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City Council Meetings. Jun 13, 2022.

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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING The Regular City Council Meeting was held on June 13, 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 present. OPEN FORUM The Open Forum was held at 6:21 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. Faye White, 101 Babb Drive, Luther Village II, Dover DE 19901, gave input about the Safe Haven Park initiative in the City of Dover and referenced Williams Park. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Elder Ellis Louden. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Taylor. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury 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. Boggerty, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. PRESENTATION - DOVER POLICE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH UNIT UPDATE Mayor Christiansen and Chief Thomas Johnson, Dover Police Department gave an update on the Dover Police Behavioral Health Unit. Chief Johnson invited Ms. Watara Heath, a Clinical Field Partner from Dover Behavioral Health System, to speak about her experience during her first weeks of working with a Dover Police Officer and providing services in the community. Ms. Heath explained that she has multiple years of experience in different levels of care including

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2022 PAGE 2 providing services to the population of individuals with mental health issues and/or addiction. She further explained that most of her work has been in New Castle County, however, she is getting to know Kent County. Ms. Heath stated that she is excited about this program because she sees how effective this initiative can be in the community by helping the population with addiction, helping decrease crime that comes with addiction in a mental health crisis, and helping people connect to resources. She explained that this initiative is bridging that gap to get people into treatment. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Heath explained that their part in prevention is getting out and talking to all people, not just those with addiction or who have had a mental health crisis. She further stated that they are getting out into the community, introducing themselves, letting people know that they are there as well as also providing services and resources. They are educating and informing folks who may have family members or may just want to know. Ms. Heath stated that we are living in a society where stress is very high and can result in a multitude of illnesses. The team is out there trying to prevent people from having that mental health decompensation or experimenting with drugs, whether it be a child, an adult, or just the community as a whole. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Heath explained that a person being ambivalent is expected in this field. She stated that just showing up, being present, and not giving up makes a difference. She further explained that people from this population often see people turn their backs on them just because they made mistakes. She explained that they don't give up, they continue to go out to that person and frequent the area where that person may be and continue to talk to them and eventually give out our number. It does not matter how many times we give out the number and continue to give the number out because there's a short window to reach someone. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Heath stated that when someone is ready, they have to be there. She further explained that there is a follow-up component of it, continuing to just be present and make our presence known and just to engage and talk to people because the goal is not for people to be incarcerated or having to turn to crime to survive. Ms. Heath explained that they want to get people into treatment and help them live their best life and thrive. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Ms. Heath explained that they attempt to build trust by showing up, being compassionate, being genuine, being respectful, and treating them as human beings, not a number or subject. She explained doing these things consistently builds trust in the community. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Ms. Heath explained that they have been in the field for approximately three weeks and that there hasn't really been a hindrance with the police presence at this point. Ms. Heath further explained that she does expect that certain neighborhoods or certain communities where there will be some push back due to police presence. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Ms. Heath stated that is why she and her counterpart Russ come in and use their techniques and tools to gain the community’s trust and build rapport with people. They realize certain climates in certain neighborhoods with the police presence, and that is why they are there to push and break the barriers down. She said that so far, they have not had any hindrance from the police presence.

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2022 PAGE 3 Responding to Mr. Sudler, Ms. Heath explained that they use therapeutic approaches as a technique in the field. Ms. Heath explained that a tool can be allowing the person to feel like they are in charge. They allow the person to talk and get their issue off their chest and agree with them which allows them to align their thought process and lets them express empathy. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson explained that there are only so many things you can put into a presentation that affect modeled behaviors. Police Officers receive a lot of training in relation to identifying people with all manner of behavioral-related problems or things that appear to be behavioral-related problems. Chief Johnson further explained that in the field police officers come to find out a person is hearing challenged. Chief Johnson stated that is due to going too deep into training and not something that is not necessarily in an officer’s job description. Chief Johnson stated that officers must be competent to a certain point, however, they have to know to let the professionals take over. Chief Johnson further explained that the officers are only there if they are needed or to a certain extent, they may be taking notes and getting items out of the car. The officer’s role is even more minimized, however all of those are on a case-by-case basis. Over time the mental health professionals and police officers are going to start to know what each other wants just by exchanging glances and they will be communicating in a way nobody will be aware of and once that happens they will be functioning at a high level. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson explained that they have already started talking about the process of job shadowing. We are doing that in other parts of the organization to get officers to experience other roles and other assignments. Chief Johnson suggested, at least in the beginning, that rather than us making this a standard rotation, they are going to start with officers that have a better than average interest, because they need to get the program up, running, and proficient. He further explained that once they work out most of the kinks over a reasonable amount of time, then he thinks they are going to be able to start doing what was described. PUBLIC HEARING - ELECTRIC FUND BUDGET A public hearing on the Electric Fund Budget is required for compliance with City of Dover Electric Revenue Bonds Resolutions prior to the adoption of the budget. Notice of the public hearing was properly advertised for this time and place. Responding to Mr. Neil, Ms. Peddicord stated that they are talking about passing through so you will not see a change in those rates per class. She further explained that they have adopted or talked about adopting a Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) debit that is 30% on top of the kilowatt-hour consumption. Ms. Peddicord explained that they are not changing any of the flat fees and they are not changing the original rate. They are adding the PCA debit, which is a 30% increase. Council President Sudler declared the public hearing open. There being no one present wishing to speak during the public hearing, Council President Sudler declared the public hearing closed. Council President Sudler noted that the First Reading of the Budget Ordinances would take place

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2022 PAGE 4 during the latter part of the meeting and that the Final Reading and adoption of the Ordinances were scheduled for the Regular Council Meeting of June 27, 2022. ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 23, 2022 The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 23, 2022, were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Boggerty, and bore the written approval of Mayor Christiansen. ADOPTION OF MINUTES - COUNCIL WORKSHOP OF JUNE 2, 2022 The Minutes of the Council Workshop of June 2, 2022, were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and bore the written approval of Mayor Christiansen. COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE-MAY 24, 2022 The Council Committee of the Whole Meeting was held by video conference on May 24, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., with Council President Sudler presiding. Members of the Council present via video were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Neil, Dr. Pillsbury, Mrs. Arndt, Mr. Rocha, and Mr. Taylor. Mr. Hare was absent. Mayor Christiansen was also present via phone. Civilian members present for ethics training and their committee meetings were Chanda Jackson and James Hosfelt, (Safety Advisory and Transportation), and Mr. Contant (Legislative, Finance, and Administration). Michael Lewis (Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement), Dana Shelton and LaVaughn McCutcheon (Utility), and Daniel Shevock (Legislative, Finance, and Administration) were absent. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Arndt and unanimously carried. Ethics Training Ms. Deborah Moreau, Commission Counsel, Delaware Public Integrity Commission, reviewed a presentation entitled "Ethics in Government." LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE The Legislative, Finance and Administration Committee met with Chairman Anderson presiding. Adoption of Agenda Mr. Sudler moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried. Authorization of the Purchase of a Ladder Truck to Replace Ladder 2 (Chief David Carey, Dover Fire Department)

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2022 PAGE 5 Chief David Carey, Dover Fire Department, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the purchase of an apparatus replacement for Ladder Truck 2. Staff recommended approval of the purchase to replace Ladder 2 for $1,948,312. Responding to Mr. Anderson, Chief Carey stated the demo truck is similar to the needs of the department. Chief Carey explained the demo truck is in the queue to be built and can be modified to meet the needs of the department. Responding to Mr. Contant, Chief Carey stated some modifications to the demo truck would include the compartment sizes and the cross lays for the hose. Chief Carey explained by purchasing the demo truck now the Fire Department will get the truck they need, lock in a price, and payments would not begin until the fiscal year 2024. Responding to Mrs. Arndt, Chief Carey stated upon ordering the demo he could remove any unnecessary features that would possibly lower the price. Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Chief Carey stated the Fire Department typically sells the old truck to smaller departments that have less call volume. Chief Carey explained the money made from the sale of the truck is used to purchase new equipment such as fans and air packs. Responding to Mr. Taylor, Chief Carey stated the Fire Department has spent approximately $70,000 dollars a year to maintain and keep the truck in service. Mr. Boggerty moved to recommend approval of the purchase to replace Ladder 2 for the amount of $1,948,312 and for the Fire Department to evaluate all options afforded to them. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried. By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. Report on Police Substation in Downtown Dover (Chief Thomas Johnson, Dover Police Department) Chief Johnson, Dover Police Department, reviewed the background and analysis of the costs associated with adding a police substation in Downtown Dover versus additional staffing. Staff recommended increasing Police staffing to authorized strength to 111 from 106, the cost is $511,149.48 annually. Mr. Taylor and Mr. Boggerty agreed with Chief Johnson's presentation that an increased police presence is beneficial for downtown in the form of more officers and

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2022 PAGE 6 not a police substation. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mayor Christiansen explained Council authorized five additional officers last fiscal year specifically to be in the community policing unit. Mayor Christiansen stated the mobile unit was on display at the law enforcement night out and other places in the community and is a holistic vehicle that is going to include the police department, behavioral health, Capital School District, and other entities in the community. Mayor Christiansen stated the Police Department is working in earnest with Council's support. Mayor Christiansen explained police substations are outdated but additional police presence is the answer. He further explained the more eyes you have on the street, not only police, but civilians and people taking interest in what is going on in their community is the answer to the situations the City of Dover has come up against. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Johnson stated he was also concerned with the ongoing confusion about the mission of the mobile mini station. Chief Johnson stated it is primarily assigned to, and the responsibility of, the community policing unit. Chief Johnson explained it is designed to be a community engagement vehicle, and it is not in most instances designed to be a crime-fighting tool. Chief Johnson further explained when the public sees the vehicle coming, the goal is for them to want to be attracted to it because of the services and individuals connected with that vehicle to connect them to needed resources and establish neighborhood relationships with policing them. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Johnson stated the additional officers would be assigned to the downtown area, Loockerman Street Corridor, and adjacent neighborhoods. Chief Johnson explained for consistency, the overlay zone, of the Downtown Development District is the most logical way to assess how well it is functioning. Chief Johnson further explained proactive police work would be constitutionally conscious, still full of options for alternative solutions, but also in the vein of trying to address the street-level criminal behavior and quality of life problems plaguing both homeowners and merchants along the Loockerman Street Corridor. Chief Johnson stated the unit would consist of 5 officers assigned to the area to address anything to degrade the downtown area with proactive police behavior. Chief Johnson explained if the situation called for it, the new unit may partner with community policing for a combined approach, if necessary. Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Johnson stated the Police Department is prioritizing its projects, for example, they have reassigned the motorcycle unit to downtown. Chief Johnson explained by doing this there are fewer officers patrolling for traffic violations. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson stated if five officers were approved today the Department is in a hiring cycle to go through the summer for the fall academy.

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2022 PAGE 7 Chief Johnson explained the recruits would be sworn officers by January 2023 and would complete field training and be independent by March or April 2023. Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson stated as of now police officers can only commit someone if they are a danger to themselves or others. Chief Johnson explained if the behavioral health unit were to respond the clinician could have a side dialogue with the citizen and they could accept a treatment plan or voluntary commitment. Mr. Boggerty suggested moving forward the vehicle should be called the community policing unit and not a mini mobile police substation. Mayor Christiansen stated to hire five new officers would cost $1.75 per hundred dollars of assessment to the entire community across the board. Mayor Christiansen suggested the new unit will be patrolling the downtown development district and Council should consider reinstating the Business Improvement District Assessment Tax. Responding to Mr. Taylor, Chief Johnson stated Dover Police Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Delaware State University to allow closer cooperation. Chief Johnson also stated conversations are also being had with Capital Police Department. Chief Johnson explained extra duty commitments such as Firefly both entities helped. Responding to Mr. Anderson, Chief Johnson stated he has been reviewing legislation and lobbied to comment on several different pieces in recent weeks. Chief Johnson explained one piece is the victims' services funding it is being cut at a federal level. Responding to Mr. Anderson, Chief Johnson stated he envisions the new unit would be data-driven and focused on the Loockerman Street Corridor. Chief Johnson explained during evening and night the model may look different and branch to neighborhoods to improve quality of life and crime reduction. Responding to Mr. Contant, Chief Johnson stated he is currently looking to hire eight new recruits to fill vacancies. Responding to Mr. Contant, Mr. Hugg stated the budget deficit is roughly 7.5 million dollars. Mr. Hugg contributed the deficit to the general fund budget relying on a 10-million-dollar contribution from the electric fund to support operations. Mr. Hugg explained with the rising costs of energy and whole power costs there will only be a 5-million-dollar transfer from the electric fund in the Fiscal Year 23 budget. Mr. Hugg stated he would support Mayor Christiansen's suggestion of alternative funding sources for the 5 police officers.

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2022 PAGE 8 Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hugg stated at the budget hearing meetings next week the City Managers' Office will propose adjustments to the purchase power cost item. Mr. Hugg explained there will be adjustments to the basic kilowatt charge and will be planning to do a new rate study or interim rate study for next year. Mr. Hugg further explained the wholesale energy cost has risen from 56 million dollars to 90-95 million dollars. Responding to Mrs. Arndt, Chief Johnson stated a decision did not need to be made right now on the additional officers. Chief Johnson also stated interviews and offers of employment would last through July. Mr. Sudler stated he agreed with Mayor Christiansen and Mrs. Arndt that Council should consider alternate funding for the additional officers. Mr. Neil moved to defer increasing Police staffing to authorized strength to 111 from 106, cost is $511,149.48 annually to the budget hearings scheduled for May 31, 2022 and June 1, 2022. 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. Boggerty and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. Mr. Sudler moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council Committee of the Whole Report, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED BY MAYOR CHRISTIANSEN By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the following appointments, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and carried by unanimous roll call vote. ELECTION BOARD - THREE-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE MAY 1, 2025 James W. Brockton – Third District Representative PLANNING COMMISSION - THREE-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE JUNE 1, 2025 Kathleen Heron Welsh - First District Representative

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2022 PAGE 9 SETTING OF ELECTRIC, WATER, AND WASTEWATER RATES AND TARIFFS David S. Hugg, III, City Manager, reviewed the proposed electric, water, and wastewater rates and tariffs. Staff recommended adoption of the Rates and Tariffs as presented for Fiscal Year 2023, setting the power cost adjustment of $0.03 per kWh. Mr. Hare moved to adopt the rates and tariffs, as presented (Exhibit #1). The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried. Mr. Anderson stated that it is regrettable that there is a necessity for a rate increase. He further stated that they are in great sympathy for all those, including themselves who will be affected by this increase. He explained that it is very unfortunate that we are stuck in this situation which Councilman Neil pointed out our energy costs increasing by over 80%, however, we are cutting the amount that we fund the budget through. Mr. Anderson stated that they are doing everything they can to keep it as low as possible. FIRST READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2022-06 Council President Sudler reminded the public that copies of the proposed ordinance were available at the entrance of the Council Chambers, on the City's website at www.cityofdover.com under "Government," or by contacting the City Clerk's Office at (302) 736-7008 or cityclerk@dover.de.us. Final action by Council on the proposed ordinance will take place during the Council Meeting of June 13, 2022. In accordance with Section 1-9 of the Dover Code, Council acknowledged the First Reading of the proposed Ordinance as read by the City Clerk, by title only, as follows: Ordinance #2022-06 - Proposed Budget Amendment Lori Peddicord, Controller/Treasurer, explained a few changes that came about from the original budget discussion. Ms. Peddicord further explained that there is red on the general fund signifying some changes in the inter-fund service receipts. She further explained that Mr. Jeff Dill, Budget Analyst, had not updated the inter-fund transfers for Fiscal Year 2023. Ms. Peddicord explained that the funding that is being received on the General Fund is from the Electric Fund to cover cost of services provided by the General Fund for Water, Wastewater, and Electric Utilities. Ms. Peddicord explained that there was a request at the last meeting to adjust the police budget and to add two additional officers. She further stated that the item was included in this revised budget and then some changes in personnel in the Planning Department, as well as the Information Technology department had some changes based on software subscriptions for the overall cost of Adobe Acrobat. The Information Technology budget is set for departments across the board and included in their budgets.

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2022 PAGE 10 FINAL READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2202-05 The First Reading of the Proposed Ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of May 23, 2022. Council President Hare reminded members of the public that copies of the proposed ordinance were available at the entrance of the Council Chambers or on the City's website at www.cityofdover.com under "Government." Mr. Hare moved that the Final Reading of the proposed ordinance be acknowledged by title only, seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the proposed ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of May 23, 2022.) Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hugg explained that this ordinance completes this particular initiative or effort. Mr. Hugg further explained that during the June 27, 2022, Regular Council Meeting, there will be a budget ordinance specifically for Fiscal Year 2023, that will take care of any additional issues that have arisen. By motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Anderson, Council, by unanimous roll call vote, adopted Ordinance #2022-05 (Exhibit #2). CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Hugg thanked Councilman Boggerty for his assistance in the process and that he was pleased to announce that Mary Ellen Grey, who is currently the Planning Director in the City of Newark, and previously was the Assistant Director of Planning in Kent County, has accepted the offer to be the new City of Dover Director of the Department of Planning, Inspections, and Community Development. Mr. Hugg stated that Ms. Gray will join the city on July 18, 2022. He further explained that Ms. Gray is very well respected in her field and lives in Camden so she will be close by when needed. He further explained that filling the Director of Planning position brings all the Department head positions to full employment. Mr. Hugg thanked Dawn Melson-Williams for her hard work and for doing an outstanding job over the past year. COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Anderson announced that in the City Council Chambers on Thursday, June 23rd at 6:00 PM will be a town hall meeting. Mr. Anderson encouraged constituents to attend and let their elected officials know what they are thinking and what they want to be done. He explained that he would like to know what issues are important in the city. Mr. Anderson further explained that he will have some important things to share because there are many things in the city that are happening that affect each and every resident. He explained that he and Council President Sudler will have the pleasure of being joined by Councilman Andre Boggerty Mr. Anderson thanked Mr. Boggerty for his willingness to participate. Mr. Anderson explained that everyone is welcome to attend. He extended the invite to any other members of council people that would like to participate. He further explained that if other Council members planned to attend, please notify the Clerk’s office in case of a potential quorum. Mr. Anderson stated that the event will begin at 6:30 PM and to feel free to contact the Clerk’s office for more information. Mr. Anderson also announced that he is once again going to hold office hours each month. He explained that he is stepping out in faith and trying to give constituents more value.

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2022 PAGE 11 Mr. Anderson stated that he will be holding office hours at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. He plans to schedule office hours at least once each month and will see how much interest there is, and maybe there will be an opportunity to add more hours. Mr. Taylor wished a happy Juneteenth to all of his community. He asked that everyone please celebrate responsibly, but celebrate, nonetheless. He stated to have a great time with that and get as many people involved as possible. Mr. Taylor gave special thanks to the City Clerk and her staff for the Council Workshop that was done in excellence. He thanked the City of Dover Department Heads for leading up the chain. Their presentations taught everyone some very valuable lessons on how to do our jobs more efficiently and make sure the citizens of Dover get the absolute best out of Council. Mr. Taylor assured members of the public that tax dollars were not wasted. The workshop had the necessary information that was needed. Mr. Taylor also thanked former City of Dover grant writer, Lisa Chase, who was with the City of Dover for a very short time but secured $5.3 million. Mr. Taylor wished her well in her new position as a minister. He stated that Ms. Chase has taken the gospel to the people, and he wishes her the absolute best. Mr. Sudler moved for adjournment of the Regular Council meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. ANDRIA BENNETT CITY CLERK All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular Meeting of June 13, 2022, are hereby approved. ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN MAYOR /AB S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS\Council-Minutes\2022\06-13-2022 REGULAR - RE - AR.wpd

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