Minutes

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 a 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, Thursday, 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. 1

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. Chairman Sudler asked how people are with mental issues handled 2

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. 3

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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. 5. Public Comments: 12

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 13