This text was pulled from the PDF automatically and may contain mistakes. The PDF is the official record, so check it before relying on this.
2 pages have little or no readable text here, often scans or drawings. See the PDF for those.
Page 1
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Council Committee of the Whole met on April 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. with Council President
Neil presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty, Ms. Hall,
Mr. Lewis (arrived at 7:04 p.m.), Dr. Pillsbury, and Mr. Rocha. Ms. Arndt and Dr. Sudler were
absent. Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members present for their committee
meetings were Dr. Jackson, Ms. Smack (Safety, Advisory, Transportation), Dr. Iriowen,
Mr. Wilson (via WebEx) (Utility), Mr. Garfinkel (via WebEx), and Mr. Shevock (via WebEx)
(Legislative, Finance, and Administration).
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Ms. Hall moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury 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 Dr. Pillsbury and unanimously
carried.
Group Violence Intervention (GVI) Presentation (Councilman Boggerty and GVI Delaware
Members
Mr. Corey Priest, Group Violence Intervention (GVI), reviewed the presentation Strategy 101 –
Group Violence Intervention.
This item was informational; committee action was not required.
Mr. Neil thanked the GVI members for their attendance and for doing life-changing work in the
communities.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Boggerty explained that this is the type of thing that you can’t overly
publicize because of the nature of the function. He further explained that it is a trust thing, and
there is not always interaction at the level they wish.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Ford, a GVI member, explained that every identified group or gang
individual on probation is assigned to a specialized caseload or a GVI caseload. He further
explained that when they say the program is voluntary, that is on the social service side; the law
enforcement side is not voluntary. He stated that when someone continues to engage in gun
violence and the message has been delivered, which is done for every single person whose
involvement is validated, they are considered a GVI individual and receive the highest level of law
enforcement attention if the violence continues. He explained that the law enforcement component
is not optional; it’s optional for them to accept the services.
Page 2
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING APRIL 28, 2026 PAGE 2
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Ford stated that they started in Wilmington, have expanded to Kent
County, and will continue into Sussex County in June. He stated that, after speaking with Mr.
Cook, they believe the next step is to start a very strong facility-prison in-reach program. Mr. Ford
explained that they do a good job in the continual engagement of those who have been released
and then reincarcerated because they have established strong community ties. He further explained
that the next phase is to identify those who haven’t had the message yet and try to intercede before
they are released. He stated that it will be the next phase after Sussex opening.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Cook stated that one of the great things about the Group
Violence Intervention program is that before they began to implement services, they sat before the
Cabinet Council, and that meant all the cabinet secretaries were adhering to us building people
back. He explained that they are rebuilding people who feel like their lives are in disarray. He
further explained that one of the pieces of building back is housing. He stated that Delaware State
Housing Authority has been a part of GVI since its inception in 2019, and since then, they have
housed over 50 individuals with 24-month vouchers. He further stated that they follow a strategic
process. If you live in Dover and you have been part of a gang organization, they attempt to change
the environment in which someone lives, so that they can see things a little more clearly. He
explained that they typically utilize a 24-month voucher and typically take someone from one area
and place them into another area. Mr. Cook stated that if someone has housing available and
would like to be part of GVI’s housing coordination, they do extensive case management, assist
with increasing the person’s FICO score, assist with bank accounts, and place them into a credit
mediation program. He further explained that they place them in a program called Stand By Me
so that they can focus on home ownership. Mr. Cook stated one of the biggest things in the world
to recognize is that someone no longer wants to be a gang member who has a 730-credit score and
a bond for the first-time home buyers’ program.
Responding to Cleveland Wilson, City of Dover resident, Mr. Cook stated that one of the things
they do is targeted-based intervention. He further stated that it is specific to those who have been
in the system and that they now have a violent propensity. He expanded to say that he continues
to think about how they could expand the scope of their work and do more prevention. Mr. Cook
stated that recently they have been transitioning into schools where the superintendents and
principals may identify those children who are having problems and then sit down and give some
preventative methods, as well as using their leaders in transition to work within the school for
those needing services.
Responding to Mr. Faust, Mr. Priest stated that he has been incarcerated and feels that he is the
beacon of hope for these guys that are coming through GVI, and that they can be successful
because they see it happen with him, and now, they are closely connected to the work that he is
doing. He stated he feels it gives them extra motivation to say I am not going back to level five
(5). He further stated that that is the prime reason he stays in the role is that he wants them to
know that you can have setbacks in life and still bounce back.
Page 3
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING APRIL 28, 2026 PAGE 3
Discussion on the Annexation/Rezoning Request of Property Lands of United Worldwide
Express, LLC at 1624 N. Little Creek Road and the Rezoning Request of Property Lands of
United Worldwide Express, LLC at 1600 N. Little Creek Road and an Adjacent Parcel at
0.509 AC N. Little Creek Road
Ms. Linda Parkowski, Executive Director, Kent Economic Partnership, reviewed the letter from
Scott Engineering. Drew Boyce, Century Engineering, LLC., contributed to the discussion about
this item.
This item was informational; committee action was not required.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Ms. Parkowski stated that they have completed a concept plan, but it is
still considered exploratory because it has not been submitted to DelDOT CTP due to the study
not being completed last summer, so they cannot add it to the DelDOT CTP for two years.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Boyce stated that there are some low-lying areas within the footprint
of the ramp location in the study, and it was identified that there would need to be mitigation for
those impacts. Mr. Boyce further stated that there are a lot of things that get worked out in the
final design that are identified through a high-level planning study that was done, but those aren’t
fully vetted yet. He stated that they identified and noted that when the project moves to the next
phase, which would be project development and detailed design through DelDOT, and then those
items will be analyzed in more detail, and then mitigation measures will be put in place.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Boyce stated that the impacts of properties on that side would have
to be mitigated and minimized, and based on the design, there will need to be some relocations
associated with the project. Mr. Boyce further stated that it is not a small project by any means.
Mr. Boyce explained that all those issues get worked out through the project development
preliminary engineering design in the next phase. He stated that a community coming on board
next to the area is looking at vertical alignments of how the ramp is coming in and how it fits into
the terrain.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Parkowski confirmed that they heard council’s request at the last
meeting and were able to meet with the owner of the property and work with DelDOT to move
everything forward.
Mr. Neil stated that this is where the future of the growth of this city lies, and where the property
taxes are going to come from in the future that we do not have and desperately need. Mr. Neil
further stated that we need to approve this item in order to open up the chances for development
that will occur in the future.
Responding to Belinda Main, Dover resident, Ms. Parkowski stated that this project is still in the
concept phase and not close to the Kenton Road Project.
Responding to Belinda Main, Mr. Boyce stated that, as part of the process of putting in a new road
or private property, there are rules that DelDOT must follow. He further stated that what they are
asking the developer to do in this case is reserve and preserve the ability for the ramps to be put in
in the future. Mr. Boyce explained that when this project hits CTP level and project development
Page 4
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING APRIL 28, 2026 PAGE 4
happens, and the design is finalized, the limits of right of way are determined, and that is another
entire process of securing the right of way through an offer package prepared for the property to
compensate for fair market value. He further explained that active negotiations must happen and
a settlement must occur. He stated that all those things happen as part of that process. He further
stated that a very high-level concept design is to try to minimize the impact on any individual
property owners associated with any new development.
Loockerman Plaza Pedestrian / Bicycle Lane Improvement Project (Jason Lyon,
Water/Wastewater Director, and Paul Moser, Delaware Department of Transportation,
Program Manager I)
Mr. Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director, introduced Mr. Paul Moser, who reviewed the
presentation entitled “Loockerman Plaza Sidewalk and Crosswalk”.
This item was informational; committee action was not required.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Moser stated that they can look into another crosswalk. He further
stated that they are doing a traffic study, and due to it being a state-maintained road, it will need
the DelDOT traffic section review, so it will be up to their approval process.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Moser stated that he had concerns about whether the bike lane area
is a good fit for this particular project due to it being a constrained area. He further stated that it
could be a nice improvement, but he struggles to see that fitting in a meaningful way. Mr. Moser
stated that there is a cross-section proposed that they call a protected bike lane. He further stated
that it is a question that comes down to whether it is something that the city wants to maintain.
Mr. Moser stated that they would come up with a stable and sustainable solution if it were
something that everyone really wanted to do.
Responding to Mr. Lewis’ concerns about the road not being wide enough for a bike lane,
Mr. Moser stated that Mr. Lyon had stated early on in the process that parking is a big concern in
Dover, so he assured everyone that they will be mindful of that issue during the process.
Mr. Anderson stated that he agrees with Mr. Lewis and that, due to the speed of that road, bike
lanes don’t make sense, and it is not something the city would want to maintain.
Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Mr. Moser stated that they could review the area where patrons
come out of the bank and cross Loockerman Street for safety concerns.
Mr. Boggerty moved for adjournment of the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee
meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Rocha presiding.
Page 5
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING APRIL 28, 2026 PAGE 5
Adoption of Agenda
Ms. Hall moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury and unanimously
carried.
FY 24 Inflow & Infiltration Rehabilitation Project – Change Order (Jason Lyon,
Water/Wastewater Director)
Mr. Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director, reviewed the background and analysis of the change
order for the FY 24 inflow and infiltration rehabilitation project.
Staff recommended approval of the change order request from Insituform Technologies, LLC, for
up to $402,300, in accordance with the City of Dover Purchasing Policy and Procedures.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Lyon explained that they are using money from the same fund to
cover the shortfall. He further explained that when they construct a capital improvement plan,
they separate it into projects. He stated, as an example, there is one for I&I, Inflow and Infiltration
removal, and there is one for sanitary sewer upgrades. Mr. Lyon stated that the money is coming
out of the enterprise fund for wastewater. He further stated that instead of utilizing the funds for
the project, which was discouraged by DelDOT because of the infrastructure improvements, they
are just going to use that money to backfill the current project. He then explained that the silver
lining of the entire situation is that there was more infrastructure improved, and it is not coming
from the general fund, water fund, or the electric fund.
Dr. Pillsbury moved to recommend acceptance of the change order, as recommended by
staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lewis and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Rocha moved for adjournment of the Utility Committee meeting, hearing no objection
the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman Anderson presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Rocha moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury and unanimously
carried.
Silver Lake Dam Emergency Action Plan – Change Order (Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater
Director)
Mr. Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director, reviewed the background and analysis of the change
order for the Silver Lake Dam emergency action plan.
Staff recommended approval of the change order request from Remington & Vernick Engineers
for $21,067, in accordance with the City of Dover Purchasing Policy and Procedures.
Page 6
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING APRIL 28, 2026 PAGE 6
Mr. Shevock moved to recommend acceptance of the staff recommendation. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
Proposed Dual Employment Policy (Naomi Poole, Human Resources Director)
Ms. Naomi Poole, Human Resources Director, reviewed the Proposed Dual Employment Policy.
This item was informational; committee action was not required.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Ms. Poole explained that UKG is an all-inclusive human resources and
payroll processing system. Mr. Poole further explained that UKG has a payroll timekeeping
module that employees use to clock in and out and tracks hours that are worked from a city
standpoint, and it would account for hours to ensure that hours don’t overlap and, in the event of
an audit, show proof that the employee was working their job as normal and that the hours don’t
conflict.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Ms. Poole explained that there is no policy in place as of now, which is
the purpose of this policy. Ms. Poole stated that they still need to figure out what it looks like if
you need to take vacation or comp time to work the other job, and that the city needs to be careful,
there are no implications from the city standpoint for someone working their second job and
utilizing sick or vacation time to work that second job.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Ms. Poole explained that there is a form included with the policy that
she suggested Mr. Lewis review, and it could be the same thing he is referring to in regard to what
the state uses.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Poole stated that once this form is implemented, employees who
are currently working will need to fill it out. Ms. Poole explained that currently, there are no
employees who work two positions within the City of Dover; however, she wanted to capture all
possibilities on the form. Ms. Poole further explained that there is an approval process that needs
to happen to ensure that the second job does not conflict with the city job. She stated that it could
be considered as an approval form and a full disclosure form, as well. She agreed with Mr. Rocha
that it is more likely that the second job would be part-time, rather than two full-time positions.
Mr. Anderson stated that he doesn’t believe that the city should be asking how much someone is
making in the second job. He stated he doesn’t believe the state or federal government asks for
that information.
Review of Council President Duties (Councilman Lewis and Councilman Anderson)
Mr. Lewis and Mr. Anderson reviewed the history surrounding the Council President's duties.
This item was informational; committee action was not required.
Mr. Lewis discussed why he brought this item forward for discussion and that the charter should
be looked at for possible revisions. Mr. Lewis stated that he is open to comments and possible
suggestions if anyone would like to add anything. Mr. Lewis stated that moving forward, as stated
Page 7
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING APRIL 28, 2026 PAGE 7
in the charter that council president should not make any decisions unilaterally. He stated that all
decisions come from the legislative body.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Anderson stated that he agrees with 95% of what has been said.
Mr. Anderson further stated that the position has evolved over 37 years, and there needs to be an
understanding of what it is and how it operates, and if there are changes that need to be made, they
can make them, but there needs to be a discussion. Mr. Anderson explained that the main functions
that are important ministerial functions include leave and travel. Mr. Anderson further explained
that the council president does not make policy; the council president only makes sure the policies
that council votes on are carried out, and then if there is a problem, it needs to come back to council.
Mr. Lewis shared that he was able to share with the assistant city clerk the council president's
duties from the city of Newark (Attachment #1), as well as another city, for observational
purposes. Mr. Lewis stated that he thinks council president needs to inform the body of what’s
going on, or any decisions that are being made that are not unilateral to the body. Mr. Lewis
referred to the charter and explained council works as a body and that there are nine (9) people
who administer the city.
Mr. Lewis stated that moving forward, he would like to see whoever the city council president is
that they make sure that they are keeping the body abreast of anything that is going on.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Anderson explained that when he was council president, he tried to
make sure things were passed on, informing the body because it is vital to the operation of the city.
Mr. Anderson stated that the council president is not the ruler.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Neil stated if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Mr. Neil further stated
that if it is not broken and you are doing what you are supposed to be doing, then it is not broken.
Mr. Neil explained that no one has come up and told him it is a problem or that it is a problem with
him. Mr. Neil further explained that he is following exactly what is required in the code. Mr. Neil
stated that he has not heard that someone is suggesting that there is something broken.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Anderson stated that whoever is council president needs to
understand what is going on and the responsibilities and functions. Mr. Anderson stated that the
document from the city of Newark is actually very similar to our council president's functions.
Mr. Anderson explained that the code is very vague and doesn’t say a lot or reflect a lot of the
ministerial function of the daily operations of all the stuff that you sign. Mr. Anderson further
stated that it is not something that should be brought to full council because council already
approved that ministerial function.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Lewis stated that council president is not king and that whoever
may be council president needs to inform the body of what is going on. Mr. Lewis further stated
that as far as personnel matters are concerned, he believes that it is something that all of council
should be apprised of and take into consideration and vote. He explained that if it is taking a
vacation day, he has no objection to that, but if it’s a major or other personnel matter, he believes
it needs to be brought to the full council because there is a limited number of employees that work
for council and they work for all nine of us, not just one.
Page 8
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING APRIL 28, 2026 PAGE 8
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Anderson stated that if it is an issue that is covered by the handbook,
then that doesn’t come back, and that’s just done. Mr. Anderson further stated that if it is a change
of policy, then that would require council action.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Rocha stated that the staff council supervises and makes personnel
decisions, and he finds it difficult on their behalf that nine individuals are bosses to an individual
staff member. Mr. Rocha further stated that if it needs to be put into writing and if we have a
problem with a member of staff, that council should have a conversation with the council president
and empower that person to handle the situation. Mr. Rocha stated he does not think that council
should be scolding an individual who is part of the staff, possibly nine different times. Mr. Rocha
explained that he thinks if there is a grievance, it should be taken to the council president to handle,
because there should be some form of structure between our staff and our council president, who
represents council and is elected to represent the body.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Lewis stated that he agrees with Mr. Rocha, but the problem is that
the council president has to let the body know and schedule an executive session so that the body
can direct him or her on how to proceed. Mr. Lewis stated that there was a previous instance where
a council member addressed staff and did not have the authority to do so. Mr. Lewis suggested
that a meeting should be called and council should do it collectively, not just have the council
president address items on his own. Mr. Lewis stated that council president should address items
based on what the group wants collectively.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Rocha stated that in certain circumstances, he does agree; however,
as far as day-to-day, he does not agree with it. Mr. Rocha stated that if the council president does
not supervise staff day to day, then who is going to do it? Mr. Rocha stated that the city manager
doesn’t supervise council appointees’ day-to-day, so provisions are put in place to empower the
council president.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Lewis stated that someone needs to supervise day to day, and it is
the duty of the city manager, which is why we pay the city manager.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Rocha explained that the three (3) employees who report directly
to council do not fall under the city manager.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Lewis stated that if council needs to take disciplinary action, it
should be done as a collective group, not just the council president. Mr. Lewis stated that if one
(1) of the five (5) that reports to council wants to take a vacation day or some minuscule issue
arises, that is fine; if there is a personnel matter, that should come before the entire body. Mr.
Lewis stated there are no kings here.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Rocha stated that he agrees, but stated that those instances have
been few and far between since he has been on council, but understands his perspective.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Lewis stated that he has experienced it.
Page 9
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING APRIL 28, 2026 PAGE 9
Mayor Christiansen stated that he was the first council president, served as the longest council
president for 11 years, and it was a job that was a work in progress. Mayor Christiansen stated
that he took the opportunity to lead people where they did not want to go, and they followed
willingly. He further explained that his management style was that he worked with the council
appointees daily and kept council abreast of what they needed to know, other than the minuscule
staff day to day. Mayor Christiansen further stated that anybody you elect as council president
will have a different management style, as everyone does across the board. Mayor Christiansen
explained that if you elect someone as council president, you are expressing your confidence in
that person and that they will do the right thing, even when nobody is watching. Mayor
Christiansen further explained that you elect a council president who will always work in the best
interest of council, but moreover, which is in the best interest of the city.
Mayor Christiansen stated that he always looks back on that as his success in working with many
council and staff members. He further stated that if you elect someone council president, you
should have the confidence that they will do and keep you in the loop on anything that you need
to know when it is pertinent for you to know, and the issues that arise. He explained the council
president should be the visual face and leader of the council, but also remember where the power
that they have originates.
Belinda Main, City of Dover, stated that she understands the responsibilities of council president,
but also stated that the council president is like the football coach, and everyone is on one team.
Ms. Main further stated that the council president can not coach if the council members can not
pull themselves together as a team and communicate. She explained that members of council
argue and fight, and the constituents are the team cheerleaders on the sidelines, asking council to
listen to them. Ms. Main stated that if constituents bring issues to the council president, that person
should bring them to the team to find a solution. Ms. Main further stated that a lot of council are
not doing their jobs, so how can council president do the job? She stated everyone needs to pull
together.
Project Authorizations and Budget Amendments – Stoney Creek Alley Camera Installation,
Floor Scrubber Replacement, and Library Green Roof Replacement (Sharon Duca, Acting
City Manager)
Ms. Sharon Duca, Acting City Manager, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the
project authorizations and budget amendments for the Stoney Creek alley camera installation, a
floor scrubber replacement, and the library green roof replacement.
Staff recommended authorizing the projects and associated budget amendment totaling $127,500,
in accordance with the Budget Administration – Guidelines for Operating Departments Procedure.
Mr. Lewis moved to recommend acceptance of the staff recommendation. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Hall and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Proposed Ordinance #2026-09 – Amending Chapter 102 – Taxation, Article I. – In General,
Sec. 102-1 – Valuation and assessment (Sharon Duca, Acting City Manager)
Ms. Sharon Duca, Acting City Manager, reviewed Proposed Ordinance #2026-09.
Page 10
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING APRIL 28, 2026 PAGE 10
Staff recommended forwarding Proposed Ordinance #2026-09 to council for approval.
Dr. Pillsbury moved to recommend acceptance of the staff recommendation. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Proposed Ordinance #2026-10 – Amending Appendix B – Zoning, Article 3 – District
Regulations, Section 19 – Manufacturing zone (M), Section 20 – Industrial park
manufacturing zone (IPM), Section 20A – Industrial park manufacturing zone – Business
and Technology Center (IPM2), Section 20B – Industrial park manufacturing zone –
Industrial aviation and aeronautics center (IPM3), and Article 12 – Definitions regarding
Clean Hydrogen (Sharon Duca, Acting City Manager and Dawn Melson-Williams, Principal
Planner)
Ms. Sharon Duca, Acting City Manager, reviewed Proposed Ordinance #2026-10.
Staff recommended forwarding Proposed Ordinance #2026-10 to council for approval.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Dr. Andrew Cottone, hydrogen technical expert, stated that these
institutions are safe, but they need to be managed within the strict regulations that already exist.
He further stated our nation and our region know how to handle hydrogen, and Dover and
Delaware should follow the hydrogen standards that already exist. He explained that anything
natural gas can do, hydrogen can do, and in a lot of ways, it is safer because it can disperse faster.
He further concluded that Dover should make sure any company running that type of business is
following existing safety standards.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Dr. Cottone stated that he could not speak to the standards adopted by
the state, but that he knows the industry standards are largely wider than governmental standards.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Duca stated that there are national industry standards, and the state
of Delaware is looking at this technology coming into the state. Ms. Duca further stated that the
state climatology report has been looking at this, and there is support for clean hydrogen. Ms. Duca
explained that working with the state is going to be key in the path moving forward. Ms. Duca
further explained that it will likely be working on a state level as opposed to a city level moving
forward.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Dr. Cottone confirmed that there is not going to be a large storage
of hydrogen on the site, so that would mitigate the risk for residents or people outside the area. He
stated that Delaware can generate hydrogen, and companies would export it immediately, so there
would not be a need to store it. He explained that Delaware has a major advantage and the ability
to capitalize.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Dr. Cottone explained that in Delaware, because of the advantages,
hydrogen can be produced and sold for $5 a kilo. He further explained that how hydrogen is used
today, it is critical to semiconductors, in cellphones, and coating the chips, and the clean hydrogen
default gives off high-purity hydrogen that is just about ready to go into the semiconductor
industry. Dr. Cottone explained that there is no such thing as energy transition, only energy
addition. He further explained that if Delaware wants to capture this hydrogen transition, they are
Page 11
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING APRIL 28, 2026 PAGE 11
going to have to get ahead of it today so that in 5 or 10 years, when engineering catches up,
Delaware will be positioned to lead the hydrogen economy. He stated that Delaware has an
opportunity to lead the United States.
Ms. Hall moved to recommend acceptance of the staff recommendation to forward Proposed
Ordinance #2026-10 to council for approval. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and
unanimously carried.
FY26 Weyandt Hall Stairwells/Basement Flooring Project – Change Order (Sharon Duca,
Acting City Manager)
Ms. Sharon Duca, Acting City Manager, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the
FY26 Weyandt Hall stairwells and basement flooring project change order.
Staff recommended approval of the budget amendment request for the $13,500, in accordance with
the City of Dover Purchasing Policy.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Ms. Duca explained that this funding will not affect the budget this year
or next year in any way because it comes from an existing project that will no longer need the
funding this year.
Mr. Lewis moved to recommend approval of the FY26 Weyandt Hall stairwell and basement
flooring project change order as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Ms.
Hall and unanimously carried.
Mr. Anderson moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration
Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting, hearing
no objection the meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
Fred A. Neil
Council President
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Council President Information Provided by Mr. Lewis
Page 12
ATTACHMENT #1
Council Committee of the Whole Meeting of 04/28/2026