Yo rale tèks sa a nan PDF la otomatikman, epi li ka gen erè. PDF la se dosye ofisyèl la, kidonk tcheke l anvan ou konte sou sa a.
Paj 1
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular City Council Meeting was held on February 27, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. with Council
President Sudler presiding. Council members present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty,
Mr. Neil, Dr. Pillsbury, Mrs. Arndt, Mr. Rocha, and Mr. Hare.
Staff members present were Police Chief Johnson, Ms. Peddicord, Ms. Duca, Mrs. Gray,
Mr. Junge, and Ms. Bennett. Mayor Christiansen was also present.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 6:15 p.m., prior to the 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.
There was no one present wishing to speak during the Open Forum.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Elder Ellis Louden.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilwoman Pillsbury.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Anderson moved for the adoption of the agenda as amended switching agenda items
one (1) and two (2), seconded by Mr. Neil, 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 Mr. Hare, and carried by
a unanimous roll call vote.
PRESENTATION – COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-01 – RALPH J. TAYLOR, JR.
The City Clerk read the following Resolution into the record:
WHEREAS, Ralph L. Taylor Jr. was sworn into office as Councilman of the Second District on
May 13, 2019, and served with distinction until his resignation on February 01, 2023; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure of service to the citizens of Dover, Mr. Taylor served on the
Economic Development Committee, the General Employee Pension Plan Board; the Police
Pension Plan Board; the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Board; the Downtown Dover
Partnership Board of Directors; and served as Chairman of the Safety Advisory and
Transportation Committee; and
Paj 2
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 27, 2023 PAGE 2
WHEREAS, Ralph L. Taylor Jr. demonstrated his love for the City of Dover through countless
hours of service; he was a City of Dover Police Officer from 1990 through 2010; a D.A.R.E
Instructor and P.A.L. Coordinator; and served as an invaluable resource to members of City
Council by providing a different perspective to matters brought forth for consideration.
WHEREAS, Ralph L. Taylor Jr. has always placed the concerns of his constituents in the
forefront and will always be remembered for his spirit when conducting the affairs of the city.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council recognize that Ralph
L. Taylor Jr. will be sorely missed and express their sincere appreciation to him and his family
for the dedicated years of service and personal sacrifices made on behalf of the City of Dover
and wish them 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 Ralph L. Taylor, Jr.
On behalf of members of the City Council and the citizens of the City of Dover, Mayor
Christiansen presented Mr. Taylor with the City Key, Resolution, and Dover Cup in recognition
of his years of service with the City of Dover.
Mr. Anderson moved for the adoption of Resolution No. 2023-01, seconded by Mr. Rocha,
and unanimously carried.
PRESENTATION - 2022 ANNUAL REPORT – ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY
David Carey, Robbins Hose Company Fire Chief, reviewed the 2022 Annual Report.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Carey explained that they recently revamped the website
converting it to a flash-style website.
Mr. Rocha stated that he may be able to lend some expertise in fundraising due to his
background and capstone training in digital fundraising.
Chief Carey thanked members of Council for all of their support, daily and throughout the year.
He also thanked the City Manager’s office for allowing the city employees to ride when they are
available and staff fire operators during the day. He explained that allowing this makes a huge
difference in their capabilities throughout the day, especially when they experience major fires or
incidents.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Chief Carey explained that because the Dover Fire Department
does not provide ambulance service, it is not eligible for red light camera funding through the
State of Delaware. Chief Carey suggested the possibility of lobbying the State of Delaware to
amend the law so that every volunteer fire department is eligible for the funding.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Chief Carey explained that there is a rescue billing program that is
utilized, however, the way the insurance law is written it is not mandatory for the insurance
company to pay the fire department for rescue billing.
Paj 3
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 2023 PAGE 3
Mr. Neil stated that with the new people moving to Delaware there is a possibility of them not
being aware of how volunteer fire departments are funded. He suggested that maybe the
department needs a greater publicity program to draw attention to the public that the Dover Fire
Department is here and out saving lives and could use help with financing.
Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the 2022 Annual Report of the Downtown Dover
Partnership. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES-REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 2023
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of February 13, 2023, were unanimously
approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Hare, and bore the written approval of
Mayor Christiansen.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REPORT - FEBRUARY 14,
2023
The Council Committee of the Whole met on February 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
with Council President Sudler presiding. Members of Council present were Mr.
Anderson, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Neil, Dr. Pillsbury, and Ms. Arndt. Mr. Hare and
Mayor Christiansen were absent. Civilian members present for their Committee
meetings were Mr. Shevock (via WebEx) (Legislative, Finance, and
Administration), Mr. Tholstrup, and Mr. Lewis (via WebEx) (Parks, Recreation,
and Community Enhancement). Mr. Contant (Legislative, Finance, and
Administration) was absent.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Rocha and
unanimously carried.
PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
COMMITTEE
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee met with
Chairwoman Arndt presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Anderson and
unanimously carried.
Mayor and Council Reports
Council President Sudler
Mr. Sudler reported that he called a Special Council Meeting on January 26, 2023,
to discuss the Proposed Loitering Ordinance #2022-26 and the constituents’ safety
concerns and complaints. Mr. Sudler stated that on January 27, 2023, he met with
Ms. Roberts a Delaware State University Administrative Assistant to discuss
scheduling a random water quality testing between the University and the City of
Dover. Delaware State University is currently waiting on a certification so that its
students can participate in that process as an onsite work initiative. Mr. Sudler
stated that he met with Dr. Cade, Superintendent for the Capital School District,
Paj 4
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 27, 2023 PAGE 4
regarding bullying and gang activity complaints in William Henry and East Dover
against some Hispanic children. He also forwarded the information to the Safety,
Advisory, and Transportation Committee for their review. Mr. Sudler also stated
that on February 12, 2023, he presented a Certificate of Recognition and
Congratulations to Reverend Dr. Erika D. Crawford for her fifth year of Pastoring
the Mount Zion AME Church located at 101 North Queen Street. The event was
held at Maple Dale Country Club and Mr. Sudler was joined by Mayor
Christiansen and Senator Trey Paradee.
First District
Dr. Pillsbury reported that she attended the City of Dover Chili Cook-off on
February 8, 2023, and that there were some amazing chilis and everyone seemed
to have a good time. Dr. Pillsbury also reported that on February 11, 2023, she
attended the City of Dover Fire Department Annual Banquet in Dewey Beach. Dr.
Pillsbury stated that the dinner was a lovely event and very well done.
Mr. Rocha stated that Dr. Pillsbury, himself, and Councilman At-large, Mr.
Boggerty, are having a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Maple
Dale Country Club. They will be providing information on the upgrades to
Kenton Road. Mr. Rocha stated they are trying to get DelDOT to come back since
they were at the last town hall meeting and more constituents have questions. Mr.
Rocha also went to the Center for Global Africa at Delaware State University on
February 7, 2023. Mr. Rocha noted that he and Mayor Christiansen met Dr. Julius
Garvey, son of Marcus Garvey. They offered a Tribute on behalf of the City of
Dover for his work in connecting the Center for Global Africa and building ties
with the African Union and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
Second District
Mr. Hare was absent.
Third District
Mr. Neil stated that he responded to numerous concerns or complaints from
constituents and shared those responses with Councilwoman Arndt as well as
Councilman Boggerty. They involved housing and the like. Mr. Neil also stated
that he severed as a judge at the City of Dover Chili Cook-Off and survived. Mr.
Neil stated that he works with a lot of state legislators dealing with housing issues
that only the state legislature can handle. Mr. Neil stated he spent a lot of time last
Thursday in court trying to prevent a person who lives on a leased land home
from being evicted. Mr. Neil thinks this is for very questionable reasons, as she is
the president of the homeowner’s association, and as soon as you are you become
marked with a bullseye.
Ms. Arndt stated that she attended a meeting last week with City Manager David
Hugg and members of the Kent County Conservancy regarding their latest
property acquisition and the possibility of being able to access their property
through adjacent city land holdings. The Conservancy members suggested
maintaining portions of the city-owned property as a meadow to reduce mowing
costs and to improve habitat. Mr. Hugg is following up with additional
information. Ms. Arndt also added that she spoke to a resident of Edgehill who
Paj 5
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 2023 PAGE 5
wanted to pass along kudos to Ms. Sierra Brown from Code Enforcement for
having an abandoned car towed. He said she was professional and courteous, and
that he appreciated her efforts in improving his neighborhood. Ms. Arndt stated
that she also attended the City of Dover Fire Department Annual Banquet, and she
feels that it is humbling to see these volunteers put so much at risk to provide such
a valuable service to the city, and it was an honor to attend.
Fourth District
Mr. Anderson stated that he would like to thank the staff for their quick response
with a less than 24-hour turnaround time on getting a crosswalk sign put up as
requested in the South State Street area. Mr. Anderson had confidence that it
would be done but when it was done by that afternoon, he was both surprised and
impressed. Mr. Anderson stated that there has been some movement with certain
issues such as crime within Hamlet, which is a positive. Mr. Anderson thanked
the staff for some good conversations surrounding the Raise Grant. Mr. Rocha is
working on that. Mr. Anderson would like to see a meeting happen as quickly as
possible so that it can be brought home since there are only two more weeks left
to get it submitted. Mr. Anderson stated that he has attended so many Capital City
2030 presentations that he may be able to do one. Mr. Anderson stated that the
dedication of the DDP and the leadership is going to help move the city forward.
The DDP is a key partner along with many other partners within the city. Mr.
Anderson stated the Capital School District had a meeting regarding the Crest
Development. They need the council’s help in extending the sidewalk to make it
safer for the school children at the new middle school. Mr. Anderson would like
to submit that for consideration and ask that council reach out to Capital School
District for details. The residents believe it is important for the safety of the
children. Mr. Anderson stated that he has had great conversations regarding
affordable housing with Mr. Hugg, City Manager, Director Gray, Ms. Harvey,
and Mr. Rocha. They have some great innovations, that when the time is right will
cause some excitement and have a positive impact on the community. Mr.
Anderson explained that he has heard some complaints downtown, from different
places, that they are ready for the lighting south of Division Street. Some people
would like to explore the idea of a community office, in the place that Mr.
Harrington has offered to donate if a substation is not done. Also, Mr. Anderson
stated that the people of Woodcrest and some other areas had some questions
regarding crime in their areas. Chief Johnson has worked to get some of those
answers.
Mr. Anderson yielded his time to Chief Johnson.
Chief Johnson reviewed a Fourth District summary of criminal activity and
response to that activity in certain neighborhoods that were requested (Attachment
#1).
Mr. Sudler stated that on January 6, 2023, at 12:03 p.m., he spoke with Katie, the
manager of Irish Mikes about the alleged undesirable behavior and safety
concerns at Irish Mikes in preparation for the January 26, 2023, meeting. Also, on
January 31, 2023, Mr. Sudler spoke with Dr. Jones, Dean of Wesley College
Cipher Delaware State University concerning the coalition board they have put
Paj 6
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 27, 2023 PAGE 6
together regarding the allegation of sexual assault cases at DSU. Mr. Sudler stated
that he is working with Ranchero Aztecas’ new business owners, Representative
Sean Lynn, and Representative Carson, regarding some business licensing
components which they have been waiting eight months to receive. Mr. Sudler
stated that they have obtained some resolution and would like to thank
Representative Sean Lynn and the Clerk’s Office Director, Ms. Bennett for
helping coordinate things. They assisted the business owner of Ranchero Azteca
and are very pleased with the assistance.
At-Large
Mr. Boggerty stated that he was able to finalize a contact with a representative
from Delaware State University and Chief Johnson with the possibility of
establishing an internship for the cadet program which will increase the recruiting
pool if a college student who needs an internship can serve as a cadet. Mr.
Boggerty stated that he will include the chair of the Safety, Advisory, and
Transportation Committee so they can all be looped in on the meeting. Mr.
Boggerty stated that he had mentioned the previous day an initiative he is
assisting in bringing help to communities in low to moderate-income areas where
healthcare is not provided. TOVA Community Health is doing a blood drive
where they will also offer services to address educational needs. They will be
putting together a book drive to help increase literacy in those areas. Also, Mr.
Boggerty stated he recently spoke with the Parks and Recreation chair and Mr.
Harry Stenson, the University of Delaware Athletic Director, and Chief Operation
Officer, who wants to partner with our Parks and Recreation Department to
sponsor programming, camps, and other initiatives. Mr. Boggerty punted this
connection to Councilwoman Trish Arndt who chairs the Parks and Recreation
Committee and Director Robin Eaton.
Mayor
Mayor Christiansen was absent.
Review of Active Recreation Plan – Leander Lakes III Apartments on part of the
property at 2285 Forrest Avenue (Planning Reference #S-23-04) (Mary Ellen
Gray, Director of Planning and Inspections)
Ms. Mary Ellen Gray, Director of Planning, and Inspections reviewed the
background and analysis regarding the Active Recreation Plan – Leander Lakes
III Apartments on part of the property at 2285 Forrest Avenue.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Ms. Gray stated that one of the playgrounds was
converted to a more adult-friendly spot. There are no specific comments in the
report. Ms. Gray stated that she could not speak as to why they changed the
playground; however, it is an improvement upon the plan to have a more adult
play area as children, teenagers, and kids growing up can use it. Ms. Gray also
stated the changes to the walking trail were in response to a comment in the
report.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Ms. Gray stated that they did comment regarding
handicap accessibility, they are required to have accessibility to the trails, and
Paj 7
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 2023 PAGE 7
they must be of a substance where wheelchairs can easily have access. One of the
main recommendations is that all these facilities are accessible.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Ms. Gray stated that includes the playground areas,
yes.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Ms. Gray stated that the playground equipment is not
required to be modified so that all users can use them.
Mr. Sudler stated that the facility or the actual structure itself may not be
amenable or useable by handicapped individuals. Ms. Gray may want to
investigate that because what is the point of having it accessible if the
infrastructure that is there can not be used by handicapped individuals?
Responding to Mr. Tholstrup, Ms. Gray stated that there are comments in the
report asking what material is intended for the ground cover in the playgrounds,
and it can be asked that they be accessible. Also, they do not require any Electric
Vehicle charging stations, but that can be asked for. They are building from
scratch, so why not include some?
Mr. Tholstrup stated that he would like to see if there is any consideration for
using solar power on the rooftop of the buildings.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Ms. Gray stated that bike parking was articulated and
that it should be located at every one of the apartment buildings. If any of the bike
parking facilities are proposed internally, the plans should note as such, but it
appears they do not have that detail yet. Ms. Gray made a note that Ms. Arndt
would like to see the bike parking be covered as a benefit to the residents.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Gray stated Calvary Baptist Church is listed as the
owner of the record and the equitable owner, the developer is Leander Lakes.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Gray stated she believes Calvary Baptist Church
intends to sell but they are in the middle stage until the request is approved.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Gray stated that the number of units does not rise
to the level of having a traffic study, and any requirement for a light, turn lane, or
median adjustment would be through DelDOT since it is a state-maintained road
that it is going onto. Those discussions would have to be between the developer
and DelDOT. DelDOT would be made aware of the request through an entrance
application that would be done as a required part of the process. Ms. Gray stated
that it is not the City of Dover’s decision on whether a light would be placed there
but DelDOT would do the analysis and decide if the traffic would either be
making a left or right coming out of there. Ms. Gray also stated that DelDOT
would direct the applicant as to what road improvements need to be done to
mitigate the traffic.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Ms. Gray stated that the requirement from DelDOT is
that the threshold of 220 units is required for a traffic impact study.
Paj 8
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 27, 2023 PAGE 8
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Ms. Gray stated to her knowledge, since Forrest
Avenue is a state-maintained road, that would be the purview of the State
Department of Transportation to conduct any sort of traffic study.
Mr. Rocha stated that council can request our City Manager or Assistant City
Manager to have something like that done if there is a concern.
Mr. Anderson moved to recommend accepting the recommendations of the
revised plan, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Sudler and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Hare, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Ms. Arndt moved for an adjournment of the Parks, Recreation, and
Community Enhancement Committee meeting, hearing no objection the
meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
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. Sudler and
unanimously carried.
Downtown Dover Partnership Presentation on Next Steps of Downtown Dover
Master Plan (Diane Laird, Director of Downtown Dover Partnership)
Ms. Diane Laird, Director of the Downtown Dover Partnership, reviewed the
presentation Next Steps of Downtown Dover Master Plan.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Ms. Laird stated that they meet twice a month on
the Base, welcoming newcomers every other Thursday and a third time virtually.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Laird stated they are prepared with the approval of
the board next Wednesday to put an RFP out for that person, and she believes
they have the funding covered at the moment. That person will oversee the plan,
they need to have experience in developing large projects, recruiting investors
who want to make those developments, and being able to streamline the process
within the city and other entities. Ms. Laird stated this will be one of the first
steps.
Ms. Laird stated that they can put requests for information out, but that they need
proper marketing materials. In terms of transportation projects, the Kent MPO is
working on three professional and one in-house, one will be started in July for the
fiscal year 2024. By this time next year, they should be applying for RAISE funds
or any available funds. In terms of TIFF funding, the conduit bonds, which are the
things that council can enable, are working closely with Dave Hugg on.
Paj 9
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 2023 PAGE 9
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Laird stated that his question about the
infrastructure does bring up the fact that she has a grant written from last year that
was not awarded by the state. The study for the infrastructure in the downtown
roads is needed, that was a $400,000 proposal so that may be a good one to put
forward.
Mr. Neil stated that there will be a lot of naysayers, some even in the room. There
is one person on Council who has seen it work. Mr. Neil saw it work when he was
in Baltimore as the Press Officer for the Mayor of Baltimore and saw the
renaissance of the inner harbor. This is a colonial town, and it can work. The
sooner the first shovel is in the ground the better. The project manager is not a 9
to 5 day, and it depends on that. One thing that is significant and what impressed
him the most about Mosaic is that they bring the money and will invest. Mr. Neil
stated that he feels they are going to be a partner on this all the way through
because it is part of their resume. Mr. Neil stated he is anxious to see it and the
faster it happens, the happier he will be. Mr. Neil mentioned the field of dreams
the previous night, this is the field of dreams that he sees because he has been a
part of it before and it does work.
Mr. Anderson stated that he too is a believer that they have ninety-five percent of
the pieces in place and just need to close the deal. Mr. Anderson stated that they
cannot stop where they are and if they can commit with the partners that they are
going to make this work then it will. If the citizens believe it will work, then it
will. If the business community believes it can work, then it will. They will gather
all the partners who will gather the investment. There is something about a belief
that is contagious. Mr. Anderson stated that the task for the next year or two is to
move things step by step. Certain things take a bit of time, like Memorial Park,
they need to go through the process and start developing a master plan for that.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend referring the idea of Memorial Park to the
Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee for review.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Hare, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Anderson stated that now they have enabled conduit bonds and TIF, there are
a few next steps that need to be taken. They have been waiting on the plan so that
boundaries can be developed in the TIF resolution and invite the county, school
district, and state into it.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend authorizing staff to develop a resolution and
coordinate with other governmental entities. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Hare, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend authorizing staff to pursue the RAISE grant
and bring it back on the February 27, 2023, agenda if they deem it feasible,
Paj 10
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 27, 2023 PAGE 10
but it would have to be approved before March 1, 2023. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Hare, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend referring to the Safety, Advisory, and
Transportation Committee for a review of the first steps of the Loockerman
Street temporary changes as recommended in the Mosaic plan. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Hare, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend staff to report back in thirty days on the
movement of conduit bonds. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and
unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Hare, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Responding to Ms. Arndt, Mr. Anderson stated that we want them to give us a
report on either bringing a resolution or giving us a report on where it stands.
Mr. Anderson moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and
Administration Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting
adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
Mr. Sudler moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole
meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council Committee of the Whole
Report, seconded by Mr. Hare and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
RESCHEDULING OF PUBLIC HEARING-PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2923-01
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS 2023 (Applicant Request)
A request was received from the applicant to reschedule the public hearing/final reading of
Proposed Ordinance #2023-01 to the Regular City Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, April
10, 2023.
Ms. Gray explained that the applicant requested that this agenda item be postponed giving more
time to fully address the issues and potential concerns that were brought up at the Planning
Commission Public Hearing.
Responding to Council President Sudler, Mrs. Gray explained that the concerns were mostly
from Kent County farmers. The farmers articulated concerns about utilizing the property that is
currently being farmed for solar panels.
Responding to Council President Sudler, Mrs. Gray stated that the hearing was for a
Paj 11
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 2023 PAGE 11
comprehensive plan amendment, so the use of the property is to be considered in the future, but
the actual use of farmland going to solar panels is not the specific use being considered. The
specific use being considered is that it be a public utility.
Mr. Hare moved to accept the staff recommendation to reschedule the Public
Hearing/Final reading for the Regular City Council Meeting on April 10, 2023. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Assistant City Manager Duca (City Manager Hugg was on vacation) provided an update to
Council and staff regarding the State Street water main upgrade project closure schedule. She
explained that the end of phase two, which runs from Clara Street to Cecil Street, is scheduled
for completion by March 15, 2023. She further explained that phase three, from Cecil Street to
Division Street, is expected to be completed by July 31, 2023. Ms. Duca stated that the final
topcoat will be installed after the meter pits for each property are connected.
Ms. Duca also reminded everyone of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival that is scheduled
for Saturday, March 11, 2023, with the parade scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.
MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Christiansen did not have any announcements.
COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Rocha spoke about Black History Month ending and how a good friend and constituent
named Colonel (Ret.) Hampton Green passed away at 97 years old. Mr. Green was the first
African American to lead and run the dental clinic at the Dover Air Force Base and Andrews Air
Force Base. Mr. Rocha explained that he was very important to him and appreciated the
knowledge he imparted to him. Mr. Rocha further explained that Mr. Green was a huge supporter
of his running for office, and he was one of the first to show up at the polls and vote for him.
Mr. Boggerty stated that he will be appearing on a podcast that evening after the meeting to talk
all things, Dover. He suggested that everyone check out, Three Damn Fools podcast, on
YouTube. Mr. Boggerty explained that he is promoting ways of reaching different audiences and
engaging other individuals who typically may or may not be attuned to what is going on in
Dover.
Mrs. Arndt announced that there is a statewide housing survey that runs through March 31, 2023.
She stated that the survey is promoted by Delaware State Housing Authority. Mrs. Arndt
explained that the agency invites all residents of the state to complete a confidential housing
survey to assist with informing housing solutions going forward. Ms. Arndt explained that you
can find the survey at www.delawarecommunitysurvey.com, it takes 15 minutes, and you can be
entered into a drawing for gift cards. Ms. Arndt asked that everyone please fill it out so that they
can get as much input as possible to inform housing solutions for the State of Delaware.
Mr. Hare announced that he apologizes that he will be late for the Council Committee of the
Whole meeting on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, due to sponsoring and attending the Military
Affair Event.
Dr. Pillsbury reminded everyone of the First District Town Hall at Maple Dale County Club on
Paj 12
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 27, 2023 PAGE 12
Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Anderson announced that the last phase of the American Rescue Plan grants availability will
be available soon and encouraged everyone to keep watch within the next couple of weeks.
The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
ANDRIA BENNETT
CITY CLERK
All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular
Meeting of February 27, 2023, are hereby approved.
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
MAYOR
/AB