Downtown Dover Partnership Board Meeting Packet

DOWNTOWN DOIIVER PARTNERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 7:30 AM AGENDA ZOOM: https://zoom.us/j/94354164330 Meeting ID: 943 5416 4330 1. Agenda Additions/Deletions 2. Approval of Minutes – February 2021 3. Police report –Officer Aviles, Community Policing Unit 4. Executive Committee Report/Action Items Executive Session: i. Item 1 ii. Item 2 iii. Item 3 iv. Item 4 Move out of Executive Session: iii Investment Policy update 5. Property Updates - N/A 6. Committee Reports i.Parking ii.Organization 7. Legislative Updates i. Senator Trey Paradee: ii. Representative Bill Bush 8. City Updates i. Mayor ii. City Council iii. City Manager iv. Planning Director 9. Other Reports i. Kent County Tourism ii. Wesley College iii. Bayhealth 10. Other Business Agenda continued…

11. Public Comment 12. Adjourn Next DDP board meeting: April 28, via Zoom _______________________________________________________________________________ Time: March 24, 2021 07:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94354164330 Meeting ID: 943 5416 4330 Every month on the Fourth Wed, until Jun 23, 2021, 6 occurrence(s) Jan 27, 2021 07:30 AM Feb 24, 2021 07:30 AM Mar 24, 2021 07:30 AM Apr 28, 2021 07:30 AM May 26, 2021 07:30 AM Jun 23, 2021 07:30 AM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Monthly: https://zoom.us/meeting/tJAucu2pqD8pGdTuVBeG8Rs- 4jnXTNjUHSGW/ics?icsToken=98tyKuCsrT4uG9KRsxqHRowIA4_4LOvwpilejadpiSnHBgcLUBC7Yuh MCoZRGu34 One tap mobile +13017158592,,94354164330# US (Washington D.C) +13126266799,,94354164330# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 943 5416 4330 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acr80Kr1or Agenda continued…

DOWNTOWN DOVER PARTNERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES February 24, 2021 – Online Zoom Meeting DRAFT BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF: Councilman Fred Neil, Mayor Robin Christiansen, Pete Bradley, Alan Grinstead, Mike Harrington, Matt Harline, Dave Hugg, Kim Adams, Todd Stonesifer, Jonathan Street, John Van Gorp, Carla Wilson, Tina Bradbury, Diane Laird COMMITTEE CHAIRS, PRESENTERS, AND OTHER ATTENDEES: Councilman Gerald Rocha, Officer Adalberto Aviles Call to Order: Todd opened the meeting at 7:31 a.m. (approx.) Agenda and Meeting Minutes (January 2021): Mayor Christiansen moved to approve agenda; Councilman Neil seconded; motion passed. Mayor Christiansen moved to accept minutes; Councilman Neil seconded; motion passed. Dover PD Update by Officer Adalberto Aviles: • Officer Aviles is compiling crime statistics for the downtown area, specifically Loockerman Street and points north and south. • There were 78 complaints ranging from parking violations and traffic accidents to domestic issues, fights, loitering and public urination. Conversation ensued about comparing downtown crime statistics to those in the greater Dover area at large or other retail areas. The Mayor said a hot spot map can be made available monthly. The consensus is that the perception of safety is the issue that needs to be addressed. Collection of data will help address the issues. Diane and Mayor Christiansen agree that increased number of businesses and people in the downtown area will result in lower crime. Further discussion included the need for camera surveillance and additional lighting. Executive Committee Report: Todd discussed that the committee is vetting an investment policy to make better use of residual funds. He hopes to present it at the next meeting. Tina reviewed the budget. The staffing changed as Brynn is now part-time, maintenance costs increased, but there was a savings in insurance costs and PNC loans. Overall, the budget is healthy. Diane shared the 2020 Annual Report video that was presented to the City Council (in PowerPoint format). She is committed to a more transformational long-term change for downtown Dover in the coming months. Tina thanked everyone for their support. Although a few businesses closed, there was still a net gain in 2020. We anticipate some residual small business closures in calendar year 2021. Property Updates: None reported. Committee Updates: Parking: Todd reported ongoing conversations with constituents in monthly meetings. The first larger public meeting will be held soon, in addition to monthly meetings, which are public. The committee is making great strides and hopes to have a solution and implementation by the end of the year. Economic Vitality: Jonathan Street made brief remarks about the two new businesses and the development of a property map of the downtown area to show current vacancies . He turned the February 24, 2021 - DDP Online Zoom Meeting 1

discussion details to Diane and Tina. Two new businesses Black Swamp and Rebel Cove are anticipated to open by the end of April. Diane shared a draft of the vacancy map depicting the status of the business area in downtown Dover. Todd said the ‘word on the street’ is five additional businesses are hoping to open by the end of this year. Dave Hugg emphasized the importance of tracking the new residential housing in downtown. Last year 13 permits were issued for the construction of new homes and there is also a potential new business on West Street. Other Updates: No one was present to provide a legislative update. Mayor Christiansen announced the city is fortunate to welcome the new City Manager Randy Robertson. He also noted the recent graduation of eight new Dover Police Officers and the City Council approval of a second Police Academy with seven officers which will allow the department to assign more seasoned officers to the Community Policing Unit. The Mayor was not pleased to announce event cancellations that include the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and Dover Days this year. However, he is looking forward to bigger and better versions of these two premier events in 2022. Events like these show the resiliency of the merchants and citizens of Dover. City Council: City Councilman Neil: Improved lighting is happening now. An LED Smart Lighting System will be installed over the next four weeks on New, Reed and Water Streets. The Council will continue to work with DelDot on this project as some of the areas fall under their purview. City Councilman Rocha: In the next 6 to 8 weeks, anticipate a ‘brighter future’ and increased business downtown based on the improvements in lighting and community policing efforts. City Manager Matt Harline: The Dover Strong Program is still available for businesses. However, participation is low. The program allows businesses effected by COVID to defer utility payments of up to $5,000 for up to two years. Tina distributed the information once and will do so again. City Manager Robertson will participate in upcoming DDP meetings. Kent Country Tourism: Pete Bradley explained that as a 501 C6 organization, the Kent County Tourism Office qualifies for the Federal Stimulus Bill for Paycheck Protection. The Bill allows for two and a half months of payroll expenses to be granted as a forgivable loan. They applied with Dover Federal Credit Union and intend to divert the savings to use for advertising. While the Public Accommodation Tax is depressed, the new advertising agency is working well. They are looking forward to the Dover Motor Sports events in May and Delaware Turf has a full calendar of events this Summer. Planning Director Dave Hugg: • City wide, there is a lot of interest in Aviation, Manufacturing and Commerce in general. • A comprehensive plan amendment matter will be going to the City Council on March 8 which will create a new land use and zoning district for a potential new restaurant on West Street. • Another comprehensive re-zoning process is underway for approximately 150 properties, half of which are publicly owned. The current zoning may not match the future land development. February 24, 2021 - DDP Online Zoom Meeting 2

• Construction on the new Post Office is ongoing and on POW Parkway. Office space continues to be constructed. Public Comment: Carla Wilson suggested consideration be given to allow Dover Police Department support staff and/or downtown merchants to monitor surveillance cameras. In response, Mayor Christiansen offered they have looked at options, particularly with the remodel of the dispatch center. Considered bringing retired Police Officers in as volunteers if clearance issues can be worked out. The Mayor thinks it is an excellent idea. The priority is the Community Policing Unit. Alan Grinstead offered his perspective on how business at SOZO has been. Overall, they are happy, yet disappointed with the unfortunate cancellations of events. Perception of safety issues have not been an obstacle as they regularly engage with customers. Alan has been pan-handled, but also has been offered a helping hand from those who frequent the area. He noted the closure of 33 West has impacted some regular downtown patrons who would make afternoon shopping rounds downtown after lunch at the restaurant. John Van Gorp on behalf of Bayhealth: Nothing to report. Councilman Neil commented on the great job the Bayhealth Staff at the Blue Hen Center are handling the COVID vaccination process, noting “Very expedient, they have it down pat.” Meeting adjourned at 8:43 a.m. Motion to adjourn made by John Van Gorp and seconded by Jonathan Street; unanimously accepted. CMW/DJL February 24, 2021 - DDP Online Zoom Meeting 3