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DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION AGENDA JULY 24, 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. Regular Meeting of May 22, 2013 B. Regular Meeting of June 26, 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. Unfinished Business A. Formation of Grant Ad-Hoc Committee B. Formation of Resolution Ad-Hoc Committee 8. New Business A. Monitor and Review of Community and Student Reports on Alleged/Potential Hate Crime Activity in the City of Dover and Surrounding Areas 9. Scheduling of the Next Regular Meeting 10. Announcements 11. Adjournment /dd S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS\Misc-Agendas\HUMAN RELATIONS\2013\07-24-2013 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.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES OF May 22, 2013 CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, DOVER Present: Chairman, Roy Sudler, Jr., Vice Chair, Dawn Allen-Pyne, Commissioner Ellen O. Wasfi, Dr. Linda Hackett, Commissioner Justina H. Brewington, Commissioner Faye Della White and Dr. Edamatsu. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call: Chairman, Roy Sudler, Jr. called the Dover Human Relations Commission Meeting to order on this day, Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 7:04 p.m. 2. Approval of Agenda: Chairman Sudler ask for a motion to accept the Agenda Commissioner Wasfi motioned to accept Agenda Commissioner White second. Motion carried. 3. Moment of Silence: was observed. 4. Adoption of Minutes from March 27, 2013 DHRC Meeting Chairman Sudler: asked for a motion to accept the minutes with the necessary corrections. Commissioner White motioned to accept the minutes with the necessary corrections. Dr. Edamatsu second. Motion carried. 5. Comments/Presentations from Members of the Community: Community Member Comments: Mr. Bobby Wilson a resident of Dover, Delaware 1561 Nathaniel Mitchell Road approached the podium to share some comments he had regarding a recent City Planning Meeting he attended. He stated that at this meeting he attempted to express his concern about how the minority communities in Dover, Delaware, whose residents are consumers, are not being able to participate in the economic development process in the City of Dover. He stated that he was told that this particular meeting was not the time to express his concerns. He asked what time was appropriate and stated that he was not given a reply as to what time would be appropriate to express his concerns. Mr. Wilson also expressed his concerns about African Americans in the community not being considered for hire when it comes to the higher paying job opportunities that comes into the Dover area. Mr. Wilson also commented on how few African American Contractors get the opportunity to work on major projects in the City of Dover. He explained how the new minorities who are getting these contracts are white women. Dr. Edamatsu asked Mr. Wilson was he documenting who received and did not receive City of Dover contracts. Mr. Wilson mentioned that he sought out students from Delaware State University to serve as interns to help gather this documentation and was told that there will be a cost. Mr. Wilson also shared his desire to have a better Supply and Diversity Program in the City of Dover. Mr. Wilson compared Baltimore Maryland’s Supply and Diversity Program to Dover’s and noted that Dover would benefit in having someone from the Supply and Diversity Program in Baltimore, Maryland to come to Dover to share how the program is carried out successfully in their city. Mr. Wilson would like to hold a Supply and Diversity Forum in the City of Dover where he can invite representatives from Maryland’s Supply and Diversity Program to present. 1

Dr. Hackett suggested to Mr. Wilson that he may want to reach out to churches, fraternities and sororities and develop a coalition. Commissioner Wasfi explained to Mr. Wilson that by providing a collective voice instead of an individual voice he would have greater impact. Mr. Wilson stated that he would like to get organizations such as the NAACP and IMA involved. Mr. Wilson asked if Dover Human Relation Commission would like to hold a Supply and Diversity Forum. Chairman Sudler stated that he would be interested in holding such a forum but the Commissioners would have to discuss, review and vote on having such a forum. Chairman Sudler invited Mr. Wilson and the group he will be gathering to our next meeting. Mr. Wilson’s final comment was regarding his desire for businesses in the west end of Lockman Street being included in the flag distribution to merchants for Old Dover Days. Community Member Presentation: Bishop Gregory Gordon, Sr. of My Brethren’s Ministries approached the podium and commented on the previous comment made by Mr. Wilson in regards to the NAACP. Bishop Gordon informed the Commission that the NAACP is working on economic development and Supply and Diversity. They presently have a group of 30. In working in this area they have found that there are many contractors without insurance. If the contractors would consider combining efforts this issue can be addressed but thee the contractors would have to join the NAACP. Bishop Gordon presented the following presentation packet to the Commissioners regarding a Merchants Festival he will be having on Lockerman Street in June. Bishop Gordon offered an opportunity to purchase a table for $10.00 for those who are interested in helping defray the cost of the event. He also extended an invitation to the Commissioners and their friends to come out to the Merchants Festival being help on June 15, 2013. 2

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6. Chair’s Report: That concluded the Chair’s report. 9

7. Committee Report: a. School Programs Commissioner Wasfi – ask if the Commission would like to do an in house study circle being that we recognized we are not as diverse as we would like for a Study Circle. It was suggested that the Commission open the Study Circle up to others to make it more diverse. Dr. Edamatsu stated that she will not be able to participate in the Study Circle Project this time due to a scheduled surgery. Commissioner White asked if the Study Circle can take place in the fall Commissioner Wasfi would like to see Dr. Edamatsu take part of this Study Circle and will look into setting up a schedule for the Commissioners to review for scheduling in order to start the Study Circle in the middle of September. b. Community Programs Commissioner Dawn Allen-Pyne – will contact Bible Way Church regarding the Commission holding a meeting there. Chairman Sudler asked for a motion to suspend Item numbers 7c-9 until our next meeting due to lack of time. Dr. Edamatsu motioned Vice Chair Allen-Pyne – second Motion carried c. Assessment: suspended until our next meeting d. Intake Forms: suspended until our next meeting 8. Unfinished Business: a. Formation of an Ad Hoc Committee for Grant Proposal – suspended until our next meeting. b. Formation of an Ad Hoc Committee for Resolution Proposal – suspended until our next meeting. 9. New Business: a. Community Advocacy Initiative 10. Scheduling of Future Meeting: June 26, 2013 @ 7pm at Bible Way Next Special Outreach Meeting Covering New Ordinances: June 11, 2013 at City Hall Commissioner White asked if this special meeting is going to be advertised in the newspaper. Chairman Sudler gave all the Commissioners the go ahead to advertise this upcoming meeting. 11. Member’s Announcements: 12. Adjournment : Commissioner Sudler asked for motion to adjourn the meeting Commissioner White made motion for the meeting to be adjourned Vice Chair, Dawn Allen-Pyne second. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:30pm Respectfully Submitted, Belinda Talton 10

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 26, 2013 CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, DOVER Present: Chairman, Roy Sudler, Jr., Ellen O. Wasfi, Vice Chair, Dawn Allen-Pyne, Justina H. Brewington and Faye D. White Absent: Dr. Linda Hackett and Dr. Phylis Edamatsu 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 26, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. 2. Moment of Silence: was observed. 3. Adoption of Minutes Chairman Sudler asked for a motion to accept the Minutes of June 27, 2012 Commissioner White motioned to accept the Minutes of June 27, 2012 with the proper corrections. Commissioner Allen-Pyne second. Motioned carried. Chairman Sudler asked for a motion to accept the Minutes of April 24, 2013. Commissioner Allen-Pyne motioned to accept the Minutes of April 24, 2013 with the proper corrections. Commissioner White second. Motioned carried. 4. Comments/Presentations from Members of the Community: Mr. Bill Washington of 8 Shue Street, Dover, Delaware stood proxy with an intake form in hand to submit for 73 year old Ms. Betsy Williams’s a grandmother, guardian and resident at 326 W. Division Street, Dover, Delaware for the past 17 years. Mr. Washington stated that last Monday, June 24, 2013 Ms. Williams came home to find a condemn notice tacked on her door giving her 7 days to vacate her apartment unit having nowhere to go. Mr. Washington stated that the reason her apartment unit is being condemned is because it is connected to a store that is housed within the same building that is being condemned. The notification she received last Monday was the first notification received. It was reported that she is a recipient of Section 8 under the Delaware State Housing Authority and her apartment just recently passed inspection. Commissioner White: stated that the Landlord of the property Joe Burton should be contacted for clarification. Commissioner Brewington: stated the Delaware State Housing Authority should be notified. Chairman Sudler: asked if Ms. Williams receive a certified letter asking her to vacate. Mr. Washington stated that the notice she received on her door is the only notice Ms. Williams has received. 1

Chairman Sudler: asked what type of relief is Ms. William’s seeking. Mr. Washington stated that Ms. Williams is requesting more time to vacate the property. She will need approximately sixty days to relocate. Commissioner Wasfi: wanted to know if there was a disconnection of communication with the City of Dover who condemned the property and the State Housing Authority who just inspected and approved the apartment unit in the property? Chairman Sudler: stated that it could be an issue with the store which is being used for storage and the apartment units which are attached. The Landlord may want to look to get a permit to use the store for storage. Mr. Washington feels that this building is being condemned all of a sudden after the store has been used for storage for the past 10 years. The Landlord feels he is being targeted after passing inspection and making repairs that this is being done because the City wants this particular property. Commissioner Wasfi: stated that being that we have a time element here with the tenant having to be out of the property in 7 days that the Housing Authority needs to be notified immediately and a call put in to the Department of Planning to find out why Ms. William’s apartment is being condemned when it just passed inspection. She also stated that the Housing Authority should intervene on behalf of the tenants in this hardship and suggests a letter be sent as a paper trail. Chairman Sudler: asked if there was anything Mr. Washington would like the Commission to do in this matter? Mr. Washington asked for an extension on the 7 days to give the tenant time to relocate. Judy Blue of Dover, Delaware approached the podium with a comment in regards to Ms. Williams’s situation of sudden homelessness and feels that the Commission should intervene. She also believes that Delaware State Housing should provide housing for Ms. Williams. Ms. Blue stated that she believes that the City wants this property for Wesley College and that is why it is being condemned. Chairman Sudler stated that the Delaware State Housing Authority will be contacted. Commissioner White: Motioned that the Commission should advise Council of our intent, call and send a certified letter within 24 to Delaware State Housing Authority as well as carbon copy the Dover Housing Authority, Dover City Planning and Zoning along with the Landlord of the property in question. Commissioner Wasfi: Second Commissioner Allen-Pyne suggested with Carbon Copy City Planning and Zoning and the Landlord of the property in question. Motion carried. Commissioner Sudler thanked Mr. Washington and Ms. Blue for coming out and presenting. 5. Chair’s Report: Chairman Sudler submitted a DHRC Response to Action Form Packet to each Commissioner for review. This packet includes the actions, duties and purpose of the Commission. The highlighted areas on the form reflect the concerns 2

and issues of our action. The packet explains our relevance and how we are fulfilling our duties. (Please see attached DHRC Response to Action Form Packet) Chairman Sudler resubmitted to the Commission the complaint forms that were submitted by Eshed Austin on June 24, 2013. The complaint forms will be included in the minutes and submitted to the Intake Chair. Today at 2:30pm Chair spoke to Ann Marie Townsend regarding getting policies and rules and regulation on the City’s bidding process. This meeting took place as a result of the complaint received by Bobby Wilson at our last meeting. The City would like to look into partnering with minority contractors. We are looking forward to a workshop for minority contractors on how to pursue city contracts. That Concludes the Chair’s Report. 6. Committee Report: a. School Programs Commissioner Wasfi – informed the Commission that she has scheduled the Study Circle with the Dover Library for September 21 through October 19, 2013. The Commission will be responsible for set up and putting the room back as found after use. It was suggested that if the Commissioners knows someone who would be interested in participating in this Study Circle to give it a broader pool of participants to let Commissioner Wasfi know as she will also be looking. b. Community Programs: Commissioner Dawn Allen-Pyne – reported that she was not able to contact the church and will visit on Sunday. Chairman Sudler submitted Bishop Hoesey phone number to Vice-Chair Allen-Pyne. c. Assessment: Commissioner Edamatsu – not present to report at this time. d. Intake Forms: Commissioner Brewington reported she just received two intake forms tonight. 7. Unfinished Business: a. Review/Recommendation to Legislative, Finance and Administration Committee – Resolution/Funding – Cessation of Illegal Gang Formation in Dover Chairman Sudler asked for a motion to accept the Resolution for Cessation of Illegal Gang Formation in Dover with the proper adjustments. Commissioner Allen-Pyne motioned to accept the Resolution with the proper adjustments. 3

Commissioner White second. Motioned carried. b. Formation of an Ad Hoc Committee for Resolution Proposal c. Formation of an Ad Hoc Committee for Grant Proposal 8. New Business: a. Discussion – May 28, 2013 Legislative, Finance and Administration Committee Report – Proposed Amendments to Chapter 58 – Human Relations Commission Action Form Packet – By James Hutchinson and Prepared by City Clerk Chairman Sudler explained this packet includes recommended action section 58.3c and also expressed some concerns about the Commission meeting only when an intake form is submitted. A review of our Five Aims will also take place to see if the Commission is meeting its goal. Chairman Sudler asked for any comments from the Commissioners. Commissioner Wasfi: Stated that the community is aware that the Commission meets once a month and able to commit their concerns. We are an open forum and have to be accessible to the public. Commissioner Wasfi asked if there is a requirement to be a member of the National League of City Commissioner White: motioned that we invite Mr. James Hutchinson to come to a DHRC meeting to express his concerns. Commissioner Wasfi: motioned to put the invitation to Mr. James Hutchinson on the Agenda for our next meeting. Commissioner Allen-Pyne second Motion carried. 9. Scheduling of the Next Regular Meeting: July 24, 2013 @ 7pm at Dover City Hall 10. Announcements: No announcements made. 11. Adjournment : Commissioner Sudler adjourned the meeting at 9pm Respectfully Submitted, Belinda Talton 4