s. Chief Mailey advised that they have not trained any more K-9s in narcotic
detection because they feel that the legislation probably will pass, noting that the law enforcement
community is closely monitoring the legislation.
Mr. Polce, noting that the statistics for the category labeled mental patients decreased from 417 to
404, asked what those calls typically entail and what the process was after responding to such a call.
Chief Mailey advised that, typically, they respond to Kent General Hospital for those who have come
for a mental observation and have been referred by a doctor to a facility for further observation. He
noted that they would take custody of that individual, either from their residence to the hospital or
from the hospital to the mental health facility. Chief Mailey advised that they track the number of
miles driven in the police vehicle and then file paperwork with the State for reimbursement for the
transport.
Mr. Polce asked how they could do a better job in promoting and really informing their communities
of the Angel Program, noting that New Castle County’s Heroes Program, which is similar, has
astronomical numbers and its use is increasing. He stated that it is a vital service that many in the
local community could use.
Mr. Anderson thanked the members of the Dover Police Department for doing a tremendous job, day
in and day out, and Chief Mailey for his leadership of the Department. He advised that he had been
getting extraordinarily positive feedback from members of the community about Dover Police
Department.
Mr. Lewis, as Chair of the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee, commended Chief
Mailey and his staff for doing an awesome job in the City.
Mr. Neil noted that he has attended a number of Downtown Dover Partnership meetings where he
heard that they have a chance to develop a site and somebody witnesses a drug transaction. He asked
if parking a marked vehicle in areas of heavy crime would act as a deterrent to crime. Responding,
Chief Mailey stated that it had helped at certain times; however, people also become conditioned to
the parked cars. He advised that Community Policing will park a vehicle in an area to deter juvenile
crime.
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Mr. Hare stated that he thought the cadet program was phenomenal. Chief Mailey noted that they
are not getting an influx of young people and are trying to get them interested in the program again.
He advised that once they are in the cadet program, they are sought by other police departments.
Mr. Lindell thanked the Dover Police Department for their service to the community. Noting that
the authorized strength of the police department is 101 and they are currently at 96 officers,
Mr. Lindell asked if the 96 officers included those who were out due to vacation or sickness.
Responding, Chief Mailey stated that it varies and he noted that they currently have four (4) people
in the academy until September, some officers on light duty, and other officers providing in-service
training, which is mandated by the Council on Police Training. He advised that, once the officers
return from the academy, the department will be at 100 officers with one (1) vacancy.
Mayor Christiansen congratulated Chief Mailey and the men and women at the Dover Police
Department, City Staff, and the members of City Council for their continued support of the Dover
Police Department, because they are part of the team that makes the department great. Additionally,
Mayor Christiansen thanked the members of the public for their confidence and their cooperation
with the Dover Police Department, noting that public cooperation is increasing and they are actually
becoming a part of public safety, because public safety in the community is having the community
involved.
Mr. Hare moved for acceptance of the 2017 Annual Report of the Police Department. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.
PUBLIC HEARING/FINAL READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2017-16
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider approval of proposed zoning
text amendments to Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3 - District Regulations, Section 28 - Traditional
Neighborhood Design Zone (TND), Subsection 28.52 - Neighborhood Commercial District.
Mr. Neil moved that the Final Reading of Proposed Ordinance #2017-16 be acknowledged by
title only, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the ordinance
was accomplished during the Council Meeting of January 8, 2018.)
Mr. Dave Hugg, Director of Planning and Community Development, advised members that the
amendments dealt with the provisions related to neighborhood commercial districts as part of the
Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND) zone. He noted that the issue before them was that the
current ordinance does not allow for certain uses particularly, in this case, fuel pumps or fueling
stations associated with convenience or other services. This matter was brought forward as a part of
the ongoing development discussions for the area covered by the TND. Because of the technicality
of it being in the company's plan, the actual action was brought to the attention of three (3) members
of Council and put on the agenda for consideration. Mr. Hugg advised that the ordinance would
allow fueling stations as a conditional use in the neighborhood commercial district, as opposed to
being prohibited in the current zoning.
Council President Slavin declared the hearing open.
Mr. Tom Carney, on behalf of Mr. John Paradee and Pettinaro, who initiated the text amendment,
advised that he thought Mr. Hugg sufficiently addressed the substance of the ordinance, which in
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 6
essence, amends the zoning code to permit uses that our market trends are demanding while
maintaining control and the integrity of the TND through the conditional use process. He respectfully
requested the support and the approval of the proposed zoning amendment.
Mr. Todd Fry, of Duffy and Associates, the engineer for the project, advised that he was present to
answer any questions related to the request.
There being no one else present wishing to speak during the public hearing, Council President Slavin
declared the hearing closed.
Mr. Hare moved for adoption of the ordinance, as recommended by the Planning Commission.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Lindell and, by a unanimous roll call vote, Council adopted
Ordinance #2017-16, as follows:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN
COUNCIL MET:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3 - District Regulations, Section 28 - Traditional Neighborhood
Design Zone (TND), Subsection 28.52 - Neighborhood Commercial District, of the Dover Code, be
amended to read as follows:
28.52 Neighborhood commercial district: Additional uses permitted in this district include
the following subject to the requirements set forth in subsection 28.7:
28.521 Convenience retail stores such as, but not limited to, drug stores, grocery
stores, restaurants, variety stores, or combinations thereof. Fuel pumps
accessory to a convenience retail store may be permitted as a conditional
use, upon the approval of the Planning Commission in accordance with the
procedures and subject to the general conditions set forth in article 10,
section 1. Drive through drug stores shall be allowed if they are of superior
design and screening consistent with the intent of the TND zone. There
shall be no drive-through restaurants.
28.522 Personal service stores such as, but not limited to, barber shops, beauty
parlors, and laundry/dry cleaning establishments.
28.523 Service establishments furnishing services other than of a personal nature,
but excluding motor vehicle storage, repair, or service.
28.524 Business, professional, and government offices, banks, philanthropic or
not-for-profit offices, and financial institutions. Drive through banks shall
be allowed if they are of superior design and screening consistent with the
intent of the TND zone.
28.525 Any of these uses mixed with residential uses in the same building.
ADOPTED: MARCH 12, 2018
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DO VER HUMAN RELATIO NS CO MMISSIO N REPO RT -
FEBRUARY 15, 2018
The Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) met on February 15, 2018
at 6:16 p.m. with Chairman Henderson presiding.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 6:03 p.m., prior to the commencement of the Official
Council Meeting. Mr. Henderson declared the Open Forum in session and reminded
those present that the Commission was not in official session and could not take
formal action.
There was no one present wishing to speak during the Open Forum.
Election of Commission Chair
Mr. Henderson opened the floor for nominations for Commission Chair.
Mrs. Herbert moved to nominate Mr. Henderson to serve as Commission Chair,
seconded by Mr. Gaddis.
Responding to Mr. Fleming, Mr. Henderson stated that he was willing to serve
another term.
Mr. Gaddis moved to close the floor for nominations, seconded by Mr. Fleming and
unanimously carried.
The Commission elected Mr. Theodore A. Henderson to serve as Commission Chair.
2017 Annual Report to City Council
Referring to the Dover Human Relations Commission 2017 Annual Report to City
Council, Mr. Henderson advised that he, Mr. Fleming, Ms. Mishoe, and Mrs. Herbert
had contributed portions of the report. Responding to Mr. Henderson,
Mrs. Jody Stein, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk’s Office, advised that the
report would be submitted to Council during their Regular Meeting of
February 26, 2018 or March 12, 2018.
The Commission recommended acceptance of the Dover Human Relations
Commission 2017 Annual Report to City Council.
Approval for Commissioners to Attend Mediation Training/Update - Education
Committee (Fleming)
During the Regular City Council Meeting of February 12, 2018, members approved
the DHRC’s recommendation to place consideration of mediation training on a future
agenda. Referring to the Mediation Training section of the Dover Human Relations
Meeting Report dated February 15, 2018, submitted by Mr. Rocha, Mr. Henderson
stated that Mr. Rocha had indicated that all members could attend mediation training
for $250. Mr. Henderson stated that he thought that was a great price. Referring to
the FY 2018 DHRC Budget Report, as of February 7, 2018, Mr. Henderson noted a
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 8
budget balance of $2,953.92. He stated that Mr. Rocha’s recommendation was to
schedule a date in March for all commissioners who are interested, at a location
conducive for members, and that members be trained in mediation services for
landlord-tenant issues, employer-employee concerns, parent-child disputes, and
neighborhood conflicts.
Mr. Fleming suggested tabling this item until consideration of agenda item #5,
Update - Education Committee, because he had additional information regarding
conflict resolution training.
By unanimous consent, members agreed to amend the agenda to consider item #5,
Update - Education Committee, at the same time as item #3, Approval for
Commissioners to Attend Mediation Training.
Mr. Fleming provided a flyer, entitled “Conflict Resolution: A Primer”, which he had
received when he attended a Conflict Resolution Coffee Coaching session offered by
the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce on February 14, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. -
9:00 a.m. Mr. Fleming indicated that the session was led by an attorney and he had
learned that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) was currently receiving more
attention and looked upon more favorably for settling disputes than litigation, which
can bog things down for weeks, months, or possibly a year at an extreme cost. He
advised that the link included on the flyer would allow members to access the
training that he received, which would give them a pretty good idea of mediation and
resolution of disputes in accordance with ADR. Mr. Fleming noted that he was not
saying that the mediation training that members would receive for $250 would not
be as good or better; however, he suggested that after looking at the online activities
they may feel that they do not need mediation training. He stated that he did not
believe that members would be doing dispute resolution since they are not qualified
and the DHRC does not have the power of courts or judgments.
Mrs. Herbert stated her understanding that mediation training participants would
receive a certificate, which would make the training a little more official.
Responding to Mrs. Herbert, Mr. Fleming stated that he did not receive a certificate
for the conflict resolution training that he attended.
Mrs. Herbert stated that she thought the mediation training would be a good thing,
noting that DHRC members had a little trouble defining exactly who and what they
want to handle. She noted that if the Commission does mediation, the DHRC would
take the first step before an issue is referred to someone else. Mrs. Herbert advised
that she saw no reason why members could not do both mediation and conflict
resolution training.
Mr. Henderson stated that members could always go online for conflict resolution
training and further their knowledge. He noted that the key is to be equipped and,
even though members may not be able to become involved legalistically in conflict
resolution, they could certainly recognize it and aid people through the process.
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Mr. Fleming suggested that if members took the time to look at the conflict
resolution training online, they would then have a better idea of whether or not they
want to do more.
Mrs. Herbert advised that she would look at the conflict resolution training; however,
the State Human Relations Commission (SHRC) had suggested that the DHRC have
a couple of people trained in mediation. She stated that she had not volunteered to
receive mediation training, noting that this is something that she had done for years
and did not wish to do anymore.
Mr. Henderson noted that the mediation training was intense and would be for two
(2) days, with six-hour sessions from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. He expressed his feeling
that members of the DHRC should go.
Mr. Gaddis stated that he had previously expressed interest in going to mediation
training when it was suggested. He indicated that he did not think there would be any
better preparation for mediation training than going through the ADR information
online, and the two (2) types of training would augment each other. Mr. Gaddis
noted that it would be wonderful if there was some sort of certification for members
through the People’s Place mediation training.
The Commission recommended that DHRC members attend mediation training on
March 22-23, 2018.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil move d for approval of the Commission’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Lewis and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Anderson absent).
Proposed Revisions to DHRC Brochure
During the Regular City Council Meeting of February 12, 2018, members approved
the DHRC’s recommendation to place consideration of the mission statement in the
DHRC brochure on a future agenda.
Referring to the Mission Statement Revision section of the Dover Human Relations
Commission Meeting Report dated February 15, 2018, submitted by Mr. Rocha,
Mr. Henderson noted that Dr. Nancy Maihoff, Commissioner, State Human Relations
Commission, had recommended that the DHRC revise the mission statement in its
brochure to shorten it. He noted that he, Ms. Paige, and Mr. Rocha had held a
meeting regarding the brochure, Ms. Paige had reminded them that the
mission statement on the brochure was consistent with the statement in the DHRC
Strategic Plan 2015 - 2018, and these documents had already been voted on and
approved by City Council. Mr. Henderson indicated that, as a result of their meeting,
he, Ms. Paige, and Mr. Rocha recommended keeping the mission statement as
written, to remain consistent with what Council had already approved.
Mrs. Herbert stated that the issue she had with the mission statement was that it was
too long, noting that was possible to make it more concise. Mrs. Herbert explained
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 10
that goals are not put into mission statements and that mission statements are written
so that goals can be developed. Mrs. Herbert stated that she was not sure what the
mission statement was anymore, noting that there had been three (3) since she had
been on the Commission.
Responding to Mr. Henderson, Mr. Gaddis stated that he and Mr. Henderson had
previously put together a mission statement. Mr. Henderson noted that he and
Ms. Paige had subsequently worked on a briefer statement.
Mrs. Herbert stated that Ms. Paige had advised her that she had used the statement
in the brochure because it was already written. Mrs. Herbert indicated that she had
seen a shorter statement, which she thought Mr. Gaddis had sent her, that she thought
was closer to what a mission statement is.
Mrs. Jody Stein, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk’s Office, reminded members
that the DHRC’s mission statement was included within the DHRC’s Strategic Plan,
and at one point members had decided it was too lengthy to use routinely, so they
developed a concise statement of what the DHRC does. She explained that the
mission statement in the Strategic Plan had not been changed, but members came up
with a shorter statement. Mrs. Stein noted that the question was what would be
included in the DHRC brochure.
Mr. Gaddis stated that he had a shorter statement and read it, as follows:
The Dover Human Relations Commission is committed to working to ensure
community inclusion, intergroup cooperation, and fair treatment for all its citizens.
The commission interacts with the City of Dover to ensure that it has and utilizes
policies, programs, City ordinances, and specialized resources, and provides
education and support to foster diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency in its
organization and services. The Commission’s goal is to promote understanding and
appreciation of diversity, inclusion, and positive intergroup relations, and advocate
for a fair and respectful environment among its citizens.
Mrs. Herbert advised that, in her opinion, this statement was better than the long one.
She noted that the DHRC Strategic Plan is for 2015 - 2018 and suggested looking
toward 2019 and having something more up-to-date and modern. She stated her
assumption that the current Strategic Plan was approved by City Council in 2015.
For clarification, Mrs. Stein asked if members were discussing changing the
statement in the DHRC brochure or whether they would like to look at amending the
DHRC Strategic Plan. Responding, Mrs. Herbert stated that she would like to look
at amending the Strategic Plan to make it clearer and easier to understand. Mrs. Stein
asked if Mrs. Herbert was suggesting placing amending the Strategic Plan on a future
agenda. Responding, Mrs. Herbert stated that she personally finds the Strategic Plan
cumbersome to work with.
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In response to Mr. Henderson, Mrs. Herbert indicated that the statement that
Mr. Gaddis read would be sufficient for the brochure. She noted that the mission
statement in the Strategic Plan should match the mission statement in the brochure.
Responding to Mr. Henderson, Mrs. Herbert indicated that the statement in the
Strategic Plan was inclusive of the statement read by Mr. Gaddis but slightly longer,
and there would be no conflict.
Mr. Henderson stated that he did not see any conflict between the Strategic Plan and
the shortened mission statement and suggested using this statement for the brochure.
Mr. Gaddis stated that he liked this idea.
Responding to Mr. Gaddis, Mrs. Stein indicated that the decision about whether the
brochure and the Strategic Plan should match was not hers to make. She stated that
the topic on the current agenda was “Proposed Revisions to DHRC Brochure,” and
if members wished to adopt a new Strategic Plan, this should be placed on a future
agenda for consideration, noting that there may be more wide-ranging changes.
Mr. Fleming indicated that he liked the shortened statement for the brochure, noting
that the brochure is the Commission’s public relations piece and would be given to
people who really do not care about the DHRC’s Strategic Plan, and Mrs. Herbert
concurred.
The Commission recommended amending the DHRC brochure to replace the existing
mission statement with the version read by Mr. Gaddis.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Commission’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Lewis and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Anderson absent).
Updates
Community Engagement Committee (Mullen)
No update was provided.
Commission Members’ Announcements
Mr. Henderson reviewed a newspaper article provided by Mr. Fleming, entitled
“Dover St. Patrick’s Day Parade Seeks Participants”. Mr. Fleming suggested that
members wear their green DHRC shirts and march in the parade as a Commission.
Mr. Gaddis stated that he liked the idea. Responding to Mrs. Herbert, Mr. Fleming
indicated that he hoped members would carry a banner advertising the Dover Human
Relations Commission, noting that members had been looking for ways to get public
exposure.
Mrs. Herbert indicated that she had been thinking more about having a table at some
of the events at Legislative Hall. She stated that she would not participate in a parade
but was willing to sit at a table.
Mr. Gaddis and Mr. Fleming expressed interest in attending. Mr. Fleming suggested
polling the Commissioners who were not in attendance. Mr. Henderson stated that
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 12
he was in favor of the DHRC being involved but would probably not participate. He
indicated that he would think about it further.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Dover Human Relations Commission
Report, seconded by Mr. Lewis and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Anderson absent).
MONTHLY REPORTS - JANUARY 2018
By motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Lewis, the following monthly reports were accepted
by consent agenda:
City Assessor's Report
City Council’s Community Enhancement Fund Report
City Manager's Report
City Planner's Report
Controller/Treasurer's Budget Report
Fire Chief's Report
Police Chief's Report
SETTING OF PROPERTY ASSESSMENT APPEALS
Staff recommended that the 2018 Property Assessment Appeals be scheduled for May 29, 2018
through June 1, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.; June 4, 2018 through June 8, 2018 from
9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (if needed); and one evening (if needed). Members were advised that the
hearing times are subject to change.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Cheryl Bundek, City Assessor, advised that one (1) evening
meeting is typically scheduled; however, it had never been needed in the past. She also noted that
additional appeals could be scheduled if necessary.
Mr. Anderson moved for approval of the dates and times recommended by staff for the 2018
Property Assessment Appeals, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, reminded members that water distribution system flushing
would begin on April 8th, Spring Cleanup would begin on April 9th, and leaf compost and wood chip
giveaway would begin on April 6th.
COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Sudler, as the Fourth District Councilman, thanked Apostle Marion Lott, Executive Director of
the House of Pride, and Mrs. Carolyn Fredericks, President/CEO of the Modern Maturity Center, for
taking the time to call him that day to convey their position in regards to the City of Dover's
Proposed Ordinance #2018-03. He advised that, after severe pondering over the matter, he had
chosen not to support the ordinance on behalf of the Fourth District as its representative.
Mr. Sudler moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
Page 13
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 12, 2018 PAGE 13
Meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
TRACI A. McDOWELL
CITY CLERK
All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular
Meeting of March 12, 2018, are hereby approved.
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
MAYOR
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