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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Council Committee of the Whole met on July 23, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., with Council President
Hare presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Anderson (arrived at 6:02 p.m.), Mr. Neil,
Mr. Cole, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Lindell. Mr. Sudler, Mr. Slavin, and Mr. Polce were absent.
Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members present for their Committee meetings were
Mr. Garfinkel (Safety Advisory and Transportation), and Mr. Contant and Mr. Shevock (Legislative,
Finance, and Administration). Mr. Shelton (Safety Advisory and Transportation) was absent.
SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee met with Chairman Taylor presiding.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Anderson requested the deletion of item 2A, Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee
Recommendations, Sponsoring Event - Paris to Pittsburgh, noting that he had concerns about
considering the item before members had a link to view the movie.
Mr. Anderson moved to delete item 2A, Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee
Recommendations, Sponsoring Event - Paris to Pittsburgh. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
Mr. Anderson moved for adoption of the agenda, as amended. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
Update - Safety Issues at the Library
During the Council Committee of the Whole/Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee
meeting of June 25, 2019, consideration of this item was deferred.
Mr. Zachery Carter, 248 Mifflin Road, Chair of the Dover Public Library Advisory Commission, and
a past member of the Delaware Council on Libraries, expressed concerns regarding the locking of
the bathrooms at the Library, explaining that he did not think it was an answer for security issues.
He noted that the former library building was an approximately 17,000 square foot building with two
floors open to the public, and full-time security guards when the building was open. Mr. Carter
stated that the new library building is 46,000 square feet with three floors open to the public, and
security is not typically present whenever the building is open and when security is present, it is
typically only one person. He stated that he thought the area is too large for the staff to be
responsible for any security issues that occur, noting that their job is to serve the public using the
facility. Mr. Carter reminded members that the former library building had a counter on the door and
approximately 1,000 people entered the building each day and, although, the new library building
doesn’t have a counter, he thought there were more people entering the building each day as a result
of the passport services, larger conference area, and expansion of the teen area. In regard to the locks
on the bathrooms, Mr. Carter shared that he attended a meeting at the library about a month ago and
an older man with mobility issues was in attendance and needed to use the restroom. He explained
that he did not think the man would have been able to make it to the circulation desk to get the key
and back to the restroom in time, noting that Ms. Margie Cyr, Library Director, was there and
escorted the man to the staff bathroom. Mr. Carter stated that he did not think there were a lot of
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security problems at the library, based on the police records. He noted that a few incidents occurred
there recently; however, there was no security present at those times.
Mr. Taylor stated that he had visited the Library and spoke to several staff members regarding the
bathroom issues, who relayed that the bathroom being locked was one of the best things that ever
happened, indicating that drinking and drug usage had decreased, so he supported the locking of the
bathrooms. He noted that the most significant issues he had heard of were related to inconsistency
with the employees and the rules, as well as homeless individuals sleeping with their feet on
furniture, loudness, and lewd acts. Mr. Taylor noted that the Police Department Cadets are at the
Library from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and he firmly believes that the Department will do the absolute
best job that can be done.
Mr. Cole noted that he serves as the Council liaison to the Dover Public Library Advisory
Commission and they had discussed the activity that had been occurring at the Library during their
meetings over the last few months and locking the bathroom doors was done to help alleviate the
issues. He noted that Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, had discussed an alternative approach to
tackling the issues during the Commission’s last meeting and, depending on how that approach is
developed, he thought the Library would be in a better position moving forward.
Mr. Anderson stated that he did not like the idea of having locks on the bathrooms for the reasons
outlined by Mr. Carter; however, he reluctantly supports it because it provides a way to balance
security and allow accessibility.
Mrs. Mitchell informed members that she met with the Dover Public Library Advisory Commission
to try to alleviate some of their concerns and staff had made some progress in the manner in which
the Library bathroom facility keys are handled. She indicated that she had talked to others, including
Mr. Mike Petit de Mange, Kent County Administrator, regarding how they handle library security.
Mrs. Mitchell explained that Kent County does not have security at their library because they do not
have walk-in traffic like the City; however, they did experience some issues at their recreation center,
so Mr. Petit de Mange used the state contract and hired an armed security guard. She noted that they
also have a guard at the Kent County Levy Court building for security and the guard is certified by
the Council on Police Training (COPT). Mrs. Mitchell stated that she presented this alternative to
the Library Commission and Major Timothy Stump, Dover Police Department, who is on board.
She advised that if the City chooses to hire an armed security guard rather than continue to utilize
the Cadet Program for the Library, a guard would be there from open to close and would be there
for the protection of the public as well as for staff. Mrs. Mitchell proposed that the City hire armed
security guards and see how it works. She explained that there is a little more than $60,000 budgeted
for the three (3) cadets and, based on the contracted hourly rate, the armed security guard would cost
approximately $85,000 to cover all of the hours for the Library. She stated that she will have to find
the additional money in the budget to cover this expense; however, she thought it would be worth
trying, noting that she was hoping it would allow them to discontinue the temporary solution of the
locks on the bathroom doors.
Mr. Neil asked if the cadets who were currently stationed in the Library would be able to go out and
patrol and help the Downtown Dover Partnership once the armed guard began at the Library.
Responding, Mrs. Mitchell reminded members that there were nine (9) cadets budgeted, of which
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six (6) are scheduled for downtown and three (3) for the Library. She explained that there were
currently three (3) vacant cadet positions and she had asked Major Stump if he would hold off on
hiring those positions until after this matter is resolved.
Mr. Anderson stated that he agreed with Mrs. Mitchell’s proposal, noting that he thought the Cadet
Program had been a tremendous benefit to the City but that they are better on the street and in the
parks than in the Library since there are not enough cadets to cover all of the Library’s hours. He
explained that the Cadet Program had been so successful that many cadets had been hired by various
police forces including the City’s and it’s hard to keep the positions filled. Mr. Anderson suggested
that the cadets could still patrol the perimeter of the Library as part of their downtown patrol.
In response to Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Mitchell stated that he believed that the armed security guards
did have arrest powers. Mr. Taylor expressed concern, explaining that he knows that the Dover
Police officers and cadets are going to arrest when it’s necessary and communicate with the citizens.
He stated that he can support the proposal as long as the guidelines are very clear. Responding,
Mrs. Mitchell stated that staff would ensure that the guidelines are clear and offered to share them
with him to review. Mayor Christiansen noted that he would like to participate as well, since he is
in charge of the Police Department and the responsibility for public safety is ultimately his. In
response, Mrs. Mitchell stated that she would love for him to participate.
Ms. Jill Street, 500 Troon Road, read the following statement:
Councilmembers and Believers in Dover,
I come to you today as a long-time member of this community and appointed
member of the Library Advisory Council. I am a mother of 4 young children, ages
6, 4, and 2 year old twins. I am a previous employee of Capital School District and
current weekend employee with Bayhealth’s Speech Language Pathology department.
My parents settled here in the early seventies after a transfer to DAFB from their
native Kansas. I am a proud graduate of Dover High School, Clemson University,
and the Univ of Tenn - Knoxville. And I believe in Dover.
I frequent the library with my 4 children. We know most staff and volunteers by
name. At check out, part of our routine is "counting the cadets" who "keep us safe".
I have brought my children as newborns there, breastfed and potty trained, and hope
to continue to access a pillar of the downtown community.
In recent months, it has come to my attention through the Library Advisory Council,
that some incidents have led to a series of events. As a library council we have
discussed solutions. I have thought of my safety and that of my children.
I do not feel dead bolt locks on the doors was the best solution to safety for all. This
is not about locks or bathrooms though. It is about how people feel downtown,
specifically at the library. I do believe that we are at a time that there is a need for
increased security at the library. If we do not change perceptions, or some sad
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realities, that there is a problem with how people feel when they come to downtown,
I believe that we will see a further decline.
I would like to see Council support a minimum of 3, my notes originally say guards
or cadets, I know there’s debate about paid, not paid, power of arrest, no power of
arrest, and our already stretched police force, so a minimum of three people, to be
decided by people who know better than I, to patrol all 3 floors and 46, 000 square
feet and three floors including breaks, bathrooms, etc., during all business hours.
Believing in Dover means not ignoring the realities that exist in our community
today. For us to continue to “Believe in Dover” and encourage it's continued
economic development, we must change this feeling and have all community
members accessing the library. With increased security, my hope is that not only will
the library thrive, but grow and expand its affect on the positive things that are here.
Mr. Lindell moved to recommend giving Mrs. Mitchell the authority to go forward to research a
better way of doing business at the Library and to bring it back to the Committee, seconded by
Mr. Garfinkel.
Mr. Hare expressed his support for the armed security guard at the Library.
At the request of Mr. Cole, Ms. Susan Elizabeth Cordle, introduced herself explaining that she had
just moved from Georgia at the end of April and was now the new Head of Youth Services at the
Library. She stated that she helps oversee all programs related to children and teens. Mr. Cole asked
if they were seeing an increase in teens at the Library. In response, Ms. Cordle advised that the
Library was extremely short-staffed, and the teens were struggling as a result. She stated that they
were currently in the process of filling three (3) vacant positions: a part-time Librarian I, a part-time
Library Assistant, and a full-time Library Assistant. Ms. Cordle advised that they had selected
someone for the Librarian I position; however, that individual was not able to follow through, so they
would be starting over. She advised that once the positions are filled, staff will be concentrating on
the teen area, explaining that there was currently a strong team in the children’s area.
Mr. Neil moved to call the question, seconded by Mr. Lindell and unanimously carried.
The motion to recommend giving Mrs. Mitchell the authority to go forward to research a
better way of doing business at the Library and to bring it back to the Committee was
unanimously carried.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee Recommendation - Adoption of By-Laws
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, informed members that the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Subcommittee had drafted a set of by-laws which they adopted in May 2014. She stated that the City
would prefer not to have by-laws for a subcommittee but to revert back to the original motion for
the approval of the subcommittee by Council. Mrs. Mitchell advised that Council approved the
creation of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee consisting of five (5) City residents that would be
advisory to the City, Dover/Kent Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and Safety Advisory
and Transportation Committee (SA&T), with participation from City departments, Delaware
Department of Transportation (DelDOT), and the Dover/Kent MPO. She explained that she thought
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that the City needs the input of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee; however, preparing
agendas and minutes for the formal meetings in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) and attending the meetings requires a lot of extra staff time. Mrs. Mitchell asked that it be
an advisory committee as originally intended and approved by Council in 2012, without having
separate by-laws. She noted that she was not aware of any other City committees with separate
by-laws, only separate 501(c)(3)’s that the City had established that have by-laws.
Mr. Anderson noted that other City organizations and commissions, including the Dover Human
Relations Commission, have their own by-laws which were approved by Council. Responding,
Mrs. Mitchell advised that the difference was that those groups were not subcommittees of a Council
Committee of the Whole (CCW) Subcommittee like the Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee.
Mrs. Mitchell informed members that the City was the only community in Delaware with a
committee like this. She noted that Newark has two (2) bicycle groups that are separate 501(c)(3)’s
that serve in an advisory capacity but are not part of a council subcommittee. Mrs. Mitchell
explained that the groups hold their own meetings and then go to the city to discuss their
transportation projects.
In response to Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Mitchell explained that the by-laws state that the Subcommittee
will have seven (7) members who are a mix of people who are frequent bicyclists or pedestrians;
however, Council approved a subcommittee of five (5) members that are city residents, to be
appointed by the SA&T chair after discussion with staff and never approved the by-laws.
Mr. Anderson noted that even though Council did not approve the by-laws, they approved the
individual appointment of the members. He asked if she would have any objection to Council
changing the number of members to seven (7) in order to keep all of the current active members.
Responding, Mrs. Mitchell stated that she did not have any objection to the number of people if
Council doesn’t, noting that her concern is that all of the members are city residents and that the
Subcommittee go back to Council’s original intention. Mrs. Traci McDowell, City Clerk, noted that
Subcommittee members are appointed by the SA&T chair and the appointments are not brought to
Council for approval.
Mr. Anderson asked if city resident would apply to someone within the corporate limits of Dover
or a Dover address. Responding, Mrs. Mitchell explained that city resident would mean within the
corporate limits of Dover.
Responding to Mr. Hare, Mrs. Mitchell confirmed that no other subcommittees have by-laws or can
dismiss members.
Mr. Gerry Pennington, Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee Chair, informed members that when
he was appointed to the Subcommittee they were operating under the by-laws adopted by the
Subcommittee on May 6, 2014 and he was not aware that they had not gone before Council.
Mr. Chris Asay, Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee member, stated that he had served on the
Subcommittee since its creation. He recalled that staff had initially suggested five (5) members and
a subsequent public meeting was held regarding the bicycle committee that was so well attended that
it was suggested to increase the number of members to seven (7); however, according to the minutes,
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there was no formal motion. Mr. Asay stated that shortly after that time, those who volunteered to
serve received an email from the former Director of Planning and Community Development,
Mrs. Ann Marie Townsend, announcing that the Subcommittee would consist of seven (7) members
and listing them. He explained that the Subcommittee had always had seven (7) members unless
there was a vacancy, and the purpose of formulating by-laws was simply to provide a mechanism
for replacing members who were no longer active. Mr. Asay informed members that one of the
original members only attended the first couple of meetings and then stopped attending but did not
resign, so they had trouble obtaining a quorum.
In response to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Asay stated that he did not recall whether or not they used the
mechanism in the by-laws for removing that original member. He advised that since that time, they
had not needed to use it because members had formally resigned. Mr. Taylor explained that the
by-laws were not approved by the City, and if the mechanism were used, the liability could be
devastating.
Mr. Asay stated that he thought that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee had been able to
achieve their accomplishments over the past six (6) years because they were a subcommittee of
SA&T. He explained that in 2013, they began meeting twice a month in order to meet the League
of American Bicyclists’ application deadline for status as a bicycle-friendly community. Mr. Asay
noted that they were able to submit that application because of their connection to the City and,
although the application was not approved in 2013, they were provided feedback for improvements
and were awarded bike-friendly status in 2017. He stated that they were also able to develop
pedestrian and bicycle plans because of the connection to the City. Mr. Asay informed members that
their bicycle plan helped further their goals towards becoming a bike-friendly community and set
significant priorities for the construction of bicycle paths that were conveyed through the City to
DelDOT and the Dover/Kent MPO.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Asay explained that when there is a need to replace a member of the
Subcommittee, they make a recommendation to the SA&T chair and the chair usually selects that
individual. Mr. Taylor noted that he had attended a Subcommittee meeting and this process had
occurred; however, upon submitting an individual’s name to City staff, it was determined that the
Subcommittee consisted of five (5) members, not seven (7), so there was not technically a vacancy.
Mr. Neil asked whether the Subcommittee needs the help of City staff for their clerical work or if
they could function without it. In response, Mr. Asay stated that he would leave that to the
judgement of the City Clerk or someone else who understands FOIA requirements. He noted that
City staff attends their monthly meeting which lasts one (1) hour, prepares the minutes, creates the
agenda for the next meeting, and archives the information in the City records.
Mr. Anderson stated that he thought a positive good had been accomplished because they are a
subcommittee that reports to the CCW/SA&T Committee and Council and has kept members
informed in ways that an advisory committee might not. He noted that he is very skeptical of
committees that keep their own records because it creates issues and he did not think the City should
go that way. Mr. Anderson stated that he thought that the City should continue to recognize the
importance of the Subcommittee and work out the details.
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Mr. Lindell moved to recommend the acceptance of staff’s recommendation to go back to Council’s
2012 intent for the Subcommittee, seconded by Mr. Neil.
In response to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Lindell clarified that the intent of his motion was for five (5)
members. He explained that he thought the more members you add to a committee, the more you
get away from the purpose and overall productivity of a committee, and since the Subcommittee has
open public meetings, anyone can attend and comment on the agenda items if they are interested.
Mr. Hare asked if Mr. Asay was attending meetings on behalf of the City, noting that the Dover/Kent
MPO and staff from various state agencies had contacted him to ask whether Mr. Asay was
representing the City. Responding, Mr. Asay explained that he is also a member of the MPO Public
Advisory Committee (PAC) and when he attends the MPO meetings, he does so as a member of the
MPO PAC and speaks as a citizen.
Mrs. Mitchell clarified that the Subcommittee had done a lot of work and she did not want to
discount it; however, she explained that the good work would have been done whether or not they
were connected to the City because their goals and accomplishments are included in the City’s Code,
Comprehensive Plan, and Council’s goals.
Mr. Taylor noted that Mr. Asay stated that the Subcommittee utilizes City staff for one (1) hour per
month and asked whether staff had exceeded that hour. In response, Mrs. Mitchell stated that staff
had exceeded one (1) hour per month and they’ve asked to allow more overtime. She noted that she
was unsure whether it was necessary to have monthly meetings since some of the items were
repetitive and she wasn’t sure if the Subcommittee was subject to FOIA requirements. Responding,
Mrs. McDowell stated that she would have to check with the City Solicitor, because she was not sure
the Subcommittee is subject to open meeting laws since the members are not confirmed by Council.
Mr. Taylor advised members that he had communicated with Mr. Hare, Mr. Pennington, and
Mr. Asay and it had been made clear that Mr. Taylor would be the individual to represent the City
in any necessary meetings. He stated that Mr. Asay agreed to keep him informed and take him with
him whenever there is something of importance to be done.
Mr. Anderson moved to amend the motion to allow up to seven (7) members with the filled positions
counting as quorum, seconded by Mr. Cole.
Mr. Neil stated that he did not know how essential it was to have seven (7) members since they have
open meetings and anyone can participate.
Mr. David Moses, Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee member, noted that he had also served on
the Subcommittee since its creation and they had always worked with seven (7) members. He stated
that every member had contributed a unique set of skills that enabled the Subcommittee to
accomplish what they had for the City. Mr. Moses noted that the Subcommittee had achieved
bicycle-friendly status in the City, partnered with Capital School District to teach bicycle safety, and
held events in coordination with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. He stated that he had
personally donated resources, funding, and tuition, and all of the Subcommittee members had
donated thousands of hours in the past seven (7) years to do good things that bring value and
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taxpayers into the City. Mr. Moses informed members that he thought that having 10 members on
the Subcommittee would better serve the City; however, with seven (7), they are able to divvy up
the responsibilities and come back to every meeting better prepared. He noted that their former
chairman was not a City resident; however, he brought a lot to the table and helped them accomplish
a lot, which Mr. Moses thought was more important. Mr. Moses expressed his concern that instead
of looking at the value of the Subcommittee, the cost to the City and whether members are City
residents were becoming issues. He explained that the City has the potential to earn additional
revenue through the bicycle-friendly status and the safer communities for pedestrians and bicyclists
that members of the Subcommittee work on tirelessly with no compensation.
Mr. Lindell stated that he did not think anyone was questioning the worth of the Subcommittee,
noting that the successes could be seen all around the City. He explained that if reaching a quorum
was a concern, having five (5) members would make is easier to obtain the quorum requirement and
he was looking at it as a best practice to keep it the way it was intended. Mr. Lindell stated that if
there was a decrease in productivity as a result, then members could reconsider the number of
members.
Mr. Jayce Lesniewski, Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee member, noted that he had also served
on the Subcommittee since its creation. He stated that former Councilman Hutchison presented the
idea of increasing the number of Subcommittee members to seven (7) during the SA&T Committee
meeting of January 30, 2013 because of the level of interest expressed. Mr. Lesniewski explained
that although the proposal to increase the number of members was not approved by the Committee,
there had always been seven (7) members dedicated to the Subcommittee and he did not think the
City should reduce it to five (5).
The motion to amend the original motion to allow up to seven (7) members with the filled
positions counting as quorum was carried with Mr. Lindell voting no.
Mr. Hare asked whether the Subcommittee had thought of becoming a corporation like the Newark
bike committee, so they could control all the money they earn and what they do with it. He stated
that if they formed a 501(c)(3), they would no longer be affiliated with the City but could still make
recommendations. He explained that they would be able to adopt by-laws and have complete control
over the number of members. In response, Mr. Moses indicated that the Subcommittee had not
thought about that because they did not think there was anything wrong with the current structure.
He stated that he thought that the Subcommittee had been very valuable to the City, noting that it
was certainly much more valuable than the time it takes to pay a clerk to make sure that they are
doing things the right way and their time and efforts are documented properly. Mr. Moses advised
that the Subcommittee had only had a problem obtaining a quorum once or twice and the benefit of
having seven (7) people with different abilities and skill sets to divvy the work among was much
more important than obtaining a quorum.
In response to Mr. Moses comments, Mr. Neil explained that if they have dedicated people who want
to volunteer, they do not have to be members to be involved. He reminded them that anyone is
welcome to attend public meetings and if they put people to work who are interested in helping, then
they will be ready to step in if a vacancy occurs.
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Mr. Hare stated that he thought the Subcommittee had done a lot of good things but reminded them
that they cannot do things on their own without Council approval. Responding, Mr. Taylor advised
that he had communicated with everyone on the Subcommittee, so they are all aware that any
information that needs to be disseminated to Council should be provided to him.
The motion to recommend acceptance of staff’s recommendation to go back to Council’s 2012
intent for the Subcommittee, as amended to allow up to seven (7) members with the filled
positions counting as quorum was carried with Mr. Lindell voting no.
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee
meeting, seconded by Mr. Cole and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman Lindell presiding.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Taylor moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously
carried.
Establishment of a Community Certificate of Honor Program for Homeowners’ Associations
(HOAs) to Recognize Exceptional and/or Longtime Service to the HOA (Neil)
Mr. Neil requested consideration for the establishment of a Community Certificate of Honor
Program for homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and civic associations to recognize exceptional
and/or longtime service to the HOA. He noted that the purpose of the Honor Program is to
encourage participation in association activities and to honor those who have provided longtime
service. Mr. Neil provided members with a sample Third District proclamation (Attachment #1),
explaining that he and Mr. Cole often recognize individuals on special occasions with one of these
unofficial documents. He stated that members can already request certificates of recognition;
however, he suggested sending notices in the electric bills to inform people that they can submit a
bio to the City Clerk’s Office to determine if an individual should be recognized.
Mr. Lindell stated that he thought it was a good idea; however, he did not know whether the City
needed to establish a program for it since members could already request to have certificates of
recognition prepared and placed on an agenda. He noted that establishing a program would add
another thing for the Clerk’s Office to do.
Mr. Taylor stated that he believed this was a very good idea and asked if this would be a strain on
the City Clerk’s Office to take on this project. Responding, Mrs. Traci McDowell, City Clerk, stated
that this project would definitely be more work. She explained that it would not be up to her to
decide who should or should not be honored. Mrs. McDowell reminded members that the Awards
Committee reviews nominations for awards of the City of Dover Medal and if the City were to
establish this program, a similar committee would need to be established to do the evaluations.
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Mr. Anderson thanked Mr. Neil for his proposal, indicating that he thought it was meant to ensure
that individuals in the city who are often unseen and unnoticed but put a lot of time and effort in to
valuable work, get the proper due. He stated that he thought this proposal was worthy of further
discussion and expressed his hope that it would also include the very valuable work done by
neighborhood watch groups.
Mr. Contant stated that he understood the HOAs going unappreciated, explaining that the people in
the neighborhoods do not like dealing with the HOAs, and the people on the boards don’t like
serving; however, someone has to do it. He noted that he thought civic associations, neighborhood
watch organizations, and local churches have huge impacts. Mr. Contant suggested that the City
could continue their current practice of Council members requesting certificates without additional
work to the City Clerk’s Office or having an additional committee to review applicants, which would
save resources.
Mrs. McDowell advised that the request form for ceremonial documents was currently available on
the City of Dover website, under “Government,” and then “Ceremonial Documents.” She stated that
this was not in lieu of a committee but an existing option.
Mr. Neil stated that he was not insistent upon having a committee, but hoped that this would serve
as a reminder to members of Council that the opportunity to recognize people exists and spur interest
in making sure those people are honored for their service to the community.
Mr. Anderson stated that members also have the option of presenting certificates during specific
events, noting that in the past the City Clerk’s Office had prepared certificates for him to present at
graduations, church events, championship playoff games, etc. instead of during a Council meeting.
Mayor Christiansen noted that he and former Councilman Fred VanSant developed the idea and
criteria for the City of Dover Medal in 1990. He stated that he thought Mr. Neil had a great idea
because there are a lot of great people who do a lot of great things in the city community and deserve
recognition; however, he was not sure a committee was needed.
Mr. Neil stated that this matter was brought forward for the purpose of discussion and, if it began
to pick up, they could do something about it later.
Proposed Ordinance #2019-17 - Amending Appendix C - Downtown Redevelopment and
Appendix D - Downtown Dover Business Improvement District (Sponsor: CCW/LF&A
Committee)
Mr. Neil noted that Proposed Ordinance #2019-17 was recommended by Mr. Slavin and suggested
deferring consideration of the ordinance due to Mr. Slavin’s absence.
Mr. Neil moved to defer consideration of Proposed Ordinance #2019-17 until the next
Committee meeting that Mr. Slavin is available to attend. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried.
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Proposed Ordinance #2019-18 - Amending Chapter 2 - Administration, Article IV - Officers
and Employees, Division 1 - Generally, Section 2-201 - Compensation and Expenses for Mayor,
Council, and Other Elected or Appointed Officials (Sponsors: Slavin and Neil)
Mr. Neil reviewed proposed Ordinance #2019-18, explaining that this amendment would eliminate
the Compensation Commission. He indicated that Council terms were increased from two (2) years
to four (4) years; however, there was no change to members’ salary. Mr. Neil stated that he thought
that members should make the decision regarding their salary, noting that they cannot immediately
benefit from it, due to the way the law is written. He noted that members put a lot of time into their
positions and he thought that the cost of becoming a member of Council is beyond what members
are compensated. He stated that he believed members could keep an eye on the money and the cost
of carrying out their duties.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend adoption of Ordinance #2019-18, seconded by Mr. Hare.
Mr. Anderson stated that he favored the elimination of the Compensation Commission because the
City’s Charter has a proper safeguard which requires an election before any potential raises take
place, so the voters are the check and balance to prevent any abuses of the system. He noted that the
Compensation Commission was a well intended mechanism; however, it was difficult to get
individuals to volunteer to serve and, due to bureaucracy, it had not really worked. Mr. Anderson
stated that with the tax increase, he did not think Council would be proposing any raises in the next
few years.
The motion to recommend adoption of Ordinance #2019-18 was unanimously carried.
Mr. Hare moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee
meeting, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
William F. Hare
Council President
WFH/TM/dd/jt
S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Committee-Minutes\2019\07-23-2019 CCW Minutes.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Sample Third District proclamation, provided by Mr. Neil
Page 12
ATTACHMENT #1
Council Committee of the Whole Meeting of 07/23/2019
Q[ttp of 1JBober
-OECEMBER 29 , 2018
HfiRRY & l101\t1\tIE- MEERS 'DfiY
\VHEREfIS, HtrRRY fIl'(_D130l\ll\{_IE MEERS, fiR£. THE IDEJIL CITY OF 1)OVER,. 3R!l 1)ISTRI.CT
RESIDEl'{TS, flS COl\lCERN_ED,CfIRI.l\lG CITIZEl'{S, fll\lD,
\VHEREfIS, THE MEERS TOOK. LEJIDERSHIP ROLES Il\l THE OLDE 1)OVER.. ORQfll\lIZflTIOl\lfIl\lD
l\lEIGHI30RllOOD W flTCH, fIl\lD
\VHEREfIS, THEIR.. OWl\lERSHIP OF THE GROCERY 13flSKET, WflS fl FRl.El'{DLYCOl\lVEl'{IEl'{CEMflRKET
COMFORJ' ZOl\lE FOR..THE l\lEIGHI30RllOOD 8. W ESLIT STUDEl'{TS, fll\lD
WHEREfIS, THE MEERS HjlVE.. SOLD THE GROCERY 13flsK.ET fll\lD THEIR.. PERSOl'{fIL WflRMTH fll\lD
FRl.El'{DSHIPWILL I3E MISSED, fIl\lD
WHEREfIS, THEIR.. OLDE "DOVER.. fRLEl\lDS fll\lD l\lElGHI30RS WILL HOLD fl SOCIflL flT THE LYLE
Jol\lES FfIMIL Y HOME.. ol\l 1)ECEMI3ER.. 29, 2018,
fItrnRy .fI}{p 13ol\N.IE.. M~ 3
RD
WE HEREI3Y PROCLfliM 1)ECEMI3ER.. 29, 2018 flS 1)j{Y Il\l THE
1)ISTRI.CT, OF THE CITY OF 1)OVER,.
SIGl\lED THIS 29TH 1)flY OF l)ECEMI3ER.. 2018
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COUl\lCILMfll\l, 3R!l 'DISTRI.CT
COUl\lCI LMjIl\l, 3 1)ISTRlCT
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