Minutes

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION The Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) meeting was held on March 16, 2016 at 6:05 p.m. with Commissioner Griffith presiding until Chairman Henderson’s arrival (6:18 p.m.). Members present were Ms. Bogle, Ms. Griffith, Ms. Mullen, Mr. Roach, and Mrs. Sadusky. Mr. McGiffin was absent. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS Ms. Bogle moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Sadusky and unanimously carried. Introduction of New Member Ms. Wanda Mullen, DHRC Commissioner, Third District, advised members that she resides on Townsend Boulevard. She serves as President of the White Oak/Towne Point Civic Association and deals heavily with City Council Representatives Cole and Neil, the Mayor, and the City of Dover. She currently works for Psychotherapeutic Services as a social worker/counselor and the program manager for their two (2) residential facilities, one (1) in New Castle County and one (1) in Felton. Ms. Mullen was previously a program manager for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and enjoys working with and helping people. She expressed her opinion that more information about the DHRC was needed in the community, noting that when her Council representative spoke to her about the Commission, she was unsure of what the DHRC does. Ms. Mullen stated the importance of getting out to learn what the community’s needs are in order to serve the community. She indicated that she is the wife of Pastor Herbert Mullen, who ministers in Ellendale, Delaware, and has an 14-year-old who is active in sports and music. She stated that she is interested in getting youth involved and felt the DHRC should get moving on ideas for youth involvement. Chair’s Resignation from the Education Committee Mr. Roach moved to accept the resignation of Chairman Henderson from the Education Committee, seconded by Ms. Mullen and unanimously carried. Election of Committee Chair - Education Committee Ms. Dianne Bogle advised members that she was interested in serving as Chair of the Education Committee, although she indicated that it would be fine if someone else was interested. She stated that she had talked to Chairman Henderson about serving in this capacity. Ms. Griffith moved to elect Ms. Dianne Bogle to serve as Chair of the Education Committee, seconded by Mrs. Sadusky and unanimously carried. DHRC Committee Updates Government Policy, Programs, and Practices Committee (McGiffin) No update was provided.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2016 PAGE 2 Community Engagement Committee (Roach) Mr. Roach apologized for his absence at the previous meeting due to health concerns. He stated that a community clean-up event was held in Towne Point in February and the turnout was good. Mr. Roach shared that he attended and had been interviewed, which resulted in a newspaper article. Mr. Roach informed members that he had been talking with the Boys and Girls Club regarding the opening of their new facility in the Camden area. He stated that he was trying to communicate with the Boys and Girls Club to ensure that no one is left behind in regard to transportation and issues of eligibility. Mr. Roach stated that he had visited some Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) services, noting that Chairman Henderson had expressed interest in reaching out to different entities in the community in regard to building a relationship with the DHRC. He advised members that there were a couple of IMA services coming up. Mr. Roach had also been working to engage kids at Booker T. Washington Elementary School. Mr. Roach indicated that he tries to get out in the community, not always representing the DHRC; however, he makes sure to let people know about the DHRC when he is asked. Mr. Roach stated that a police officer had spoken to him about the re-implementation of the Police Athletic League (PAL) in the community and discussed working with Mr. Roach in regard to obtaining coaches, volunteers, and things of that nature. Mr. Roach felt that outlets for kids were needed and hoped that this program would move forward. He stated his belief that PAL would involve all types of sports. Mr. Roach advised members that, in his profession as a Family Crisis Therapist at Booker T. Washington Elementary School, he is always out and about in the community and asked members to let him or the City Clerk’s Office know if there are events that they are unable to attend or that they would like him to attend with them to help to build relationships with the community and the City of Dover. Ms. Griffith asked Mr. Roach to let members know if there were events that he would like them to attend, stating her desire for the DHRC to become more involved in the community, as they had in November 2015 when they participated in the Central Delaware National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 1st Annual Community, Family, and Fellowship Dinner. Education Committee Ms. Bogle advised members that, as a parent, she attended two (2) Capital School District strategic planning meetings. She stated that the District was getting ready to roll out their strategic plan, noting that she works in the District Office and has a relationship with the District. Ms. Bogle indicated that she had spoken to the chair of the District’s strategic planning committee, who was supposed to connect her into related conversations that he had been having with the District Superintendent, and she hoped this would occur before the next DRHC meeting. Mr. Henderson advised members that a film entitled, “Cracking the Code” had been presented at the Dover Public Library in December and would be shown again in the chapel at Wesley College on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. He planned to attend, as did some members

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2016 PAGE 3 of the State Human Relations Commission. Mr. Henderson stated that this was an excellent and eye-opening film and recommended that those who had not seen it attend. Responding to Mrs. Sadusky, Mr. Henderson explained that the film addresses racism and some of the subtleties of this issue, and he felt that it was something that everyone should be able to relate to. During the DHRC meeting of July 28, 2015, members discussed the possibility of partnering with Dr. Dan Young, curator of TEDx Wilmington, to bring a TED talk event to Dover. During the City Council meeting of January 11, 2016, members approved the Commission’s recommendation that the DHRC collaborate with the TEDx Dover organization. During the DHRC meeting of March 16, 2016, Mr. Henderson advised members that the TEDx conference that they had been discussing would be more involved than he had thought. He reviewed email correspondence received from Mr. Young and noted that a sponsorship prospectus from TEDx Wilmington University indicated the need to raise a minimum of $10,000 for the event and that Dr. Young had asked participants to focus on getting four (4) sponsors at any level. Mr. Henderson felt that the event was more complicated and would require more involvement than he had thought. He asked that Ms. Bogle, Chair of the Education Committee, review the information and serve as contact person. Mr. Henderson stated that as former Chair of the Education Committee he was unsure if this was a project that the DHRC wanted to become involved in. Mr. Roach questioned if Mr. Henderson had received a breakdown as to how $10,000 would be allocated. Responding, Mr. Henderson stated his belief that this would be TED’s fee for coming to host the event. Mr. Roach stated his understanding that TED was a global organization, but he felt it would be a lot for the DHRC to be solely responsible for finding sponsors. He noted that the Commission was still developing and there had been transitions in members, who were still trying to get to know each other. Mr. Roach shared his opinion that something of this magnitude should be tackled further down the line, since the DHRC was trying to develop their ideas and determine how to reach the community. He did not believe they should jump into the task of raising $10,000 before people know who the DHRC is, and Ms. Griffith agreed. Mr. Roach noted that $10,000 had not been mentioned when Dr. Young spoke to the DHRC previously. Mr. Roach moved to recommend deferring the idea of DHRC involvement in a TEDx talk until a later time when members were all comfortable with taking on the task of a $10,000 fundraiser, seconded by Ms. Griffith, and unanimously carried. Communications Committee (Griffith) Ms. Griffith provided an update regarding the Community Involvement - Public Relations Initiative and the African American Festival.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2016 PAGE 4 Old Business Community Involvement - Public Relations Initiative During the DHRC meeting of July 28, 2015, the former DHRC Chair, S. Renee Smith, suggested that, once the vacant seats on the Commission are filled, a group picture be taken of the DHRC at City Hall. She suggested creating awareness and a connection by sending this picture and a congratulatory note to various members of the community, saying that the DHRC was proud of them, with each of the Commissioners’ names and districts. She felt this could easily be done one (1) to three (3) times per week and would not be costly. Ms. Smith stated that she would defer this for the present until the other two (2) members are appointed and suggested that this system could be up and running by the end of September or October. During the Commission meeting of March 16, 2016, Ms. Griffith stated her belief that Ms. Bogle had volunteered to take pictures; however, Ms. Griffith felt that the DHRC picture should be a professional, clean-looking product. Responding, Ms. Bogle indicated that she had volunteered to take pictures at events where the DHRC participated, rather than the picture for the cards. Ms. Griffith questioned if the City has a photographer or if the DHRC should obtain one. Responding, Mrs. Stein explained that the Dover Police Department photographer had helped with City Council photos in the past and may be able to take pictures for the DHRC. Mr. Roach stated that he has two (2) very close friends who are photographers and would do this for free, and he offered to reach out to them. Ms. Griffith suggested that the photographer take individual pictures of Commissioners for the DHRC website, as well as a group picture, so that there would be uniform pictures on the website. Ms. Griffith indicated that the only costs involved in sending out notes would be paper stock for the cards, printing, and postage. She stated that, as Communications Committee Chair, she would look into paper, getting cards made up, mailing, and making sure that all Commissioners sign the cards. In addition to the picture, she stated the need to look at the budget to pay for the card stock and postage. Mr. Roach stated that he would make sure to take the lead on having a photographer present at the next DHRC meeting. He suggested that Ms. Griffith come back with a specific figure for the cost of cards and postage, and members could decide how much money they wished to spend. Ms. Griffith questioned if members wanted to proceed with the cards. Mr. Roach felt that this was a good idea, noting that this would provide exposure for the Commission, and Ms. Griffith and Mr. Henderson concurred. Ms. Griffith felt that members should have at least 50 cards on hand, noting that the printer may have a minimum order requirement.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2016 PAGE 5 Ms. Bogle suggested reaching out to the prison print shop since they sometimes do such projects at a reasonable price. Mr. Roach moved to recommend that members come to the next meeting in their uniform shirts prepared to take individual and group pictures, seconded by Mrs. Sadusky and unanimously carried. In-House Retreat Mr. Roach reminded members that the purpose of an in-house retreat would be to have a meeting specifically so that members could get to know each other to determine what different resources and ideas they may have and in which areas members have expertise. He reminded members that he had suggested waiting until two (2) new members were appointed so that it would not be necessary to do this again after their appointments. Mr. Roach reiterated his opinion that an in-house retreat should not be done until there was a full Commission, feeling that it would not serve a valid purpose if new people were added. Mr. Roach moved to recommend that the DHRC wait to hold an in-house retreat until the two (2) additional DHRC members are appointed, seconded by Ms. Griffith and unanimously carried. DHRC Vacancies (First and Fourth Districts) Members were advised that there were currently two (2) vacancies on the Commission. Ms. Griffith indicated that an acquaintance of hers, Ms. Jenifer Vaughn, had applied for the vacancy in the First District. Mr. Roach offered to submit the name of a candidate for the DHRC Representative for the Fourth District to Mr. Henderson or to the City Clerk by Friday, March 18, 2016 and suggested that Chairman Henderson reach out to City Council to indicate the DHRC’s desire to come as close as possible to having a full Commission by the next meeting. Responding to Mr. Henderson, Ms. Bogle indicated that she could coordinate with the City to obtain polo shirts for new DHRC members and have them embroidered at Dover High School, noting that this was a simple process. DHRC Logo During the Regular City Council meeting of February 22, 2016, members approved the Commission’s recommendation that Dover High School students be asked to create a logo for the DHRC in exchange for a $50 gift certificate. During the DHRC meeting of March 16, 2016, Mr. Roach advised members that he has a good relationship with Dover High School. He noted that members had discussed soliciting a donation rather than using money from the budget for the gift certificate. Mr. Roach indicated that he did not mind donating $50 cash personally, and Mrs. Griffith suggested that all members could contribute money. Mr. Roach stated that he would reach out to the Dover High School art department or print shop to see if they could work on creating a logo and the winner could be given a cash prize.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2016 PAGE 6 Due to time constraints, this item was deferred until the next meeting. African American Festival During the Regular City Council meeting of February 22, 2016, members approved the Commission’s recommendation that the DHRC Communications Committee work up a plan to recommend the DHRC’s presence at the African American Festival this year. During the DHRC meeting of March 16, 2016, Ms. Griffith stated her understanding that the Mayor and some of the members of City Council typically attend the annual African American Festival but do not have a table at the event. She felt that the DHRC should allocate $100 from the approximately $1,100 remaining in their budget to reserve a table at the Festival, noting the need to discuss what members want their mission to be at the event. Ms. Griffith indicated that the City may have some documents or other giveaways; however, she felt that the DHRC should come up with their own items to distribute and suggested that they could provide face painting or giveaways. She stated the importance of representing the districts and having a presence so that the community would know what the DHRC does and that they can count on the DHRC. Ms. Griffith suggested attending the Festival in shifts, since it would be a long, hot day, and allocating possibly $150 for the event. She felt that this may be an outreach effort that the DHRC would plan for each year. Ms. Bogle suggested partnering with a youth organization, such as the City of Dover Youth Advisory Committee or the Dover High School Honor Society, for the event if face painting was to be done. Mr. Roach concurred with the idea of reserving a table and suggested reaching out to separate entities that might not want to have a table and participating as a partnership; however, he also noted that the DHRC may want to establish themselves on their own. Ms. Griffith expressed her opinion that the DHRC members should establish themselves. She felt there was nothing wrong with having kids coming to help as a community service, but she felt the DHRC should be the focal point. Ms. Griffith advised members that someone at her workplace had reached out to former Councilman Reuben Salters, who organizes the African American Festival, and he had offered to pay for a table if funding was unavailable, asking that someone let him know this by June 1, 2016. Ms. Griffith felt that it would be wrong for Mr. Salters to pay for the DHRC’s participation and the Commission should pay for this out of their budget. Responding to Mr. Henderson, Ms. Bogle explained that the African American Festival is held on the last Saturday in June. Ms. Griffith stated the need to make the DHRC’s participation fun so that people would not pass them by, noting that participants would not want to just be given papers. Mr. Roach suggested that distributing free cold water might attract people and that wraps for the water bottles that identify the DHRC would help to get the Commission’s name out. Ms. Griffith suggested that perhaps water could be donated to the DHRC. She advised that legislators have water delivered weekly from Artisan and offered to ask some of the legislators for water.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2016 PAGE 7 Ms. Bogle stated that she recently participated in an event where Wawa donated 10 cases, or 240 bottles, of water. She said that water can be obtained as a mini-grant through the Wawa website, where the applicant enters information and indicates the store where water will be picked up. Ms. Bogle stated that there is also another company in Dover that typically has no problem donating water. Ms. Griffith asked if Ms. Bogle could take care of this aspect of the event should members decide to proceed, and Ms. Bogle agreed. Mr. Roach felt that if the Commissioners wore their shirts and gave out water, this would be enough and that members should have a blanket, unified statement in terms of who the DHRC is and what they do, noting that members would be attending the event in shifts and would need to give out consistent information. Ms. Bogle suggested that perhaps a press release with pictures should come before this event. Mrs. Sadusky suggested that DHRC helium balloons might be an option. Responding, Ms. Griffith stated that it is possible to buy small helium tanks such as those used for birthday parties, or that this could possibly be donated. Ms. Sadusky suggested allocating more than $150 for the event, perhaps $175. Mr. Roach moved to recommend allocating $200 for the African American Festival from the DHRC budget, seconded by Ms. Griffith and unanimously carried. Mr. Henderson advised members that he had presented the 2015 Human Relations Commission Report to City Council on March 14, 2016. He indicated that Council seemed very pleased with what the Commission was doing. Mr. Henderson stated that he would ask Council President Slavin to come back to talk to the DHRC in the very near future since there were new members, noting that Mr. Slavin has great ideas. Mr. Roach requested that a more detailed update on the 2015 Human Relations Commission Report to Council be provided by Mr. Henderson at the next DHRC meeting, and Mr. Henderson concurred. Mrs. Sadusky noted that some of her teenaged children are very passionate about the racism that they sometimes see in the school, and she questioned if some kind of youth discussion group could be held to bring kids together and give them an opportunity to talk about their experiences. Ms. Griffith suggested that some kind of workshop could be held in this regard. Mr. Henderson stated that this could be looked into for a future event, expressing his opinion that the youth could benefit from watching the “Cracking the Code” movie mentioned previously. Responding to Mr. Roach, Mrs. Sadusky stated that her thought was that the DHRC could host something similar to a forum.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2016 PAGE 8 Mr. Roach suggested including an item titled New Ideas for Community Engagement to the next DHRC meeting agenda. He felt that Mrs. Sadusky’s idea was a good one, noting that adults and Council are asked for ideas, but the youth are the most valuable resource because this will be their City. Mr. Henderson indicated that this could also fall under the Education Committee. Ms. Bogle questioned if anyone had done a community needs assessment and if the DHRC had access to this. Mr. Roach noted that everyone had their own ideas but expressed the desire not to stray away from what the DHRC is supposed to be, noting his belief that new ideas for reaching out would be the first step. He believed that before identifying the issues that pertain to human relations, it is necessary to have a relationship with those in the City. Mr. Roach felt that the Commission was moving in the right direction in being recognized and getting to know people, and could then move in a direction to reach something tangible. Mr. Roach moved to recommend that, by the next DHRC meeting, all members come up with a new idea in regard to a forum, task, or challenge for the community that they would like to see the DHRC undertake, seconded by Mrs. Sadusky and unanimously carried. By unanimous consent, the meeting adjourned at 7:03 p.m. Theodore A. Henderson Chair TAH/JS/dd/tm S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Misc-Minutes\HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION\2016\03-16-2016 DHRC.wpd