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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013 - 7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 15 LOOCKERMAN PLAZA - DOVER, DELAWARE
Public comments are welcomed on any item and will be permitted at appropriate times. When
possible, please notify the City Clerk (736-7008 or e-mail at CityClerk@dover.de.us) should you
wish to be recognized.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Moment of Silence
3. Adoption of Minutes
A. Special Meeting of June 13, 2013
B. Regular Meeting of August 28, 2013
4. Comments/Presentations from Members of the Community
This segment is provided to extend the opportunity to the general public to share their questions, thoughts,
comments, concerns, and complaints. Discussion of any item appearing on the agenda is prohibited. Citizen
comments are limited to three (3) minutes, and this segment will not exceed 30 minutes. The Human Relations
Commission is prohibited from taking action since items to be discussed do not appear on the published agenda;
however, they may schedule such items as regular agenda items and act upon them in the future.
5. Chair's Report (Sudler)
6. Committee Reports
A. School Programs (Wasfi)
B. Community Programs (Allen-Pyne)
C. Assessment (Edamatsu)
D. Intake Forms
7. New Business
A. Letter to Councilman James Hutchison - Dialogue on Ideas and Opinions Concerning DHRC’s Future
Procedural Flowchart and Decree
B. Discussion - Special Workshop - Finance Department Review of the City of Dover Purchasing Policy
8. Scheduling of Future Meetings
9. Announcements
10. Adjournment
/dd
S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS\Misc-Agendas\HUMAN RELATIONS\2013\09-25-2013 DHRC.wpd
THE AGENDA ITEMS AS LISTED MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO INCLUDE
THE ADDITION OR THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS.
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SPECIAL DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES OF JUNE 13, 2013
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, DOVER
Present: Chairman, Roy Sudler, Jr., Ellen O. Wasfi, Dr. Linda Hackett, Justina H. Brewington, Faye Della White and
Dr. Phyllis Edamatsu.
Absent: Vice Chair, Dawn Allen-Pyne
On June 13, 2013 @ 7:00pm at 15 Lockerman Street, Dover, Delaware [City Hall Chamber] the Dover Human Relations
Commission conducted a special meeting titled: Landlord and Tenants Obligation to Adhere to Chapter 22-Building and
Buildings Regulations, Article X – Rental Dwelling [Amended] New City Ordinance #3014-04 Section :22-331 Adopted
April 8, 2013.
The purpose of this meeting is to review the rules and regulations of newly adopted City Ordinance #2013-04 section 22-
331-373; in an effort to mitigate ambiguity of landlord and tenants obligation to manifest a safe rental dwelling climate
that deters delinquent behavior and the commission of criminal enterprises in quest of eradicating undesirable tenants
and their guest who engaged in unlawful activity throughout the City of Dover.
The Goal, to promote cleaning up our streets together by fostering a philosophy of inclusiveness as City Officials work
together to implement new ordinance that address curing defective conditions and social problems that contribute to a
decrease in the quality of renting, living and vision for the City of Dover. In addition, to increase the caliber of
communication and compliance while decreasing reservation between Dover Residents and City Code Enforcement
Agencies through good faith and positive dialogue.
The Commission is authorized to investigate the merit of alleged discrimination claims and disputes within the City of
Dover and make recommendations for action to alleviate such intergroup conflict.
The final determination of action will be decided by the Mayor and Dover City Council.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call: Chairman, Roy Sudler, Jr. called the Dover Human Relations Commission Special Meeting to
order on this day, Wednesday, June 13, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
2. Approval of Agenda
Chairman Sudler asked for a motion to accept the Agenda of June 13, 2013.
Commissioner Ellen Wasfi motioned to accept the Agenda of June 13, 2013
Dr. Linda Hackett second.
Motioned carried.
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3. Moment of Silence: was observed.
4. Presentations - Landlord and Tenants Obligations Pursuant to City of Dover Ordinance #2013-04 (Adopted April
8, 2013) which Amended Chapter 22-Buildings and Building Regulations, Article X – Rental Dwellings of the City
of Dover Code
On April 8, 2013, City Council adopted Ordinance #2013-04 implementing the Safe Communities Program to help
ensure that rental housing in the City of Dover is not the source of criminal activity. The staff presentation will
provide citizens with an overview of the ordinance and a review of the Police Department’s role in enforcing
compliance. Citizens are encouraged to attend to learn how this tool can be used to improve their neighborhoods.
A. City of Dover Department of Planning and Inspections – Ann Marie Townshend, Director
a. Overview of Ordinance #2013-04 – Ms. Townshend gave a brief PowerPoint presentation overview of
the Ordinance and distributed copies of the Ordinance and Lease Addendum.
Ms. Townsend explained that this ordinance was developed with the Police Department, the
Department of Planning and Inspection and City Council. The idea of the ordinance was for those
individual tenants and their guess that live in rental properties causing problems by being involved in
criminal activity and the deterioration of neighborhoods in the City of Dover. It was said that we are
ending up having more homeowners leaving causing value loss in the neighborhoods giving us more
renters than owners which is a hard factor to turn around. This problem has been found in
neighborhoods throughout the City.
Ms. Townsend mentioned that the City is required to hold a seminar twice a year for landlords. She also
stated that a seminar was held for landlords at the police department in April which received positive
feedback. The seminar was geared to help the landlords screen their tenants better and to help them
avoid getting their evictions thrown out of court because of not following proper procedure.
What comes next? - A mailing of the Lease Addendum to all landlords with permits for the
implementation of the signed lease addendum.
Commissioner Wasfi asked how they disseminate information to let the people know of the training.
Ms. Townsend replied that individual mailing went out to all landlords in the city with permits.
Commissioner Wasfi asked how are the tenants being made aware of this information and if notices
can be posted in buildings to make the tenant aware
Ms. Townsend replied that this is an area that they need to work on
Commissioner Brewington asked about the landlords who do not have permits and how are they made
aware.
Ms. Townsend said this is an issue but they have ways to identify those individuals.
Dr. Hackett stated that the tenants need to be made aware as well as the landlords and wanted to
know if this information was placed in the tenant’s utility bill.
Dr. Hackett asked what the procedure was with obtaining and discontinuing utilities
Ms. Townsend stated that the tenant needs to show a signed lease addendum
Dr. Hackett asked what if the utilities are under the owner’s name
Dr. Hackett also asked if businesses are accountable to this same ordinance
Ms. Townsend stated not yet.
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Chairman Sudler asked how people are with mental issues handled
Ms. Townsend stated that it all depends on the event.
Chief Hosfelt shared that the ordinance was not geared to those with mental issues or victims of
domestic violence or children with behavioral issues.
Commissioner Brewington asked if the ordinance apply to single family homes and developments as
well as apartment complexes.
Ms. Townsend stated yes as long as it is a rental property.
Chairman Sudler opened the floor for any more related questions and thanked Ms. Townsend for her
presentation.
Ms. Townsend concluded her presentation by informing the group that more information can be found
by visiting their website at CityofDover.com./safe-communities.
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B. City of Dover Police Department – James Hosfelt, Chief
a. Police Chief Hosfelt shared the Dover Police Department’s role in enforcing Ordinance #2013-04.
Chief Hosfelt stated that he thinks the new ordinance will be a benefit to the community as a whole.
This ordinance is only to target criminals. He desires a safe community of everyone. The quality of life
unit is there to address those issues that interfere with our quality of life. It could be a problem tenant,
nuisance, loud music, riding bikes on the sidewalk small issues. We will track and document problem
tenants through a complaint log. This ordinance will be an asset for the City of Dover. The ordinance is
looking for people who do not comply with the lease addendum.
Commissioner Brewington asked what you do about programs to accommodate criminals in the City of
Dover.
Chief Hosfelt said he does not have the answer to that question.
Commissioner White asked Ms. Townsend how you deal with programs that receive funding and bring
an element of crime into the community.
Ms. Townsend stated this is a gap that needs to be tightened up in the ordinance.
Dr. Hackett asks how the ordinance affects the single mother who is having issues with her child.
Chief Hosfelt stated that the way the ordinance is written it will affect her greatly. It was stated that
she would be held accountable for her child’s actions regardless of age.
Dr. Hackett stated that there are good parents that have trouble controlling their children and some
type of program to help these parents needs to be established.
Dr. Hackett stated that she hopes the new ordinance works.
Commissioner Wasfi asked who falls under the guidelines of participating in criminal activity, especially
in cases where a person is coming out of the prison system that paid their debt to society and in need
of a place to reside. Would having a record be a mark against you when renting?
Ms. Townsend stated that some landlords won’t rent to someone with a criminal history but that is
their prerogative.
Commissioner Wasfi stated that concerns her.
Chairman Sudler suggested that maybe the DHRC can partner with the Dover PD, City Planning and
Council to hold a program that can assist in the quality of living were parents and family members can
get training in the City of Dover.
Chairman Sudler thanked all who came out to review the ordinance.
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5. Public Comments:
Chairman Sudler opened the floor for anyone from the community with a question regarding the ordinance being a
renter or landlord – there were no question asked from the community.
6. Adjournment : Commissioner Sudler asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting
Commissioner White made motion for the meeting to be adjourned
Commissioner Brewington second.
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Belinda Talton
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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES OF AUGUST 28, 2013
CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, DOVER
Present: Ellen O. Wasfi, Justina H. Brewington, Dr. Phyllis Edamatsu, Faye Della White and Chairman Roy Sudler, Jr.
Absent: Dr. Linda Hackett and Vice Chair, Dawn Allen-Pyne
1. Call to Order/Roll Call: Chairman Roy Sudler, Jr. called the Dover Human Relations Commission Meeting to order
on this day, Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 7:05 p.m.
2. Moment of Silence: was observed.
3. Adoption of Minutes:
Chairman Sudler asked for a motion to accept the following meeting minutes:
a. Regular Meeting of May 22, 2013
Dr. Edamatsu motioned to accept the minutes of May 22, 2013 with the proper corrections.
Commissioner White second
Motion carried.
b. Regular Meeting of June 26, 2013
Commissioner White motioned to accept the minutes of June 26, 2013 with the proper corrections.
Dr. Edamatsu second
Motion carried.
c. Regular Meeting of July 24, 2013
Commissioner Wasfi motioned to accept the minutes of July 24, 2013 with the proper corrections.
Commissioner White second
Motion carried.
Commissioner Wasfi reported that she contacted the National League of Cities and found out that having a Human
Relations Commission is not a required to be a member.
4. Comments/Presentations from Members of the Community: no one present from the community to present.
5. Chair’s Report:
On June 28, 2013, City Developer Ann Marie Townsend thanked the Dover Human Relations Commission for
meeting with her in quest of obtaining the City’s Procurement and Bidding Process for contractors in the City of
Dover.
On August 26, 2013, I attended the Legislative Finance Administration Committee Meeting and read the 2013 –
DHRC Resolution on Cessation of Illegal Gang Activity in Dover, Delaware. The Legislative Finance and
Administration Committee voted unanimously to accept and forward the resolution to City Council for final
approval.
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Also that night I spoke with Donna Mitchell, City Controller about plans for a future workshop on “Best Practices for
Being Awarded City Bids for Contractors in the Procurement Process”.
On August 26, 2013, I was introduced to the Vice-Chair of the State Human Relations Commission, Mrs. Gail Lunay
by 4th District Councilman Reverend Wallace Dixon. Mrs. Lunay expressed that “she would be more than willing
and available to assist us in our new transition of mission statement and duties if needed and was looking forward
to working closer with the DHRC”.
That will conclude the Chair’s Report for August 2013.
6. Committee Report:
a. School Programs
Commissioner Wasfi – informed the Commission that she made arrangements with the Dover Public Library
to use one of their rooms for a tentative Study Circle for the Commission for September 21, 2013 at 10am.
b. Community Programs:
Vice Chair Dawn Allen-Pyne – not present to report at this time.
c. Assessment:
Commissioner Edamatsu – nothing to report at this time.
d. Intake Forms:
Commissioner Brewington – requested to meet with the Chairman Sudler to go over procedures.
7. New Business:
a. Discussion – DHRC Response to Legislative, Finance and Administration Committee Report – July 22, 2013
– Proposed Amendments to Chapter 58 – Human Relations Commission
Chairman Sudler suggested if the Commissioners can attend the Legislative Finance Administration
Committee Meetings to go.
Commissioner Wasfi made the following presentation on July 22, 2013 at the Legislative Finance
Administration Committee Meeting and again before the Mayor on August 12, 2013:
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8. Scheduling of Future Meetings:
Next DHRC Meeting Scheduled: September 25, 2013 @ 7pm at Dover City Hall
a. Special Forum - Monitor and Review of Community and Student Reports on Alleged/Potential Hate Crime
Activity in the City of Dover and Surrounding Areas
Chairman Sudler has notes on why hate crimes should be reported. This information can be used for a Hate
Crime Survey/Inquiry.
A Special Hate Crime Forum will be scheduled for the first Thursday in November 2013 at City Hall
Chambers. We will invite DSU, Police Chief, ACLU, Latino Community, and the NAACP. Commissioner Wasfi
was asked to help with general publicity in Dover Post and Comcast.
b. Special Workshop – Finance Department Review of the City of Dover Purchasing Policy
9. Announcements:
Commissioner Wasfi reported that the League of Women Voters will be sponsoring a meeting on the Sea Level Rise
and how this will affect Delaware at the Episcopal Church on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 7pm.
Chairman Sudler reported that on October 17-20th he will be in Sacramento, California with N ’Call regarding inter
city planning on Kirkwood Street.
Chairman Sudler also shared that he will be celebrating his 40th birthday on September 28, 2013.
10. Adjournment : Chairman Sudler asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting:
Commissioner Wasfi motioned we adjourned the meeting
Dr. Edamatsu second
The meeting adjourned 9:00pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Belinda Talton
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Chairman’s Report DHRC
Roy Sudler, Jr.
September 25, 2013
*************************************************************************
I Roy Sudler, Jr., Chairman of the Dover Human Relations Commission now call to order on this
day September 25, 2013 @ approximately ________________________p.m. The Dover Human
Relations Commission Business Meeting. Madam Talton please call the roll
*************************************************************************
X = Not Present
1). Ellen O. Wasfi________________ 2). Dr.Hackett________________
3). Dawn Allen Pyne ___________ 4). Dr. Edamatsu___________
5). Justina Brewington____ 6). Faye D. White______________
7). Roy Sudler, Jr. Chairman______
2). Moment of Silence: -------------.
3). Adoption of minutes
4). Comments/Presentations from Members of the Community--------
5). Chair’s Report (Sudler)
On September 9, 2013, I attended the City Council Meeting to hear the approval or disapproval of
the 2013 – DHRC Resolution on Cessation of Illegal Gang Activity in Dover, Delaware.
City Council voted unanimously to accept the DHRC Resolution on Cessation of Illegal Gang
Activity in Dover, Delaware.
On September 17, 2013, I was contacted by a Dover Resident who was very upset and concerned
for Mr. Antonio Barlow who allegedly was arrested by the Dover Police Department and allegedly a
victim of bias motivated police brutality according to his testimony of events that took place that
evening. [Please see pictures and video statement on page 2.]
1.
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Chairman’s Report DHRC
Roy Sudler, Jr.
WP_20130917_003. WP_20130917_013.
mp4 mp4
Video Coverage Video Coverage
Antonio Barlow standing with Pastor Gordon at Dover Police Department
[Protest @ Dover Police Department 12:20 p.m.]
Supporters of Antonio Barlow and other alleged victims of racially motivated violence
and police brutality claim against Dover Police Department.
[Protest @ City Hall 1:22 p.m.]
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Chairman’s Report DHRC
Roy Sudler, Jr.
Residents of Dover expressing their opinion about Dover, Delaware
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Chairman’s Report DHRC
Roy Sudler, Jr.
Supporters Praying for Antonio Barlow and other alleged victims of police brutality
in Dover, Delaware.
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Chairman’s Report DHRC
Roy Sudler, Jr.
That will conclude Chair- Sudler’s Report for August 2013.
6. Committee Reports:
A). School Programs Chair Report: Commissioner Ellen O. Wasfi
B). Community Programs Chair Report: Commissioner Dawn Allen-Pyne
C). Assessment Chair Report: Commissioner Dr. Phyllis Edamatsu
D). Intake Chairs Report: Commissioner Ms. Justina Brewington
7. Unfinished Business:
A). Discussion on future date for a workshop with the City of Dover’s Finance Department on Best
Practices for being awarded City Bid Proposals in the Procurement Process for the City of
Dover
8. New Business:
A. Letter to Councilman James Hutchison, Sr. – Dialogue on Ideas, Opinions and Concerns
for DHRC future
9). Scheduling of Next Regular Meeting:
10). Announcements:
11). Adjournment Scheduled for 9 p.m.: The meeting was adjourned at _______p.m.
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SAMPLE OF LETTER TO COUNCILMAN JAMES HUTCHISON, SR.
September 19, 2013
*******************************************************************************
Dear Councilman James Hutchison Sr.:
On August 26, 2013, at City Council Meeting, Dover Human Relation’s Commissioner Ellen O.
Wasfi along with DHRC Chairman Roy Sudler, Jr., asked you if you would be willing to discuss
with DHRC some of your concerns and views concerning the future mandate of the Dover Human
Relations Commission and how the commission can be even better than how it has been
functioning since its conception.
The Commission is eager to hear your opinion and looks forward to working with the City Council
and Mayor.
Please contact the City’s Clerk Office upon your earliest convenience if you are still interested in
meeting with DHRC on October 23, 2013.
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Roy Sudler, Jr.
Dover Human Relations Commission - DHRC