REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING The Regular City Council Meeting was held by video conference on September 14, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Hare presiding. Council members present via video or telephone were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Sudler, Mr. Neil, Mr. Slavin, Mr. Cole, Mr. Rocha, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Lindell. Staff members present via video or telephone were Police Chief Johnson, Ms. Peddicord, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Hugg, Mr. Rodriguez, and Mrs. McDowell. Mayor Christiansen was also present. The invocation was given by Reverend Carol Harris, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Lindell and unanimously carried. OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED BY THE HONORABLE JAMES G. MCGIFFIN, JR., JUDGE - FAMILY COURT The Honorable James G. McGiffin, Jr., Judge, Family Court, administered the Oath of Office to Gerald L. Rocha, Sr., Council - First District. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA Council President Hare advised that the City Manager, Mrs. Donna Mitchell, requested that item #5 - Semi-Annual Inspection by City Manager - Robbins Hose Company, be removed from the consent agenda. Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the consent agenda, as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Cole and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. ADOPTION OF MINUTES - SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 1, 2020 - BUDGET REVIEW The Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of June 1, 2020 - Budget Review were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Cole and bore the written approval of Mayor Christiansen. ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 24, 2020 The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of August 24, 2020 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Cole and bore the written approval of Mayor Christiansen.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 PAGE 2 PROCLAMATION - CONSTITUTION WEEK The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record: WHEREAS, the Constitution of the United States of America, the guardian of our liberties, embodies the principles of limited government in a republic dedicated to rule by law. September 17th, 2020, marks the two hundred thirty-third anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention; and WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to recognize this magnificent document and the anniversary of its creation. It is appropriate to officially commemorate this occasion with patriotic celebrations, particularly in Delaware, the first state to ratify the Constitution; and WHEREAS, Public Law 915 guarantees the issuance of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America, which designates September 17th through the 23rd as Constitution Week. NOW THEREFORE, I, ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE, do hereby proclaim September 17th through the 23rd, 2020 as CONSTITUTION WEEK in the City of Dover and urge all residents to reaffirm the ideals held by the Framers of the Constitution in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us in this invaluable document. On behalf of the Mayor and Council, Mayor Christiansen presented the proclamation to Ms. Dorothy Abbott of the Daughters of the American Revolution - Colonel John Haslet Chapter. PROCLAMATION - RECOVERY MONTH The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record: WHEREAS, mental and substance use disorders affect all communities nationwide, but with commitment and support, people with these disorders can achieve healthy lifestyles and lead rewarding lives in recovery. By seeking help, people who experience mental and substance use disorders can embark on a new path toward improved health and overall wellness; and WHEREAS, the impact of mental and substance use disorders is apparent in our local community. In 2019, 431 Delawareans died from drug overdoses, an 8% increase from 2018, and fentanyl accounted for 79% of the deaths. The Department of Health and Social Services is concerned about the COVID-19 impact on Delawareans already struggling with substance use disorder. Through May 31, 2020, 160 Delawareans died from suspected overdoses, a 60% increase compared to the previous year; and WHEREAS, through Recovery Month, people become more aware and able to recognize, the signs of mental and substance use disorders, which can lead more people into needed treatment. Managing the effects of these conditions can help people achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally; and

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 PAGE 3 WHEREAS, the Recovery Month observance continues to improve the lives of those affected by mental and substance use disorders by raising awareness of these diseases and educating communities about the prevention, treatment, and recovery resources that are available. Local resources include the City of Dover Police Department’s ANGEL Program, and the State of Delaware’s Help is Here program and, nationally, The Herren Project is an available resource. NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE, do hereby proclaim September 2020 as RECOVERY MONTH in the City of Dover and call upon our community to observe this month with compelling programs and events that support this year’s Recovery Month theme “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections,” and take a stand against substance abuse by participating in Delaware Goes Purple. On behalf of the Mayor and Council, Mayor Christiansen presented the proclamation to Reverend Carol Harris, Chaplain Supervisor at Bayhealth Medical Center. MONTHLY REPORTS - JULY 2020 By motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Cole, 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 (June and July) Fire Chief's Report (June and July) Police Chief's Report SEMI-ANNUAL INSPECTION BY CITY MANAGER - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY In accordance with Chapter 46 - Fire Prevention and Protection, Article II - Fire Department, Division 1 - Generally, Section 46-43 - Semiannual Inspections, of the City Code, the City Manager, Mrs. Donna S. Mitchell, met with the Fire Chief to discuss fire company issues. Mrs. Mitchell submitted a memorandum outlining the items discussed and noted that, due to COVID-19, the April and October inspections were combined. By unanimous consent, the report of the Semi-Annual Robbins Hose Company Inspection, as submitted by the City Manager, was accepted. APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDED BY MAYOR CHRISTIANSEN - KELLI LEITER LORD - PLANNING COMMISSION (TO FILL THE EXPIRED TERM OF FREDERICK TOLBERT - TERM TO EXPIRE JUNE 1, 2023) Mayor Christiansen recommended the appointment of Kelli Leiter Lord to serve on the Planning Commission for a term to expire June 1, 2023 (to fill the expired term of Frederick Tolbert). By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the appointment of Kelli Leiter Lord, as recommended by Mayor Christiansen. The motion was seconded by Mr. Cole and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 PAGE 4 APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDED BY MAYOR CHRISTIANSEN - TIFFANY L. STEGER - CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS - REPRESENTATIVE OF HOMEOWNERS (TO FILL THE EXPIRED TERM OF ADAM M. PERZA - TERM TO EXPIRE MAY 24, 2021) Mayor Christiansen recommended the appointment of Tiffany L. Steger to serve on the Construction and Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals for a term to expire May 24, 2021 (to fill the expired term of Adam M. Perza). (City Clerk’s Office note: The agenda listed the term expiration as May 10, 2021.) By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the appointment of Tiffany L. Steger, as recommended by Mayor Christiansen. The motion was seconded by Mr. Cole and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. CONSIDERATION OF RENEWING THE AGREEMENT FOR LIBRARY SERVICES WITH LIBRARY SYSTEMS AND SERVICES Mr. Matt Harline, Assistant City Manager, reviewed the background and analysis for renewing the agreement for library services with Library Systems and Services. Staff recommended notifying Library Systems and Services of the City's intention to terminate the contract and then either issuing an RFP for Library Services and negotiate an agreement for a longer term or prepare to bring on-board as City employees Brian Sylvester as Director and Megan Johnson as Assistant Director. Any RFP should be conducted quickly and require retaining. The Council could also seek to negotiate new terms for a no-bid contract if it is convinced that extension of the contract is preferable and that there are no competitors for this service in the market. Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Harline stated that hiring the director and the assistant director would involve a comparison of benefits to determine if they wished to proceed with being hired by the City. Mr. Neil asked how the proposed salaries compared with other City department heads and if these employees will have a probationary period. Responding, Mr. Harline stated that he thought that since they were hired in July, they would get credit for that time. He reminded members that he, Mrs. Kim Hawkins, Director of Human Resources, and LS&S were involved in the hiring process. Mr. Neil moved to hire Brian Sylvester as Library Director and Megan Johnson as Assistant Library Director on a permanent basis with the probationary period, pending their agreement in terms of the salary. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL VACANCY - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY - TERM TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2020 - SECOND FIRE LINE CAPTAIN - DAVID KNIGHT President Timothy Mullaney, Jr. advised members, in accordance with the City Code and the By- Laws of the Robbins Hose Company, during the August 3, 2020 Regular Monthly Meeting, members of the Robbins Hose Company No. 1 elected, by the Secretary’s Ballot, David Knight to serve as Second Fire Line Captain, for Council consideration.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 PAGE 5 By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of David Knight as Second Fire Line Captain for Robbins Hose Company No. 1 with a term to expire December 31, 2020, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Cole and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. FINAL READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2020-10 The First Reading of the Proposed Ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of August 24, 2020. Council President Hare reminded members of the public that copies of the proposed ordinance were available at the entrance of the Council Chambers or on the City’s website at www.cityofdover.com under “Government.” Mr. Neil moved that the Final Reading of the proposed ordinance be acknowledged by title only, seconded by Mr. Lindell and unanimously carried. By motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Lindell, Council, by a unanimous roll call vote, adopted Ordinance #2020-10 with Staff Amendment #1 (SA#1), as follows: BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET: That Chapter 34 - Elections, Article II - Voter Registration, Section 34-31. - Requirements of the Dover Code be amended to read as follows: ARTICLE II. - VOTER REGISTRATION Sec. 34-31. - Requirements. No person shall vote, or be allowed to vote, in any municipal election unless such person is properly registered to vote for state elections in accordance with title 15 of the Delaware Code (15 Del. C. § 1101 et seq.), and as otherwise qualified to vote as required in section 8 of the city Charter. Sec. 34-32. - Registration deadlines. (a) Regular elections. In accordance with 15 Del. C. § 2036, § 2037, and § 7550(d) the city clerk shall close the registration records the fourth Monday prior to the date of the regular election, and only those voters properly registered as of that time shall be entitled to vote at the following regular election. (b) Special elections. In accordance with 15 Del. C. § 2037 and § 7550(d) the city clerk shall close the registration records 10 days prior to the date of a special election and only those voters properly registered as of that time shall be entitled to vote at the following special election. If the deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the deadline shall be the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or holiday. The registration records of the city shall remain closed until the day after the regular or special election.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 PAGE 6 Sec. 34-33. - Custodian of registration records. The city clerk shall be the custodian of the permanent registration records. The removal of registration records from city hall shall be done only with the express consent of the city clerk. (Code 1981, § 2-27; Ord. of 1-9-1989) Secs. 34-34—34-60. - Reserved. (Code 1981, § 2-26; Ord. of 1-9-1989; Ord. of 11-26-1990, § 2) ADOPTED: SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, made the following announcements: • The City will be refreshing the recycling program to provide education to the public. • The City is working on several park projects with Whitman Requardt and Associates and they are providing public input forms for four or five different projects related to the Park Master Plans. • The draft City of Dover Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is being revised and it is available for review and comment from Sunday, September 6, 2020 through Sunday, October 4, 2020 at www.cityofdover.com/walkbikeDoverplan for the public to provide their input into the plan document. COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Anderson announced that the links to the Park Master Plan surveys were available on Facebook on the City’s page, as well as on his page at David Anderson. He advised that the pipe flushing schedule was also available on the City’s Facebook page. Mr. Anderson thanked Councilman Cole for providing meals for Team Rubicon and The Omega fraternity for their volunteer efforts in the tornado recovery. He also thanked Councilman Slavin for his continued commitment with community funds toward recovery and his support of the Vines Community Project in the City of Dover and Kent County. Mr. Anderson encouraged everyone to attend the Council Committee of the Whole meeting the following evening. Mr. Cole, noting that his children are participating in the youth fall soccer league, stated that more than 100 kids are participating, and the City of Dover is following all of the COVID-19 guidelines. He stated that it is providing a chance to participate in outdoor sports for the next six or seven weeks and he requested Mrs. Mitchell, City Manager, to relay their appreciation to the Parks and Recreation staff for moving forward with the program.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 PAGE 7 Mr. Rocha thanked everyone for the warm welcome to the City Council and noted that he appreciated the ongoing experience. Mr. Rocha announced, in reference to education, virtual classrooms, and the difficulty that parents are having helping their children with their homework and their studies, that United Way provides tutoring and homework help through its 211 press 4 program. He advised that he was planning to get palm cards made up and he invited any Council members to join him in passing them out. Mr. Rocha stated that he thought it was a way of engaging the members of the city and providing a resource. Mr. Neil moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m. TRACI A. McDOWELL CITY CLERK All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular Meeting of September 14, 2020 are hereby approved. ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN MAYOR /TM S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Council-Minutes\2020\09-14-2020 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MINUTES.wpd