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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular City Council Meeting was held on June 27, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. with Council President
Sudler presiding. Council members present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Neil,
Dr. Pillsbury, Mr. Rocha, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Hare. Mrs. Arndt was absent.
Staff members present were Police Chief Johnson, Mr. Hugg, Mrs. Melson-Williams,
Mr. Rodriguez, and Ms. Bennett. Mayor Christiansen was 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.
Mark Hall, 135 Continental Drive, Dover DE 19901, spoke to Council about Dover Police
Department Dispatcher concerns.
Kay Sass, 80 Nixon Lane, Dover DE 19901, presented the members of City Council with an enlarged
version of the World Wordle that was given to each member of City Council during the Council
Workshop.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Elder Ellis Louden.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Hare
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Hare moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Rocha 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 stated that the minutes from the June 14, 2022, Council Committee of the Whole meeting
were edited removing the remarks he made regarding traffic. He asked that the comments be
included in the original minutes as well as in the minutes of June 27, 2022.
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the consent agenda, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury, and carried by
a unanimous roll call vote.
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION - CHARLES GUERIN
The City Clerk read the following Certification of Recognition into the record:
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CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION AND CONGRATULATIONS
presented to
CHARLES A. GUERIN
Mr. Charles Guerin started with the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover in 2015. During his
tenure with the Museum, he expanded the professional staff from four to ten which allowed for a
vigorous exhibition program. Mr. Guerin also negotiated with the State of Delaware for the
acquisition of the Kirk and Short building. Mr. Guerin led the Bigg's Museum to achieve
accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), making the museum one of the 1,084
out of 33,000 museums to receive the accreditation. Mr. Guerin's dedication has led to the Biggs
Museum providing larger public spaces that embrace our diverse community and region. The City
of Dover extends sincere appreciation for your public service.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2022
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 23, 2022, were unanimously approved
by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury, and bore the written approval of
Mayor Christiansen.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 22, 2022
The Minutes of the Special of June 22, 2022, were unanimously approved by motion of Mr.
Neil, seconded by Dr. Pillsbury, and bore the written approval of Mayor Christiansen.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Council Committee of the Whole met on June 14, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. with
Council President Sudler presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Anderson,
Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Neil, Dr. Pillsbury, Mrs. Arndt, Mr. Rocha, Mr. Taylor, and
Mr. Hare. Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members present for their
committee meetings were Mr. Tholstrup and Mr. Lewis (Parks, Recreation, and
Community Enhancement) Mr. Contant, and Mr. Shevock (Legislative,
Finance, and Administration). Mr. McCutcheon and Mr. Shelton (Utility) were
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.
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Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Boggerty and
unanimously carried.
Review of Active Recreation Area Plan - Dover Apartments on Leipsic Road
(Planning Reference #S- 22-09) (Dawn Melson- Williams, Interim City Planner)
Mrs. Dawn- Melson Williams, Interim City Planner, and K. James Taylor, Jr.,
Engineer, Verdantas, reviewed the background and analysis regarding the review
of the Active Recreation Plan.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Taylor stated the property was located on Leipsic Road
across from the Home Depot. Mr. Neil request attention be paid to the effect on the
traffic the apartment complex will have on the rural road of Leipsic, Persimmon Tree
Lane, Route 9, and particularly the Traffic chaos during NASCAR and Firefly, when
access is blocked off from those roads to Route 13. Mr. Neil explained as someone
who lives through that traffic nightmare, that in planning for these 216 apartments
they must consider the roads and traffic patterns that will be strained under normal
conditions and become a critical nightmare for area residents, including the
apartment tenants, and event attendees during these two major Dover events each
year. Mr. Neil requested the Planning Department to bring it to the attention of the
Planning Commission and wants to see the results when it comes before the Council
for final approval.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Taylor stated they are currently going through the
Traffic Impact Study (TIS) process with DelDOT. Mr. Taylor stated the only
intersection that was identified for them to study was the intersection of 13 and
Leipsic Road, because most of the traffic, is not going to go right down Leipsic Road
towards Persimmon Tree Lane. Most traffic will be going left towards Route 13.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Taylor explained the recreation facilities are specifically
for the residents of the apartments. Therefore, in design and planning, the recreation
amenities are located at the back of the property. Mr. Taylor further explained that
the shared use path going around the outside property is to encourage spectators and
participants of NASCAR and Firefly to walk around the property and not through.
Responding to Mrs. Arndt, Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that a car wash station is the
first time it has been offered as an amenity in new construction. Mrs.
Melson-Williams stated she would be looking at the code to see if the car wash
station could be counted as a recreational amenity. Mrs. Melson- Williams also
mentioned, that if the car wash station does not count as a recreational amenity it will
not affect the square footage by much because it is the size of a large parking space.
Responding to Mr. Anderson Mr. Joe Dopsovic, Metropolitan Companies, explained
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 27, 2022 PAGE 4
the dog park will include waste stations, four benches, grass, and a dog wash station
that is connected to the clubhouse. Mr. Dopsovic stated the properties will be
maintained by the owners.
Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Mr. Dopsovic explained that the dog park will be for
residents only.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend acceptance of Review of Active Recreation Area
Plan - Dover Apartments on Leipsic Road (Planning Reference #S-22-09), as
recommended by staff. 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 Dr. Pillsbury and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mayor and Council Reports:
Council President Sudler
• Mr. Sudler attended the Dover Police Department’s Graduation on May 28,
2022.
• Mr. Sudler attended a reflection and tribute regarding those individuals who
lost family members to COVID – 19 on May 31, 2022, at Dover High School.
• Mr. Sudler called the City Manager, Tina Bradbury, Councilman Anderson,
and Representative Bennett to set up a meeting for June 9, 2022, with
Delaware State University. At this meeting, the attendees brain stormed ways
to improve downtown and collectively go after federal funding. Mr. Sudler
stated they also discussed mortgage assistance incentives, grants, housing
graduates, and incentives for senior DSU administrators to buy downtown.
Mr. Sudler stated they discussed water and pipes in Dover. In the meeting,
they further discussed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and using
DSU’s EPA-certified lab to test the water and pursue federal funding.
• Mr. Sudler attended the dedication of Safe Haven Parks on June 8, 2022.
• Mr. Sudler attended a zoom meeting with Dr. Michelle Taylor and
Councilman Rocha of United Way to discuss transformational leadership
training, criteria for a new culture, installing governing workforce, and
providing customer service to consumers.
• Mr. Sudler grilled for a faith-based organization in downtown Dover on June
11, 2022.
• Mr. Sudler also attended the Dover Fire Department’s Banquet.
First District
Dr. Pillsbury stated she attended a fire department event on May 18, 2022, and the
Dover Air Force Base Air Show on May 21, 2022. Dr. Pillsbury stated she also
attended events throughout the City on May 30, 2022, for Memorial Day.
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Dr. Pillsbury stated she received a complaint from a resident on Pebble Valley Road
regarding a business being run out of a residential home and referred it to
the Code Enforcement Supervisor.
Mr. Rocha stated he attended Mallard Pond with Sharon Duca, Assistant City
Manager, Robin Eaton, Parks, and Recreation Director, and Joshua Barth, Public
Works Department to look at the vegetation. Mr. Rocha explained they had received
a complaint about vegetation impacting the view of the residents. Mr. Rocha stated
he saw the vegetation is overgrowing however, it was recommended not to remove
the vegetation because it helps the pond with algae and stormwater runoff. Mr. Rocha
also noted the pond is near a park and children are in that area and if the vegetation
is removed, they would need to secure the pond.
Mr. Rocha also stated the signs were going up alerting truck drivers to not drive on
Walker Road it is not a truck route.
Mr. Rocha explained he received a call regarding flowers at development entrances,
he spoke with Mr. Robin Eaton, Parks and Recreation Director who stated the city
does not have the manpower to complete this task.
Second District
Mr. Hare stated he had received a complaint regarding a business being run out of a
home in Mayfair and would give the information to Mrs. Melson-Williams.
Mr. Taylor stated he attended Dover Police Department Graduation, Downtown
Dover Partnerships Safety Committee Meeting, Dover Airforce Base Air Show, Safe
Haven Parks Event, Pride Festival, African American Festival, and Mount Zion
Church to honor a new Bishop.
Mr. Taylor expressed there were concerns in Woodbrook that the grass was being
allowed to be grown in the back and had turned into a meadow. Mr. Taylor explained
Ms. Duca was taking care of this issue. Mr. Taylor stated he received a complaint of
tractor-trailers parking along the roadway of Webbs Lane and Post Boulevard.
Third District
Mrs. Arndt stated she attended the ride in Silence on May 18th in honor of cyclists
killed or injured while riding their bicycles. Mrs. Arndt thanked Dover Police
Department for escorting the cyclists at the event. Mrs. Arndt notes she had several
constituent concerns however, none needed to be escalated to council.
Mr. Neil stated he has been working with Mr. Boggerty, Mrs. Arndt, and NCALL to
develop a renter’s rights program regarding an issue in the 300 block of Governors
Avenue. Mr. Neil stated he had been working with Kings Cliff Trailer Park and Code
Enforcement to bring the properties up to code. Mr. Neil stated he attended the
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Firefighters Night Out, Airshow, and Garrison Oak Business and Technology Park
Event.
Fourth District
Mr. Anderson stated a 4th District Town Hall will be held on June 23, 2022, at 6:00
p.m. in Council Chambers. Mr. Anderson noted, that at the neighborhood watch
meetings, summer patrols were on the minds of constituents. Mr. Anderson stated
that there is a request for a sign telling people not to block the alley or driveways in
the unit block of North New Street and driveway blocking is not being enforced even
when called in. Mr. Anderson noted bricks are missing in Loockerman Square Plaza
around 32 West Loockerman Street and on North Governor’s Avenue from the unit
block to 300. Mr. Anderson stated on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, there will be a
walk-through to look at the infrastructure in the business district. Mr. Anderson also
stated that July 23, 2022, will be an Anti-Opioid night—Stop the Triggers on New
Street by Traci Palmer Ministries. Mr. Anderson stated four new restaurants and a
couple of other businesses are on tap to open downtown this summer or in the case
of La Hacienda has. One of the businesses destroyed by the fire is reopening
Mr. Sudler stated he received a constituent complaint regarding traffic on Saulsbury
Road in front of Westminster. Mr. Sudler stated the constituent requested an
extended turn lane to reduce traffic and tickets for driving on the shoulder.
At – Large
Mr. Boggerty stated on behalf of the City Council he attended the Celebration of Life
for Bishop Nelson Lewis and along with Mayor Christiansen presented a Certificate
of Recognition. Mr. Boggerty thanked everyone who participated in the Safe Haven
Park Initiative. Mr. Boggerty stated he is working with the National Pan-Hellenic
Council (NPHC) who would like to donate benches to the city parks.
Mrs. Arndt moved for adjournment of the Parks, Recreation, and Community
Enhancement Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned
at 6:51 p.m.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Rocha presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Boggerty moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Sudler and
unanimously carried.
Approval of NAES O&M Agreement for Van Sant Operations
Mr. Paul Waddell, Electric Director, reviewed the background and analysis
regarding the approval of the NAES O&M Agreement for Van Sant Operations.
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Staff recommended approving the terms of the contract between the City of Dover
and NAES.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend approval of the terms of the contract between the
City of Dover and NAES, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Sudler.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Waddell explained the lowest cost in transition
risk is the risk of moving from one company to another.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Waddell explained that EDART and EGATS are
programs that function inside PJM which is the operator.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mr. Waddell stated that NAES has temporary staffing
that the city has used in the past for the decommissioning work that had to be
done on McKee Run Generating Station.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend approval of the terms of the contract
between the City of Dover and NAES, 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 Dr. Pillsbury and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Rocha moved for adjournment of the Utilities Committee meeting, hearing
no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman
Anderson presiding.
Adoption of Agenda
Mr. Boggerty moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Sudler and
unanimously carried.
Presentation – Workforce Development – Jeremy McEntire, Assistant Director of
Adult Education Mr. Jeremy McEntire, Assistant Director of POLYTECH Adult
Education reviewed the presentation entitled Workforce Development and Registered
Apprenticeship.
Responding to Sudler, Mr. McEntire stated the number one complaint he gets from
employers is they get there, and they do not know how to work. Mr. McEntire
explained that is why the program has created entry-level courses to set expectations
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and teach entry-level information and skills.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. McEntire stated the bus runs to the Woodside
location, but it is not easy, it includes multiple bus exchanges, and does not run at
night. Mr. McEntire has stated that he and other staff have given students a ride or
some even walk. Mr. McEntire explained he has reached out to Dr. Cade, Capital
School District Superintendent to partner with local businesses to try and get
apprenticeships close to home. Mr. McEntire stated he has spoken with legislators,
State Agencies, and Non-Profits regarding transportation being an issue. He said he
does not know the answer but is open to all suggestions.
Responding to Mr. Boggerty, Mr. McEntire stated they have started a signing day
event for POLYTECH High School students who have signed an apprenticeship
contract.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. McEntire stated they serve the homeless population
through their adult high school, GED programs, adult basic education, ESL
programs, and workforce programs.
Request for Direction to Ain in Retention of Emergency Dispatchers (Chief Thomas
Johnson, Dover Police Department, and Chief David Carey, Dover Fire Department)
Chief Johnson stated the market continues to shift, and the competition for
dispatchers has accelerated exponentially in recent weeks. Chief Johnson explained
it is an issue of resources and salaries. Chief Johnson further explained he became
aware that several of the members of his current Emergency Communications Center
had begun to immediately explore other options that were being advertised in
real-time.
Chief Johnson stated the Police Department is the beginning of Dover's success, with
their ability to provide safety and security. He is submitting to council that the glue
that holds the Police Department together, all divisions, all sections, all units, and the
first point of contact with stakeholder groups everywhere within the span of the
greater Dover area is the 911 center. Chief Johnson explained they take the calls, they
recognize situations, they communicate, and they make
the rest of the organization.
Chief Johnson stated he got down a path for a significant distance, but it had to stop
on maybe crafting a solution because it became clear that there were significant legal
and labor issues that had to be addressed. He stated the Police Department is not in
an immediate crisis if Council does not do this. Chief Johnson requested through this
informational session, that they start to come up with the framework of a plan that
will inspire not only the confidence of a group of very dedicated employees that are
in an immediate situation who have options but also at the same time, perhaps send
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that message farther and wider.
Chief Johnson stated the last three individuals that attempted to orient and onboard
the 911 communication center, all came from non-public safety backgrounds, could
not make the transition, and all resigned within 8 to 10 weeks. Chief Johnson
explained if the city is going to continue to build the communication center into a
center that can handle the growing volume in the City of Dover as currently
constructed and import the important matter of monitoring cameras to get into the
business of proactively directing police resources, to areas before trouble has a
chance to turn into felonies and injuries.
Responding to Mr. Rocha, Chief Johnson explained there is a national shortage of
dispatchers. Chief Johnson stated in the direct competitors in Delaware, that the City
of Dover is $10,000 to $15,000 annually behind the curve on current salaries. Chief
Johnson further explained the City of Newark is paying their dispatchers $53,000 a
year with no healthcare contribution, and pension.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Carey stated over the past two years, the fire
department has lost eight dispatchers, it's a revolving door. The main complaints are
lack of compensation and lack of a pension. Chief Carey further explained the fire
department just lost a very good dispatcher to Kent Center for $2 an hour more than
what our starting rate is at Dover. Chief Carey explained the Fire Department is in
a crisis they have a staff of three out of five. Chief Carey further explained fire
dispatchers are currently working 24/48s, which means they're working 24 hours on,
48 hours off.
Chief Carey stated they are working 66 hours a week, and do not get vacation unless
they can find coverage for it. Chief Carey expressed that the fire dispatchers are
dedicated employees that are there for the mission, and they need help financially and
compensation throughout some sort of a retirement program better than what they
have. Chief Carey stated this is not the first time trying to get the fire dispatcher’s pay
increased. He explained when contract negotiations were open, he asked for a gradual
increase through the union and that did not happen.
Chief Carey further explained he recently had a conversation with City Manager,
Dave Hugg about fire dispatchers’ compensation, as well as part-time dispatchers,
that are making $14 an hour that could go to another fire department and sleep all
day, not take one run, and make $16 or $18 an hour. Chief Carey stated the fire
dispatchers have not received that increase either, and it makes it very difficult to
recruit dispatchers when there's a lack of compensation on the full-time and part-time
side for us.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Carey stated the last time the police department t
dispatchers were upgraded to a grade 18, which was about 15 years ago, the fire
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dispatchers weren't included. So, it's been several years since a pay increase was
received.
Mr. Neil stated he is committed to both departments being able to receive a pay
increase and hopes it would be parity. Mr. Neil stated he did not believe it is any
question it has to be paid, because having an inexperienced dispatcher in either
department could turn out to be a disaster for the city.
Chief Johnson stated the on boarding process is from the time a position is declared
open, and they make their first advertisement, hiring, on boarding, training, and to
the point where somebody working in the police department dispatch center, that is
a minimum of an 18-month journey. Chief Johnson noted it is a long lead-in window
to get somebody that'll stick and can be effective.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Chief Johnson stated his understanding of unions is that the
way the rules are set up, the entire bargaining unit would have to ratify any decision
that was made because the salary scale is incorporated by reference into the contract.
Chief Johnson explained that even the leadership of the union, could negotiate
something in good faith, but they would have to go back to the entire Dover
Organization of Employees (DOE) Union for a vote on whether they were going to
approve whatever package that the city would come up with.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Hugg stated the city cannot go in and make a unilateral
decision to affect one class of employees that are covered by the union. Mr. Hugg
stated the city does have a significant financial issue in terms of timing and amounts,
that must be considered as a part of the process.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hugg stated that the closing balance of a fiscal
year becomes the opening balance of the next fiscal year. That balance is subject to
things like the 8% rule that must be set aside for reserves, and council was reluctant
to make a change there. In the last set of discussions with the budget for next year,
I would also remind council that you added additional positions that were not
budgeted in the city manager’s proposal. Mr. Hugg explained a budget is constantly
in flux, and as it gets to the end of a budget year, final bills, balances, and sometimes
there are additional revenues. Mr. Hugg stated it is easier to deal with the financial
impact if it is spread out over two periods, four periods, or monthly.
Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Chief Carey stated it takes six to eight weeks to train
a fire dispatcher.
Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Chief Carey stated merging both departments would be
detrimental to the Fire Department. Chief Carey explained the fire dispatchers handle
more than just dispatching, they are the heartbeat of the fire department. Chief Carey
further explained fire dispatchers have taken over a lot of management positions in
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the fire department over the past two years. They maintain personnel records for 213
members, as far as their training is concerned. They keep track of the inventory of
180 sets of gear and make sure they're National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
compliant, as well as the hose and aerial testing that are done on an annual basis.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Chief Johnson stated they could use the money allocated
for the additional police officers for dispatchers. Chief Johnson stated he may not
want to wait an entire year to fill the positions of the two new officers.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Carey stated fire dispatchers do their Emergency
Fire Dispatch Training online and it costs $395 a person. Chief Carey stated that it
would cost $900 in training to fill the vacant positions.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Matt Carey, the 911 supervisor for Dover Police
Department stated it costs $365 to achieve an emergency police dispatch certification,
which new hires are required to do within the first six months of their employment.
The certification is recognized by the International Academy of Dispatch. The City
of Dover Call Center is a 911 PSAP, which is a public safety answering point for the
city of Dover. They receive all 911 calls, whether it be through the internet, land line,
or cellular phone text messaging, that all come to the Dover Police Department.
Mr. Carey stated to be fully staffed at 14 is great and hopefully have more in the
future. However, if he loses his best 11, that is s cost he does not want to take.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Matthew Brown of the DOE Union gave the background
of what has been going on from a Union standpoint. Mr. Brown stated Chief Johnson
reached out to him last Thursday with some urgency. Mr. Brown explained that Chief
Johnson sold him on the urgency and within a few hours, they had tried to figure out
how to handle it. Mr. Brown stated he then reached out to DOE counsel to find out
the next steps. Under the advice of counsel, they had to physically open the contract,
they can limit it to certain things to open it for. Recognizing the need, within two
hours Mr. Brown had convened the executive board, who can authorize to open the
contract for that, which Mr. Hugg and a few other individuals received an email from
the Union on Friday morning, offering to open the contract for the purpose of
compensation of DOE employee unions, which include all the dispatcher’s fire and
police.
Mr. Brown stated he had other conversations between Chief Johnson, Chief Carey,
and Mr. Hugg and believes there can be agreements made, which gives them
immediate relief for what they may need to do, as well as a long-term plan for other
items that may come up with compensation, whether it be pension or healthcare,
whatever it may be. Mr. Brown explained at that point, their offer was on the table,
they limited it to just the city and the union, under normal negotiations. Mr. Brown
further explained if the city and union can't agree an arbitrator can be assigned, and
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we go to chancery court.
Mr. Brown explained the DOE Union is not interested in going through all those
steps. Mr. Brown stated he believes everybody has recognized the need for what is
being discussed, and most of the union does as well. Mr. Brown further explained it
is not his decision to make, he cannot authorize it, so once negotiations are complete,
the Union could meet three or four days later, to ratify it and the City Council would
ratify it as well.
Mayor Christiansen stated the State Police Headquarters is closing its regional
communication center in New Castle. Mayor Christiansen explained that the group
will transfer to the Kent Center. Mayor Christiansen believes the city will be up
against competition for dispatchers. Mayor Christiansen reminded members of
council that Governor Carney has a pending budget at Legislative Hall that proposes
substantial pay increases for all State of Delaware Employees.
Mayor Christiansen also stated growing municipalities like Smyrna, Middletown, and
Milford are far exceeding the City of Dover’s wages. Mayor Christiansen asked
council to not only focus on the emergency requests but also to authorize the city
manager to do a real pay study to grant equity to all City of Dover employees across
the board. Mr. Hare stated he was in support of a pay study he did not agree with the
last study that compared salaries in Annapolis, Frederick, or Anne Arundel County.
Mr. Hare believes the pay should be comparable to Delaware.
Responding to Dr. Pillsbury, Mr. Brown stated bonuses and pay increases to fall
under compensation in the DOE contract. Mr. Brown stated he believed they could
make an agreement that satisfies the long-term needs of the many and the immediate
needs of the few that are having issues today.
Council President Sudler moved to recommend authorizing the City Manager
to enter negotiations with DOE, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Hare, and Mayor
Christiansen to negotiate compensation for the Emergency Dispatchers and to
negotiate other DOE positions within 6 months at the discretion of the City
Manager. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil, and unanimously carried.
Council President Sudler moved to recommend authorizing the City Manager
to enter negotiations with American Federation of State, County, and
Municipal Employees, Mr. Boggerty, Mr. Hare, and Mayor Christiansen to
negotiate compensation and classification of the Dispatch Supervisor. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Neil, and unanimously carried.
Mr. Anderson moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and
Administration Committee meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at
8:58 p.m.
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Mr. Sudler moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole
meeting, hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council Committee of the Whole
Report, seconded by Mrs. Pillsbury 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
Dr. Pillsbury and carried by unanimous roll call vote.
PLANNING COMMISSION - THREE-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE JUNE 2025
John H. Baldwin, Sr. - Fourth District
Kenneth Roach, - Fourth District
FINAL READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2202-06
The First Reading of the Proposed Ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of June
13, 2022. Council President Sudler 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. Neil moved that the Final Reading of the proposed ordinance be acknowledged by title
only, seconded by Mr. Rocha and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the proposed
ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of June 13, 2022.)
Mr. Hare stated that there was one thing that did not get placed into the budget. In November 2021
when hiring the new City Clerk Andria Bennett, we made her the offer based on allowing her to
continue to work as a State Representative so she didn't get the full pay of what would be a full-time
City Clerk. She was told once she finished her term, did not seek reelection, and was a full-time
clerk in November 2022, interim pay would be increased to the City Clerk’s salary level. Mr. Hare
explained that somehow that was not placed in the offer letter, and therefore was not placed in the
FY 2023 budget. Mr. Hare suggested that it needs to be adjusted in the budget.
Council President Sudler confirmed Mr. Hare’s statement. Mr. Sudler stated there is a psychological
contract, unwritten, but needs to be fulfilled so that there is forward movement in taking care of our
organizational citizens.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hugg explained that the budget has been reviewed based on the
recommendations coming out of last week’s council meeting. Mr. Hugg apologized stating he was
not aware of the conditional agreement of the City Clerk position, however, assured council that it
can be easily rectified as a budget amendment as we get closer to November.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 27, 2022 PAGE 14
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hugg explained there are several things that we will need to look
at as we get into late September. Mr. Hugg gave the example of significant swings in the cost of
energy and hopefully by September they will have a better sense of where those numbers are going
to come out. He further explained that power purchase, power adjustment clause, and some other
items that will also need to be looked at. Mr. Hugg stated that they hope to know in a few days how
well the City of Dover requests went in the General Assembly.
Mr. Anderson stated he would like to make a motion to make a very minor adjustment to reflect the
numbers in the ordinance that is coming tomorrow.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hugg stated that the budget numbers that are in the ordinance that
is being considered tomorrow night are included in this budget estimate, if you choose to increase
or decrease the numbers, then they will need to reflect in the final numbers, included in the budget.
Mr. Sudler asked that they start to address some of the deferred items that were in the budget. Mr.
Sudler also stated that he would like to consider the ones that were highlighted the most for
apparatuses, public works, police department, and to start to prioritize the line items that were
deferred. Mr. Sudler would like to see everyone tackle those items and start to address those items
immediately.
Mr. Anderson made a motion to amend line 55 to reflect that Council Members received
$18,000 and the Council President receive $23,000 salary annually. Mr. Rocha seconded the
motion. The motion carried with seven yes votes, with one abstention and one absent. (Arndt
Absent, Neil abstention)
By motion of Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Rocha, Council, by a unanimous roll call vote
(Arndt absent), adopted Ordinance #2022-06.
CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Hugg recognized Jeff Dill, Budget Analyst for the City of Dover, who is responsible for putting
together all the numbers and making it look like we know what we are doing. I thank Council for
their diligence and their commitment to getting a budget passed and in place in some rather trying
and constantly changing circumstances.
COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Boggerty explained without going into detail, that he spoke to someone Friday and thanked them
for the call. He stated that he will continue to answer those calls. Mr. Boggerty further explained that
due to legal issues, he could not go into details because of the union-management relationship at the
time, but on the behalf of the team, he assured them that they are working.
Mr. Boggerty further stated that he was aware that trust has been an issue before, but they are being
led by a great city manager. The team experienced Mr. Hare, and all those who are part of a team,
we will figure this out and it won't take all day. He further explained that everything is a proposal
and that is what negotiations are. Mr. Boggerty assured everyone that they are working on the issue.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 27, 2022 PAGE 15
He stated that whatever it takes even risking reputation that they cherish each and every employee.
Mr. Boggerty further explained that the members of City Council would like employees to stay
working for the City of Dover, however, they understand if individuals have to make moves.
Council doesn’t want that to happen and are not callous about it but are committed to softening some
of that blow by negotiating in good faith.
Mr. Boggerty also thanked the community who attended his Faith, Family and Community day. He
thanked the Mayor for attending and for matching his donation of sponsoring ten kids to go to camp.
The camp was only $5.00 but they go to this camp every other Saturday, and just get off the streets.
Mr. Boggerty explained they are still developing some relationships to make sure things are well
with individuals and that we may be able to get them a tablet $11.00 and the service will be free. He
explained that he is vetting the program. He understands that it is 100% legitimate and we may want
to bring them here and present. Mr. Boggerty further stated that we will figure it out to get some of
these students who are struggling with getting online or may not have laptops and computer.
Mr. Boggerty apologized to Councilman Rocha for forgetting to say thank you for providing sound
at the Safe Haven initiative. He explained that people need to know that the stuff that is done behind
the scenes for free.
Mr. Anderson thanked everyone who attended the 4th district town hall. He thanked the 30 or so
citizens who came out in the summer and had excellent turn out and discussion. Mr. Anderson also
thanked Councilman Boggerty for joining him and the Council President for the meeting. Mr.
Anderson also thanked other members of the community as well, including Dr. Cade, Capital School
District Superintendent, Dr. Jackson-Short, Capital School President, and Sean Lynn, the 31st
District State Representative. Mr. Anderson thanked everybody who participated. Mr. Anderson
stated the citizens gave good information, which we will be hearing more about over the coming
days, and also received positive information to go on, as well.
Councilman Anderson also wanted to let everyone know that he has started office hours on the third
Wednesday each month at 4:00 PM. The office hours will take place at City Hall in the Council
Office. For anyone who would like to call in advance, call the clerk's office at 736-7008. Mr.
Anderson explained that he already had one constituent issue that came up that day that is being
worked on. He further explained that constituents do not need to wait until then to talk about issues.
He will not be limiting anyone, but sometimes people like different avenues and open office hours
are where someone can drop in without an appointment.
Councilman Anderson thanked everyone who has participated. He asked for everyone to stay
engaged. Mr. Anderson further explained that he hopes that every council member has a priority to
add tomorrow, so that council can set the priorities for the year for the Legislative, Finance and
Administration Committee.
Councilman Anderson notified that he will not be present at the July 11, 2022, Regular Council
Meeting due to having military duty that week.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 27, 2022 PAGE 16
Mayor Christiansen stated that everybody in this room knows America started here and in celebration
of that great event, the beginning of our nation, the 4th of July celebration, an old fashioned
fireworks display, a parade in the afternoon, food trucks and just one of the few times since the
pandemic that everyone will be able to get out together.
Mayor Christiansen further explained that Bally's, the casino to the north of downtown Dover, on
the 3rd of July, is giving a preview of the terrific fireworks that are going to see on the 4th of July.
He stated that the fireworks provided by Bally’s will be at sunset on the 3rd of July and the City of
Dover fireworks are going to be at sunset on the 4th of July, preceded by an old-fashioned get
together with music and a parade downtown.
Mayor Christiansen explained there is another fun event coming up in the City of Dover. The 100th
anniversary of the Delaware Volunteer Fireman's Association was last year (2021) but due to
COVID-19 is being held this year (2022). There will be a parade on the 9th of July in downtown
Dover. At 9:00 in the morning there is going to be a display of antique fire apparatus in front of
Legislative Hall. At 11:00 o’clock there will be a wreath laying at the Fireman's monument,
commemorating those firefighters in the state of Delaware who gave the ultimate sacrifice on behalf
of their fellow citizens. The parade will begin down South State Street at one o'clock.
Mr. Sudler moved for adjournment of the Regular Council meeting, hearing no objection
the meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
ANDRIA BENNETT
CITY CLERK
All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular
Meeting of June 27, 2022, are hereby approved.
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
MAYOR
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