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Page 1
PARKS, RECREATION, AND
COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Meeting was held on
February 9, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. with Chairman Dixon presiding. Members present were
Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Caldwell, and Mrs. Horsey.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Hutchison moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Anderson and
unanimously carried.
Semi-Annual Review - Statistics Regarding Jobs and Businesses Gained and Lost in the City
of Dover Since July 2014
Mr. Bill Neaton, Economic Development Manager, reviewed statistics regarding the City of Dover
top employers, noting there had not been a big difference in the number of employees since
July 2014; however, he pointed out other positive events that recently took place. He noted that
Bayhealth Medical Center had opened a third floor, which added 100 employees and 32 beds to the
facility. In addition, Mr. Neaton stated that Bayhealth continues to expand by adding a fourth “shelf
floor” upon completion of the third floor. He advised members that Bayhealth also had plans for
expansion in Milford, Delaware, which will include an entirely new facility. Mr. Neaton stated that
Energizer will be remodeling their facility on Clara Street, as well as adding a new building, which
will bring approximately 250-275 positions to Dover. They will be closing their facility in Canada
and producing all of their feminine care products at the Dover location. Additionally, Mr. Neaton
noted that Kraft Foods and Proctor & Gamble are potentially adding 30 positions. Mr. Neaton stated
that, while the number of employees at ILC had decreased, they are working on negotiating another
contract for aerostat production. He provided members information pertaining to some of the vacant
buildings in the City, including the old OfficeMax location, where Produce Junction would be
located, and the former Metro building, where Urban Furniture and Airbase Carpet would be
located, bringing an additional 35-50 jobs. Mr. Neaton also advised that Uzin Utz was scheduled
to open in May, which would equate to another 25-30 employees.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Neaton advised members that E-Z Pass was very pleased with
their location in downtown Dover. He was unsure of their hours of operation but offered to find out.
In response to Mrs. Horsey, Mr. Neaton clarified that the 471 positions listed for ILC included the
loss of jobs resulting from the lost aerostat contract.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Neaton said he was unsure if the ILC plant in Sussex County
would have any impact on its Kent County operation.
Mr. Anderson said he had observed that there were fewer vacancies in downtown Dover and more
minority owned-businesses. He questioned if Mr. Neaton’s observations were similar and if anyone
was keeping track of this information. Responding, Mr. Neaton agreed with Mr. Anderson’s
observation and indicated that Mr. Ed Perez, Downtown Coordinator, tracks this information. In
addition, Mr. Neaton referenced potential projects that would not have gone through before the
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PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2015 PAGE 2
designation of the Downtown Development District in Dover. He stated that this designation would
continue to aid in the efforts to bring more business and money to the downtown area and the City
overall.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Neaton said he did not have the unemployment rate for the City
of Dover with him; however, he would find out and email this information to him.
Responding to Mr. Dixon regarding Bayhealth’s expansion design plans, Mayor Christiansen advised
that Bayhealth can build up to 10 stories high. He indicated that, in addition to growth in that
direction, Bayhealth was utilizing space at their campus across the street from the main facility.
Mr. Neaton added that Bayhealth was currently being evaluated for Magnet status for excellence in
nursing and delivery of care.
In response to Mr. Dixon regarding the rising cost of health care, Mr. Neaton advised that there is
a demand for the best health care and equipment, and it costs money to achieve that level of care.
Investigating AmeriCorps and Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to Supplement
Staffing
Mr. Scott Koenig, City Manager, referred to the memorandum dated January 9, 2015 from
Ms. Margie Cyr, Library Director, Re: Volunteer Programs at the Dover Public Library. He
indicated that the programs utilized are more along the lines of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program
(RSVP) than AmeriCorps. Mr. Koenig stated that opportunities to utilize these programs and their
degree of success varies, depending on the area in which they are used. He advised that some of the
volunteers being utilized at the library are individuals who are challenged in some ways, and the
program allows them to get out into the community and contribute. Mr. Koenig explained that these
volunteer programs had not been pursued in other areas of government due the need for oversight,
as well as concerns related to taking work from existing bargaining employees. He noted that quality
of work was also an issue in areas such as customer service and cash handling, as well as access to
information such as customer credit and utility service information.
Mr. Koenig explained that, in the past, the City had occasionally utilized community service hours
at the Public Works level and some court-mandated community service in sanitation, but this had
been very limited in the last two (2) decades. Mr. Koenig mentioned that interest had been expressed
in using college students looking for experience as interns, but reiterated that a great deal of
oversight would be required to guide interns and/or volunteers.
Mr. Anderson expressed his feeling that City government could utilize internships to supplement
programs in Finance, Planning, Economic Development (particularly organizing events with the
Downtown Dover Partnership), Recreation, and areas of that nature. Responding, Mr. Koenig said
that staff members may be interested in interns; however, he noted that interns typically seek paid
opportunities. He indicated that this could be considered; however, contact hours would have to be
limited to less than 30 per week. Mr. Koenig also noted that there is a difference in the structure of
paid internships versus volunteer programs, such as AmeriCorps and RSVP. He indicated that the
success rate would vary depending on the quality of the individual and the amount of oversight
needed. Mr. Koenig thought that if the City were to pursue programs involving volunteers or interns,
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COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2015 PAGE 3
staff should work together to develop a structured program versus intermittent, short-term interns.
He noted that it would take staff time to get up and running, which would also cost money, and this
would need to be considered when evaluating and reviewing the budget.
Responding to Mr. Anderson regarding the potential for some programs or universities to provide
funding or at least supplement the costs, Mr. Koenig stated that although staff time was currently
limited, if it were the pleasure of Council, this could be researched and considered as a way to
potentially solve some problems.
Revival of Youth Advisory Committee
Mr. Anderson reminded members that when Mrs. Sophia Russell served on City Council, she was
heavily involved in the Youth Advisory Committee. Since Mrs. Russell’s passing, this Committee
was no longer assembled. Mr. Anderson felt this was an important committee that involved the
youth, raised awareness, helped build leadership skills, engaged young people, and helped keep
youth on the right path. He advised members that Mrs. Russell had asked him to keep the
Committee going; however, shortly after her passing, he was deployed for one (1) year.
Mr. Anderson expressed his desire to revive the Youth Advisory Committee, as it was needed now
more than ever. He indicated that there were a lot of interested youth who wished to apply and he,
as a councilman, would like to run the Committee. Mr. Anderson noted activities in other
municipalities, such as Harrington’s New Year’s Eve celebration, that are put on by youth
committees, and stated that he would like to see similar opportunities for the youth of the City of
Dover. He felt that the support of the community was present and that the Committee would be a
success.
In response to Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Anderson indicated that the members of the Committee who
would take the lead would likely be high school aged; however, anyone could be involved. He
referenced Council Resolution 2010-03, Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Council Resolution
No. 2008-11, with Amendment No. 1 (Attachment #1), that created the Committee and defined its
charge and purpose. Mr. Anderson could not recall all of the components of the purpose of the
Committee; however, he indicated that, to the best of his recollection, they included advising Council
on matters related to youth in the community, planning and executing drug-free events for the youth,
and coordinating additional parks and recreation activities.
Mrs. Horsey said that she was serving on the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement
Committee when Councilwoman Russell initially introduced it and conveyed how passionate
Mrs. Russell was about it. Mrs. Horsey expressed concurrence and appreciation for the idea of
reviving the Committee in Mrs. Russell’s memory, and for the benefit of the youth in the community.
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, offered some
insight on behalf of herself and the City Manager as to the requirements of staff to support the
Committee. She reminded members of the involvement of the Clerk’s Office preparing the agendas
and minutes, Parks and Recreation staff, and Ms. Kay Sass, Emergency Management Coordinator
in the City Manager’s Office, as well as the potential costs. Mrs. Townshend stated that these staff
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COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2015 PAGE 4
members and departments were currently stretched very thin, noting that the addition of this
Committee could result in additional hours, leading to overtime or comp time for some of those staff
members.
Mr. Dixon said that he too would love to see the Committee revived, noting that youth in the
community had always been important to him and had been a focal point of his participation on
Council. Mr. Hutchison also conveyed his support; however, he felt that the budget needed to be
considered to ensure that the City could afford to support the program in terms of costs associated
with staffing. Mr. Anderson noted that the previous budget for the Committee was only
approximately $1,000 and that the founding resolution allowed for the Committee to raise money
as well.
Mayor Christiansen noted that the first Youth Advisory Committee was activated in 1990 and at that
time, a budget was not considered in creating the Committee and getting the youth involved. The
Committee at that time had members from Dover High School, Caesar Rodney High School, two
(2) City residents who attended Polytech High School, and one (1) attending private school.
Mayor Christiansen noted that the Youth in Government Day that was created had continued, in spite
of the dissolution of the Committee and not having a budget to work with.
Mr. Caldwell expressed his feeling that money should not interfere with the opportunity to involve
the youth and have their voice be heard.
Mr. Anderson moved to recommend reviving the Youth Advisory Committee and reviewing
applications at the March 9, 2015 Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Updates
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Quarterly Update
Mrs. Tracey Harvey, Planner I, advised members that Planning Department staff was currently
working on the five (5) year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan that
would be due to the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department by May 15, 2015. As part
of the process, the first public hearing was held November 12, 2014 at the Dover Public Library.
Mrs. Harvey indicated that multi-year grants were currently being accepted for the FY15-19 program
years for eligible projects in the City and stated that the deadline was today, February 9, 2015 at
5:00 p.m. She noted that, as of the time of the meeting, approximately eight (8) applications had
been submitted. Mrs. Harvey stated that the Mayor and Community Development staff attended the
Mayor’s Challenge to End Veterans’ Homelessness Roundtable Summit at the HUD Philadelphia
field office in December 2014. The summit featured panel discussions and brainstorming
discussions ranging from building coalitions to available resources and supportive services to end
veteran homelessness. The Mayor’s working group also held their own Summit to End Veterans’
Homelessness by December 2015 on January 22, 2015 at Delaware Technical and Community
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COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2015 PAGE 5
College, which was well attended. In addition, Mrs. Harvey advised that a “Boot Camp” had been
scheduled for March 2, 2015 at the Dover Public Library for housing providers to kick off the
initiative to develop a process to house homeless veterans.
Responding to Mr. Anderson regarding strategies planned as a result of the homeless summit for
veterans, Mrs. Harvey stated that those strategies will be rolled out during the Boot Camp and
advised that there is not a large population of homeless veterans in the City of Dover. In response
to Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Harvey stated that she did not have the exact count at this time; however, a
Point in Time Survey was completed on January 30, 2015, so she should have that information soon
and would advise members once it was available. Mrs. Harvey mentioned that results from last year
indicated that there were only four (4) homeless veterans in Dover; however, that number was not
accurate. As a result, the process for obtaining this information was changed to take a count several
times throughout the year to obtain more accurate figures. She advised that the Code Purple program
is now in effect in Dover, which should help with obtaining that information.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Harvey advised that some of the strategies planned in the effort
to end veteran homelessness included transitional housing and permanent support of housing, and
the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) would be giving veterans first preference as
vacancies become available. Mr. Anderson inquired about the process involved in seeking assistance
from the Veterans Affairs (VA), stating that it can be difficult and that many veterans are not
informed or able to complete the necessary paperwork. In response, Mrs. Harvey stated that this type
of assistance is being provided, as well as ensuring all avenues can be pursued to get the veterans
the help they need.
In response to Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Harvey explained that the City’s CDBG program began in year
three (3) of a five (5) year cycle, and that this year would begin the first full five (5) year cycle for
the program.
Recreation Needs Assessment
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, advised members
that for the past month she had been primarily consumed with the process of obtaining the City’s
Downtown Development District designation; therefore, updated information was limited. She
stated that a Request for Proposal (RFP) had gone out with funds from the FY15 budget to begin the
planning process, starting with Dover Park, to incorporate feedback from the survey, and begin
outreach into a design for the park, including lighting, vegetation, a potential spray pad, indoor
restrooms, and reservation of a building pad for future use, should it be determined that it is
necessary. Mrs. Townshend explained that the same process would then be followed for Schutte
Park and then Silver Lake Park.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison regarding how the funding from the Governor and the support coming
from Kent County Levy Court would affect the Downtown Development District target area,
Mrs. Townshend indicated that money would not come through the City, it would go directly to
individual private applicants and property owners. She briefly explained the process, stating that
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COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2015 PAGE 6
after an initial $25,000 investment is made on a business or property, the party will be eligible for
a rebate for up to 20% from the State, and Kent County will match that rebate up to $10,000. For
example, Mrs. Townshend stated that if an investor purchased a building that needed $150,000 in
improvements, the first $25,000 of that $150,000 would be funded by the property owner, and the
remaining $125,000 would be eligible for reimbursement, up to 20% from the State and $10,000
from Kent County. She explained that, after the work is complete, the property owner would submit
receipts, if the project is under $250,000, to request reimbursement. If the project is in excess of
$250,000, the property owner would need to go through a reservation process, for which the State
is currently accepting applications. Mrs. Townshend said she was aware of at least two (2) or three
(3) property owners already going through the reservation process. She advised of additional
incentives, such as permit fees, building permits, impact fees, and property transfer fee waivers (after
March 1, 2015), stating that once a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued, the buyer’s portion of
the transfer tax will also be rebated. Additionally, Mrs. Townshend said participants could qualify
for business license fee waivers, along with home ownership incentives.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison, Mrs. Townshend advised members that the City’s contribution would
be in-kind, noting that all City revenue benefits for new businesses in the downtown area will be
waived for a period of time. While there would be additional businesses and activities, the City
would not see the revenue from that increase initially. Mrs. Townshend advised Mr. Hutchison that
the target area included Mary Street down to Water Street and the area east of Cherry Street and
Lincoln Park, ending at State Street.
Mr. Hutchison stated that the Presidents Counsel on Public/Private Partnerships and the Future of
City Hall, Weyandt Hall, Former Dover Library and Other City Properties met to address the needs
of the City and the best way to address those issues and concerns within the City of Dover was part
of the total movement to improve the City. Mr. Hutchison recognized the efforts and support of
everyone in the City, particularly the Planning Department, Fire Marshal’s Office, and Law
Enforcement.
Mr. Neaton indicated that, in addition to the incentives recognized by Mrs. Townshend, the
Downtown Dover Partnership would be providing up to $5,000 reimbursement for architectural
assistance, in addition to facade grants for upgrading the front of buildings or for signage.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison, Mrs. Townshend stated that the incentives do not include funding for
demolition.
Mr. Dixon shared his concern that the community did not understand the Downtown Development
District designation, what it means, the benefits of the designation, etc. Mrs. Townshend advised
that the City will be holding three (3) workshops on February 26, 2015 at Dover Public Library and
people from the various entities involved would be there to explain their portion of the program and
to educate the community. Mrs. Townshend also said that an interactive GIS map was in the process
of being made available for the City’s website, so that people can click on a property and be able to
determine which incentives are available. The GIS mapping tool would allow the applicant to print
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COMMITTEE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2015 PAGE 7
a map to include in the application, as it is a State requirement to document conformance with the
City’s District plan. She stated that City staff and the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)
were making themselves available to review and explain the process to anyone needing assistance
and were willing to review applications before submission to the State. Mrs. Townshend stated that
the City has five (5) different brochures to distribute and educate the community and the State has
brochures as well.
Mayor Christiansen expressed his sincere appreciation and acknowledged the depth of the time,
work, and effort of Mr. Scott Koenig, City Manager; Mrs. Townshend and her staff; Mr. Bill Neaton,
Economic Development Manager; and Mr. Kirby Hudson, Assistant City Manager, referencing the
specific benchmarks that had been set during weekly meetings to keep the momentum to promote
and improve Dover.
Regarding Mr. Dixon’s concerns about individuals without computers having access to all of the
tools and information, Mrs. Townshend assured him that she, her staff, and others involved would
be available to assist anyone who needs help in any way necessary to be sure they get all of the
information they require.
Mr. Hutchison moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 4:34 p.m.
Wallace R. Dixon
Chairman
WRD/MK/js
S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Committee-Minutes\2015\02-09-2015 PR&CE.wpd
Attachment
Attachment #1 - Council Resolution 2010-03, Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Council Resolution No. 2008-11, with
Amendment No. 1
Page 8
ATTACHMENT #1
PR&CE Meeting of 02/09/2015
City of Dover
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2010-03
YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE (YAC)
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2008-11, WITH AMENDMENT NO. 1
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that there is a need to create a Youth Advisory
Committee for the City of Dover, Delaware; and
WHEREAS, this Youth Advisory Committee will be created to operate as a liaison between the
youth of the community, City Council, and the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement
Committee on issues affecting youth by involving them in social, cultural, recreational, and other
drug-free and alcohol free activities and, when requested by the City Council, the committee shall
give advice and assistance on matters concerning the needs of youth; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes the Youth Advisory Committee to consist of nine (9) members,
or more if City Council chooses, between the ages of 14 and 18 years, two (2) adults, and one (1)
liaison member who shall be chosen by the City Council to serve one (1) year terms, without
compensation, and the City Council shall have the power at any time to alter the size of the
committee by expanding or reducing its membership. The liaison member shall receive and record
all exhibits, petitions, documents, or other material presented to the Council in support of, or in
opposition to, any question before the Committee, prepare and distribute agendas and packets; and
WHEREAS, members of the Youth Advisory Committee shall be selected through an application
process and shall be appointed by the City Council and take office upon being sworn on their oath
to uphold the duties of the office and the Constitution of Delaware and the United States of America;
and
WHEREAS, the term of the office for each member shall be one (1) year, or until his/her successor
is duly appointed and qualified, unless a vacancy occurs prior to the expiration of a term, in which
case an appointment shall be made by the City Council for the remainder of the unexpired terms; and
WHEREAS, the committee shall elect from its membership a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and
secretary for one-year terms of office commencing the first day of June of each year and a member
shall be eligible for reelection to any of these offices as long as he or she remains on the committee.
The chairperson shall preside at all regular and special meetings, rule on all points of order and
procedure during meetings, and provide recommendations to the liaison regarding agenda items. The
vice chairperson shall assume all duties of the chairperson in his or her absence or disability. In the
absence of both the chairperson and vice chairperson from any meeting, an acting chairperson shall
be elected from among the members present; and
P.O. Box 475 Dover, Delaware 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
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Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Proposed Amendment #1 to Resolution No. 2008-11 Page 2
WHEREAS, the committee shall hold meetings located in the City at times it may designate. All
meetings of the committee shall be held in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and a
notice of said meeting shall be posted at City Hall and on the website at www.cityofdover.com. The
presence of a majority of the committee members then in office shall be necessary and sufficient to
constitute a quorum, and an affirmative vote of the majority of those present shall be necessary to
pass upon pending questions, except that on tie votes, the vote of the chairman shall be
determinative, the chairman in addition being entitled to vote on all questions. Minutes of meetings
shall be kept and the record filed with the person performing the duty of secretary; and
WHEREAS, in the performance of its function, the committee is an advisory body authorized to
make recommendations to the City Council on the following:
1. Policy matters affecting the youth of the community;
2. Planning, organizing, coordinating, and carrying out drug-free and alcohol-
free social, cultural, recreational, educational, and other activities for the
youth in the community
3. Establishing guidelines, rules, and procedures for participation in such
activities; and
4. Entering into agreements with entertainers, concessionaires, and other third
parties as may be deemed desirable by the committee within available funds
and in accordance with applicable state and city laws and procedures; and
WHEREAS, by May 1st of each year, the committee shall submit to the City Council a written report
of its activities for the previous year and an annual plan of work for the ensuing year of which these
documents shall be retained as a part of the official city records. Subject to the approval of the City
Council, the facilities and personnel of the City shall be made available to assist the committee in
carrying out its functions; and
WHEREAS, the committee is authorized to amend its rules and procedures for the conduct of its
authorized activities, subject to the approval of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, Committee members are subject to the attendance policy and procedure adopted by the
City Council and any member who misses two (2) meetings that are considered unexcused, where
no phone call was made or e-mail was sent letting someone know, or whose overall attendance at
regular meetings falls below seventy-five (75) percent, has automatically vacated his seat. The
committee shall at once notify the City Council that a vacancy exists. Vacancies shall be filled within
thirty (30) days by appointment for the remainder of the term or at the discretion of City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOVER HEREBY ESTABLISHES A YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ADOPTED: APRIL 26, 2010
S:\RESOLUTIONS & PROCLAMATIONS\2010\ADOPTED\Res. No. 2010-03 - YAC Amendment #1(2).wpd
Actions History
April 12, 2010 - Introduced at Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee
P.O. Box 475 Dover, Delaware 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service