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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Council Committee of the Whole met on September 23, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. with Council
President Neil presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Anderson, Ms. Arndt, Mr.
Boggerty (via WebEx), Ms. Hall (arrived at 6:16 p.m.), Mr. Lewis (arrived at 6:03 p.m. via
WebEx), Dr. Pillsbury (via WebEx), Mr. Rocha, Dr. Sudler (arrived at 6:16 p.m., left at 6:19
p.m. via WebEx). Mayor Christiansen was also present (left at 7:33 p.m.). Civilian members
present for their Committee meetings were Mr. Garfinkel (via WebEx) and Mr. Shevock (via
WebEx) (Legislative, Finance, and Administration).
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Rocha moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Ms. Arndt, and unanimously
carried.
Review of the Dover Voices Heard Town Hall Meeting (Corie L. Priest, Director of
Community Engagement, Office of the Attorney General)
Mr. Corie L. Priest, Director of Community Engagement, Office of the Attorney General,
reviewed the Dover Voices Heard Town Hall Meeting.
This item was informational; committee action was not required.
Responding to Mr. Priest, Mr. Neil stated that the goals that were proposed were great. He
noted that they can get the children involved and hopefully have the problems in the
neighborhood disappear.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Mr. Cammerin Norwood, Founder of the Reclaiming Our Own
Through Support (R.O.O.T.S.) Foundation and member of Leaders In Transition (LIT), stated
that what makes Leaders In Transition (LIT) unique is that its members are individuals with
lived experience from the community. He explained that this equips them to effectively
connect with and support youth. However, due to their backgrounds, there are barriers and red
tape that sometimes prevent them from working directly with students in schools. He
emphasized that the group has been 100 percent effective in its efforts. He noted that many
members are currently going through the pardon process to be able to work more closely with
the youth who need them the most. He shared that they have successfully worked with students
in other counties, such as Laurel, Odessa, Middletown, and Brandywine, where their impact
has been clearly demonstrated through data and reports. He stated that Dover and Lake Forest
have been more challenging in terms of gaining access and providing hands-on support for
students. He stressed that the work was personal to them as Dover residents, and despite their
proven effectiveness elsewhere, they had not received much feedback or response to their
outreach efforts to establish partnerships locally.
Responding to Mr. Norwood, Mr. Anderson expressed his gratitude for the work being done
in the community. He agreed that it was unfortunate when the Boys and Girls Clubs withdrew
from the neighborhoods, noting that their absence had negatively impacted the community. He
referenced Ms. Arndt’s comment that there was a Police Athletic League (PAL) facility, but
not a dedicated building. He emphasized the need for a significant expansion of the Police
Athletic League (PAL) program, which had been discussed previously.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Norwood stated that if the Police Athletic League (PAL)
expanded into the neighborhood, it should foster collaboration between police officers and
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 PAGE 2
community members with lived experience to build stronger relationships. He emphasized
involving reformed individuals to work alongside law enforcement for mutual understanding.
He noted that a weekly school district newsletter helps keep the community informed about
Police Athletic League (PAL) and suggested using affordable youth programs, such as a low-
cost basketball league, to strengthen community ties. He proposed that police officers and
community members coach teams together, with council members present to show support,
emphasizing that engagement begins in the schools.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Norwood clarified that the Leaders in Transition (LIT) tried to
partner with the Green Beret, but they were not close and friendly. He pointed out that when
the Green Beret was in town, they picked and chose who they would deal with.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Norwood stated that youth leagues were not something
currently being offered, but it was an idea they could certainly embrace. He noted that there
were three (3) gyms available for use: Wesley College, Central Middle School, and Simon
Circle. He added that they could hit the ground running to get a program started and help curb
the crime activity occurring within the community.
Responding to Mr. Norwood, Mr. Rocha stated that they could have a conversation with the
individuals who run the Police Athletic League Facility (PAL) program and noted that they
could assist in connecting with Officer Smith. He explained that while they currently do not
have a dedicated facility, the Police Athletic League Facility (PAL) operated programs within
schools, which was their preferred approach. He added that if it were up to him, he would like
to see a building similar to the one in Wilmington, though that location also functions through
a partnership with the schools. He suggested starting a conversation that could be coordinated
through the police leadership and those involved with the Police Athletic League Facility
(PAL) program.
Ms. Hall expressed her gratitude to everyone who came out to speak. She emphasized her
enthusiasm for collaborating on efforts to address the issues discussed. She also thanked those
involved in organizing the town hall and engaging the local community to assess its needs. She
noted that she had reviewed their report and findings and looks forward to working together to
advance initiatives that address the challenges facing the youth.
Responding to Mr. Handy, Mayor Christiansen expressed a concern that was mentioned was
that the Capital School District had not been responsive. He noted that if that was the case, he
would like to offer his assistance in facilitating communication. He stated that he had a close
personal relationship with the superintendent and the assistant superintendent. He believed that
they could sit down together, develop those ideas, create a solid game plan, and work toward
keeping the youth off the streets.
Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Mr. Priest, that last year, there was an incident that
occurred at the middle school involving a student with a firearm. He noted that he took the
initiative to go to the district office instead of the school itself. He explained that he personally
met with district leadership, and they had really liked the idea and agreed it needed to move
forward. There was another meeting that was set up between their leadership and his
leadership, which led to a productive conversation and a follow-up meeting, during which all
parties were on board. He also noted that he spoke with the former superintendent, who
understood and supported what they were trying to accomplish. Since then, he has continued
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COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 PAGE 3
to reach out, including multiple emails to the Capital School District office, but as of now, he
is still waiting for a response.
Responding to Mr. Handy, Mayor Christiansen stated that if they reached out to him, he would
personally arrange a meeting in his office with Dr. Victoir T. Cahoon, Superintendent, Mr.
Toriano Giddens, Assistant Superintendent, and any other related parties. He emphasized the
need to sit down and develop a game plan. He offered the resources of his office to facilitate
the meeting and advocate for the Capital School District, expressing his belief that the
leadership of the Capital School District would be open and willing to collaborate on a plan.
Mr. Jermaine Harmon, a member of Leaders In Transition (LIT), recalled a Police Athletic
League Facility (PAL) program that brought a truck, music, and basketball to neighborhoods,
which encouraged youth participation. Since the program ended, crime rates have increased.
He emphasized the need to build a stronger rapport between the community and law
enforcement to work together as one (1). He emphasized that community engagement was
essential for meaningful change and highlighted the importance of programs that provided
positive activities for youth. He recalled a past summer youth program called Forum to
Advance Minorities in Engineering, Inc. (FAME) through Delaware State University that kept
the youth engaged and active, helping to reduce crime in the area. He asked when they could
bring that type of program back and what opportunities might be available. He noted that the
program would not necessarily have to come through Delaware State University, as several
individuals from Leaders In Transition (LIT) could serve as mentors and help develop a
program to engage with local youth. He emphasized that the program would be available not
just in the summertime, but in the wintertime as well. He highlighted the need for positive
change for their own children and recognized the challenges that youth face, including poverty.
Mr. Norwood stated that there was a need for trauma-informed programming for both the
community and the police. He explained that such a trauma-informed program would bring
everyone together, building familiarity and understanding. Whether an individual experienced
a shooting or an officer had to discharge his weapon, he noted that trauma affects both sides.
He emphasized that nobody discussed the impact on those individuals or discussed it together.
He further stressed that police officers are part of the community, and noted that they have
families, lives, and children, and they share the same desire to keep homes safe. He observed
that residents in the community fear each other because of appearances or clothing. He
expressed concern that some of the reported data in Dover, such as shootings or thefts, do not
always appear accurately in public reports, leaving residents confused and concerned. He
emphasized that by increasing the integrity of data reporting, the trauma-informed program for
the community and police would improve.
Mr. Parker stated that he has lived in Dover his entire life and that the city has always been a
family-oriented community. He emphasized the importance of getting the police more
involved with schools and youth activities, such as playing basketball with students. He noted
that many young people are taught to fear police, feeling tense or shutting down when pulled
over, turning encounters into confrontational or high-stress situations. He stressed that this
should not be the case and that increased interaction and visibility from police can demonstrate
to the community that they genuinely care.
Mr. Norwood stated that he knows and respects several police officers and law enforcement
personnel, and it was not about criticizing them personally. He noted that it was about
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community accountability. He explained that several of the issues that they were addressing
stemmed from situations where parents allowed their children to do whatever they wanted.
Individuals cannot just go to the police and expect them to handle everything based on their
word. Residents are responsible for the community side, and they hold families accountable,
even when they come to them as a victim, ensuring that parents understand the actions of their
children and the consequences involved. He noted that he wanted the police to be integrated
more into the community.
Mr. William Matthews, a member of Leader in Transition (LIT), stated that through his work
with the Help Initiative Incorporated, he serves communities across Delaware, Sussex, Kent,
and New Castle Counties by assisting residents with housing, food, and safety needs. He
explained that they install lights to keep neighborhoods safe and help families maintain their
homes. He emphasized concerns about abandoned properties, noting that many were closed
due to drugs, violence, or foreclosure and now negatively impact communities. He suggested
that those buildings could be remodeled and repurposed for youth and family programs to
strengthen neighborhoods. He also stressed the need for more substance support teams to assist
individuals struggling with addiction by providing Narcan, food, housing, and recovery
guidance. Many individuals are unaware of existing recovery centers and outpatient programs,
including eligibility and access without insurance, so increased outreach and education are
essential. He noted that transitional housing was critical for youth aging out of foster care,
particularly those who have gotten into trouble, as they need guidance, safe spaces, and
mentorship to make positive decisions.
Mr. Neil stated that he was aware of the issue with abandoned buildings and noted that he and
Mr. Rocha serve on the Construction and Property Appeals Board. He explained that when a
property owner is fined, they have the opportunity to file an appeal, during which a full
discussion is held regarding the future of the building. If no action is taken by the owner, the
building may be demolished. He clarified that the property owner must either pay the fines or
sell the building, emphasizing that there is a legal process involved before any action can be
taken, as the property does not belong to the city. He noted that the abandoned buildings often
become targets that can negatively impact an entire neighborhood. He emphasized that they
were aware of the issue and were trying to address it; all actions must follow legal procedures.
He assured the public that their concerns are being heard, even if it may not always appear that
way.
Mr. Ronald Handy, Lead In Transition (LIT) Coordinator, emphasized the importance of
collaboration between the government and the community. He stated that Dover needs to form
an advisory committee made up of members of Leaders in Transition (LIT) with lived
experience, as they are trusted by the community and understand the challenges firsthand. He
explained that such a committee would not make final decisions but would provide insight to
help council create more effective policies and programs. He suggested that council members
hold listening sessions within their districts rather than at City Hall, so residents feel more
comfortable sharing their views. He also suggested reviewing policies on vacant buildings to
explore ways to accelerate the process. Additionally, he proposed creating an incentive
program for new and existing businesses, where one (1) percent of their gross income would
support youth programs and community improvement projects, benefiting both residents and
local businesses through increased foot traffic and growth. He stressed the need for more
positive role models, collaboration, and coalition-building to strengthen community unity and
outreach. He stated that community members must also take responsibility for rebuilding their
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neighborhoods by attending council and committee meetings to share their concerns and ideas.
Mr. Priest stated that the key themes he identified included youth engagement, community
policing, and access to essential resources such as housing, mental healthcare, transportation,
and employment. He highlighted that public health, wellness, substance use, and trauma
continue to impact quality of life in Dover. He recommended forming working groups focused
on collaboration, resource mapping, and policy advocacy to address those challenges. He
concluded by emphasizing that the members of Leaders in Transition (LIT) who are involved
in those efforts have lived the struggles and are committed to making meaningful, lasting
change in their community.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Priest stated that his database of resources was all in his
spreadsheets. He noted that his position was statewide, which allowed him access to a wide
range of resources and partnerships. One (1) of those partnerships was with Neighborhood
Good Partners, an organization he has worked with for several years has maintained a strong
coalition of community supporters, service providers, and resources. He suggested that Dover
could build upon and expand the work that groups such as Neighborhood Good Partners are
already doing in community engagement and outreach. He also emphasized the importance of
reconnecting with faith-based organizations, noting that while much community work was
being done, efforts have drifted away from the faith community. He stated that reintegrate
those initiatives to strengthen local impact.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Priest clarified that there are grants available through the
Department of Justice and suggested that grassroots organizations could collaborate to apply
for them. He explained that the funding cannot remain with the Department of Justice but must
be administered through a nonprofit organization to support initiatives such as mentoring or
other community-impacting services. He noted that they would likely look to a nonprofit to
manage the grant process and mentioned that several of the Leaders in Transition (LIT)
members involved already have their own nonprofits in formation.
Mr. Parker stated that he wanted to address two (2) main points. First, he emphasized that any
community or youth-related programs should have a mandatory two (2) year duration, noting
that crime rates tend to spike just before college begins and again when students return home
for the summer. He explained that those periods present opportunities to engage youth through
programming and prevention efforts. Second, he spoke about community collaboration and
expressed appreciation to Mayor Christiansen and Ms. Hall for their support of recent
initiatives. He shared that he and Mr. Norwood have developed a new idea that has never been
done before in Dover, a gala that would bring together the City Council and the community.
He noted that he had reached out to council members and had discussions with Mayor
Christiansen and Ms. Hall regarding funding and participation for the event.
Bayhealth Expansion Plan (Terry Murphy, President and Chief Strategy Officer)
Mr. Terry Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, reviewed the Bayhealth Expansion Plan
(Attachment #1).
This item was informational; committee action was not required.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Mr. Murphy clarified that the building would remain at 10 stories.
He explained that modern hospital floors require a height of 15 to 18 feet to accommodate
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structural elements, gases, heating, and ventilation systems, compared to 10 to 12 feet in a
typical building. Therefore, while each floor would be taller, the overall height would not
exceed the 10 stories previously approved in 2006. He further noted that part of the additional
$175,000 would cover the construction of a mezzanine level to house the building’s heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Unlike most buildings in the city, which are in
continuous operation, this facility would run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, requiring a
full backup system. As a result, additional equipment and structural reinforcement would be
needed, along with expanded rooftop space to accommodate the infrastructure.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Mr. Murphy clarified that there would be no space for a green roof
on top of the building due to the placement of the heating and ventilation systems on the roof
and within the ceiling structure. He explained that the ventilation system must run vertically
through the building as part of the project’s design, and the volume of air movement in that
area would prevent a green roof from functioning properly.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Mr. Murphy stated that, at present, he would not completely rule
out the possibility of a green roof. However, he noted that the bed tower would be fully
occupied and covered with equipment.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Mr. Murphy stated that they have not yet considered installing solar
panels on the roof. He noted that they were in the early stages of the project and are currently
focused on Phase One (1), having recently completed and submitted the Emergency
Department (ED) plans. He emphasized the importance of improving the Emergency
Department (ED) complex. He also mentioned that, since they were still in the design phase,
he could not provide detailed answers regarding a green roof or solar panels, but he would
relay those questions to the designers.
Responding to Mr. Murphy, Ms. Arndt stated that if a modern hospital were to be built, she
believed that it should incorporate alternative energy solutions and improvements to
stormwater management. She highlighted ongoing flooding issues in the Kent Campus area
and noted that the city was working on several projects to mitigate those impacts by increasing
appropriate surface areas. She cautioned that the new construction could create additional
stormwater challenges and recommended that those concerns be addressed in the project plans.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Mr. Murphy stated that they have been collaborating with the city
and state to improve the stormwater systems in the area, an ongoing process since 1992. He
noted that he has been keeping the hospital informed about the flooding issues. He emphasized
his work with Mr. Hugg and the Public Works Department to review the city’s plans, which
they fully support. He also mentioned that they have provided the necessary easements to allow
water to flow to the St. Jones River, contributing approximately $150,000 toward the design
and construction of the system as part of a collaborative effort with the city.
Responding to Mr. Murphy, Ms. Arndt expressed her gratitude that the hospital was a major
employer in Dover and served as a teaching hospital. She also appreciated the partnerships the
hospital has fostered with local colleges, universities, and high schools.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Mr. Murphy stated that, while housing remains an ongoing concern,
they were supporting their team members by providing a childcare facility accredited by the
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). He noted that a 102-slot
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childcare center would be opening on the Sussex Campus. He also mentioned programs to
attract individuals, such as the “Earn While You Learn” initiative, which allows students to
attend Polytech or Sussex Tech with tuition covered, training to become phlebotomists or
certified nursing assistants. He emphasized that the teaching program with physicians has the
greatest impact in bringing more clinicians to Kent and Sussex counties.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Mr. Murphy noted that adding charging stations and USB outlets
was an excellent idea. He explained that the upgrades to the Emergency Department aim to
add more beds so patients are not kept in the waiting room, while also expanding the waiting
area to improve the overall experience. He highlighted that the current space was relatively
small, which could result in overcrowding, especially between October and March. He noted
that plans were in place for additional staffing and designated areas to accommodate patient
overflow during peak times. He emphasized that the expanded waiting area was being designed
to ensure that patients who do need to wait would do so in a comfortable and convenient
environment.
Responding to Ms. Hall, Mr. Murphy clarified that additional social workers would be added
to the staff to address the influx of homeless individuals and connect them with wraparound
services as part of the planned surge. He explained that various programs and organizations
already have teams engaged in community health, and during the surge, all staff, not just nurses
and physicians, would act as care managers, including members from the Emergency
Department (ED). The Emergency Department (ED) was currently undergoing a project and
was very busy, serving approximately 123,000 patients annually. Many of those patients are
complex, critically ill, and have experienced significant trauma. He emphasized that the care
management teams provided wraparound services and would operate alongside the surge plan
to support those individuals.
Responding to Ms. Hall, Mr. Murphy stated that while they have strong connections, the issue
continues to grow. He noted that the federal government has released a $50 billion Rural
Transformation Grant across the United States. He also mentioned that they were working with
the current administration through the Delaware Healthcare Association on various initiatives,
some of which could be supported through federal funding.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Murphy stated that Phase One (1), which included the
addition of beds, is scheduled to be completed by 2029. The Emergency Department (ED)
expansion is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and is estimated to take about a year.
He noted that they were implementing measures to speed up processes, such as improving
transportation. He acknowledged that some patients may not be ready for discharge until a
family member is available. In response to his question, he noted that Phase One (1) is expected
to be completed by 2029, assuming approvals proceed smoothly and the process moves
efficiently. The Emergency Department (ED) project would expand the waiting area, treatment
areas, and behavioral health space, with work starting in the first quarter of the upcoming year.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Murphy stated that he could not provide specific data on
how the addiction crisis has impacted Bayhealth over the past five (5) years. He acknowledged
that the crisis was severe and ongoing, affecting communities across the country, not just in
Delaware. He noted that while several individuals were working to address those issues, the
impact continues, and additional efforts were needed to support the community effectively.
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Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Murphy clarified that Bayhealth integrated with a wide
range of educational programs, such as Polytech, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training,
phlebotomy, and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs. He noted that their partnerships
extend beyond Wilmington University, Delaware State University, and the University of
Delaware, which expanded its Clinical Scholars program from four (4) to eight (8) students in
its first year, to Delaware Technical Community College and local high schools. He also
highlighted their involvement in Project SEARCH with the Capital School District, providing
work experiences for developmentally disabled youths. He emphasized that Bayhealth was
deeply engaged with both the community and local schools.
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman Anderson
presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Rocha moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Ms. Arndt, and unanimously
carried.
Proposed Ordinance 2025-16 – Project Carry Forward-Budget Balances/Proposed
Budget Amendments (Patricia Marney, Controller/Treasurer)
Mrs. Patricia Marney, Controller/Treasurer, reviewed the background and analysis regarding
the Proposed Ordinance #2025-16 – Project Carry Forward-Budget Balances/Proposed
Budget.
Staff recommended approval of the Proposed Budget Amendment for the Fiscal Year 2026
and adoption of the Proposed Ordinance #2025-16
Mr. Rocha moved to recommend approval of the proposed budget amendments totaling
$22,222,063 for Fiscal Year 2026 as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by
Ms. Arndt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Sudler absent).
Annual Review of Investment Policy (Patricia Marney, Controller/Treasurer)
Mrs. Patricia Marney, Controller/Treasurer, reviewed the background and analysis regarding
the Annual Review of Investment Policy.
Staff recommended approval of the policy with the submitted changes.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Ms. Marney clarified that the housekeeping change would be
for the financial policy that was related to the appointment of the Controller/Treasurer to the
Annual Meeting, which could be addressed this evening or at another time. She noted that they
were addressing the investment policy.
Mr. Rocha moved to recommend accepting the staff recommendation for the approval of the
policy with the submitted changes. The motion was seconded by Ms. Hall.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Ms. Marney clarified that the interest that was earned on the last
quarterly report was either 6.2% or 6.4%. She stated that the total interest income reviewed for
the Fiscal Year 2025 was $11 million in total, and that was across all measures of collectability.
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Responding to Mr. Anderson, Ms. Marney clarified that the interest earned was one of their
largest sources of income.
Mr. Rocha moved to recommend accepting the staff recommendation for the approval of
the policy with the submitted changes. The motion was seconded by Ms. Hall and carried
by a unanimous roll call vote (Sudler absent).
Mr. Anderson moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration
Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
Christopher T. Miller, 200 West Loockerman Street, Apartment 203, expressed concerns and
complaints. He stated that he had a complaint regarding the desk officer at the Bayard Plaza
Apartments; he was rude and had an attitude toward the public. He also noted concerns about
encountering prostitutes, panhandlers, and addicts while walking up and down Loockerman
Street. He emphasized that he does not feel safe and noted that nothing appeared to be done
about those issues. He stated that he would like to see action taken.
Responding to Mr. Miller, Mr. Neil stated that Council was frustrated as he was. He noted that
there was hope that the Department of Justice would change their mind about certain items and
be able to take those individuals off the streets.
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting,
hearing no objection, the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Fred A. Neil
Council President
Attachments
Attachment #1 – Presentation entitled “Kent Campus Vertical Integration Project (VIP)
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ATTACHMENT #1
Council Committee of the Whole Meeting of 09/23/2025
Kent Campus
Vertical Integration
Project (VIP) CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM
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2
Agenda
1. A little history…
2. Kent Campus – Current State
3. Kent Campus – Future Vision
a. Phase 1
b. Long-term
4. Required Approvals
Terence Murphy Kyle Benoit Gregory Morre, PE
President & CEO Executive VP & COO Principal
Bayhealth Bayhealth Becker Morgan Group
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
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3
A LITTLE HISTORY…
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
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Bayhealth Kent General Hospital 4
Circa Summer 1926
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
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5
Bayhealth today
Ambulatory Sites of Care
Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex
• 35-acre campus in Dover, DE • 250+ acre campus in Milford • 35+ Sites of Care
• 266 Licensed Beds • 152 Licensed Beds • Locations in:
• 945,000,000 Square Feet • 440,000 Square Feet • Kent County
• Sussex
• New Castle County
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
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6
Bayhealth today… A Leading Healthcare Provider in Delaware
Key Facts
• 2nd Largest Healthcare System in Delaware
• Total Inpatient Beds 448
• Staffed Beds 426
• Admissions 19,530
• Outpatient Visits 727,132
• Emergency Department Visits 123,347
Employee Metrics
Total Number of Employees 4,730
Live in Dover 1,223
Live in Kent County 2,787
26% of our Bayhealth Team
call Dover home
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
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7
Bayhealth’s Legacy…
For 100 years, we have been
committed to strengthening the
health of Central and Southern
Delaware, one life at a time
…and we are just getting started
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
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8
CURRENT STATE
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
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Current and Future Landscape…
9
Key Metrics Nationwide
• Hospital admissions 11% higher since the beginning
of COVID-19
• Aging population and dwindling number of hospital
beds due to labor shortages and hospital closures
• Researcher project annual hospitalizations will rise
from 36 million in 2025 to 40 million in 2035
• Pre-Covid mean hospital occupancy 63.9%
• Projected occupancy rate of 85% by 2035
• Increasing the number of staffed hospital beds to
address crisis
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
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10
Bayhealth Specific Bed Projections
Kent identified needs:
• Immediate
• 56 beds – 6 ICU & 50 Med Surg/OBS
• 7 ED Bays
• 10-Year Need
• Additional 41 Beds
Kent Hospital will need an
• Position campus to transition to all
additional 97 inpatient beds by 2033 private rooms
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
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11
Kent Age of Plant Map
2010 Central Utility Plant
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole 11
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The Challenge
How do we:
a. Expand our number of beds
b. Move to all private rooms
c. Modernize our Surgical and Interventional platform
d. Replace and retire our aging infrastructure
e. Decrease operating expenses
f. Maximize the acreage we already own and stop “hospital-sprawl”
The answer –
Reimagine the prior Campus Master Plan approved by City Council circa 2010
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole 12
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13
VISION FOR BAYHEALTH’S
KENT CAMPUS - PHASE 1
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
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Guiding Principles 14
1. Improve Patient Experience
2. Improve the Quality of Care
3. Reduce the Cost of Care
4. Improve Staff Experience, Wellbeing & Career Satisfaction
5. Improve Access through Capacity Expansion & Efficiency
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
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Key Concepts 15
1. Reorganize campus around greater density and verticality
2. Evolve to an all-private, multi-acuity patient room platform
3. Efficient movement of patient, visitor and operations
4. Leverage technology to reduce costs & improve efficiency
5. Develop purpose-built, yet flexible facilities to adapt to surges
and future needs
6. Create a great environment in which to get well
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
Página 25
Kent Campus Master Plan 2025 – Phase 1 Site Plan 16
Add 2 stories Expand ED Entrance
& Waiting
CUP
ED
BUILDING
PAVILION
Add 6 stories with new
stair & elevator tower
Note: The ED Building was designed to support a 2-story overbuild
The Pavilion was designed to be a 10-story building
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
Página 26
Kent Expansion Project – Phase 1 Rendering 17
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
Página 27
Kent Expansion Project Scope – Phase 1 18
a. ED expansion
i. New Behavioral Health Suite
ii. Dedicated Fast Track & Expanded Waiting
b. Overbuild 6 floors on top of the Pavilion
i. Build-out 2 floors - each to be a 32-bed patient unit
c. Overbuild 2 floors on top of the Emergency Department
i. 2nd Floor to house New Lab & Pharmacy
ii. 3rd Floor - shell
Total Project: $248,674,758
d. New Kitchen (in vacated Pharmacy, Pavilion Basement)
e. Expanded Cafeteria (in vacated Kitchen, Klima basement)
f. Expanded ICU (in 3A IMC, Klima Bldg.)
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
Página 28
19
KENT CAMPUS
LONG-TERM MASTER PLAN
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
Página 29
Kent Campus Long-Term Master Plan 20
ED Visitor & Patient Parking Lot
3-Story Surgical, Interventional
& Trauma Pavilion
3-STORY ED
BUILDING
New Main Entrance &
Covered Walkway to New
500+ Spot Parking Garage
Legacy Buildings Removed
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
Página 30
Kent Expansion Long-Term Rendering 21
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
Página 31
Kent Long-Term Expansion Plans 22
a. Fit-out all Pavilion shell floors to achieve all private rooms
b. Build a new 500-spot Parking Garage on the corner of State and South Streets
c. Expand the main entrance to include a covered walkway to the new garage
d. New Surgical & Interventional Building at Governor’s Avenue and South Street
a. Build-out new OR and Interventional Suite with all related support spaces
b. Expand the Emergency department
c. Buildout and relocate the Diagnostic Imaging Department
e. Relocate all non-hospital-based services to Blue Hen
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
Página 32
23
APPROVALS
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
Página 33
24
Approvals – Required for Phase 1
1. Rezoning of 600 S State Street from “RGO” to “IO”
a. Public Hearing
i. Dover Planning Commission, October 20, 2025
ii. Dover City Council, November 10, 2025
2. Building Code Variance for Height and Setback
a. Public Hearing
i. Dover Board of Adjustment, October 15, 2025
3. Site Plan Approval
a. Public Hearing
i. Dover Planning Commission, January 20, 2025
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
Página 34
25
Questions
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
Página 35
26
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole
Página 36
City of Dover, Delaware
Council Committee of the Whole