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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular City Council Meeting was held on July 26, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President
Sudler presiding. Council members present were Mr. Anderson (via WebEx), Mr. Boggerty,
Mr. Neil, Mr. Hare, Mrs. Arndt, Mr. Rocha, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Lindell (via WebEx).
Staff members present were Deputy Police Chief Spicer, Ms. Peddicord (via WebEx), Mr. Harline,
Mr. Hugg (via WebEx), 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.
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. Amar Walker, 155 East Sheldrake Circle, expressed his concerns regarding residential handicap
parking.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Elder Ellis Louden.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Christiansen.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously
carried.
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 Mrs. Arndt and carried by
a unanimous roll call vote.
PRESENTATION - RECOGNITION OF SERVICE - BISHOP THOMAS HOLSEY - CITY
CHAPLAIN (JUNE 2013 - JUNE 2021)
On behalf of members of Council, Mayor Christiansen presented Bishop Holsey with a Dover Cup
in recognition of his many years of service as the City Chaplain.
PRESENTATION - ANNUAL ST. FRANCIS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)
UPDATE
Chief of Emergency Medical Services Scott Bundek provided the Annual St. Francis EMS update.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 26, 2021 PAGE 2
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Chief Bundek stated a person has to be 18 years old for the National
Registry Exam to become an EMS. Mr. Boggerty requested that Chief Bundek speak with the
Superintendent of Capital School District regarding workforce development.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Chief Bundek stated that there were no plans for St. Francis not to be
a part of the contract in the future. He noted that their contract would end on March 30, 2023.
Responding to Mr. Harline, Chief Bundek advised that the contract was a three-year contract, with
the option for two one-year extensions.
PROCLAMATIONS - PURPLE HEART CITY
The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, the City of Dover and our community have a great admiration and the utmost gratitude
for all of the men and women who have selflessly served their country and this community in the
Armed Forces. The City of Dover has always supported its military veteran population; and,
WHEREAS, veterans have paid the high price for freedom by leaving their families and
communities and placing themselves in harm's way for the good of all, and the contributions and
sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces are vital to maintaining the
freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and,
WHEREAS, the Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in present use and was initially
created as the badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782; and,
WHEREAS, the Purple Heart was the first American Service award or decoration made available
to the common soldier and is specifically awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces
who have been wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat with a declared enemy of the United
States of America; and,
WHEREAS, the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of
goodwill among the combat wounded veteran members and their families, promote patriotism,
support legislative initiatives, and most importantly, make sure we never forget; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Dover appreciates the sacrifices our Purple Heart recipients made in
defending our freedoms and believe it is important that we acknowledge them for their courage and
show them the honor and support they have earned.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER,
DELAWARE, do hereby proclaim the City of Dover a PURPLE HEART CITY in honor of
August 7, 2021 National Purple Heart Day. Honoring the service and sacrifices of our nation's men
and women in uniform, wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect our freedoms, and
encourage the citizens of the City of Dover, to show their appreciation for the sacrifices the Purple
Heart recipients have made in defending our freedoms.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 26, 2021 PAGE 3
On behalf of the Mayor and Council, Mayor Christiansen presented the proclamation to
Commissioner Richard M. Magner, Military Order of the Purple Heart.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - COUNCIL WORKSHOP OF MAY 1, 2021
The Minutes of the Council Workshop of May 1, 2021 were unanimously approved by motion
of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mrs. Arndt and bore the written approval of Mayor Christiansen.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 12, 2021
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 12, 2021 were unanimously approved by
motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mrs. Arndt and bore the written approval of
Mayor Christiansen.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REPORT - JULY 13, 2021
The Council Committee of the Whole Meeting was held on July 15, 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,
Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Lindell. Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members
present for their Committee meetings were Mr. Contant (arrived at 6:03 p.m.) and
Mr. Shevock (Legislative, Finance, and Administration).
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman
Anderson presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously
carried.
Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Presentation (Jeanine Kleimo, Chair, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing)
Ms. Jeanine Kleimo, Chair, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (DIMH), reviewed
their request for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Ms. Kleimo stated that she believed he was correct in his
observation that there were three groups of homeless:
• People caught up in economic chaos that resulted in the loss of their home
• People caught up in drugs/alcohol and crime
• People suffering from mental problems
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 26, 2021 PAGE 4
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Ms. Kleimo stated that the property that DIMH was
hoping to purchase on Queen Street and Division Street encompassed the Delaware
Auto Sales building, parking lot, and one adjacent house on the same side of the
service alley.
Mr. Contant asked that when DIMH contacted City Staff that they provide
information on whether or not the price listed in the presentation was the negotiated
price or the list price and if they had any declarations about the condition of the
buildings.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend referral of this item to staff for qualifications
of the supplemental American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriation. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committees’ recommendation,
seconded by Mrs. Arndt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Property Tax Disability Exemption (Councilman Andre Boggerty and
Councilman Gerald Rocha, Sr.)
Mr. Rocha reviewed the research provided to him by Mrs. Cheryl Bundek, former
Tax Assessor, regarding the current property tax disability exemption process for
both the City of Dover and Kent County.
Mrs. Patricia Marney, Customer Service Director, reviewed the financial impact of
making changes to the current City of Dover exemption process. She stated that staff
would like to get a legal opinion and put more time and effort into creating a quality
document to present to Council before making any changes.
Staff recommended conducting a more thorough review of the City Code including
residency requirements, ownership requirements, income requirements, and the
appeals and administration processes. Staff recommended conducting a review of
area local government guidelines as well. Once that was complete, City Staff would
bring back recommendations for a modification to the Property Tax Disability
Exemption in September.
Responding to Mr. Hare, Mrs. Marney stated that the Kent County income
restrictions for the tax disability exemption were $18,000 for a single individual and
$24,750 for a married couple.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mrs. Marney stated that the request for a legal opinion
was included in the staff recommendation and that the Customer Service Department
had reached out to the City Attorney.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 26, 2021 PAGE 5
Mr. Neil moved to recommend referral back to staff for review and
recommendation . The motion was seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously
carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committees’ recommendation,
seconded by Mrs. Arndt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Approval to Conduct Winter Police Academy and Guidelines for Future
Academies (Thomas Johnson, Police Chief)
Police Chief Thomas Johnson reviewed a presentation on the Dover Municipal Police
Academy 2022 Comparison/Considerations (Attachment #1).
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson stated that if he hired four officers and put
them in the State Police Academy in October they would receive a patrolman rate
which was a recruit salary and he would have to start paying them as employees in
October. He explained that if he deferred and ran an academy in-house starting in
January, the payroll dollars that would otherwise go to those employees between
October of 2021 and January of 2022 would not be expended; they would remain in
the payroll account.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson stated that the salary and all other
associated benefits that make up the standard package offered to recruits equated to
the $89,726.36 referred to on page 7 of the slideshow presentation. He explained that
$89,726.36 would be the payroll account fiscal savings of hiring in January as
opposed to October.
Responding to Mr. Lindell, Chief Johnson stated that he invited other Chief's to pay
to send recruits for training with him, which did generate some revenue. He
explained that other agencies were required to pay for their own equipment. Chief
Johnson noted that there was a $1,000 fee for the training services being offered,
which fell between the standard fee for New Castle County's training ($750) and
State Police training ($1,450).
Responding to Mr. Lindell, Chief Johnson stated that he was not asking for any funds
that were not already budgeted to the Police Department.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Chief Johnson stated that the cadet program had
historically been an excellent recruitment tool.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Chief Johnson stated that, with the Police Department's
screening process, they extend invitations to both certified and non-certified
candidates for open positions. He noted that every candidate had to go through a
background investigation and interview process.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 26, 2021 PAGE 6
Responding to Mr. Contant, Chief Johnson stated that if the Academy did not start
until January the officers would complete their training within a month of when they
would have finished had they attended the Delaware State Police Training in
October.
Mr. Contant asked what the cost was to conduct the academy and how much money
came from the Police Department budget and how much came from funding such as
grants. Responding Chief Johnson stated that overtime occurs occasionally,
depending on the size of the class and number of instructors necessary. He explained
that if he only had one or two positions to fill, he did not see the value of running an
academy session. Chief Johnson noted that once he had four or five positions to fill
he felt it would be valuable for the Police Department to deliver its own core training.
He stated that he was continuing to speak with the State legislature about the concept
of State mandated training and the lack of State mandated funding to go along with
it. Chief Johnson explained that he was continuing to have discussions with Delaware
Technical and Community College to see how many of their resources could be
harnessed for mutual interests.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Chief Johnson stated that a lot of money went into session
one of the academy due to the need to build the foundational piece of the training, but
that session two was going much better. He explained that they currently had $15,000
worth of overtime but that would be covered by the Criminal Justice Council (CJC)
Grant the Police Department was approved for. Chief Johnson noted that they did not
believe they were going to exceed any dollars that were not already covered from
other funding sources.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Chief Johnson stated that other municipalities had offered
personnel to come in and assist with the training.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Chief Johnson stated that when the equipment eventually
wore out there would be some minor issues to be addressed, but they would be
nominal compared to the cost of the first session. He noted that federal forfeiture
funds were able to be used for the Police academies.
Mr. Sudler moved to recommend approval of the proposed Winter Police
Academy and to grant the Police Chief authorization to conduct a police
academy at his discretion after consulting with Council on when he plans to do
so. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committees’ recommendation,
seconded by Mrs. Arndt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 26, 2021 PAGE 7
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and
Administration Committee meeting, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously
carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:11 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 7:11 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.
QUARTERLY REVENUE REPORT AS OF JUNE 30, 2021
Members were provided the Quarterly Revenue Reports as of June 30, 2021.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Quarterly Revenue Report as of
June 30, 2021, seconded by Mrs. Arndt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
REAPPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED BY MAYOR CHRISTIANSEN
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the following appointments. The motion
was seconded by Mrs. Arndt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Board of Adjustment - James Keller - Three-Year Term to Expire July 2024
Dover Housing Authority - Todd M. Stonesifer - Six-Year Term to Expire August 15, 2027
APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM CITY CLERK - JANELLA M. TAUCHUS (EFFECTIVE
AUGUST 4, 2021)
Mr. Hare moved, in accordance with Section 4 - Temporary Upgrading of the Employee
Handbook, that Ms. Janella M. Tauchus be appointed as the Interim City Clerk at the
minimum starting salary of the position, effective August 4, 2021. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Rocha and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-19 - TRACI A. MCDOWELL
By motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Hare, Resolution No. 2021-19 was unanimously
adopted, as follows:
WHEREAS, on August 3, 1987, Traci A. McDowell began her career with the City of Dover's
Finance Department serving as the Administrative Assistant until April 1998 when she joined the
City Clerk's Office. Mrs. McDowell was appointed as the Assistant City Clerk and Assistant
Treasurer on May 11, 1998. On May 17, 2006, Mrs. McDowell was appointed as the City Clerk and
Assistant Treasurer. Mrs. McDowell will conclude her 34 years of exemplary service on
August 3, 2021; and
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 26, 2021 PAGE 8
WHEREAS, Mrs. McDowell has served in each of her positions with a high level of integrity and
has been a model of professionalism who has met every new challenge head on. She has dedicated
her career to assisting elected officials to make certain that their constituents receive the help they
need and with her wealth of knowledge she has been an asset to every part of the City.
Mrs. McDowell has been a transformative leader and continuously provided solid guidance to
Council members and City Staff and has created a positive learning environment within the City
Clerk's Office; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. McDowell has processed hundreds of ordinances and resolutions and has
attended countless Council, Committee, Commission and Board meetings while providing accurate
minutes. She has been instrumental in bringing the City Clerk's Office and Council into the 21st
century by implementing electronic packets, the in-house broadcasting of meetings, and making
information easily accessible to the public through the City's website while ensuring transparency.
Also, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mrs. McDowell developed processes that allowed citizens
to participate in meetings virtually that would protect their health and wellbeing while guaranteeing
they had the ability to be heard.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council recognize that
Traci A. McDowell will be sorely missed and express their sincere appreciation to her and her family
for the dedicated years of service and personal sacrifices made on behalf of the City of Dover, and
wish her and her family success in all future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council direct the City Clerk to make this
resolution a part of the permanent records of the City of Dover as a lasting symbol of appreciation
and gratitude to Traci A. McDowell.
ADOPTED: JULY 26, 2021
On behalf of the Mayor and Council, Mayor Christiansen presented Mrs. McDowell with Resolution
No. 2021-20, a Dover Cup, and City Plaque in recognition of her many years of service as the
City Clerk.
Mr. Taylor stated that it had been an honor to serve with Mrs. McDowell.
Mr. Rocha echoed Mr. Taylor’s sentiment and thanked Mrs. McDowell for her sharing her
knowledge with him as a new Councilman.
Mr. Lindell thanked Mrs. McDowell for all of her help with constituent concerns and guiding him
through the processes during his first few years as an elected official. He stated that her wisdom and
accumulated experiences were going to be sorely missed.
Mr. Anderson stated that he remembered Mrs. McDowell from back when he started as a civilian
member on the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee 20 years previous and
she was very helpful then, even though it would have been easy to ignore a civilian member. He
stated that Mrs. McDowell was always available for anyone if they had questions or needed help.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 26, 2021 PAGE 9
Mr. Anderson thanked Mrs. McDowell for putting her heart and soul into upgrading the City Clerk’s
Office into something wonderful and modern and setting a standard.
Mr. Boggerty stated that, even in this short time, it had been an honor. Since the first time he met
Mrs. McDowell, she treated him with dignity and respect, but more importantly, she educated him
on processes and she was going to be sorely missed.
Mr. Hare stated that he had known Mrs. McDowell for many, many years and it would be hard
without her but he was sure that her successor would work hard to fill her shoes.
Mr. Sudler congratulated Mrs. McDowell on successfully completing the role of Director of the City
Clerk's Office and wished her much success in her future endeavors.
Mayor Christiansen thanked Mrs. McDowell for all the years that she was instrumental in keeping
him from violating FOIA and all the other guidance that she provided over their years serving
together.
Mrs. McDowell stated that working for the City had been the adventure of a lifetime. She noted that
there were so many people she would like to thank individually for their support, encouragement,
wisdom and compassion, but the list was too long. Mrs. McDowell stated that it had been an honor
to work with the many mayors and council members over the years and that she was grateful for the
opportunity to learn from such a varied group of people and to be a part of many challenges and
successes. She also thanked her husband, Craig, and her two sons, Tyler and Spencer, for being so
supportive of her career throughout the years.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Harline stated that people could sign up for the City’s electronic newsletter by going to
www.cityofdover.com. He advised that they have budgeted money to send a member of the City to
the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Central Delaware Program and because they missed the
original deadline he nominated himself.
COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Anderson encouraged everyone to spread the word regarding no-cost medical, basic dental, and
eye exams from August 1st - 9th. He noted that information is on the City’s website and on
www.doverirt.com. Mr. Anderson advised that the event would be at North Dover, South Dover, and
Towne Point Elementary from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. He encouraged people to look for their
Neighborhood Watch in the Kirkwood area through Governors Avenue.
Mr. Boggerty invited Dr. Vilicia Cade, Capital School District Superintendent, to speak. Dr. Cade
advised that she would be relocating to Dover and was in the process of meeting with the public. She
noted that she has a 180-day entry plan that focuses on listening, learning, sharing, planning and then
leading and she looks forward to a partnership with City Council.
Mr. Sudler wished Mr. Taylor and Mr. Anderson a happy birthday on July 29th.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 26, 2021 PAGE 10
Mr. Taylor moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
TRACI A. McDOWELL
CITY CLERK
All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular
Meeting of July 26, 2021 are hereby approved.
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
MAYOR
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