DHRC Minutes

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION The Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) met on February 19, 2025, at 6:08 p.m., with Chairwoman Hall presiding. Members present were Mr. Lott, Ms. White, Ms. Mullen, Dr. Mishoe Sudler, and Mr. Faust. Mr. Simmons and Mr. Fleming were absent. Staff members present were Ms. Walls. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mr. Faust moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Ms. Mullen and unanimously carried. (Simmons, Fleming absent) ADOPTION OF MINUTES Mr. Faust moved to adopt the minutes from the Dover Human Relations Commission meeting on January 22, 2025. The motion was seconded by Dr. Mishoe Sudler and unanimously carried. (Simmons, Fleming absent) COMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES Assessment Ms. Mullen requested a copy of the assessment. The Assessment Committee scheduled a virtual meeting for February 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Community Programs Mr. Faust and Dr. Mishoe Sudler discussed having a Human Relations weekend where they would have vendors and other resources (Police, Veteran Affairs, Health services, etc.) available to the community. They would like to locate two (2) possible facilities, one on the east side of Dover and one on the west side for the event that would be a minimal cost to them. They are also looking at facilities such as the Pitts center. They also discussed having a separate page on the City of Dover’s website where they could list resources for the community. School Programs Mr. Lott discussed the Capital School District's changes to bus stops and routes around New Street. He explained that these changes were implemented due to students having to travel through areas with high drug activity. Students were exposed to discarded needles, debris, and individuals under the influence on the sidewalks. Mr. Lott stated that in October 2024, he met with the Mayor, Community Police, the Superintendent of the Capital School District, the Director of Transportation, Councilman Boggerty, and the President of the New Street neighborhood watch. They conducted a walk-through of the problem areas. The School Programs Committee has scheduled an in-person meeting for February 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Luther Village activity room, pending confirmation of the specific activity room by Ms. White By-laws Dr. Mishoe Sudler stated that the committee is awaiting training before proceeding.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF FEBRUARY 19, 2025 PAGE 2 Chairwoman Hall stated that she had planned to conduct training at this meeting but prioritized a Q&A session with Council President Anderson. Due to Council President Anderson's illness, he was unable to attend. She will contact the state to determine their availability for future training sessions. Finance Chairwoman Hall stated that they still have their full $3,000 budget for this fiscal year prior to ordering the shirts. Dr. Mishoe Sudler proposed establishing an annual $500 scholarship for students. Responding to Mr. Faust, Ms. Walls stated that she will have to check the DHRC's eligibility to receive donations, engage in fundraising, or obtain sponsors for the scholarship. Responding to Chairwoman Hall, Dr. Mishoe Sudler stated that the Community and School Programs Committees would work together on the scholarship, and he would develop a draft of the criteria for their review. OLD BUSINESS Commissioner Shirts - Update Chairwoman Hall reported that Mr. Fleming obtained a quote from Delaware Correctional Industries totaling $206.60 for the shirts. The quote detailed seven (7) shirts at $25.40 each and one (1) shirt at $28.80. The Commission members approved the prices and authorized the shirt order per the City of Dover’s purchasing policy. NEW BUSINESS Open Discussion Mr. Lott discussed having an open prayer during the springtime around New Street. His vision is to establish prayer stations in front of every house on New Street. They would have church members set them up and invite their pastor and other members to participate. This would create a strong visible presence for their church. They anticipate having their own church building by then, which would further enhance their visibility. This event would also provide an opportunity for neighbors to connect and converse. Ideally, they could attract media coverage as well. Mr. Lott stated that this would interrupt the normal activity of those that sell drugs and for individuals to feel comfortable on the street during that time of the year, since it should be warmer. He noted that this could cause neighbors to communicate with each other. Some people have expressed interest in cooking during the event, which could be included without closing the street. It does not need to be an all-day thing; they could do it from 12 to 5, or even 1 to 5, and still have a presence on New Street. Ms. White expressed concern about community engagement and the fear of being arrested that might prevent residents from attending meetings or addressing their concerns. Ms. White noted that she has invited residents from her building complex, about three (3) buildings, to either attend or watch the meetings on TV in their movie room. They have watched city council meetings there before. Responding to Ms. White, Mr. Lott clarified that the open prayer would cover the area from Division Street to Loockerman Street.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF FEBRUARY 19, 2025 PAGE 3 Responding to Mr. Lott, Ms. White suggested a block-by-block approach to community engagement, drawing on her experience as a former block captain. Responding to Ms. White, Mr. Lott noted that they have two (2) block captains. One is on South New Street, and one is on North New Street. Responding to Mr. Lott, Ms. White stated that she believes that they can extend the outreach within the geographic area where his church is located, down to Loockerman Street. She suggested engaging Councilman Anderson, Councilman Sudler and others to help. Ashe noted that as she had discussed with the Chief, she believes this can be accomplished. Responding to Ms. White, Mr. Lott stated that he had not thought about it being that large but that is a good idea. Responding to Mr. Lott, Ms. White stated that while he has started implementing the plan, she believes it should be expanded to include all of the churches in that area. There are too many churches nearby to leave them out and they are asking for help. New homeowners are also concerned, their kids cannot even play outside. They need to make them feel welcome and show a strong, visible presence in the streets, like they have done successfully before. Ms. White has spoken with many police chiefs over her 24 years here in Dover and she knows that this can be done. Responding to Ms. White, Mr. Faust stated that the event appeared to be expanding beyond just a couple of blocks. He suggested that they should consider organizing it as a block party, with street closures to ensure safety. He noted the importance of preventing vehicles from endangering children and the elderly, especially with the likely good weather. Responding to Mr. Faust, Ms. White recalled past community outreach efforts using a bullhorn and signage on vehicles to reach multiple blocks. She believes that this approach would be more effective than block parties in reaching the heart of what the community truly needs. Responding to Ms. White, Mr. Faust stated that he agrees with her but that they need to have structure and safety if they want neighbors to come out and community with one another. They do not want someone speeding on a motorcycle or a car to mess with a good situation if they almost hit a child or an elderly person. They need to have some type of control. If the street is blocked off, they can have people setting up tables and literature, whatever they need to do to get the message out Responding to Mr. Faust, Chairman Hall stated that the first priority would be to determine the date, followed by identifying the specific geographical area to focus on for community turnout. After those are determined then they should pull the proper permits to shut down the street so that the safety concerns are addressed. Ms. Hall suggested that they should go ahead and start putting word out into the community that this even will be in the future, that they would love to have participation and for a flyer to be designed so that it can be disseminated to the community. Ms. Hall noted that they could hand out the flyers door-to-door, and that they should have their shirts by then. She suggested picking a date in April. Responding to Chairman Hall, Mr. Lott stated that he will meeting with the two (2) North Street block captains and come up with a date.

DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS MEETING OF FEBRUARY 19, 2025 PAGE 4 Ms. White noted that many years ago, they successfully organized a similar event on Kirkwood Street, from Fulton Street to Division Street. They had numerous vendors, including the military and Code Purple, and the community came out in large numbers. She thanked the members for listening to her. ADJOURNMENT BY 7:00 P.M. Ms. Hall moved for adjournment of the Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC), hearing no objection the meeting adjourned at 6:51p.m. (Simmons, Fleming absent) Meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m. Donyale Hall Chairwoman DH/aw