REGULAR

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING The Regular City Council Meeting was held by video conference on March 22, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Hare presiding. Council members present via video or telephone were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Sudler (arrived at 7:33 p.m.), Mr. Neil, Mr. Slavin, Mr. Rocha, and Mr. Taylor. Mr. Lindell was absent. Staff members present via video or telephone were Police Chief Johnson, Ms. Peddicord, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Hugg, Mr. Rodriguez, and Mrs. McDowell. Mayor Christiansen was also present. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Mayor Christiansen. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Anderson. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA All Consent Agenda items are considered routine and non-controversial and will be acted upon by a single roll call vote of the Council. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of Council so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered a separate item. Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Lindell absent). ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 8, 2021 The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of March 8, 2021 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Anderson and bore the written approval of Mayor Christiansen. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT - FEBRUARY 9, 2021 The Economic Development Committee Meeting was held by video conference on February 9, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. with Mayor Robin R. Christiansen presiding. Committee Members present via video or telephone were Councilman David Anderson, Kim Adams, Dave Hugg-City Planner, Diane Laird, Matt Harline-Assistant City Manager, and Randy Robertson-City Manager. Linda Parkowski and Shannon Heal from Kent Economic Partnership were present. Councilman Roy Sudler and Clayton E. Hammond II were not present.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 2 WELCOME At 4:00 pm Mayor Robin R. Christiansen called the Economic Development Meeting to order. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mayor Christiansen called for a motion to adopt the Agenda. Dave Hugg moved for adoption of agenda, seconded by Diane Liard, unanimously carried. (Councilman Roy Sudler, Clayton E. Hammond II absent). ADOPTION OF MINUTES Mayor Christiansen called for a motion to adopt December 15, 2020 minutes. Dave Hugg moved for adoption of minutes, seconded by Diane Liard, unanimously carried. (Councilman Roy Sudler, Clayton E. Hammond II absent). KENT ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP-LINDA PARKOWSKI AND SHANNON HEAL DEMO KEP/CHOOSE CENTRAL DELAWARE WEBSITE TO DESCRIBE HOT TO COLLECTIVELY RESPOND TO INQUIRIES. Linda Parkowski states Diane Liard, Downtown, Dave Hugg, and the municipalities are all working well together, and it is paying off, all Central Delaware is winning. On site selector website www.choosecentraldelaware.com, under ours services click site selection assistance, then find a site. If someone calls the office, Kent Economic Partnership (KEP) goes to this area on the website and clicks on property search. To keep property, search up to date Shannon Heal goes to all commercial realtors to update any listings they have into the property search area of website. Next, click on location, this can sort by county or city. Will only show industrial and larger commercial properties not residential properties. If an inquiry for building and acres is made, website allows to input those parameters and filters the properties. To save and compare properties click on heart, create folder, name folder, then hit add folder. Once back at the list of properties click on heart and click add to folder that was just created. Properties will show everything, property details, aerial photos, google maps, and realtor information. After saved into folder can create a report in a pdf or excel sheet. Website allows sharing properties and to save downloads. Virtual tours are available for some properties. Shannon Heal continues to present the rest of the website. At the top of the screen click on Community Data this tab gets more down to demographics of each municipality for example, population, median age, population of growth, education, brief labor force, blue collar, white collar, how many businesses, median house hold income, how they spend money, owners vs. renters, transportation, and tax information. All can be converted to pdf and shared. Clicking Occupation Data at the top of the screen shows median wages per job category, demographics- age, sex, ethnicity, number of households, and income households. Click Labor force gives number of employees and types of establishments. All can be converted to pdf, excel, and shared. Data is continuously updated if link is sent link it will give up to date data if clicked on a year from sending. Website allows comparison of communities to do this click on Compare

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 3 communities. This will bring up comparison report for any 2 cities chosen. Tab at the top for Businesses can break down businesses by the naics code and each industry is a different color. Lastly, clicking Talent Report will provide university data including top 5 programs and number of graduates. Linda Parkowski states website is very useful, she had company looking for healthcare expenditures and was able to pull up expenditures for healthcare by city. Diane Laird, asks, DDD has a lot of going on with Office of State Planning coordination for each city, getting DDD district, and value. Part of that is connecting to DPP information and on that site, they have market data. Is it from the same source and will it have exact data? Linda Parkowski responds this is Zoom Prospector. DPP has data for the whole state where we (Zoom Prospector) have it for Kent County, all of Milford and all of Smyrna. They are the same company and pull from same market data. Diane Laird states parking discussion is looking at other towns similar to Dover does it go backward if we do not know the name of City? Linda Parkowski answers, no, we have not found that is does. Current issue with site is making sure commercial and industrial data is up to date. Dave Hugg in the past we have not had access to this data in the past. When people call, they want the data now and not in weeks this site allows that. Secondly is a value that is available to anyone. Most time people looking at Dover or Kent County know more about it then we do, they won't be baffled by are marketing. They run a lot of analysis being able to know some of the data that they know and being able to talk to them on the same page is important. Dave Hugg states he is really anxious to start doing trend analysis to see what is happening over time to give us an idea of what the next couple of years will look like. Appreciate Linda and Shannon getting this site up and running and coming to present it. Linda Parkowski says Dave is so right most of the bigger companies have done their research, they have data sources, we are talking to a different data source for jobs portion that a site selector recommended to us. Every inquiry KEP gets they use this site, it is very efficient and very fast. Diane Laird, asks they have a couple of sites downtown that are large developmental prospecting opportunities if they are on the site? Diane Laird says the properties are not manufacturing or warehousing they are mixed use, residential, commercial, and retail. Linda Parkowski tells Diane if you send them to Shannon Heal, she can add them in there, and asks are they listed by a realtor? Diane Laird, Yes, they are. Okay if you send them to Shannon, she will get them on there. Mayor Christiansen says thank you Linda and Shannon for your presentation. Next, we will move on to Mr. Hugg. Mr. Hugg, in your presentation we have had several inquiries from committee members about diversity of the comprehensive plan on things that it does and does not address. If you could speak on that. CITY OF DOVER PLANNING UPDATE GIVEN BY DAVE HUGG Dave Hugg update on there is a lot going on that I do not always update on. List of what is happening now Us Corrugated final plans and permits have been approved and issued and begun site work. This is a big win for Dover and Kent County. Site plans have been approved for new Dover Middle School. In site planning with

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 4 Cassidy Commons which is a group of warehousing and small manufacturing buildings on Lafferty Lane. Built 4 or 5 of the initial plans out of 10 now have site plan approval for the balance of that project. Cassidy Commons is a nice incubator site for smaller medium size companies with 1-4 employees. City of Dover has been working with Landing Square where the new State Police Headquarters is being built. Landing Square has an office building in site planning which they have a tenant for. Landing Square were in yesterday for preliminary discussion for a new mixed use multi story building on the front side of that property with office/store front and residential above. This is interesting concept to reintroduce residential to bay road area. Expecting application very soon to some new warehouses and contractor yard on Lafferty Lane. Mr. Parkowski has property he is moving forward on. Received serious inquiries revisiting Stonebrook 1 and 2 off Denny's Road. Developments that never got started because housing has been slow to recover. Continuing design work with State for Family Court building looking at land acquisition and site design issues. Working with Tommy Carwash, Dupont Plaza, and several other projects around the City. DDP with Diane having high prospects about to jump off downtown. Quick summary of what happened in the last year wasn't a good year for retailors. Last year City of Dover lost A.C. Moore, Pier 1, 33 West, Macy's, Where Pigs Fly, Save a Lot, and Rite Aid. Our number in revenue is down from that. 300 business did not renew licenses heavily concentrated in small construction and retail. City of Dover picked up Crab de Jour, Hobby Lobby, Tender Bones, Red Robin, Us Corrugated, Avalon, LIDL, and House of Hope. We look encouraging a lot of closing buildings back filled quickly. 33 West good example closed end of the year and new tenant is about to move in with a new restaurant. Lastly, Dave Hugg shares data, today we work closely with Kent Economic Partnership and Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) the City relies on them for data and research. John Taylor Research Director at DPP sent information to help understand what is going on in Dover and Kent County. One table is job loss 18 percent in Services 11 percent in Leisure this is State Wide. Kent County numbers chart shows where we took a hit. Important to track what is happening in the county. Unemployment Rate at City of Dover level April, May, June, July peak and recovering not as fast as County and State but still economy is recovering. The Comprehensive Plan is primarily land development plan. Shows how we hope future of City will evolve land uses will go, where to put industrial and commercial activities. It has impact on social issues it is not a social development or services plan. It is Economic focus more context where we can grow jobs and employers. Doesn't mean all those things aren't important it does talk about blight removal, trying to strengthen down town. Its focus is not specifically on training, job opportunities, and social kinds of issues. I agree with the Mayor Dover is looking pretty good and I think outlook is very good. MAYORS ANNOUNCEMENT Mayor Christiansen asks, does anyone have anything to bring before committee? Councilman Anderson, states good report today I hope people will tune in next

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 5 month to the Park and Recreation Community Enhancement Committee. There will be an item of interest for the members of this committee. Tying Community Development strategy in with Comprehensive plan with Economic Development. Gigi Windley will be a part of that discussion as well. Diane Laird updates the artisanal market prospects have signed the lease. Have a lot of sub vendors. There will be no large stalls it will be one large store. Working on sub agreements with each of the sub vendors. Downtown Dover Partnership will do a press release within the next week. Rebel Cove coming in to 33 West, it was a 3-week turnaround from available sign in the window. Three other potential food concepts to open within 2021. Parking concept is still going on Wednesday at Noon, speaker from Old Pasanda California, will speak on using parking funds to go back into downtown. A solution regarding parking will be about summertime with implementation after that. Mayor Christiansen states, downtown is taking off like a rocket, 2021 will be the year for downtown. The United State Post Office is really on the move. Take a look at downtown Dover landing cardboard plant, filling empty buildings, despite the pandemic we are continuing to move forward. Thank you to Mr. Hugg, Downtown Partnership, Linda, everyone involved, and members of Council for their continued enthusiasm. Council Anderson asked Diane Laird what the location of the Artisanal Market is. Diane says, Market is at 204 West Loockerman next to Bayard Pharmacy across from Janaids Barber. The only Vacant spot since the building was built. Linda Parkowski, the box plant landed on the name, Delaware Corrugated Packaging. NEXT MEETING DATE - March 9, 2021 By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Economic Development Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Lindell absent). COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REPORT - MARCH 9, 2021 The Council Committee of the Whole met by video conference on March 9, 2021 at 6:04 p.m., with Council President Hare presiding. Members of Council present via video or telephone were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Sudler, Mr. Neil, Mr. Slavin, Mr. Rocha, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Lindell. Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members present for their Committee meetings were Mr. Caldwell (arrived at 6:18 p.m.) Col. Dix, Retired, (Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement), Mr. Contant (arrived at 6:03 p.m.) and Mr. Shevock (Legislative, Finance, and Administration).

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 6 LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman Lindell presiding. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried. Evaluation of Proposals - Roof and Gutter Replacement at Weyandt Hall (Actionable Item) Mr. Matthew Harline, Assistant City Manager, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the evaluation of proposals for the Roof and Gutter Replacement at Weyandt Hall. Staff recommended awarding the Roof and Gutter Replacement at Weyandt Hall to Quality Exteriors, INC. as per the proposal submitted in response to RFP #21-022FM. Mr. Hare moved to recommend approval of Staff's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Neil. Responding to Mr. Shevock, Mr. Michael Hamlett, Central Services Director, stated that it is a synthetic slate roof and comes with a 50-year limited warranty. Mr. Hare moved to recommend awarding the Roof and Gutter Replacement at Weyandt Hall to Quality Exteriors, INC. as per the proposal submitted in response to RFP #21-022FM, as recommended by Staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried. By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Lindell absent). Proposed Ordinance #2021-06 Amending Chapter 102 - Taxation, Article IV - Abatement of Real Estate Taxes, Section 102-113 - 4 Qualifications, (b)(2) - Qualifying Industry/Businesses by Investment (Actionable Item) Mr. David Hugg, Director of Planning and Community Development, provided an overview of proposed Ordinance #2021-06 Amending Chapter 102 - Taxation, Article IV - Abatement of Real Estate Taxes, Section 102-113 - 4 Qualifications, (b)(2) - Qualifying Industry/Businesses by Investment. Staff recommended adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2021-06. Mr. Neil asked if the amendments would help Habitat for Humanity, National Council on Agriculture Life and Labor Research Fund, Inc. (NCALL), and Delaware

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 7 State Housing Authority (DSHA) in finding homes for permanent residences. Responding, Mr. Hugg stated that a portion of Section 102-113 provides a real estate tax abatement for residential development in the downtown target area. He advised that it is the program that is used extensively by NCALL, Habitat for Humanity and Milford housing, to provide an additional benefit to the those that are buying low-income houses in those neighborhoods. Mr. Hugg stated that it has been a very successful program. He noted that there is also a provision in Section 102-116 of the Code that relates to affordable apartment projects. Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Hugg advised that he did not believe there were provisions for fixing rent, but noted that he does not work with that program often enough. He stated that they have only used it one time in recent history. Mayor Christiansen noted that incentives were granted to Bayard Apartments when they were constructed. He stated that if there was not a mechanism in place, they should see if there is an incentive that the City can offer to address the issues that Mr. Neil is concerned with. Mr. Sudler asked if there would be any job opportunities for non-skilled, older constituents to obtain new skills for employment advancement. Responding, Mr. Hugg advised that proposed Ordinance #2021-06 does not address workforce issues. He stated that there are initiatives underway with both the Greater Kent Committee and the Kent Economic Partnership (KEP) to identify some of the workforce deficiencies and how to address them. Mr. Hugg stated that when looking at the potential target industries for Dover and workforce within 30, 45, and 60-minute drive times, there are adequate workforce resources available to meet those industry jobs. Mr. Hugg stated that those jobs are heavily dominated by distribution, warehousing, logistics, basic packaging, manufacturing, and they are great sources of entry level and lower skills. He noted that the other target industries are probably more skills-specific, such as business services, legal, accounting, and IT areas. He stated that the job inquiries they have looked at recently have been relatively solid skill requirement jobs. Mr. Anderson asked if there were any other zoning designations that would benefit from being included. Responding, Mr. Hugg stated that they have a very attractive set of incentives for the downtown, both on the residential and the commercial side. He noted that they have the capability to assist people with their facade improvements, but they do not have an attractive set of incentives for business activities that are outside of the downtown and not $3 million or bigger. He noted that is something they may want to think about. Responding to Mr. Sudler regarding workforce development, Mayor Christiansen stated that it is a large part of what they discussed during the Economic Development Committee meeting. He noted that KEP certainly has recognized it and the one thing that they found in dealing with several employers that have wanted to come to Dover was that other employers have told them that while they have a workforce that wants

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 8 to work, there is a lack of work ethic. He stated that they are going to have to work on training people for these jobs that are going to come and they need to partner with the schools and develop employees that not only want a job, but are going to work when they get there. Mr. Neil moved to recommend adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2021-06, as recommended by Staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried. By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Lindell absent). (The First Reading of the ordinance will take place during the latter part of the meeting.) Membership - National Community Reinvestment Coalition (Actionable Item) Councilman Anderson provided an overview regarding Membership to the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC). (City Clerk's Office Note: The National Community Reinvestment Coalition was incorrectly listed on the Council Committee of the Whole agenda and has been corrected.) Mr. Anderson advised that the cost for membership with the NCRC was $900.00. He noted that it was 30 years old, has 600 members and is based out of Washington D.C. He stated that the NCRC upcoming conference was $50.00 for two days of virtual training and networking and is dedicated to champion fairness and indiscrimination through economics. Mr. Anderson stated that NCRC wanted to recommend the Growth Initiative because it seems to fit the profile they are looking for. He advised that the initiative would offer help with workforce development and allow the City to deal with abandoned and vacant buildings and turn them into affordable housing. Responding to Mr. Lindell, Mr. Randy Robertson, City Manager, stated that the only thing they could not find was if their dues were paid on an annual basis. He noted that they did not know if it starts in a fiscal year or calendar year. Mr. Robertson asked what value the City would get in two and half months. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Anderson stated that the NCRC does not provide grant monies directly to municipalities, but the City would be creating partnerships with other nonprofits and churches. Mr. Anderson noted that it is based on the partnerships and community development corporations. Although the City has some, they are not currently funded. Mr. Anderson noted that one of the reasons he would like for the City to join now is so that they can put in a nomination and for the May training, which costs $50.00 for members. Mr. Robertson noted that they also have a platform for the grant writer, eCivics. He stated that it would add networking and the value of providing a different source of grant-related activities. Mr. Harline noted that the platform, when they go back to it on an annual basis, is $6,000 a year.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 9 Mr. Hare moved to recommend that the City Manager and Assistant City Manager review the membership and proceed with joining. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried. By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Lindell absent). Mr. Hare moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting, seconded by Mr. Anderson and unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m. PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee met with Chairman Anderson presiding. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried. Silver Lake Kayak Launch Project (Actionable Item) Mr. Matthew Harline, Assistant City Manager, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the Silver Lake Kayak Launch Project. Staff recommended approval of the plan for the kayak launch area as recommended by the Silver Lake Commission. Mr. Hare moved to recommend approval of the plan for the kayak launch area, as recommended by Staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried. By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Lindell absent). Annual Report from Silver Lake Commission (Informational Item) Mrs. Tricia Arndt provided an annual report from the Silver Lake Commission, as follows: • The Silver Lake Commission had four virtual meetings and their major project was the Silver Lake Kayak Launch Project which was an initiative working with Mr. Josh Gainey, University of Delaware's Costal Resiliency Design Studio student.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 10 • The Silver Lake Commission had a cleanup on February 6, 2021 with students from Holy Cross' National Junior Honor Society. They were out cleaning for two hours and did a great job. • There is another cleanup scheduled for April 17, 2021 that will be with Holy Cross' National Junior Honor Society, but it is opened to the community. • Due to her joining City Council, Mrs. Arndt has resigned as Chair of the Silver Lake Commission, which leaves a vacancy. They did welcome a new member, John DeMarie, but they will still be down two members. A good candidate would be someone who is social media savvy with outreach skills. Update on the Request to Delaware Congressional Delegation Regarding Disposition and Maintenance of Wetland Pond Adjacent to Pat Lynn Drive at the Site of the Proposed New Middle Schools (Informational Item) Mr. Adewunmi Kuforiji, Interim Assistant Superintendent, Capital School District, provided an update regarding the Request to Delaware Congressional Delegation Regarding Disposition and Maintenance of Wetland Pond Adjacent to Pat Lynn Drive at the Site of the Proposed New Middle Schools. Mr. Tony DePrima, Capital School District Board of Education Member, noted that the map provided was prepared so that they were all on the same page regarding how things would be maintained and they would have something to compare it to. Responding to Mr. Rocha regarding feedback from federal legislators, Mr. Anderson advised that they are still working on it and moving forward, but he was informally told that it is highly unlikely to be approved because the Corps of Engineers opposes it. Mr. Sudler stated that he made contact with all three offices and they have assured him that they would convey their concerns and get back with them. Mr. Sudler stated that it has exceeded the timeframe which he thought they should possibly be back. He noted that this is a time sensitive matter that has been ongoing for over five years and they would continue and hopefully have a joint effort from the Capitol School District to continue to inquire and let them know the urgency and importance of gaining approval. Presentation - Bayhealth Hospital - Strategic Facilities Master Plan (Mr. John Van Gorp, Bayhealth Senior Vice President of Planning and Business Development) (Informational Item) Mr. John Van Gorp, Bayhealth Senior Vice President of Planning and Business Development, reviewed the presentation entitled, "Strategic Facilities Master Plan,". (City Clerk's Office Note: Due to technical difficulties with Ms. Georgeanna Windley's microphone, agenda item #7 - Presentation Strategic Framework for Community and Economic Development was switched with agenda item #8 -

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 11 Presentation Bayhealth Hospital Strategic Facilities Master Plan to allow Ms. Windley time to reconnect her microphone.) Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Van Gorp stated that a total of 37 physicians were recruited in the last 14 months. Responding to Mr. Anderson regarding workforce development, Mr. Van Gorp advised that they continue to be in growth mode and it is a continuous struggle to find the professional staff necessary. He noted that there are shortages in a variety of areas, including physicians, nursing staff, physical therapists, lab technicians, and DI services. There are a number of very good, well-paid, professional jobs that they continue to struggle to fill. Mr. Van Gorp noted that they work very closely with Delaware Technical and Community College (DTCC), Wesley College, and Delaware State University, and they are doing their best to try to expand. He advised that DTCC and Delaware State University are looking to expand their health services programs to try to provide the workforce that is needed. Presentation - Strategic Framework for Community and Economic Development (Ms. Georgeanna Windley) Ms. Georgeanna Windley, Professional Economic Developer, expressed concerns regarding economic development within the City of Dover. She noted that one of the things that she sees with the City is their great job with the Downtown Development Corporation. Ms. Windley asked if the City was looking at the business climate and the business and income tax levels, workforce availability, energy cost, market size, and the quality of services that are offered. She asked if there was a comprehensive plan for economic development with goals and objectives that is revisited on a regular basis and measured. Mr. David Hugg, Director of Planning and Community Development, referred Ms. Windley to Chapter 10 of the City's Comprehensive Plan which outlines a specific set of policies, goals and objectives for the City. He advised that the City is a part of the Kent Economic Partnership (KEP) and a lot of the information that Ms. Windley has identified is included in the sets of data that the City uses when responding to requests for proposals or other recruiting efforts. Mr. Hugg noted that the City has incentives available and that they do not have a separate strategic economic plan in the sense that the US Economic Development Administration at one time proposed. Ms. Windley expressed her concerns regarding the difference between a Comprehensive Plan and an economic development plan. Mayor Christiansen stated that when the Dover Development Office went out of business, those on the Kent Economic Partnership got together to address quite a few of the issues that Ms. Windley has brought forward and it incorporates tourism and workforce development. He noted that Ms. Linda Parkowski, Executive Director of the KEP, obtained the City the Rockport Study to tell where deficiencies are. He noted that they felt that even with the creation of the Delaware Prosperity Program,

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 12 that Kent County would be left behind and that is why the County, the City of Dover and a number of municipalities throughout the County, went together to address the issues that Ms. Windley has brought up and have moved forward. Mayor Christiansen advised that part of those efforts was bringing U.S. Corrugated’s cardboard box manufacturing plant to Dover, as well as other industries that are considering the City. He noted that, during the Economic Development Committee meeting held prior to the Council Committee of the Whole meeting, some of their plans and incentives were granted for development of the joint use facility at Kent County Airport. Mayor Christiansen stated that they are working in partnership with the school districts to develop the workforce. He noted that those efforts are in place and they have had quite a few successes. Mayor Christiansen noted that a Joint Use Agreement with Dover Air Force Base is going to provide them with a kick to do what needs to be done to address the economic vitality not only Dover, but for the entire area. Mr. Neil stated that as liaison for City Council on tourism in 2015, the tourism board took a total metamorphosis. He advised that they went out and got Streetsense to provide the mirror of what they had to do. Mr. Neil advised that events that use to be volunteer supported efforts went through a complete change in terms of professionalism and, as a result, people can go online for tourism and see a very active Kent County. He noted that it has continued throughout this pandemic. Mr. Neil advised that each month there are five different places that the locals can attend and they actually received some national praise from professional organizations. He noted the tax abatement program and stated that it is designed as part of the total picture. He advised that Ms. Diane Laird, Executive Director of the Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP), has done a marvelous job of having events that will attract people. He noted the City lighting system that is primarily for safety is going to help the downtown area as well. Mr. Hare suggested that this item be brought back to the Council Committee of the Whole or the Economic Development Committee to give Staff enough time to prepare some information. Mr. Hare moved for adjournment of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lindell and unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 13 Mr. Lindell moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m. By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council Committee of the Whole Report, seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. DISSOLUTION OF THE AGREEMENT FOR THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT In November of 2013 City Council authorized the City Manager and the City Planner to begin negotiations with the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to create a Transportation Improvement District (TID) and a proposed agreement for the creation of a Land Use and Transportation Plan (LUTP) which would be the basis of future capital improvements along the corridor to be funded by developer charges as development projects. Mr. Dave Hugg, Director of Planning and Community Development, advised that recent discussions with DelDOT determined that much of the developable land designated in 2013-2014 were already committed and had been subject to specific transportation planning and analysis. Additionally, the market demand for increased development and redevelopment in the TID has changed and existing policies and procedures were sufficient to secure necessary transportation improvements, thereby negating the potential purposes of the original TID designation and agreement. DelDOT has proposed an agreement for dissolving the TID as no longer being necessary. Staff recommended authorizing the City Manager to execute the proposed Agreement of Dissolution. Mr. Neil moved for approval of Staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Lindell absent). DISPOSITION OF CITY PROPERTY - TRANSFER OF PROPERTY TO THE STATE OF DELAWARE Mr. Dave Hugg, Director of Planning and Community Development, reviewed the background and analysis for the Transfer of Property to the State of Delaware. Responding to Mr. Hugg, Mr. Nicholas Rodriguez, City Solicitor, advised that Section 29 of the City of Dover Charter authorizes City Council to transfer the property. He noted that there had been a similar situation in the City of Wilmington, where they closed a street to provide building space for the courthouse, and the City of Wilmington transferred property to the State of Delaware. Mr. Anderson asked if any City departments had concerns with transferring the property. Mr. Hugg advised that he had not heard any concerns from the other departments. He noted that there were no utilities in the alley.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 14 Staff recommended authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the State and to execute a deed of transfer, as set forth. Mr. Neil moved for approval of Staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Rocha and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Lindell absent). FIRST READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2021-06 Council President Hare reminded the public that copies of the proposed ordinance were available on the City's website at www.cityofdover.com under "Government," or by contacting the City Clerk's Office at 736-7008 or cityclerk@dover.de.us. Final action by Council on the proposed ordinance will take place during the Council Meeting of April 12, 2021. In accordance with Section 1-9 of the Dover Code, Council acknowledged the First Reading of the proposed Ordinance as read by the City Clerk, by title only, as follows: ORDINANCE #2021-06 AMENDING CHAPTER 102 - TAXATION, ARTICLE IV - ABATEMENT OF REAL ESTATE TAXES, SECTION 102-113 - QUALIFICATIONS, (B)(2) - QUALIFYING INDUSTRY/BUSINESSES BY INVESTMENT REZONING REQUEST FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 630 WEST DIVISION STREET - FIRST READING OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2021-07 A request was received to rezone property located at 630 West Division Street, consisting of 1.0853+/- acres, owned by Silver Linings Holding Corporation in care of Tolano Anderson. The property is currently zoned C-3 (Service Commercial) subject to the COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone) and the proposed zoning is C-2A (Limited Central Commercial) subject to the COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone). (Tax Parcel: ED-05-076.08-01-40.01-000. Planning Reference: Z-21-03. Council District 4) Prior to amending the zoning ordinances and zoning map of the City of Dover, a public hearing is required. Mr. Neil moved to refer the request to the Planning Commission on April 19, 2021 and set a public hearing for May 10, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and unanimously carried. In accordance with Section 1-9 of the Dover Code, Council acknowledged the First Reading of Proposed Ordinance #2021-07 as read by the City Clerk, by title only, as follows: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 630 WEST DIVISION STREET

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 22, 2021 PAGE 15 CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Randy Robertson, City Manager, made the following announcements: • The initial site for the April 24, 2021 Council Retreat is no longer available and he is looking for another site. He has reserved the library and the public assembly room at the police department and is still considering other options. He has also been in contact with possible facilitators. • The inaugural edition of the newsletter should be delivered next week. He noted that it will begin as a twice a month newsletter and could eventually be a weekly newsletter. • He has received initial information on the American Recovery Plan Act with some speculative numbers. He cautioned that the fact that Dover is on the borderline of being a Community Development Block Grant recipient for more than 20 years might have a role in the decision-making for the final number. However, the National League of Cities advised that it may jeopardize future CDB Grants. Mayor Christiansen advised that he had been in touch with the congressional delegation regarding the disparity in the projected funds of $17.1M for the City of Newark and $6.9M for Dover. Mr. Robertson advised that he and Mr. Matt Harline, Assistant City Manager, received an email from Senator Carper’s office about potential earmarks in the future federal budget process. He advised that they would be looking at some possible nominations. COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS None. Mr. Neil moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m. TRACI A. McDOWELL CITY CLERK All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular Meeting of March 22, 2021 are hereby approved. ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN MAYOR /TM S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Council-Minutes\2021\03-22-2021 REGULAR.wpd