REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING The Regular City Council Meeting was held on January 24, 2022 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, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Hare. Staff members present were Police Chief Johnson, Ms. Peddicord, Mr. Hugg, Mrs. Melson- Williams, Mr. Rodriguez, and Ms. Bennett. Mayor Christiansen was also present. OPEN FORUM The Open Forum was held at 6:15 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting. Council President Sudler declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that Council was not in official session and could not take formal action. There were no members of public that wished 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 Mayor Christiansen. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Arndt 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. Anderson requested that Item #5, the Quarterly Revenue Report as of December 31, 2021, be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as a separate item. Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the consent agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. PROCLAMATION - BLACK HISTORY MONTH The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record: WHEREAS, during Black History Month we celebrate the many contributions and achievements made by African American’s to our nation. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History has chosen “Black Health and Wellness” as the 2022 Black History theme which acknowledges the legacy of Black scholars, medical practitioners, midwives, herbalists, and others

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 24, 2022 PAGE 2 in Western medicine throughout the African Movement with reflection to the activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done so well; and WHEREAS, African Americans have embarked on self-determination, mutual aid, and social support initiatives to build hospitals, medical and nursing schools and community clinics to foster good health and wellness which not only includes one’s physical body, but also emotional and mental health. While trying to increase initiatives to help decrease inequalities including having more diverse practitioners and representation in all segments of the medical and health programs. NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN, Mayor of the City of Dover, Delaware do hereby proclaim February 2022 as BLACK HISTORY MONTH in the City of Dover and urge all citizens to recognize the essential role of African Americans in shaping our nation’s history and focus on the importance of Black Health and Wellness through education, activism, and awareness. PRESENTATION - CITY OF DOVER CODE ENFORCEMENT-COMMON VIOLATIONS Mr. Eddie Kopp, Chief Code Enforcement Officer, presented a Power Point Presentation of the City of Dover Code Enforcement Common Violations. Mr. Kopp explained that the information covered in his presentation was from the year 2021 when the department was fully staffed. He stated that he did not use the year 2020 due to the numbers being skewed from COVID-19 and the department not being fully staffed. He further clarified that his presentation was broken into three parts: interior, exterior and vehicle violations. Mr. Neil spoke about dealing with mobile homes and that there really are two types. He explained that one has a permanent foundation that is assessed separately and that other mobile homes or manufactured homes have a license, can be moved, and they pay an annual fee. Mr. Neil asked if Wild Meadows was the only development that had permanent foundations that were assessed separately. Mr. Kopp responded that Wild Meadows and Persimmon Tree homes are both on permanent foundations and they do not require permits. Mr. Rocha asked if there were any loopholes when it comes to a storage trailer being parked if it is connected to a truck or other vehicle for work or if you own your own business. He asked if there was any ordinance violation to be considered. Mr. Kopp explained that there was no clarification. He then went on to explain that code enforcement attempts to make contact with the residents about the issue, but it is not allowed. He noted that they are trying to work with people. Mr. Kopp then gave an example that if it is a boat hooked up to a trailer or if it is a recreational vehicle (RV) that they are probably getting ready for a vacation and they make a note and try work with them. Mr. Taylor asked in reference to tall grass who was responsible, the renter or the owner of the property. He then asked about who was responsible for the grass around the POW/MIA highway. Mr. Kopp responded that the owner was responsible. He stated that everything done as a city code enforcement officer is against the owner and whether it is an unpaid fine or the grass is not cut, the lien is placed against the property. He then explained that it is ultimately the owner’s responsibility.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 24, 2022 PAGE 3 He further explained that when the owner tells them it is covered in the tenant’s lease they then explain that they do not have the authority to enforce the landlord tenant code. They enforce the property maintenance code and the Dover code of ordinances. Mr. Kopp explained that there are portions of the POW/MIA highway that belong to DelDOT so they would be responsible. However, if it is private property off of POW/MIA then it is the responsibility of the property owner. Mrs. Arndt asked if there were any resources available for low income home owners that cannot afford to upgrade their properties to address the violations. Mr. Kopp responded that there are resources out there for homeowners with low income. He further explained that there are nonprofit organizations that they work with in the city, such as Habitat for Humanity who assists property owners with different grants, NCALL is another program, and Milford Housing is another program. Mr. Kopp stated that code enforcement cannot get directly involved with whatever the homeowner will ultimately decide but they tell people they have to fix it and give them the recommendations if a resident calls and expresses that they are in financial distress. He then stated that if somebody calls and they can justify their need by explaining they are on a fixed income and might need two months versus two weeks, code enforcement will work with them. Mr. Sudler asked about the amount or size of bulk trash items allowed and if it was still 8x8. Mr. Kopp responded that 8x8 was correct and it has to be neatly stacked and bundled in certain cases, like wood. He explained that all the information is located on the city website under public works. ADOPTION OF MINUTES - SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 10, 2022 The Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of January 10, 2022 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 JANUARY 10, 2022 The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 10, 2022 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mrs. Arndt and bore the written approval of Mayor Christiansen. QUARTERLY REPORTS Ms. Lori Peddicord, Controller/Treasurer, presented the Quarterly Revenue Report as of December 31, 2021. Ms. Peddicord explained that Mr. Anderson asked about the transfer tax revenues amount and how that is at 0.6 million currently through December 31st. She stated the budget is 1.4 million and although that is revenue, it is based on the conveyance of property within the city of Dover, and

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 24, 2022 PAGE 4 being over what is projected as the budget is a good sign that the pandemic has not dampened too much of our revenue collections within the city of Dover. Ms. Peddicord shared some historical background on FY21 as of December 31st, noting that they were at $1.3 million and then in FY20, they were at $783,000 and in FY19 $831,000. The most recent year to two, revenues in this category have inflated. Ms. Peddicord explained that they are going to present a budget amendment to put this back in line within the next few months. Mr. Anderson asked about the impact fees that are presented on page two of the report under the Water and the Wastewater Fund and asked why those are not as robust as the tax revenue. Ms. Peddicord explained that one does not have a huge effect on the other. She further stated there could be some effect if it is a new development or new owners of newly constructed structures, or if they are enlarging a footprint from an existing structure. Ms. Peddicord stated that impact fees fluctuate quite drastically from year to year, depending on any new development within the city limits. Mr. Anderson asked about the Electronic Red Light Safety Program (ERLSP) and the traffic penalties' transfers. Ms. Peddicord, referencing line item #18 of the report, noted that they had not gotten any revenues in for that through December. She explained that she had contacted the agency that they receive the funds from and, due to staffing changes, updates have not yet been given on their revenue. Ms. Peddicord explained that they should expect those revenues within the next two weeks. She assured council that the agency is aware that they are looking for this information and indicated that they should be seeing that revenue very soon. Mr. Anderson then asked about the majority of the bank loans and bonds and what the prevailing interest rates were on them. Ms. Peddicord explained that she had not submitted this information but would send it via email to the rest of the council members. She went on to state that as of June 30, 2021, all of the city’s notes and bonds were relatively low interest - anywhere from two or less percent. The only one that is not fixed is the electric revenue bond that fluctuates between 3 and 5 percent. Mr. Anderson moved for acceptance of the Quarterly Revenue Report as of December 31, 2021. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried. APPOINTMENTS Appointment Recommended by Mayor Christiansen - Planning Commission - Joan E. Denney - Third District Representative (to fill the unexpired term of Kelli L. Lord - term to expire June 2023) By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the appointment of Joan E. Denney to the Planning Commission, as recommended by Mayor Christiansen. The motion was seconded by Mr. Boggerty and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 24, 2022 PAGE 5 EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS - UPDATE TO THE CITY OF DOVER WASTEWATER SYSTEM MASTER PLAN Mr. Jason Lyon, Director of Water and Wastewater, reviewed the Background and Analysis for the Evaluation of Proposals - Update to the City of Dover Wastewater System Master Plan. Staff recommended awarding the contract to Duffield Associates for the Update to the City of Dover Wastewater System Master Plan, RFP #22-0017WW, for the amount of $149,000. Mr. Rocha moved for approval of the staff recommendation, seconded by Mr. Hare and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. INTERIM CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Dave Hugg III, Interim City Manager, shared that he had been working very closely with the small and large employers in the city to help them be prosperous. He explained that the Edgewell Corporation is looking for manpower, so they are holding a job fair tomorrow at the Dover Elks Lodge from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Mr. Hugg also noted that the City of Dover HR Department will be working with the Delaware Department of Labor as early as March and again in the spring or summer for a city wide job fair. Mayor Christiansen added that the job fair for Edgewell is also part of an ongoing effort that began in late November. He explained that there were a number of other employers who are running into problems of not being able to find qualified employees. Mayor Christiansen further explained that in an ongoing effort, a task force was put together and the City of Dover is working in conjunction with the Kent Economic Partnership, the Greater Kent Committee, and the Delaware Division of Labor. He stated that he will continue to share information with members of council to help these businesses who are struggling to find employees. . COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS Councilman Neil announced that Ms. Diane Laird, Downtown Dover Partnership, has noted that Mosaic, a black operated organization that was extremely impressive, has signed the agreement with the Downtown Dover Partnership. He also explained that it is very significant because it opens the road for a lot of different venues and they have done a marvelous job in bringing in people for housing and other aspects. Mr. Neil stated that this is going to be significant for the city and he would like to let everybody know that the agreement has been signed and we are on our way. Councilman Taylor announced the passing of one of Dover's favorite ambassadors, Mr. Doug Van Sant. He stated that Mr. Van Sant’s home going service is going to be on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Torbert Funeral Home, and his family can be greeted starting at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Mr. Taylor sends his prayers to his wife Linda and his family. He also reminded everyone of the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee meeting the following evening where they will meet the Delaware State University Police Chief Bobby Cummings. He also stated that he will be presenting his goals and visions for 2022 during the meeting.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 24, 2022 PAGE 6 Councilman Rocha gave kudos to three of the city’s department directors, Mr. Paul Waddell, Mr. Mark Nowak and Mr. Jason Lyon. He then stated that over the last several weeks we have had snow storms, power outages and water breaks and he was very impressed with the snow removal and with the responsiveness for the power outages. Mr. Rocha went on to explain that when he got notification of the water break downtown on Governors Avenue he had to travel in that area not knowing the status of the break. He then stated that by the time he got downtown and crossed over Governors, it was pretty much all cleaned up. Mr. Rocha summed up by saying that he thought they should be lauded for their efforts. Councilman Boggerty agreed with Mr. Rocha and commended those at the City of Dover Electric Department. He explained that he had a call from a constituent that had an exorbitant water bill backdated possibly due to a malfunctioning radio frequency reader. He then explained that he spoke to customer service and they were able to resolve it. Mr. Boggerty noted that both sides were happy with the outcome and he would like to give a special shout out of extreme gratitude to the City of Dover Electric Department, and their customer service. Mr. Hare moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m. ANDRIA L. BENNETT CITY CLERK-SELECT All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular Meeting of January 24, 2022 are hereby approved. ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN MAYOR /AB S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Council-Minutes\2022\01-24-2022 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.wpd Exhibits