DHRC Minutes

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION The Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) met on March 19, 2024, at 6:10 p.m. with Chairman Gaddis presiding. Members present were Mr. Fleming, Ms. White, Ms. Hall, Mr. Simmons, Dr. Mishoe Sudler, Mr. Lott, and Mr. Simmons. Ms. Mullen was absent. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Simmons moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Ms. Hall and unanimously carried. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Ms. White moved for adoption of the minutes of the Dover Human Relations Commission Meeting of February 21, 2024. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lott and unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS Election of Commission Chairman Mr. Gaddis expressed his desire to step down as chairman, stating that he feels far more comfortable acting as a helpful commissioner. He noted that it was an interesting journey as the DHRC was going over the strategic plan and revising it for the years 2020 to 2023. Now he just feels out of ideas at this time, and they have several new commissioners, which is terrific. It really is, and he has listened to a few who have come in; they have got some good ideas. So, he hopes somebody might be able to nominate a new commissioner as the new chairman. There was discussion over the past couple of meetings about the possibility of a Vice-chairman, as well. Responding to Mr. Gaddis, Mr. Lott discussed the idea of Mr. Gaddis staying on as Chairman but having a Vice-Chair who will observe and learn from his expertise. Responding to Mr. Fleming, Ms. Hall stated that she is running for Congress in the year to come. Although she feels that she would bring much value to the chairmanship of this committee, she does not really have it on her plate. She does not want to shorten this valuable panel of people and serve this community to any lesser degree. However, she noted that she would serve as the vice chair if they could get a chair. Mr. Faust stated that he would be willing to help out and pick up some extra workload to help but that he is too new to take over as Chair. Responding to Mr. Gaddis, Mr. Fleming stated that he would not be able to be chair due to his wife’s medical issues. Responding to Mr. Gaddis, Mr. Simmons stated that he is a new member as well and that he would like to offer his support. The only reluctance he has from stepping up to a leadership position is that he really wants to understand. He wants to understand the direction, the focus, and the goals of the DHRC.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2024 PAGE 2 Responding to Mr. Gaddis, Dr. Mishoe Sudler stated that he is also new and that he does not mind doing work but that he wants to be sure of processes, which is the reason why being Vice- Chairman or Chairman would not be his wish at the moment. Learning would be on his agenda so that when things like this come up again, he can make a better decision. However, to help with Mr. Gaddis’ decision, he wishes for him to stay on as well and give some good guidance to those who are getting ready to take over. Ms. Hall moved to table the election of Commission Chairman until April’s meeting, seconded by Mr. Lott, and unanimously carried. Discussion - Strategic Plan 2020-2023 Mr. Gaddis stated that it sounded like a good idea if they looked over the Strategic Plan because as it exists, there are many things they need to set out to do. He continued to state that there was a lot of stuff in the plan. He does not know how much they would be able to do, especially in the course of one (1) year, two (2) years, or three (3) years. His feelings are that they need to choose a couple of things that they are fairly sure they can do. Ms. Hall discussed Council members being present in future meetings. Mr. Fleming stated that he had reached out to a local newspaper but had not heard back as of this meeting. Mr. Fleming read a list of items that the DHRC has done in the past such as Resolutions, Proclamations, and Forums. Responding to Mr. Gaddis, Mr. Fleming stated that when the DHRC decided to do a proclamation, they would pass it on to City Council. City Council would then make a proclamation and some of them would make it in the newspaper. Mr. Fleming stated that the current code kind of limits what they can do out in the community to get their names and what the DHRC does due to having to have all meetings at City Hall. Ms. Hall discussed forming committees so that they could possibly meet outside of regular DHRC meetings and report back to the Commission on what they need to move forward. Responding to Ms. Hall, Mr. Simmons stated that he believes that one of the first committees should be to revise and update the 2020-23 mission statement and make it into a 2024-2026 mission statement. Responding to Dr. Mishoe Sudler, Ms. Hall stated that she had reached out to the city and anything that they would push out on social media has to go through the city's page. So, anything that they want to publish, they can pass along to the city, and they will put it out for DHRC. Ms. Hall discussed including a leaflet with the monthly electric bills to get the word out about the DHRC. OLD BUSINESS Open Discussion Ms. Hall discussed an upcoming Capital School District meeting that is regarding issues that the district is having.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2024 PAGE 3 Councilman Sudler introduced himself to the new Commissioners as the liaison between the DHRC and the City Council. He wished Mr. Fleming a happy belated birthday and apologized for not being at the meeting earlier due to an Executive Session ADJOURNMENT BY 7:00 P.M. Mr. Gaddis moved for adjournment of the Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m. Alan P. Gaddis Chair APG/aw