Transcript: Dover Human Relations Commission Meeting

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Good evening everybody.

Audience Member

Good evening.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Um, welcome to our Dover Human Relations Commission meeting. Today's date-

Commissioner Faust

Testing, testing.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

You good, Commissioner Faust?

Commissioner Faust

All right.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

You okay?

Commissioner Faust

Yeah, I was trying this test to see whether it worked or not.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

You're good.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Today is the 18th of February, 2026, and the time is approximately 6:01. We will have a 10 minutes for our public um comments. If we have any, um floor is open to the public for in-house and online as well.

Commissioner

I make a motion that we uh table the uh public forum comments, and start with our normal meeting, and if someone comes on, we can pause and activate the uh public forum and give them their due time.

Female Commissioner

Second.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

It's been properly moved and seconded that we table the 10-minute public forum uh for a little later, and move on with business as usual, and those who come in, we will make time for um public and later on the evening of the meeting. Any question on the motion? Any question on the motion?

Commissioner

Dr. Sudler, uh somebody just walked in.

Reginald Daniel

Hello.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Good evening. Would you like to address the uh podium and-

Reginald Daniel

Yes, please.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Sure. So, our first 10 minutes we dedicate that to um our public comments. All you need to do is come, just state your name and um your business.

Reginald Daniel

Uh hello. My name is Reginald Daniel and I am one of the two community engagement specialists at uh NeighborGood Partners Restoring Central Dover program. Uh while I am not a resident of Dover, I have gotten my education here and I continued to invest in the community uh through my efforts when it comes to civic engagement uh and community revitalization. Uh this is my first meeting with the Human Relations Commission, but I intend to be a regular attendee, gaining as much information as I can, and hopefully being able to pour as much into this committee with the resources that I have, as you all with your information and your dedication to continue to help our residents. Thank you very much.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Daniels. Um we usually do not uh respond to public comments, but uh Mr. Daniels, if you don't mind, if you'd come back, I have a question for you. Um I did hear you mention that you were from Neighbor Good Partners. And we we've met before.

Reginald Daniel

Yes, sir.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Um if you don't mind, uh can you share with us

Chair

some of your upcoming events that might be taking place, whether it's meetings or actual activities.

Presenter

Sure. Um of the things that we currently have on the docket, uh we are in the process of doing our second annual Pop-up Farmers Market, which will be on Friday, May 29th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. And that's all that we have currently at the moment, but I will send along the information either by email or by word of mouth as necessary.

Chair

Thank you. And um all communications you can send to the City of Dover City Clerk's Office, and address it to the Dover Human Relations Commission.

Presenter

All right. Thank you.

Chair

Do any Commissioners have a question? All right.

Chair

We do have a motion on the floor, uh so we will either vote yea or nay on the motion. Do you remember the motion? Do you remember the motion? Okay, all those in favor, say aye.

Mullen

Aye.

Commissioner

Aye.

Chair

All those opposed, have the right same right. Motion carried, ayes have it.

Chair

Um I would accept a a motion to accept the agenda.

Commissioner

I make the motion that we accept the agenda as print.

Mullen

Second.

Chair

Okay, it has been properly moved and seconded that we accept the agenda for the evening as read. Um any question on the motion? Any question on the motion? Any question on the motion? All those in favor, vote by saying aye.

Mullen

Aye.

Commissioner

Aye.

Chair

All those opposed, have the same right. Ayes have it, motion carry.

Chair

Okay, um hopefully you had a a chance to look over the minutes, um and I will uh accept a motion to accept the minutes.

Mullen

I move to accept the minutes as presented.

Commissioner

I'll second it.

Chair

It's been properly moved and seconded that we accept the minutes as presented. Um question on the motion? Question on the motion? Question on the motion? All those in favor, vote by saying aye.

Mullen

Aye.

Commissioner

Aye.

Chair

All those opposed, have the same right. Ayes have it, motion carry.

Chair

Okay, we will have committee updates. Uh we will start with the assessment committee. Um, Commissioner Mullen, do you do you have an update um regarding your your document?

Mullen

I don't have an update on the assessment. I just have the, um, survey to present it. Okay, I did complete the um survey to be reviewed, or um you know, just looked over to see if it was appropriate, however, for the panhandling situation in the city of Dover. Um, I don't know how we move forward with that, but I did um complete the survey.

Wanda Mullins

Um, the survey is also um divided into different sections because I believe if you're going to bring a problem to the table, you should also uh present some type of solution. So that is also part of the solution s- part of the survey as well. Um, so I didn't I didn't know whether we could, until this has been approved by the whoever has to approve, whether we can move forward with this or not.

Alan Henderson

Do we have any other um questions or comments for Commissioner Mullins? So um what what I will do is I will uh contact our liaison which is supposed to be um Councilwoman Hall. Um, I'll also speak with Councilman Sudler um to see uh exactly um how we might need to present our survey so that we can get approval to move forward and and most likely be able to approach the public uh with the survey and and go ahead and collect that data. Uh we we just want to ensure that the data will be kept under confidentiality.

Wanda Mullins

And there are some more, there are other pieces to this, too, that I had questions in regards to how would this survey be distributed to the public, or to business owners, or to the neighborhoods. I mean, did we have you know, what methodology was we going to use to get this data out to the the to where it needs to be?

Alan Henderson

So we talking about like marketing the survey, whether we wanted to use social media with QR codes or things like that?

Wanda Mullins

Yes.

Alan Henderson

Okay. Um, we'll see um how we can approach how how we can uh get the approval for the uh survey first. And then, um at the same time, um, I should get some procedures and some instruction on how um how we conduct ourselves accordingly as far as being able to um reach out with particular documents, who has to view them, and and when we can do such movements. Okay? And I don't think it would take too long. It shouldn't take too long at all. I think um with the with the questions that you have here, I I think it it would be pretty appropriate, and and I think we we we should get some approval. If not, we'll get direction on how we will get the approval, what needs to be put in into it. But I think um I think we're okay with with the initial start. Something to take to them.

Wanda Mullins

Okay.

Alan Henderson

Appreciate it. Do we have any other questions? Commissioner White? Okay. All right. Commissioner Brinkley, did you have any questions?

Brinkley

No questions.

Alan Henderson

Okay. I will take uh I'm uh uh Commissioner Mullins, I'm going to take um the document that you've given uh also in addition with the uh the assessment document that I have, um and we're going to uh get some concrete direction. And I'll send I'll send what I get, the instructions I get.

Wanda Mullins

Okay.

Faye White

Mr. Chair, I do have a question. May I have a copy of that? Can we see what it, you know, what it would look like, the part the survey itself, prior to it being submit- uh submitted?

Commissioner

Oh yes, we would definitely. Um, and you can take a look at what I have here. Um, other than that, can you make some copies? Is that possible?

Female Speaker

Thank you.

Commissioner

And and I'm sorry, I did start to write on it a little bit, but I have a

Female Speaker

I have a have a clean copy.

Commissioner

Yes.

Female Speaker

I was going to bring copies, but I didn't do so.

Commissioner

Appreciate it. It's all good.

Chair

Okay. Any questions for the Assessment Committee? Any questions for the assessment? Okay, of course that is for information purposes only. We do not have to do any voting on uh receiving those reports.

Chair

Next committee, uh Community Programs. Um of course, Mr. Commissioner Flemming is not here. Uh Mr. Faust, do you have any updates on the community?

Michael Faust

The only update I have, uh the United Way was gracious enough to get me another supply of 211 cards. For the public that doesn't know what it is, is a resource, in English on one side, and the other side Spanish, of resources for uh employment, homelessness, if you have financial issues. So, um these can be broken down to the individual commissioners, and uh the balance can be put in uh storage or in a safe place, or give them to the commission uh to the council. Uh United Way said if we run out of cards again, let them know before we run out, and they'll be glad to give us um as many as we need, and they appreciate us uh asking for the cards.

Female Speaker

I just have a question. Are any of those cards at the library?

Michael Faust

I can't I can't answer. They can be dropped off.

Female Speaker

The reason why is because a lot of the population that pretty much can utilize those, that information, they do huddle at the library.

Michael Faust

I I guess the question is, do we have to get permission from Mayor and Council to do such a thing? Um I have no problem dropping off a certain quantity to the library, but I don't want to step over bounds.

Chair

No. We don't need permission to drop those off to the library.

Michael Faust

Then I will take it care of tomorrow morning or tomorrow afternoon. I'll drop off a handful and see if they'll put them out for uh the needy or people that need help.

Chair

Commissioner White?

Faye White

Do you have Yeah. Do you have enough to share tonight?

Michael Faust

I've got about 250 cards, so we can make sure everyone that needs them

Faye White

Just one package. I'll start with one package, please. If it's permissible. Okay. Thank you.

Female Speaker

Just another place would be Hopes and Dreams on Division Street as well. Called Hopes and Dreams on Division Street.

Chair

She mentioned Hopes and Dreams on Division Street.

Michael Faust

Can you repeat that again, please?

Female Speaker

It's called Hopes and Dreams. It's another place that definitely could utilize the resources. That's a That's a There's These are places where the people that

Female Speaker 1

need those resources, then this is where they conjugate at. So it would be an opportunity to for they for them to get that information. One of my problems with working with the public is, we have information, but how do they get the resources? So, these were that those were just two places that I knew, from working in the field, that I knew that this is where a lot of the information can definitely be distributed at: at the library and Hopes and Dreams.

Male Speaker 1

If they uh If the body wants me to, I can also look up the address tomorrow and drop off a stack at the uh Hopes and Dreams, one of the Division Street. I can look it up and I'll be glad to drop off a stack.

Male Speaker 2

Thank you. Hopes and Dreams, is that in the building um that used to be 801?

Female Speaker 1

It's near there. It's It's It's almost Do you know where

Female Speaker 2

The funeral home.

Female Speaker 1

Yes. That's the closest, the funeral home.

Female Speaker 2

It's next door.

Female Speaker 1

And it's a Mexican restaurant.

Female Speaker 2

Right.

Male Speaker 2

It used to be a bakery. Is it to the right of the

Female Speaker 1

It depends on which way you're

Male Speaker 2

funeral home? If I'm looking directly at the funeral home, is it on the right?

Female Speaker 1

It would be to the left.

Male Speaker 2

It would be to the left, like almost on that corner.

Female Speaker 1

Mhm. But it's not on the corner.

Male Speaker 2

It's I know what you're talking about. It sits by itself.

Female Speaker 2

It's a yellow home

Female Speaker 1

Yeah. Yes.

Female Speaker 2

with the sign in front of it.

Male Speaker 2

I'm familiar. I'm familiar. I'm familiar, I know what you're talking about.

Female Speaker 2

801 is the shelter, House of Hope.

Male Speaker 2

Mhm. That's what I was trying to distinguish. Cuz I saw the sign, House of Hope, but I was I was thinking of what you were saying, Hopes and Dreams. Okay. Also, um the place that used to be next um to the railroad tracks, close to Lincoln Park area, they were It was like a It was almost like a men's shelter.

Female Speaker 2

It's no longer there.

Male Speaker 2

Right. Do we know exactly where they uh relocated to?

Female Speaker 2

I do. One is Walker Road.

Female Speaker 1

Yes, I was going to say Walker Road. Interfaith. It's the Interfaith.

Female Speaker 2

Interfaith.

Male Speaker 2

Okay, I know exactly what you're talking about. Okay.

Male Speaker 2

So, um just talk a little bit about Since we're on the community programs, um we have a visitor, um Mr. Daniels, and he he said he was from the Neighborhood Partners uh agency, which is where I did meet him. And um I had a I was there at their previous meeting, and and they have them every month. Um and they talk a lot of about community support uh and programs and and bringing, you know, just the things, the necessity, the resources that everybody really is talking about. So, um it was a it was another meeting again with um another agency that is trying to provide uh services and support for the for the needy, um those who are underrepresented,

Commissioner

and need the particular support that is lacking. So, um, I was there and and and of course, they're affiliated with a lot of other agencies so they do do they do have a collaboration effort taking place. And it would be good When I when I attend, I do attend as Dover Human Relations Commissioner, um, but it would also be good, um, if you all could make it as well. We don't want to create a quorum, of course. However, they're very informative, and some good folks to meet, and and we can think about, um, you know, how we can lend a helping hand to to their, uh, to their efforts as well. Okay? Um, and Mr. Daniels will be able to tell you more exactly on the times that they meet and and what would be what their schedule is more like, um, and what they present down for Neighborhood Partners. It's a advisory committee?

Commissioner 2

Uh the Community Leadership?

Commissioner

Yeah. Right. So, he can he he'll be able to fill you in more if you want to know a little bit more and then be involved with the Neighborhood Partners. It's a it's a good program and things that they got going on. They also take donations as well, um, and you know, those resources are is with that agency, too. And a lot of these things, um, we all I don't want to say we all are doing the same thing, but, um, a lot of things are similar, and that's why what we want to do, just like the young man who came, um, last last meeting and and talked about, you know, some collaboration efforts, that's really what needs to take place. So, a lot of people are doing some of the some good things, and they are getting together. Um, we just need to get together a little bit more and and, um, have a more, uh, tighter niche on the the things that, you know, knowledge of of knowing what's going on, who's providing what services, those type of things, okay? Also, um, I had some communication from Calvary Baptist Church, I'm not sure if you're familiar you probably are familiar with Calvary Baptist Church. Um, they provide, um, yeah, feeding opportunity for the underrepresented on Mondays. Monday afternoons of course, you know that's from 12 until I believe it's a couple hours that they do it. Also, of course, you I've had communications from the church here, Whatcoat United Methodist. They also they feed on Saturdays. So, we we also want to be aware of of that resource taking place. And also, I've been communicating with Mt. Zion AME Church in their kitchen, and they're starting, um, to feed on Wednesdays. So, there we see we have three out of four out of seven days, uh, where we can, uh, send

Roy Sudler, Jr.

um folks for some good feedings. Um, one of the Wednesdays, myself, I'll be providing the um the food, and because I'll be cooking, and, you know, I like to do that. So I do that um quite often um for for the public, and I use Mt. Zion's kitchen, and I'll cook and and feed as well. So um that's just a little update on those three um events that are are uh continuous and that are taking place now. Um, we had a question, Commissioner Brinkley?

Commissioner Brinkley

I just want to add to that that People's Church serves every day um at 5:00 p.m. or 5: 4:45 p.m., around that time, every day, dinner. Um, individuals can have the, you know, ability to go in there and cook the meal, provide the meal. They're feeding up to 75 to 80 per night. Um, and there's a calendar on social media that you can uh it's The Center for Neighbors in Need at the People's Church, In Jean's Hands. Um, you can sign up for a night to provide a meal.

Commissioner

Can you tell me where the People's Church is located again?

Commissioner Brinkley

That is at 46 South Bradford Street in Dover. It's right across the street from uh the fire department.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

People's Church, 46...

Commissioner

Okay, 46 South Bradford. I know exactly what you're talking about, 46 South Bradford.

Commissioner Brinkley

I have a question. Commissioner Sudler, is there any way that you can get me these, like the addresses to these churches that you've given already? So...

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Mt. Zion's address...

Commissioner Brinkley

And like Calvary, is it the one here in town or is it the one in Camden?

Roy Sudler, Jr.

The one in town. I know they have a new one on Route 8, but um they feed from the one in town.

Commissioner Brinkley

Can I get an address? I mean like could you, I'm just saying could you just email it to me...

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Yeah, yeah, I understand.

Commissioner Brinkley

...text it to me?

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Uh, I know. You're going to get it right now. Hold on, hold on.

Commissioner Brinkley

I mean, once again, we want to be effective, right?

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Yes indeed, that's why I don't want to be late, because you know soon as I might walk out these doors, I mean, I've lost the thought. But I'll make sure um you have that address.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Calvary and Mt. Zion. Mt. Zion, 101 North um Queen, North Queen Street. That's 19901.

Commissioner

Can I make a suggestion?

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Yes.

Commissioner

If we're going to list all these places, why don't we have uh the list there so if we...

Roy Sudler, Jr.

I think Commissioner Brinkley was alluding to that. Yeah. And she was trying to make me do the legwork right now. Did you see that?

Commissioner

No, all I'm saying is...

Roy Sudler, Jr.

I already, you know, I understood it already. I understood already from the request.

Commissioner

...if we can have it so we can give it out to the public, cuz if the public's there saying, "Where can I get food?" Here's the addresses, here's the phone number, here's the days they feed.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

And we'll get some help from the uh city clerk's office as well to make sure that our list is real right and nice and...

Commissioner

Okay. What about you, Crystal?

Roy Sudler, Jr.

We appreciate you so much.

Crystal

You want the address and the phone number?

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Yes.

Crystal

I can do that for you.

Commissioner

That would be better, for when we have the public, we have to hand it out, you know, hand them out a sheet, then...

Commissioner Brinkley

Now these are the locations throughout Dover where you can get a hot meal.

Commissioner Mullins

Thank you. Greatly appreciate it. Thank you, Commissioner Brinkley, for that.

Commissioner Mullins

Commissioner White, you had a question?

Commissioner White

I would just like to reiterate that Calvary Baptist Church at Queen and Fulton Street, uh that is my church.

Commissioner Mullins

Do you have the address to your church?

Commissioner White

I don't know the number, but it's like it's right across from your church, yeah. Um, it's across from your church, Queen and Fulton.

Commissioner Mullins

We'll make sure we have those addresses.

Commissioner White

And I uh I if I'm not mistaken, I believe the one on Lebanon Road, which is Calvary also, I believe that they um not only they have a food bank also, and they have a clothing. But we also have clothing and food.

Commissioner Mullins

Good. So those types of uh resources uh coming from those particular type of uh organizations uh would definitely be good to have um, you know, a a a central place where we can go and and collect those particular type of resources.

Commissioner Mullins

Commissioner White, uh Ms. Wilbur needed you.

Commissioner Mullins

Calvary uh Calvary Assembly of God is the one off of um Lebanon in Route 10.

Commissioner Mullins

Commissioner Brinkley.

Commissioner Brinkley

Uh Commissioner Mullins, I just wanted to add help.org. If a person goes to help.org, they can go there and search for food pantries, food, uh feeding places, and it'll generate a list as long as you put in a zip code, and housing, uh anything that you can think of, this website will provide the information for.

Commissioner White

Okay, thank you.

Commissioner Mullins

That's what I'm talking about. Collaboration.

Commissioner White

Can I... Can I just ask a question, I hope it's not out of order.

Commissioner Mullins

All right.

Commissioner White

With all the uh churches and the uh nonprofits that's in the geographic area downtown here, um can...

Commissioner Mullins

Would you want a list of everything that's downtown here in this area? A list of those places down in in this area?

Commissioner White

No, and I think it's in um Anderson's district and your and uh Sudler's. Um, you see it appears to be more of organizations in that in those geograph- in that area, and um what about the ones that spread across 13, like on the side where Commissioner Frawley and I live?

Commissioner Mullins

So, I believe you're in District 2.

Commissioner White

Um In District 2. And I think that's Coun- Council President Neil is over there also, if I'm not mistaken.

Commissioner Mullins

I think Council President is District 3.

Commissioner Brinkley

He is.

Commissioner White

In three?

Commissioner Mullins

Yes, he's District 3.

Commissioner White

District 3.

Commissioner Mullins

Mhm.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Whatever those areas that I understand the areas that you are talking about. Um We'll we'll just scour the We'll look at the the the map the the areas, and you know, whoever district those agencies belong to, you know. I'm sure we can come up with some type of communication plan to reach out to them in whichever way we need to.

Female Speaker

Chair?

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Yeah.

Female Speaker

Commissioner Sudler.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Yes.

Female Speaker

So for the record, I want to correct that address. It's findhelp.org, F-I-N-D help.org.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Thank you for that correction. Please let the record reflect that correction. findhelp .org.

Female Speaker

Gotta make sure we get it right, right?

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Hey, we are live. People could be hitting that enter button right now. "She gave me some fake address!"

Female Speaker

drug rehab, uh, things. So you never know it's another service, right?

Roy Sudler, Jr.

Yeah. Oh, okay. Yeah.

Roy Sudler, Jr.

All right, so, uh, also I wanted to let you know that, uh, every month I've started to get an invitation from lieutenant governor's office, Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long's office, uh, regarding the Black Leaders of Affairs group. And, um, I do go in the capacity of the Human Relations Commissioner. So I just wanted to let you all know that. Um, so if somebody says something to you, you already know that it's a possibility that I am attending those particular meetings. And they happen every, um I think it's every second Thursday, but the last one was on the 5th. So it might be every every first Thursday. But it was on the 5th. So it was at 12:00, and they only had it for an hour. Um, and it's it's minority leaders from the state, statewide. Um, and they start talking about, uh, particular issues, um, regarding not just the minority community, but, uh, Delaware as a whole. Um, and and how, um, you know, send support, just like we're talking about support now for our populations. You know, they we talk about, uh, Delaware as a whole and and how we, you know, fine-tuning to get better relations and people being able to communicate with each other as and be able to support each other. So, um, they always want ideas, um, in the governor's office and lieutenant governor's office. And that's a particular group that, um, they asked me to be a part of with them. Just wanted to let you all know. Okay? Um, again we will, um I am looking at the time so we do still want to have some time, uh, a little bit to hear from some of the folks, um, in our audience. Okay. Uh, also, um, I

Commissioner

I have attended, uh, the opioid task force, uh, meeting, uh, committee. They had a couple of, uh, meetings going on. Of course, uh, in, you know, uh, Councilman Sudler chairs that that particular committee. Um, I've only made a couple of appearances just to talk about some of the, um, suggestions with youth, you know. Uh, of course, we

Commissioner

we already know, uh, the epidemic that we do have going on, um, and and all the help that we can get to, uh, combat that is wanted. Um, and and I call, I mean I wouldn't like to refer to it like, you know, I say it like somebody's injured, and and and there's there might be some blood on the floor, right? Well,

Commissioner

of course, we have a lot of people who's cleaning up the blood, but we need to tend to the injury, too, stop the bleeding. And to me, stopping the bleeding is is is being proactive on the, uh, on the early side and not to take away what's already being acted upon right now. So, to combat from all angles instead of just one angle. And if we can, you know, and

Commissioner

and we can have each more angles being combatted, so it will be okay. But, um, I did speak a little bit more on the youth side because I work a lot with, uh, foster care and and that system there. Okay? Just a little update. That's all.

Commissioner

All right. School programs, um, I spoke with, um, Capital School District, some of those, uh, members, school board members, uh, and I did speak a little bit to, uh, Dr. Calhoun just for a short little while. Um, and and it's a possibility that, uh, I'm going to try and see what they're doing regarding, um, putting, um, maybe like a a a program, the D.A.R.E. program like they had before.

Commissioner

Um, something like that could be re-established for informational purposes, to make the students more aware of of things and things and being more active in the community, stuff like that so we can, um, get back to, um, you know, our constituents' trust in our city and and and everything being able to run on an honest and harmony, uh, motion. Okay?

Commissioner

Let me see. Um, also, um, it's an- there's an attempt to have a, uh, a summer program, um, in conjunction with the library, uh, to establish on Saturday mornings, uh, financial literacy for, uh, for our low-income, um, population. And not just adults, but more or less, uh, with our

Chair

uh children and students. So, that would take place with the library. Hopefully on Saturday mornings um from 9:00 to 12:00, that would be an opportunity uh to help with that uh education on financial literacy. Okay.

Chair

Any questions?

Chair

Any questions?

Chair

Okay. Commissioner Brinkley um passed out um a copy of our bylaws. Uh Commissioner Brinkley, did you want to make a comment?

Commissioner Brinkley

I do. So, I went over the bylaws uh today in detail. Um everyone has a copy. I do think that they need to be updated. The last time they were amended was in 2004. Um I think it needs to be a little bit more user-friendly. It needs to be broken down a little bit more. They use the word "rule" in there, and we don't rule on things within the commission. Um things like finance uh committee should be added to the bylaws. Um I think it's I think that the committee should meet in order to update them or make some type of amendments to the bylaws.

Chair

Do you have a recommendation as far as um the time that you would like for us to come with our uh suggestions?

Commissioner Brinkley

I can make a motion. I move to make a request that the bylaws committee meet before our next meeting just to make some amendments to the bylaws. It's not many, but just to entertain, you know, in 2004, it's a long time. I mean there's accessibility things that should be incorporated in the bylaws that has not been. Um and giving the community a clear understanding of what the Human Relations Commission does uh would be helpful as well and incorporating that in the bylaws because we don't make final decisions. We don't make rule, you know. We are an advisory committee and having things in there to better guide them um in my opinion would be helpful.

Chair

I don't think we have to um do any voting on uh deciding on when we need to actually get together outside of the um outside of our normal meeting. Um it's a it's three of us, Miss White. So, um today is the 18th which is a Wednesday. Um would you like to meet next Wednesday?

Commissioner Brinkley

Yes. Are you available next Wednesday, February still?

Chair

Next Wednesday is February 25th. Check your calendar real quickly, please.

Commissioner Brinkley

I'm good on that day. What time are you suggesting, 6:00 p.m.?

Crystal Taylor

You want to meet via Zoom or do you want to meet...

Chair

Library.

Crystal Taylor

Okay. If you're okay with that.

Chair

I'm okay with the library.

Crystal Taylor

Okay.

Chair

Bylaws committee will meet outside of our normal meeting, February 25th, 6:00 p.m., library.

Male Commissioner

Quick question, is the library open at 6:00 p.m.? What's the closing time?

Chair

They close at 8:00. They close at 8:00.

Male Commissioner

Oh, well, excuse me. I stand corrected.

Chair

That's all right, that's why we're not sending them there with those 211s.

Male Commissioner

I was only commenting to you, brother.

Chair

It'll be another 211...

Faye White

Do we need, do we...

Chair

It's all right.

Faye White

When we have, when we have the meeting, do we get in a private room? Is there a room designated for us?

Chair

They have, um, they have particular rooms that we will be able to use. We'll be able to find a room. They have certain rooms, and they have an elevator to their upper floors as well, so.

Faye White

All right, thank you.

Chair

You'll be well accommodated.

Faye White

Crystal, are you able, who's going to reserve that room? Because it does have to be reserved.

Chair

For the, for the, um, library?

Faye White

Mhm.

Crystal Taylor

Would you like me to call then?

Chair

Okay.

Crystal Taylor

Okay.

Faye White

Do, do we have to pay for that room?

Chair

No, ma'am.

Faye White

How many would it be of us, because we can, there's a, um, space on the second floor.

Chair

Three.

Chair

It's just us three for the...

Faye White

All right, it's all taken care of, thank you.

Chair

Yeah.

Chair

Okay. Uh, we'll, when we meet, we'll go over the bylaws and we'll return with the recommendations for the rest of the committee. Okay?

Chair

Commissioner Mullen, you have a question? Commissioner Faust?

Chair

All right.

Chair

Uh, Ms. Blankenship, do you have some update on the Finance Committee?

Wanda Blankenship

No. Uh, well, the shirt that was just...

Crystal Taylor

Yes, there's a shirt that was purchased.

Crystal Taylor

And it was $25.10.

Crystal Taylor

Yes, it was $25.10.

Wanda Blankenship

All right, so $25.10 is minused from our budget for a shirt for myself.

Chair

So of course we know our budget begins with $3,000. Um, I believe we made the purchase of the shirt, and we've also...

Wanda Blankenship

...business cards.

Chair

...had the purchase of business cards.

Chair

And the shirt was $25.10, and the business cards...

Wanda Blankenship

I will check with Todd on how much the business cards were.

Chair

Okay.

Chair

The 211s, they didn't cost us anything, right?

Male Commissioner

Free of charge. Free of charge.

Chair

I didn't mean to be a lip reader or ear hustler. That's why I looked right at you, Commissioner White. Thank you.

Chair

Okay.

Chair

Do we have any discussion for old business?

Chair

Old business?

Chair

You sure Dina?

Dina

No.

Chair

I do.

Chair

Is this for an old business because um we were invited last meeting to um a meeting the Dover Coalition Meeting which takes place tomorrow, February the 19th.

Chair

Um if you plan to go, we do not want to create a quorum. We do not want to create a quorum.

Chair

Okay?

Brinkley

I will not be in attendance.

Chair

Thank you, Commissioner Brinkley, will not be there.

Commissioner

I will be attending.

Chair

I will be there.

White

Is that Elmer uh store right here on Loockerman Street?

Chair

I think the address is

Commissioner

329 West Loockerman.

White

329?

Commissioner

Yes, 329 West Loockerman, February 19th at 6:00 p.m.

Chair

Okay.

Chair

Yes.

White

Will you be attending also?

Chair

Yes.

White

I can catch up with you then.

Chair

You sure can.

White

Thank you.

Chair

Thank you. Appreciate it. I need my bodyguard.

Chair

Commissioner White, I will be in touch with you. Um, if you need to, um, yeah, if I guess if, if you need to need a ride or you need to make sure we go at the same time, it's not a problem.

White

I'll be there, want to be there at that time then.

Chair

All right.

White

Thank you.

Chair

All right, appreciate it.

Chair

Commissioner Mullen, do you have a question?

Chair

Commissioner Faust?

Faust

Not at this point in time. I'll see you tomorrow.

Chair

All right.

Chair

Miss Villar, can you make sure that record reflects?

Staff Member

All right. So, Mr. Faust, White, and you.

Chair

Yes.

Chair

Thank you, appreciate it.

Chair

K.

Chair

Um that's all I had for old

Alan Gadson

familiar with the RFP request for proposal. Um, someone is in, just speaking out to the public. If anybody in the public may know um of any opportunities for funding, um please contact us here at the Dover Human Relations Commission. City of Dover, you can um contact the City Clerk's office.

Alan Gadson

Commissioner Rocha?

Gerald L. Rocha, Sr.

Okay. How much of a deficit is the organization in, do you know?

Female Commissioner

Their request in the press release is $50,000 that they're requesting. They've put in grants, but unfortunately there's a lot of competition for not-for-profits when it comes to grants and receiving grants. So to keep it operational, they're requesting $50,000.

Gerald L. Rocha, Sr.

Is that for a year, six months, four months? How much of a timeframe?

Female Commissioner

I couldn't tell you that part.

Gerald L. Rocha, Sr.

I'll see if I can make some calls and see if I can find grants.

Female Commissioner

Thank you.

Gerald L. Rocha, Sr.

And I'll keep in touch with uh everybody.

Alan Gadson

Okay.

Alan Gadson

Do we have any other new business?

Alan Gadson

Okay, the next thing on our list is open discussion. Um it is 6:48 and I did want to leave a little bit of time um for um uh some of the members of the public who found themselves coming in after the 10-minute uh public comment and they were raising their hand. Um so I did want to recognize you and give you the floor, some opportunity to bring some announcements or make some comments um that would be good for you at this time. If you do come, please make sure you state your name.

Bobby Wilson

Good evening. My name is Bobby Wilson, from Building Institute Career Academy. And I come before you today to let you know about a community cleanup that we're having next Saturday. Uh we're cleaning streets of downtown Dover, mainly Loockerman Street, and we're going to um bear off to some of the side streets: uh Queen Street, New Street, Governors Avenue. Uh we're going, we just asking all the community to show up. It's February 28th. You'll be getting emails um with all the other times to show up and that sort of thing. Uh I think we're showing up, I think 10:00 in the morning and we're going to 4:00. Uh we're going to have food, and we're going to have trash cans, trash bags, rakes, and we're going to clean the community. So that's February 28th.

Alan Gadson

Thank you, Mr. Wilson.

Bobby Wilson

Any questions?

Alan Gadson

I don't think there's any questions.

Audience Member

Hi. Um do you all need trash bags, gloves, anything like that?

Bobby Wilson

Yes.

Audience Member

Our organization, Restoring Our Nation, partners with Dover Partners for trash bags.

Alan Gadson

Excuse me, ma'am.

Unknown Male Speaker

Um we we hear you a little bit, we would like to hear you a lot.

Bobby Wilson

She have no problem with that.

Nika Taylor

Thank you.

Unknown Male Speaker

It's all right.

Bobby Wilson

Great.

Nika Taylor

Hello, my name is Nika. I'm with Restoring Central Dover. Um I was just letting Bobby know if he did need any type of trash bags, anything that helped with the cleanup, such as trash bags, gloves, um we have the little pickers. So we, you know, and that's what we do, too, when spring and stuff hits, but I can provide you with those things.

Bobby Wilson

Great, great. Great, great. I'd be glad You have my number and everything?

Nika Taylor

Um no, but I'll get it. Thank you guys.

Unknown Male Speaker

Also, um Mr. Wilson, uh and I believe, Nika? You do have a last name, right?

Nika Taylor

Yes. Nika Taylor.

Unknown Male Speaker

Thank you. Let the record reflect it's Nika Taylor. Ms. Taylor, um thank you for you and and Mr. Daniels coming out this evening to uh let us know of the support that you do lend. Uh it'd be great cause I did have a conversation uh with Mr. Wilson along with some other constituents in the fourth district uh regarding this particular activity and um I'm still waiting for a communication uh so that we can get some volunteers uh involved. Uh I see you nodding your head, Mr. Wilson, but I'm waiting on that communication. Thank you, sir.

Bobby Wilson

You will receive it. I I text Mrs. today.

Unknown Male Speaker

Okay.

Bobby Wilson

And um you will be getting everything in the morning.

Unknown Male Speaker

Thank you, sir.

Bobby Wilson

Everything. What? Oh, sorry.

Unknown Male Speaker

Commissioner Brenchley?

Commissioner Brenchley

One question, do you have a flyer for this event? If so, can it go to the city clerk's office so it can be distributed and placed on their social media and things like that?

Bobby Wilson

Yes, the flyer the the city clerk's office will have it in the morning.

Commissioner Brenchley

Thank you.

Unknown Male Speaker

You do know um Ms. Crystal will

Bobby Wilson

I hello.

Unknown Male Speaker

Yes.

Bobby Wilson

She she was the City of Dover.

Unknown Male Speaker

Yes.

Bobby Wilson

Yes.

Unknown Male Speaker

And she assures that what's supposed to be will be.

Bobby Wilson

Oh, yes indeed.

Unknown Male Speaker

Thank you, sir.

Bobby Wilson

One other thing. Um last night at the city planning meeting, can I make a discussion uh kind start a conversation in reference to the city council, I mean, the city planning meeting last night? The city planning meeting last night uh there was votes that was taken on different projects, um building activities that's going to be taken on in the city of Dover. And I came before the city planning commission and spoke about one particular project. It's a project, it's going to be a new apartment building that's going to be built, I think it's like uh 60 some-odd units, um that will take place in the building process. And my question was to the owner of the projects that's the builder of the project uh will you be hiring local and minority contractors?

Speaker 1

on this project, uh especially minority contractors on this project and and and the majority employees. Would there be a set-aside for any type of partnership on this project? And the builder response was it would be out for bid. He avoided the questions over and over again

Speaker 1

because what is happening with contractors coming into the City of Dover and building, they're bringing their own people from out of state. So therefore we're losing the opportunity to put people to work.

Speaker 1

And if we have the the Planning Commission sitting here and saying yes, yes to all these projects without any type of responsibility on the part of the developer or contractor, then this the residents of the City of Dover lose out.

Speaker 1

And I can tell you right now, I'm a contractor. And from these projects that are being awarded in the City of Dover, and the the largest projects are the underground projects, the water and the sewer project. You're talking about millions like 10, 5, $6 million that has been allocated for these projects, and they are being awarded to companies that are not in the City of Dover. So they're coming down here from Wilmington and New Castle, they're getting these projects, we're calling on them and asking, "Are you going to use any local uh employees or local contractors?" They're saying, "We're bringing our own uh people, we're not hiring, and we're doing all the work our- ourselves."

Speaker 1

So that's a problem. Now, as I spoke last night in reference to Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia, Marion Barry left it into the city of Washington, D.C. that if you come into Washington, D.C. for a project, it has to be some community engagement into that project. Someone can come into the City of Dover, get the City of Dover money and keep it moving. There's no stipulations.

Speaker 2

So are you saying that the City of Dover is—let me say it like this, are you are you presuming that the City of Dover is hiring contractors from outside the City of Dover because the City of Dover workforce can't take care of what they are asking for, so they're hiring outside contractors? And when they do that, you're saying

Speaker 1

Mhm.

Speaker 2

that these folks, if they're coming in here with this particular type of skill and technology that people in our local area don't have and don't have the ability to work, why can't you come here when you get the—

Committee Member

train our workforce here, guaranteed that you can train some of our people here, right, to work on that particular project. That's the apprenticeship, I believe that...

Public Commenter

Yes, that's apprenticeship. But we do have people that are able to do the work here.

Committee Member

Okay.

Public Commenter

The thing is, is that we don't have the subcontracting opportunity. So if a company come here to do their work, a prime contractor, billion-dollar business come here like like A-Del Construction, and perform the work,

Committee Member

I was just addressing the apprenticeship, go ahead.

Public Commenter

Well, that's that's definitely needed too.

Committee Member

That's the apprenticeship. That definitely I'm I'm all for.

Public Commenter

Right, that's definitely needed too. But what happened is, I would love for the people in power in the city of Dover to leave the city of Dover, not just to get vacation, to leave the city of Dover for business, and come on in May to Maryland—not Maryland Live, but um MGM Grand Casino. They have a procurement, a DEI day there, at that casino. And everything goes into effect on how to do business with minority contractors, how to sub it out. We don't have those...

Committee Member

Give us that date.

Public Commenter

I'll give you the date. I know it's in May, but I don't know the exact date.

Committee Member

Make sure we have the um the date, because I don't I'm not sure if City Council members can go, but it might be a possibility.

Public Commenter

David Anderson and Ralph Taylor, I invited them over to Maryland Live Casino when the conference was there a couple years ago. They came over and stayed there for less than 30 minutes.

Public Commenter

And I had the organizer of the conference was going to ask them to come to the stage and present Dover, Delaware to all the contractors. So they can come over and put in bids here, and be willing to apprentice program, subcontract. These companies are coming into Dover and just taking our money and just raping us. I'm telling you, millions of dollars, and we're not seeing the light of day. And it's all because City Council do not have the right ordinance in place. And the only way they going to have it in place is that they have to leave Dover and learn it. You can't learn, you can't get what I'm talking about by setting in Dover and just pushing papers. You got to get in the trenches and find out what they doing, what your what your neighbor Maryland, Maryland just some few miles away.

Committee Member

Um. Are you going to be able to make sure you um see Ms. Waller?

Public Commenter

Yes.

Committee Member

Make sure you give her the information.

Public Commenter

Yeah, the address and date on when it's going to take place. Um. You know, it's a lot going on. They have a pre-bid meeting. Even with the pre-bid meeting that that that we have in the city of Dover, it's not mandatory. So if it's not mandatory, how do I know who's bidding on the contract? The The contractor's not don't even have to show up. So if they don't show up, how can I connect with them?

Committee Member

Mm-hmm.

Public Commenter

So deal with that.

Committee Member

All right. Next...

DHRC Commissioner

Uh, my next recommendation right now

Public Commenter

Mhm.

DHRC Commissioner

is for you to, um, go online to the City of Dover website

Public Commenter

Mhm.

DHRC Commissioner

and look at the intake form and and complete the intake form, please,

Public Commenter

Okay.

DHRC Commissioner

so that then, when you send your information regarding what we're talking about, it's also in accordance and in alignment, um, and in conjunction with the intake form that you will also fill out.

Public Commenter

Great.

DHRC Commissioner

And the intake form needs to go to our City Clerk's office.

Public Commenter

Mhm.

DHRC Commissioner

Um, and I and I'm so glad we have Ms. Wheeler here. So she'll be, um, you know, letting us know when that comes through.

Public Commenter

Awesome.

DHRC Commissioner

We need to make sure we get together, um, to, um, get more familiar with the details.

Public Commenter

Mhm.

DHRC Commissioner

We have a, uh, community—I'm going to send you some literature. We have a community committee, um, and and if there's some things you want to collaborate on, uh, we can do that. If we—

DHRC Commissioner

Everybody, uh, we're about to we're about to close out, but I had I had, um, Ms. Wheeler, um, pull the strategic plan, uh, for everybody to have. And the reason why is because if you look at the mission, where it says, uh, um, "Our mission is works to ensure that the City of Dover has and utilizes policies, programs, ordinances, organizational practices, specialized resources, and appropriately trained employees to support diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency."

Public Commenter

Awesome.

DHRC Commissioner

And when we have, um, a particular—I'm just going to be flat out. You know, it doesn't bother me. This is not a job and I don't get paid, but I'm here for the people. And if you've got a problem with me, you've got a problem with my people. So, I have a problem when I just read this and I asked for particulars to go on our agenda this evening, and I'm told we can't have it on there because of particular things, uh, are already taking place. It could take place in 2000! If it's a ordinance, a frontline, a procedure, a policy that a follow-up for this city, we will research and we will make a recommendation on any of those things that are written down for this city that go back to the establishment of the City of Dover. The people come first! All this paperwork, I can set fire to it. I don't have a problem with that. I'm telling you now. Mrs. White used to complain to me about being a seat warmer. I can stand up—

DHRC Commissioner

give it to what they... I don't have no problem. But when somebody wants to hand down some foo, I call it fugazi because it's fraudulent to me, comment because of your personal feelings, you really have another thing coming when it comes to me. And I've asked folks before, do you really want me in this chair? Because you can tell right now I'm not your average, and I don't do just do.

DHRC Commissioner

If I had to be in the street with my people, I don't need this place. I'm going to tell you now, I don't. I got I got skills to pay bills. I know how to barter, and I got mothers all over the city. One of them is in here.

DHRC Commissioner

So I mean, we're going to make sure we take care of our city, the people in the city, and we're going to make sure our policies and procedures to go by are in accordance and in alignment. Because this phone ringing while I'm talking is not an alignment.

DHRC Chair

Oh, it's not an alignment. I agree with you 100%.

DHRC Commissioner

Well, it's good because that means that I'm not talking too long.

DHRC Chair

It's an alignment with me, it's off. Okay? But we we appreciate you.

DHRC Commissioner

Thank you. I appreciate you all. Mr. Wilson, Miss Taylor,

Speaker

Now Mr. Commissioner, to answer your question.

Speaker

I believe you should reach out to the City Controller, because I've attended the majority of the council meetings. I believe, and don't quote me on this sir, I believe there are certain regulations and guidelines for minority and small businesses to apply for certain city jobs and bids. So I would reach suggest you reach out and get it in black and white what is the criteria, because I in the meetings I heard minority and small business were given the opportunity to bid on contract or contracts if they meet the minimum requirements to do such jobs. So that is one suggestion to look at what the city has in black and white.

Bobby

What the city what the city had in black and white does not help us at all, because if Teal Construction, and Teal Construction bid on a job and they are a billion-dollar company, and here little old Bobby had to bid on a job, I get the same percentage as Teal Construction. They get 3% and I get 3%. So if if if if they are a citizen of Dover, they get the same percentage as me being a minority. So that's how that's helping a minority contractor?

DHRC Commissioner

Past this point, we're at the point right now where it's time to do action research.

Bobby

There you go. There you go.

DHRC Commissioner

And I'm making a public announcement.

Bobby

There you go.

DHRC Commissioner

We are getting ready to do action research.

Bobby

Yes. Data.

DHRC Commissioner

That means when you fill out the intake form, that's where we want to begin to pay attention.

Bobby

Great. Awesome.

DHRC Commissioner

And what is your process experience going to be like starting with this form?

Bobby

Great. Awesome. I really thank you.

DHRC Commissioner

Because we are a committee to look at and overview discriminatory practices within these procedures.

Bobby

Thank you.

DHRC Commissioner

Whether it's gender, age, race,

Mr. Wilson

Whatever it is, the policy has to be kind and fair.

Commissioner White

Amen.

Mr. Wilson

Thank you.

Chair

Thank you.

Chair

Um, Commissioner Bogle, do you have anything to bring to the floor before we close?

Michael Bogle

Nothing at this time.

Chair

Commissioner Mullins, do you have anything to bring to the floor before we close?

Commissioner Mullins

No, I do not.

Chair

Commissioner White, do you have anything to bring to the floor before we close?

Commissioner White

I just want to say I thank the audience for coming, Mr. Wilson for coming forward, and I do appreciate the time in which you have taken. Many years he have came to this podium and only to be turned and looked down upon. And I thank you for this evening to be able to address and give to us an opportunity to be able to look into what can we do as commissioners to help. And thank you very much. Have a good evening.

Chair

Thank you, Commissioner White. Commissioner Faust, do you have anything to bring to the floor before we close?

Commissioner Faust

Uh those who need the 2-1-1 cards, see me before you go and I'll give you what I have. I'll keep a stock for the library and for uh the other organization, but I'll dole out everything else that I've got, so I'll call anyway tomorrow to get more cards.

Chair

Thank you, Commissioner Faust. I yield my time to Ms. Crystal Miller.

Crystal Miller

Thank you. I apologize, for next month, the future date for next month, there was a typo. We're all meeting on March 17th, not March 18th. So I apologize for that typo.

Chair

All right, next meeting will be March 17th. Thank you.

Crystal Miller

No problem.

Chair

So, of course, um it's 7:09. Just, let's take like um let's take a moment. A moment of silence for uh our fallen comrade, the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Chair

The Lord watch between me and thee while we absent one from another.

Commissioner White

Amen.

Chair

All right. We adjourned. 7:10.