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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Council Committee of the Whole met on July 29, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. with Council President
Neil presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Anderson, Ms. Arndt, Mr. Boggerty, Ms.
Hall, Mr. Lewis (via WebEx), Dr. Pillsbury (via WebEx), and Mr. Rocha. Dr. Sudler was absent.
Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members present for their Committee meetings
were Ms. Jackson (Safety, Advisory, and Transportation), Mr. Garfinkel, and Mr. Shevock (via
WebEx) (Legislative, Finance, and Administration). Ms. Smack (Safety, Advisory, and
Transportation) was absent.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Rocha moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Anderson 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 Ms. Arndt and unanimously
carried.
Annual EMS Update – Ambulnz (Kay Sass, Emergency Services Manager, and Tyler Selak,
Senior Director of Operations, Ambulnz)
Mr. Tyler Selak, Senior Director of Operations, Ambulnz, reviewed the presentation titled City of
Dover EMS FY 24-25 Annual Report.
Mr. Boggerty shared his personal experience following a tragic event at his home, where he
struggled with feelings of doubt, questioning whether he had performed CPR correctly or if there
was more that he could have done. He explained that he had spoken with Mr. Selak, who reassured
him that he had done everything possible. Mr. Boggerty noted that Ambulnz responded quickly,
took control of the scene, and did everything they could. He thanked Mr. Selak for helping him
process those emotions and expressed that it was nice to see individuals from the previous contract.
He added that although some people disagreed with their decision a year ago, he believes they
made the right one.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Mr. Selak stated that there is no specific trend contributing to the
increase in emergencies. He explained that during the COVID pandemic, people avoided the
doctors' offices and hospitals, resulting in more severe illnesses at home and increased ambulance
calls. He noted that they are still seeing the residual effects from that time. He also reported an
uptick in heat-related emergencies, which is typical during the summer months, though no
particular trend has been identified.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Mr. Selak confirmed that they track the number of heat emergencies as
a part of a larger report.
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 29, 2025 PAGE 2
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Mr. Selak stated that she was correct, that mutual aid calls typically
involve assisting other counties or municipalities.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Ms. Sass added that there is an exception related to mutual aid. Going
back several years, across various contracts and service providers. The city had external providers
coming into the community approximately 240 to 260 times a year, which became costly. She
noted that the city would pay a stipend because they were being pulled out of their territory, and
the city was not able to keep up. She explained that with the service provider prior to Ambulnz,
they saw a fifty percent decrease, and with Ambulnz, the number has almost dissipated. She stated
that there is no reimbursement given other than what they capture for patient billing. She noted
there is no reimbursement aside from patient billing revenue, which is minimal overall, but mutual
aid is still something the city is able to provide to its neighbors.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Selak stated that Ambulnz has an internal billing department that
handles all claims. However, mailings are sent out through a third-party service. He acknowledged
that some letters may appear to be bills on the front, but the instructions explain that the recipient
may be responsible for charges and ask them to sign the back of the form to authorize billing to
their insurance. He noted that rates are then negotiated between the insurance company and
Ambulnz. Many insurance plans now carry higher copays and deductibles, which can make
ambulance bills appear more substantial, though they are subject to negotiation
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Selak explained that they pay the Dover Fire Department a
stipend for the space that they occupy. The Memorandum of Understanding outlines the
responsibilities of both Ambulnz and the fire department.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Selak confirmed that Ambulnz also provides discounted training
to the fire department.
This item was informational; committee action was not required.
Review of Safety Concerns on East Loockerman Street (David Suiters)
Mr. David Suiters, East Loockerman resident, presented his concerns surrounding speeding and
the safety of residents on East Loockerman Street.
This item was informational; committee action was not required.
Joseph Satterfield, 790 East Loockerman Street, Dover, Delaware, stated that he captured on his
camera a car speeding down the road, hitting his tree, and injuring a small child. He explained that
many of them have almost been hit while walking down the street. He also noted that when he cuts
his grass, he must remain aware of his surroundings because it is not safe.
Mary Bell, 801 East Loockerman Street, Dover, Delaware, stated that her Girl Scouts did their
Citizen Scientist Journey qualification concerning her street, and they also wrote a letter
(Attachment #1). She explained that her house serves as a cookie pickup location in the winter,
and while doing so, the girls found her street to be unsafe. Ms. Bell recounted a time when she was
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 29, 2025 PAGE 3
loading cookies into another troop leader's car, and the woman was almost struck by a passing car.
Ms. Bell explained that not only has a small child now died, but her kids have almost been struck
while riding bikes, she has almost been struck while walking her dogs, and her daughter's car has
been totaled, her car has been totaled, and her husband's car has been severely dented. She noted
that she has lived in different parts of Dover for most of her life and never experienced the speeding
that she sees on her road now. She emphasized that there are no consequences for the drivers
coming down the street and almost running people down.
Mr. Anderson thanked everyone for expressing their heartfelt concerns as well as trying to bring
solutions. He clarified that Ms. Bell was speaking about closing the portion of the street that
proceeds past Burger King, where it was halfway closed before.
Ms. Bell stated yes, on East Loockerman.
Ms. Arndt thanked the residents for attending and sharing their concerns. She noted that this was
not the first time the issue had been brought to their attention. She recalled a previous conversation
with Mr. Suiters during which she visited the neighborhood and noted that the streets were very
narrow, which would typically encourage drivers to slow down. The speed data analysis had been
conducted and was previously discussed during a Council Committee of the Whole meeting.
Although no community members were present at that meeting, the data was reviewed, and at the
time indicated that speeds were not excessive and there was a recommendation to change the
signage at the end of the road that indicated “No Thru Traffic”. Ms. Arndt reiterated her
appreciation for the community’s continued engagement and stated that they would continue to
explore potential solutions.
Mr. Rocha noted that, in light of the safety of the children, if members of the community are
suggesting closing the road, he would be in favor of closing the road. He stated that he remembered
the previous conversation regarding the road closure, but he did not remember the pros and cons
of the possible closure. He noted, remembering an ordinance that became effective after the
neighborhoods were developed, that now would no longer allow a throughway through a
development. He stated that they should consider the closure unless there is a reason for emergency
vehicle access.
Jeremy Schneider, 787 East Loockerman Street, Dover, Delaware, questioned where the speed
study was conducted. He explained that if it were placed close to the Burger King entrance, then
the data would not be accurate. He noted that the live speed sign that was in their neighborhood
revealed a car going 52mph in the residential neighborhood while he was walking his dog.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Schneider stated that they are entering by the Burger King one
way and by the time they have gone 300 yards, they are reaching an excess of 52 mph. He
emphasized that if the speed study had not been conducted in the middle of the road, then that
would be why it did not reveal a speeding issue.
Thomas Johnson, Chief of Police, explained that there is a broader context to the speed study they
have reviewed, and they are typically done anytime they have received a speeding complaint or an
aggressive driving complaint. He explained that the sergeant who is in charge of the device that
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does the study places it for seven days and typically in the area with the highest potential for
speeding. He noted that it would not make sense to place the device in a spot where someone is
just pulling away from a stop sign because it would not give the people the opportunity to commit
the violation. He clarified that the pin shown in the image was auto generated by Google Earth and
does not accurately reflect the actual placement of the speed monitoring device. He explained that
he does not have enough information regarding the study to say the exact location of the device.
Historically, the device is placed in a location where they would do enforcement and where they
are most likely to see violations.
Responding to Mr. Schneider, Chief Johnson stated that he believes that no less than two of the
reports for the 700 block of East Loockerman were recorded with speeds beyond 50 mph. He
explained that he is constantly working with the State Office of Highway Safety to find a message
to coax people to understand the responsibility of safe driving, especially in neighborhoods. He
noted that when looking at the studies, he must evaluate where to assign his resources. There are
only a set number of officers on a few shifts, and lots of miles to cover in Dover. He emphasized
that the block is in their rotation, but they have to go where the data tells them to go, and he does
not want anyone to think that they are not concerned with the problem at hand. He noted that
everyone's emotions around the accident that took the life of a small child were valid.
Robert Bell, 801 East Loockerman Street, Dover, Delaware, questioned whether it would be
possible to have the electronic radar sign reinstalled on their street. He noted as Mr. Suiters
previously stated, it had been hit and is no longer there. He also questioned whether they make
cameras for the back of the signs to catch individuals pulling away at over 50 mph.
Responding to Mr. Bell, Chief Johnson stated that the Speed Camera Program is now state law.
He explained that there are a ton of regulations on how it can be applied because of concerns for
profiteering and other things. Currently, the system is not built to be useful unless there are enough
violations to pay for the cost of the technology. He noted that the technology is incredibly
expensive, and council had recently inquired into the technology. He explained that the technology
is not cost-effective unless there are enough violations beyond a certain point to generate enough
money to cover all the overhead costs to allow the technology to exist on the streets. A traffic study
is also required, and it must show that the block that people are requesting meets a certain criterion.
He explained that the study done on East Lockerman Street would not meet the state standard of
enough violations for the device to be placed there.
Responding to Mr. Bell, Chief Johnson stated that the device they previously had on the pole was
a traffic calming device. He explained that it did not record anything and could not issue fines. He
noted that the device that would take a photograph and issue fines is something different for
addressing neighborhood speeding problems. He explained that he did not believe the data would
represent an issue for East Loockerman under the current State of Delaware law.
Marianna Duckworth, 756 South Halsey Road, Dover, Delaware, stated that she walks her dogs in
the alley behind Edgehill because of the traffic. She noted that the Chief would not have to worry
about resources if the road were blocked off permanently.
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 29, 2025 PAGE 5
Mr. Anderson stated that a street closure is a major step that has many consequences and has to be
done with the consent of the neighborhood. He explained that council asked that it be verified that
their neighbors wanted the closure because if there are a few who do not it can create many
problems.
Mr. Anderson moved to recommend that staff begin an engineering study for the closure of the
neighborhood and to replace the electronic speed signage that was damaged that was previously
in the neighborhood. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha.
Responding to Ms. Hall, Mr. Anderson stated that they would have to change the city code because
speed bumps and speed humps are not allowed anywhere in the city. He noted that speeding is a
problem all over the place, and that speed bumps are bad and should be banned. There is new
technology that has been developed, and he wanted to have a discussion about some of the new
options that have come out.
Ms. Arndt recalled what was discussed at the previous meeting and the memorandum that was
presented by the assistant city manager, which provided data and things for council to consider.
Ms. Arndt noted that there were concerns from the City of Dover Fire Marshal, who were not in
support of the road closure due to increased response times for emergency incidents. There were
also concerns regarding stormwater management depending on the type of road closure. She
emphasized that it was noted that a petition should be filed to demonstrate that most of the
neighbors agree with the people in attendance. She explained that she was not opposed to
evaluating the closure further, but she wanted to recap the previous discussion.
Mr. Suiters noted that he had previously obtained a petition and signatures in 2023 and turned it
into the permitting desk.
Mayor Christiansen explained that he agreed with Chief Johnson's concerns regarding the speed
cameras. He noted that the City of Newark has taken the risk with the speed cameras, and he feels
the committee needs to investigate the cost effectiveness of having the speed cameras put up. He
explained that speeding is a problem all over the city. He stated that the chief only has so many
people to depend on to enforce speeding laws, and there are no consequences for those who break
the law.
Mr. Rocha emphasized being in favor of the closure due to the loss of the child and to prevent
another accident like that from occurring again. He noted that they should consider shutting the
road down. Although he did not know what the impact would have on the fire department and their
response time, it should be considered.
Mr. Boggerty questioned if the road closure could be ramp-like for only emergency access, similar
to what was done at Delaware State University.
Mr. Anderson asked that all the options be looked at in regard to the closure and then be brought
back. He emphasized that he would like to see another petition done and delivered to the City
Clerk’s Office with a majority of the residents' signatures.
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 29, 2025 PAGE 6
Mr. Suiters offered the idea of installing a gate with a remote control, similar to those placed
around senior housing developments. He explained that the police department and fire departments
could maintain control of the remotes for emergency access.
Mr. Lewis asked that the mayor have the police department replace the electronic speed sign.
Mayor Christiansen asked Chief Johnson to have a new electronic speed sign placed on East
Loockerman Street.
Mr. Anderson moved to recommend that staff begin engineering studies to find the best way
to achieve closure and to replace the digital radar speed sign. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
Request for Speed Humps/Reducers in Lincoln Park (Sharon Duca, Assistant City Manager)
Ms. Sharon Duca, Assistant City Manager, reviewed the background and analysis of the request
for speed humps or reducers in Lincoln Park.
Staff recommended receiving direction from council to either select a presented option, amend the
current code, or follow the existing procedure.
David Carey, Chief of the Dover Fire Department, stated that he, Chief Johnson, Mr. Selak, and
Ms. Sass all met during race weekend to discuss speed bumps and speed humps. He explained that
although the different emergency services do not agree with speed bumps because they can slow
down response times, hinder operations, create concerns with providing medical treatment in the
back of ambulances, as well as police cars responding to incidents. He explained that they all
agreed to traffic calming devices such as those on Independence Boulevard or Mifflin Road. He
noted that from the fire department's standpoint, a structure fire doubles in size every thirty
seconds. That creates less chance of survival if someone is trapped in a building, and buildings
today are built differently than many years ago.
Chief Johnson agreed, noting that they had a productive meeting and they all had some common
concerns. He noted that the police department puts lots of miles on their vehicles in the city every
year, and the constant hits on speed bumps will create a large amount of suspension issues. The
city would then have to put money aside for the things that will impact the life cycle of any city
asset that is purchased. He emphasized that turning it around to the community and their
consumption of emergency services and their expectations, just like a fire grows quickly, think
about the felony in progress call from a homeowner that has someone coming through their
window. He noted that if there is urgency at the other end of the radio, it is human nature and their
desire to serve, and that could have consequences, as they are not going to slow down for those
speed bumps. He stated that he agrees with Chief Carey, they are trained to drive, so if a chicane
is placed in front of them or some other calming device that does not impact the rubber and road,
they can navigate that and not waste a whole lot of time.
Mr. Selak added that when talking about patient care and starting things like intravenous (IV)
fluids in the back of an ambulance, there are risks when the paramedic is now wielding a sharp
object and trying to stick a patient. Problems can occur when placing a breathing tube, which takes
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 29, 2025 PAGE 7
accurate skill and requires steady speed and concentration. In instances with neck fractures, there
are millimeters before someone can be left with paralysis. He explained that the City of Dover
roads are well maintained, but the roads outside of the city have issues like potholes and other
things they encounter, and they are already navigating those. Adding speed bumps or cushions
would not be in the best interest of the business and would add additional wear and tear. Looking
at a primary truck in the A district, they do over 30,000 miles in a year. He emphasized that they
do a lot of driving, which creates a lot of wear and tear, and the trucks run 24 hours a day, seven
days a week, and they want to do what they can to protect those investments. He stated that he
agrees with the traffic calming devices as the chicanes are rather easy for the vehicles to navigate.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson stated he would have to look up the regulations for
Pennsylvania, as it is a commonwealth. He noted that most townships, boroughs, and cities avoid
bumps for all the reasons previously discussed. He stated that in the rural areas, he has encountered
the extended humps or plateaus as Ms. Duca described, but they are typically on very quiet streets
off the beaten path. They typically do not have a lot of traffic, not a lot of calls for services, not
even a lot of residential traffic, let alone support services. He noted that speed bumps are often
found on private property and parking lots. He recalled his own experience as a paramedic, where
they moved the paramedic unit after speed bumps were placed in the employee parking lot because
they were tired of paying the bills for the shocks and suspension parts.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson stated that there are many circumstances to consider how
many speed cushions are there. How far apart are they located? What would the data be in that
area? He explained that they try and patrol everywhere, and if they were driving in normal
conditions, it would not be a big deal, but it would be when the emergencies come in. He
emphasized that he would be very cautious about using them, but he would not say that it is
impossible, and he believes that it would be neighborhood specific.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Carey noted that a speed hump slows a firetruck down by ten
seconds. He emphasized that a speed bump would cause more of a delay because it is more erratic.
He also noted concern for the safety of the crews in the fire trucks who are putting on an air pack
and grabbing tools from the inside of the truck, so that when the truck stops, they are ready to bail
out and go to work. He stated that the large metal bars that are carried to break doors would now
be flying objects. He explained that he understands both sides of the spectrum, as he lived in a
neighborhood where people would speed through. However, he also understands the concerns
from the safety aspect of emergency services and the services they are trying to provide to the
general public.
Mr. Anderson moved to recommend that staff review the data and return by the end of the
year with a speed reduction plan that includes the chicanes. The motion was seconded by
Ms. Hall and unanimously carried.
Chief Carey noted that on Independence Boulevard, the sign placement is very tight and causes
damage to the fire apparatus. He explained that there are hoses and ladders on the sides, and when
they are traveling to a call, there have been a few instances where the signs have struck the trucks
and caused damage. He asked when evaluating the chicanes if they could consider pushing the
signs farther out.
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 29, 2025 PAGE 8
Mayor Christiansen stated that he concurred with the chief that the signs are ill-placed.
Mr. Boggerty recommended revisiting the current sign placement to protect the investment in the
safety apparatuses.
Mr. Boggerty moved for adjournment of the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee
meeting, hearing no objection, the meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman Anderson presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Ms. Arndt moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Ms. Hall and unanimously
carried.
Proposed Ordinance #2025-13 – Amending Chapter 2 – Administration, Article IV – Officers
and Employees, Division 1 – Generally, Section 2-201 – Compensation and expenses for
mayor, council, and other elected or appointed officials (Councilman Anderson)
Councilman Anderson reviewed the background for Proposed Ordinance #2025-13.
The recommendation was to forward Proposed Ordinance #2025-13 to council for approval.
Ms. Arndt moved to recommend forwarding the Proposed Ordinance #2025-13 to council
for full approval. The motion was seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously carried.
Proposed Amendments to Military Leave (Employee Handbook) (David S. Hugg, III, City
Manager, and Chief Johnson, Dover Police Department)
Ms. Naomi Poole, Human Resources Director, reviewed the background and analysis regarding
the proposed amendments to the Military Leave policy in the employee handbook.
Staff recommended approval of the proposed policy changes.
Mr. Boggerty noted that having the ability to provide 48 hours’ notice is not a guarantee.
Depending on the state of emergency, there may not be 48 hours available. He recommended
changing the language to when possible or in extreme circumstances.
Mr. Anderson stated that parts of the organization are on call twenty-four hours, which would not
create an issue. However, he recommended using language that says notification within two
business days, except in extraordinary circumstances. He explained that as a Reservist, if they were
to go in on a Saturday and get orders, there would be no one to notify until Monday for most city
offices.
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Ms. Arndt expressed appreciation for the many former military and active-duty members on
council. She stated that she appreciates the perspective and expertise that they bring to the
discussion, and it is very important for a town that has an active military base.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend approval of the proposed policy changes. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
Discussion – Open Forum Improvements (Councilwoman Arndt)
Councilwoman Arndt stated that Council President Neil requested she, Councilman Rocha,
Councilman Anderson, and Dr. Sudler review the Open Forum policy to ensure that sufficient time
is being allotted for public input. She explained that there have been instances where a large
number of speakers, each given the standard three minutes, exceeded the total time allotted for the
Open Forum.
She further stated that the group plans to look at what improvements could be made to ensure that
they receive public input. As part of the process, they intend to review the existing policy, with the
assistance of the City Clerk’s Office, and examine other public body procedures for possible
guidance.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Ms. Arndt stated that she will prepare a white paper outlining
background information and proposed changes, which she will circulate via email.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Arndt stated that they provide information via email and then will
be brought back to the full committee for an open discussion.
Mr. Anderson suggested sending any suggestions to the City Clerk’s Office for compilation to
avoid an accidental serial meeting.
Mr. Anderson noted concerns about individuals scheduled on the agenda. Many of whom travel
from across the state or from out of state. They often leave when meetings start significantly late,
resulting in council not receiving the information they had anticipated. Mr. Anderson explained
that some public bodies recess the Open Forum once the allotted time ends and reopen it at the
conclusion of the meeting, which allows for additional public comment. He noted that this
approach could respect both the time of invited speakers and members of the public who wish to
provide input.
This item was informational; committee action was not required.
Establishment of an Ad Hoc Security Committee
Council President Neil stated that he was appointing Councilman Boggerty, Councilwoman Hall,
Councilwoman Pillsbury, and Lieutenant Jordan Miller to review security concerns. He noted that
there have been several attacks on elected officials, who often attract individuals who are highly
emotional. He further explained that large crowds can present additional risks, both to attendees
and to those involved in the meeting. He emphasized the importance of evaluating these factors to
ensure the safety of both the public attending meetings and the council and committee members
present.
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 29, 2025 PAGE 10
Mr. Anderson recalled an incident when an out-of-town group raised death threats against a
member of council. He noted that they were passing out flyers in his neighborhood as well as
posting on social media. He explained that the police department responded very well.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend the establishment of an Ad Hoc Security Committee. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Hall and unanimously carried.
Chief Johnson requested to address police complaints. He noted that parliamentary procedure does
not allow him to speak during the Open Forum unless directed by Council President or if a member
of council asks that he address something. He explained that he is normally able to comment during
the business portion of the meeting, and by then, the impact of the public comment has already
had an impact on the employees of the organization. He asked that, as they review the procedure
for the Open Forum that they consider allowing him time to address the issues directly, as long as
he can do so without putting the city at risk.
Mr. Anderson moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration
Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting, hearing
no objection the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Fred A. Neil
Council President
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Letter from Mary Bell and Girl Scout Troop 370 supporting the closure of East
Loockerman Street.
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ATTACHMENT #1
Council Committee of the Whole Meeting of 07/29/2025