CCW Minutes REVISED

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE The Council Committee of the Whole met on June 14, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. with Council President Sudler presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Neil, Dr. Pillsbury, Mrs. Arndt, Mr. Rocha, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Hare. Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members present for their committee meetings were Mr. Tholstrup and Mr. Lewis (Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement) Mr. Contant, and Mr. Shevock (Legislative, Finance, and Administration). Mr. McCutcheon and Mr. Shelton (Utility) were absent. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried. PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee met with Chairwoman Arndt presiding. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously carried. Review of Active Recreation Area Plan - Dover Apartments on Leipsic Road (Planning Reference #S- 22-09) (Dawn Melson- Williams, Interim City Planner) Mrs. Dawn- Melson Williams, Interim City Planner, and K. James Taylor, Jr., Engineer, Verdantas, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the review of the Active Recreation Plan. Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Taylor stated the property was located on Leipsic Road across from the Home Depot. Mr. Neil request attention be paid the effect on the traffic the apartment complex will have on the rural road of Leipsic, Persimmon Tree Lane, Route 9, and particularly the Traffic chaos during NASCAR and Firefly, when access is blocked off from those roads to Route 13. Mr. Neil explained as someone who lives through that traffic nightmare, that in planning for these 216 apartments they must consider the roads and traffic pattern that will be strained under normal conditions and become a critical nightmare for area residents, including the apartment tenants, and event attendees during these two major Dover events each year. Mr. Neil requested the Planning Department to bring it to the attention of the Planning Commission and wants to see the results when it comes before for the Council for final approval. Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Taylor stated they are currently going through the Traffic Impact Study (TIS) process with DelDOT. Mr. Taylor stated the only intersection that was identified for them to study was the intersection of 13 and Leipsic Road, because most of the traffic, is not going to go right down Leipsic Road towards Persimmon Tree Lane. Most traffic will be going left towards Route 13. Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Taylor explained the recreation facilities are specifically for the residents of the apartments. Therefore, in design and planning the recreation amenities are located to the back of the property. Mr. Taylor further explained that the shared use path going around the outside property

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JUNE 14, 2022 PAGE 2 is to encourage spectators and participants of NASCAR and Firefly to walk around the property and not through. Responding to Mrs. Arndt, Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that a car wash station is the first time it has been offered as an amenity in new construction. Mrs. Melson-Williams stated she would be looking at the code to see if the car wash station could be counted as a recreational amenity. Mrs. Melson- Williams also mentioned, that if the car wash station does not count as a recreational amenity it will not affect the square footage by much because it is the size of a large parking space. Responding to Mr. Anderson Mr. Joe Dopsovic, Metropolitan Companies, explained the dog park will include waste stations, four benches, grass, and a dog wash station that is connected to the clubhouse. Mr. Dopsovic stated the properties will be maintained by the owners. Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Mr. Dopsovic explained that the dog park will be for residents only. Mr. Hare moved to recommend acceptance of Review of Active Recreation Area Plan - Dover Apartments on Leipsic Road (Planning Reference #S-22-09), as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried. Mayor and Council Reports Council President Sudler • Mr. Sudler attended the Dover Police Department’s Graduation on May 28, 2022. • Mr. Sudler attended a reflection and tribute regarding those individuals who lost family members to COVID – 19 on May 31, 2022, at Dover High School. • Mr. Sudler called the City Manager, Tina Bradbury, Councilman Anderson, and Representative Bennett to set up a meeting for June 9, 2022, with Delaware State University. At this meeting the attendees brainstormed ways to improve downtown and collectively go after federal funding. Mr. Sudler stated they also discussed mortgage assistance incentives, grants, housing graduates, and incentives for senior DSU administrators to buy downtown. Mr. Sudler state they discussed water and pipes in Dover. In the meeting they further discussed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and using DSU’s EPA certified lab to test the water and pursue federal funding. • Mr. Sudler attended the dedication of Safe Haven Parks on June 8, 2022. • Mr. Sudler attended a zoom meeting with Dr. Michelle Taylor and Councilman Rocha of United Way to discuss transformational leadership training, criteria for a new culture, installing governing workforce, and providing customer service to consumers. • Mr. Sudler grilled for a faith-based organization in downtown Dover on June 11, 2022. • Mr. Sudler also attended the Dover Fire Department’s Banquet. First District Dr. Pillsbury stated she attended a fire department event on May 18, 2022, and the Dover Airforce Base Air Show on May 21, 2022. Dr. Pillsbury stated she also attended events throughout the City on May 30, 2022, for Memorial Day. Dr. Pillsbury stated she received a complaint from a resident on Pebble Valley Road regarding a business being ran out to of a residential home and referred it to the Code Enforcement Supervisor. Mr. Rocha stated he attended at Mallard Pond with Sharon Duca, Assistant City Manager, Robin Eaton, Parks and Recreation Director, and Joshua Barth, Public Works Department to look at

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JUNE 14, 2022 PAGE 3 vegetation. Mr. Rocha explained they had received a complaint about vegetation impacting the view of the residents. Mr. Rocha stated he saw the vegetation is overgrowing however it was recommended not to remove the vegetation because it helps the pond with algae and storm water runoff. Mr. Rocha also noted the pond is near a park and children are in that area and if the vegetation is removed, they would need to secure the pond. Mr. Rocha also stated the signs were going up alerting truck drivers to not drive on Walker Road it is not a truck route. Mr. Rocha explained he received a call regarding flowers at development entrances, he spoke with Mr. Robin Eaton, Parks and Recreation Director who stated the city does not have the manpower to complete this task. Second District Mr. Hare stated he had received a complaint regarding a business being ran out of a home in Mayfair and would give the information to Mrs. Melson-Williams. Mr. Taylor stated he attended Dover Police Department Graduation, Downtown Dover Partnerships Safety Committee Meeting, Dover Airforce Base Air Show, Safe Haven Parks Event, Pride Festival, African American Festival, and Mount Zion Church to honor a new Bishop. Mr. Taylor expressed there were concerns in Woodbrook that the grass was being allowed to be grown in the back and had turned into a meadow. Mr. Taylor explained Ms. Duca was taking care of this issue. Mr. Taylor stated he received a complaint of tractor-trailers parking along the roadway of Webbs Lane and Post Boulevard. Third District Mrs. Arndt stated she attended the ride in Silence on May 18th in honor of cyclists killed or injured while riding their bicycles. Mrs. Arndt thanked Dover Police Department for escorting the cyclists at the event. Mrs. Arndt notes she had several constituent concerns however, none needed to be escalated to council. Mr. Neil stated he has been working with Mr. Boggerty, Mrs. Arndt, and NCALL to develop a renter’s rights program regarding an issue in the 300 block of Governors Avenue. Mr. Neil stated he had been working with Kings Cliff Trailer Park and Code Enforcement to bring the properties up to code. Mr. Neil stated he attended the Firefighters Night Out, Airshow, and Garrison Oak Business and Technology Park Event. Fourth District Mr. Anderson stated a 4th District Town Hall will be held on June 23, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Mr. Anderson noted, that at the neighborhood watch meetings, summer patrols were on the minds of constituents. Mr. Anderson stated that there is a request for a sign telling people not to block the alley or driveways in the unit block of North New Street and driveway blocking is not being enforced even when called in. Mr. Anderson noted bricks are missing in Loockerman Square Plaza around 32 West Loockerman Street and on North Governor’s Avenue from the unit block to 300. Mr. Anderson stated on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, there will be a walk-through to look at the infrastructure in the business district. Mr. Anderson also stated that July 23, 2022, will be an Anti- Opioid night—Stop the Triggers on New Street by Traci Palmer Ministries. Mr. Anderson stated four

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JUNE 14, 2022 PAGE 4 new restaurants and a couple of other businesses are on tap to open downtown this summer or in the case of La Hacienda has. One of the businesses destroyed by the fire is reopening Mr. Sudler stated he received a constituent complaint regarding traffic on Salisbury Road in front of Westminster. Mr. Sudler stated the constituent requested an extended turn lane to reduce traffic and tickets for driving on the shoulder. At – Large Mr. Boggerty stated on behalf of the City Council he attended the Celebration of Life for Bishop Nelson Lewis and along with Mayor Christiansen presented a Certificate of Recognition. Mr. Boggerty thanked everyone who participated in the Safe Haven Park Initiative. Mr. Boggerty stated he is working with the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) who would like to donate benches to the city parks. Mrs. Arndt moved for adjournment of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m. UTILITY COMMITTEE The Utility Committee met with Chairman Rocha presiding. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Boggerty moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried. Approval of NAES O&M Agreement for Van Sant Operations Mr. Paul Waddell, Electric Director, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the approval of NAES O&M Agreement for Van Sant Operations. Staff recommended approving the terms of the contract between the City of Dover and NAES. Mr. Hare moved to recommend approval of the terms of the contract between the City of Dover and NAES, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler. Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Waddell explained the lowest cost in transition risk is the risk of moving from one company to another. Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Waddell explained that EDART and EGATS are programs that function inside PJM which is the operator. Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Waddell stated that NAES has temporary staffing that the city has used in the past for the decommissioning work that had to be done on McKee Run Generating Station. Mr. Hare moved to recommend approval of the terms of the contract between the City of Dover and NAES, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JUNE 14, 2022 PAGE 5 Mrs. Rocha moved for adjournment of the Utilities Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m. LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE The Legislative, Finance and Administration Committee met with Chairman Anderson presiding. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Boggerty moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried. Presentation – Workforce Development – Jeremy McEntire, Assistant Director of Adult Education Mr. Jeremy McEntire, Assistant Director of POLYTECH Adult Education reviewed the presentation entitled Workforce Development and Registered Apprenticeship. Responding to Sudler, Mr. McEntire stated the number one complaint he gets from employers is they get there, and they do not know how to work. Mr. McEntire explained that is why the program has created entry-level courses to set expectations and teach entry-level information and skills. Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. McEntire stated the bus runs to the Woodside location, but it is not easy, it includes multiple bus exchanges, and does not run at night. Mr. McEntire has stated that he and other staff have given students a ride or some even walk. Mr. McEntire explained he has reached out to Dr. Cade, Capital School District Superintendent to partner with local businesses to try and get apprenticeships close to home. Mr. McEntire stated he has spoken with Legislatures, State Organizations, and Non-Profits regarding transportation being an issue. He said he does not know the answer but is open to all suggestions. Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. McEntire stated they have started a signing day event for POLYTECH High School students who have signed an apprenticeship contract. Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. McEntire stated they serve the homeless population through their adult high school, GED programs, adult basic education, ESL programs, and workforce programs. Request for Direction to Aid in Retention of Emergency Dispatchers (Chief Thomas Johnson, Dover Police Department, and Chief David Carey, Dover Fire Department) Chief Johnson stated the market continues to shift, and the competition for dispatchers has accelerated exponentially in recent weeks. Chief Johnson explained it is an issue of resources and salaries. Chief Johnson further explained he became aware that several of the members of his current Emergency Communications Center had begun to immediately explore other options that were being advertised in real-time. Chief Johnson stated the Police Department is the beginning of Dover's success, with their ability to provide safety and security. He is submitting to council that the glue that holds the Police Department together, all divisions, all sections, all units, and the first point of contact with stakeholder groups everywhere within the span of the greater Dover area is the 911 center. Chief Johnson explained they take the calls, they recognize situations, they communicate, and they make the rest of the organization go.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JUNE 14, 2022 PAGE 6 Chief Johnson stated he got down a path for a significant distance, but it had to stop on maybe crafting a solution because it became clear that there were significant legal and labor issues that had to be addressed. He stated the Police Department is not in an immediate crisis if Council does not do this. Chief Johnson requested through this informational session, that they start to come up with the framework of a plan that will inspire not only the confidence of a group of very dedicated employees that are in an immediate situation who have options but also at the same time, perhaps send that message farther and wider. Chief Johnson stated the last three individuals that attempted to orient and onboard the 911 communication center, all came from non-public safety backgrounds, could not make the transition, and all resigned within 8 to 10 weeks. Chief Johnson explained if the city is going to continue to build the communication center into a center that can handle the growing volume in the City of Dover as currently constructed and import the important matter of monitoring cameras to get into the business of proactively directing police resources, to areas before trouble has a chance to turn into felonies and injuries. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson explained there is a national shortage of dispatchers. Chief Johnson stated in the direct comparators in Delaware, that the City of Dover is $10,000 to $15,000 annually behind the curve on current salaries. Chief Johnson further explained the City of Newark is paying their dispatchers $53,000 a year with no healthcare contribution, and pension. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Carey stated over the past two years, the fire department has lost eight dispatchers, it's a revolving door. The main complaints are lack of compensation and lack of a pension. Chief Carey further explained the fire department just lost a very good dispatcher to Kent Center for $2 an hour more than what our starting rate is at Dover. Chief Carey explained the Fire Department is in a crisis they have a staff of three out of five. Chief Carey further explained fire dispatchers are currently working 24/48s, which means they're working 24 hours on, 48 hours off. Chief Carey stated they are working 66 hours a week, and do not get vacation unless they can find coverage for it. Chief Carey expressed that the fire dispatchers are dedicated employees that are there for the mission, and they need help financially and compensation throughout some sort of a retirement program better than what they have. Chief Carey stated this is not the first time trying to get the fire dispatcher’s pay increased. He explained when contract negotiations were open, he asked for a grade increase through the union and that did not happen. Chief Carey further explained he recently had a conversation with City Manager, Dave Hugg about fire dispatchers’ compensation, as well as part-time dispatchers, that are making $14 an hour that could go to another fire department and sleep all day, not take one run, and make $16 or $18 an hour. Chief Carey stated the fire dispatchers have not received that increase either, and it makes it very difficult to recruit dispatchers when there's a lack of compensation on the full-time and part- time side for us. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Carey stated the last time the police department t dispatchers were upgraded to a grade 18, which was about 15 years ago, the fire dispatchers weren't included. So, it's been several years since a pay increase was received.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JUNE 14, 2022 PAGE 7 Mr. Neil stated he is committed to both departments being able to receive a pay increase and hopes it would be parity. Mr. Neil stated he did not believe it is any question it has to be paid, because having an inexperienced dispatcher in either department could turn out to be a disaster for the city. Chief Johnson stated the onboarding process is the time a position is declared open, and they make their first advertisement, hiring, onboarding, training, and to the point where somebody working in the police department dispatch center, that is a minimum of an 18-month journey. Chief Johnson noted it is a long lead-in window to get somebody that'll stick and can be effective. Responding to Mr. Neil, Chief Johnson stated his understanding of unions is that the way the rules are set up, that the entire bargaining unit would have to ratify any decision that was made because the salary scale is incorporated by reference into the contract. Chief Johnson explained that even the leadership of the union, could negotiate something in good faith, but they would have to go back to the entire Dover Organization of Employees (DOE) Union for a vote on whether they were going to approve whatever package that the city would come up with. Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Hugg stated the city cannot go in and make a unilateral decision to affect one class of employees that are covered by the union. Mr. Hugg stated the city does have a significant financial issue in terms of timing and amounts, that must be considered as a part of the process. Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hugg stated that the closing balance of a fiscal year becomes the opening balance of the next fiscal year. That balance is subject to things like the 8% rule that must be set aside for reserves, and council was reluctant to make a change there. In the last set of discussions with the budget for next year, I would also remind council that you added additional positions that were not budgeted in the city manager’s proposal. Mr. Hugg explained a budget is constantly in flux, and as it gets to the end of a budget year, final bills, balances, and sometimes there are additional revenues. Mr. Hugg stated it is easier to deal with the financial impact if it is spread out over two periods, four periods, or monthly. Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Chief Carey stated it takes six to eight weeks to train a fire dispatcher. Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Chief Carey stated merging both departments would be detrimental to the Fire Department. Chief Carey explained the fire dispatchers handle more than just dispatching, they are the heartbeat of the fire department. Chief Carey further explained fire dispatchers have taken over a lot of management positions in the fire department over the past two years. They maintain personnel records for 213 members, as far as their training is concerned. They keep track of the inventory of 180 sets of gear and make sure they're National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) compliant, as well as the hose and aerial testing that are done on an annual basis. Responding to Mr. Taylor, Chief Johnson stated they could use the money allocated for the additional police officers for dispatchers. Chief Johnson stated he may not want to wait an entire year to fill the positions of the two new officers. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Carey stated fire dispatchers do their Emergency Fire Dispatch Training online and it costs $395 a person. Chief Carey stated that it would cost $900 in training to fill the vacant positions. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Matt Carey, the 911 supervisor for Dover Police Department stated it costs $365 to achieve an emergency police dispatch certification, which new hires are required to do within

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JUNE 14, 2022 PAGE 8 the first six months of their employment. The certification is recognized by the International Academy of Dispatch. The City of Dover Call Center is a 911 PSAP, which is a public safety answering point for the city of Dover. They receive all 911 calls, whether it be through the internet, landline, or cellular phone text messaging, that all come to the Dover Police Department. Mr. Carey stated to be fully staffed at 14 is great and hopefully have more in the future. However, if he loses his best 11, that is s cost he does not want to take. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Matthew Brown of the DOE Union gave the background of what has been going on from a Union standpoint. Mr. Brown stated Chief Johnson reached out to him last Thursday with some urgency. Mr. Brown explained that Chief Johnson sold him on the urgency and within a few hours, they had tried to figure out how to handle it. Mr. Brown stated he then reached out to DOE counsel to find out the next steps. Under the advice of counsel, they had to physically open the contract, they can limit it to certain things to open it for. Recognizing the need, within two hours Mr. Brown had convened the executive board, who can authorize to open the contract for that, which Mr. Hugg and a few other individuals received an email from the Union on Friday morning, offering to open the contract for the purpose of compensation of DOE employee unions, which include all the dispatchers fire and police. Mr. Brown stated he had other conversations between Chief Johnson, Chief Carey, and Mr. Hugg and believes there can be agreements made, which gives them immediate relief for what they may need to do, as well as a long-term plan for other items that may come up with compensation, whether it be pension or healthcare, whatever it may be. Mr. Brown explained at that point, their offer was on the table, they limited it to just the city and the union, under normal negotiations. Mr. Brown further explained if the city and union can't agree an arbitrator can be assigned, and we go to chancery court. Mr. Brown explained the DOE Union is not interested in going through all those steps. Mr. Brown stated he believes everybody has recognized the need for what is being discussed, and most of the union does as well. Mr. Brown further explained it is not his decision to make, he cannot authorize it, so once negotiations are complete, the Union could meet three or four days later, to ratify it and the City Council would ratify it as well. Mayor Christiansen stated the State Police Headquarters is closing its regional communication center in New Castle. Mayor Christiansen explained that the group will transfer to the Kent Center. Mayor Christiansen believes the city will be up against competition for dispatchers. Mayor Christiansen reminded members of council that Governor Carney has a pending budget at Legislative Hall that proposes substantial pay increases for all State of Delaware Employees. Mayor Christiansen also stated growing municipalities like Smyrna, Middletown, and Milford are far exceeding the City of Dover’s wages. Mayor Christiansen asked council to not only focus on the emergency requests but also to authorize the city manager to do a real pay study to grant equity to all City of Dover employees across the board. Mr. Hare stated he was in support of a pay study he did not agree with the last study that compared salaries in Annapolis, Frederick, or Anne Arundel County. Mr. Hare believes the pay should be comparable to Delaware.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JUNE 14, 2022 PAGE 9 Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Mr. Brown stated bonuses and pay increases fall under compensation in the DOE contract. Mr. Brown stated he believed they could make an agreement that satisfies the long- term needs of the many and the immediate needs of the few that are having issues today. Council President Sudler moved to recommend authorizing the City Manager to enter negotiations with DOE, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Hare, and Mayor Christiansen to negotiate compensation for the Emergency Dispatchers and to negotiate other DOE positions within 6 months at the discretion of the City Manager. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil, and unanimously carried. Mr. Rocha moved to recommend authorizing the City Manager to enter negotiations with America Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Hare, and Mayor Christiansen to negotiate compensation and classification of the Dispatch Supervisor. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil, and unanimously carried. Mrs. Anderson moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Mr. Sudler moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Roy Sudler, Jr. Council President RS/re