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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
The Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) meeting was held on July 28, 2015 at 5:15 p.m.
with Chairwoman Smith presiding. Members present were Mr. Henderson (departed at 6:15 p.m.),
Mr. McGiffin, Mr. Roach (arrived at 5:33 p.m.), Mrs. Sadusky, and Ms. Stewart. Ms. Hicks was absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Henderson moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. McGiffin and
unanimously carried.
Chair’s Resignation from the Communications Committee
Ms. Smith advised members that she was resigning from the Communications Committee, stating
that she would still be intricately involved in supporting the process; however, she wanted to give
her attention to the position of Chair.
Mr. McGiffin moved to accept the Chair’s resignation from the Communications Committee,
seconded by Mrs. Sadusky and unanimously carried.
DHRC Committee Updates (Deferred During the Meeting of May 27, 2015)
Ms. Smith stated that no committee updates were submitted. She informed members that Mr. Ruane
had emailed his resignation as Commissioner representing the Second District, noting that he would
be moving to California. Ms. Smith felt it might be fitting for members to acknowledge Mr. Ruane
in some way but was unsure when he would be leaving and indicated that she would advise members
when she got that information. Mr. Henderson noted that Mr. Ruane’s departure would be a big loss
to the DHRC and members concurred.
Chair 27-Day Update Report and Feedback
Meeting with Mayor and Chief of Police
Ms. Smith advised members that she met with Mayor Christiansen, Police Chief Paul Bernat, and
Maj. Marvin Mailey, Deputy Police Chief, and expressed her desire to understand their strategic plan
and top three (3) priorities. She explained to them that the DHRC wanted to support what the Police
Department is trying to do but remain neutral. Ms. Smith stated that they had indicated that their top
three (3) priorities were crime, jobs, and restoring hope to the City; however, their strategic plan had
not yet been developed. She indicated that Chief Bernat and Maj. Mailey advised that more police
cadets had been hired and one (1) of their strategies was to hire more officers to police. Ms. Smith
stated that Chief Bernat mentioned that morale in the Police Department had improved since he
became the Chief of Police one (1) year ago; however, crime had also increased. Chief Bernat had
indicated that morale was measured through a survey conducted two (2) years ago and he committed
to doing another survey. Ms. Smith felt that the DHRC should have some level of involvement or
partnership with this survey and presented this idea to members as a possibility.
Ms. Smith advised members that, during her meeting with the Police Department, Maj. Mailey had
brought up the Department’s ride along program, which was also mentioned during the DHRC
meeting of May 27, 2015, and she suggested that the DHRC follow up on this by email. She
suggested that the Department be made aware that the DHRC is interested in the Police
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING OF JULY 28, 2015 PAGE 2
Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy as well. Ms. Smith recommended that something be put
in writing to show that the DHRC would like to be kept informed of what is happening and when
these programs are available and asked if members were interested in them.
Mr. McGiffin stated that he went through this Academy when he served on City Council, noting that
it is offered one (1) day per week for approximately 10 weeks. It is a thorough review of Police
Department operations with a fully developed curriculum that is presented by one (1) or two (2)
officers who bring in specialists. Mr. McGiffin felt that this was a great, eye-opening experience that
everyone should go through. He explained that members can schedule a ride along by contacting
Maj. Mailey and that participants typically arrive at 6:30 p.m. before shift end and ride with an
officer for eight (8) to 10 hours. He noted that officers drive the same streets as citizens but see very
different things.
In response to Ms. Smith, Ms. Sadusky offered to craft an email to Maj. Mailey to find out how
members could participate in the Citizens’ Police Academy and schedule a ride along.
Ms. Traci McDowell, City Clerk, requested that the City Clerk’s Office be copied on the email so
there would be a record of DHRC activities.
Mr. McGiffin questioned if Chief Bernat would be open to including some questions about diversity
issues in the survey relating to morale that was mentioned previously. This would solve a challenge
for the Government Policy, Programs and Practices (GPPP) Committee in terms of getting
information from the Police Department for the GPPP diversity research project. Responding,
Ms. Smith stated that this request could be included in the email that Mrs. Sadusky was planning to
compose.
After further discussion, members agreed that Ms. Smith, Mrs. Sadusky, and Mr. McGiffin would
review the email before it is sent.
Meeting with Chair, State Commission and the State Commission Supportive Role
Ms. Smith advised members that she had an interesting and enlightening meeting with Ms. Romona
Fullman, Director of the State of Delaware Division of Human Relations, who is an attorney, and
Mr. Calvin Christopher, Chair of the State Human Relations Commission (SHRC). Ms. Smith stated
that Ms. Fullman had expressed interest in coming to a DHRC meeting to introduce herself. Noting
that, as part of its enabling legislation, the DHRC does not have the infrastructure to handle
complaints, Ms. Smith indicated the State Division of Human Relations does have such
infrastructure. She stated that any complaints received by DHRC members should be handled by
the Division of Human Relations.
Ms. Smith advised members that DHRC members could attend SHRC meetings and could do so via
their Dover satellite location at 861 Silver Lake Boulevard, Suite 205. She indicated that the Office
of Civil Rights and Public Trust would be providing a presentation to the SHRC. Ms. Smith
reminded members that Ms. Allison Reardon, Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Public Trust,
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING OF JULY 28, 2015 PAGE 3
had attended the DHRC meeting of March 10, 2015. At that time, there was a lot of uncertainty as
to what that Office would look like, what its mission would be, and how they would execute it.
Ms. Smith stated that there had been concern regarding how the Office of Civil Rights and Public
Trust, SHRC, and DHRC could partner so that they all could work in the direction of civil rights,
diversity, and cooperation. Ms. Smith indicated that Ms. Reardon would be speaking on this topic
and Ms. Smith offered to advise members of the meeting date.
Meeting with City Council President
Ms. Smith informed members that she met with City Council President Timothy Slavin, who
indicated that he would like an opportunity to come and greet members, which Ms. Smith planned
to schedule for September. She indicated that Mr. Slavin had no major suggestions for the DHRC,
but he requested that they get together again in the future to discuss how the Commission was
moving forward. He also requested that members not step beyond their role as commissioners, for
example by writing articles to the newspaper. Ms. Smith stated that she herself had originally
written to the newspaper on behalf of the Commission in response to killings that took place in South
Carolina; however, she had pulled this piece and rewritten it on her own behalf. She cautioned
members not to do what she had almost done in this regard.
Suggested Budget to City Council
Members were provided the City of Dover Human Relations Commission Budget Request
(Attachment #1) which was presented to City Council during the Special Council Meeting - Budget
Review on June 1, 2015. Chairwoman Smith advised members that she had reviewed this request
with City Council at that time and that Council was taken by surprise by this $5,000 request. She
felt there was a lack of understanding of the cost of training and development. Ms. Smith expressed
her opinion that much more than $5,000 was needed for the DHRC to operate; however, she
presented this amount since it had been provided to Council before she became Chair of the
Commission. She stated that $1,500 had been included for conflict resolution development training,
which would be mediation, and $1,000 for social media development. Ms. Smith indicated that
Council had approved $2,000 in expenditures and the DHRC must return to the City Manager to
request additional funds.
Training
Ms. Smith advised members that when she presented the DHRC budget request to City Council
during the Special Council Meeting - Budget Review of June 1, 2015, she was advised that the State
Human Relations Commission (SHRC) provides training; however, Mr. Calvin Christopher, Chair
of the SHRC, had informed her that the SHRC pays for training for its own members. The SHRC
did invite Ms. Smith to basic mediation training. Ms. Smith provided a flyer from the University
of Delaware Institute for Public Administration - School of Public Policy and Administration, which
provided details regarding a Four-Day Basic Mediation Training (Attachment #2), scheduled for
October 2015. She estimated that the SHRC had approximately 20 members, and three (3) or
four (4) would be attending this training. Ms. Smith indicated that the cost of the training was
approximately $800 and that she would like to participate, noting that she would not be 100%
comfortable trying to resolve conflict without this specific skill set.
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING OF JULY 28, 2015 PAGE 4
Mr. McGiffin suggested that two (2) DHRC members be sent to mediation training, since funds were
available and the training was relevant to what the Commission does. Mr. McGiffin stated the
importance of having someone trained in mediation to help recognize issues where the DHRC can
and cannot be helpful.
Ms. Smith expressed the desire to put the budgeted funds to good use and stated that there should
be a report to advise Council how the funds were used to demonstrate to Council that funds were
used wisely. If mediation was not used during the year, at least there would be DHRC members who
had been trained and this would show that members were committed.
Ms. Smith questioned if any other members had an interest in attending the training, and
Mr. Henderson stated that he would be available to go.
Ms. McDowell advised members that the City Clerk’s Office has a relationship through the
Delaware Municipal Clerks Association with Ms. Fran Fletcher, from the University of Delaware
Institute for Public Administration (IPA), which is the organization that would be putting on the
mediation training. Ms. McDowell offered to contact Ms. Fletcher to see if the training could be
offered in Dover, which might reduce the expense and allow more members to participate.
Ms. McDowell offered to find out what other types of training IPA offers that might be useful for
members. She noted that IPA provides an institute for municipal clerks, a part of which includes
training provided by attorneys free of charge. Ms. McDowell suggested that such individuals may
be able to come and explain why DHRC meetings must be published, in the interest of open and
transparent government, noting that the DHRC is a subset of a municipal government. She stated
that there may be others in the State and City that could benefit from this kind of training, as well
as the DHRC.
Ms. Smith stated that she would defer scheduling the training until she heard from Ms. McDowell
regarding this possibility.
Community Involvement
Ms. Smith expressed appreciation that Ms. Stewart and Mr. Ruane attended the All Unity Day rally
held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Legislative Mall. Ms. Smith indicated that she thought this would
be an opportunity for DHRC members to introduce themselves; however, she was then asked to
serve as master of ceremonies for the program due to the illness of the organizer, Rev. Rita Paige.
Ms. Smith advised members that this was a good event.
Ms. Smith stated that there had been an article in the Delaware State News on June 13, 2015 about
her role as the new Chair of the DHRC.
Ms. Stewart stated that Ms. Smith did a great job speaking at the All Unity Day event.
Mr. McGiffin stated that the announcement piece in the Delaware State News where Ms. Smith was
described as the new Chair of the DHRC was also great.
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING OF JULY 28, 2015 PAGE 5
Ms. Smith advised members that she had been approached about being a speaker at a Technology
Education and Design (TED) talk in Dover. She explained that this would involve getting a group
of approximately 100 community members together to talk about subjects that impact their lives.
Four (4) to five (5) speakers would speak for 20 minutes each. She suggested that if the DHRC and
SHRC got involved, this could be used as an opportunity to create a platform to get the community
engaged around topics that are important to members. Ms. Smith stated that an expert would be
asked to speak, and it could be someone from a university or a community leader, someone from the
local area or anywhere in the country. The DHRC would assist in partnering to promote and sponsor
the event. Ms. Smith advised members that Dr. Dan Young, who had headed up a TED program in
Wilmington, was now trying to bring this to Dover. She suggested inviting Dr. Young to a DHRC
meeting to show a video of what this program looks like to see if this would be something that
members want to engage in.
In response to Mr. Henderson’s request for clarification on TED talks, Ms. Smith stated that speakers
give motivating and inspiring speeches at these events. Ms. Smith advised members that TED talks
are videoed and had been held in different cities, noting that all such events in Wilmington had been
sold out. She felt that this program could add value and exposure to the DHRC.
Ms. Smith stated that she would invite Dr. Dan Young to the next DHRC meeting to provide
additional information about TED talks.
Ms. Smith advised members that she would be making a recommendation to the Council President
for appointments to the two (2) vacant seats on the Commission in the First and Second Districts and
asked members to let her know if they had recommendations, noting that she was looking for
diversity. She asked that they develop recommendations before the next meeting so that the DHRC
would be ready to move on those recommendations. Once the seats are filled, she suggested that a
group picture be taken of the DHRC at City Hall. Ms. Smith 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.
Ms. McDowell stated that a resume and bio for the recommended appointees would need to be
provided to members of Council before Council votes on the appointments.
Publicity
In response to Ms. Smith regarding current information on the City of Dover website for the DHRC,
Ms. Denise Devine, Assistant City Clerk, advised members that there was currently no page for the
DHRC on the City’s website; however, the Photo Gallery on the home page of the City’s website
included photographs pertaining to the DHRC.
Ms. Smith advised members that this information is what appears when googling the Dover Human
Relations Commission and stated her feeling that this information was antiquated. She suggested
that it be replaced with a photo of current members, biographical information, and perhaps their
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING OF JULY 28, 2015 PAGE 6
guiding principles or core values as a starting point. She questioned if a commitment could be made
that every member provide a photo, an abbreviated two (2) paragraph bio, and a sentence or two (2)
as to why they serve, and asked if this change to the website could be made in-house.
Members reviewed the current bios of City Council members on the City of Dover website.
Ms. Smith requested that members provide approximately two (2) paragraphs in approximately a
200-word range to the City Clerk’s Office by August 14, 2015.
Ms. McDowell indicated that the City Clerk’s Office was available to support the DHRC and could
create the DHRC’s web page if information were provided. She estimated that this could be done
within a week after receiving members information.
Ms. Smith expressed her expectation that by the third week in August members should be able to
direct people to the DHRC web page.
Commissioners (Skills, Networks, Interests)
Noting that all members were serving on committees at this time, Ms. Smith questioned if members
felt they had the passion, skill sets, and networks to execute what they had signed up to do.
Responding, Mr. Henderson stated that he feels more comfortable when there is more structure and
continuity, noting that he continued to be on a learning curve; however, he stated that he felt good
about continuing to serve on the Education Committee.
Ms. Smith stated that the Education Committee would be responsible for educating the community
and connecting the DHRC through workshops. She indicated that the TED talk discussed previously
would be part of this responsibility. Ms. Smith also suggested that the Education Committee could
decide, for example, to hold four (4) events, one (1) each quarter, choosing four (4) dates and topics
that would be presented to the Commission and then mobilized. She stated that even if one (1) event
were held, such as the TED talk, at least the community would be engaged and members would be
doing more than just attending meetings and begin to see results.
Mrs. Sadusky indicated that she was serving on the Education Committee with Mr. Henderson and
that she and Mr. Henderson had discussed presenting perhaps (2) educational events. She noted that
she is very interested in the DHRC; however, had experienced complications and time constraints.
She suggested that the TED talk might be a simple way of accomplishing something by having
someone come into the community.
Mr. Henderson stated that Mr. George Bailey, business manager at Sam’s Club, is excellent at
putting together diverse groups such as African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latin Americans.
Mr. Henderson hoped to work with Mr. Bailey and find out his resources with regard to education
and diversity. He noted that the University of Delaware also had resources.
Ms. Smith asked members to not be discouraged due to the lack of a quorum at the DHRC meeting
scheduled in June and the resignation of members. She stated that it is not about who is not present,
it is about who is present and ready to do the work. Ms. Smith explained that she was ready to move
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
MEETING OF JULY 28, 2015 PAGE 7
forward and every meeting would have goals and dates. She indicated that Commissioner Wilson
did a superb job putting together infrastructure and now it is time to mobilize it. Ms. Smith felt that
the Commission had done much strategic planning but had forgotten to look at the basics, including
the skill sets, networks and interests of members which were underutilized. Ms. Smith suggested
that the Commission have a session focusing on contacts, such as those in churches, fraternities,
boards, and organizations, for example, the Women in Leadership Council and the United Way,
noting that Mr. John Moore, Vice President, Resource Development and Strategic Partnerships for
the United is in Dover. She felt that members could develop ideas on tapping into networks and this
would allow the DHRC to partner with other organizations that share concerns about diversity to put
on educational events. She noted that the SHRC has offices in Kent, Sussex, and New Castle
counties, including one (1) in Dover, and has a responsibility for this area. She indicated that United
Way should be at the table because they operate throughout the entire State and have many events
in Wilmington but not in the local area. She felt that putting on these events would be as valuable
to other organizations as they would to the DHRC.
Mr. Henderson stated that he had heard more about limitations for the DHRC than possibilities,
noting that the DHRC was unable to discuss complaints or gather together as a group. Responding,
Mrs. McDowell advised members that since there were currently seven (7) members appointed, no
more than three (3) members could meet without it being a published meeting.
Responding to Mr. McGiffin, Ms. McDowell confirmed that when the two (2) vacancies on the
Commission are filled, the number of members that could gather, other than in a public meeting,
would increase.
Bylaws
Ms. Smith stated that she had read through Chapter 58 - Human Relations - of the Dover Code
several times. She indicated that it contained great information on the purpose of the Commission
and encouraged all members to read it.
Commissioners’ Announcements
There were no members wishing to make announcements.
Mr. McGiffin moved for adjournment, seconded by Ms. Stewart and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m.
S. Renee Smith
Chairwoman
SRS/TM/js/dd
S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Misc-Minutes\HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION\2015\07-28-2015 Dover Human Relations Commission.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - City of Dover Human Relations Commission Budget Request
Attachment #2 - Flyer - University of Delaware - Four-Day Basic Mediation Training
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ATTACHMENT #1
DHRC Meeting of 07/28/2015
CITY OF DOVER
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
BUDGET REQUEST
FY 2016 BUDGET SUMMARY - The Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget submission request from
the Hum an Relations Commission sustains the alignment of priorities for the City of Dover
to maintain, protect, and improve the quality oflife and rights of all its citizens through
engagement, awareness and education.
A request of $5000 assists the Commission in building its mission to strengthen its
credibility and community relationships through development training, establishing
partnerships, one-on-one contact, marketing, and educational forums. Additionally, the
Commission is currently working with the city to assess its diversity practices. The
continuation of this process may require additional professional assistance for research.
The proposed budget request supports the following :
Commissioner Conflict Resolution $1500
Development Training
Social Media Development $1000
Educational Forums for Constituents ,. $ 500
Marketing Materials $1000
Professional Assistance for Research $1000
Please Note: All costs are approximate only.
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Subject: Fwd: UD's Basic Mediation Training October 2015
Calvin,
Below is information about the mediation course staff and commissioners took several years ago. Please feel free to forward to
S. Renee.
Regards,
Romona
Romona Fullman
Begin forwarded message:
From: Fran Fletcher <franf@u<lcl edu>
Date: June 10, 2015 at 9:00:09 AM EDT
To: <rornona. ful Irnan(rustate.de. us>
Subject: UD's Basic Mediation Training October 2015
Reply-To: Fran Fletcher <fran f:fD udc I.ed u>
ATTACHMENT #2
Email not displaying correctly? DHRC Meeting of 07/28/2015
Four-Day Basic Mediation Training
October 6-7 & 13-14, 2015
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Buena Vista Conference Center, New Castle, Delaware
'Ibis four-day workshop is taught by highly skilled and experienced mediators, active in the dispute resolution field, and
committed to best practices and continuing education. In addition, it is supported by a diverse group of professional
mediators who serve as coaches and provide feedback to support and facilitate learning, including directors of volunteer
mediation programs who are available to explain volunteer mediation opportunities in Delaware.
In Four Days You Will ...
• Gain a comprehensive introduction into the field of mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods;
• Learn a six-step facilitative mediation process;
• Understand the role and responsibilities of a mediator;
• Practice co-mediating disputes that lend themselves to a non-legal resolution process;
• Learn and practice facilitative mediation principles of self-determination, empowerment, and confidentiality
through active listening, questioning, re-framing, and neutral language; and
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• Exercise impartiality.
To register. visit Jlttps://commerce.cashnet.com/UDELIPCR
Registration deadline: September I
For more information, visit our events page:
:www.ipa.udel.edu/crp/trainingandevents,html.
Thank you.
Fran Fletcher
Conflict Resolution Program
Institute for Public Administration
School of Public Policy and Administration
University of Delaware
302-83 1-6812
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