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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular City Council Meeting was held on November 8, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. with Council
President Sudler presiding. Council members present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Neil,
Mrs. Arndt, Mr. Rocha, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Hare.
Staff members present were Police Chief Johnson, Ms. Peddicord, Mr. Hugg, Mr. Rodriguez, and
Mrs. McDowell. Mayor Christiansen was also present.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 7:15 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting.
Councilman Hare declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that Council was
not in official session and could not take formal action.
Mrs. Jeannie Anderson, 217 Cecil Street, Dover, spoke to regarding meeting the father of a young
woman who had been murdered in Dover.
Mr. Steven Hall, 326 North Bradford Street, spoke in support of recreational opportunities for the
young people behind the General’s Green Complex; the increase in the homeless population; and
his support of the rezoning for Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing.
Ms. Lachelle Paul, 55 Glenn Street, Dover, spoke regarding Uniqua Caldwell's murder. She advised
that Ms. Caldwell’s parents, Mr. David Wilson and Ms. Elisha Caldwell were present and that they
would like the opportunity to speak.
Mr. David Wilson, 500 Persimmon Tree Lane, Dover, regarding meeting Jeannie and David
Anderson. He also advised that he did not support the proposed dawdling ordinance.
Ms. Lorraine Loper, 426 Court Street, Dover, spoke against the proposed dawdling ordinance
because her sons, as African Americans, have been profiled all their lives and she thought this would
be very dangerous.
Ms. Benita Rufus-Gassi, former resident of Dover, spoke against the proposed dawdling ordinance
for safety reasons.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Elder Ellis Louden.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilperson Arndt.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 2
ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
All Consent Agenda items are considered routine and non-controversial and will be acted upon by
a single roll call vote of the Council. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a
member of Council so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent
Agenda and considered a separate item.
Mr. Boggerty moved that item #22 - Proposed Ordinance #2021-26 - Creating a New Chapter 28 -
Dawdling and Amending Chapter 62 - Law Enforcement, Article II - Police Department, Section
62-38 - Police Cadet Program and Chapter 74 - Parks and Recreation, Article I - In General, Section
74-11 - Loitering be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as item #2-B. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Sudler and failed by a roll call vote of five (5) no (Anderson, Neil, Arndt,
Taylor, and Hare) and three (3) yes (Boggerty, Rocha, and Sudler).
Mr. Anderson moved that item #22 - Proposed Ordinance #2021-26 - Creating a New Chapter
28 - Dawdling and Amending Chapter 62 - Law Enforcement, Article II - Police Department,
Section 62-38 - Police Cadet Program and Chapter 74 - Parks and Recreation, Article I - In
General, Section 74-11 - Loitering be removed from the Consent Agenda. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the consent agenda, as amended. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Taylor and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
TRIBUTE #2021-01 - JENNIFER L. HARRIS
The City Clerk read the following Tribute into the record:
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover are saddened by the passing of Jennifer
Lynn Harris on July 27, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Harris pursued higher education in psychology, history, and education, receiving
her Bachelor's Degree from San Francisco State University, a teaching certificate from Dowling
College, and a Master's Degree from New York University. She also saw the beauty that the world
had to offer and dedicated much of her life to exploring the nation;
WHEREAS, Ms. Harris valued her community and made a point to be of service from the moment
she was eligible to vote until her last days. She served as a VISTA volunteer, fought for equal rights
during the Civil Rights movement, ran a camp for inner-city youths, became a public school teacher
and active union member, served as a Red Cross volunteer, advocated for policy change at local,
state, and federal levels, and prior to her passing was appointed to the Utility Committee for the City
of Dover; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Harris will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all of those whose lives
she has touched.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 3
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council extend their deepest
sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Jennifer Lynn Harris, and hope that they will
be consoled by the memories of her life and achievements.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council direct the City Clerk to place this
Tribute in the permanent records of the City of Dover and that a copy of this Tribute be provided to
the family of Jennifer Lynn Harris.
ADOPTED: NOVEMBER 8, 2021
On behalf of the Mayor and Council, Mayor Christiansen presented the Tribute to the family of
Jennifer Lynn Harris.
Councilman Rocha recognized Mrs. Harris as a soldier, a term he does not use lightly, and noted that
when he needed someone to appoint to the Utility Committee, she did not blink an eye. She accepted
right away and then it was shortly after that, that she found out she was sick and was not able to
serve. Mr. Rocha attested that she would have served the City well, given that opportunity, but
unfortunately that opportunity was taken away from her. He noted that they were honoring
Mrs. Harris for her willingness to participate, to make the City of Dover a better place.
Ms. Kerri Evelyn Harris, daughter of Jennifer Harris, advised that her family was watching from
across the nation. She stated that her mother taught them all to be more than they ever thought they
could be. Ms. Harris noted that, while there may be disagreements, anyone that knew her knew that
what was most important was that they had dialogue. That it was respectful, that they found a central
point. That they saw each other as human beings instead of groupings of people and understanding
that it was their duty to serve each other, whether in an elected position or as community leaders, as
community members.
Ms. Harris stated that it was an honor to have received the Tribute, but it was even more of an honor
to know that people will continue her mother’s legacy by doing good works, by uniting communities,
by making sure that tomorrow is brighter for everyone. And that they do the work and do not just
live to be the change they want to see in the world, but do the work to create that change.
By unanimous consent, Tribute No. 2021-01 was adopted.
PROCLAMATION - GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) DAY AND
GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK
The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, fascination with the earth's geography inspired the early explorers of our country to
learn and record information about the surface of the land and its people, environments, resources,
political boundaries, and characteristics and today remains a fundamental part of our national
heritage; and
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WHEREAS, geographic information has many useful applications for our municipal government
and is a valuable resource used in the analysis of infrastructure, emergency services, economic
development, and long-range planning. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology provides
an efficient means of managing geographic information and providing data that allows for effective
decision-making and improved delivery of services to the residents of the City of Dover and our
surrounding area; and
WHEREAS, this annual public awareness program encourages all citizens to think and learn about
the significance of place and how we affect and are affected by it. The City of Dover's GIS Division
plays a vital role in the continued growth of the City and has been nationally recognized for its
outstanding efforts in the advancement of GIS and its foresight in creating programs that can be used
to better manage services in the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER,
DELAWARE, do hereby proclaim November 17, 2021 as GIS Day, and November 15 -19, 2021 as
GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK in the City of Dover and urge all residents to participate in
this special observance.
On behalf of the Mayor, Council, and citizen of the City of Dover, Mayor Christiansen presented the
proclamation to Mrs. Sharon Duca, Public Works Director.
Mrs. Duca thanked the Mayor and Council for recognizing GIS and all that it provides to the City.
It is a service that is used by nearly every department in the City to help make the work more
efficient and effective. She advised that the City of Dover earned a special achievement award this
year from Esri, which is a worldwide award that the City was in competition with. Mrs. Duca stated
that it is a pretty big success for the City to be part of that group.
PUBLIC HEARING/FINAL READING OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2021-19
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider approval of proposed zoning
text amendments to Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3 - District Regulations, Section 19 -
Manufacturing Zone (M); Article 4 - Zoning Bulk Parking Regulations, Section 4.16 - M, IPM
Zones; and Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, Section3 - Supplementary Regulations Applying
to Nonresidential Buildings, except in IPM Zone.
Mr. Neil moved that the Final Reading of proposed Ordinance #2021-19 be acknowledged by
title only, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the
ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of September 27, 2021.)
Mr. Dave Hugg, Interim City Manager, advised members that the ordinance amends some of the
provisions of the zoning ordinance relating to the manufacturing zone, including adjusting the height
limitations, removing a requirement that all manufacturing activity receive conditional use approval,
and making other changes to make the language consistent with sections of the Dover Code that had
been revised in recent months.
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Mr. Hugg noted that the purpose of the ordinance was to maintain Dover's competitiveness for new
industry, new development in the community, modern manufacturing, and multipurpose buildings.
He advised that Industrial buildings increasingly require taller ceilings than the Code permits and
the amendment makes an adjustment for that.
Mr. Hugg stated that the Planning Commission recommended adoption of the proposed ordinance.
Council President Sudler declared the public hearing open and, with no one present wishing to speak,
Council President Sudler declared the hearing closed.
Mr. Boggerty moved for adoption of the Ordinance, as recommended by the Planning
Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and, by a unanimous roll call vote,
Council adopted Ordinance #2021-19 (Exhibit #1).
PUBLIC HEARING/FINAL READING OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2021-21 -
REZONING REQUEST FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 317, 319, AND 325 WEST
DIVISION STREET
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider the rezoning of properties
located at 317, 319, and 325 West Division Street, consisting of three (3) parcels (0.05 +/- acres,
0.13 +/- acres, and 0.08 +/- acres, for a total of 0.26 +/- acres), owned by E. Vernon Ingram Jr. And
Alice M. Ingram. The properties are currently zoned C-1A (Limited Commercial) and the proposed
zoning is IO (Institutional and Office). (Tax Parcels: ED-05-076.08-05-03.00-000, ED-05-076.08-05-02.00-000,
and ED-05-076/08-05-01.00-000; Planning Reference: Z-21-06. Council District 4.)
Council President Sudler reminded members of the public that copies of the proposed ordinance
were available at the entrance of the Council Chambers or on the City’s website at
www.cityofdover.com under “Government.”
Mr. Neil moved that the Final Reading of Proposed Ordinance #2021-21 be acknowledged by
title only, seconded by Mr. Anderson and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the
ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of September 27, 2021.)
Planner's Review
Mr. Dave Hugg, III, Interim City Manager, reviewed the petition to amend the zoning district and
the findings and recommendations of the Planning Commission. He noted that the Planning
Commission recommended approval of the rezoning request.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Dawn Melson-Williams, Interim Director of Planning and
Community Development, advised that the rezoning request was consistent with the
2019 Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Anderson asked what uses were allowed in the Institutional and Office (IO) zone.
Mrs. Melson-Williams advised that the IO zone is described in the Zoning Ordinance in Article 3,
Section 10 of the Dover Code as a mix of commercial and institutional type uses. The types of uses
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that are allowed in that zone are a variety of offices, banks, research and design laboratories, public
and institutional uses ranging from hospitals, medical clinics, libraries, philanthropic and charitable
institutions, public utility rights-of-way, child daycare centers, emergency shelters, and transitional
housing, as well as adult daycare facilities. Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that there are also a number
of conditional uses, meaning uses that require a special review process in order to be instituted in
that zone, as well as several accessory uses. She noted that the IO zone really focuses more on
institutional type uses.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that the location of those properties on
West Division Street places it on a major East/West corridor within the City of Dover. She noted
that there was existing infrastructure in place with streets, access to a rear alley, options for transit
and alternative modes of transportation, as well as the City’s infrastructure.
Mr. Anderson asked what the next step would be if the rezoning were approved.
Mrs. Melson-Williams advised that the process for development of the site, if they were to utilize
the existing buildings, could potentially mean just a building permit process. If they were planning
to remove the buildings and build new, it would likely trigger the site development plan review
process, which is an application to the City's Planning Commission which is subject to public
hearing.
Public Hearing
Council President Sudler declared the public hearing open.
Mr. Ken Abraham, 430 Kings Highway, Apartment 414, Dover, stated that he was a former resident,
staff member, and volunteer of Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing and noted that it was a great
asset to the community and urged approval of the rezoning to allow them to relocate.
Mr. Jeff Hall, 240 South Shore Drive, Dover, advised that although he was the Kent County Levy
Court Commissioner for the 2nd District, he was not speaking on behalf of Levy Court. Mr. Hall
expressed his support for the rezoning application.
Ms. Jeanine Kleimo, Chair of the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (DIMH) at 684 Forest Street,
Dover, provided a brief history of the DIMH. She advised that she had been raising significant funds
for this project and urged the City to approve the rezoning request because it was in the interest of
the City to enable the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing and the 50 or 60 faith communities,
organizations, and the 1,000 volunteers who work with them every day and whom have had a
rewarding and positive experience in working with the DIMH.
Council President Sudler reminded members that they were only considering the rezoning, not any
particular project.
Responding to Mr. Hare, Ms. Kleimo stated that they respected the outpouring of concern by the
neighbors of Bicentennial Village when DIMH was considering a location on Walker Road. She
advised that they had not had opposing views from the neighbors that they met on Division Street
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and that they had also progressed over a couple of years to have a much stronger and a more effective
program.
Mr. Hare asked if DIMH had considered working with the State, like Newcastle County did, to buy
a hotel. He noted that some people were willing to sell their hotels. Responding, Ms. Kleimo stated
that she would like the information on hotels for sale.
Mr. Hare stated that people were afraid to come forward because this property is not in the low crime
area. He noted that the property is not even a 10th of a mile from Delaware State University's
campus. Mr. Hare asked if DIMH had the option to use church properties or properties that were not
in the middle of a residential neighborhood that Habitat for Humanity was trying to rebuild.
Responding, Ms. Kleimo stated that this location was the result of a very long process. Mr. Neil
noted that he had been a part of the process and he did not think that the location would add anything
in terms of crime, if anything it was helping those people who were willing and wished to get back
into society.
Mr. Taylor asked if there were any issues with the proximity to the schools, churches and parks.
Responding, Ms. Kleimo assured members that this site was not within any place that they were not
permitted to be, in terms of any schools or any places that had restrictions. She noted that they had
a very cooperative relationship with the churches in the community and in this neighborhood.
Council President Sudler reminded members that they were only supposed to be discussing the
zoning, but since the applicant is proposing a men’s shelter, that information is now added into their
decision for the rezoning and could be used to either deny or approve the rezoning request since it
was brought to them.
Mrs. Arndt restated that the rezoning request was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the
Institutional and Office zoning was compatible with nearby uses and that was the basis for which
they should be making their decision.
Pastor Amy Yarnall, Wesley United Methodist Church, stated that she was not aware that they were
going to separate out the decision. She advised that, based on her conversations among other
colleagues and churches, there was support for the rezoning request.
Mr. Taylor asked if the City put any mechanism in place to look at the distance from the park on
Kirkwood Street versus the new location that is being proposed and, if so, what the distance was.
Responding, Mrs. Melson-Williams advised that the zoning ordinance did not have prescriptive
spacing distances for any particular use outlined in the IO zone. She believed those distance
requirements that had been referenced were provisions in Delaware Code. Mrs. Melson-Williams
stated that planning staff did not review Delaware Code for compliance with what potentially could
be a use. They looked only at the zoning.
Mr. Taylor asked Ms. Kleimo what mechanism their organization used to assess whether or not they
were within the guidelines from the Kirkwood Street Park to the proposed new location. Ms. Kleimo
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replied that there was no known ordinance that prohibited proximity to a park by residents or users
of a facility such as theirs. The only restriction applied to schools and there were no nearby schools
that would affect this particular use of the property. Ms. Kleimo also noted that there was nothing
within any distance that would be a concern or that would violate any ordinance. She advised that
they had worked very closely with the City Planning staff and the Department of Probation to make
sure that there was no conflict with any city or state ordinances.
Mr. Taylor expressed concern with the proximity of sex offenders to a public park where kids play
and schools. Responding, Ms. Kleimo stated that it did not affect the proximity of any facility, noting
that individuals by virtue of their tier and their probation status may be prohibited from being in
certain places, but that is not a matter of the building's location proximate to a park or any other
facility other than a school.
Police Chief Thomas Johnson advised that there had been revisions to that law in recent years and
the latest legislation limits residence and location of sex offenders only to school buildings. There
is no reference in the current statutory law about parks, churches, or daycares.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Rodriguez, City Solicitor, stated that the rezoning application was
in conformity with the Comprehensive Plan and everything seemed to be covered completely by
staff.
Ms. Anne Smith, 132 Oakmont Drive, Dover, stated that she had worked with the homeless for
years; however, she was not in agreement with the rezoning if it meant bringing that facility to that
particular area. Ms. Smith advised that the area was minority populated and she did not think the area
was healthy in terms of the citizens there and questioned whether the facility would strengthen that
community. Ms. Smith stated that if it was not going to strengthen the citizens in that community,
they would be doing the families in that area a great disservice.
Ms. Sarah Rhine, Policy Director at Housing Alliance Delaware and a Dover resident at
186 Carnoustie Road, spoke in support of the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing’s rezoning
application and urged support for all of the citizens in need of housing.
Mr. Herbert Konowitz, 55 Beloit Avenue, outside the City of Dover, advised that he had been a
member of the staff at DIMH and the vice chair for the past 14 years. He noted that he was also on
the parole board for the State of Delaware. He requested approval of the rezoning application to
assist those being released from prison.
Ms. Lachelle Paul, 55 Glenn Street, Dover, spoke in opposition to the rezoning application, noting
that the Fourth District was already stressed with regards to the high crime rate and poverty level.
She noted that when people get out of jail and they are homeless, they need placement in an area
where the crime rate is lower. Ms. Paul also expressed concern about sex offenders and the children
living in the area.
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Ms. Karen Grady, 55 Beloit Avenue outside of the city limits, stated that she had been volunteering
for DIMH for years and she saw them as a solution to the problems in the city. She noted that DIMH
gave people a hope and a prayer and a change and without them they were going to add more people
to the streets. She requested approval of the rezoning application.
Ms. Karen Speakman, Executive Director of NCALL, 101 Maple Glen Drive, Dover, stated that if
the property were rezoned, it would go from an old auto repair and sales store to something that
would be very valuable to the community. She noted that NCALL was working with the residents
of the Fourth District and other parts of the City to engage each other and to improve the community.
Ms. Speakman stated that having a place for the homeless to live and be trained to have jobs would
make a huge difference in the community. She urged approval of the rezoning application.
Mrs. Georgiana Windley (via WebEx), 725 Bicentennial Boulevard, Dover, stated that she was in
support of the rezoning because it was consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Ms. Karma Amos (via WebEx) stated that she was a local minister in support of the rezoning.
Council President Sudler, noting that no audience members in attendance lived near a homeless
shelter (by show of hands) or experienced what is was like, stated that he would support the rezoning
but that he was opposed to the DIMH’s men's shelter at that location. He stated that a lot of time had
been spent cleaning that area up and a shelter would clutter the Fourth District area. Mr. Sudler
referenced the opposition to the shelter in the First District and noted that the Fourth District
residents were not as outspoken for whatever reason. He stated that he believed in the mission;
however, the Fourth District was already cluttered and they needed other districts to share the
responsibility.
Ms. Yolanda Jackson (via WebEx), member of the Board of Directors at the Dover Interfaith
Mission for Housing, advised that DIMH was an interfaith mission - an effort by local churches in
the area. She stated that they needed the adequate resources and staff to represent an interfaith
platform as is Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing.
Mr. Anderson reminded members that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the
rezoning application; NCALL, which is investing very heavily in the neighborhood, supports the
application; and DIMH has been working successfully in the Fourth District for 10 years a couple
of blocks from the proposed location. He stated that he would want to see that the site plan was done
properly to safeguard members of the neighborhood, the aesthetics, and proper fencing.
Council President Sudler acknowledged the receipt of correspondence in support of the rezoning
application from the Housing Alliance of Delaware, the National Council on Agricultural Life and
Labor Research Fund (NCALL), and Mr. James Short (Exhibit #2).
Mr. Neil moved for approval of the rezoning request, as recommended by the Planning
Commission. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Arndt and, by a unanimous roll call vote,
Council adopted Ordinance #2021-21, as follows:
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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE
CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTIES
LOCATED AT 317 WEST DIVISION STREET, 319 WEST DIVISION STREET, AND
325 WEST DIVISION STREET
WHEREAS, the City of Dover has enacted a zoning ordinance regulating the use of property within
the limits of the City of Dover; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of zoning and planning to change the permitted use of
properties described below from C-1A (Limited Commercial Zone) to IO (Institutional and Office Zone).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That from and after the passage and approval of this ordinance the Zoning Map and Zoning
Ordinance of the City of Dover have been amended by changing the zoning designation from
C-1A (Limited Commercial Zone) to IO (Institutional and Office Zone) on that property
located at 317 West Division Street, consisting of 0.05+/- acres, 319 West Division Street,
consisting of 0.13+/- acres, and 325 West Division Street, consisting of 0.08+/- acres, (on the
north side of West Division Street and east of North Queen Street) , owned by E. Vernon
Ingram, Jr. & Alice M. Ingram.
(Tax Parcel: ED-05-076.08-05-03.00-000, ED-05-076.08-05-02.00-000, and ED-05-076.08-05-01.00-000;
Planning Reference: Z-21-06; Fourth Council District)
ADOPTED: NOVEMBER 8, 2021
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 25, 2021
The Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of October 25, 2021 were unanimously approved
by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Anderson and bore the written approval of
Mayor Christiansen.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 25, 2021
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of October 25, 2021 were unanimously approved
by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Anderson and bore the written approval of
Mayor Christiansen.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REPORT - OCTOBER 26, 2021
The Council Committee of the Whole Meeting was held on October 26, 2021 at
6:00 p.m., with Council President Sudler presiding. Members of Council present
were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Neil, Mr. Hare, Mrs. Arndt, Mr. Rocha, and
Mr. Taylor. Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members present for their
Committee meetings were Dr. Jackson and Mr. Shelton (via WebEx) (Safety
Advisory and Transportation), Mr. McCutchen (Utility), and Mr. Shevock
(Legislative, Finance, and Administration). Mr. Contant (Legislative, Finance, and
Administration) was absent.
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Mr. Anderson requested that the Committee begin with the Safety Advisory and
Transportation Committee Informational Item #16 - Update on COVID-19 Vaccine
(Dr. Kandis Samuels, MD, Bayhealth Family Medicine and Rev. Rita Paige,
President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Dover (IMA) and strike
the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Item #12 - Proposed
Amendments to Personnel Policy (Employee Handbook) (Matt Harline, Interim City
Manager) from the agenda.
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, as amended. The motion was
seconded by Mrs. Arndt and unanimously carried.
SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee met with Chairman Taylor
presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and
unanimously carried.
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine (Dr. Kandis Samuels, MD, Bayhealth Family
Medicine and Rev. Rita Paige, President of the Interdenominational Ministerial
Alliance of Dover (IMA)
Dr. Kandis Samuels-Leutzinger, MD, MPH, Bayhealth Family Medicine and
Dr. Cameron Golden, reviewed a presentation entitled “COVID-19 Update,” dated
October 26, 2021.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Dr. Samuels stated that regarding the effectiveness of the
vaccine diminishing has to do with immunity and antibodies. She stated that there
have been conversations about if people should get antibody testing to see how high
their antibodies were.
Mr. Taylor asked if someone gets the COVID-19 virus and they are unvaccinated, are
they going to have a stronger immune system than someone who would receive the
vaccination. Responding to Mr. Taylor, Dr. Samuels stated that question comes up
often and there is not a definitive answer, because there are a lot more variables
involved and depends on risk factors. She noted that they are still gathering more of
that information with the vaccines, but it is not like it would last indefinitely.
Dr. Golden noted that new data came out this August stating that for patients who
have had COVID-19 infection and have not gotten the vaccine, they are actually two
times more likely to be reinfected versus someone who has the COVID-19 infection
in the past, but also been vaccinated. There is more evidence to suggest, even if
someone has been infected, the vaccine should still be administered to patients.
Dr. Samuels noted that there are some long haul COVID symptoms that people have
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and tend not to get after someone has been vaccinated.
Responding to Mr. Taylor regarding variants, Dr. Samuels stated that the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had a COVID variant proportion tracker on
their website. She explained that when the vaccines were initially formulated it was
not for the Delta variant. Dr. Samuels noted that because of this the vaccines were
not as effective as the initial data which was saying 91% but they were still effective.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Dr. Samuels stated that they encouraged everyone to
get vaccinated, especially pregnant women because they already have reduced
immunity. She explained that they were still learning about the virus so there was no
hard answer to whether or not COVID had an effect on infants whose mothers had
experienced COVID while pregnant.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Dr. Samuels stated that everyone should contact their
doctor or healthcare provider to see what worked best for their needs when it came
to receiving third shots or boosters, but generally anyone 65 years or older should
receive a booster about six (6) months after they receive their second dose.
Dr. Samuels noted that anyone 18 years or older should also receive a booster if they
work in high risk settings or have underlying medical conditions such as but not
limited to the following:
• Cancer • Depression
• Chronic kidney disease • Schizophrenia
• Chronic liver disease • Obesity
• Chronic lung diseases • Pregnancy
• Dementia • Current or former smoker
• Diabetes (type one (1) or two (2) • Stroke
• Down’s syndrome • Substance abuse disorder
• HIV • Opioid addiction
• Immuno compromised • Tuberculosis
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Dr. Samuels stated that currently they were not sure if
additional shots would continue to be required because the data was evolving. She
explained that flu shots were recommended yearly because viruses like the flu
mutate, so it was likely COVID would be more similar to that than a shot for the
chicken pox which an individual only needed to receive once but the situation was
still evolving.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Dr. Samuels stated that regardless of whether it was
COVID or not pregnant women fall into the category of decreased immunity. She
explained that there are side effects with every vaccine but they still recommend that
pregnant women be vaccinated due to the risk to the fetus and the risk of death of the
mother if COVID were contracted.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 13
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Dr. Samuels stated that as of that afternoon the Federal
Drug Administration (FDA) panel stated that it was safe to use the vaccine
potentially in children 5 years and up. She explained that for Pfizer, a third of the
adult dose would be given to children.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Dr. Samuels stated that they did not know for certain what
the long term effects of the vaccine would be and whether or not it would affect
children’s innate immunity, adaptive immunity, or passive immunity, they were just
operating in the midst of a pandemic and trying their best to give children the best
chance for immunity.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Dr. Samuels stated that they did not know at this time if
boosters would be recommended for children because they were just starting with the
vaccine and adults did not receive a booster until about six (6) months after the last
dose of the series.
Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee meeting recessed by unanimous
consent.
Meeting recessed at 6:31 p.m.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Rocha presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Hare moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Neil and
unanimously carried.
Evaluation of Proposals - Turnberry Pump Station Upgrade Engineering
Design Support (Jason Lyon, Water and Wastewater Director)
Staff recommended awarding contract to Century Engineering for the Turnberry
Pump Station Upgrade Engineering Design, RFP #22-0005WW, for the amount of
$20,592.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by
Mr. Anderson. The motion failed with Mr. Neil, Mrs. Arndt and Mr. Anderson voting
no.
Mr. Jason Lyon, Water and Wastewater Director, reviewed the background and
analysis regarding the evaluation of proposal for the Turnberry Pump Station
Upgrade Engineering Design Support.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 14
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Lyon stated that it was an option to put the same
amount of money into training City engineering staff to do these types of jobs in the
future.
Mr. Anderson moved to recommend awarding contract to Century Engineering
for the Turnberry Pump Station Upgrade Engineering Design, RFP
#22-0005WW, for the amount of $20,592, as recommended by Staff. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Annexation Request - Right-Of-Way at Raymond Street, Grove Street, and
Railroad Avenue (Dawn Melson-Williams, Principal Planner/Dave Hugg,
Planning and Community Development Director)
Mr. Dave Hugg, Planning and Community Development Director, reviewed the
background and analysis regarding the Annexation request right-of-way at Raymond
Street, Grove Street, and Railroad Avenue.
Staff recommended that the right-of-way known as Raymond Street (aka Jason
Street), Grove Street, and Railroad Avenue be annexed into the City to close an
enclave and “clean up” the City boundary by including areas of right-of-way that
were intended to be included in the City upon the previous annexations of
neighboring properties. Furthermore, certain utilities are already available in this
area under some of the right-of-way described and can be brought up to current
standards with any further development of the area.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hugg stated that he believed the request
encompassed the streets that were coexistent with properties in the City that were
specifically affiliated with some of the potential development that had been suggested
for the area. He explained that there were a number of private parcels that were not
in City limits in the annexation exhibit but the responsibility for requesting
annexation would fall on those property owners.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Hugg stated that the area was a combination of a couple
of zones but he did not have that information with him. He noted that he would get
the explanation to the Committee. Mr. Hugg clarified that the City was initiating the
zoning request.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mr. Hugg stated that his understanding was that Conwell
Street was in City limits but was not an improved City street and was not part of this
annexation. He explained that his understanding was that it was a partially improved
or pretty much unpaved street.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 15
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mr. Hugg stated that Conwell Street was a separate matter
from what was before the Committee in this request but City Council could direct
staff to address it.
Mrs. Sharon Duca, Public Works Director, stated that Conwell Street was not a
recognized City street, the only streets in that area which belonged to the City were
portions on Mishoe Street and Raymond Street. She explained that part of Conwell
Street was adjacent to sections that were not in the City. Mrs. Duca noted that she
would assume that as a part of this annexation it would be brought in for dedication
to the City for the right-of-way so her personal opinion was that Conwell Street
should be included.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Duca stated that the streets would need to be
dedicated to the City. She explained that the original development was from 1899 so
there was not a developer to dedicate it to the City which was why she asked if part
of the annexation was to accept the streets as City of Dover street in addition to being
within City limits. Mrs. Duca noted that staff would want to make sure it was
documented as dedicated streets so they could report it to the State.
Mr. Anderson moved to add the dedication and if needed an annexation of Conwell
Street to the item. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler.
Responding to Mrs. Arndt, Mrs. Duca stated that the parcels adjacent to Conwell
Street on the north were not in the City but were on the South end so the right-of-way
was never dedicated to the City or annexed in as the other parcels were.
Mr. Anderson moved to recommend adding the dedication of Conwell Street
and, if needed, the annexation of Conwell Street to the item. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried.
Mr. Anderson moved to recommend that the right-of-way known as Raymond
Street (aka Jason Street), Grove Street, and Railroad Avenue be annexed into
the City to close an enclave and "clean up" the City boundary by including
areas of right-of-way that were intended to be included in the City upon the
previous annexations of neighboring properties. Furthermore, certain utilities
are already available in this area under some of the right-of-way described and
can be brought up to current standards with any further development of the
area, as recommended by Staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hare and
unanimously carried.
(City Clerk’s Office Note: This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and considered during
the latter part of the meeting.)
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 16
Mr. Hare moved for adjournment of the Utility Committee meeting. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman
Anderson presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Hare requested that the Committee begin with item #15 - Presentation -
Downtown Dover Partnership Update on the Comprehensive Downtown Dover
Parking Plan (Diane Laird, Executive Director, DDP).
Mr. Sudler moved for adoption of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Neil
and unanimously carried.
Presentation - Downtown Dover Partnership Update on the Comprehensive
Downtown Dover Parking Plan (Diane Laird, Executive Director, DDP)
Ms. Diane Laird, Executive Director, DDP, introduced Mr. Jed Hatfield, president
of Colonial Parking, Inc. And his colleague Chris Hankins.
Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Hankins reviewed a presentation from the Downtown Dover
Partnership and Colonial Parking entitled “Downtown Dover Parking,” dated
October 26, 2021.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Hatfield stated that residents downtown could get
a monthly permit which would cost $30 per month instead of paying daily which
equaled $150 per month. He explained that the permits would be available to
anybody. Mr. Hatfield noted that there were also different programs that had not been
contemplated for Dover because the hours did not quite fit.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Hatfield stated that there was a cost to using a credit
card at the meter but it would be absorbed by the program and would not be passed
on to the consumer. He explained that he believed there was a service charge on
parking applications such as Park Mobile but that would be independent of them and
the application would assess that charge.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Hatfield stated that he did not know which application
would be used for the Dover area, it would be a bid process.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Hatfield stated that they were currently contemplating
piloting two (2) electric vehicle charging stations, it would be one (1) unit with two
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 17
(2) charging cords for the Bradford Street parking lot. He explained that depending
on acceptance and demand it would grow from there.
Evaluation of Bids - Award of Circuit Breakers for Garrison Oak Technical and
Business Park Substation (Paul Waddell, Electric Director)
Mr. Paul Waddell, Electric Director, reviewed the background and analysis regarding
the evaluation of bids - award of circuit breakers for Garrison Oak Technical and
Business Park Substation.
Staff recommended awarding the bid for circuit breakers for Garrison Oak Technical
and Business Park Substation #22-0007EL to Southern States via Anixter, as they
were the only bidder to offer Siemen's breakers.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Waddell stated that Irby was a distributor would
handled different vendor line cards but Siemens was the manufacturer.
Responding to Mr. Bogerty, Mr. Waddell stated that there were three (3) different
levels of vendor preference, local within the City, within the State, and minority
owned businesses. He clarified that Anixter was in the State, not the City.
Mr. Waddell noted that there were not any bidders within the City.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Waddell stated that there was a total budget of
$7 million for this project, they had not budgeted each individual line item. He
explained that for the circuit breakers, the circuit switchers, the transformer, and the
switch gear they were at about $2.5 million which eft upwards of $4.5 million for
construction and everything else they may be needed.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Waddell stated that for Electric equipment or bids
they usually did not do pre-bid meetings. He noted that he would speak to
Mr. Barry Wolfgang, Contract and Procurement Manager, about possibly
implementing them.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend awarding the bid for circuit breakers for
Garrison Oak Technical and Business Park Substation #22-0007EL to Southern
States via Anixter, as they were the only bidder to offer Siemen's breakers, as
recommended by Staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and
unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 18
Evaluation of Bids - Award of Circuit Switcher for Garrison Oak Technical and
Business Park Substation (Paul Waddell, Electric Director)
Mr. Paul Waddell, Electric Director, reviewed the background and analysis regarding
the evaluation of bids - award of circuit switcher for Garrison Oak Technical and
Business Park Substation.
Staff recommended awarding the bid for circuit switcher for Garrison Oak Technical
and Business Park Substation #22-0006EL to Southern States via Anixter, as they
were the only bidder.
Mr. Sudler moved to recommend approval of Staff’s recommendation. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Approving Proposal of Advantech for Weyandt Hall Security Upgrade
(Kay Sass, Public Affairs and Emergency Management Coordinator)
Mrs. Kay Sass, Public Affairs and Emergency Management Coordinator, reviewed
the background and analysis for the Weyandt Hall security upgrade.
Staff recommended authorizing the City Manager to accept the reimbursement grant
for all costs associated with the purchase and installation of the video surveillance
and access control expansion and authorize the sole source designation for
Advantech.
Mr. Sudler moved to recommend approval of Staff’s recommendation. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Weyandt Hall Building Security Modifications (Kay Sass, Public Affairs and
Emergency Management Coordinator)
Mrs. Kay Sass, Public Affairs and Emergency Management Coordinator, reviewed
the background and analysis for the Weyandt Hall security modifications.
Staff recommended authorizing the City Manager to accept the reimbursement grant
for all costs associated with modifications of security enhancements in Weyandt Hall
and proceed with the project.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend approval of Staff’s recommendation. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 19
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
City Emergency Operations Plan Update and Inclusion of Cybersecurity
(Kay Sass, Public Affairs and Emergency Management Coordinator)
Mrs. Kay Sass, Public Affairs and Emergency Management Coordinator, reviewed
the background and analysis for the City Emergency Operations Plan Update and
inclusion of cybersecurity.
Staff recommended authorizing Staff to accept the reimbursement and execute a
contract to rewrite the Emergency Operations Plan with the addition of including
cybersecurity.
Mr. Boggerty moved to recommend approval of Staff’s recommendation. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Administration Proposal (Tracey Harvey,
CDBG Program Administrator)
Mr. David Anderson, Councilman Fourth (4th) District, reviewed the proposal to
manage the American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded to Nonprofit Organizations
for Housing and Homelessness.
Staff recommended approval of the proposal as submitted.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Anderson stated that Ms. Harvey’s role would be
to administrate the funds, help the committee with the applications, hold the public
meetings, and make sure the funds are administered to the different organizations in
conjunction with the Finance Department.
Mr. Rocha moved to recommend approval of the proposal to manage the
American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded to Nonprofit Organizations for
Housing and Homelessness, as recommended by Staff. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Fiscal Year 2021B Street and Alley Program - Additional Work (Sharon Duca,
Public Works Director)
Mrs. Sharon Duca, Public Works Director, reviewed the background and analysis
regarding the Fiscal Year 2021B Street and Alley Program - Additional Work.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 20
Staff recommended awarding the additional work of regrading and repaving the
American Legion, Walter L. Fox Post #2 parking lot to Grassbuster's Landscaping
Company, Inc. for the City of Dover FY 2021B Street and Alley Program in the
amount of $201,284 for a total project cost of $582,367.
Mr. Anderson thanked the legislators who participated in this including the Senator
Paradee, Representative Sean Lynn and Senator Colin Bonini.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mrs. Duca stated that they did try to make contact with
legislators annually at a minimum to go over the roads that are in poor condition or
need addressing. She explained that they had a meeting with them a few months ago
and provided a map of all the roads in the City that were at a reconstruct level eight
(8), but they were scattered throughout the City not in a particular zone, it was based
on their use. Mrs. Duca noted that they were trying to make them aware of the needs
of the City and trying to get more focus on them. She stated that staff expected that
the program would continually expand year after year.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mrs. Duca stated that the City would want to keep itself
aware of what funding opportunities were out there so it could continually improve
its streets.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend awarding the additional work of regrading and
repaving the American Legion, Walter L. Fox Post #2 parking lot to
Grassbuster's Landscaping Company, Inc. for the City of Dover FY 2021B
Street and Alley Program in the amount of $201,284 for a total project cost of
$582,367, as recommended by Staff. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Arndt
and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Kent County Levy Court Grant (Thomas Johnson, Police Chief)
Police Chief Thomas Johnson reviewed the background for the Kent County Levy
Court Grant.
Staff recommended approval of the new grant program and the intended purchases.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend approval of Staff’s recommendation. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 21
Proposed Ordinance #2021-24 - Project Carry-Forward Budget
Balances/Proposed Budget Amendments (Lori Peddicord, Controller/Treasurer)
Ms. Lori Peddicord, Controller/Treasurer, reviewed the background and analysis
regarding the Proposed Ordinance #2021-24 - Project Carry-Forward Budget
Balances/Proposed Budget Amendments.
Staff recommended approval of the proposed Budget Amendments totaling
$9,773,800 for Fiscal Year 2022 and adoption of Ordinance #2021-24.)
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Ms. Peddicord stated that staff planned to bring
another proposed budget amendment before Committee and that what was presented
was a lot of cleanup of 2021 carrying projects into 2022. She explained that Jeff Dill,
Budget Analyst had spent a lot of time preparing this proposed amendment but she
thought it would cleaner if they brought back another amendment identifying the
bond bill money. Ms. Peddicord noted that there was a possibility the City would get
some Federal funds but it was still unknown and there would be some additional
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that would be pulled through depending
on when the second tranche of that was received. She stated that staff figured it
would be cleaner to have a smaller report that identifies just those projects.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Ms. Peddicord stated that staff would bring another
proposed budget amendment before in the next month or two (2).
Mr. Hare moved to recommend approval of the proposed Budget Amendments
totaling $9,773,800 for Fiscal Year 2022 and adoption of Ordinance #2021-24,
as recommended by Staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler and
unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (The First Reading of the
ordinance will take place during the latter part of the meeting.)
Proposed Amendments to Personnel Policy (Employee Handbook) (Matt
Harline, Interim City Manager)
This item was removed from the agenda at the beginning of the meeting.
Mr. Hare moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and
Administration Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha
and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 22
SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee reconvened with Chairman
Taylor presiding.
Mr. Taylor requested that the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Item
#14 - Request to Lower Speed Limit on North State Street into North Governors
Boulevard and North Governors Avenue (Mayor Robin Christiansen) be considered
before Item #13 - Proposed Ordinance #2021-26 - Creating a New Chapter 28 -
Dawdling and Amending Chapter 62 - Law Enforcement, Article II - Police
Department, Section 62-38 - Police Cadet Program and Chapter 74 - Parks and
Recreation, Article - In General, Section 74-11 - Loitering (Councilman David
Anderson and Councilman Ralph Taylor, Jr.).
Request to Lower Speed Limit on North State Street into North Governors
Boulevard and North Governors Avenue (Mayor Robin Christiansen)
Mayor Robin Christiansen briefed Committee members on the request to lower speed
limit on North State Street into North Governors Boulevard and North Governors
Avenue.
Mr. Anderson and Mr. Taylor both stated that they did not support lowering the speed
limit in this area.
Mr. Anderson stated that as a compromise he would proposed a petition to the State
to allow the this area to be a strictly enforced zone.
Mr. Boggerty stated that he supported lowering the speed limit.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend a study to evaluate the use of strict speed limit
enforcement and the reduction of speed limit without prohibiting the flow of
traffic. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and carried with Mr. Anderson
voting no. (City Clerk’s Office Note: This item was removed from the Consent
Agenda and will be considered during the latter part of the meeting)
Proposed Ordinance #2021-26 - Creating a New Chapter 28 - Dawdling and
Amending Chapter 62 - Law Enforcement, Article II - Police Department,
Section 62-38 - Police Cadet Program and Chapter 74 - Parks and Recreation,
Article I - In General, Section 74-11 - Loitering (Councilman David Anderson
and Councilman Ralph Taylor, Jr.)
Mr. David Anderson, Councilman Fourth (4th) District, briefed Committee members
on the Proposed Ordinance #2021-26 - Creating a New Chapter 28 - Dawdling and
Amending Chapter 62 - Law Enforcement, Article II - Police Department, Section
62-38 - Police Cadet Program and Chapter 74 - Parks and Recreation, Article I - In
General, Section 74-11 - Loitering.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 23
Mr. Anderson requested striking lines 24, 25, and 26 which read “Among the
circumstances which may be considered in determining whether such alarm is
warranted is the fact that the actor takes flight upon the appearance of a policeman
or refuses to identify himself or herself” due to Police Chief Thomas Johnson’s
concerns about the district’s constitutional interpretation.
Mr. Boggerty stated that he was opposed to the proposed ordinance and wanted
everything dealing with Parks and Recreation to be struck from the ordinance due to
his not being consulted as the Chairman of the Parks, Recreation, and Community
Enhancement Committee.
Mr. Anderson stated that he would be amenable to striking the Parks and Recreation
language from the proposed ordinance. He explained that it was not part of the
original draft.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Anderson stated that the proposed ordinance did
not repeal disorderly premise or affect any of those types of ordinances but there was
a problem in that eventually when crowds gather a lot of police are needed. He
explained that if somebody reported a crowd was starting to gather, this would give
a mechanism to prevent the large crowds by allowing the police officers to say,
“Move on”. Mr. Anderson noted that what the proposed ordinance said was that a
violation cannot occur until an individual receives a warning, a chance is given to
move on. He explained that the proposed ordinance was made to affect law breakers,
not law abiding citizens. Mr. Anderson noted that a person had the right to be in the
City anytime and any place but there were certain activities after hours that if they
could not be done on private property should not be able to be done on public
property.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Anderson stated that several factors led his
reasoning for this ordinance at this time to include:
• Several complaints that have come about dealing with certain areas including
Minus Street.
• There have been several gatherings in parking lots which have created certain
problems.
• There was a shooting at a popular restaurant on the highway and he had spoken
to the father of a young lady who was shot and had told him he would do his best
to do something about it.
• He had been at the hospital with people too many times not to do something.
Mr. Hare stated that he agreed that there was a need for a curfew 30 minutes after the
bars closed.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 24
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Thomas Johnson, Police Chief, stated that the loitering
statute was a State statute. He explained that the Attorney General’s Office had
informed him that the most recent case law on loitering enforcement had shown that
the courts recognize loitering enforcement. Chief Johnson noted that similar to the
proposed ordinance, as long as the person affected by the enforcement was given
proper notice about the pending enforcement to give them an opportunity to move on
and take corrective action, passes constitutional muster. He stated that from a
practical standpoint, they could effectively use the existing State statute to address
similar conduct that was described in the proposed ordinance, however, there was a
practical barrier he was not sure how to fix or resolve. Chief Johnson explained that
the loitering statute was considered a very low level offense and once a loitering
charge made it to the judiciary there was almost no scenario, absent any other
circumstance, that serious accountability occurred. He noted that the mechanism
currently was fines or some other kind of financial levy or a probationary type of
resolution. Chief Johnson stated that even upon default of fines or violation of that
probation, there was almost nonexistent decisions made to take the step of
incarceration, even for a brief time. He explained that for those that would tend to
violate the loitering ordinance, it became learned behavior and once it was
recognized that there was no consequences, it was hard to get compliance. Chief
Johnson noted that as a police administrator if you cannot get the follow through on
the judicial side of the equation, you have to think about what you do with your staff
time, and whether or not you need to find another strategy to address the issue that
was before you, that loitering was a byproduct of.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Chief Johnson stated that without having asked his
records team he did not think the number of counts of record keeping per offence
would change, they would just have another category that would be getting data for
them to compile. He explained that he would not view it as an additional burden if
this proposed ordinance were passed, it would just be one more thing they had to add
to their record management and one more data point they would have to track.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Chief Johnson stated that regarding collecting fines, the
records department would attempt to follow up like they would with any other local
ordinance violation through a process of repeated mailings and at some point there
was a mechanism to turn it over to collections.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Johnson stated that there was a mechanism that
would allow the Police Department to upgrade the ordinance violation to an
applicable State violation but then the collection of the fine and the disposition over
the fine would be transferred to the judiciary.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Johnson stated that if there was a capias, an arrest
would occur briefly. He explained that they had 24 hour judge accessibility so if
someone was taken before the judge at 2:00 a.m., they wouldn’t be taken to a secure
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 25
facility, they would be given a new court date and the process would start over.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Johnson stated that he did not believe there was a
conflict with the proposed ordinance and the State because it was not being called the
same thing.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Dr. Jackson stated that she did not know if the Police
Chief’s Advisory Committee would be able to take on a complex study on this issue.
Ms. Lachelle Paul, 55 Glenn Street, stated that as a business owner she did not want
her patrons to be harassed by criminal elements or police. She noted that the police
department should be allowed to do their job and figure out how to implement the
laws that were already in place rather than reinventing the wheel.
Responding to Mr. Will (a WebEx participant), Mr. Anderson stated that the metric
counts were the crime statistics and they looked over them monthly. He explained
they had seen a number of reports and complaints in different areas of the City.
Ms. Javonne Rich, Policy and Advocacy Director of The American Civil Liberties
Union (ACLU) of Delaware, stated that they were asking that City Council to reject
the proposed ordinance. She explained that Council was correct to eliminate its
ordering because Federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court had
generally struck down similar laws. Ms. Rich noted that re-framing the loitering
Code as a dawdling ordinance did not make it any less unconstitutional.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Ms. Rich stated that she would send her public comment
and an informal letter to the City Council the following day for their review.
Mr. Hare moved to table the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and
unanimously carried. (City Clerk’s Office Note: This item was removed from the
Consent Agenda and will be considered during the latter part of the meeting)
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee meeting adjourned by
unanimous consent.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Mr. Hare moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole
meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council Committee of the Whole
Report, seconded by Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 26
MONTHLY REPORTS - SEPTEMBER 2021
By motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Anderson, the following monthly reports were
accepted by consent agenda:
City Assessor’s Report
City Council’s Community Enhancement Fund Report
City Manager’s Report
City Planner’s Report
Controller/Treasurer’s Budget Report
Fire Chief’s Report (August and September)
Police Chief’s Report
ELECTION OF OFFICERS - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY - YEAR 2022 FIRE LINE
OFFICERS
The Fire Line Officers of the Robbins Hose Company are elected annually on the third Monday of
November. Members were provided the results from the November 15, 2021 Robbins Hose
Company Election for consideration as follows:
Fire Chief - David Carey
Deputy Fire Chief - Sean Christiansen
First Assistant Chief - Ben Smetana
Second Assistant Chief - Brian Bashista
Third Assistant Chief - Wesley Liberto
Fourth Assistant Chief - Sierra Brown
First Fire Line Captain - Jason Boc
Second Fire Line Captain - Chad Knotts
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Fire Line Officers for Robbins Hose
Company No. 1 for the Year 2022, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson
and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
APPOINTMENTS
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the following appointments, seconded by
Mr. Anderson and carried by a unanimous roll call vote
Interim City Manager - David S. Hugg III (Effective October 28, 2021)
Interim City Planner/Building Inspector - Dawn Melson-Williams (Effective October 28, 2021)
Assistant City Clerk - Rachel N. Engle (Effective November 3, 2021)
Página 27
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 27
PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2021-26 - CREATING A NEW CHAPTER 28 - DAWDLING
AND AMENDING CHAPTER 62 - LAW ENFORCEMENT, ARTICLE II - POLICE
DEPARTMENT, SECTION 62-38 - POLICE CADET PROGRAM AND CHAPTER 74 -
PARKS AND RECREATION, ARTICLE I - IN GENERAL, SECTION 74-11 - LOITERING
(COUNCILMAN DAVID ANDERSON AND COUNCILMAN RALPH TAYLOR, JR.)
During their meeting of October 26, 2021, the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee tabled
this item. Proposed Ordinance #2021-26 was removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
Mr. Anderson stated that discussion of the ordinance or to have a public hearing at this juncture was
not consistent with the rules of the body. He advised that there was ongoing research and the
Committee was waiting for a legal opinion from the City Solicitor. Mr. Anderson gave a brief
summary of the ordinance.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Nicholas Rodriguez, City Solicitor, advised that he had a chance
to review approximately 20 cases. He stated that he had received correspondence from the American
Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), as follows:
"We would be happy to work with council members to repeal the unconstitutional parts of
your existing anti-loitering ordinance and formulate policies and practices that more
effectively and humanly address homelessness in the Dover community".
Mr. Rodriguez advised having the ACLU, which is very active in similar cases, provide the City with
its concerns with the proposed ordinance and then work from there because, if it is passed, it will be
opposed, as written, by the ACLU and probably other organizations.
Mr. Anderson asked if Mr. Rodriguez’ review of cases included certain elements such as advanced
warning, specificity of offenses, and not regulating daily living activities and if he thought the
proposed ordinance followed those guidelines. Responding, Mr. Rodriguez advised that the proposed
ordinance was so broad, any one particular activity could be challenged. He stated that he had no
question that, if passed, the ordinance as written would be contested and the City would go to court.
Mr. Rodriguez recommended having the ACLU provide its concerns with the proposed ordinance.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Rodriguez advised that the State loitering law was broader than
the proposed ordinance would cover. Mr. Anderson stated that the State law did not seem to address
the problem activities and if they allowed the state law to be the primary tool, it is more likely to
create the problems that the ACLU complained about than this ordinance. Mr. Rodriguez stated that
it was a fair statement.
Mr. Hare recalled that he thought the Committee sought definitions in regard to the proposed
ordinance and he was still not clear on the definition of loitering.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Anderson stated that he would not call it reaching out; however he
did respond to the ACLU and asked them to offer their suggestions. As the City Solicitor noted, the
ACLU had provided any specific suggestions. Mr. Anderson noted that the precedents that the
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 28
ACLU offered were not related to the specifics of the proposed ordinance.
Mr. Boggerty noted his experience working in human resources and the impact that a loitering charge
on a background check has in the hiring process. He suggested that this particular ordinance could
be developed with the assistance of constituents, other partners, the ACLU, the City Solicitor, and
Councilman Anderson in the spirit of not harming someone's future.
Mr. Taylor advised that the ordinance recommends a fine only and does not involve the court system
so there are no lifelong consequences. He also noted that the ordinance was not designed to change
people, only behaviors, and it is one of the most progressive ordinances. Mr. Taylor reiterated that
the ordinance was not designed to hurt, only to help.
Mr. Taylor requested that time limits and speech content parameters be enacted for the open forum
related to the ordinance. Council President Sudler stated that he believed in freedom of speech and
addressing the issue that needs to be addressed. He also noted that he believes in professionalism.
Mr. Neil stated that Police Chief Johnson indicated that the ordinance would give the police a choice,
which meant no criminal record. Mr. Neil also advised that he emailed the ACLU after the meeting
and requested its assistance in drafting the ordinance so that it would not cause harm. He noted that
he had not heard back from them.
Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules to allow public comment. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Rocha and carried with Mr. Anderson voting no.
Ms. LaChelle Paul, 55 Glenn street, Dover, asked what it meant that the ordinance would give the
police a legal tool to move people along. She stated that she had discussions with Police Chief
Johnson about someone using the ordinance out of context. Ms. Paul asked for clarification on
whether or not, if the ordinance were adopted, any police officer could use it any time and any place
because the ordinance was not specific. Chief Johnson responded affirmatively and added that it is
in the same category of most other low level offenses that are often enforced in areas that are
experiencing difficulties, to open the door to more effective crime fighting. He noted that this would
be one of many other minor offenses that could be used in that capacity and will not distinguish itself
more than any of the others, just for context.
Ms. Paul stated that it was not attacking a person’s integrity if you are repeating back what they said.
Mr. David Wilson, 500 Persimmon Tree Lane, stated that he had six girls and five boys and lost one.
He noted that he does not get into trouble now, but he had in the past and he does not want his kids
and then his grandkids to get into trouble because it would be hard to get a job as they get older.
Mr. Wilson noted that it is a little rougher now and this law will make it easier because cops can see
you, ask for I.D., and apprehend you if you walk away.
Mr. Wilson stated that he did not think the ordinance should be adopted.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 29
Mr. Ken Abraham, 430 Kings Highway, Apartment 414, Dover, stated that he was a former
prosecutor and for the last 15 years or so he had immersed with his organization, Citizens for
Criminal Justice. He advised that this ordinance was not necessary because there were other
ordinances and statutes that address what some people perceive to be the problem. Mr. Abraham
stated that the ordinance was unconstitutional in several ways and suggested contacting the ACLU
and asking them what they consider the objections to be. He noted that the ordinance could be
refined in such a way that it would not fail the first time it encountered a legal challenge.
Mr. Abraham suggested that enacting this ordinance is asking to waste City time and money
litigating issues that it will lose no matter what court it ends up in.
Ms. Rita Mishoe Paige, 355 Rita Wilma Road, Dover, stated that she was appalled that they were
having a discussion about a dawdling or loitering ordinance. She asked what the purpose was, why
it was needed, and what the difference was between it and the current loitering ordinance. Ms. Paige
advised that she was offended that the City was considering consulting with the ACLU but not
including the Central Branch of the NAACP and the IMA Social Action Committee to discuss this
City problem. She suggested that those groups be included in the discussion.
Ms. Leandra Casson Marshall, 3 Starboard Court, Dover, stated that she looked at supreme court
cases that dealt with similar information and she was opposed to the proposed ordinance for the
following reasons:
• There are too many elements in the ordinance that are unconstitutional. There are precedents that
they can look at and address them one after another and a task force is needed to sit down and
look through the elements that are extremely unconstitutional first and then remedy them and
then move forward.
• In this particular proposed ordinance, there is still the element of suspicion where the actual
police officer can decide whether or not he wants to talk to the person or engage with the
individual. The suspicion is a problem because it is subjective, not objective. The ordinance
should say what can and cannot be done when the police encounter an individual.
• The current loitering ordinance and the nuisance law can be expanded upon.
Ms. Casson Marshall stated that increased encounters with police normally do not end well,
particularly for black or brown people. She suggested that maybe in these encounters, the police
officer could log the race of the person that they are dealing with, along with some other
demographics, so that the City can then gauge whether or not this was something that was necessary.
Ms. Casson Marshall noted that they could then determine if they were targeting certain groups and
not other groups.
Ms. Casson Marshall stated that she did not support any law that was reminiscent of stop and frisk
or has any of those elements. She also suggested diversity training.
Ms. Fleur McKendell, 44 East Fred Circle, Camden, Delaware, speaking on behalf of the Central
Delaware NAACP branch noted that several other NAACP members were in the audience. She
thanked Council members for allowing them an opportunity to speak on the proposed ordinance.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 30
Ms. McKendell read the following statement:
“As expressed in our November 2nd letter, the NAACP does have grave concerns that the
proposed anti-dawdling ordinance will have a disproportionate impact on under served and
already marginalized communities, subjecting them to increased police oversight. In our
view, it’s nonsensical to subject this population, who more often than not, already does not
have their basic living needs and public safety needs met, and expect them to be able to pay
fines and fees in the namesake of public safety for everyone else. Nonsensical. We need to make that make se
Given the police murders of Brianna Taylor, George Floyd, and others, we have spent the last
18 months engaging in direct action to demand police accountability, transparency, and
transformative community policing strategies that would build trust between city residents
and law enforcement. This ordinance would walk us back backwards. Believe me, when I
tell you we hear from our constituents. There is already a high level of mistrust within the
city. Particularly black and brown community members and constituents and stakeholders.
This would walk us back significantly. It will not be conducive to achieving these goals and
would in fact achieve the opposite, which would be increased resentment towards police that
will fuel an already uncontainable fire. We know. Ahmaud Arbery's murder is a testament
to the consequences that communities suffer when vague, ambiguous, and harm based
legislation that involves subjective judgements about people's criminal propensity are
involved.
This is why the NAACP supports and encourages community led initiatives to address and
overcome community crises because those most impacted by the problem must be at the table
for policy development. That's real diversity and inclusivity. We like to toss that phrase
around, but we need to make it work and the only way to do that is to put the most
marginalized at the center of decision making. These types of ordinances have been
challenged by the NAACP and other municipalities and we will continue to be vigilant as we
work to secure equality, equity, and justice for all. I would like to conclude my comments
by addressing my friend and fellow NAACP member, Councilman David Anderson, whom
I have a deeper respect for. Brother David, I am really disappointed in the comments that
were made about the ACLU. You calling them the American criminal lovers union or
whatever it was. They have been a long time ally, as you know of the NAACP and our work.
They have been on the front lines for social justice. They have been on the frontline for civil
rights enhancements for decades. We, at this point, are navigating a critical time in history
we need an abundance of comradery, not discord. In love and with conviction, I would ask
you to please issue an apology to them for that comment. I do think that it was below the belt
and it was not necessary. Again, that is with love. Thank you, have a good evening.”
Mr. Anthony Floyd Jr., 326 North Down Drive, Dover, provided his history with the NAACP and
several police departments. He stated that the ordinance was of significant concerns to the
community that it will greatly impact. Mr. Floyd advised that it creates a precursor for the possibility
of long range, hyper increased allegations of police misconduct, potential for increased civil rights
violations that the City of Dover would not have the capacity to pay out. It would not be healthy to
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 31
the City of Dover or to the officers of the Dover police department. He noted that the ordinance has
long term ramifications and is similar to stop and frisk, which was a precursor to the riots in
Philadelphia last year.
Ms. Sarah Rhine, Policy Director for Housing Alliance Delaware and resident of Dover at
186 Carnoustie Road, read the following:
“Good evening. Thank you for considering my testimony in opposition to Proposed
Ordinance #2021-26. My name is Sarah Rhine, I am the Policy Director at Housing Alliance
Delaware-a statewide nonprofit whose mission is to serve Delawareans by advancing housing
opportunities, ending homelessness, and promoting vibrant communities.
First, I want to thank the City Council for your thoughtful consideration of this ordinance.
Second, I encourage the City Council to vote in opposition to the Dover proposed "dawdling"
ordinance #2021-26 which is unconstitutional and unsound public policy.
According to established case law, an individual has the constitutional right to ask for help
and to be in a public place. Dover's "anti-dawdling" ordinance is overbroad and
discriminatory towards those in our community who may need to ask for help.
Individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Dover are not on the street asking for
money by choice. Therefore, punishing individuals who are asking for help is a misguided
public policy. Putting criminal penalties and fines into place does not solve problems-in fact,
it exacerbates them. Not only does it make it harder for the individual to access housing and
employment, it also costs the city money in law enforcement and jail time.
In addition, the criminalization of homelessness disproportionately impacts communities of
color. Under this ordinance the likelihood of a Black individual being cited and punished is
exponentially higher than a White individual. We should not support any ordinance that
increases racial disparity.
Instead of putting a criminal penalty into place, there is a need for additional services and
housing opportunities in Dover. Housing and services are a solution that enables individuals
and families to gain and maintain housing and employment. It is both the humane choice and
a fiscally sound choice for the City of Dover.
The COVID crisis has demonstrated that access to safe, affordable housing is a universal
need. The health effects of the COVID virus have devastated low- and moderate-income
families and communities. These communities have faced a higher incidence of illness and
have struggled to maintain stable housing, employment, access to food, schooling and
childcare.
However, the COVID crisis has not created the housing crisis. It has exposed a crisis that
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 32
already existed. And, I can state with certainty, this crisis is not over. There will be an
increase in evictions, there will be an increase in foreclosures, there will be an increase in the
market rate of housing and there will be an increase in homelessness.
According to the most recent Point in Time count, homelessness in Delaware increased by
35% in 2021. The majority of the increase in homelessness was among families with
children-more than 500 children under 18.
These families must not be criminalized when they ask for help. We must work together to
find solutions that are sound public policy.
Housing Alliance Delaware urges the Dover City Council to oppose Proposed Ordinance
#2021-26 and support solutions that support individuals experiencing homelessness.
Ms. Javonne Rich, Policy and Advocacy Director at ACLU of Delaware (via WebEx), stated that
for nearly 100 years the ACLU has worked in courts, legislatures, and communities to protect the
constitutional rights of all people. ACLU of Delaware has worked to provide children with physical
and intellectual disabilities full access to education, lead the fight to desegregation of schools in the
City of Wilmington, and most recently fought in court successfully to bring new financial
commitments to the way that Delaware serves disadvantaged students.
Ms. Rich advised that she opposed the proposed ordinance, noting that loitering laws have long been
used to exclude visibly poor and homeless people from public places. Last week, ACLU along with
National Homelessness Law Center, Building People Power Campaign, Delaware Campaign to End
Debtor's Prison, Delaware Center for Justice, The Homes Campaign, Housing Alliance Delaware,
Network Delaware, Project New Start, The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, and the
Unitarian Universalist Delaware Advocacy Network urge the City Council to 1) reject the anti
dawdling ordinance; 2) place an immediate moratorium on enforcement of the anti loitering
ordinance; and 3) instead of this ordinance to divert funding that will be spent enforcing the
ordinance to invest in housing and services that would address and end homelessness in Dover.
Ms. Rich stated that, as previous commenters have stated, the solutions to the issue that precipitated
this ordinance would best be served by people who live in that community to offer solutions. She
advised that, in considering those solutions, ACLU of Delaware is more than happy to accept any
invitation for further conversation and hope to join other community advocates and residents who
have also spoken tonight in those discussions.
Council President Sudler askd Ms. Rich if she had received any correspondence from the City of
Dover and, if so, if there was a reason she had not responded. Ms. Rich advised that she had received
an email from Councilman Anderson and in the email she did not recall an explicit invitation. She
noted that it was arguing the validity of their letter. Ms. Rich noted that she would be more than
happy to set up a phone call with Councilman Anderson; however, she did not think that the best
way to have that engagement was via email given the context and content.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 33
Mr. Anderson asked if Ms. Rich said she opposed the enforcement of the current state anti loitering
law and wanted a moratorium on enforcing it. Ms. Rich replied that she did.
Mr. Anderson asked if the ACLU’s position was that there should be no recourse for people who
have people standing outside the doors of their businesses discouraging customers while they are
begging for money or that there should be loud parties, etc. in parking lots, which are leading to
fights, or activities of people who are standing on the public streets and rallies and distributing
substances. Responding, Ms. Rich stated that what they see with the loitering ordinance is that it is
not actually targeting the group of intended folks. It is most likely targeting people who are
homeless. She noted that what they see is that the instances Mr. Anderson referred to are not what
the majority of loitering charges are used for. They are being used arbitrarily for other things, which
concerns people. Ms. Rich stated that if someone is committing a crime it is likely that there is
already a law or charge that can be charged for someone who is engaging in criminal behavior.
Mr. Boggerty offered to participate in a solution oriented task force with the ACLU, NAACP, IMA,
and any other organization or individual to work towards a viable solution.
Mr. Taylor requested that a task force to be assembled under the Safety Advisory and Transportation
Committee involving citizens, law enforcement, NAACP, ACLU, and any council member who
decides they want to be a part of it. He suggested that this task force should have a limited amount
of time, from 30 to 60 days, and the scope should be the issues of dawdling in comparison with the
current loitering laws. Mr. Taylor advised that the current loitering laws are a state charge that follow
you for the rest of your natural life. This is a city ordinance. You pay the fine and it is done. He noted
that those supporting the loitering laws should know that they are supporting hindering the futures
of black and brown people.
REQUEST TO LOWER SPEED LIMIT ON NORTH STATE STREET INTO NORTH
GOVERNORS BOULEVARD AND NORTH GOVERNORS AVENUE (MAYOR ROBIN
CHRISTIANSEN)
During their Meeting of October 26, 2021, the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee
recommended requesting the Staff and State to evaluate the use of strict speed limit enforcement and
the reduction of speed limit without prohibiting the flow of traffic. This item was removed from the
Consent Agenda for discussion.
Mayor Christiansen advised that, since the last meeting, he was in contact with Ms. Amy Rocha from
DelDot and she advised that data collection would probably not occur until late December or at least
by the first of the year, depending on the weather.
Mayor Christiansen requested consideration of lowering the speed limit beginning at the Pancake
House. He noted that Mr. Jim Biernes, North Governors Avenue resident and spokesperson for the
neighborhood, had been in attendance to speak on the issue but left due to the late hour. Mayor
Christiansen advised that Mr. Biernes sat by the speed sign in front of his house and clocked
someone going 55 mph that day and that is not acceptable. He reminded members that there was a
motor vehicle accident there at 1:17 AM on October 23, 2021 and the passenger wrapped himself
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 34
around a tree and it took 25 minutes to cut him away from there. There were some extenuating
circumstances, but that is a dangerous stretch of road beginning from Dover Pools into the city.
Mayor Christiansen noted that Police Chief Thomas Johnson has placed officers there to control the
speed but people do not get the message.
Mr. Rocha asked if Mayor Christiansen was suggesting that they cancel the traffic study.
Responding, Mayor Christiansen stated that he would still like for the traffic study to be conducted;
however, he would like to have the speed limit reduced to 25 mph, even if it was just on a temporary
basis. He also suggested installing “strictly enforced” signs.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mayor Christiansen advised that there was a 35 mph speed limit sign just
before you get to the bridge.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mayor Christiansen suggested a temporary sign around the curve from
Dover Pools to get people’s attention and then another one a little further down and reducing the
speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mayor Christiansen stated that he agreed to changing it if, in fact, they
see that traffic backs up due to the slower speed at a longer range and discover that what they created
was counterproductive.
Mr. Neil stated suggested installing a "Reduced Speed Ahead Enforced" sign so that there is an
understanding that the speed limit is going down. He suggested that they would also need assistance
from Chief Johnson in enforcing the speed limit.
Responding to Mr. Hare, Chief Johnson stated that the State of Delaware did not have speed tracking
camera boxes like they use in Maryland.
Mr. Anderson noted that the speed limits are designated based upon the types of roads that exist now.
He thought it would be a bad idea to change the speed limit before it is studied in the next month
because it could potentially ruin the study by polluting the statistics. Mr. Anderson noted that, based
on road type, the speed limit is typically 35 throughout the city. He stated that better signage was
needed when it comes to strict enforcement. Mr. Anderson stated that lowering the speed limit there
will create other problems such as people are going to naturally come the highway at a certain speed
and there will be a speed differential between them and the other people who are aware and trying
to abide by the speed limit, which increases accidents.
Mr. Anderson stated that this area is not conducive to easy speed enforcement and enforcement in
this area will take away enforcement in other areas, such as Bicentennial Village, Lincoln Park, all
the neighborhoods off of Wyoming Avenue, etc.
Mr. Hare moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation for a study to evaluate the
use of strict speed limit enforcement and the reduction of speed limit without prohibiting the
flow of traffic. The motion was seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously carried.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 35
ANNEXATION REQUEST - RIGHT-OF-WAY AT RAYMOND STREET, GROVE
STREET, AND RAILROAD AVENUE (DAWN MELSON-WILLIAMS, PRINCIPAL
PLANNER/DAVE HUGG, PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR)
During their Meeting of October 26, 2021, the Utility Committee recommended adding the
dedication of Conwell Street and, if needed, the annexation of Conwell Street to the annexation
request for Raymond Street, Grove Street, and Railroad Avenue. This item was removed from the
Consent Agenda to discuss the annexation process.
Mr. Dave Hugg III, Interim City Manager, advised that when this matter came before Council on
November 8, 2021 it was for the annexation of Raymond Street, or Jason Street, as it is sometimes
known, Grove Street, and Railroad Avenue, as part of a process to close the enclave and clean up
the boundaries. During the Committee meeting of October 26, 2021, members recommended that
Conwell Street be added to this annexation. Staff requested that Conwell Street not be combined
with the annexation of Raymond Street, Grove, Street, and Railroad Avenue for the following
reasons:
• The required public notices did not include Conwell Street.
• There is a State law that prohibits municipalities from annexing rights of way or annexing streets
in order to get from one point to another point without there being adjacent properties annexed
at the same time. There are two propertis on the southern end of Conwell street that are within
city limits, but there are no annexations of adjacent properties to which the right of way could
be attributed for the section of the street known as Conway Street. Staff would like to research
and determine what part, if any, of Conwell Street may in fact have been annexed when the other
two properties were annexed years ago.
Mr. Hugg advised that the action before City Council would be to proceed with the annexation of
Raymond Street (or Jason Street), Grove Street, and Railroad Avenue and allow Staff to bring
forward a separate annexation request for Conwell Street.
Mr. Hare moved for approval to proceed with the annexation of Raymond Street (or Jason
Street), Grove Street, and Railroad Avenue and allow Staff to bring forward a separate
annexation request for Conwell Street, as recommended by Staff. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
FIRST READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2021-24
Council President Sudler reminded the public that copies of the proposed ordinance were available
at the entrance of the Council Chambers, on the City's website at www.cityofdover.com under
"Government," or by contacting the City Clerk's Office at (302) 736-7008 or cityclerk@dover.de.us.
Final action by Council on the proposed ordinance will take place during the Council Meeting of
November 22, 2021.
In accordance with Section 1-9 of the Dover Code, Council acknowledged the First Reading of the
proposed Ordinance as read by the City Clerk, by title only, as follows:
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 36
ORDINANCE #2021-24 PROJECT CARRY-FORWARD BUDGET BALANCES/PROPOSED BUDGET
AMENDMENTS
FINAL READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2021-22
Council President Sudler reminded members of the public that copies of the proposed ordinance
were available at the entrance of the Council Chambers or on the City’s website at
www.cityofdover.com under “Government.”
Mrs. Arndt moved that the Final Reading of the proposed ordinance be acknowledged by title
only, seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the proposed
ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of October 25, 2021)
By motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Boggerty, Council, by a unanimous roll call vote,
adopted Ordinance #2021-22 Amending Chapter 46 - Fire Prevention and Protection
(Exhibit #3).
CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Dave Hugg III, Interim City Manager, noted the appointment of Mrs. Dawn Melson-Williams
as the Interim City Planner, Building Official, and Director of Planning and Community
Development and wished her well.
Mr. Hugg also announced the appointments of Mrs. Sharon Duca as the Assistant City Manager and
Mr. Mark Nowak as the Interim Public Works Director.
Mr. Hugg advised that he would start the process of filling the positions of Public Works Director
and Human Resources Director.
COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Anderson, Councilman for the Fourth District, announced that Solid Rock Community Center
would be in the Kirkwood Street area from Governors Avenue, North Governors Avenue and
Division Street.
Mr. Anderson also announced that the North Kirkwood Street Neighborhood Watch Association
would be meeting at 5:00 p.m. at the Solid Rock Community Center on West Street on Tuesday,
November 9, 2021.
Council President Sudler announced that the City of Dover Special First District Municipal Election
would be held on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The
polling place would be at Elks Lodge, Number 1903, at 200 Saulsbury Road. The entrance is at the
rear of the building. This election is to fill the unexpired term of the First District City Council seat.
The term of the office is December 13, 2021, through May 8th, 2023. Residents who wish to vote
in this election must be a resident of the First District, 18 years of age or older by the time of the
election, and registered to vote with this State of Delaware Department of Elections by November 6,
2021. For more information on the election, please visit the website at www.cityofdover.com.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 2021 PAGE 37
Council President Sudler also recognized Ms. Brandy Walker, candidate for the First District, in the
audience.
Mr. Hare moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:33 p.m.
TRACI A. McDOWELL
INTERIM CITY CLERK
All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular
Meeting of November 8, 2021 are hereby approved.
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
MAYOR
/TM
S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Council-Minutes\2021\11-08-2021 REGULAR COUNCIL.wpd
Exhibits
Exhibit #1 - Ordinance #2021-19 Amending Appendix B - Zoning
Exhibit #2 - Correspondence Related to Division Street Rezoning Application
Exhibit #3 - Ordinance #2021-22 Amending Chapter 46 - Fire Prevention and Protection
Página 38
EXHIBIT #1
Regular City Council Meeting of 11/08/2021
City of Dover
CITY OF DOVER ORDINANCE #2021-19
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN
COUNCIL MET:
That Appendix B – Zoning, Article 3 - District Regulations be amended to read as follows:
Section 19 – Manufacturing zone (M).
19.1 Uses permitted. No building or premises shall be used, and no building or part of a building
shall be erected, which is arranged, intended or designed to be used, in whole or in part, for
any purpose, except the following, and in accordance with performance standards procedure as
set forth in article 5, section 8 and subject to the site development plan approval as set forth in
article 10, section 2:
19.11 Manufacturing, assembling, converting, altering, finishing, cleaning, cooking, baking or
any other type of manufacturing or industrial processing of any goods, materials,
products, instruments, appliances and devices, provided that the fuel used shall be oil, gas
or electricity; together with accessory uses incidental to the use.
19.12 Research, design and development laboratories.
19.13 Wholesale storage and warehousing, transshipment and distribution, logistics support.
19.14 Building contractors' yards.
19.15 Public utilities uses.
19.16 Ministorage facilities, subject to the following regulations:
(a) No unit shall be placed within 30 feet of any other structure on the lot or a
residential property line.
(b) No outside storage, except for recreational vehicles, boats or personal automobiles
when completely screened from view and parked in specifically approved locations.
Parking for these vehicles shall not count toward the required parking set forth in
subsection (e) below.
(c) No individual unit may be used for retail, garage sale or any other commercial
activities.
(d) No storage of flammable, explosive, corrosive or other hazardous products may
occur in the individual unit.
(e) Parking must be provided at a ratio of one space for each 25 rental units, plus a
minimum of three spaces for an office outside of the enclosure. One row of parallel
parking is permitted between buildings at a ratio of one space per 25 feet.
(f) All other bulk requirements of this ordinance are met.
19.17 Railroad yards, sidings, and storage facilities.
Página 39
Ordinance #2021-19 - Appendix B - Zoning Page 2
19.18 Accessory uses:
(a) On-site offices, clinics, food service facilities, recreation facilities and child day care
services collocated within the permitted use and limited to exclusive use by
employees, and such other accessory uses and structures clearly incidental to, and
customary to and associated with the permitted use
(b) The following uses may be permitted as conditional uses if approved by the
Planning Commission in accordance with the provisions and procedures set forth in
Article 10, Section 1 and any specified requirements set forth below:
(1) Associated retail uses in conjunction with and accessory to a permitted use,
provided that the associated retail uses do not occupy more than 30 percent of the
gross floor area of the building or group of buildings on a lot. Parking shall be
provided at a rate of one parking space per 300 square feet of retail space for the
exclusive use of retail customers in addition to the bulk parking requirements of
this zoning district for a particular use.
(2) Outside storage which is incidental to the primary uses on the lot, within a
completely enclosed and secure area appropriately screened from public view and
not in any required setback from property lines.
19.2 Uses prohibited. The following uses are specifically prohibited:
19.21 Residences.
19.22 Manufacturing uses involving primary production of the following products from raw
materials: asphalt, cement, charcoal, and fuel briquettes; chemicals: aniline dyes,
ammonia, carbide, caustic soda, cellulose, chlorine, carbon black and bone black,
creosote, hydrogen and oxygen, industrial alcohol, nitrates (manufactured and natural) of
an explosive nature, potash, plastic materials and synthetic resins, pyroxylin, rayon yarn,
and hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, picric, and sulphuric acids; coal, coke and tar
products, including gas manufacturing; explosives; fertilizers; gelatin, glue and size
(animal); linoleum and oil cloth; matches; paint, varnishes and turpentine; rubber (natural
and synthetic); soaps, including fat rendering; [and] starch.
19.23 The following processes: nitrating of cotton or other materials; milling or processing of
flour, food, or grain; magnesium foundry; reduction, refining, smelting, and alloying of
metal or metal ores; refining secondary aluminum; refining petroleum products, such as
gasoline, kerosene, naphtha, [and] lubricating oil; distillation of wood or bones; [and]
reduction and processing of wood pulp and fiber, including papermill operations.
19.24 Operations involving stock yards and slaughter houses, grain elevators, and slag piles.
19.25 Storage of explosives and bulk or wholesale storage of gasoline above the ground.
19.26 Dumps, except those owned and operated by the city.
19.27 Quarries, stone crushers, screening plants, and storage of quarry screenings, accessory
to such uses.
19.28 Junkyards, automobile dismantling plants or storage of used parts of automobiles or
other machines or vehicles or of dismantled or junked automobiles.
Página 40
Ordinance #2021-19 - Appendix B - Zoning Page 3
19.3 Site development plan approval. Site development plan approval in accordance with article
10, section 2 hereof shall be required prior to the issuance of building permits for the erection
or enlargement of all structures and prior to the issuance of certificates of occupancy for any
change of use.
19.4 Performance standards. All uses are subject to performance standards as set forth in article 5,
section 8.1.
(Ord. of 7-12-1993, § 8; Ord. of 7-10-2000; Ord. of 2-12-2001; Ord. of 7-23-2001)
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 4 – Zoning Bulk and Parking Regulations, be amended by inserting
the text indicated in bold, blue font and deleting the text indicated in red strikeout as follows:
Section 4.16 -M, IPM zones.
Bulk and parking regulations for industrial zones in M and IPM zones are as follows:
For All Permitted Uses M IPM IPM (Planned IPM2 IPM3
(Conventional Industrial (Business and (Aviation and
Planned) Park) Technology Aeronautics
Center) Center)
Lot area ½ acre 2½ acres 2½ acres 10 acres 1 acre
average;
60,000 sq. ft.
minimum
Lot width (ft.) 100 200 150 100 100
Lot depth (ft.) 150 300 250 100 100
Front yard (ft.) 40 60 60 60 40
Side yard (ft.) 20 40 40 40 20
Rear yard (ft.) 20 40 40 40 20
Side or rear yard 50 100 100 100 50
which adjoins a
residential zone
(ft.)
Off-street parking
space:
Per 800 sq. ft. 1 1 1 1 1
of floor area
Per employee, 1 1 1½ 1 1
per largest
working shift
(if greater
than the
requirement
under the
floor area
calculation)
Maximum permitted:
Building height
Stories Not Limit Not limit Not Limit Not limit Not limit
Página 41
Ordinance #2021-19 - Appendix B - Zoning Page 4
Feet 60 Equal to 60 Equal to 75*
distance to distance to
nearest lot line nearest lot line
Floor area ratio 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Lot coverage 85% 75% 65% 65% 85%
* Building height shall comply with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Defense, and Unified Facilities Criteria height restrictions and obstruction
marking and lighting standards.
(Ord. of 3-24-1986; Ord. of 7-12-1993, § 1; Ord. of 8-23-1999; Ord. No. 2009-18, 10-12-2009; Ord. No. 2018-06 , 8-27-2018; Ord. No. 2019-15 , 9-9-2019)
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 5 – Supplementary Regulations, be amended by inserting the text
indicated in bold, blue font and deleting the text indicated in red strikeout as follows:
Section 3 - Supplementary regulations applying to nonresidential buildings.
3.1 Supplementary height regulations in nonresidential zones.
3.11 Except for one- or two-family dwellings, where a lot has frontage on two or more streets or
other public ways, the height limitation shall apply only as measured from the curb level
along the street or way with a higher elevation above sea level.
3.12 When penthouses, bulkheads, roof structures housing stairways, elevators, skylights,
cooling towers, air-conditioning units, or other equipment, etc., are over 12 feet high and
cover more than 20 percent of the roof area, measurements must be taken to the top of such
elements.
3.13 An ornamental or decorative part of a building which is not used as a living or storage area,
such as steeples, spires and the like may not be greater in height than the maximum height of
the building to which the same is attached.
3.14 All penthouses, bulkheads, roof structures housing stairways, elevators, skylights, cooling
towers, air-conditioning units, or other equipment, etc., must be ten feet back of the
sidewalls, except that walls of elevators and stair enclosures may be built on the sidewall
when required by the plan of the building.
3.2 Courts for nonresidential buildings.
3.21 Inner courts. No inner court shall have a minimum dimension less than one-half of the
average height of all surrounding walls.
3.22 Outer courts. The minimum width of an outer court shall be 20 feet and the depth thereof
shall not exceed its width.
ADOPTED: NOVEMBER 8, 2021
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Página 42
Ordinance #2021-19 - Appendix B - Zoning Page 5
SYNOPSIS
This ordinance is a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance provisions related to the “M” Manufacturing
Zone. It increases the maximum allowable building height, removes the requirement that all
manufacturing uses are subject to a Conditional Use approval, revises the description of allowable
accessory uses, and makes technical changes to ensure consistency with other provisions. All these
intended to improve Dover’s competitiveness.
(SPONSORS: ANDERSON AND NEIL)
Actions History:
11/08/2021 - Public Hearing/Final Reading – City Council
10/18/2021 - Public Hearing – Planning Commission
09/27/2021 - First Reading - City Council
09/14/2021 - Introduced at Council Committee of the Whole/Legislative Finance, and
Administration Committee
Página 43
EXHIBIT #2
Regular City Council Meeting of 11/08/2021
November 8, 2021
Dover City Council
P.O. Box 475
Dover, DE 19903-0475
Sent Via Electronic Mail
Re: Support for the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing to Purchase and Re-Zone 317-325 W. Division Street
Dear Dover City Council:
Housing Alliance Delaware supports Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing’s proposed shelter and program
facility at 317-325 W. Division Street in Dover.
According to the most recent Point in Time count, a count of individuals experiencing homelessness on a
single night in January, homelessness in Delaware increased by 35% in 2021. In Kent County, there were 514
individuals who were experiencing homelessness in Kent County on that one night.
The problem of homelessness is not one that goes away when it is ignored; it is one that gets worse. Housing
Alliance Delaware operates a statewide homeless crisis hotline called Centralized Intake. In September of
2021, Housing Alliance Delaware received 256 calls from households in Kent County seeking access to shelter
or housing resources. In October, Housing Alliance Delaware received calls from 381 households that reported
they were sleeping outside, in a car, or other unsheltered place - 381 people and families on our streets
without safe shelter here in our state. We all have a moral responsibility to care for the least among us.
Everyone deserves a safe place to sleep.
Currently, there are not enough resources to serve the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in Kent
County or in Dover. And, clearly, the housing crisis is getting worse not better. It is essential that Dover
provide the space and the opportunity for someone to provide essential services to our unhoused neighbors.
Housing Alliance Delaware urges the Dover City Council approve the application from the Dover Interfaith
Mission for Housing to rezone 317-325 W. Division Street in Dover as it provides invaluable services to Dover.
Sincerely,
/s/ Rachel Stucker
Rachel Stucker
Executive Director
Housing Alliance Delaware
100 W. 10th St., Suite 611
Wilmington DE 19801
Phone: 302-654-0126 ext101
rstucker@housingalliancede.org
www.housingalliancede.org
Página 44
Housing Alliance Delaware
Dover City Council—
Support For Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing to Purchase and Re-Zone 317-325 W. Division Street in Dover
November 8, 2020
Good evening. Thank you for considering my testimony in support Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing’s proposed
purchase and re-zoning of 317-325 W. Division Street in Dover.
My name is Sarah Rhine, I am the Policy Director at Housing Alliance Delaware—a statewide nonprofit whose mission is
to serve Delawareans by advancing housing opportunities, ending homelessness, and promoting vibrant communities.
I am also a resident of Dover. I have two young children that attend Capital School District and I care deeply for my
community.
First, I want to thank the City Council for working to address issues of homelessness in Dover.
Second, I encourage the City Council to vote in support of Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing’s proposed purchase and
re-zoning of 317-325 W. Division Street in Dover.
The need for housing assistance is greater now than it has ever been. In October, Housing Alliance Delaware received
calls from 381 households that reported they were sleeping outside, in a car, or other unsheltered place—381 people
and families on our streets without safe shelter here in our state. It is our responsibility to create more affordable
housing options in Delaware to address this urgent need.
It is shameful that our neighbors are experiencing homelessness. It is heartbreaking that Dover is unable to provide each
and every individual with the services they need. In a time when both a health and housing crisis continues to face
Dover—we must develop resources to meet the growing need and we should not stand in the way of any individual or
organization that is doing good work for our community.
A simple first step towards addressing our homelessness crisis is to support the Dover Interfaith Mission as they work to
provide essential services to our unhoused neighbors. Dover Interfaith Mission is a mission driven and well-respected
organization that provides thoughtful and comprehensive services for those who are most in need. Without their work,
our city would be almost entirely without shelter and services for men experiencing homelessness.
Housing Alliance Delaware urges the Dover City Council to support the application from the Dover Interfaith Mission for
Housing to rezone 317-325 W. Division Street in Dover as it is essential to the wellbeing of the city.
Thank you for your time.
Página 45
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AGRICULTURAL LIFE
AND LABOR RESEARCH FUND, INC.
“First in housing services, because we care.”
November 5, 2021
City Clerk
City of Dover
P.O. Box 475
Dover, DE 199034075
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing this letter to express NCALL’s full support for Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing’s rezoning
application for the property they wish to purchase a 317 – 325 West Division Street. Dover Interfaith has
provided essential, compassionate services to the homeless of our City for 13 years and deserves the
backing of the Council and the Dover community to find a new location to continue to offer shelter and
a lifeline to homeless adults. The lease on their current location is coming to an end and it is urgent that
a new location is approved so that they can commence development, and not risk a pause in services.
Dover Interfaith has an extraordinary success rate in helping homeless men stabilize their lives so that
risk living on the street, particularly now as the weather dips to freezing. They offer a drop-in center and
case management. Dover Interfaith constantly seeks other housing solutions such as transitional
housing at Walt Bagley Hall, as well as renting homes and sub-leasing rooms to men ready to transition
to the community but unable to afford to rent an apartment. They are also in discussion with NCALL
about developing permanent rental housing for low-income seniors and those with physical disabilities.
Housing Alliance Delaware reports that there has been a 35% increase in the homeless population in
Delaware in the past year. More shelters are needed, not less, and we cannot afford to lose Dover
Interfaith Mission for Housing being located within our community.
Please offer your support at Monday night’s rezoning hearing.
Sincerely,
Karen B. Speakman
Karen B. Speakman
Executive Director
363 Saulsbury Road, Dover, DE 19904 ۰ (302) 678-9400 ۰Fax (302) 678-9058 ۰www.ncall.org
Página 47
James D. Short
PO Box 391
Dover DE 19903
November 8, 2021
City of Dover
15 Loockerman Plaza
Dover, DE 19903
Attn: City Council
Subject: Establishment of a Homeless Shelter on Division Street
Dear City Council Members:
There are many reasons that someone may experience homelessness: lack of
affordable housing, foreclosures, unemployment, low wages/poverty, domestic
violence, mental health issues and substance abuse being among the leading
causes. And homelessness is without prejudice affecting people irrespective of
their age, race or sex. Regardless of the reasons that resulted in someone
experiencing homelessness, the homeless are our fellow citizens that need our help
during what is likely the most difficult period in their lives. Lack of access to
shelter, nutrition, healthcare and guidance will only serves to set the homeless up
for on-going failure. It is extremely important to understand that by providing these
resources many of the homeless can and have returned to being productive
members of society. Why? Simply because that is truly what they desire and
because they have been given the opportunity and assistance to do so.
Jay Bazzinotti (Author and avid Bostonian) puts it like this: “Everyone is
fighting a secret battle we cannot see and the line between victory and defeat is
often razor thin. Sometimes a person is standing right on that line and doesn’t even
know it. A kind word or gesture from someone could be the thing that pushes them
forward to victory, while a mean word or spiteful gesture could be the thing that
pushes them backwards into defeat. That is why kindness is so important. Words
and actions have power and consequences. Be the kind of person who helps others
achieve their personal victory and you take part in achieving your own as well.”
Página 48
What is patently obvious to anyone paying the slightest bit of attention to the
issue of homelessness is that the problem is getting worse, much worse. We as a
society must develop ways to address the problem of homelessness or it and its
impact on both the homeless themselves and society as a whole are only going to
get worse. We cannot just ignore the issue and simply hope it will go away. To do
so will only serve to exacerbate an already worsening problem. By virtue of
helping the homeless, we also help ourselves. DIMH has provided significant
assistance to over 3000 men experiencing homelessness over the past 13 years and
simply aspires to continue to do so. I respectfully request Dover City Council pass
the necessary ordinance so DIMH can continue to provide this invaluable and
important service for the City of Dover and to those in need. Thank you for your
consideration of this important issue.
Sincerely,
James D. Short
James D. Short
Página 49
EXHIBIT #3
Regular City Council Meeting of 11/08/2021
City of Dover
CITY OF DOVER ORDINANCE #2021-22
WITH STAFF AMENDMENT #1 (SA #1)
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN
COUNCIL MET:
That Chapter 46 – Fire Prevention and Protection, Article IV – Public Occupancies, be amended to read
as follows:
Section 46-161 – Compliance required.
No person shall use or permit to be used any public occupancy structure which does not comply
with the most currently published edition of NFPA Life Safety Code 101. Public Occupancies shall
include but not be limited to:
(a) Assembly occupancy (facilities used for gathering of 50 or more people to include, but not
be limited to auditoriums, assembly halls, auditoriums, bowling lanes, club rooms, college
and university classrooms with 50 or more persons, conference rooms, courtrooms, dance
halls, drinking establishments, exhibition halls, gymnasiums, libraries, mortuary chapels,
motion picture theaters, museums, passenger stations and terminals of air, surface,
underground, and marine public transportation facilities, places of religious worship, pool
rooms, recreational piers, restaurants, skating rinks, special amusement buildings, theaters)
(b) Educational occupancy (academies, kindergartens, schools)
(c) Day Care occupancy (adult, child, homes, nursery, center)
(d) Health Care occupancy (hospitals, limited care facilities, nursing homes)
(e) Ambulatory Health Care occupancy (facilities used to provide services or treatment
simultaneously to four or more patients that provides, on an outpatient basis, one or more of
the following:
1. Treatment for patients that renders the patients incapable of taking action for
self-preservation under emergency conditions without the assistance of others
2. Anesthesia that renders the patients incapable of taking action for self
preservation under emergency conditions without the assistance of others
3. Treatment for patients who, due to the nature of their injury or illness, are
incapable of taking action for self-preservation under emergency conditions without
the assistance of others.)
(f) Residential occupancy (lodging or rooming houses, hotel, dormitory, apartment buildings,
bed and breakfast inns, short term rentals)
Página 50
Ordinance #2021-22 – Public Occupancies Page 2
(g) Residential Board and Care occupancy (group housing, facilities for social rehabilitation,
alcoholism, drug abuse or mental health; assisted living)
(h) Mercantile occupancy over 10,000 square feet (auction rooms, department stores, drugstores,
restaurants with fewer than 50, shopping centers, supermarkets)
(i) Business occupancy over 10,000 square feet (city halls, college and universities instructional
buildings, classrooms under 50 persons and laboratories, courthouses, dentist’s office,
doctor’s office, general office, outpatient clinics (ambulatory), town halls)
(j) Industrial occupancy (dry-cleaning plant, factories of all kinds, food processing plants, gas
plants, hangars, laundries, power plants, pumping stations, refineries, sawmills, telephone
exchanges)
(k) Storage occupancy over 10,000 square feet (barns, bulk oil storage, cold storage, freight
terminals, grain elevators, hangars, parking structures, truck and marine terminals,
warehouses)
(l) Assembly occupancy - special provisions 1 (to include, but not be limited to outdoor
facilities which are not part of the normal every day operation of the building/land use and
are subject to a City of Dover current special event permit)
(m) Assembly occupancy - special provisions 2 (to include, but not be limited to Special
Amusement Buildings, carnivals, circus, fireworks, pyrotechnic displays, outdoor music
concerts/festivals, special events)
(Code 1981, § 7-63; Ord. of 11-22-1993; Ord. of 1-27-1997)
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Chapter 46 – Fire Prevention and Protection, Article IV – Public Occupancies, be amended by
inserting the text indicated in bold, blue font and deleting the text indicated in red strikeout as follows:
Section 46-164 Fees.
A person desiring the permit required by the provisions of this article shall pay the appropriate
permit fee as provided for in Appendix F—Fees and Fines.
(Code 1968, §§ 17-38, 17-46, 17-50, 17-54, 17-58; Code 1981, § 7-65; Ord. of 3-23-1992; Ord. of 11-
22-1993; Ord. No. 2009-09, 6-22-2009)
That Appendix F – Fees and Fines, Chapter 46 – Fire Prevention and Protection, be amended by
inserting the text indicated in bold, blue font and deleting the text indicated in red strikeout as follows:
Chapter 46. Fire Prevention and Protection Fees and Fines
Article I. In General
Página 51
Ordinance #2021-22 – Public Occupancies Page 3
Sec. 46-1. Means of egress
Subsec. (f) Penalties
Any exit access, exit, or exit discharge, with the exception of a $100.00 first offense
locked exit door, found to be in violation of this section $200.00 second or
subsequent offense
Any required exit door found to be locked against egress $100.00 each locked exit
first offense, $200.00
subsequent offense
Sec. 46-3. Impairment of fire protection equipment
Subsec. (f) Fines $100.00 per device first
offense; $200.00 per
device second and
subsequent offenses
Sec. 46-7. Preventable and malfunctioning alarms to the fire company
Subsec. (a)(1) Responsibility for malfunctioning and preventable Should the person notified
alarms, owner response, and corrective action; generally fail to appear at said
premises within 30
minutes after being
notified to do so, the city
may charge the owner of
the premises a fine of
$100.00
Subsec. (a)(2) Responsibility for malfunctioning and preventable Failure to return
alarms, owner response, and corrective action; malfunction documentation of
service/repair within the
period of time stated on
the notice of violation,
which is satisfactory to the
fire marshal, will result in
assessment against the
owner of a fine of $100.00
for the fire alarm
malfunction
Subsec. (b)(1) Fine charges; multiple fire alarm malfunctions or
preventable alarms; amount of fine
Number of preventable or malfunctioning fire alarms Fine per preventable or
malfunctioning fire alarm
Third alarm $100.00
Fourth alarm $200.00
Fifth alarm $250.00
All over fifth alarm, each alarm $250.00
Subsec. (b)(2) Fine charges; multiple fire alarm malfunctions or A $50.00 fine may be
preventable alarms; panel reset assessed to the owner of a
premises where the fire
Página 52
Ordinance #2021-22 – Public Occupancies Page 4
alarm has been reset
before the fire department
or assisting fire
department arrives.
$100.00 for second or
subsequent offenses
Sec. 46-8. Maintaining a known violation or hazard
Subsec. (c)(1) Penalties; Any fines issued for violation of this section Not less than $25.00, nor
more than $1,000.00
Article II. Fire Department
Sec. 46-44 Failure to answer alarms, orders and perform duties Fine of not less than
orderly; Penalties $25.00, nor more than
$1,000.00 or by suspension
from the fire department
or both
Article III. Fire Codes
Fees established in subsection (b) of this section shall be doubled in the event that a permit is
applied for after construction has commenced without the permission of the fire marshal. The fire
marshal shall waive the doubling of fees in cases where the permit applicant is not a professional
contractor and the work is not being done by a professional contractor.
Sec. 46-126. Fire prevention permit
Subsec. (b) Fee; each applicant $25.00 for each $1,000.00
of costs or multiple thereof
of the fire protection
system; provided that a
minimum fee for each
permit shall be $150.00
Subsec. (c) Reinspection
First reinspection No charge
Second reinspection $100.00
Third reinspection $200.00
Any subsequent reinspection $250.00
Subsec. (d) Fire signaling system inspection fee
Certificate of inspection $25.00 each fire alarm
system
Exception: Apartment or other multifamily dwelling—Five or less $25.00 each fire alarm
buildings per complex system
Exception: Apartment or other multifamily dwelling—More than $15.00 each fire alarm
five buildings per complex system up to a maximum
of 20 buildings. Maximum
fee per complex not to
exceed $300.00 for fire
alarm systems
Subsec. (e) Fire suppression system inspection fee
Página 53
Ordinance #2021-22 – Public Occupancies Page 5
Certificate of inspection $25.00 each fire
suppression system
Exception: Apartment or other multifamily dwelling—Five or less $25.00 each fire
buildings per complex suppression system
Exception: Apartment or other multifamily dwelling—More than $15.00 each fire
five buildings per complex suppression system up to a
maximum of 20 buildings.
Maximum fee per complex
not to exceed $300.00 for
fire suppression systems
Sec. 46-127 Smoke detection devices
Fines not paid within 14 days of the day the fine was issued, including the day the fine was issued,
shall be automatically doubled in amount.
Subsec. (g) Violations; penalties Revocation of any existing
license to do business in
the city, or a fine of not
more than $150.00 per
violation, or both such
penalties
Article IV. Public Occupancies
Sec. 46-164. Fees
Assembly No Charge for an occupant
load less than 75; $100.00
for an occupant load of 75
or greater
Assembly-Fixed Seating $100.00 for first 200 seats
and $10.00 each additional
50 seats
Educational $100.00
Day Care $50.00 for Day Cares as
defined by Appendix B –
Zoning, Article 5, Sections
14.22, 14.23 and 22.1;
$100.00 for other day
cares
Heath Care $100.00 first 25 rooms and
$5.00 for each additional
room
Ambulatory Heath Care $100.00
Residential $100.00 per building
Residential Board and Care $100.00
Mercantile over 10,000 Sq. Ft. $100.00
Business over 10,000 Sq. Ft. $100.00
Industrial $100.00
Página 54
Ordinance #2021-22 – Public Occupancies Page 6
Storage over 10,000 Sq. Ft. $100.00
Assembly special provisions 1 $25.00
Assembly special provisions 2 $100.00
Sec. 46-168. Reinspection fee
Subsec. (a) Amount $25.00 for any repeated
violation cited by the fire
marshal, determined to be
a violation and which
requires a follow up
inspection to confirm the
correction of the violation
Subsec. (b) Fee attached A fee may be attached to
any summons written for
any violation found to be
uncorrected upon
reinspection
Article V. Fire Lanes
Fines not paid within 14 days of the day the fine was issued, including the day the fine was issued,
shall be automatically doubled in amount.
Sec. 46-202. Violations; penalties
Subsec. (c) Other obstructions Any property owner or
tenant found to be in
violation; $50.00
Subsec. (d) Failure to mark Any property owner found
to be in violation; $50.00
Sec. 46-205. Responsibility of owner or tenant Any property owner found
to be in violation; $50.00
ADOPTED: NOVEMBER 8, 2021
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FIRST READING - STAFF AMENDMENTS.DOCX
SYNOPSIS
This ordinance amends portions of Chapter46, Fire Prevention and Protection, Article IV to revise and
update definitions in Section 46-161 relating to Public Occupancies to conform with current NFPA Life
Safety Code 101. The Ordinance also revises the provisions in Appendix F – Fees and Fines applying to
Chapter 46, Fire Prevention and Protection, which have not been updated in at least 9 years.
(SPONSORS: NEIL AND HUGG)
Actions History:
11/08/2021 - Final Reading – City Council
10/25/2021 - First Reading – City Council
10/12/2021 - Introduction – Council Committee of the Whole