DHRC Minutes

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION The Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) met on April 18, 2019 at 6:10 p.m. with Chairman Gaddis presiding. Members present were Mr. Fleming, Mr. Rocha, and Ms. Mullen. Mrs. Mishoe Paige, and Mrs. Herbert were absent. OPEN FORUM The Open Forum was held at 6:00 p.m., prior to the commencement of the Official Commission Meeting. Mr. Gaddis 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. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS Mr. Fleming moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried. Proposed Revisions to DHRC Brochure Members discussed the DHRC Brochure, noting that they each had different versions. Mr. Fleming suggested revising the “Mission Statement” and “What We Do” portions of the brochure to read, as follows: The Commission works with City Council and City administration, and other community organizations, to strengthen intergroup relationships and eliminate discrimination, and to anticipate, prepare for, and resolve incidents of intergroup conflicts and disputes within the city. We build on it’s partnership with Dover P.D., identify additional human relations approaches and lessons that can be integrated into Delaware Police Department community relations strategy. Mr. Gaddis stated that he thought the DHRC was supposed to foster positive relationships; however, he did not believe the DHRC was supposed to be involved in any conflicts. Mr. Gaddis requested that Mr. Fleming email his suggested revisions to the City Clerk’s Office for members’ consideration at the next meeting. Discussion - Open Forum Format Members discussed whether or not to continue the Open Forum segment of the DHRC meetings. Mr. Fleming moved to recommend the discontinuation of the Open Forum segment of the DHRC meetings, seconded by Ms. Mullen.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING OF APRIL 18, 2019 PAGE 2 Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Gaddis explained that if the Open Forum segment is discontinued, a person wishing to speak would need to contact a member of the Commission or the City Clerk’s Office to request that the Chair place their item on the agenda for consideration. Ms. Denise Devine, Assistant City Clerk, noted that Chapter 58 - Human Relations of the Dover Code allows the chair or three (3) members of the Commission to call a special meeting. The motion to recommend the discontinuation of the Open Forum segment of the DHRC meetings was unanimously carried. Mr. Rocha noted that the DHRC Strategic Plan had expired and requested that members begin the process of updating it for another three (3) years. Members agreed to review the Strategic Plan during their next meeting. Mr. Rocha moved for adjournment, seconded by Fleming and unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m. Alan P. Gaddis Chair TAH/DD/jt S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Misc-Minutes\DHRC\2019\04-18-2019 DHRC Minutes.wpd