DHRC Minutes

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION The Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) met on May 21, 2024, at 6:07 p.m. with Vice Chairperson Hall presiding. Members present were Mr. Fleming, Ms. White (in at 06:43 p.m.), Mr. Faust, Dr. Mishoe Sudler, and Mr. Lott. Mr. Simmons, Mr. Gaddis and Ms. Mullen were absent. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Faust moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I and unanimously carried. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Mr. Fleming moved for adoption of the minutes of the Dover Human Relations Commission Meeting of March 19, 2024. The motion was seconded by Mr. Faust and unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS Human Relations Commission Intake Form Modification to Meet Title VI Requirements (Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director) Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director, stated that a couple of years ago, the city applied for congressional spending through one of the local legislators. The request aimed to fund water quality improvements, including new water mains and a new drinking water well. When the project was submitted through the local representatives, it gained traction at the federal level and was included in the omnibus bill. The omnibus bill is essentially a compilation of various bills consolidated into one large package. As part of this package, the city was awarded $2.25 million, which required a 25% matching contribution from the city. Upon receiving this information, the city began the process of completing the necessary paperwork with the federal government. They discovered that they needed to meet specific requirements to secure funding from the EPA, which is the source of the money. One requirement is to provide alternative language assistance for residents who do not speak English as their primary language, which they are currently addressing internally. Additionally, the city must comply with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40, specifically Titles V and VII, which pertain to the Civil Rights Act. Mr. Lyon noted that they have talked internally about how the city is going to meet this obligation. Mr. Lyon explained that they need to establish a grievance procedure for the public to address any discrimination issues. Additionally, a coordinator must be appointed to oversee this process. He discussed proposed changes to the intake form, allowing residents to specify the type of discrimination they experienced from 12 categories: race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, and retaliation. Mr. Lyon stated that he was aware of the Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) but had not interacted with them, so he is unsure how often they receive intake forms or what resolutions follow. The city's hope is that the President of the DHRC will serve as the coordinator, listed on the

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF MAY 21, 2024 PAGE 2 website as the contact for grievances. There is no specific federal deadline for processing these intake forms, but Mr. Lyon has seen a 180-day turnaround in other jurisdictions. If a resolution is required, the city would need to take appropriate action. The DHRC, in such cases, utilizes the city's legal counsel for any discriminatory issues. Mr. Lyon added that they have had productive conversations with the State Human and Civil Rights Commission, particularly regarding the Delaware Equal Accommodations Law (DEAL), which prohibits discrimination in public-serving establishments. The State indicated that they would be a resource for the City of Dover if needed. Mr. Lyon appreciated the cooperation from the State and found this a valuable learning opportunity, despite it not being his area of expertise. Responding to Mr. Faust, Mr. Lyon stated that the city must have the capability to accept any language. They are currently working with the state to potentially use their contract for this service. Essentially, if someone calls in speaking Haitian, for example, city staff would have a phone number to connect with the state contractor for a three-way call, enabling interpretation. No action is needed from the DHRC on this matter. Responding to Mr. Faust, Mr. Lyon stated that this requirement falls under ADA law, which is closely related to other sections of the code. The intake form includes references to physical or mental disabilities, among other protected classes. Mr. Lynn explained the roadmap for this discussion would eventually go through counsel for approval if so desired. Responding to Ms. Hall, Mr. Lyon stated that he would like to ensure the coordinator is considered for the role of president as part of the motion. Bishop Lott moved to accept the changes to the intake form and the appointment of the Chairman as the Coordinator for the Human Relations Commission. Mr. Faust moved to accept the changes to the intake form and to table the appointment of the Coordinator for the Human Relations Commission. The motion was seconded by Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I and unanimously carried. OLD BUSINESS Committees Updates Community Programs Mr. Faust stated that they have been exploring community programs, such as town hall meetings or events where citizens can access various resources, including housing assistance, VA services, and medical support. They are currently identifying potential locations and costs. One preliminary option is the Green, which requires coordination with the City of Dover. The process is ongoing, with some contacts yet to respond, either due to breaks or resource constraints. Responding to Mr. Faust, Ms. Hall suggested having a booth at the African American Festival this summer.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF MAY 21, 2024 PAGE 3 Dr. Mishoe Sudler moved that they complete the application and pursue what is needed to have the $150.00 available for that. The motion was seconded by Mr. Faust and unanimously carried. Mr. Fleming discussed the possibility of purchasing new shirts for the members of the DHRC. He indicated that he would conduct research on prices and designs. Bishop Lott moved to have new shirts made for the members of the DHRC. The motion was seconded by Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I and unanimously carried. Education and Development Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I stated that he does not have a formal report, but that he does have concerns about recent events in his district, particularly around Delaware State University. There have been shootings in the city and near the university, which is concerning because these issues can spill into the schools. One major concern is the traffic on State College Road. There have been multiple accidents near the university's back gates in the past year. He believes it is important for them as a commission to initiate a dialogue with relevant agencies, including the State of Delaware, the Department of Transportation, the University, and the City of Dover, to address the traffic situation. The traffic is increasing, especially with frequent stops near the back gate for food services. They need to address this before a serious accident occurs. He hopes they can work together to make some meaningful changes. Responding to Dr. Mishoe Sudler, Ms. Hall stated that she appreciates his point, and it is well taken. Her youngest son just graduated from DSU, and she remembers making pit stops herself at that back gate to drop things off. It is common to see delivery drivers pull in there, and it can be chaotic. They are either backing in or out, and oncoming traffic gets confused. It is definitely a situation that needs attention. Responding to Mr. Fleming, Dr. Mishoe Sudler stated that at one point there was a large homeless encampment on that curve, however they have since relocated. They will still see maybe one (1) or two (2) who will come back and post up a little camp. At this moment they are not the size that they were before, and they really do not see anybody walking back and forth through the woods. Not to say that they are not there, but it is not like it was. Ms. Hall and Mr. Faust discussed hosting youth activities during the summer while kids are out of school. They also discussed the City’s programs for the youth as well. Responding to Dr. Mishoe Sudler, Ms. Hall stated that when she considers organizing trips outside of the city for the youth, liability is a significant concern. Responding to Ms. Hall, Mr. Faust suggested looking grants or funding opportunities to support trips for the youth, specifically for insurance coverage and transportation costs. He also discussed investigating grants or liability waivers for this purpose. Responding to Mr. Faust, Ms. Hall stated that she is certainly not opposed to researching the matter. If they could look into potential grants or funding opportunities available to them, that would be great. During the IMA meeting the previous evening, it was mentioned that certain organizations still have parts of the city's budget pending approval. If organizing trips for youth is feasible, perhaps they could partner with an agency that already has nonprofit status. Such an organization could approach the city for funding allocated for these trips. She believed partnerships and coalition building would be essential.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF MAY 21, 2024 PAGE 4 Responding to Dr. Mishoe Sudler, Ms. White stated that there are organizations like Hershey Park and many attractions in Philadelphia that handle all the responsibilities for such trips. All they need to do is arrange transportation. Hershey Park, for example, offers many free events for groups. By reaching out to these organizations, they can accommodate them without any pressure. All they have to do is express their interest. Strategic Plan 2020-2023 Mr. Fleming moved to defer Strategic Plan 2020-2023 until they have an opportunity to have Counsil present to discuss it further. The motion was seconded by Mr. Faust and unanimously carried. Responding to Mr. Fleming, Ms. Hall stated that she would like to revisit the original question regarding the effectiveness of the Commission's actions. She acknowledges that there are limitations to what they can achieve. Sometimes, their role is to connect individuals with the resources and agencies that can make a tangible difference. They provide intake forms, listen to concerns, and allow the process to unfold accordingly. Ultimately, decisions often rest with the council or the city solicitor to determine the city's legal obligations and whether further action falls within their purview. They can only address what is within their capabilities. She understands the members' frustrations and wants to assure them that their concerns are heard. ADJOURNMENT BY 7:00 P.M. Ms. Hall moved for adjournment of the Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Alan P. Gaddis Chair APG/aw