2022-02-23 Downtown Dover Partnership Board Meeting Packet

Sf k, DOWNTOWN y = f PARTNERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 7:30 AM AGENDA ZOOM: https://usO6web.zoom.us/j/87185621654 Meeting ID: 871 8562 1654 Welcome Agenda Minutes (January 2022) Police report — Officer Aviles Executive Session i Executive Committee/Staff Updates i. Property Updates — 108 W. Loockerman ii. Annual report iii. | Board nominations iv. Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan Legislative Updates i. Senator Trey Paradee City Updates i. Mayor ii. City Council ii. City Manager iv. Planning Director Other Reports i. Delaware State University ii. Kent County Tourism 10. Other Business 11. Public Comment 12. Adjourn Agenda items as listed may not be considered in sequence. Pursuant to 29 DEL. C. 10004(e)(2), this agenda is subject to change to include the addition or deletion of items, including executive sessions, which arise at the time of the meeting. Next DDP board meeting: Wednesday, March 23, 7:30 a.m. via Zoom Downtown Dover Partnership Board Meeting Agenda February 23, 2022

<f lk, DOWNTOWN y = f PARTNERSHIP Scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: DDP Board Meeting Time: Feb 23, 2022 07:30 AM Mar 23, 2022 07:30 AM Apr 27, 2022 07:30 AM May 25, 2022 07:30 AM Jun 22, 2022 07:30 AM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Monthly: https://usO6web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMsf- yurDosH9DU8rqYrYrGpYycBnivrOPs/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGvrzMvHNaUthyDRpwEBYqgZ- 7zpn5dgvp5qUf3EhIBWxHRJttbMZBxGc7C Join Zoom Meeting https://usO6web.zoom.us/j/87185621654 Meeting ID: 871 8562 1654 One tap mobile +13126266799,,87185621654# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,87185621654# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 871 8562 1654 Find your local number: https://usO6web.zoom.us/u/kcBUPJSAZy Downtown Dover Partnership Board Meeting Agenda February 23, 2022

—f k DOWNTOWN py. pOOVE = PARTNERSHIP MINUTES January 26, 2022 Board Meeting via Zoom at 7:30 a. m. DRAFT BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF: Codi Canasa, Councilman Fred Neil, Todd Stonesifer, Carla Wilson, Councilman Ralph Taylor, John Van Gorp, Kim Adams, Dave Hugg, Pete Bradley, Johnathan Street, Dawn Melson-Williams, Linda Parkowski, Dr. Michael Casson, Diane Laird, Tina Bradbury, Jordan Resh, COMMITTEE CHAIRS, PRESENTERS, AND OTHER ATTENDEES: Katie Tabeling (Press), Dina Vendetti (CDCC Marketing), Bobby Wilson Call to Order: Chair Todd Stonesifer opened the meeting at 7:32 a.m. Councilman Neil motioned to accept the agenda, with the amendment that the Board will go into Executive Session after a police update. Street seconded the motion, and the group unanimously approved the amended agenda. Councilman Neil motioned to approve the December minutes. Canasa seconded the motion, and the Board voted unanimously to approve. Police Report Officer Aviles from Dover Community Police Department was not able attend the meeting. Laird shared that the crime statistics for the last three months were low, and that an update will be provided at the following Board meeting. Executive Session Councilman Neil motioned to end the Executive Session. Street seconded the motion, and the Board voted unanimously to approve. No vote required. Executive Committee Interfaith Mission for Housing Laird shared that the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (DIMH)’s lease ended on December 31, 2021, and that they are currently on a month-to-month lease with the DDP. The DIMH is in the process of relocating to a lot of a former car dealership on the corner of Division St and Queen St. Councilman Taylor shared that the DIMH’s mission is to help people, but that in the past, the community has not responded well to the idea of having a shelter in their neighborhoods. Councilman Taylor researched a potential new location for DIMH — the impound lot next to the Dover Police Department in Downtown Dover — in the event that the Division St location is rejected by the community. Councilman Taylor added that the impound lot location is close to medical, transportation, and social services... Councilman Neil noted that the impound lot was a high-cost investment from the City of Dover to protect impounded cars from vandalism. Additionally, Councilman Neil expressed a concern that having the shelter DRAFT January 26, 2022 — DDP Board Meeting {

next to the DPD removes the “buffer” that protects the DPD from surrounding crime risks. Councilman Neil said that he did not agree that the impound lot was the best fit for DIMH, and added that the priority is to have DIMH in a permanent location. Street asked if City Council would again review the site. Melson-Williams responded that the former car dealership location is zoned to act as an emergency shelter, and reviews moving forward would come from the City Planning Commission instead of the City Council. Strategic Master Plan Stonesifer shared that the contracts for Mosaic are signed, and that meetings will start soon with the DDP to begin the Strategic Master Planning process. Stonesifer shared that he believes a PR campaign running parallel to the Master Planning process would be useful to promote Mosaic’s/DDP’s efforts. Parkowski asked if Mosaic was planning PR as well, as part of their work. Stonesifer responded that the PR from Mosaic is primarily public engagement to hear community feedback, rather than promotional materials to generate excitement over the project. City Updates Councilman Taylor shared that the City Council is working on a city ordinance for loitering. Councilman Taylor asked Laird to share with the board members a presentation he created with the DDP Board, particularly addressing the old Dover Post Office as the potential site of a luxury hotel to compliment Bayhealth, DSU, and other nearby locations. Councilman Taylor shared hope that strategic plans throughout the downtown Dover area — such as the DDP’s, Bayhealth’s, and DSU’s - can be coordinated with one another. Councilman Taylor also shared a vision for a police substation behind the DDP office to deter crime around the liquor store on Bradford St. Hugg thanked Councilman Taylor for the presentation and shared that the city has been busy with business development plans, but none to share at the moment. Melson-Williams shared that the city has distributed public occupancy permits with the changes implemented by the Council in November. Melson-Williams also shared that they are managing ARPA funds and have published a grant application for non-profit organizations. Bayhealth Van Gorp shared that the Covid census is going down and that he is hopeful that cases are dropping. He added that the hospital is still heavily occupied and noted people who deferred receiving healthcare for non- Covid medical needs are now occupying a larger percentage of the hospital. DSU Dr. Casson had no updates to report, and Stonesifer noted that meetings with DSU are scheduled to occur in February. Kent County Tourism Bradley shared that as of January 19, 2022, $1.4 million was approved for small business grants to 88 different applicants, and $500,00 were approved for hospitality grants to 12 applicants. Bradley encouraged qualifying businesses to apply for the grants and added that staff is available to assist with any concerns. Parkowski asked if there were posts available for social media, and Vendetti offered to send a copy of DRAFT January 26, 2022 — DDP Board Meeting 2

existing promotional materials. Kent Economic Development Parkowski shared that Kent Economic Development has a lot of projects going on, but that there were no updates to report to at the time. Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce Vendetti shared that the CDCC is working with Downtown merchants to assist in grant applications. Vendetti shared that the Merchant Committee meeting on January 27" will hold a “Think Tank” to discuss new ideas for promotions related to the DDP Merchant Committee’s Capital Key program to recruit visitors to downtown Dover. Public Comment No public comments were provided. Call to Adjourn: Councilman Neil motioned to adjourn the meeting and Street seconded. The Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:55 a.m. JR/DJL DRAFT January 26, 2022 — DDP Board Meeting 3

\ DOWNTOWN PDOVER eo PARTNERSHIP Annual Report The Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) board, committees and staff have consistently worked toward betterment of downtown in a variety of meaningful ways in 2021, amidst the ongoing world-wide COVID pandemic. Two significant catalyst projects reached fruition: Development of a comprehensive parking solution and selection of a vendor to lead grassroots development of a master plan for downtown Dover. Strong public outreach and engagement are integral to these and all activities of this grassroots-driven non-profit organization. Notably, our loyal volunteers invested over 1500 hours with the DDP, resulting in an unprecedented dollar value of $45,000! It would be disingenuous to suggest that downtown has not endured its share of challenges, and even loss, due to COVID-related issues. A net loss of two businesses occurred in 2021, and many of Dover’s small businesses continue to face significant sustainability issues. Through DDP’s and partnering small business entities’ support, many merchants have taken advantage of loans, grants, incentives, and other means of assistance to buoy them. The DDP will continue to act as a “one-stop-shop” small business resource partner in the coming year, even expanding its loan/grant offerings with two new programs: a small business revolving loan fund and a retention/expansion assistance program. As we move into this new year, ourprogress of 2021 will result in exciting outcomes for 2022! The DDP has just launched the eight-month development of “The Dover 2030 Plan,” a strategic master plan that will be a catalyst to transform downtown Dover and the related “priority redevelopment area” over the next eight years. In its fourteen- year history, this may be the single most significant project that the DDP has taken the responsibility to lead. Not surprisingly, DDP will be expanding capacity to reach the audiences and garner the buy-in of those both within and beyond the Dover community, including public and private entities/agencies, non-profits, future residents, developers and investors that will aggressively and seamlessly help DDP move into actual implementation by late 2022. Diane Laird, Executive Director op Eat Explore and Repeat in Downtown Dover! Our vision for Downtown Dover... An increasingly vibrant and thriving downtown. A regional destination. People of all ages will fill downtown to visit museums and cultural attractions, have a nice meal, shop at unique retail stores, and enjoy numerous, varied and playful things to do, both inside and outdoors. ’s happening downtown! She) Standstill by Siobhan Duggan, Paint Dover! 2021 Our Mission The Downtown Dover Partnership is committed to driving an improved quality of life for the residents and visitors of Dover, Delaware, through collective collaboration, economic development and promotion of downtown Dover's unique historic properties. MAIN STREET AMERICA 2021 Accredited | | SS

ECONOMIC VITALITY ] |» REVOLVING LOAN FUND established e REAP created (Retention Expansion Assistance Program ) , yn BUSINESSES ASSISTED—2021 Ethnicity African American 33 Caucasion 16 Indian 1 EBT access enabled by DDP = $986.25 in sales Artisan Market! Gender Female 33 Male 21 DESIGN Disadvantaged Small Businesses Veteran 3 DDP INVESTMENT OF an isabled 2 $39,685 Minority spurred 13 IMPROVEMENTS Focus of Assistance SBA/EDGE/Other 7 Facades—4 Facade/Signage/Architectural 18 Downtown Development Districts 12 Introductory conversations 16 Seeking downtown location 26 Last Minute Shoppers Pop Up 14 Loans/Grants/other resources Landscaping/fencing—2 Canopies/Awnings—2 Signage/Other—5 LEVERAGED $40,000+ PRIVATE INVESTMENT 20 Third Annual! a © 154 RETURNING MUSICIANS Sa ver! ATTENDEES te sa a 8 - Special Event 3 YEARS NEW MUSICIANS 24 PAINTERS at the , Amidst a $1,200 SCHWARTZ ‘ > world pandemic! re Jd} ARTWORK SALES CENTER Preparing transition... 246 VIEWS—VIRTUAL EXHIBITION MARKETING & PROMOTIONS IMPLEMENTED EVENTS AND PARTNERED ON OTHERS - CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2021: Capital City Farmer’s Market —First Friday’s —Small Business Saturday — Capital City Holiday 7, 141 FOLLOWERS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS o The Cendel Foundation, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, City of Dover (Finance, Mayor’s 13 % INCREASE Office, Planning, Police, Public Works), Delaware Division of Arts (DDOA), Delaware State Housing Over 2020 Authority, Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College, Destination Downtown Dover (D3), Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing, Greater Kent Committee, Office of State Planning Coordination, Small Business Development Center, True Access Capital, Wilmington University BOARD MEMBERSHIPS OR COMMITTEE POSITIONS HELD City of Dover Economic Development, Dover Days Celebration Committee, the HELP Initiative, Inc., Kent County Tourism, NCALL/Unlock the Block (Steering Committee)

MERCHANTS With the goal of having the most beautiful merchant windows in the region, year-’round window contests are a way to beautify downtown by using the creative | energy and talent of merchants, engage shoppers, Unlock value shopping! | &> Capital Key fd E and engage judges from the community—many of 136 whom are newcomers to the area. Merchant winners REGISTERED USERS received a “traveling trophy” for three months and 1 $100—all lending to friendly competition among ‘ PARTICIPATING Cowmtown busilesses: Mitten & Winters First Place! Expansion planned 2022! PARKING & SAFETY V— COMPREHENSIVE DOWNTOWN y= SAFETY WORKING GROUP ne PARKING SOLUTION CREATED = RE-ACTIVATED = AA e Public process to create the solution PARK ¢ Security camera testing for widespread merchant use e Integration into Downtown Dover Master Plan 2022 ¢ Collaboration increasing with city partners ORGANIZATION ene $109,150 an STAFF DEVELOPMENT e Professional Downtown Manager Certification underway by (1)DDP staff GRANTS, SPONSORSHIPS, IN-KIND & DONATIONS RECEIVED* 1569 *Including those made to Crime prevention Through Environ- VOLUNTEER HOURS 501 c/3 Main Street Dover mental Design (CPTED) $44,799.24 am Certification underway by (1)DDP staff VALUE OF e Kent Economic Summit re Annual planning committee 2021 https://independentsector.org | Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan Most notably in 2021, representatives of the Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP), working in concert with the City of Dover and multiple public and non-profit agencies, led extensive an extensive Request for Proposal (RFP), review, and selection process to find the most qualified vendor to work with the Dover community to develop a strategic master plan for the heart of Dover, to include the downtown business district and closely surrounding neighborhood area. Mosaic Development Partners of Philadelphia, PA, an experienced, dynamic, and diverse professional planning consult- ant team has been hired to lead the effort. Additional firms specialized in market research, architecture/planning, transportation and community engagement round out the Mosaic Team, each carefully selected for the Dover project. The process to develop the Downtown Dover Strategic Master Plan will invite grassroots input by engaging the com- munity and will include implementation and investment strategies to guide redevelopment and reinvestment in down- town Dover, with the goal of bringing this vital core of commerce and housing to its highest and best potential by a target date of the year 2030.

\ DOWNTOWN POOVER “es PARTNERSHIP On the horizon! e Finalize development Downtown Dover Master Plan and begin implementation October 2022 e Ensure merchant stability/access to funds and business recruitment through Business Retention/ Enhancement (REAP) and Revolving Loan Fund programs. e Continue to work collaboratively with downtown partners to address downtown vagrancy issues e Continue collaboration with Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (DIMH) to secure new location e Continue monthly collaborations with DSU Downtown officials to implement two significant projects e Open the Schwartz Center for two events in 2022 e Finalize CPTED* training and Professional Downtown Manager Certification *Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Thank yo The Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) values the solid financial and philosophical support of the City of Dover Mayor and City Council, as well as that of the Dover delegates to the State Legislature. The DDP Leadership extends appreciation to key partners, including those listed within this report and so many who are unnamed herein, who inform and carry out the strategies, events, and activities of this organization — a public-private partnership in its truest and finest sense. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Todd Stonesifer, President Codi Canasa Dawn Melson, Acting City Planner John Van Gorp, Vice President Dr. Michael Casson Maxine Lewis* Jonathan Street, Secretary Mayor Robin Christiansen Councilman Fred Neil Pete Bradley, Treasurer Robert Clark* Linda Parkowski Alan Grinstead** Senator Trey Paradee BOARD MEMBERS Mike Harrington* Councilman Ralph Taylor Kim Adams Matt Harline, Acting City Manager** Carla Wilson Representative Bill Bush David Hugg, Acting City Manager * Served through June 30, 2021 STAFF ** Served through October 2021 Diane Laird, Executive Director Tina Bradbury, Operations Manager Jordan Resh, Office Administrator ASSETS / BALANCE SHEET “Cash and investments Land & Buildings, Equipment, Accum Deprec. TOTAL ASSETS Leases/Sales Contracts, Notes Payable 101 W. Loockerman St TOTAL LIABILITIES Suite 1-A Dover, DE 19904 302-678-2940 DowntownDover.com Invested: Land/Buildings, Unreserved FUND BALANCES 3,103,575 TOTAL LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCES