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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular City Council Meeting was held on December 13, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. with Council
President Sudler presiding. Council members present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty (via
WebEx), Mr. Neil, Dr. Pillsbury, Mrs. Arndt, Mr. Rocha, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Hare.
Staff members present were Police Chief Johnson, Ms. Peddicord, Mr. Hugg, Mrs. Melson-
Williams, Mr. Rodriguez, and Mrs. McDowell. Mayor Christiansen was also present.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 6:15 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting.
Council President Sudler declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that
Council was not in official session and could not take formal action.
Mr. Stephen Hall, 326 North Bradford Street, Dover, requested suggestions for helping the youth at
General’s Way relocate their basketball court. He also thanked council members for their help,
although he hadn’t accomplished all of his goals.
Mr. Thomas Dix, 664 Independence Boulevard, Dover, suggested the city would be best served if
leaves were picked up the day before garbage collection.
Ms. Lachelle Paul, 55 Glenn Street, Dover, spoke about upholding ethical boundaries at all times
in all matters.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Elder Ellis Louden.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Taylor.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Hare moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED BY THE HONORABLE JAMES G. MCGIFFIN, JR.
- FAMILY COURT JUDGE
The Honorable James G. McGiffin, Jr., Family Court, administered the Oath of Office to First
District Councilwoman Julia Pillsbury.
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. Neil moved for adoption of the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Rocha and carried by
a unanimous roll call vote.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 2
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMITTEE-BRONZE
STATUS
The City Clerk read the following Certificate of Appreciation into the record:
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
presented to
Anthony Aglio James Galvin Dave Moses
Chris Asay Kathleen Grier Gerry Pennington
Julia Beaty Cpt. Chris Hermance Frances Riddle
LaWanda Burgoyne David Hugg Andy Seigel
Lisa Chase James Hutchison Officer Anthony Smith
Tremica Cherry-Wall Lt. Paul Kuntzi Marilyn Smith
Carolyn Courtney Kate Layton Lori Speed
Eddie Diaz Robert LaFountain Hon. Ralph Taylor
John Fiori Jayce Lesniewski James Wilson
Jason Lyon
Thank you all for your efforts in helping the City of Dover
achieve Bronze Status as a Bicycle Friendly Community
from the League of American Bicyclists.
December 13, 2021
Robin R. Christiansen
Mayor
On behalf of the Mayor, members of Council, and the citizens of Dover, Mayor Christiansen and
Councilman Taylor presented the Certificate of Appreciation to the Bicycle Friendly Committee.
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION - JUDY DIOGO - CENTRAL DELAWARE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The City Clerk read the following Certificate of Recognition into the record:
WHEREAS, President Judy Diogo of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce is retiring after
17 years of exemplary service to Central Delaware. She has served as an advocate, ally, and
champion for large and small businesses before the Dover City Council and in collaboration with
the City of Dover; and
WHEREAS, as President of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, Judy has spent a great
deal of time and energy organizing events and activities, encouraging job growth and business
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 3
expansion, contributing to the area's workforce and economic development, and partnering with area
organizations in and around the City of Dover for the overall good of Central Delaware; and
WHEREAS, under Judy's leadership and influence, the CDCC has prospered, experiencing
significant membership growth, and strengthening its impact and voice in the Dover area business
community by demonstrating that the 5-star nationally accredited Chamber is, without a doubt, THE
essential resource for businesses in Central Delaware; and
WHEREAS, the efforts of Judy and the CDCC had a significantly positive impact on the
preservation of businesses throughout the recent global pandemic, as they were connected with much
needed information and supplies; and
WHEREAS, the CDCC is an integral part of TEAM Dover with the Dover Air Force Base and has
won the Abilene Award four times, three of which under Judy's leadership; and
WHEREAS, the work begun by President Diogo during her 17 years of service will continue to
influence the future of Central Delaware for many years to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER,
DELAWARE, do hereby award this Certificate of Recognition on December 13, 2021 to Judy Diogo
and commend her for being an outstanding leader and role model who has unselfishly given to this
community and extend sincere best wishes for continued success in her retirement.
On behalf of the Mayor and Council, Mayor Christiansen presented the Certificate of Recognition
to Ms. Diogo. Ms. Diogo thanked her colleagues and family members who have stood by her along
the way, noting that it takes a village to make things happen.
REQUEST FOR WITHDRAWAL OF REZONING APPLICATION - PROPOSED
ORDINANCE #2021-25 - LANDS OF NEW BURTON STORAGE, LLC. AT 1427 NEW
BURTON ROAD
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider rezoning of property located
at 1427 New Burton Road (Lands of New Burton Storage, LLC), consisting of 1.0487 +/- acres,
owned by New Burton Storage, LLC. The property is currently zoned C-1A (Limited Commercial
Zone) and the proposed zoning is C-3 (Service Commercial Zone).
Council President Sudler advised members that staff received a request from the property owner to
withdraw the rezoning application.
Mr. Hare moved for approval of the request to withdraw the rezoning application for property
located at 1427 New Burton Road, owned by New Burton Storage, LLC. The motion was
seconded by Mrs. Arndt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 4
ANNEXATION/REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT RAYMOND STREET,
RAILROAD AVENUE, AND GROVE STREET
Mrs. Dawn Melson-Williams, Interim Director of Planning and Community Development, reviewed
the Petition to Annex and Rezone property. The Planning Commission recommended in favor of
the annexation.
Public Hearing - Zoning Classification
Members considered a request for Annexation Clarification Amending the Zoning Map of the City
of Dover by Annexing the segments of right-of-way in the vicinity of Tax Parcels: ED-05-067.00-02-
53.00-000 and ED-05-067.00-02-56.00-000. The rights-of-way, known as portions of Raymond
Street (aka Jason Street), Railroad Avenue, and Grove Street and identified on a plan titled "Plot of
Land Belonging to The College Settlement Company," dated 1899, have a total area of 1.6791+/-
acres. Annexation Areas: Area 1: Right-of-way segment of Raymond Street (aka Jason Street) from
Mishoe Street to Railroad Avenue at the railroad corridor. Width of 35 feet. Area Size: 0.6447 acres
+/- (28,084 SF); Area 2: Right-of-way segment of Railroad Avenue from Raymond Street and
extending north approximately 1090.24 feet parallel to the railroad corridor. Width of 35 feet. Area
Size 0.8737 acres +/- (38,057 SF); Area 3: Right-of-way segment of Grove Street from Raymond
Street and extending north approximately 200 feet to previously abandoned portion of Grove Street.
Width of 35 feet. Area Size: 0.1607 acres+/- (7,000SF) (Planning Reference: AX-21-04; Council
District 4)
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider the rezoning of property
located at Raymond Street, Railroad Avenue, and Grove Street owned by The College Settlement
Company.
Council President Sudler declared the public hearing open. There being no one present wishing to
speak, Council President Sudler declared the public hearing closed.
Adoption of Annexation Resolution No. 2021-26
Members considered Annexation Resolution No. 2020-26 for property located at Raymond Street,
Railroad Avenue, and Grove Street, owned by The College Settlement.
By motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Rocha, Council, by a unanimous roll call vote, adopted
Resolution No. 2021-26, as follows:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE INCLUSION OF AN AREA WITHIN THE LIMITS
OF THE CITY OF DOVER.
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover authorizes Council to extend the boundaries of the
said City in accordance with Title 22, Chapter 1, Section 101 of the Delaware Code (22
Del.C.§ 101); and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council deem it to be in the best interest of the City of Dover to include
an area contiguous to the present City limits, and hereinafter more particularly described, within the
limits of the City of Dover; and
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 5
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council, upon recommendation of the City Planner and Planning
Commission, deem it to be in the best interest of the City of Dover to include these right-of-way
areas within the limits of the City of Dover to reduce an enclave of the City boundary and to clarify
portions of right-of-way that should have been annexed in the past with adjoining properties; and
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover provides that if an annexation is petitioned by all
owners of all property considered for annexation, no election shall be required. For an annexation
petition not requiring an election, such petition shall be processed in accordance with procedures
established for amendments to the zoning map, specified in Dover Code, Appendix B - Zoning. All
annexation petitions shall be processed concurrently with the rezoning of the property considered
for annexation and shall be subject to public hearing before City Council. Public notice shall be
completed in accordance with the provisions of the Dover Code relating to amendment of the zoning
map.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
That the following described areas, situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware,
along with all adjacent paths, sidewalks, roadways, and rights-of-way in their entirety, shall be
annexed to and included within the limits of the City of Dover: Raymond Street (Jason Street) ALL
that certain piece, parcel, and tract of land lying and being situate in the East Dover Hundred, Kent
County, Delaware and being a portion of the right- of-way for Raymond Street (aka Jason Street),
lying between easterly right-of-way of Mishoe Street and the easterly right-of-way of Railroad
Avenue as recorded on the plan titled "Plot of Land Belonging to The College Settlement Company",
dated 1899 and recorded on Plot Book A, Page 85, and now being more particularly bounded and
described by Pennoni Associates Inc. as follows:
BEGINNING at a point on the southerly right-of-way of Raymond (Jason) Street (35' wide right-of-
way) at its intersection with the easterly right-of-way of Railroad Avenue (35' wide right-of-way),
said point also being at the northwesterly corner of Lot 168 of the aforesaid plan, thence crossing to
the northerly right-of-way of Raymond (Jason) Street along the easterly right-of-way of Railroad
Avenue and along the westerly terminus of Raymond (Jason) Street; North 34° 41' 03" West, 35.48'
to a point on the northerly right-of- way of Raymond (Jason) Street, also being the southwesterly
corner for Lot 202, thence along the northerly right-of-way of Raymond (Jason) Street and along Lot
202, crossing the southerly terminus of Grove Street (35' wide right-of-way), and Lots 189-196,
inclusive, and an unplatted property; North 45° 55' 24" East, 799.19', more or less to a point, being
at the intersection of the extension of the easterly right-of-way line of Mishoe Street (52'wide right-
of-way), thence crossing to the aforesaid southerly right-of-way of Raymond (Jason) Street; South
45° 08' 14" East, 35.01' to a point on the southerly right-of-way of Raymond (Jason) Street, thence
along the southerly right-of-way of Raymond (Jason) Street and crossing the northerly terminus of
Mishoe Street and Lots 177-168, inclusive; South 45° 55' 24" West, 805.62', more or less, to the
point and place of beginning, be the contents thereof what they may. Containing within this parcel
28,084 square feet or 0.6447 acres of land, more or less.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 6
Railroad Avenue
ALL that certain piece, parcel, and tract of land lying and being situate in the East Dover Hundred,
Kent County, Delaware and being a portion of the right- of-way for Railroad Avenue, lying between
southerly right-of-way of Raymond Street (aka Jason Street) and the northerly boundary of the land
recorded on the plan titled "Plot of Land Belonging to The College Settlement Company", dated
1899 and recorded on Plot Book A, Page 85, and now being more particularly bounded and
described by Pennoni Associates Inc. as follows:
BEGINNING at a point on the easterly right-of-way of Railroad Avenue (35' wide right-of-way) at
its intersection with the southerly right-of-way of Raymond (Jason) Street (35' wide right-of-
way),said point also being at the northwesterly corner of Lot 168 of the aforesaid plan, thence along
an extension of the southerly right-of-way of Raymond (Jason) Street and crossing to the westerly
right-of-way of Railroad Avenue; South 45° 55' 24" West, 35.48' to a point on the westerly right-of-
way of Railroad Avenue, said point along being on the easterly right-of-way of lands now or
formerly of Delaware Railroad, thence along the westerly right-of-way of Railroad Avenue and the
easterly right-of-way of lands now or formerly of Delaware Railroad); North 34° 41' 03" West,
1090.24, more or less to a point, thence crossing to the easterly right-of-way of Railroad Avenue;
North 55° 19' 01" East, 35.00' to a point on the easterly right-of-way of Railroad Avenue, said point
also being the northwesterly corner of Lot 215, thence along the easterly right-of-way of Railroad
Avenue and Lot 215-202, inclusive, and crossing the westerly terminus of Raymond (Jason) Street;
South 34° 41' 03" East, 1084.45', more or less, to the point and place of beginning, be the contents
thereof what they may. Containing within this parcel 38,057 square feet or 0.8737 acres of land,
more or less.
Grove Street
ALL that certain piece, parcel, and tract of land lying and being situate in the East Dover Hundred,
Kent County, Delaware and being a portion of the right- of-way for Grove Street, lying between
northerly right-of-way of Raymond Street (aka Jason Street) and a portion of Grove Street previously
abandoned to adjoining lands, Grove Street as recorded on the plan titled "Plot of Land Belonging
to The College Settlement Company", dated 1899 and recorded on Plot Book A, Page 85, and now
being more particularly bounded and described by Pennoni Associates Inc. as follows:
BEGINNING at a point on the westerly right-of-way of Grove Street (35' wide right-of-way) at its
intersection with the northerly right-of-way of Raymond (Jason) Street (35' wide right-of-way), said
point also being at the southeasterly corner Lot 202, 203, and a part of 204; North 33° 48' 55" West,
201.00', to a point, thence crossing to the easterly right-of-way of Grove Street; North 45° 55' 24"
East, 35.57' to a point on the easterly right-of-way of Grove Street, said point also being the
northwesterly corner of Lot 189, thence along the easterly right-of-way of Grove Street and the
westerly side of Lot 189; South 33° 48' 55" East, 200.00' to a point on the northerly right- of-way
of Raymond (Jason) Street, thence crossing to the westerly right-of- way of Grove Street along the
northerly right-of-way of Raymond (Jason) Street and along the southerly terminus of Grove Street;
South 45° 55' 24" 35.57'area to the point and place of beginning, be the contents thereof what they
may. Containing within this parcel 7,000 square feet or 0.1607 acres of land, more or less.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 7
That the above described property shall be annexed into the City of Dover with a zoning
classification as set by City Council and in accordance with the zoning map and environs then in
force, effective upon such lands being included within the limits of the City of Dover.
That the certified copy of this resolution of annexation, together with a plot of the areas annexed,
shall be filed for record with the Recorder of Deeds of Kent County.
That the effective date of this resolution shall be the 14th day of December 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
ADOPTED: December 13, 2021
Final Reading/Adoption of Rezoning Ordinance #2021-23
Member considered Ordinance #2021-23 rezoning property located on Raymond Street, Railroad
Avenue, and Grove Street.
Mr. Neil moved that the Final Reading of Ordinance #2021-23 be acknowledged by title only,
seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the ordinance was
accomplished during the Council Meeting of October 11, 2021.)
Mr. Neil moved for approval of the rezoning, as recommended by the Planning Commission.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and, by a unanimous roll call vote, Council
adopted Ordinance #2021-23, as follows:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE
CITY OF DOVER BY INCLUDING PROPERTY LOCATED AT RAYMOND STREET,
RAILROAD AVENUE, AND GROVE 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 add the property described
below in the form of Improved and Unimproved Right-of-Way to the City of Dover Zoning Map;
and
WHEREAS, it is deemed that the land in question is Right-of-Way and therefore does not require
a zoning classification be assigned.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
That from and after the passage and approval of this ordinance the Zoning Map of the City of Dover
has been amended by including Improved and Unimproved Right-of-Way on that property located
at Raymond Street (aka Jason Street), Railroad Avenue, and Grove Street (Right-of-way located
northeast of the intersection of College Road and the Lands of Delmarva Railroad) consisting of
1.6791 acres +/-.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 8
(In the vicinity of Tax Parcels: ED-05-067.00-02-53.00-000 and ED-05-067.00-02-56.00-000;
Planning Reference: 19 AX-21-04; Council District: 4)
ADOPTED: December 13, 2021
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 22, 2021
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of November 22, 2021 were unanimously
approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Hare and bore the written approval of
Mayor Christiansen.
CO U N C I L C O M M I T T E E O F T H E WH O L E REPO RT -
NOVEMBER 23, 2021
The Council Committee of the Whole Meeting was held on November 23, 2021 at
6:00 p.m. with Council President Sudler presiding. Members of Council present
were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Neil, Mrs. Arndt, Mr. Rocha, and Mr. Taylor.
Mr. Hare was absent. Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members
present for their Committee meetings were Mr. Contant and Mr. Shevock
(Legislative, Finance, and Administration) and Dr. Jackson-Short and Mr. Shelton
(Safety Advisory and Transportation).
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman
Anderson presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Taylor moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Neil and
unanimously carried.
Evaluation of Bids - Switchgear Building for Garrison Oak Technology &
Business Park (GOTBP) Substation
Mr. Paul Waddell, Electric Director, reviewed the background and analysis regarding
the Switchgear Building for Garrison Oak Technology & Business Park (GOTBP)
Substation. He noted that they received five bids and, although Siemens was not the
low bidder, their submission fully met the specifications and included commissioning
in the price, which could provide a cost savings of $20,000 to $30,000 over the
Anixter ABB bid.
Staff recommended awarding RFP #22-0008EL for the switchgear building for
Garrison Oak Technology & Business Park (GOTBP) substation to Siemens in the
amount of $1,187,158.
Mr. Boggerty moved to recommend approval of staff's recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 9
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Rocha and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Evaluation of Bids - Transformer for Garrison Oak Technology & Business
Park (GOTBP) Substation
Mr. Paul Waddell, Electric Director, reviewed the background and analysis regarding
the Transformer for Garrison Oak Technology & Business Park (GOTBP)
Substation.
Staff recommended awarding RFP #22-0009EL for the Transformer for Garrison Oak
Technology & Business Park (GOTBP) Substation to Anixter (GE 1b) in the amount
of $814,188.
Responding to Mr. Contant, Mr. Waddell stated he was unsure where the money
would be coming from. He had heard that there was cash on hand from previous
management or that it may come from a reserve account.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mr. Waddell stated Ms. Peddicord would have the answer
to where the money was coming from. He noted that he did not have access to the
software system that would show what account the funds would come from.
Mr. Waddell stated he had been in talks with Ms. Peddicord and Mr. Dill and the
typical process was to receive final approval for equipment from Council, then have
a Purchase Order in hand and he would have to pay 10 percent up front.
Responding to Mr. Contant, Mr. Waddell stated this was the fourth bid for this
project and the total was $2.3M of a $7M budget. He noted that this would be
considered major equipment that would require a lot of foundation work. Mr.
Waddell advised that, once approval of the evaluation of bids was granted, it would
go to the City's engineering contractor and they would provide plans for the
construction side that would go out for bid. He stated that they were currently on
budget with projected costs of equipment.
Mr. Rocha moved to recommend awarding RFP #220009EL to Anixter (GE 1b)
in the amount of $814,188, 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. Rocha and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Evaluation of Bids - LED Security Lights for City Lighting Upgrade
Mr. Paul Waddell, Electric Director, reviewed the background and analysis regarding
the LED Security Lights for the City lighting upgrade.
Staff recommended awarding RFP #22-0012EL to Denney Electric in the amount of
$163,680.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 10
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Waddell stated the LED Security Lights are 15-20
watt bulbs that would replace 1,550 conventional 100 watt bulbs, resulting in a
financial savings to the City. Mr. Waddell stated that Denney Electric was the second
lowest bidder and, although Irby was the lowest, they priced an incorrect photocell
and, if corrected, it would have put Irby outside the total cost.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Waddell stated the control center for communicating
with the 618 lights was defective and another one has been ordered for replacement
at no cost to the City.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mr. Waddell stated the LED Security Lights went out for
bid twice due to a clerical error on the part number. He advised that, after speaking
with Mr. Wolfgang, he contacted the companies that had bid on the initial Request
for Proposals (RFP) to let them know it was being retracted and re-released with the
correct part number.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend awarding RFP #22-001EL to Denney Electric,
as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shevock and
unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Rocha and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Rocha moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and
Administration Committee meeting, seconded by Mrs. Arndt and unanimously
carried.
Meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
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 Mrs. Arndt and
unanimously carried.
Creation of an Ad - Hoc Committee to Discuss the Effects and Implementation
of Proposed Ordinance #2021-26 - Creating a New Chapter 28 - Dawdling
(Councilman Ralph Taylor, Jr.)
Mr. Taylor, briefed Committee members on the creation of an ad-hoc committee to
discuss the effects and implementation of Proposed Ordinance #2021-26, which
would create a new Chapter 28 - Dawdling.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 11
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Sudler stated he would recommend that members
include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a representative from Delaware State
University, and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) or any other
faith-based religious organization that expressed interest in being on the committee.
Ms. Leandra Casson Marshall, 3 Starboard Court, advised that she would like to join
the committee representing herself and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
(IMA).
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mrs. Arndt stated that City Council was awaiting a legal
opinion to determine if Council was moving forward with the ordinance as proposed.
She suggested that before forming a committee or discussing how it should be
implemented, Council members should await the legal opinion to see if the proposed
ordinance could be implemented legally.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Sudler stated the synopsis of the legal opinion was
to check with the ACLU and the community.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mrs. Traci McDowell, Interim City Clerk, stated that she
thought the discussion of the legal opinion would take place with Mr. Rodriguez,
City Solicitor, in an executive session . She noted that this item was added to the
agenda to discuss the formation of the Ad-Hoc Committee to work on the ordinance,
with the assistance of the ACLU and other groups.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Neil stated that bringing in the ACLU and a lawyer
associated with the NAACP to look at the ordinance was a good idea. He noted that
the purpose of the committee was to un-demonize something that was needed. Mr.
Neil advised that the ordinance would not add a criminal aspect to a person, only a
fine. He stated that the City of Dover was being hurt by what was happening in the
downtown area, businesses are drying up, and people do not want to visit the
downtown.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Boggerty stated he was looking forward to serving
on the committee and would keep an open mind and come to a resolution that does
not appear to target anyone. Mr. Boggerty advised that he was also a member of the
Downtown Dover Partnership Committee on Safety and Advisory and the issues with
downtown businesses at a certain point had nothing to do with people feeling it was
dangerous, it had to do with the economy, sustainability, and parking.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Dr. Jackson stated it was important to look at who was
being targeted and who was creating the issues and then identify ways to help resolve
the issues before looking into creating an ordinance. Dr. Jackson advised that she
suggested the formation of an ad-hoc committee to discuss the ordinance and noted
that, until they received all the information, they were moving blindly.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 12
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Shelton stated that it was important to understand
how this would benefit the City of Dover and to get people involved. He noted that
he would like to involve students from Delaware State University or a Dover High
School Student to have them discuss what was going to provide a better
understanding; however, he suggested understanding the legal ramification before
moving forward.
Reverend Rita Paige, 355 Rita Wilma Road, advised that she would like to serve on
the committee to represent the IMA Social Action Committee.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Neil stated that the Police Department would be able
to advise them about who is creating the disturbances.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Boggerty stated that adding an addendum to the
nuisance ordinance to hold businesses accountable for the actions of the people in
and around their businesses at a certain time could solve some of the problems. He
noted that every other business around Dover that has had a nuisance issue had been
closed or has taken appropriate action to resolve the issues.
Mr. Michael Hermann, 14697 John Peel Road, Galena, Maryland stated that he
agreed with Mr. Shelton that representatives of this committee should reflect the
population they were trying to target.
Mr. Sudler stated that in 2018 they spoke with the community, the Department of
Justice, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Mayor's Office to look at their
nuisance laws and did adjust the ordinance. He advised that, if a business was
negligent and knew that their patrons were not in compliance with the rules and
regulations, they would be fined $1000. Dr. Jackson stated that she was present for
the discussion in 2018 and she agreed with Mr. Sudler. She also stated that until they
could identify the people involved they could not bring them to the table.
Mr. Anderson moved to recommend tabling Creation of an Ad-Hoc Committee
to Discuss the Effects and Implementation of Proposed Ordinance #2021 - 26 -
Creating a New Chapter 28 - Dawdling until the January Safety Advisory and
Transportation Committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil 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.)
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Safety Advisory and Transportation
Committee meeting, seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole
meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 13
Meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council Committee of the Whole
Report, seconded by Mr. Rocha and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
MONTHLY REPORTS - October 2021
By motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Rocha, 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
Police Chief’s Report
APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDED BY MAYOR CHRISTIANSEN - ETHICS
COMMISSION - BRANDY M. WALKER (TO FILL THE EXPIRED TERM OF GARY
COY) TERM TO EXPIRE JULY 2025
Mayor Christiansen requested the appointment of Brandy M. Walker to the Ethics Commission for
a five-year term to expire July 2025.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the appointment of Brandy M. Walker,
as recommended by Mayor Christiansen. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and carried
by a unanimous roll call vote.
RECONSIDERATION - DEVELOPMENT OF DAWDLING ORDINANCE (CREATION OF
AN AD-HOC COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THE EFFECTS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF
PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2021-26 - CREATING A NEW CHAPTER 28 - DAWDLING
(COUNCILMAN RALPH TAYLOR, JR.)
During their Regular Meeting of October 26, 2021, members of the Council Committee of the
Whole/Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee considered Ordinance #2021-26 Creating a
New Chapter 28 - Dawdling. The Ordinance was tabled by the Committee at that time.
During their Regular Meeting of November 23, 2021, members of the Council Committee of the
Whole/Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee considered development of a dawdling
ordinance (creation of an ad-hoc committee to discuss the effects and implementation of proposed
ordinance #2021-26 - creating a new chapter 28 - dawdling). The Committee recommended tabling
the creation of an ad-hoc committee to discuss the effects and implementation of Proposed
Ordinance #2021 - 26 - Creating a New Chapter 28 - Dawdling until the January Safety Advisory
and Transportation Committee meeting.
Mr. Taylor said he believes that openly discussing Dawdling prior to any legal opinion and any real
in-depth conversation was a mistake and it led to some conversations that were incomplete and
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 14
inaccurate. He explained that now was their opportunity to fix some things; however, a large number
of citizens have expressed their displeasure with the proposal. Council listened to the citizens and
decided that rather than attempt to create an ad-hoc committee to discuss exactly what the dawdling
ordinance was designed to do, it would review the current loitering ordinance as a community to
determine how to enforce the ordinance, but leave every citizen with their dignity.
Mr. Taylor suggested that anyone who wanted to be a part of the ad-hoc committee should apply
online at the City’s website.
Council President Sudler advised members that the current recommendation was to discontinue
discussion of Ordinance #2021-26, Dawdling.
Mr. Rocha asked if discontinuing the conversation about dawdling meant dissolving the bill and
starting from scratch. He requested more clarification. Mr. Taylor stated that some of the dawdling
language is similar to the loitering language; however, they will not pursue the dawdling ordinance.
Mr. Sudler clarified that they would be setting aside, vacating, and abandoning discussion of the
dawdling ordinance and not revisiting it.
Mr. Rocha moved to officially abandon Proposed Ordinance #2021-26 - Dawdling and allow
the ad-hoc committee under the leadership of Councilman Taylor to review the current
loitering ordinances on the books for update. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Boggerty, noting that the loitering ordinance pertains to parks and recreation, requested to co-
chair the ad-hoc committee. Mr. Taylor agreed and thanked Mr. Boggerty for his assistance.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Taylor extended prayers to the Daisey family. He expressed how much Mr. Daisey meant to him.
Mr. Taylor also expressed his gratitude to Ms. Faye White for the invitation to speak at Luther
Village. He also spoke about how the river walk was progressing nicely and how he believes it will
be an incredible community effort.
During announcements Mr. Taylor suggested the following:
• Moving Council members’ remarks from the end of the meeting to an item after the Pledge
of Allegiance
• Modifying the agenda to add elected official’s comments or updates.
• Suggested Council Committee of the Whole Meetings should be offered via Facebook Live
to allow real time communication with constituents.
Mr. Anderson wished everyone a Happy Holiday. He also extended condolences to the Daisey
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2021 PAGE 15
family. He thanked the members of all the neighborhood watch associations for their dedication.
Mr. Anderson also reminded residents that Dover Police Department provides a vacation watch list
service that allows homes to be monitored by police on patrol in the city while the resident is on
vacation.
Mr. Hare introduced and congratulated Ms. Andria Bennett on being hired as the new City Clerk-
Select.
Council President Sudler welcomed Ms. Bennett to the City of Dover family. He also announced
that there will be no meetings on December 27 or 28th. Mr. Sudler wished Councilman Boggerty and
Councilman Rocha a happy birthday. He also wished a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to
all Dover constituents and neighboring municipalities.
Dr. Pillsbury thanked everyone and said she was honored to be there, noting that she was really
looking forward to her term on City Council.
Mr. Hare moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
TRACI A. McDOWELL
INTERIM CITY CLERK
All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular
Meeting of December 13, 2021 are hereby approved.
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
MAYOR