CCW Minutes and Attachments 1-2

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE The Council Committee of the Whole met on July 23, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. with Council President Anderson presiding. Members of Council present were Ms. Arndt, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Hare, Mr. Neil, Dr. Pillsbury (via WebEx), Mr. Rocha, and Mr. Sudler. Mr. Lewis was absent. Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members present for their Committee meetings were Mr. Shevock (via WebEx), and Mr. Garfinkel (Legislative, Finance, and Administration). Dr. Jackson-Short, Ms. Smack (Safety, Advisory, and Transportation), and Mr. Iriowen (Utility) were absent. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Ms. Arndt and unanimously carried. SAFETY, ADVISORY, AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE The Safety, Advisory, and Transportation Committee met with Chairman Boggerty presiding. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Rocha moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried. Discussion – City of Dover Emergency Operations Plan (Kay Sass, Public Affairs and Emergency Management Coordinator) Ms. Kay Sass, Public Affairs and Emergency Management Coordinator, reviewed the background of the Emergency Operations Plan. Staff recommended approving staff to send the City of Dover Emergency Operations Plan to the State of Delaware for acceptance of the 2024 Updated EOP. Mr. Rocha moved to recommend accepting the staff recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried. Mr. Boggerty moved for adjournment of the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m. UTILITY COMMITTEE The Utility Committee met with Chairman Neil presiding. Adoption of Agenda Ms. Arndt moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously carried.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 23, 2024 PAGE 2 Discussion – Possible Moratorium on Any Program Requiring Backflow Preventers (Council President David L. Anderson) Mr. David L. Anderson, Council President, reviewed the background to the Proposed Resolution No. 2024-12 and the memorandum written by Mr. Neil (Attachment #1). Staff recommended forwarding Resolution No. 2024-12 to City Council with a recommendation of approval. Mayor Christiansen stated that the single-feed water supplies that fed building sprinkler systems were made out of scheduled pipe which contained a silicone lining so that the pipe would not rust away. The original intent of the backflow prevention device was to keep water from the sprinkler system from leaching back into the potable also known as drinking water supply. He explained that the legislation requiring everyone to put backflow prevention devices on systems other than sprinkler systems, which is required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is a severe overreach. He stated that unless the potable water system feeds not only the drinkable, unusable water in a household but also when it supplies a closed heating system or something similar, it has been shown that domestic backflow prevention devices are usually not effective. Particularly in the case of the City of Dover, the water is cleaned and treated. Furthermore, Mayor Christiansen stated that another overreach by the state was when they required fluoride to be added to the water, in combination with chlorine, which was a federal mandate, and in turn created the current water in the City of Dover. He explained that the current water is not dangerous but the water before the state and federal mandates was pristine. In closing, Mayor Christiansen expressed support for the moratorium. Mr. Sudler expressed support for the moratorium. He explained that it is extremely difficult to obtain the required backflow prevention mechanism and inspection report currently being required because there is a lack of agencies certified to conduct that type of inspection. He stated that the agencies that are certified to do the inspection are not in the vicinity of the City of Dover. Since many plumbing agencies do not have the certification, it has become alarming for businesses. Mr. Sudler stated that a restaurant business reached out to him and explained that the plumbing agencies they contacted could not perform the inspection. They were concerned about not complying within the allotted timeframe and facing a penalty. Mr. Sudler recommended educating the business owners, merchants, and private sector, as to why the backflow preventers are important and who is certified to complete the work if the requirement is implemented after the moratorium. Ms. Arndt stated that she believes there is some flexibility in the state regulations regarding public water supplier requirements and recommends that the city determine what is best for Dover, its business owners, and its citizens. She also expressed her support for the moratorium, allowing the city to review the requirements thoroughly and make the best decisions moving forward. Mr. Rocha explained that as the trustee that handles the church building that he is a part of they were fortunate that the building was built in 2017, so the fire suppression system was new. He noted that although he missed the deadline, he did not receive a fine and was able to complete the necessary work. He recommended creating a list of the companies certified to do the inspection and placing the information on the City of Dover website. He also stated that the letter has an 800

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 23, 2024 PAGE 3 number that can be called and they will refer one or two companies in the area. He explained that they were fortunate to have a company that services their sprinkler system qualified to do the inspection and completed it during a normal inspection. In closing, Mr. Rocha recommended compiling a list of qualified inspectors to make it easier to find someone to complete the inspection within 90 days when the time comes. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Anderson stated that the moratorium would be effective for one year from the date of adoption, which would likely be August 12, 2024, if adopted. Responding to Mr. Neil, Ms. Rivera stated that the City Clerk’s Office had received several emails in support of Resolution No. 2024-12 (Attachment #2). Mayor Christiansen stated that backflow prevention devices under the NFPA code are required to be tested annually. He explained that he believes the same requirements are intended for both the residential and business ones as well. He recommended after the moratorium, clarifying that the NFPA regulations on sprinkler systems are still in effect and a report is to be filed with the City of Dover Fire Marshal as well as the State of Delaware Fire Marshal. Mr. Rocha moved to recommend forwarding Resolution No. 2024-12 to City Council at the next City Council meeting with the recommendation of approval for a moratorium of one year. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and unanimously carried. Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Utility Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman Rocha presiding. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Garfinkel moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried. Discussion – Update on State Pension (Naomi Poole, Human Resources Director) Ms. Naomi Poole, Human Resources Director, briefed council on the status of joining the State Pension Plan. Ms. Poole explained that the city manager had drafted a resolution letter of interest with an effective date of January 1, 2024, however, the effective date was later revised in another resolution letter with an effective date of July 1, 2024. The effective date of July 1, 2024, was then changed to October 1, 2024, but the resolution letter was never completed requesting an October date, therefore the State of Delaware Pension Office currently has the effective date of July 1, 2024. Ms. Poole stated that in terms of the next steps, the city needs to make two policy-related decisions. She explained that the next step will be to decide if all employees will automatically be placed in the pension or if employees will be given a choice to either join the pension to include a city match

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 23, 2024 PAGE 4 or stay in their current 401(k), 457 plan with an included city match. She further explained that a concrete effective date would also need to be established to move forward. The board has already approved two previous date revisions and changing the dates can present approval issues with the board. Ms. Poole stated that the easier option would be if everyone were placed into a pension, which seems to be the standard practice per the state. She explained that Human Resources would need to identify an exclusions list that would incorporate a list of current employees who are in the General Employee Pension Plan, along with a list of active employees. If the second option were chosen, which may be more taxing, they would also need to identify an exclusion list that would incorporate a list of current employees who are in the General Employee Pension Plan and the employees who wish to remain in the 401(k), 457 plan, as well as a list of active employees. In closing, she stated that once a final option is chosen then a complete resolution letter with a new effective date can be sent to the State of Delaware Pension Office for board approval. She also included that the list of names can be sent at a later date. Committee Action Not Required. Responding to Mr. Anderson, Ms. Poole stated that from a timeline perspective, they would need to establish an effective date so that Human Resources can gather the information required and send it to the pension office. Responding to Mr. Anderson, Ms. Poole stated that in order to build the exclusion list Human Resources would need to speak to every employee and have them sign a form stating that they would like to be excluded from the pension plan. She explained that this would prevent anyone from being able to say that they were not included in the process, or that their name was forgotten. Responding to Mr. Anderson, Ms. Poole stated that per the state, the only buy-in option that can happen is if the city buys all the employees into the plan. The employees cannot pull from their 401(k), 457 with the hopes of buying into the plan. She explained that it could happen, but it would cost the city a lot. Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Ms. Poole stated that she is unsure whether there is a cap to the amount that someone can put into their 401(k) under the pension plan but she could investigate that. She also stated that they plan to create a Q&A for the employees. Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Ms. Poole stated that if the city chooses the pension plan the match for the 401(k) and 457 would remain the same. Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Ms. Poole stated that she was told during previous discussions that implementation would not have any negative budget effects and that it would be a wash. Responding to Mr. Hare, Ms. Poole stated that all new employees would automatically go into the state plan.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 23, 2024 PAGE 5 Mr. Neil moved to allow staff to move forward to figure out what additional information is necessary from the employees for council to take action. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler. Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Ms. Poole stated that developing a policy of what they plan to do would be very helpful. She explained that having an effective date in mind would also be helpful in the planning process. Ms. Poole reiterated that they need to decide if they are going to automatically place the employees in the pension plan or if they are going to give them the option to stay in the 401(k), 457 plan, and, or go into the pension plan. Then they must select an effective date that they stick with so that it may be presented to the pension board. Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Ms. Poole stated that the timing will be dictated by the option that is selected by council. Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Ms. Poole stated that once a decision has been made then she can help figure out what the effective date needs to be. She also noted that the finance team will need to be included in order to prepare a new pension plan for the city. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Poole stated that while a decision is not immediately necessary, they need to collectively consider the decision and involve Mr. Hugg in the process. The motion to allow staff to proceed with determining what additional information is needed from employees for the council to take action was rescinded by Mr. Neil and Mr. Sudler. Mr. Rocha thanked Ms. Poole for bringing council up to date and stated that they will wait for Mr. Hugg to return to collectively come up with a plan and decision. Discussion – Mayoral Compensation Mayor Christiansen expressed appreciation for the remuneration that council provided the mayor's office. He explained that it is not the money that he appreciates but the fact that council recognized the growing responsibilities that the Mayor of the City of Dover has for economic development and public safety. He explained that he is dedicated to being the voice of those who have no voice and works each day to make sure that the city is a great place to live, work, and play, just as the members of council. He requested that council consider freezing any additional remuneration until after the April 2027 election. In closing, he asked that any future increases for either the Mayor’s Office or the Mayor be by a unanimous vote of council as he feels it would be in the best interest of the next mayor, and the citizens that they serve. Committee Action Not Required. Mr. Neil recognized the mayor's desire to defer any increase until after the next election, however, he noted that council faces the same problems as employees. He explained that those problems are the ever-increasing costs caused by inflation. Mr. Neil recommended tying the mayor's remuneration to what is done for the Dover Organization of Employees (DOE), as is done for the council members. He explained that delaying the remuneration becomes a two-part thing. One is the delay for the mayor because he does not want it currently. However, Mr. Neil feels that the

COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 23, 2024 PAGE 6 office should go up because the office deserves the same type of increase that the other employees are getting, including the members of council. Mr. Neil moved to delay the increase for the mayor at his request until the next election and then tie in what the employees are receiving. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mayor Christiansen stated that Mr. Sudler's clarification was correct. Council honored him with the $5,000.00 increase but he is asking that there be no further increases until after the next election. Mr. Neil moved to recommend delaying any further increases for the mayor, at his request, until after the next election, and tie any future increases to what the employees are receiving. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried. Mr. Rocha moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m. Mr. Anderson moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m. David L. Anderson Council President Attachments Attachment #1 - Memorandum in support of Resolution No. 2024-12 submitted by Mr. Neil Attachment #2 - Emails in support of Resolution No. 2024-12

ATTACHMENT #1 Council Committee of the Whole Meeting of 7/23/2024 July 23, 2024 To: Members of the Dover City Council From: Fred Neil, Chair, Utilities Committee The City Council received a presentation on this Federally mandated Backflow, but cost aspects of it just caught up with us. In February 2021, Delaware Dept. of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health mandated a cross-connection control program in Delaware. By February 2024, the City of Dover shall develop and comply with a plan for a cross-connection control program. Although the presentation provided estimated charges for assessments to the public, what we did not fully comprehend until we were approached by a commercial realtor, there are some serious financial costs associated with the Federal attempt to prevent what occurred in Flint, Michigan where a fall in water pressure caused wastewater to flood back and contaminate the clean water system. Recognizing the high cost of retrofitting backflow devices on homes and businesses with a small chance of having a backflow problem, Dover Representative Sean Lynn sponsored HB 453, co-sponsored by Senator Trey Paradee and Representative Bill Bush on June 25, 2024. On June 30th, the Bill received 24 votes For and 14 Against, leaving it short of the 2/3rds majority needed. The public water system has the authority to enforce the cross-connection program. This includes an inventory and record-keeping of testing, repairs and maintenance of all backflow prevention assemblies and policies to complete assessments of customer premises for potential cross-connections. It also includes assessing the type of premise (high or low hazard) and includes public education, Non-compliance with this program shall be subject to penalty up to $10,000 per day. As stated in Resolution #2024-12, while the Delaware Department of Health has encouraged the backflow preventers be installed, only a long list of specific businesses has been required to do so. In requesting a delay in implementation, it is noted that there is no imminent threat of contamination of the City’s water supply and thus no threat to the health of the public. Council President Anderson was alerted by a Commercial Realtor of a series of steps to discover problem areas and the initial high cost and then continuing costs to homeowners and small businesses. The Public will be caught up in confusion and concern over financial implications that may not apply to them. Cross-Connection: A connection or potential connection between any part of a potable water system and any other environment containing other substances in a manner that, under any circumstances, would allow such substances to enter the potable water system.

Backflow Preventer: An assembly, device or method designed to prevent backflow. Containment: Backflow prevention at service connection to public water supply Isolation: Backflow prevention at points of use (sinks, hose bibs, boilers). The delay will provide the City a chance to find alternatives that will not cause a considerable financial burden on our property owners. By the very nature of the vote, it is possible the legislature will change its mind when the financial costs are verified before the January 2025 Legislative Session when a Bill is expected to be re- introduced. The delay called for in the Resolution will let staff update and inform us and the public of what to expect as required. This is given that small businesses and residential homeowners are not likely to cause any contamination issues.

ATTACHMENT #2 Council Committee of the Whole Meeting of 7/23/2024 Walls, Ashley A From: Philip McGinnis <pjm@mcginnisrealty.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 12:51 PM To: City Clerks Office Subject: EXTERNAL: Support Resolution 2024-12, Backflow Preventer Moratorium Some people who received this message don't often get email from pjm@mcginnisrealty.com. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council- I urge you to support Resolution 2024-12, The Moratorium for Backflow Preventers. While I do not dispute that heavy industrial manufacturing users should have backflow preventers, small retail and office users are not going to pollute our water system. The cost of installing these devices far exceeds the benefit and puts our citizens and especially our small businesspeople at great financial hardship. Please let us reconsider this program. Please also consider that this moratorium should not grandfather any property class, for example, any properties currently under pressure to install these devices. Thank you very much for your assistance on this very important matter. Phil McGinnis, CCIM, GAA, ACoM, ALC, e-PRO McGinnis Commercial Real Estate Company 302-736-2710 office 302-270-0656 cell mailto:pjm@mcginnisrealty.com 1

Walls, Ashley A From: Mike Walsh <mikewalshpt@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 12:58 PM To: City Clerks Office Subject: EXTERNAL: Support Resolution 2024-12, Backflow Preventer Moratorium Some people who received this message don't often get email from mikewalshpt@gmail.com. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council- I urge you to support Resolution 2024-12, The Moratorium for Backflow Preventers. While I do not dispute that heavy industrial manufacturing users should have backflow preventers, small retail and office users are not going to pollute our water system. The cost of installing these devices far exceeds the benefit and puts our citizens and especially our small businesspeople at great financial hardship. Please let us reconsider this program. Please also consider that this moratorium should not grandfather any property class, for example, any properties currently under pressure to install these devices. Thank you very much for your assistance on this very important matter. Michael Walsh City of Dover Resident 295 Troon Road, Dover, DE 19904 Michael Walsh, PT, J1-0001730 Owner & General Manager Mike Walsh Physical Therapy LLC 810 New Burton Road, Suite 2 Dover, DE 19904 1

Walls, Ashley A From: Scott R. Brown <sbrown@savantwealth.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 12:59 PM To: City Clerks Office Subject: EXTERNAL: Resolution 2024-12 Some people who received this message don't often get email from sbrown@savantwealth.com. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To Whom it Concerns, Please note our support of Resolu on 2024-12, the moratorium on backflow preventers. If we are required to add backflow preventers to our building it will be a major unnecessary expense. We have discussed with several plumbers, and they don’t understand the requirement for “standard” office buildings to add the backflow preventers. We have many clients that have also expressed their approval of Resolu on 2024-12 so they can avoid the costly unnecessary expanse as well. Thank you in advance of passing Resolu on 2024-12. Sco Scott R. Brown CPA/PFS Managing Director, Financial Advisor Savant Wealth Management 220 Beiser Blvd. Dover, DE 19904 Office: 302-734-5826 Direct: 302-599-1241 savantwealth.com _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________ Confidential: This message and all contents contain information from Savant Wealth Management ("Savant"), and may be privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure under applicable law. The information is intended to be for the addressee only. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this message is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by reply email or telephone (866-489-0500) and destroy the original message and all attachments without retaining any copies. Your cooperation is appreciated. WITHDRAWAL OR TRADE POLICY: SAVANT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PLACING ANY TRADES FROM INSTRUCTIONS LEFT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL OR VOICE MAIL. Please note that we will not act upon withdrawal or trade instructions via electronic mail or voice mail request without first acknowledging a correct understanding of the request with you. If you do not receive a response from us, please contact us by telephone (866-489-0500) to ensure that we received your request. Please remember to contact Savant, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing our previous recommendations and/or services, or if you want to impose or modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment advisory services. Savant shall continue to rely on the accuracy of information that you have provided. Please be advised that there can be no assurance that any email request will be reviewed and/or acted upon on the day it is received. A copy of our current written disclosure Brochure and Form CRS discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available for your review upon request or at www.savantwealth.com. 1

Walls, Ashley A From: LINCOLN WILLIS <Lincoln.Willis@thewillisgroupllc.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 1:23 PM To: City Clerks Office Subject: EXTERNAL: Dover Business Owner Support Resolution 2024-12, Backflow Preventer Moratorium Some people who received this message don't often get email from lincoln.willis@thewillisgroupllc.com. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Members of the Dover City Council, I urge you to support Resolution 2024-12, the Moratorium for Backflow Preventers. While I do not dispute that heavy industrial manufacturing users should have backflow preventers, small retail and office users are not going to pollute our water system. The cost of installing these devices far exceeds the benefit and puts our citizens and especially our small business owners at great financial hardship. Please reconsider this program. Please also consider that this moratorium should not grandfather any property class, for example, any properties currently under pressure to install these devices. I appreciate your attention to this important matter. Regards, Lincoln D. Willis Lincoln D. Willis, Principal 302-632-9898 4 The Green Dover, DE 19901 Lincoln.Willis@TheWillisGroupLLC.com “Advancing Your Cause in Delaware.” ******************************************************************************** IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: IRS regulations require us to notify you that this communication was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by you as the taxpayer, for the purpose of (1) avoiding penalties that the IRS 1

MARENGO VENTURES, LLC 15 Kings Hwy. Dover, DE 19901 David L. Anderson President City Council City of Dover RE: Council Resolution No. 2024-12 Dear Council President Anderson, First, as property owners in the City, we want to thank you for your strong support of the currently drafted Council Resolution No. 2024-12 that seeks to place a moratorium on the City taking any action related to the installation of “backflow” preventers for low risk commercial and residential buildings and structures for one year. While we understand the overall importance of protecting the City’s potable water system, we do not believe that the installation and annual inspection (at the expense of the owner) of a separate backflow preventer on the upstream water line for our home and our business provides any measurable protection in the case of a line break and resultant siphonage of water out of our pipes back into the City’s system. Recently during testimony before the Leg. and Fin. Committee, it was learned Dover’s potable water system is interconnected which means that if one pump fails, the other pumps maintain pressure. This means positive flow remains, significantly reducing the chances of water backflow back into the City’s system. v We ask the Utility Committee and then Council to adopt this Resolution in its entirety, and then look to the various business and real estate organizations such as the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and the Kent County Association of REALTORS to fashion a workable and reasonable solution to the use of backflow preventers in those properties located in Dover that may be considered “high risk” to the City’s water system. Thank you for your consideration of this matter, and as property owners, we stand ready to work with you and members of the City to address our concerns relating to backflow preventers. Respectfully, Scott and Rebecca Kidner Owners, Marengo Ventures LLC

Walls, Ashley A From: Joan Bestpitch <j7garden@verizon.net> Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 2:28 PM To: City Clerks Office Subject: EXTERNAL: Resolution 2024-12 Some people who received this message don't often get email from j7garden@verizon.net. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, I would like to support Resolution 2024-12 as someone who uses Harrington Realty to manage my building. Joan Bestpitch, President of DFRW Building Fund at 116 E. Water Street, Dover. DE 1

Walls, Ashley A From: The Moving Experience <todd@themovingexperiencede.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 3:31 PM To: City Clerks Office Subject: EXTERNAL: Back flow preventers for tonight’s meeting Some people who received this message don't often get email from todd@themovingexperiencede.com. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council- I urge you to support Resolution 2024-12, The Moratorium for Backflow Preventers. While I do not dispute that heavy industrial manufacturing users should have backflow preventers, small retail and office users are not going to pollute our water system. The cost of installing these devices far exceeds the benefit and puts our citizens and especially our small businesspeople at great financial hardship. Please let us reconsider this program. Please also consider that this moratorium should not grandfather any property class, for example, any properties currently under pressure to install these devices. Thank you very much for your assistance on this very important matter. Todd Stonesifer The Moving Experience 302-242-2122 www.TheMovingExperienceDE.com 302-241-0899 27 W Loockerman Street, Dover, DE 19904 1

Walls, Ashley A From: Nora Martin <nora1956@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 4:27 PM To: City Clerks Office Subject: EXTERNAL: Back flow preventers Some people who received this message don't often get email from nora1956@aol.com. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. we recognize the necessity of backflow preventers for heavy industrial manufacturing users, we strongly believe that imposing these requirements on small retail and office users is unnecessary and burdensome. The financial implications of installing these devices far outweigh any potential benefits and could place undue hardship on our citizens, particularly our small business community. Therefore, we urge a reconsideration of the current program and advocate for the adoption of Resolution 2024-12, which proposes a moratorium on the installation of backflow preventers. It is crucial to emphasize that this moratorium should not grandfather any property class, including those currently under pressure to install these devices. Respectfully submitted Nora Martin CRS GRI Broker of Record NextHome Tomorrow Realty 302 542 0188 cell 302 601 4171 Office http://nexthometomorrowrealty.com/ 1

Walls, Ashley A From: Sandi Unkrur <sandi@themovingexperiencede.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 4:44 PM To: City Clerks Office Subject: EXTERNAL: Support Resolution 2024-12, Backflow Preventer Moratorium Some people who received this message don't often get email from sandi@themovingexperiencede.com. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council- I urge you to support Resolution 2024-12, The Moratorium for Backflow Preventers. While I do not dispute that heavy industrial manufacturing users should have backflow preventers, small retail and office users are not going to pollute our water system. The cost of installing these devices far exceeds the benefit and puts our citizens and especially our small businesspeople at great financial hardship. Please let us reconsider this program. Please also consider that this moratorium should not grandfather any property class, for example, any properties currently under pressure to install these devices. Thank you very much for your assistance on this very important matter. SandiUnkrur | The Moving Experience Real Estate 2024 KCAR President 27 W Loockerman St., Dover, DE 19904 m: 302-480-3966 w: www.themovingexperiencede.com fb: www.facebook.com/themovingexperience o: 302-241-0899 1

From: Bobbi Slagle To: City Clerks Office Subject: EXTERNAL: Resolution 2024-12 Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 5:05:45 PM Attachments: image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png image005.png image006.png image007.png image008.png image009.png image010.png image011.png image012.png Some people who received this message don't often get email from bobbi@nexthomepreferred.com. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To all City of Dover Council Members: I am writing to encourage you to support Resolution 2024-12 at this evening’s meeting. As a business that assists owners of property, both residential and commercial, in the City of Dover, I am very familiar with the costs already incurred to operate a business in an economy that has been through significant turmoil due to commercial investment’s fluctuations over the last several years. While I recognize the necessity of backflow preventers for heavy industrial manufacturing users, I strongly believe that imposing these requirements on small retail and office users is unnecessary and burdensome. The financial implications of installing these devices far outweigh any potential benefits and will place undue hardship on our citizens, particularly our small business community. Therefore, I am urging a reconsideration of the current program and advocate for the adoption of Resolution 2024-12, which proposes a moratorium on the installation of backflow preventers. It is crucial to emphasize that this moratorium should not grandfather any property class, including those currently under pressure to install these devices. Additional research and information needs to be evaluated to determine cost vs benefit during this moratorium to determine a fair, responsible and reasonable path forward. Thank you for your time and sincere consideration. Bobbi Slagle Broker Owner, NextHome Preferred

From: Gary Stewart To: City Clerks Office Subject: EXTERNAL: Resolution 2024-12 Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 7:02:05 PM You don't often get email from garystewartrealestate@gmail.com. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I wish to express your support for Resolution 2024-12. I stand with KCAR: Our stance on this is: While we recognize the necessity of backflow preventers for heavy industrial manufacturing users, we strongly believe that imposing these requirements on small retail and office users is unnecessary and burdensome. The financial implications of installing these devices far outweigh any potential benefits and could place undue hardship on our citizens, particularly our small business community. Therefore, we urge a reconsideration of the current program and advocate for the adoption of Resolution 2024-12, which proposes a moratorium on the installation of backflow preventers. It is crucial to emphasize that this moratorium should not grandfather any property class, including those currently under pressure to install these devices. Your support on this matter is pivotal in safeguarding the interests of our community and ensuring that any regulations implemented are fair and reasonable. Sincerely, -- gary stewart READ MY REVIEWS Realtor Century 21 Emerald c | 302-382-6140 a | 34634 Bay Crossing Blvd Unit 2 Lewes, DE 19958 e | garystewartrealestate@gmail.com Visit My Website

From: Rodney Callahan To: City Clerks Office; Cynthia Gowie Subject: EXTERNAL: BackFlow Prevention program Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 7:02:06 PM You don't often get email from cpsi.rodney@gmail.com. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council- I urge you to support Resolution 2024-12, The Moratorium for Backflow Preventers. While I do not dispute that heavy industrial manufacturing users should have backflow preventers, small retail and office users are not going to pollute our water system. The cost of installing these devices far exceeds the benefit and puts our citizens and especially our small businesspeople at great financial hardship. Please let us reconsider this program. Please also consider that this moratorium should not grandfather any property class, for example, any properties currently under pressure to install these devices. Thank you very much for your assistance on this very important matter. Thank You, Rodney Callahan Maintenance Supervisor Colonial Investment & Management Co. CPSI.rodney@gmail.com

Walls, Ashley A From: Doreen Sawchak <doreenhomesales@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 11:05 PM To: City Clerks Office Subject: EXTERNAL: 2014-12 You don't often get email from doreenhomesales@gmail.com. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. We understand the importance of backflow preventers for large industrial manufacturers. However, we feel that requiring these devices for small retail and office users is both unnecessary and overly burdensome. The costs associated with installing these devices can be overwhelming and may place undue strain on our small businesses. We kindly ask for a reconsideration of the current program and support the adoption of Resolution 2024-12, which proposes a pause on the installation of backflow preventers. It is important to note that this moratorium should apply to all property types, including those currently facing pressure to install these devices. To help protect y our priv acy , Microsoft O ffice prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. SERVING ALL OF DELAWARE Doreen Sawchak Group Ferguson Ford REALTOR® To help protect y our priv acy , Microsoft O ffice prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect y our priv acy , Microsoft O ffice prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect y our priv acy , Microsoft O ffice prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. www.DelawareHomesForMilitary.com (302) 242 4686* Cell (302) 453-3802 Office 418 E. Savannah Rd, Suite, B, Lewes, DE. 19958 228 Suburban Drive, Newark, DE. 19711 668 Yorklyn Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707 3608 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE. 19810 Check out my ZILLOW reviews here! 1

Walls, Ashley A From: Gilbert Myers <grmyersjr@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2024 3:27 PM To: City Clerks Office Subject: EXTERNAL: Support Resolution 2024-12 Some people who received this message don't often get email from grmyersjr@gmail.com. Learn why this is important WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. City Clerk of Dover, DE Please be advised as a small business owner in the City of Dover, I support Resolution 2024-12. Our industry is heavily taxed and was just recently sued by the Department of Justice. Realtors as a whole are suffering greatly at this time. Having to install sewer equipment that my building will only add to my financial burden. Should there be commercial industry and/or very heavy users of the City of Dover's sewer lines, I can see how it would be wise to install backflow preventers. Speaking for a small business in Dover, I support Resolution 2024-12. I may be forced out of the city if these expenses continue. I can only imagine that other businesses in the City of Dover are facing similar hardships and could be easily forced out of business completely. Respectfully, To help protect y ou r priv acy , Microsoft O ffice prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Logo G.R. Myers Broker/Owner office: 302-674-4255 mobile: 302-363-3950 1056 S. State Street Dover, DE 19901 To help protect y our priv acy , Microsoft O ffice prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Facebook icon www.myersrealtyteam.com 1