DHRC PACKET

CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 6:10 PM City Hall Council Chambers, 15 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, Delaware AGENDA Public comments are welcomed on any item and will be permitted at appropriate times. When possible, please notify the City Clerk's Office at 302-736-7008 or cityclerk@dover.de.us should you wish to be recognized. OPEN FORUM - 10 Minutes Prior to Official Meeting (6:00 p.m.) The “Open Forum” segment is provided to extend the opportunity to the general public to share their questions, thoughts, comments, concerns, and complaints. Discussion of any item appearing on the agenda is prohibited during the Open Forum as an opportunity will be provided during consideration of that item. Citizen comments are limited to five (5) minutes. The Commission is prohibited from taking action since they are not in official session; however, they may schedule such items as regular agenda items and act upon them in the future. ADOPTION OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Dover Human Relations Commission Meeting of June 18, 2024 COMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES 2. Assessment (Ms. Hall, Ms. Mullen and Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I) 3. Community Programs (Mr. Faust and Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I) 4. School Programs (Mr. Gaddis, Mr. Lott, Ms. White and Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I) 5. By-laws (Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I and Ms. White) 6. Finance (Ms. Hall and Dr. Mishoe Sudler, I) OLD BUSINESS 7. Discussion - Brochure updates 8. Open Discussion 1

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - July 16, 2024 PAGE 2 ADJOURNMENT BY 7:00 P.M. To assure that there will be a quorum, please RSVP by contacting the City Clerk's Office by email at cityclerk@dover.de.us or by calling 736-7008 as soon as possible. THE 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 THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS, WHICH ARISE AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING 2

Item 1. DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION The Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) met on June 18, 2024, at 6:03 p.m. with Vice Chairperson Hall presiding. Members present were Mr. Fleming, Mr. Simmons (in at 06:07 p.m.), Mr. Faust, Ms. White, and Mr. Lott. Mr. Gaddis, Dr. Mishoe Sudler and Ms. Mullen were absent. Council President Anderson was also present. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Faust moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Fleming and unanimously carried. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Mr. Faust moved for adoption of the minutes of the Dover Human Relations Commission Meeting of May 21, 2024. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lott and unanimously carried. OLD BUSINESS Title VI Requirement and Coordinator for the City of Update (Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director) Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director, reviewed the Title VI requirement and coordinator information that was presented at the May 21, 2024 meeting. Responding to Vice Chair Hall, Council President David Anderson stated that the council is waiting for the recommendation of the Human Relations Commission. He noted that he has not found any opposition to the proposed changes. His opinion is that, if the changes align with the commission's mission, the council would be excited, as it would fill a niche that they need to address. He continued by stating that the council did not want to pressure the Dover Human Relations Commission into making a choice solely because it worked for the council. It needs to be the commission’s decision, and the council will support whatever decision they make. Council believes that this small change in the intake form will simplify the process for citizens and make it more comprehensive for what the commission already covers. This change will make the process a lot simpler and cleaner. The council will establish a clear line of authority regarding city services and infrastructure matters, ensuring that everyone knows there will be no dispute that the Dover Human Relations Commission is the primary civil rights advocate and guardian in the city. Mr. Lott moved to appoint Donyale Hall as the Coordinator for the City of Dover. The motion was seconded by Mr. Simmons and unanimously carried. Mr. Faust moved to accept the discrimination complaint and compliance review/grievance procedure and non-discrimination statement. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lott and unanimously carried. Responding to Vice Chair Hall, Council President Anderson stated that he believed what they accomplished this evening is a significant step forward. He noted that they have revived and improved the intake form, which is an important development. Council President Anderson continued by saying that once this is passed, the council will promote it by ensuring it is available on the city’s website and circulated through the city’s social media, making sure people are aware that city services are for 3

Item 1. DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF JUNE 18, 2024 PAGE 2 everyone. This effort, he emphasized, is an area that falls under the purview of the Dover Human Relations Commission. Council President Anderson praised members for actively engaging with the community and working with their council members to address various concerns. He mentioned that this approach is being implemented in the fourth district and likely in other districts as well. This communication and community engagement, he noted, strengthens the overall efforts. Council President Anderson appreciated how members are focusing on different sectors of the community and maintaining connections with community programs and schools. He highlighted that there are many possibilities for educational programs within schools. He believed that adopting the grievance program this evening advances the commission beyond its past limitations. Previously, despite having dedicated members with a strong understanding of the city, the commission was hindered by its structure. Some felt it lacked formal powers and occasionally overstepped in advocacy areas that neither the city council nor the commission could effectively address. This led to inefficiencies when the council could not act on certain recommendations, making it less productive to invest time in those issues. By adopting the new grievance program, Anderson believes the commission can now focus on issues within their control and make meaningful recommendations that the council can fulfill, thereby enhancing their overall impact. Responding to Vice Chair Hall, Council President Anderson stated that he believes the council is now in a unique position to entertain proposals that may not have been considered in the past. With several former Human Relations Commissioners now on the council, it is an opportune time to bring forward new ideas. He expressed confidence that a well-constructed proposal has a good chance of being adopted. Council President Anderson assured that such proposals would be heard and, if there is openness to some back-and-forth amendments or dialogue, something very positive could be achieved. He noted that tonight was a step in the right direction, giving the commission more formal authority and laying the groundwork for future advancements. He emphasized the importance of expanding the community footprint to address the issues they hear about and see firsthand. Engaging with the community on these matters would be extraordinarily positive and something they could work through in the future. Council President Anderson guaranteed that any proposal brought forward would get on the agenda. While he cannot guarantee the outcome, he assured that concerns and voices will be heard and addressed, which is within his purview and will certainly happen. Vice Chair Hall and Commission White discussed the grievance process. Commissioner White voiced her concerns with the members. COMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES Mr. Lott moved to defer the following Committee Reports/Updates to the next Dover Human Relations Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Simmons and unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS Discussion – Brochure updates Mr. Lott moved to defer the discussion regarding brochure updates to the next Dover Human Relations Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Simmons and unanimously carried. ADJOURNMENT BY 7:00 P.M. Ms. Hall moved for adjournment of the Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) hearing 4

Item 1. DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF JUNE 18, 2024 PAGE 3 no objection the meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m. Alan P. Gaddis Chair APG/aw 5

OUR MEETINGS COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS Alan Gaddis DHRC Chair School Programs Dover Donyale Hall Human DHRC Vice-Chair Assessment Relations Finance Commission William G. Faust, Jr. Community Programs Faye White School Programs Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month By-laws from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Open to the public, these meetings are held in the Council Chambers Wanda Mullen at City Hall. Assessment The Commission begins each regular meeting by Bishop Marion Lott, Sr. inviting anyone present to address the School Programs Commission during its open forum from 6-6:10 pm. Comments must be limited to five minutes, Dr. Travis Mishoe Sudler, I and no action is taken. Assessment Community Programs Meeting information and agendas are posted on School Programs the bulletin board at City Hall and on the City of By-laws Dover’s website at www.cityofdover.com Finance Working together toward understanding, Fairness. diversity and mutual respect. CITY HALL Dover Human Relations Commission c/o City of Dover 15 Loockerman Plaza PO Box 475 Dover, DE 19903-0475 (Between the Dover Public Library and PNC Bank) www.cityofdover.com/dhrc 6

WHO WE ARE OUR MISSION WHAT WE DO DHRC Members The Dover Human Relations Commission is committed to The Commission works with the City Council and At-Large DHRC Member working to ensure community the City Administration and other community Donyale Hall inclusion, intergroup cooperation organizations to strengthen inter-group Phone: (302) 399-8838 and fair treatment for all its citizens. relationships and to eliminate discrimination; E-mail: donyalehall69@gmail.com and, to anticipate, prepare for and resolve The commission interacts with the incidents of intergroup conflicts and disputes First District City of Dover to ensure that it has within the city. Paul J. Fleming Phone: (302) 734-1585 and utilizes policies, programs, E-mail: cpflem@yahoo.com City ordinances, and specialized Resources. Joseph C. Simmons Phone: (302) 224-6891 Also, the commission provides E-mail: simmonj@verizon.net education and support to foster diversity, inclusion, and cultural Second District competency in its organization and William G. Faust, Jr. services. Phone: 302-242-6657 / 302-736-5199 E-mail:codeblue1999@verizon.net The Commission’s goal is to promote Faye D. White Understanding and appreciation of Phone: (302) 241-9559 Diversity, inclusion, and positive E-mail: N/A Intergroup relations, and advocate For a fair and respectful environment Third District Among its citizens. Alan Gaddis Phone: (732) 996-4343 E-mail: Agaddis448@comcast.net Wanda Mullen Phone: (302) 399-5267 E-mail: herbresha@aol.com Fourth District Bishop Marion Lott, Sr. Phone: (302) 3595054 E-mail: bishopmlott@gmail.com Dr. Travis Mishoe Sudler, I OUR VISION Phone: (302) 359-5054 E-mail: tsudler@desu.edu The Commission’s vision is a city whose government, organizations, groups and Mailing address: individual citizens value diversity, P.O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903-0475 inclusion, respect and trust. Fax: (302) 736-5068 7