DHRC Minutes

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION The Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) met on June 18, 2024, at 6:03 p.m. with Vice Chairperson Hall presiding. Members present were Mr. Fleming, Mr. Simmons (in at 06:07 p.m.), Mr. Faust, Ms. White, and Mr. Lott. Mr. Gaddis, Dr. Mishoe Sudler and Ms. Mullen were absent. Council President Anderson was also present. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Faust moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Fleming and unanimously carried. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Mr. Faust moved for adoption of the minutes of the Dover Human Relations Commission Meeting of May 21, 2024. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lott and unanimously carried. OLD BUSINESS Title VI Requirement and Coordinator for the City of Update (Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director) Jason Lyon, Water/Wastewater Director, reviewed the Title VI requirement and coordinator information that was presented at the May 21, 2024 meeting. Responding to Vice Chair Hall, Council President David Anderson stated that the council is waiting for the recommendation of the Human Relations Commission. He noted that he has not found any opposition to the proposed changes. His opinion is that, if the changes align with the commission's mission, the council would be excited, as it would fill a niche that they need to address. He continued by stating that the council did not want to pressure the Dover Human Relations Commission into making a choice solely because it worked for the council. It needs to be the commission’s decision, and the council will support whatever decision they make. Council believes that this small change in the intake form will simplify the process for citizens and make it more comprehensive for what the commission already covers. This change will make the process a lot simpler and cleaner. The council will establish a clear line of authority regarding city services and infrastructure matters, ensuring that everyone knows there will be no dispute that the Dover Human Relations Commission is the primary civil rights advocate and guardian in the city. Mr. Lott moved to appoint Donyale Hall as the Coordinator for the City of Dover. The motion was seconded by Mr. Simmons and unanimously carried. Mr. Faust moved to accept the discrimination complaint and compliance review/grievance procedure and non-discrimination statement. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lott and unanimously carried. Responding to Vice Chair Hall, Council President Anderson stated that he believed what they accomplished this evening is a significant step forward. He noted that they have revived and improved the intake form, which is an important development. Council President Anderson continued by saying that once this is passed, the council will promote it by ensuring it is available on the city’s website and circulated through the city’s social media, making sure people are aware that city services are for

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF JUNE 18, 2024 PAGE 2 everyone. This effort, he emphasized, is an area that falls under the purview of the Dover Human Relations Commission. Council President Anderson praised members for actively engaging with the community and working with their council members to address various concerns. He mentioned that this approach is being implemented in the fourth district and likely in other districts as well. This communication and community engagement, he noted, strengthens the overall efforts. Council President Anderson appreciated how members are focusing on different sectors of the community and maintaining connections with community programs and schools. He highlighted that there are many possibilities for educational programs within schools. He believed that adopting the grievance program this evening advances the commission beyond its past limitations. Previously, despite having dedicated members with a strong understanding of the city, the commission was hindered by its structure. Some felt it lacked formal powers and occasionally overstepped in advocacy areas that neither the city council nor the commission could effectively address. This led to inefficiencies when the council could not act on certain recommendations, making it less productive to invest time in those issues. By adopting the new grievance program, Anderson believes the commission can now focus on issues within their control and make meaningful recommendations that the council can fulfill, thereby enhancing their overall impact. Responding to Vice Chair Hall, Council President Anderson stated that he believes the council is now in a unique position to entertain proposals that may not have been considered in the past. With several former Human Relations Commissioners now on the council, it is an opportune time to bring forward new ideas. He expressed confidence that a well-constructed proposal has a good chance of being adopted. Council President Anderson assured that such proposals would be heard and, if there is openness to some back-and-forth amendments or dialogue, something very positive could be achieved. He noted that tonight was a step in the right direction, giving the commission more formal authority and laying the groundwork for future advancements. He emphasized the importance of expanding the community footprint to address the issues they hear about and see firsthand. Engaging with the community on these matters would be extraordinarily positive and something they could work through in the future. Council President Anderson guaranteed that any proposal brought forward would get on the agenda. While he cannot guarantee the outcome, he assured that concerns and voices will be heard and addressed, which is within his purview and will certainly happen. Vice Chair Hall and Commission White discussed the grievance process. Commissioner White voiced her concerns with the members. COMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES Mr. Lott moved to defer the following Committee Reports/Updates to the next Dover Human Relations Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Simmons and unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS Discussion – Brochure updates Mr. Lott moved to defer the discussion regarding brochure updates to the next Dover Human Relations Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Simmons and unanimously carried. ADJOURNMENT BY 7:00 P.M. Ms. Hall moved for adjournment of the Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) hearing

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF JUNE 18, 2024 PAGE 3 no objection the meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m. Alan P. Gaddis Chair APG/aw