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SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
A Special Council Meeting was held on June 25, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Bonar
presiding. Members present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Dixon, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Perza, Mr. Slavin,
Mrs. Williams, Mr. Hare, and Mr. Hutchison.
Council staff members present were Police Chief Bernat, Mr. Koenig, Mrs. Townshend, and
Ms. Devine. Council staff members absent were Mrs. Mitchell, Fire Chief Carey, City Solicitor
Rodriguez, and Mrs. McDowell.
Mr. Bonar noted that Robin R. Christiansen had served the City well over the years and expressed
his pleasure in welcoming him back as Mayor, noting that this would be a new chapter for the City.
The invocation was given by Vy. Reverend James S. Lentini, V.F., followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Hutchison moved for approval of the agenda as presented, seconded by Mrs. Williams and
unanimously carried.
Oath of Office Administered by The Honorable Kenneth S. Clark, Jr., Judge, Court of
Common Pleas
The Honorable Kenneth S. Clark, Jr., Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, administered the Oath
of Office to Robin R. Christiansen.
Mr. Bonar congratulated Mayor Christiansen and commented on their history of working together,
along with Mr. Hutchison, and expressed his appreciation for the service so many give to the City.
He stated his pleasure at having Mayor Christiansen in office and noted that he was looking forward
to working together with the Mayor’s Office for the betterment of the City. Mr. Bonar also
acknowledged that the campaign had been “tough” but noted that, once the election is over, everyone
works as a team.
Photographs (Mayor and Council)
There being no objections, Council President Bonar declared that the meeting would recess
for photographs of the Mayor and members of City Council.
Meeting recessed at 7:38 p.m.
By unanimous consent, the meeting was reconvened at 7:45 p.m.
Mayor Christiansen recognized his mother in the audience, stating that without her and his father,
he would not be where he is today. He indicated that he had learned a lot from his parents, noting
in particular their motto of “service to others” which he had passed on to his children, hoping that
they would do the same. Mayor Christiansen stated that he moved to Dover from Philadelphia when
he was a child and fell in love with the City, and it was this love affair with the City that motivated
him to return to serve in office. In closing, Mayor Christiansen again applauded his mother, stating
that all that he is or ever will be was because of her.
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SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 25, 2014 PAGE 2
Mr. Lynn addressed Mayor Christiansen, reflecting fondly on time that their respective families had
shared together. Mr. Lynn thanked Mayor Christiansen, stating that he would be coming into an
office that had a cloud over it that was not his doing. He expressed his hope that, as Mayor of the
City of Dover, Mr. Christiansen would be able to bring honor, integrity, and service back to the
office and his confidence, having known him his entire life, that he would be able to do so.
Mr. Slavin congratulated Mayor Christiansen and welcomed him back to the City. He recounted a
conversation he had with his father-in-law on the evening preceding the election as they shared some
thoughts on the various candidates. Mr. Slavin pointed out Councilman David Anderson’s service
to his country, as well as to the City, and his father-in-law commented that there were two (2) true
patriots running in this race, Mr. Robin R. Christiansen and Mr. David L. Anderson. He stated that
this was a good way to summarize the candidates, noting that his father-in-law had known
Mr. Christiansen for a long time and that he had been a patriot to the City for many years. Mr. Slavin
thanked Mayor Christiansen and all of the candidates who ran in the race, stating that it was a race
marked by its civility, and he expressed his hope to continue that course as everyone works together
for the City.
Mrs. Williams welcomed Mayor Christiansen, noting a job well done.
Mr. Hare welcomed Mayor Christiansen, noting his history of working with Mr. Christiansen in the
1990s.
Mr. Hutchison welcomed Mayor Christiansen and stated that he was confident that, with the Mayor’s
leadership and the participation of staff and the citizens of Dover, everyone working together could
move the City forward in meeting the challenges that lie ahead. Responding, Mayor Christiansen
thanked Mr. Hutchison and expressed his belief that the City will do great things with everyone
working together and following the City’s motto of “Community Excellence through Quality
Service.” Mr. Christiansen expressed his hope to make this next year one of the greatest.
Mr. Dixon stated that, although he was a newcomer to the City, as former City Chaplain, he was
familiar with Mayor Christiansen’s contributions to the City and thanked him for being on board.
Mr. Perza welcomed Mayor Christiansen, congratulated him on his election, and wished him success
in accomplishing all of his goals.
Mr. Anderson congratulated Mayor Christiansen, stating that he was looking forward to working
with him for the betterment of the City. Mr. Anderson said that he was familiar with the work
Mayor Christiansen had done and recognized his wealth of experience and the value that he would
bring to the City.
Council President Bonar welcomed the Kent County Levy Court Commissioners who were present,
Mr. Terry Pepper, At-Large Commissioner, and Mr. Allan Angel, Third District Commissioner, as
well Mrs. Nancy Wagner, former State Representative and active member in the community.
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SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 25, 2014 PAGE 3
Mayor Christiansen thanked his wife, children, cousins, and all of his family for attending the
meeting.
By unanimous consent, the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
DENISE L. DEVINE
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances, and resolutions adopted by City Council during their Special Meeting of
June 25, 2014 are hereby approved.
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
MAYOR
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