CCW and Attachments

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE The Council Committee of the Whole met on December 12, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. with Council President Hare presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Neil, Dr. Pillsbury, and Mr. Rocha. Ms. Arndt and Mr. Sudler were absent. Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members present for their Committee meetings were Mr. Tholstrup, and Mr. Lewis (Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement), Dr. Jackson-Short (Safety, Advisory, and Transportation), Mr. Shevock (via WebEx), and Ms. Smith (Legislative, Finance, and Administration). Ms. Smack (Safety, Advisory, and Transportation) was absent. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously carried. PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee met with Council President Hare presiding in the absence of a chair. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury and unanimously carried. Review of Active Recreation Area Plan – Walker Road Apartments at Guinn Property on Walker Road (Property of 6.83 acres +/- located on the north side of Walker Road and west of Independence Boulevard. Planning Reference: Site Plan S-23-22) (Dawn Melson- Williams, Principal Planner) Ms. Dawn Melson-Williams, Principal Planner, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the active recreation plan for the Walker Road Apartments on Walker Road. Staff recommended approval of the active recreation area plan with the comments and conditions provided. Mr. Neil moved to recommend approval of the staff recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Michael Lewis and unanimously carried. Responding to Mr. Tholstrup, Ms. Melson-Williams stated that there is access to the adjourning neighborhood by what is proposed as the sidewalk system, and then walking the sidewalk network that is on Walker Road. The neighborhood that is to the west is the Village at McKee Branch, which is a separate townhouse-style neighborhood. Ms. Melson-Williams stated that Mr. Tholstrup is correct, and that the general area does include some playground equipment. Ms. Melson-Williams explained that she is unsure of the ability to formally utilize the equipment, but the developer could explore that option. Ms. Melson-Williams stated that if the

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2023 PAGE 2 developer believed their tenants would benefit from some type of play structure, they could consider it in their plans. Silver Lake Dam – Annual Inspection Review (Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director) Mr. Jason Lyon, Director of Water and Wastewater reviewed the background and analysis of the Silver Lake Dam Annual Inspection. Staff recommended accepting the Silver Lake Dam 2023 Safety Inspection Report and the FY2024 Silver Lake Dam Inspection Updated Memorandum. Mr. Hare congratulated Mr. Lyon and his team for bringing their action items down from 51 to 28. Mr. Neil moved to recommend approval of the staff recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried. Mayor and Council Reports Council President Hare No report was given. First District Dr. Pillsbury had no report to give. Mr. Rocha wished a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Hanukkah to everyone. Second District Mr. Lewis stated that he is addressing many speeding issues in the second district. Third District Mr. Neil stated that he survived his 90th birthday, and that he and Ms. Arndt sent out a series of alerts to the homeowner’s association leaders, and the civic leaders to make sure they were informed. Mr. Neil stated that one of the items that affected the Third District was the Gift of Lights, which they informed them that it was coming and what to expect. Also, Mr. Neil stated that Kent County issued their assessments, which caused a great deal of confusion. Mr. Neil stated that an alert was sent out to those leaders based on what is happening with the assessments so that if problems come to them, they know where to go or who to direct questions to. Mr. Neil stated that there was a series of warnings known as “Know Before”, to alert every one of the phishing efforts for information by cyber criminals which he felt is extremely pertinent because of the time of year. Ms. Arndt was absent, and no report was given.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2023 PAGE 3 Fourth District Mr. Anderson stated that the residents of Lincoln Park have expressed concerns about speeding and trash, specifically on Reese Street. Woodcrest has also brought forward some speeding issues. The Woodcrest Development is currently trying to deal with the Capital School District because there have been issues with vandalism through the connection path to the middle school, which is a significant concern for them. Mr. Anderson stated that he would be doing a walkthrough with residents in MillCreek regarding a sinkhole and several other issues. Mr. Anderson thanked Ms. Duca for researching what is covered by the city, the state, and possibly the homeowner’s association. Finally, Mr. Anderson stated that there have been some safety concerns brought forward by the Hamlet. Mr. Sudler was absent, and no report was given. At-Large Mr. Boggerty stated that he has been working with individuals who want to start a Civil Air Patrol program within the city. Mr. Boggerty stated that they have picked out a location, the old VFW off of Walker Road. Mr. Boggerty explained that the Civil Air Patrol offers great services and opportunities for young people. Mr. Boggerty stated that Unity Day will be held on June 29, 2024, and Happy Holidays. Mayor Christiansen Mayor Christiansen stated that there will be a town hall meeting for Woodcrest, Northwest Dover Heights, Fairview, Old Dover, and the Hamlet for the discussion of the demolition of the McKee-run Power Plant. Mayor Christiansen stated that there have been quite a few residents who have been concerned with the demolition. The location of the town hall will be announced soon. Mr. Hare moved for adjournment of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m. SAFETY, ADVISORY, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE The Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee met with Chairman Lewis presiding. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried. Prioritization of City Dover State Capital Transportation Program (CTP) Projects (David S. Hugg, III, City Manager) Mr. David S. Hugg, III, City Manager, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the City of Dover State Capital Transportation Program (CTP) Projects. Staff recommended approval of the 2024 transportation priorities.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2023 PAGE 4 Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Hugg stated that all of the various projects from all of the sources go into the capital list that the state prepares. The projects then go through a rating system that looks at safety, traffic volume, capacity, and a variety of other things. A score is assigned and then a comprehensive list state-wide of all the projects by priority will be provided. Mr. Hugg explained that the list is not necessarily the order that which they will be funded. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Hugg stated that The Capital Transportation Project has a matrix that includes when it is scheduled for planning, right-of-way, construction, and completion. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mayor Christiansen stated that the report should be back in the spring at the latest. Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hugg stated that the focus is on the current freight routes throughout the city and the likelihood of getting the Capital Gateway funded is very low. Mr. Hugg explained that he is using it as a placeholder in case there are changes to the economic conditions. Mr. Neil moved to recommend approval of the staff recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried. Request for Waiver – Appendix A – Subdivisions, Article VI – Subdivision – General Requirements and Design Standards, Section A – Streets: Subdivision Waiver of Requirement for Two Connections to Public Street as associated with Site Plan for Windward Ridge Apartments. (Property Owners: George L. Craig and Deborah J. Craig; Robert G. Keller and Gloria K. Keller; and Bruce A. Burkett. Equitable Owner: Jack Lingo Asset Management, LLC. Property Addresses: 57 Rocky Road, 4085 West Denneys Road, and unaddressed parcel on West Denneys Road. Tax Parcels: ED-05-056.00-01- 02.00-000, ED-05-056.00-01-03.00-000, and ED-05-056.00-01-04.00-000. Planning Reference: S-23-19) (Dawn Melson-Williams, Principal Planner) Ms. Dawn Melson-Williams, Principal Planner, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the Request for Waiver for the Windward Ridge Apartments. The Planning Commission recommended the Site Development Plan Application S-23-19 was represented by the developer/equitable owner of Jack Lingo Asset Management LLC, the applicant’s engineering firm Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc., the applicant’s traffic engineering firm The Traffic Group, and their attorney from Saul Ewing. A Public Hearing was conducted on October 16, 2023, where five members of the public spoke, and two written comments were received. The Planning Commission deferred action on the Site Plan seeking additional information. The Planning Commission received the additional information and continued the review on November 20, 2023, and then moved by vote of 5-4 to grant conditional approval of the Site Development Plan and including a recommendation of approval of the Subdivision Waiver allowing for one connection to the Public Street. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Melson-Williams stated that as a part of the development advisory committee process both the fire department and police department were alerted to the application. Ms. Melson-Williams explained that there were no specific comments from either

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2023 PAGE 5 agency. Ms. Melson-Williams stated that the Fire Marshal’s office also noted that the plan does meet the fire lane requirements. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Melson-Williams stated that when Carlisle Village was developed, there was no future interconnection planned, so there was only one access point. Ms. Melson-Willaims stated that the east side of the proposed apartment complex is fully developed with individual lots in the neighborhood. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Melson-Williams stated that there are properties between the boundary of the proposed complex and the adjacent road network. Ms. Melson-Williams explained that to the north and wrapping around to the west side, the area is impacted by wetlands and floodplains. Ms. Melson-Williams stated that the land would have to be acquired by purchase or easement to obtain access to cross the other properties and those lands are not in the City of Dover. Responding to Mr. Neil, Ms. Melson-Williams stated that the property falls within the CPCN, which is in the territory of Tidewater. Ms. Melson-Williams explained that there have been conversations between the city’s Water and Wastewater Department and Tidewater regarding the project, but Tidewater can service the area. Responding to Mr. Neil, Ms. Melson-Williams stated that when the Planning Commission grants conditional approval it means, under the condition of achieving all agency approvals. DelDOT, the Kent Conservation District, the city’s Water and Wastewater Department, and the Planning Office are the agencies approving the proposal. Ms. Melson-Williams explained that this is not the final step as they will have to work with the Kent Conservation District in designing their sediment and stormwater management plan. Ms. Melson-Williams also stated that there are limitations on the prohibition of wetland development in the city’s code to address some of Mr. Neil’s concerns. Ms. Melson-Williams explained that the design may look slightly different than presented once they obtain their detailed stormwater plan. Responding to Mr. Lewis, Ms. Melson-Williams stated that the vote from the Planning Commission was a five to four vote for approval of the plan. The Planning Commission heard testimony from several neighbors, however, their concerns focused on traffic in general and the current conditions of West Denney’s Road overall, which the developer cannot control. DelDOT will have improvement requirements near the frontage as a part of the entrance plan approval. Ms. Melson-Williams explained that some of the Planning Commission’s concerns were with the details of the entrance design and what improvements would need to be made. Ms. Melson- Williams stated that the property is zoned RM-2 so the property as an apartment complex cannot be denied, but there are provisions within the code that will guide how the development happens. Mr. Boggerty moved to recommend approval of the Planning Commission recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried with Mr. Lewis voting no. Mr. Lewis moved for adjournment of the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2023 PAGE 6 LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman Anderson presiding. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried. Evaluation of Proposals – Water Street Flooding Improvements Design (Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director) Mr. Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the Water Street Flooding Improvements Design. Staff recommended awarding the contract to Century Engineering, LLC for the engineering design of Water Street Flooding Improvements, RFP #24-0003WW, for $115,000. Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Lyon stated that in the 1964 agreement with DelDOT, the city assumed all responsibility for the stormwater infrastructure within the right-of-way of the state. Mr. Lyon explained that DelDOT takes care of the asphalt from curb to curb, and anything under the ground is taken care of by the city. Mr. Rocha moved to recommend accepting the staff recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried. Civilian Pension Committee Report regarding COLA (Bob Gedney, General Employee Pension Chair) Mr. Bob Gedney, General Employee Pension Plan Board Chair, reviewed the background regarding the COLA request. Committee action not required. Mr. Bob Gedney read letters from pensioners in the General Employee Pension Plan in support of a COLA increase (Attachment #1). Mr. Anderson stated that the original agreement did not include a COLA with the city. In 2017 Mr. Neil made the motion to do a review every three years. Mr. Anderson explained that council will keep that promise but right now they are waiting on different reports from the actuary so that the costs can be considered in the budget conversations. Mr. Anderson stated that the increases may have to be made over a few years, but they will see what they can do. Responding to Mr. Gedney, Mr. Anderson stated that the criteria of the request had been changed and the report was delayed. Mr. Anderson explained that the plan would be to have the report before February while doing budget preparations.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2023 PAGE 7 Responding to Mr. Gedney, Mr. Anderson stated that the Civilian Pension Board will be the first to see a copy of the report. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Anderson stated that the cost of living is important because there are people who have been receiving a pension of $400 a year for the last 20-plus years and have only received a two percent increase. Mr. Anderson stated that in his opinion out of human compassion and fairness council has the discretion to do more and it does not serve them to starve the retirees. Mr. Anderson explained that there must be a balance to the budget and when the time comes all the numbers will be looked at to balance all of the considerations. Ms. Christina Kober, a General Employee Pension Plan Board member, read letters from pensioners in the General Employee Pension Plan in support of a COLA increase (Attachment #2). Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Anderson stated that council has the authority to grant COLAs however it is discretionary, not mandatory. Mr. Anderson explained that the ordinance could be changed in the future, but it is possible to lose budgetary discretion. Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hare stated that there should be something in place. Mr. Hare explained that whether it be what the state, social security, or what the non-union employees are given each year, there must be something put in place. Mr. Hare stated that by going with the state or social security the city would not have to worry about controlling the amount. Ms. Kober stated that the original police pension was the only contract that had a COLA written into it. Ms. Kober stated that the IBEW, ASME, and DOE do not have a COLA built into the original contract and she does not believe it was something done then. Ms. Kober explained that the pensioners would like to see a COLA be placed into the ordinance so that they are not forgotten every year and can feel valued. Ms. Kober stated that it could be what social security gives out or a flat percentage, but the pensioners feel out of sight, out of mind. Ms. Kober stated that the active employees get a three percent increase in their union contracts so the pensioners should as well. Mayor Christiansen stated that in all fairness to the city staff that has to put together the budget, he would like the General Employee Pension Plan Board to come back with a reasonable proposal in early January. Mayor Christiansen explained that they should come back with actual numbers, while still waiting for the actuary report, and create a proposed ordinance that dictates what unit of measurement will be considered, whether, it be federal standards, state, or social security, or a combination of all three. Elaner Brown, a City of Dover Retiree, stated that she began working for the City of Dover in 1970 as a part-time employee. Ms. Brown stated that she retired in 1996 as the Administrative Secretary of the Administrative Services Department. Ms. Brown explained that she remembers when council approved a COLA because a lot of the retirees were living at the poverty level due to their pension benefits being so low. Ms. Brown stated since her retirement she has received approximately an 18.5 % COLA increase in 27 years. Ms. Brown explained that COLA should be given annually across the board. Ms. Brown stated that every year employees are faced with

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2023 PAGE 8 higher grocery, utility, and gas bills. Ms. Brown explained that it was brought to her attention that some employees had been given $30 to $40,000 increases, which was more than most retirees ever dreamed of making during their tenure. Ms. Brown explained that in the 70’s, the 80’s, and 90’s people could walk downtown to eat and shop with no worry. Ms. Brown stated that there are hardly any businesses or good restaurants, and you take your life into your own hands to walk downtown. Ms. Brown asked that council have a conscience and do what is right for the civilian retirees. Mr. Rocha moved to refer the request for a COLA to staff for a recommendation coming up. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried. Sanitation Enterprise Fund Discussion (Sharon Duca, Assistant City Manager /Mark Nowak, Public Works Director) Ms. Sharon Duca, Assistant City Manager, and Mr. Mark Nowak, Public Works Director reviewed the background and analysis regarding the Sanitation Enterprise Fund. Staff recommended authorizing staff to include the Sanitation Enterprise Fund in the FY25 Budget. Mr. Neil thanked Mr. Nowak for the presentation and stated that he printed out a portion of the presentation to explain to constituents the cost increase. Mr. Neil stated that the model shows exactly what the current cost is and compares the cost to Kent County and the City of Newark. Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Nowak stated that he intends to rerun the model before the fifth year and get new projections going out for five more years. Responding to Mr. Lewis, Ms. Duca stated that the goal would be to rerun the model every year based on the budget to make sure it stays within the projections. Ms. Duca explained that before the fifth year if there were any proposed changes for the following period they would be brought before council. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Nowak stated that the increase would include covering the costs of all vehicles. Mr. Nowak explained that the containers and recycling contractor are all included in the model and projected out for five years. Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Mr. Nowak stated that the cost increase from $27 to $33 per container would cover the current deficit. Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Ms. Duca stated that the model has a percentage increase built into a few aspects of it. For example, there is an increase across the board for labor, materials, and supplies. Ms. Duca explained that there is also a contingency reserve like the other utilities, like the general fund, they have looked at multiple factors to build up the sustainability. Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Mr. Nowak stated that the 300-gallon cans would be at the rate of $99 but they are being phased out as the commercial services are phased out, which is included in the model.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING DECEMBER 12, 2023 PAGE 9 Mr. Neil moved to recommend accepting the staff recommendations to authorize staff to include the Sanitation Enterprise Fund in the FY25 budget. The motion was seconded by Dr. Pillsbury and unanimously carried with Mr. Lewis abstaining. Discussion on Recruitment and Retention (Councilman David Anderson, David S. Hugg, III, City Manager) Mr. David S. Hugg, III, City Manager, reviewed background and analysis regarding recruitment and retention in the City of Dover. Committee action not required. Mr. Anderson stated that over 80 percent of municipalities are having problems recruiting police. 77 percent are having problems with specialized positions like finance, and 71 percent with engineers. Mr. Anderson explained that there is a lot of competition with hybrid and remote work that has put a lot of pressure on municipalities to maintain people. Mr. Anderson stated that three-quarters of municipalities rated employee recruitment and retention as one of the top three issues they face. Responding to Ms. Smith, Mr. Hugg stated that the city has a few interns in engineering, electric, planning, and the City Clerk’s Office. Mr. Hugg explained that one area the state could help would be to promote apprenticeship programs. Mr. Anderson moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. Mr. Hare moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. William F. Hare Council President Attachments Attachment #1 - Letters from pensioners in support of a COLA read by Mr. Gedney Attachment #2 - Letters from pensioners in support of COLA read by Ms. Kober

ATTACHMENT #1 Council Committee of the Whole Meeting of 12/12/2023 Legisla�ve, Finance and Administra�ve Commitee Mee�ng, City Chambers December 12, 2023 at 6pm My name is Bob Gedney, I am an ac�ve employee with 23 years of service to the city and have been serving as the Chair of the Civilian Pension Board for several years. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight on behalf of the Civilian Pensioners in regard to a cost-of-living adjustment. Being a member of the city for 23 years, I now realize the impact affec�ng many of our re�rees. My hope is that the commitee begins to value the dedica�on and worth of the men and women who have devoted their years of service. I would like to read in part a few emails that the Board has received. 1. From Mark Frankton, Public Works - Construc�on I re�red in 2007 and did not receive a COLA increase un�l 2017. That was the only increase. Every �me we shop for anything, it is alarming to see the increase in goods. U�li�es, insurance, and property taxes also increase. Over the years we have tried to save money for emergencies and unexpected expenses, but with infla�on and the cost of living growing in leaps and bounds, and our income not rising, there is no way to maintain or replenish this. Senior ci�zens more than younger, working people need this security blanket for the unknown. Life is unpredictable for everyone, but senior ci�zens have even more challenges because of our age. As my parents grew older, I was taught to take care of them in their �me of need. It is sad to think that as the re�rees grow older, we are forgoten and not appreciated for what we have done. We gave 100% taking care of the City of Dover and it is disappoin�ng to realize that our hard work and loyalty mean so litle. Thank you for your considera�on of this issue. Frank re�red in 2007 and received just a 2% COLA increase since re�rement. 2. From Sharon Walker – Police – Records Clerk I just wanted to say, working for years below what we should have been paid we now need your help to get what we need in retirement since we are half of what we were being paid while working full time for the City of Dover. Sharon re�red in 2012 and received just a 2% COLA increase since re�rement. 3. From Patricia Wheeler, Police Administra�ve Assistant All things have increased over the years since I earned my pension. That being electric food medicines rent etc. It would be greatly appreciated if the Pension Board pe��oned and received periodic cost of living adjustments for re�rees. Every litle bit helps. Thank you for listening. Patricia re�red in 1995. We only have COLA data before 1999, so since 1999, Patricia received just a 13.5% COLA.

ATTACHMENT #2 Council Committee of the Whole Meeting of 12/12/2023 Legisla�ve, Finance and Administra�ve Commitee Mee�ng, City Chambers December 12, 2023 at 6pm My name is Chris�na Kober. I have proudly served the Dover Police Department for 31 years. Before I begin, I want to note that the other Board member, Tim Welch had a medical procedure this a�ernoon and will not be able to atend this mee�ng. Tim is suppor�ve of our efforts. I want to thank Councilman Anderson and the members of this commitee for the opportunity to speak tonight as a member of the Civilian Pension Board and also as a City of Dover re�ree. I too am going to read in for the record in part emails received. 1. From Arline Paulson, City Manager’s Office I am unable to attend the Legislative & Finance Committee meeting on December 12 but as a Civilian Pension retiree I would like to add my comments on the matter as follows: The Federal Government recognizes that cost of living raises is necessary each year to help its Social Security recipients keep up with the over-all cost of living. Why, then shouldn't the City Government do the same for its pension recipients? Thank you for your consideration. Arline retired in September 1991. Again, we only have COLA data before 1999, so since 1999, Arline received just a 13.5% COLA. 2. From Beatrice Moore, Tax Assessor’s Office I am a retired city employee who among my fellow retiree's feel we have been overlooked for too many years...we all know that everything in our life has gone up in cost drastically...we feel it's unfair to give the full time employees such substantial pay increases which includes council members, but totally ignore the retiree's...we worked long and hard and feel we deserve to be considered when the budget is prepared for raise adjustments...I am sure that there are full time employees having a hard time financially, so why would you think that retiree's on fixed incomes are not having an equally hard time and even more so. Thank you for your consideration and I truly hope the committee will remember the retirees. Beatrice re�red in January 2019 and received no COLA increase since re�rement. 3. From Alice Mehaffey, Police Department I don't want to bore you with all my details, but a COLA would sure be Nice. My husband, who has never been sick for a day in his life had a stroke this year, so we have more meds to buy. Got our Kent County reassessment and they tripled the value of our home so don't know how much that will cost un�l Sept. I have had 1 raise since I re�red & my husband’s pension has never had a raise. In fact, they said when you

get when you re�re is what it will be forever. So, with the current infla�on costs & looking at more medical & tax increase it sure would be nice to have a cost-of-living adjustment. Alice re�red in 2001 and received just a 10.5% COLA increase since re�rement. 4. From Donna Mills, Police Department – Administra�ve Assistant My name is Donna Mills and I re�red from the Dover Police Department. I just received the leter and I have been thinking about how I should respond to the request for COLA. I truly believe that there should be a cost-of-living adjustment. That being said, I think that we should be more worried about the unfunded liability associated with our plan. I believe that we should be more focused on ge�ng the City to put back the funds that were lost by allowing the individuals who sued into the plan. Knowing that my pension, which I worked hard for, is going to last is my first priority. Donna re�red in January 2012 and received just a 2% COLA increase since re�rement. 5. Chris�na Kober – Police 911 Manager with over 31 years of service. I retired in May 2020 and have received no COLA increases since my re�rement. First, I would like to share a few stories from re�rees that I have been in contact with: • A retiree stated he started working for the city making just $2.32 per hour. He retired in 1994. He is now 78 years old and has been forced out of retirement to return back to the work force to be able to meet the most basic needs, such as food, utilities, medication, and so on. • Two retirees who are going through cancer treatment are finding it difficult to afford their medications on their retirement benefits. Both had over 30 years of loyal service to the city. • Another retiree mentioned he is about to lose his house. He too is struggling to make ends meet. • I met a retiree this evening and they advised they served 25 years with the city and retired 30 years ago. Their monthly pension has increased just $128.60 since retiring. That’s shameful. These are just a few examples of dedicated employees who now suffer as retirees. This is a critical time for our retirees. The Pension Board members have been waiting since April for an actuary study, again we sit and wait. There appears to be no urgency when it comes to the retirees. In 2006, the retirees received only a 1% cost of living increase. And then it was not until 2017 they received a 2% increase – that’s 10 years with no cost-of-living adjustments. The members of this pension plan received a 3% cost of living compared to 46.6% cost of living increases given by Social Security during this same 18-year period. We want you to know that our members are feeling undervalued for their contributions and their loyalty to the City of Dover. They performed their jobs and kept this city running efficiently and effectively. Looking forward, the same will hold true for the current workforce's future. Upon retirement, no one will see or value their commitment.

On October 22, 2018, the Legislative and Finance committee adopted “that the future AD HOC cost of living increases for the participants of the Defined Benefit Plan be taken under consideration every three (3) years”. And to quote Councilman Neil, “he would really like to make sure that the City’s retirees are going to be looked after and let them know that the city cares about them and the service that they have provided”. It appears that those words spoken, and the actions of city government are not consistent. The retirees that we have spoken to feel devalued and ignored. A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is an increase made to counteract the effects of rising prices in the economy—called inflation. Inflation has been skyrocketing, especially over the past few years. The purpose of COLA is to ensure that benefits are not eroded because of inflation. What I just stated may be obvious to you but clearly needs to be reiterated and read into the record. A cost-of-living increase is the only way our civilian retirees can counteract the effect of rising prices on the economy. Costs continue to increase at a rapid level for basic needs, such as: food, electricity, heat, gas, medical prescriptions, transportation, etc. So much so, that Social Security’s cost of living adjustments for: 2022 was 5.9%, 2023 it was 8.7% and they have already approved for a COLA increase for 2024 for 3.2% – that’s a 17.8% increase for 3 years. Retaining employees is difficult for any organization or company. Valuing the work that has been accomplished and for the active employees, we hope the city recognizes their dedication and loyalty. Valuing employees is equally as important as retaining long-term employees. Where working hard for pension benefits was a sign of respect and devotion. The members accomplished this, but the city has failed to recognize and provide an increase in pension benefit to serve their most basic needs. Over the past several months and in the middle of a city budget cycle, the City Manager and City Council found financial resources to significantly increase the current employees' salaries. The city also entered into other financially impacted agreements with employees and approved another significant increase for themselves and the mayor. YET, no one has even mentioned, noted, or taken any council or legislative action to bring about a cost-of-living increase for the civilian pension members. We believe it is time to commit to fairness, equality, and parity. WE stand UNITED and ask the city to recognize and value the contributions of their loyal employees.